U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 40-F
o | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
OR | |
ý | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13(a) OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 | Commission File Number 1-8887 |
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
4922, 4923, 4924, 5172
(Primary Standard Industrial Classification Code Number (if applicable))
Not Applicable
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number (if applicable))
TransCanada Tower, 450 1 Street S.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2P 5H1
(403) 920-2000
(Address and telephone number of Registrant's principal executive offices)
CT Corporation, Suite 2610, 520 Pike Street
Seattle, Washington, 98101; (206) 622-4511; 1-800-456-4511
(Name, address (including zip code) and telephone number (including area code)
of agent for service in the United States)
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class 8.25% Preferred Securities due 2047 |
Name of each exchange on which registered New York Stock Exchange |
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None
For annual reports, indicate by check mark the information filed with this Form:
ý Annual Information Form | ý Audited annual financial statements |
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
At December 31, 2005, 4,000,000 Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares Series U
and 4,000,000 Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares Series Y
were issued and outstanding
All of the Registrant's common shares are owned by TransCanada Corporation.
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by filing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). If "Yes" is marked, indicate the file number assigned to the Registrant in connection with such Rule.
Yes | o | No | ý |
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes | ý | No | o |
The documents (or portions thereof) forming part of this Form 40-F are incorporated by reference in Amendment No. 1 on Form F-9 to Registration Statement (Reg. No. 333-121265) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
CONSOLIDATED AUDITED ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
A. Audited Annual Financial Statements
The Registrant's consolidated audited annual financial statements, including the report of independent chartered accountants with respect thereto are included herein, see pages 68 through 106. See document 13.4, entitled "U.S. GAAP reconciliations of the 2005 Consolidated Audited Financial Statements", attached to this Form 40-F for a reconciliation of the important differences between Canadian and United States generally accepted accounting principles.
B. Management's Discussion & Analysis
For management's discussion and analysis, see the Management's Discussion & Analysis on pages 2 through 66 included herein.
The Registrant undertakes to make available, in person or by telephone, representatives to respond to inquiries made by the Commission staff, and to furnish promptly, when requested to do so by the Commission staff, information relating to: the securities registered pursuant to Form 40-F; the securities in relation to which the obligation to file an Annual Report on Form 40-F arises; or transactions in said securities.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Registrant's management evaluates the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company's disclosure controls and procedures (disclosure controls). This evaluation is done under the supervision of, and with the participation of, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.
As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, the Registrant's management evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls. Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Registrant's disclosure controls are effective in ensuring that material information relating to the Registrant is made known to management on a timely basis, and is included in this Form 40-F.
No change in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Registrant's board of directors has determined that it has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. Mr. Harry G. Schaefer has been determined to be such audit committee financial expert and is independent, as that term is defined by the New York Stock Exchange's listing standards applicable to the Registrant. The SEC has indicated that the designation of Mr. Schaefer as an audit committee financial expert does not make Mr. Schaefer an "expert" for any purpose, impose any duties, obligations or liability on Mr. Schaefer that are greater than those imposed on members of the audit committee and board of directors who do not carry this designation or affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the audit committee.
The Registrant has adopted codes of business ethics for its employees and officers, its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controller and its directors. The Registrant's codes are available on its website at www.transcanada.com. There has been no waiver of the codes granted during the 2005 fiscal year.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The aggregate fees for professional services rendered by KPMG LLP for TransCanada PipeLines Limited and its subsidiaries for the 2005 and 2004 fiscal years are shown in the table below:
Fees in millions of Canadian dollars |
2005 |
2004 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audit Fees | $ | 3.12 | $ | 2.47 | ||
Audit-Related Fees | 0.11 | 0.06 | ||||
Tax Fees | 0.12 | 0.06 | ||||
All Other Fees | 0.14 | 0.05 | ||||
Total | $ | 3.49 | $ | 2.64 |
The nature of each category of fees is described below.
Audit Fees
Audit fees were incurred for professional services rendered by the auditors for the audit of the Registrant's and its subsidiaries' annual financial statements or services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, the review of interim consolidated financial statements and information contained in various prospectuses and other offering documents.
Audit-Related Fees
Audit-related fees were incurred for the audit of the financial statements of the Registrant's various pension plans.
Tax Fees
Tax fees were incurred for tax compliance and tax advice. These services consisted of: tax compliance including the review of Canadian and US income tax returns and tax items and tax services related to domestic and international taxation including income tax, capital tax and Goods and Services Tax.
All Other Fees
Fees disclosed in the table above under the item "all other fees" were incurred for services other than the audit fees, audit-related fees and tax fees described above. These services consisted of advice with regard to compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Registrant's Audit Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy with respect to permitted non-audit services. Under the policy, the Audit Committee has granted pre-approval for specified non-audit services. For engagements of $25,000 CDN or less which are not within the annual pre-approved limit approval by the Audit Committee is not required, and for engagements between $25,000 CDN and $100,000 CDN, approval of the Audit Committee chair is required, and in both instances the Audit Committee is to be informed of the engagement at the next scheduled Audit Committee meeting. For all engagements of $100,000 CDN or more, pre-approval of the Audit Committee is required. In all cases, regardless of dollar amount involved, where there is a potential for conflict of interest involving the external auditor on an engagement, the Audit Committee chair must pre-approve the assignment.
To date, the Registrant has not approved any non-audit services on the basis of the de-minimis exemptions. All non-audit services have been pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the pre-approval policy described above.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Registrant has no off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in this Form, other than the guarantees described in Note 23 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and document 13.4, entitled U.S. GAAP Reconciliation of the 2005 Consolidated Audited Financial Statements", attached to this Form 40-F. The disclosure relating to guarantees in Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements is incorporated herein by reference.
TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
(millions of Canadian dollars)
Contractual Obligations |
Total |
Less than 1 year |
1-3 years |
3-5 years |
More than 5 years |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Long-Term Debt Obligations | 10,757 | 427 | 1,191 | 1,509 | 7,630 | |||||
Capital (Finance) Lease Obligations | 254 | 7 | 17 | 24 | 206 | |||||
Interest Payments on Long-Term Debt | 11,640 | 876 | 1,653 | 1,435 | 7,676 | |||||
Operating Lease Obligations | 834 | 34 | 82 | 85 | 633 | |||||
Purchase Obligations(1) | 11,421 | 2,197 | 2,905 | 1,359 | 4,960 | |||||
Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Registrant's Balance Sheet under the GAAP of the primary financial statements | ||||||||||
Total | 34,906 | 3,541 | 5,848 | 4,412 | 21,105 | |||||
For further information on purchase obligations see "Management's Discussion and Analysis Contractual Obligations Purchase Obligations", which is incorporated herein by reference.
IDENTIFICATION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Registrant has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee. The members of the Audit Committee are:
Chair: | H.G. Schaefer | |
Members: | D.D. Baldwin K.E. Benson P. Gauthier P.L. Joskow |
This document, documents incorporated herein by reference, and other reports and filings made with the securities regulatory authorities include forward-looking statements. All forward looking statements are based on TCPL's current beliefs as well as assumptions based on information available at the time the assumption was made. Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, new services, market forces, commitments and technological developments. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those discussed herein in TCPL's Annual Information Form filed as document 13.1 hereto and in TCPL's Management's Discussion and Analysis filed as document 13.2 hereto, which could cause TCPL's actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof or otherwise, and TCPL undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 40-F and has duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of Calgary, Province of Alberta, Canada.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED | |||
Date: March 3, 2006 |
|||
Per: |
/s/ RUSSELL K. GIRLING Russell K. Girling Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development and Chief Financial Officer |
DOCUMENTS FILED AS PART OF THIS REPORT
13.1 |
TransCanada PipeLines Limited Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2005. |
|
13.2 |
Management's Discussion and Analysis included herein on pages 2 through 66. |
|
13.3 |
2004 Consolidated Audited Financial Statements included herein on pages 68 through 106. |
|
13.4 |
Reconciliation to United States GAAP. |
|
99.1 |
Comments by Auditors for U.S. Readers on Canada-U.S. Reporting Difference. |
EXHIBITS
23.1 |
Consent of KPMG LLP Chartered Accountants. |
|
31.1 |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
31.2 |
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
32.1 |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer regarding Periodic Report containing Financial Statements. |
|
32.2 |
Certification of Chief Financial Officer regarding Periodic Report containing Financial Statements. |
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
ANNUAL INFORMATION FORM
February 27, 2006
Page | |||
TABLE OF CONTENTS | i | ||
PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION | iii | ||
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION | iii | ||
REFERENCE INFORMATION | iii | ||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED | 1 | ||
Corporate Structure | 1 | ||
Significant Subsidiaries | 2 | ||
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS | 2 | ||
Developments in Gas Transmission Business | 2 | ||
Developments in Power Business | 4 | ||
Recent Developments | 5 | ||
BUSINESS OF TCPL | 5 | ||
Gas Transmission Business | 6 | ||
Regulation | 7 | ||
Power | 8 | ||
Other Interests | 9 | ||
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT | 9 | ||
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS | 10 | ||
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR | 10 | ||
AUDITOR AND INTEREST OF EXPERTS | 10 | ||
RISK FACTORS | 11 | ||
Gas Transmission | 11 | ||
Power | 11 | ||
Other | 11 | ||
DIVIDENDS | 11 | ||
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE | 12 | ||
DEBT | 13 | ||
CREDIT RATINGS | 13 | ||
MARKET FOR SECURITIES | 15 | ||
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS | 16 | ||
Directors | 16 | ||
Officers | 19 | ||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED i
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE | 20 | ||
Audit Committee | 20 | ||
Other Board Committees | 23 | ||
Conflicts of Interest | 23 | ||
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS | 23 | ||
SECURITIES OWNED BY DIRECTORS | 24 | ||
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS | 25 | ||
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION | 29 | ||
Report on Executive Compensation | 29 | ||
Performance Graph | 40 | ||
Remuneration of Executive Officers of TCPL | 41 | ||
Executive Compensation | 41 | ||
Equity Compensation Plan Information | 48 | ||
Pension and Retirement Benefits for Executives | 49 | ||
Employment Agreements | 53 | ||
Total Compensation Awards | 54 | ||
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 56 | ||
GLOSSARY | 57 | ||
SCHEDULE "A" | A-1 | ||
Exchange Rate of the Canadian Dollar | A-1 | ||
Metric Conversion Table | A-1 | ||
SCHEDULE "B" Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices | B-1 | ||
SCHEDULE "C" Charter of the Board of Directors | C-1 | ||
SCHEDULE "D" Description of Board Committees and Their Charters | D-1 | ||
SCHEDULE "E" Charter of the Audit Committee | E-1 | ||
ii TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
Unless otherwise noted, the information contained in this Annual Information Form ("AIF") is given at or for the year ended, December 31, 2005 ("Year End"). Amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Financial information is presented in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.
This AIF provides material information about the business and operations of TransCanada PipeLines Limited ("TCPL"). TCPL's Management's Discussion and Analysis dated February 27, 2006 ("MD&A") and TCPL's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements are incorporated by reference into this AIF and are available under TCPL's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Unless the context indicates otherwise, a reference in this AIF to "TCPL" includes TCPL's parent, TransCanada Corporation ("TransCanada") and the subsidiaries of TCPL through which its various business operations are conducted. Where TCPL is referred to with respect to actions that occurred prior to its 2003 plan of arrangement with TransCanada, which is described below under the heading "TransCanada PipeLines Limited Corporate Structure", these actions were taken by TCPL or its subsidiaries. The term "subsidiary", when referred to in this AIF, with reference to TCPL means direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of, and entities controlled by, TransCanada or TCPL, as applicable.
Trends impacting TCPL's gas transmission and power businesses are discussed in the MD&A under the headings "Gas Transmission" (under the subheadings "Opportunities and Developments", "Regulatory Developments" and "Business Risks") and "Power" (under the subheadings "Opportunities and Developments" and "Business Risks").
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This AIF, the documents incorporated by reference into this AIF, and other reports and filings made with the securities regulatory authorities include forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on TCPL's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the assumption was made. Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, new services, market forces, commitments and technological developments. Much of this information also appears in the MD&A. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those material risks discussed in this AIF under "Risk Factors" and in the MD&A under "Gas Transmission Business Risks" and "Power Business Risks", which could cause TCPL's actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed. The material assumptions in making these forward-looking statements are disclosed in the MD&A under the headings "Overview and Strategic Priorities", "Gas Transmission Opportunities and Developments", "Gas Transmission Outlook", "Power Opportunities and Developments" and "Power Outlook". Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this AIF or otherwise, and TCPL undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
REFERENCE INFORMATION
For the reference information noted below, please refer to Schedule "A".
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED iii
Corporate Structure
TCPL's head office and registered office are located at 450 - 1st Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 5H1.
TCPL is a Canadian public company. Significant dates and events are set forth below.
Date | Event | |
March 21, 1951 | Incorporated by Special Act of Parliament as Trans-Canada Pipe Lines Limited. | |
April 19, 1972 | Continued under the Canada Corporations Act by Letters Patent, which included the alteration of its capital and change of name to TransCanada PipeLines Limited. | |
June 1, 1979 | Continued under the Canada Business Corporations Act. | |
July 2, 1998 | Certificate of Arrangement issued in connection with the Plan of Arrangement with NOVA Corporation ("NOVA") through which the companies merged and then split off the commodity chemicals business carried on by NOVA into a separate public company. | |
January 1, 1999 | Certificate of Amalgamation issued reflecting TCPL's vertical short form amalgamation with a wholly-owned subsidiary, Alberta Natural Gas Company Ltd. | |
January 1, 2000 | Certificate of Amalgamation issued reflecting TCPL's vertical short form amalgamation with a wholly-owned subsidiary, NOVA Gas International Ltd. | |
May 4, 2001 | Restated TransCanada PipeLines Limited Articles of Incorporation issued. | |
June 20, 2002 | Restated TransCanada PipeLines Limited By-Laws. | |
May 15, 2003 | Certificate of Arrangement issued in connection with the plan of arrangement with TransCanada. TransCanada was incorporated pursuant to the provisions of the Canada Business Corporation Act on February 25, 2003. The arrangement was approved by TCPL common shareholders on April 25, 2003 and following court approval, Articles of Arrangement were filed making the arrangement effective May 15, 2003. The common shareholders of TCPL exchanged each of their TCPL common shares for one common share of TransCanada. The debt securities and preferred shares of TCPL remained obligations and securities of TCPL. TCPL continues to hold the assets it held prior to the arrangement and continues to carry on business as the principal operating subsidiary of the TransCanada group of entities. | |
The significant dates and events relating to TransCanada are set out in TransCanada's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2005, dated February 27, 2006.
At Year End, TCPL had approximately 2,350 employees, substantially all of whom were employed in Canada and the United States.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 1
Significant Subsidiaries
TCPL's significant subsidiaries(1) at Year End and the jurisdiction under which each subsidiary was incorporated are noted below. TCPL owns, directly or indirectly, 100 per cent of the voting shares of each of these subsidiaries.
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
The general development of TCPL's business during the last three financial years, and the significant acquisitions, events or conditions which have had an influence on that development, are described below.
Developments in Gas Transmission Business
TCPL's focus has been to sustain, grow and optimize its natural gas transmission business. Summarized below are significant developments that have occurred in TCPL's natural gas transmission business over the last three years.
2005
In 2005, some of the significant natural gas transmission developments that occurred involved the sale of common units of TC PipeLines, LP, regulatory matters including the National Energy Board's ("NEB") decision on the Canadian Mainline 2004 Tolls and Tariff Application (Phase II) and a settlement relating to the Alberta System, on-going construction of a natural gas storage facility located near Edson, Alberta, continued funding of the Mackenzie Valley Aboriginal Pipeline Limited Partnership (known as "Aboriginal Pipeline Group" or "APG") for its participation in the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project, continued discussions relating to the proposed Alaska Highway Pipeline Project, launching of the Keystone crude oil pipeline project and the announcement in January 2006 that firm, long-term contracts were secured for the project, continued work toward gaining regulatory approval for its two liquified natural gas ("LNG") projects: Cacouna in Québec and the Broadwater Energy project, offshore of New York State in Long Island Sound, acquisition of an additional interest in the Iroquois Gas Transmission System L.P. ("Iroquois System") and the commencement of construction of the Tamazunchale Pipeline in east-central Mexico. Further information about each of
2 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
these developments can be found in the MD&A under the heading "TCPL's Strategy Gas Transmission" and "Gas Transmission Opportunities and Developments".
2004
In September 2004, TCPL and Petro-Canada signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of the Cacouna Energy LNG facility in Cacouna, Québec, approximately 15 kilometres northeast of Rivière-du-Loup. The proposed facility will be capable of receiving, storing and regasifying imported LNG with an average annual send out capacity of approximately 500 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. TCPL and Petro-Canada will share equally the construction costs of the facility, which are estimated to be $660 million. TCPL will operate the facility while Petro-Canada will contract for the facility's entire regasification capacity and supply the LNG. The proposed facility requires regulatory and other approvals from federal, provincial and municipal governments and regulators and the regulatory approval process is anticipated to take approximately two years to complete. In September 2005, the village of Cacouna, Québec voted 57.2 per cent in favour of an LNG terminal to be built in the area. Québec's Ministry of Environment commenced its 45 day public consultation period on February 22, 2006 regarding its next phase for this project. TCPL continues to work towards gaining regulatory approval and provided the necessary approvals are obtained, the facility is anticipated to be in service towards the end of this decade.
In November 2004, TCPL acquired the Gas Transmission Northwest System and the North Baja System from National Energy & Gas Transmission, Inc. ("NEGT") for US$1.7 billion, including approximately US$0.5 billion of assumed debt, subject to typical closing adjustments. The 2,174 kilometre Gas Transmission Northwest System, formerly known as Pacific Gas Transmission, extends from a connection point on TCPL's BC System and Foothills System near Kingsgate, British Columbia on the B.C./Idaho border to a point near Malin, Oregon on the Oregon/California border. The natural gas transported on this system originates primarily in Canada and is supplied to markets in the Pacific Northwest, California and Nevada. The 129 kilometre North Baja System extends from a point near Ehrenberg, Arizona to a point near Ogilby, California on the California/Mexico border. The natural gas transported on the North Baja System comes primarily from supplies in the southwestern U.S. for markets in northern Baja California, Mexico.
In November 2004, TCPL and Shell US Gas & Power LLC ("Shell") announced plans to jointly develop an offshore LNG regasification terminal, Broadwater Energy, in the New York State waters of Long Island Sound. The proposed floating storage and regasification unit will be capable of receiving, storing and regasifying imported LNG with an average send out capacity of approximately one billion cubic feet ("Bcf") per day of natural gas. TCPL and Shell will build and install a floating storage and regasification unit at a location approximately 15 kilometres off the Long Island coast and 18 kilometres off the Connecticut coast. TCPL will own 50 per cent of Broadwater Energy LLC, which will own and operate the facility, while Shell will contract for the facility's entire regasification capacity and supply the LNG. The estimated cost of construction is approximately US$700 million to US$1 billion. The proposed Broadwater Energy LNG facility requires regulatory approval from federal and state governments before construction can begin and the regulatory approval process is anticipated to take up to three years to complete. Provided the necessary approvals are granted and commercial commitments obtained, the facility could be in service in late 2010 or early 2011. TCPL, on behalf of the Broadwater Energy project, filed a formal application with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") in January 2006, for federal approval to construct and operate Broadwater.
2003
In August 2003, TCPL acquired the remaining interests in Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd. ("Foothills") that it did not previously own. The Foothills System, which is owned by Foothills, extends 1,040 kilometres and has two legs: one which originates south of Caroline, Alberta and runs along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains through the Crowsnest Pass to Kingsgate, B.C. where it connects to the Gas Transmission Northwest System; and the other which originates south of Caroline, Alberta and runs southeast across Alberta and Saskatchewan to the Canada-U.S. border near Monchy, Saskatchewan where it interconnects with Northern Border Pipeline Company ("Northern Border Pipeline"). The Foothills System carries over 30 per cent of all Canadian natural gas exports to the U.S.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 3
TCPL, through Foothills, holds certificates for both the Alaskan and Canadian segments of the Alaska Highway Pipeline Project and also holds significant right-of-way assets for the project in both Canada and Alaska.
In June 2003, TCPL, the Mackenzie Delta Producers Group ("Mackenzie Producers") and the APG reached a funding and participation agreement. TCPL agreed to finance the APG's share of project development costs in exchange for certain rights in the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project, including a right to an ownership interest in the pipeline at the decision to construct, preferential rights of first refusal and preferential expansion rights and the right of connection of the Mackenzie Delta natural gas flow into the Alberta System. For current information about the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project, please refer to the MD&A under the heading "Gas Transmission Opportunities and Development Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project".
Through acquisitions that took place in September and December 2003, TCPL increased its ownership interest in Portland Natural Gas Transmission System Partnership ("Portland") in the northeastern U.S. from 33.3 per cent to 61.7 per cent.
Developments in Power Business
In the past three years, TCPL has grown its power business and, in particular, has increased its generation capacity from facilities it owns, operates and/or controls, including those under construction or in development, from 4,667 megawatts ("MW") in 2003 to 6,736 MW at Year End. Summarized below are significant developments that have occurred in TCPL's power business over the last three years.
2005
The significant power developments that occurred in 2005 included the advancement of the 739.5 MW Cartier Wind Energy project ("Cartier Wind Energy"), the sale of TCPL's approximate 11 per cent interest in P.T. Paiton Energy Company ("Paiton Energy") to subsidiaries of The Tokyo Electric Power Company resulting in gross proceeds of US$103 million ($122 million), the acquisition of the 756 MW Sheerness Power Purchase Arrangement for $585 million, the restructuring of Bruce Power L.P. ("Bruce B") and the execution of agreements by Bruce Power A L.P. ("Bruce A") with the Ontario Power Authority to restart and refurbish units at Bruce A, the acquisition of power generation assets from USGen New England, Inc. ("USGen") for US$505 million, the sale of all of TCPL's interests in TransCanada Power, L.P. ("Power LP") to EPCOR Utilities Inc. for net proceeds of $523 million in August 2005 and OSP's successful restructuring of its long-term natural gas fuel supply contracts with its supplier.
Further information about each of these power developments can be found in the MD&A under the heading "TCPL's Strategy Power". Further information can be found in the MD&A about Bruce A and Bruce B under the heading "Power Financial Analysis Bruce Power", about the sale of Paiton Energy under "Power Highlights Net Earnings", "Power Power Results-at-a-Glance", "Discontinued Operations" and elsewhere, and about the Power LP under the heading "Power Financial Analysis Power LP Investment".
2004
TCPL received approval from the Québec government in April 2004, to develop the 550 MW natural gas-fired Bécancour cogeneration plant which is located at an industrial park near Trois-Rivières, Québec ("Bécancour Plant") and which will supply its entire power output to Hydro-Québec Distribution under a 20 year power purchase contract. The Bécancour Plant will also supply steam to two other companies located within the same industrial park. Construction of the 550 MW Bécancour Plant began in the third quarter of 2004. The cost of the Bécancour Plant is estimated to be $550 million, and the plant is expected to be in service in late 2006.
In April 2004, TCPL sold its ManChief and Curtis Palmer power plants to Power LP for approximately US$402.6 million, excluding closing adjustments. The acquisition was partially financed by Power LP through a public offering of subscription receipts which were subsequently converted into limited partnership units. TCPL did not take up its full pro rata share of the units and as a result, its interest in Power LP was reduced from 35.6 per cent to 30.6 per cent.
4 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
Cartier Wind Energy, of which 62 per cent is owned by TCPL, was awarded six wind energy projects by Hydro-Québec Distribution in October 2004, representing a total of 739.5 MW in the Gaspé region of Québec. The six projects are distributed throughout the Gaspésie-Iles-de-la-Madeleine region and the Regional County Municipality of Matane and are expected to cost a total of more than $1.1 billion to develop and construct. Construction of the first two of six wind farm projects will commence in early 2006 and the first of the two projects is expected to be in service in late 2006. The entire output will be supplied to Hydro-Québec Distribution under a 20-year power purchase contract.
Construction of the 165 MW MacKay River power plant located in Alberta was completed in 2003 and the plant was put into commercial service in 2004.
Construction of the 90 MW Grandview natural gas-fired cogeneration power plant on the site of the Irving Oil refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick ("Grandview Plant") was completed by the end of 2004 and was commissioned in January 2005. Under a 20 year tolling arrangement, a subsidiary of Irving Oil Limited will provide fuel to the Grandview Plant and has contracted for 100 per cent of the Grandview Plant's heat and electricity output.
2003
In February 2003, TCPL, as part of a consortium, acquired a 31.6 per cent interest in Bruce B and a 33.3 per cent interest in Bruce Power Inc., the general partner of Bruce B. Bruce B leases its generation facilities from Ontario Power Generation Inc. ("OPG"). The facilities consist of eight nuclear reactors, five of which were operational at the end of 2003, with a capacity of 3,950 MW. An additional reactor with capacity of 750 MW commenced commercial operations in March 2004.
The members of the purchasing consortium of Bruce B severally guaranteed, on a pro-rata basis, certain contingent financial obligations of Bruce B related to operator licenses, the OPG lease agreement, power sales agreements and contractor services. Bruce B continues to be operated by experienced nuclear power plant operators. Spent fuel and decommissioning liabilities remain with OPG under the terms of the lease.
Recent Developments
On February 9, 2006, TCPL announced the filing by its subsidiary, North Baja Pipeline LLC, of an application with the FERC for a certificate for a two-phase expansion of its existing natural gas pipeline in southern California and the construction of a new pipeline lateral in California's Imperial Valley.
TCPL announced on February 15, 2006, that it will sell its 17.5 per cent general partner interest in Northern Border Partners, L.P. to a subsidiary of ONEOK, Inc. for a net payment of US$30 million subject to certain closing adjustments. In addition, TCPL will become the operator of Northern Border Pipeline ("NBPL") in early 2007. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2006 and is part of a series of transactions that will also result in TC PipeLines, LP, an affiliate of TCPL, acquiring an additional 20 per cent interest in NBPL from Northern Border Partners, L.P., bringing its total general partnership interest in NBPL to 50 per cent.
BUSINESS OF TCPL
TCPL is a leading North American energy infrastructure company focused on natural gas transmission and power generation. At Year End, the gas transmission business accounted for approximately 68 per cent of revenues and 76 per cent of TCPL's total assets and the power business accounted for approximately 32 per cent of revenues and 20 per cent of TCPL's total assets. The following is a description of each of TCPL's two main areas of operation.
The following table shows TCPL's revenues from operations by segment, classified geographically, for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 5
Revenues From Operations
(millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | |||
Gas Transmission | |||||
Canada Domestic Deliveries | 2,451 | 2,441 | |||
Canada Export Deliveries(1) | 1,159 | 1,259 | |||
United States | 553 | 229 | |||
4,163 | 3,929 | ||||
Power(2) |
|||||
Canada Domestic Deliveries | 1,048 | 773 | |||
Canada Export Deliveries(1) | 1 | 2 | |||
United States | 912 | 793 | |||
1,961 | 1,568 | ||||
Total Revenues(3) | 6,124 | 5,497 | |||
Gas Transmission Business
TCPL, through subsidiaries, has substantial Canadian and U.S. natural gas pipeline and related holdings, including:
Canada
United States
6 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
TCPL holds a 13.4 per cent interest in TC PipeLines, LP, a publicly held limited partnership of which a subsidiary of TCPL acts as the general partner. The remaining interest of TC PipeLines, LP is widely held by the public. At Year End, TC PipeLines, LP held a 30 per cent interest in NBPL and a 49 per cent interest in Tuscarora.
TCPL also has the following natural gas pipeline and related holdings in Central and South America which are held through subsidiaries:
Further information about TCPL's pipeline holdings, developments and opportunities relating to gas transmission and significant regulatory developments which relate to gas transmission can be found in the MD&A under the headings "Gas Transmission", "Gas Transmission Opportunities and Developments" and "Gas Transmission Regulatory Developments".
In addition, information about the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project and the Alaska Highway Pipeline Project can be found in the MD&A under the headings "Gas Transmission Opportunities and Developments Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project" and "Gas Transmission Opportunities and Developments Alaska Highway Pipeline Project", respectively and about TCPL's activities relating to LNG under the heading "Gas Transmission Opportunities and Developments LNG".
Regulation
Canadian Mainline
Under the terms of the National Energy Board Act (Canada), the Canadian Mainline is regulated by the NEB. The NEB sets tolls which provide TCPL the opportunity to recover projected costs of transporting natural gas, including the return on the Canadian Mainline's average investment base. In addition, new facilities are approved by the NEB before construction begins and the NEB regulates the operation of the Canadian Mainline. Net earnings of the Canadian Mainline are affected by changes in investment base, the return on equity, the level of deemed common equity and the potential for incentive earnings.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 7
Alberta System
The Alberta System is regulated by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board ("EUB") primarily under the provisions of the Gas Utilities Act (Alberta) ("GUA") and the Pipeline Act (Alberta). Under the GUA, its rates, tolls and other charges, and terms and conditions of service are subject to approval by the EUB. Under the provisions of the Pipeline Act, the EUB oversees various matters including the economic, orderly and efficient development of the pipeline, the operation and abandonment of the pipeline and certain related pollution and environmental conservation issues. In addition to requirements under the Pipeline Act, the construction and operation of natural gas pipelines in Alberta are subject to certain provisions of other provincial legislation such as the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (Alberta).
Power
The Power segment of TCPL's business includes the acquisition, development, construction, ownership and operation of electrical power generation plants, the purchase and marketing of electricity and the provision of electricity account services to energy and industrial customers.
The electrical power generation plants and power supply that TCPL owns, operates and/or controls, including those under development or in construction, in the aggregate, represent approximately 6,700 MW of power generation capacity. Power plants and power supply in Canada account for approximately 83 per cent of this total, and power plants in the U.S. account for the balance, being approximately 17 per cent.
TCPL owns and operates:
TCPL has long-term power purchase arrangements in place for:
TCPL owns, but does not operate:
TCPL owns the following facilities which are under construction or development:
8 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
Further information about TCPL's power holdings and significant developments and opportunities relating to power can be found in the MD&A under the headings "Power", "Power Financial Analysis" and "Power Opportunities and Developments". In particular, information about TCPL's Eastern and Western power operations and about TCPL's divestiture of Power LP to EPCOR, can be found under the heading "Power" in the MD&A.
Other Interests
Cancarb Limited
TCPL owns Cancarb Limited, a world scale thermal carbon black manufacturing facility located in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
TransCanada Turbines
TCPL owns a 50 per cent interest in TransCanada Turbines Ltd., a repair and overhaul business for aero-derivative industrial gas turbines. This business operates primarily out of facilities in Calgary, Alberta, with offices in Bakersfield, California; East Windsor, Connecticut; and Liverpool, England.
TransCanada Calibrations
TCPL owns an 80 per cent interest in TransCanada Calibrations Ltd., a gas meter calibration business certified by Measurement Canada, located at Ile des Chênes, Manitoba.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT
TCPL is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for its employees and the public, and to the protection of the environment. Health, safety and environment ("HS&E") is a priority in all of TCPL's operations. The HS&E Committee of TCPL's Board of Directors ("Board") monitors compliance with the TCPL HS&E corporate policy through regular reporting by TCPL's department of Community, Safety & Environment. TCPL's senior executives are also committed to ensuring TCPL is in compliance with its policies and is an industry leader. Senior executives are regularly advised of all important operational issues and initiatives relating to HS&E by way of a formal reporting process. In addition, TCPL's management system and performance in the HS&E area are assessed by an independent outside firm every three years or more often if the HS&E Committee requests it. The most recent assessment was completed by PricewaterhouseCoopers in January 2004. These assessments involve senior executive interviews, review of policies and objectives, performance measurement and reporting.
TCPL has an HS&E management system modeled after elements of the International Organization for Standardization's standard for environmental management systems which is known as ISO 14001, to facilitate the focus of resources on the areas of greatest risk to the organization's business activities relating to HS&E. The system highlights opportunities for improvement, enables TCPL to work towards defined HS&E expectations and objectives, and provides a competitive business advantage. HS&E outside, independent assessments, management system assessments and planned inspections are used to assess both the effectiveness of implementation of HS&E programs, processes and procedures, and TCPL's compliance with regulatory requirements.
TCPL employs full-time staff dedicated to HS&E matters, and incorporates HS&E policies and principles into the planning, development, construction and operation of all its projects. Environmental protection requirements have not had a material impact on the capital expenditures of TCPL to date; however, there can be no assurance that such requirements will not have a material impact on TCPL's financial or operating results in future years. Such requirements can be dependent on a variety of factors including the regulatory environment in which TCPL operates.
Environment
Climate change is a strategic issue for TCPL. In Canada, TCPL's fossil fuelled power plants, pipeline assets and carbon black facilities are expected to be covered under legislation for large final emitters. While the broad elements of the proposed regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensities from large industrial emitters have been
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 9
established, key policy elements remain outstanding including details of compliance options that entities may use to fulfill compliance obligations. At this time, it is difficult to determine the level of impact to TCPL's Canadian assets until these and other key policy elements have been defined.
In 2006, TCPL will continue with its strategy for managing the climate change issue. This strategy includes activities such as:
In addition to these activities, TCPL also ensures that the potential business risks and opportunities posed by increasing environmental priorities are considered when making decisions regarding TCPL's businesses.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Canadian Alliance of Pipeline Landowners' Association and two individual landowners have commenced an action under Ontario's Class Proceedings Act, 1992, against TCPL and Enbridge Inc. for damages of $500 million alleged to arise from the creation of a control zone within 30 metres of the pipeline pursuant to section 112 of the National Energy Board Act. TCPL believes the claim is without merit and will vigorously defend the action. TCPL has made no provision for any potential liability. Any liability would be dealt with through the regulatory process.
TCPL and its subsidiaries are subject to various other legal proceedings and actions arising in the normal course of business. While the final outcome of such legal proceedings and actions cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of TCPL's management that the resolution of such proceedings and actions will not have a material impact on TCPL's consolidated financial position or results of operations.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
TCPL's transfer agent and registrar is Computershare Trust Company of Canada with transfer facilities in the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montréal and Halifax.
AUDITOR AND INTEREST OF EXPERTS
TCPL's auditor is KPMG LLP ("External Auditor") and as of February 27, 2006, the partners of the External Auditor have advised that they do not beneficially own, directly or indirectly, any securities of TCPL. TCPL collects this information from the External Auditor but otherwise has no direct knowledge of individual holdings of its securities.
10 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
A number of factors, including but not limited to those discussed in this section, could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations.
Gas Transmission
TCPL faces competition in its gas transmission business at both the supply and market ends of its systems. The competition is a result of other pipelines accessing an increasingly mature western Canadian sedimentary basin and serving some of the same markets as TCPL. In addition, the continued expiration of firm transportation contracts has resulted in significant reductions in firm contracted capacity on both the Canadian Mainline and Alberta System. As well, regulatory decisions continue to have significant impact on the financial returns for and future investments in TCPL's Canadian wholly-owned pipelines.
Further information about risks in TCPL's natural gas transmission business can be found under the headings "Gas Transmission Opportunities and Developments" and "Gas Transmission Business Risks" in the MD&A.
Power
TCPL's power business can be affected by a variety of factors including competition from other market participants, fluctuating market demand, weather, reliance on the supply of feed stocks such as natural gas, water, coal and uranium, fluctuating feed stock prices, fluctuating electricity prices, unexpected outages, third party power plant operator performance, power transmission disruptions and regulatory changes and influences.
Further information about competition risks in TCPL's power business can be found under the headings "Power Opportunities and Developments" and "Power Business Risks" in the MD&A.
In addition, Bruce A and Bruce B, in which TCPL holds material interests, are subject to risks related to the operation and maintenance of nuclear power generating facilities, including risks relating to the use, handling, containment and storage of radioactive materials; limitation on the amounts and types of insurance that are commercially available to cover any related liabilities that may arise from these operations; changes in and varying interpretations of the extensive federal regulations that apply to Bruce A's and Bruce B's nuclear operations; modifications needed to meet increasing security requirements; and repairs, modifications, replacements and outages that may be necessitated as a result of testing and inspection programs which, themselves, may need to be enhanced in coming years to improve operations or satisfy increasing regulatory or other requirements.
Other
Further information about TCPL's risk management activities can be found under the heading "Risk Management" in the MD&A.
DIVIDENDS
All of TCPL's common shares are held by TransCanada and as a result, any dividends declared by TCPL on its common shares are paid to TransCanada. TCPL's Board of Directors has not adopted a formal dividend policy. The Board reviews the financial performance of TCPL quarterly and makes a determination of the appropriate level of dividends to be declared on its common shares in the following quarter. Provisions of various trust indentures and credit arrangements to which TCPL is a party, restrict TCPL's ability to declare and pay dividends to TransCanada and preferred shareholders under certain circumstances and, if such restrictions apply, they may, in turn, have an impact on TransCanada's ability to declare and pay dividends on its common and preferred shares. In the opinion of TCPL management, such provisions do not restrict or alter TCPL's ability to declare or pay dividends.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 11
The dividends declared per common share during the past three completed financial years are set forth in the following table:
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||
Dividends declared on common shares(1) | $1.23 | $1.17 | $1.08 | |||
Dividends declared on preferred shares, Series U | $2.80 | $2.80 | $2.80 | |||
Dividends declared on preferred shares, Series Y | $2.80 | $2.80 | $2.80 | |||
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Share Capital
TCPL's authorized share capital consists of an unlimited number of common shares, of which approximately 483,344,109 were issued and outstanding at Year End, and an unlimited number of first preferred shares and second preferred shares issuable in series. There were 4,000,000 Series U and 4,000,000 Series Y first preferred shares issued and outstanding at Year End. The following is a description of the material characteristics of each of these classes of shares.
Common Shares
As the holder of all of TCPL's issued common shares, TransCanada holds all the voting rights in those common shares.
First Preferred Shares, Series U
Subject to certain limitations, the Board may, from time to time, issue first preferred shares in one or more series and determine for any such series, its designation, number of shares and respective rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions. The first preferred shares as a class, have, among others, provisions to the following effect.
The holders of the first preferred shares, Series U are entitled to receive, as and when declared by the Board, fixed cumulative preferential cash dividends at an annual rate of $2.80 per share, payable quarterly.
The first preferred shares of each series shall rank on a parity with the first preferred shares of every other series, and shall be entitled to preference over the common shares and any other shares ranking junior to the first preferred shares with respect to the payment of dividends, the repayment of capital and the distribution of assets to TCPL in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TCPL.
TCPL is entitled to purchase for cancellation, some or all of the first preferred shares, Series U outstanding at the lowest price which such shares are obtainable, in the opinion of the Board, but not exceeding $50.00 per share plus costs of purchase. Furthermore, TCPL may redeem, on or after October 15, 2013, some or all of the first preferred shares, Series U upon payment for each share at $50.00 per share.
Except as provided by the Canada Business Corporations Act or as referred to below, the holders of the first preferred shares will not have any voting rights nor will they be entitled to receive notice of or to attend shareholders' meetings unless and until TCPL fails to pay, in the aggregate, six quarterly dividends on the first preferred shares, Series U.
The provisions attaching to the first preferred shares as a class may be modified, amended or varied only with the sanction of the holders of the first preferred shares as a class. Any such sanction to be given by the holders of the first preferred shares may be given by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 662/3 per cent of the first preferred shares represented and voted at a meeting or adjourned meeting of such holders.
12 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
First Preferred Shares, Series Y
The rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attaching to the first preferred shares, Series Y are substantially identical to those attaching to the first preferred shares, Series U, except that the first preferred shares, Series Y are redeemable by TCPL after March 5, 2014.
DEBT
The following tables sets out the issuances of senior unsecured notes with terms to maturity in excess of one year, of TCPL during the 12 months ended, December 31, 2005:
Date Issued | Issue Price per $1,000 Principal Amount of Notes |
Aggregate Issue Price | ||
January 11, 2005 | $998.94 | $299,547,000 | ||
There are no provisions associated with this debt that entitle debt holders to voting rights. From time to time, TCPL issues commercial paper for terms not exceeding nine months.
CREDIT RATINGS
The following table sets out the credit ratings assigned to outstanding classes of securities of TCPL:
Overall | DBRS | Moody's | S&P | ||||
Senior Secured Debt | |||||||
First Mortgage Bonds | A | A2 | A | ||||
Senior Unsecured Debt | |||||||
Debentures | A | A2 | A | ||||
Medium-term Notes | A | A2 | A | ||||
Subordinated Debt | A (low | ) | A3 | BBB+ | |||
Junior Subordinated Debt | Pfd-2 | A3 | BBB | ||||
Preferred Shares | Pfd-2 (low | ) | Baa1 | BBB | |||
Commercial Paper | R-1 (low | ) | P-1 | | |||
Trend/Rating Outlook | Stable | Stable | Negative | ||||
Credit ratings are intended to provide investors with an independent measure of credit quality of an issue of securities. Credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell securities and do not address the market price or suitability of a specific security for a particular investor. There is no assurance that any rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that any rating will not be revised or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency in the future if, in its judgment, circumstances so warrant. A description of the rating agencies' credit ratings listed in the table above is set out below.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 13
Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS)
DBRS has different rating scales for short and long-term debt and preferred shares. "High" or "low" grades are used to indicate the relative standing within a rating category. The absence of either a "high" or "low" designation indicates the rating is in the "middle" of the category. The R-1 (low) rating assigned to TCPL's short-term debt is the third highest of ten rating categories and indicates satisfactory credit quality. The overall strength and outlook for key liquidity, debt and profitability ratios is not normally as favourable as with higher rating categories, but these considerations are still respectable. Any qualifying negative factors that exist are considered manageable, and the entity is normally of sufficient size to have some influence in its industry. The A ratings assigned to TCPL's senior secured and senior unsecured debt and the A (low) rating assigned to its subordinated debt are the third highest of ten categories for long-term debt. Long-term debt rated A is of satisfactory credit quality. Protection of interest and principal is still substantial, but the degree of strength is less than that of AA rated entities. While a respectable rating, entities in the A category are considered to be more susceptible to adverse economic conditions and have greater cyclical tendencies than higher rated entities. The Pfd-2 and Pfd-2 (low) ratings assigned to TCPL's junior subordinated debt and preferred shares are the second highest of six rating categories for preferred shares. Preferred shares rated Pfd-2 are of satisfactory credit quality. Protection of dividends and principal is still substantial; however, earnings, the balance sheet and coverage ratios are not as strong as Pfd-1 rated companies.
Moody's Investor Services (Moody's)
Moody's has different rating scales for short and long-term obligations. Numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 are applied to each rating classification, with 1 being the highest and 3 being the lowest. The P-1 rating assigned to TCPL's short-term debt is the highest of four rating categories and indicates a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations. The A2 ratings assigned to TCPL's senior secured and senior unsecured debt and the A3 ratings assigned to its subordinated debt and junior subordinated debt are the third highest of nine rating categories for long-term obligations. Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. The Baa1 rating assigned to TCPL's preferred shares is the fourth highest of nine rating categories for long-term obligations. Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk, are considered medium-grade, and as such, may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Standard & Poor's (S&P)
S&P has different rating scales for short and long-term obligations. Ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show the relative standing within a particular rating category. The A and A- ratings assigned to TCPL's senior secured and senior unsecured debt, respectively, are the third highest of ten rating categories for long-term obligations. An A rating indicates the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment is strong; however, the obligation is somewhat susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rated categories. The BBB+ rating assigned to TCPL's subordinated debt and the BBB ratings assigned to its junior subordinated debt and preferred shares are the fourth highest of ten rating categories for long-term obligations. An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
14 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
MARKET FOR SECURITIES
TransCanada holds all the common shares of TCPL and these are not listed on a public market. TransCanada's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"). The following table sets forth the reported monthly high and low closing prices and monthly trading volumes of the common shares of TransCanada on the TSX for the period indicated:
Common Shares (TRP)
Month | High ($) |
Low ($) |
Volume Traded | |||
December, 2005 | 37.56 | 36.25 | 16,433,655 | |||
November, 2005 | 37.40 | 34.95 | 21,148,781 | |||
October, 2005 | 36.00 | 34.60 | 20,786,022 | |||
September, 2005 | 36.94 | 32.92 | 26,394,804 | |||
August, 2005 | 33.69 | 31.49 | 18,358,190 | |||
July, 2005 | 34.08 | 32.06 | 16,695,178 | |||
June, 2005 | 32.59 | 30.32 | 20,470,296 | |||
May, 2005 | 31.10 | 29.80 | 16,560,238 | |||
April, 2005 | 30.00 | 29.55 | 17,071,520 | |||
March, 2005 | 30.61 | 29.20 | 23,363,461 | |||
February, 2005 | 30.69 | 29.70 | 19,187,511 | |||
January, 2005 | 30.48 | 29.75 | 21,563,721 | |||
In addition, the following securities of TCPL are listed:
TCPL's Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares,
Series U (TCA.PR.X) and Series Y (TCA.PR.Y), which are listed on the TSX
Month | High ($) |
Low ($) |
Volume Traded | High ($) |
Low ($) |
Volume Traded | ||||||
|
Series U |
Series Y |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
December, 2005 | 54.00 | 53.32 | 53,400 | 54.50 | 53.40 | 25,997 | ||||||
November, 2005 | 53.69 | 52.30 | 55,222 | 54.45 | 52.35 | 40,467 | ||||||
October, 2005 | 52.73 | 52.11 | 28,635 | 52.75 | 52.25 | 40,488 | ||||||
September, 2005 | 53.15 | 52.25 | 27,041 | 53.35 | 52.31 | 31,749 | ||||||
August, 2005 | 53.00 | 52.05 | 22,858 | 53.00 | 52.25 | 42,029 | ||||||
July, 2005 | 52.55 | 52.06 | 34,698 | 52.85 | 52.20 | 30,752 | ||||||
June, 2005 | 53.35 | 51.75 | 44,466 | 53.25 | 51.82 | 42,306 | ||||||
May, 2005 | 51.85 | 50.75 | 27,540 | 51.75 | 51.00 | 40,542 | ||||||
April, 2005 | 51.70 | 51.10 | 244,913 | 51.85 | 51.10 | 30,621 | ||||||
March, 2005 | 53.30 | 51.30 | 239,796 | 53.24 | 50.84 | 419,221 | ||||||
February, 2005 | 53.85 | 52.80 | 42,053 | 53.65 | 53.00 | 61,931 | ||||||
January, 2005 | 53.33 | 52.80 | 26,896 | 53.35 | 52.95 | 31,689 | ||||||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 15
TCPL's 8.25% preferred securities due 2047, which are listed on the NYSE (TCAPr)
Month | High ($) |
Low ($) |
Volume Traded | |||
December, 2005 | 26.29 | 25.55 | 111,600 | |||
November, 2005 | 25.99 | 25.65 | 97,600 | |||
October, 2005 | 26.15 | 25.60 | 133,900 | |||
September, 2005 | 26.10 | 25.75 | 93,400 | |||
August, 2005 | 26.12 | 25.86 | 113,600 | |||
July, 2005 | 26.20 | 25.83 | 82,100 | |||
June, 2005 | 26.00 | 25.72 | 116,000 | |||
May, 2005 | 25.89 | 25.60 | 71,900 | |||
April, 2005 | 25.78 | 25.51 | 111,700 | |||
March, 2005 | 25.95 | 25.51 | 113,300 | |||
February, 2005 | 26.03 | 25.65 | 126,000 | |||
January, 2005 | 25.93 | 25.52 | 153,600 | |||
In addition, TCPL's 16.50 per cent First Mortgage Pipe Line Bonds due 2007, are listed on the London Stock Exchange; however, this issue is thinly traded and accounts for approximately $50 million or less than one per cent of TCPL's consolidated capital structure.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
As of February 27, 2006, the directors and officers of TransCanada as a group beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, have exercisable options to own, or exercised control or direction over, 2,334,652 common shares of TransCanada which constitutes less than one per cent of TransCanada's common shares and less than one per cent of the voting securities of any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. TransCanada collects this information from its directors and officers but otherwise has no direct knowledge of individual holdings of its securities. Further information as to securities beneficially owned, or over which control or direction is exercised, is provided in TransCanada's Management Proxy Circular dated February 28, 2006 ("Proxy Circular") under the heading "Business to be Transacted at the Meeting Election of Directors". See also "Additional Information" in this AIF.
Directors
Set forth below are the names of the twelve directors who served on TCPL's Board at Year End as well as Mr. D.M.G. Stewart who will become a TCPL director on April 28, 2006 subject to his election to the TransCanada board on that date by the common shareholders of TransCanada. In addition, information about each of their jurisdictions of residence, all positions and offices held by them with TransCanada and its significant affiliates, their principal occupations or employment during the past five years and the year from which each director has continually served as a
16 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
director of TransCanada and, prior to the arrangement, with TCPL. Positions and offices held with TransCanada are also held by such person at TCPL.
Name and Place of Residence |
Principal Occupation During the Five Preceding Years |
Director Since |
||
Douglas D. Baldwin Calgary, Alberta Canada |
Chairman, Talisman Energy Inc., (oil and gas) since May 2003. President and Chief Executive Officer, TCPL, from August 1999 to April 2001. Director, Citadel Group of Funds. Member, Board of Governors, University of Calgary. | 1999 | ||
Kevin E. Benson(1) Wheaton, Illinois United States |
President and Chief Executive Officer, Laidlaw International, Inc. (transportation services) since June 2003, and Laidlaw, Inc. from September 2002 to June 2003. President and Chief Executive Officer, The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia from December 2001 until September 2002. President, The Pattison Group from April 2000 to February 2001. Director, Laidlaw International, Inc. | 2005 | ||
Derek H. Burney, O.C. Ottawa, Ontario Canada |
Corporate Director. President and Chief Executive Officer, CAE Inc. (technology) from October 1999 to August 2004. Lead director at Quebecor World Inc. (communications and media) from April 2003 to November 2005. Director, CanWest Global Communications Corp., Chair, New Brunswick Power Corporation and Lead Director, Shell Canada Limited. | 2005 | ||
Wendy K. Dobson Uxbridge, Ontario Canada |
Professor, Rotman School of Management and Director, Institute for International Business, University of Toronto (education). Director, Toronto-Dominion Bank. Vice Chair, Canadian Public Accountability Board. | 1992 | ||
E. Linn Draper, Jr. Lampasas, Texas United States |
Corporate Director. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power Co., Inc. from April 1993 to April 2004. Director, Alliance Data Systems Corporation, Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and Temple-Inland Inc. Chair of NorthWestern Corporation. | 2005 | ||
The Hon. Paule Gauthier, P.C., O.C., O.Q., Q.C. Québec, Québec Canada |
Senior Partner, Desjardins Ducharme L.L.P. (law firm). President, Institut Québecois des Hautes Études Internationales, Laval University. Director, Royal Bank of Canada, Rothmans Inc., Metro Inc. and RBC Dexia Investor Services Trust. | 2002 | ||
Kerry L. Hawkins Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada |
Corporate Director. President, Cargill Limited (agricultural) from September 1982 to December 2005. Director, NOVA Chemicals Corporation and Shell Canada Limited. | 1996 | ||
S. Barry Jackson Calgary, Alberta Canada |
Corporate Director. Chairman, Resolute Energy Inc. (oil and gas) from January 2002 to April 2005 and Chairman, Deer Creek Energy Limited (oil and gas) from April 2001 to September 2005. Director, Nexen Inc., Cordero Energy Inc. and privately held Larincina Energy Ltd. | 2002 | ||
Paul L. Joskow Brookline, Massachusetts United States |
Professor, Department of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (education). Director of the MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research. Director, National Grid PLC and trustee, Putnam Mutual Funds. | 2004 | ||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 17
Harold N. Kvisle Calgary, Alberta Canada |
President and Chief Executive Officer, TransCanada since May 2003 and TCPL since May 2001. Executive Vice-President, Trading and Business Development, TCPL, from June 2000 to April 2001. Director, PrimeWest Energy Inc. and Bank of Montreal. Chair, Mount Royal College. | 2001 | ||
David P. O'Brien(2) Calgary, Alberta Canada |
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, PanCanadian Energy Corporation (oil and gas) from October 2001 to April 2002. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Pacific Limited (transportation, energy and hotels) from May 1996 to October 2001. Chair, EnCana Corporation (oil and gas) since April 2002 and Chair, Royal Bank of Canada (banking) since February 2004. Director, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Inc., Inco Limited, Molson Coors Brewing Company, and the not for profit C.D. Howe Institute. Chancellor, Concordia University. | 2001 | ||
Harry G. Schaefer, F.C.A. Calgary, Alberta Canada |
President, Schaefer & Associates (business advisory services). Vice-Chairman of the Board, TransCanada since May 2003 and TCPL since June 1998. Director, Agrium Inc. and Fording Canadian Coal Trust. | 1987 | ||
D. Michael G. Stewart Calgary, Alberta Canada |
Principal of the privately held Ballinacurra Group of Investment Companies since March 2002. Executive Vice-President, Business Development, Westcoast-Energy Inc. (utilities) prior to March 2002. Director, Canadian Energy Services Inc. and Chair, Esprit Energy Trust. | n/a | ||
TransCanada will hold its annual meeting of common shareholders on Friday, April 28, 2006 (the "TransCanada Annual Meeting") and subject to the election of the twelve nominees proposed for election to TransCanada's board, these directors will be elected by the sole shareholder of TCPL as directors of TCPL on that date. Each director holds office until TransCanada's next annual meeting and concurrent appointment to TCPL's Board, or until his or her successor is earlier elected or appointed.
Mr. Jackson was designated as the Chair of the Board on April 29, 2005, Mr. Draper was appointed to the Board on June 15, 2005 and Mr. Burney was appointed to the Board on September 8, 2005. Mr. W. Thomas Stephens, a TransCanada director since April 1999, resigned from the Board on August 12, 2005 and Mr. Baldwin will retire effective April 28, 2006.
The Governance Committee of the Board annually reviews the qualifications of directors and submits its recommendations to the Board for consideration. The Governance Committee maintains a matrix of skills and requirements and periodically assesses the skill set of the current Board members to identify necessary skills and backgrounds for Board candidates. The Governance Committee also maintains an "evergreen" list of potential candidates for its future consideration and periodically retains independent search firms to identify new candidates.
18 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
TCPL's directors are, in the opinion of the Board, well qualified to act as directors. With the exception of Messrs. Kvisle and Stewart, each director, including the Chair, Mr. Jackson, has been determined by the Board to be independent within the meaning of Canadian and applicable U.S. securities law, regulation and policy and NYSE requirements, and has established his or her eligibility and willingness to serve as a director. The proposed nominees will also be the directors of TransCanada.
Officers
All of the executive officers and corporate officers of TransCanada reside in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. References to positions and offices with TransCanada prior to May 15, 2003 are references to the positions and offices held with TCPL. Current positions and offices held with TransCanada are also held by such person at TCPL. As of the date hereof, the officers of TransCanada, their present positions within TransCanada and their principal occupations during the five preceding years are as follows:
Executive Officers
Name |
Present Position Held |
Principal Occupation During the Five Preceding Years |
||
Harold N. Kvisle | President and Chief Executive Officer | Prior to April 2001, Executive Vice-President, Trading and Business Development. | ||
Albrecht W.A. Bellstedt, Q.C.(1) | Executive Vice-President, Law and General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer | Prior to September 2005, Executive Vice President, Law and General Counsel. | ||
Russell K. Girling | Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development and Chief Financial Officer | Prior to March 2003, Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. | ||
Dennis J. McConaghy | Executive Vice-President, Gas Development | Prior to May 2001, Senior Vice-President, Business Development. | ||
Alexander J. Pourbaix | Executive Vice-President, Power |
Executive Vice-President, Power Development, May 2001 to March 2003. Prior to May 2001, Senior Vice-President, Power Ventures. | ||
Sarah E. Raiss | Executive Vice-President, Corporate Services | Prior to January 2002, Executive Vice-President, Human Resources and Public Sector Relations. | ||
Ronald J. Turner | Executive Vice-President, Gas Transmission | Prior to March 2003, Executive Vice-President, Operations and Engineering. | ||
Donald M. Wishart | Executive Vice-President, Operations and Engineering | Prior to March 2003, Senior Vice-President, Field Operations. | ||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 19
Corporate Officers
Name |
Present Position Held |
Principal Occupation During the Five Preceding Years |
||
Ronald L. Cook | Vice-President, Taxation | Prior to April 2002, Director, Taxation. | ||
Rhondda E.S. Grant | Vice-President, Communications and Corporate Secretary | Prior to February 2005, Vice-President and Corporate Secretary. | ||
Lee G. Hobbs | Vice-President and Controller | Prior to July 2001, Director, Accounting. | ||
Garry E. Lamb | Vice-President, Risk Management | Prior to October 2001, Vice-President, Audit and Risk Management. | ||
Donald R. Marchand | Vice-President, Finance and Treasurer | Vice-President, Finance and Treasurer | ||
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Board and the members of TCPL's management are committed to the highest standards of corporate governance. TCPL's corporate governance practices comply with the governance rules of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("CSA"), those of the NYSE applicable to foreign issuers and of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and those mandated by the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 ("SOX"). As a non-U.S. company, TCPL is not required to comply with most of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards; however, except as summarized on its website at www.transcanada.com, the governance practices followed are in compliance with the NYSE standards for U.S. companies in all significant respects. TCPL is in compliance with the CSA's Multilateral Instrument 52-110 pertaining to audit committees. TCPL is also in compliance with National Policy 58-201, Corporate Governance Guidelines, and National Instrument 58-101, Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices (collectively, the "Canadian Governance Guidelines"). In 2005, the Canadian Governance Guidelines came into effect and for purposes of the TSX replaced the TSX Corporate Governance Guidelines.
Compliance with Canadian Governance Guidelines
The "Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices" addressing disclosure in accordance with the Canadian Governance Guidelines is attached to this AIF at Schedule "B". It has been approved by the Governance Committee and the Board.
Audit Committee
TCPL has an Audit Committee which is responsible for assisting the Board in overseeing the integrity of TCPL's financial statements and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and in ensuring the independence and performance of TCPL's internal and external auditors. The members of the Audit Committee at Year End were Harry G. Schaefer (Chair), Douglas D. Baldwin, Kevin E. Benson, Paule Gauthier and Paul L. Joskow. Mr. Jackson is a non-voting member of the Audit Committee.
The Board believes that the composition of the Audit Committee reflects a high level of financial literacy and expertise. Each member of the Audit Committee has been determined by the Board to be "independent" and "financially literate" within the meaning of the definitions under Canadian and U.S. securities laws and the NYSE rules. In addition, the Board has determined that Mr. Schaefer is an "Audit Committee Financial Expert" as that term is defined under U.S. securities laws. The Board has made these determinations based on the education and breadth and depth of experience of each member of the Audit Committee. The following is a description of the education and experience,
20 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
apart from their respective roles as directors of TCPL, of each member of the Audit Committee that is relevant to the performance of his or her responsibilities as a member of the Audit Committee:
Mr. Schaefer earned a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta, is a Chartered Accountant and is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. He serves on and has served on the boards of several public companies and other organizations, including as Chairman of the Alberta Chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors, and on the audit committees of certain of those boards. Mr. Schaefer has also held several executive positions with public companies. He is currently Chair of the Audit Committee and of the audit committees of two other public companies.
Mr. Baldwin earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. He has served on the boards of several public companies and other organizations and on the audit committees of certain of those boards. Mr. Baldwin has also held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of TCPL and other senior executive positions with Imperial Oil Limited and Esso Resources Canada Limited. Mr. Baldwin will retire from the Board at the TransCanada Annual Meeting and concurrently from the TCPL board on April 28, 2006.
Mr. Benson earned a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa) and was a member of the South African Society of Chartered Accountants. Mr. Benson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Laidlaw International, Inc. In prior years, he has held several executive positions including one as President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Airlines International Ltd. and has served on other public company boards.
Mme. Gauthier earned a Bachelor of Arts from the Collège Jésus-Marie de Sillery, a Bachelor of Laws from Laval University and a Master of Laws in Business Law (Intellectual Property) from Laval-University. She has served on the boards of several public companies and other organizations and on the audit committees of certain of those boards.
Mr. Joskow earned a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Economics from Cornell University, a Masters of Philosophy in Economics from Yale University, and Ph.D. in Economics from Yale University. He has served on the boards of several public companies and other organizations and on the audit committees of certain of those.
The Charter of the Audit Committee can be found in Schedule "E" of this AIF and on TransCanada's website under the Corporate Governance Board Committees page, at the link specified above under the heading "Corporate Governance".
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
TCPL's Audit Committee has adopted a pre-approval policy with respect to permitted non-audit services. Under the policy, the Audit Committee has granted pre-approval for specified non-audit services. For engagements of $25,000 or less which are not within the annual pre-approved limit approval by the Audit Committee is not required, and for engagements between $25,000 and $100,000, approval of the Audit Committee chair is required, and in both instances the Audit Committee is to be informed of the engagement at the next scheduled Audit Committee meeting. For all engagements of $100,000 or more, pre-approval of the Audit Committee is required. In all cases, regardless of the dollar amount involved, where there is a potential for conflict of interest involving the external auditor on an engagement, the Audit Committee chair must pre-approve the assignment.
To date, TCPL has not approved any non-audit services on the basis of the de-minimis exemptions. All non-audit services have been pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the pre-approval policy described above.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 21
External Auditor Service Fees
The aggregate fees for external auditor services rendered by the External Auditor for TCPL and its subsidiaries in each of 2005 and 2004 fiscal years, are shown in the table below:
Fee Category | 2005 | 2004 | Description of Fee Category | |||
(millions of dollars) | ||||||
Audit Fees | 3.12 | 2.47 | Aggregate fees for audit services rendered by TCPL's External Auditor for the audit of TCPL's and its subsidiaries' annual financial statements or services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, the review of interim consolidated financial statements and information contained in various prospectuses and other offering documents. | |||
Audit Related Fees | 0.11 | 0.06 | Aggregate fees for assurance and related services rendered by TCPL's External Auditor that are reasonably related to performance of the audit or review of TCPL's financial statements and are not reported as Audit Fees. The nature of services comprising these fees related to the audit of the financial statements of TCPL's various pension plans. | |||
Tax Fees | 0.12 | 0.06 | Aggregate fees rendered by TCPL's External Auditor for tax compliance and tax advice. The nature of these services consisted of: tax compliance including the review of Canadian and U.S. income tax returns; and tax items and tax services related to domestic and international taxation including income tax, capital tax and Goods and Services Tax. | |||
All Other Fees | 0.14 | 0.05 | Aggregate fees for products and services other than those reported in this table above rendered by TCPL's External Auditor. The nature of these services consisted of advice with respect to TCPL's compliance with SOX. | |||
Total | 3.49 | 2.64 | ||||
22 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
In addition to the Audit Committee, TCPL has three other Board committees: the Governance Committee, the Health, Safety and Environment Committee and the Human Resources Committee. Mr. Jackson, the Chair of the Board, sits on each of Board's committees as a non-voting member. The voting members of each of these committees, as of Year End, are identified below:
Governance Committee | Health, Safety & Environment Committee | Human Resources Committee | ||||||||
Chair: |
W.K. Dobson |
Chair: |
D.D. Baldwin |
Chair: |
K.L. Hawkins |
|||||
Members: | D.H. Burney | Members: | E.L. Draper | Members: | W.K. Dobson | |||||
P.L. Joskow | P. Gauthier | E.L. Draper | ||||||||
D.P. O'Brien | K.L. Hawkins | D.P. O'Brien | ||||||||
H.G. Schaefer |
The charters of the Governance Committee, the Health, Safety & Environment Committee and the Human Resources Committee can be found on TransCanada's website under the Corporate Governance Board Committees page at the link specified below.
Further information about TCPL's Board committees and corporate governance can be found in Schedule "D" attached to this AIF or on TransCanada's website located at: http://www.transcanada.com/company/board_committees.html.
Conflicts of Interest
The Board and members of TCPL's management are not aware of any existing or potential material conflicts of interest between TCPL or a subsidiary and any director or officer of TCPL or its subsidiary. Directors and officers of TCPL and its subsidiaries are required to disclose the existence of existing or potential conflicts in accordance with TCPL policies governing directors and officers and in accordance with the Canada Business Corporations Act. If a director or officer has such a conflict, TCPL requires that the director or officer absent himself or herself from any discussion or voting relating to the matter giving rise to the material existing or potential conflict.
INDEBTEDNESS OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As at the date hereof and since the beginning of the most recently completed financial year, no executive officer, director, employee or former executive officer, director or employee of TCPL or its subsidiaries, no proposed nominee as a director of TCPL, or any associate of any such director, executive officer or proposed nominee has been indebted to TCPL of any of its subsidiaries. There is no indebtedness of any such person to another entity that is the subject of a guarantee, support agreement, letter of credit or other similar arrangement or understanding provided by TCPL or any of its subsidiaries.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 23
SECURITIES OWNED BY DIRECTORS
The following table sets out the number of each class of securities of TransCanada or any of its affiliates beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, or over which control or direction is exercised and the number of deferred share units credited to each director, as of February 28, 2006.
Director | Securities Owned, Controlled or Directed(1) | Deferred Share Units(2) | ||
D. Baldwin | 212,813 | (3) | 15,797 | |
K. Benson | 3,000 | 3,710 | ||
D. Burney | 1,000 | 3,299 | ||
W. Dobson | 3,000 | 25,617 | ||
E.L. Draper | 0 | 3,508 | ||
P. Gauthier | 1,000 | 16,807 | ||
K. Hawkins | 3,865 | (4) | 27,959 | |
S.B. Jackson | 39,000 | (5) | 9,274 | |
P. Joskow | 5,000 | 7,135 | ||
H. Kvisle | 705,030 | (6) | 0 | |
D. O'Brien | 16,279 | 16,807 | ||
H. Schaefer | 23,214 | (7) | 16,574 | |
24 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
TransCanada's directors also serve as directors of TCPL. An aggregate fee is paid for serving on the Boards of TransCanada and TCPL. Since TransCanada does not hold any assets directly, other than the common shares of TCPL, all directors' costs are assumed by TCPL according to a management services agreement between the two companies. The meetings of the Boards and committees of TransCanada and TCPL run concurrently.
Minimum Share Ownership Guidelines
The Board believes that directors can more effectively represent the interests of shareholders if they have a significant investment in the common shares of TransCanada, or their economic equivalent. As a result, TransCanada requires each director to acquire and hold a minimum number of common shares, or their economic equivalent, equal in value to five times the director's annual cash retainer fee. Directors have a maximum of five years to reach this level of ownership. The level of ownership can be achieved by direct purchase of common shares, by participation in the TransCanada Dividend Reinvestment Plan or by means of directing cash retainer fees into, or otherwise acquiring units under, the Share Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors (1998) (the "DSU Plan"), described under the heading "Share Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors" below.
All of the current directors, other than Mr. Draper who became a member of the Board on June 15, 2005, have achieved the minimum share ownership.
The following table sets out the common share and DSU ownership interest in TransCanada of each of the individuals who have been proposed for election as directors at the TransCanada Annual Meeting as at the date hereof and as at
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 25
March 1, 2005. Subject to their election at the TransCanada Annual Meeting, these individuals will concurrently be elected as directors of TCPL.
Director |
Year |
Number of Common Shares(1) (#) |
Number of DSUs (#) |
Total Value of Common Shares and DSUs(2) ($) |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
K.E. Benson | 2006 2005 Change |
3,000 N/A +3,000 |
3,710 N/A N/A |
236,393 N/A |
||||
Derek H. Burney | 2006 2005 Change |
1,000 N/A N/A |
3,299 N/A N/A |
151,454 N/A |
||||
Wendy K. Dobson | 2006 2005 Change |
3,000 3,000 0 |
25,617 21,765 +3,852 |
1,008,177 739,235 |
||||
E. Linn Draper | 2006 2005 Change |
0 N/A N/A |
3,508 N/A N/A |
123,587 N/A |
||||
P. Gauthier | 2006 2005 Change |
1,000 1,000 0 |
16,807 12,401 +4,406 |
627,341 400,020 |
||||
K.L. Hawkins | 2006 2005 Change |
3,865 3,832 +33 |
27,959 23,144 +4,815 |
1,121,120 805,234 |
||||
S.B. Jackson | 2006 2005 Change |
39,000 24,000 +15,000 |
9,274 6,192 +3,082 |
1,700,693 1,199,731 |
||||
P.L. Joskow | 2006 2005 Change |
5,000 5,000 0 |
7,135 3,959 +3,176 |
427,516 267,426 |
||||
H.N. Kvisle | 2006 2005 Change |
49,197 40,214 +8,983 |
(3) |
N/A N/A N/A |
(4) |
1,733,210 1,200,388 |
||
D.P. O'Brien | 2006 2005 Change |
16,279 10,000 +6,279 |
16,807 12,401 +4,406 |
1,165,620 668,670 |
||||
H.G. Schaefer | 2006 2005 Change |
23,214 22,716 +498 |
16,574 13,052 +3,522 |
1,401,731 1,067,675 |
||||
D.M.G. Stewart | 2006 2005 Change |
5,000 N/A N/A |
N/A N/A N/A |
176,150 N/A |
||||
26 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
Board and Committee Remuneration
TCPL's director compensation practices are designed to reflect the size and complexity of TCPL and to reinforce the emphasis TCPL places on shareholder value by linking a portion of directors' compensation to the value of common shares. The market competitiveness of director compensation is assessed against the Comparator Group (as defined under the heading "Executive Compensation and Other Information Report on Executive Compensation") and a general industry sample of Canadian companies of similar size and scope to TCPL.
For the financial year ended December 31, 2005, each director who was not an employee of TCPL, other than the Chair, was paid in quarterly installments in arrears as follows:
Retainer fee | $30,000 per annum | |
Committee retainer fee | $3,000 per annum | |
Committee Chair retainer fee | $4,000 per annum | |
Board and Committee attendance fee | $1,500 per meeting | |
Committee Chair attendance fee | $1,500 per meeting |
The Chair, who was paid none of the directors' fees outlined above, was paid a retainer fee of $300,000 per annum in respect of his duties as Chair, $3,000 per chaired Board meeting, and was reimbursed for certain office and other expenses. In 2005, Mr. R.F. Haskayne served as Chair from January 1 to April 29 and Mr. S.B. Jackson served as Chair from April 30 to December 31. Half of Mr. Jackson's retainer fee for acting as Chair was paid in DSUs. The Vice-Chair was paid a retainer fee of $12,000 per annum in respect of his duties as Vice-Chair, in addition to his other director's fees as outlined above. Each committee chair is entitled to claim a per diem for time spent on committee activities outside of the committee meetings. Additionally, directors other than the Chair and the CEO receive, in respect of their service as directors, an annual grant of units under the DSU Plan. See "Share Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors". Fees are paid quarterly and are pro-rated from the date of the director's appointment to the Board and the relevant committees.
TCPL pays a travel fee of $1,500 per meeting for which round trip travel time exceeds three hours, and reimburses the directors for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending such meetings. Directors who are U.S. residents are paid the same amounts as outlined above in U.S. dollars.
Fees Paid to Directors in 2005(1)
The following table sets out the total fees paid in cash and the value of the DSUs awarded or credited for each non-employee director in 2005 as at the date of grant, unless otherwise stated. Mr. Kvisle, as an employee of TCPL, receives no cash fees or DSUs as a director.
Directors generally direct their retainer fee to be paid in DSUs until the minimum share ownership guideline is reached, and are always entitled to direct their retainer fee to be paid in DSUs. In 2005, D.D. Baldwin, K.E. Benson, D.H. Burney, E.L. Draper, P. Gauthier, K.L. Hawkins and D.P. O'Brien received their retainer fees in DSUs. In a year that a director,
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 27
other than the Chair, chooses to receive the retainer fee in DSUs, 100% of the retainer fee must be credited as DSUs from the date the election is received. Half of Mr. Jackson's retainer fee for acting as Chair was paid in DSUs.
Name | Retainer Fee | Committee Retainer Fee | Committee Chair Retainer Fee | Board Attendance Fee | Committee Attendance Fee | Travel Fee | Strategic Issues and Strategic Planning Sessions | Total Fees Paid in Cash | Total Value of DSUs Credited(2) | |||||||||
D.D. Baldwin(3) | $30,000 | $6,000 | $4,000 | $10,500 | $18,000 | $1,500 | $1,500 | $41,500 | $139,290 | |||||||||
K.E. Benson(4)(5) | 22,500 | 2,250 | N/A | 7,500 | 6,000 | 7,500 | 4,500 | 30,058 | 129,482 | |||||||||
D.H. Burney(6) | 10,000 | 1,000 | N/A | 3,000 | 1,500 | 1,500 | 1,500 | 8,500 | 119,290 | |||||||||
W.K. Dobson(3) | 30,000 | 6,000 | 4,000 | 13,500 | 15,000 | 10,500 | 6,000 | 85,000 | 109,290 | |||||||||
E.L. Draper(7) | 22,500 | 4,500 | N/A | 7,500 | 4,500 | 6,000 | 3,000 | 33,000 | 124,290 | |||||||||
P. Gauthier | 30,000 | 6,000 | N/A | 12,000 | 18,000 | 10,500 | 6,000 | 52,500 | 139,290 | |||||||||
R.F. Haskayne(8)(9) | 109,840 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0 | 3,000 | 112,840 | 0 | |||||||||
K.L. Hawkins(3) | 30,000 | 6,000 | 4,000 | 12,000 | 18,000 | 12,000 | 6,000 | 58,000 | 139,290 | |||||||||
S.B. Jackson(8)(9) | 228,000 | 2,000 | N/A | 4,500 | 7,500 | 1,500 | 7,500 | 151,000 | 100,000 | |||||||||
P.L. Joskow(11) | 30,000 | 6,000 | N/A | 12,000 | 13,500 | 9,000 | 4,500 | 75,000 | 109,290 | |||||||||
D.P. O'Brien | 30,000 | 6,000 | N/A | 13,500 | 10,500 | 1,500 | 4,500 | 36,000 | 139,290 | |||||||||
J.R. Paul(9)(11) | 15,000 | 3,000 | N/A | 4,500 | 4,500 | 4,500 | 1,500 | 33,000 | 0 | |||||||||
H.G. Schaefer(3)(11) | 42,000 | 6,000 | 25,265 | 13,500 | 25,500 | 1,500 | 6,000 | 119,765 | 109,290 | |||||||||
W.T. Stephens(10)(12) | 22,500 | 4,500 | N/A | 4,500 | 4,500 | 1,500 | 0 | 37,500 | 0 | |||||||||
28 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
Share Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors
The Share Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors (1998) was established in 1998 and was last amended and restated in January 2005. The DSU Plan allows eligible Board members, on a quarterly basis, to direct their annual directors' retainer fee or, at the discretion of the Governance Committee, other board-related fees, to acquire units representing the right to acquire common shares or their cash equivalent. The DSU Plan also allows the Governance Committee to grant units as additional directors' compensation. In September 2005, a grant of 3,000 DSUs was made to each director other than the Chair and the CEO.
Initially the value of a DSU is equal to the market value of a common share at the time the directors are credited with the units. Thus each grant of 3,000 DSUs in September 2005 had an initial cash value of approximately $109,290. The value of a DSU, when redeemed, is equivalent to the market value of a common share at the time the redemption takes place. In addition, at the time dividends are declared and paid on the common shares each DSU accrues an amount equal to such dividends, which amount is then reinvested in additional DSUs at a price equal to the then market value of a common share. DSUs cannot be redeemed until the director ceases to be a member of the Board. Canadian directors may redeem for cash or common shares at their option. U.S. directors may only redeem for cash.
Executive Compensation and Other Information
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following is the Human Resources Committee (the "Committee") Report on Executive Compensation which outlines the policies of the Committee for determining compensation of TCPL's Executive Vice-Presidents and of the CEO (collectively, the "Executives").
Committee Information
Composition of the Committee
The Committee is composed of four directors, K.L. Hawkins (chair), W.K. Dobson, E.L. Draper, and D.P. O'Brien, all of whom are independent, as required by securities regulations. There are no interlocking relationships between the members of the Committee or between any member of the Committee and any of TCPL's current Executives. E.L. Draper joined the Committee in June 2005 as a replacement for S.B. Jackson who, as the newly elected Board Chair, became a non-voting member of the Committee. W.T. Stephens was a member of the Committee until his resignation in August 2005. The Committee reports to the Board on all material matters considered, recommended or approved by the Committee.
For further information on the composition and mandate of the Committee please refer to "Corporate Governance Statement of Corporate Governance Human Resources Committee". For further information on the independence of the Committee members please refer to "Corporate Governance Statement of Corporate Governance Independence of Directors".
Independent Advice
The Committee engages its own consultants and legal advisors, independent of those used by management, to gather information and deliver opinions and advice on various subjects including executive compensation, securities law and governance practices.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 29
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ADVISORY SERVICES
The Committee engaged Hewitt Associates (the "Consultant") to provide independent executive compensation consulting services to the Committee during 2005. The mandate of the Consultant was to provide an independent assessment of management's proposals relating to the compensation of the Executives. In 2005, the Consultant provided services to the Committee in accordance with this mandate.
If directed or approved by the chair of the Committee, the Consultant could also provide advice to management on significant changes to compensation philosophy or programs, or other compensation matters of the Company. These additional services were not provided to TCPL in 2005.
Meeting Protocol
In 2005, the Committee revised the timing of annually recurring items on its rolling agenda to provide better context for the discussion of related items. For most recurring items requiring Committee approval, a revised two step review process was adopted. Under this process, initial submissions are provided for the Committee's consideration at a meeting prior to the approval meeting. This allows the members time between meetings to request additional information and to raise and discuss further questions. The discussion is continued at a subsequent meeting after which a resolution is considered.
Executive Compensation Policies
Compensation Philosophy
The design of TCPL's Executive Compensation Program is based on a compensation philosophy that:
The Executive Compensation Program specifically provides for Total Direct Compensation ("TDC") which is a combination of base salary and performance-based incentives that reflect competitive pay in light of business achievement, fulfillment of individual objectives and overall job performance. The Committee approves all remuneration to be awarded through the Executive Compensation Program. TransCanada will continue to monitor market conditions and modify its Executive Compensation Program, if required, to ensure it remains competitive and aligned with TransCanada's compensation philosophy.
Determining Individual Executive Compensation
CONTEXT FOR DECISIONS
All compensation awarded annually to the Executives under the following plans is considered for each individual and approved by the Committee or, in the case of the CEO, recommended by the Committee to the Board for approval. The Committee approves or recommends the compensation awards, which are not contingent on the number, term or current value of other outstanding compensation previously awarded to the individual. However, the Committee is provided with summaries of the three-year history of awarded compensation, which is intended to provide further context for its annual decision-making.
30 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
MARKET COMPETITIVENESS
The Committee considers market compensation data provided by various external compensation sources. This data consists of summary compensation information from selected Canadian-based companies that are generally of similar size and scope to TCPL, and represent the market in which TCPL may compete for talent (the "Comparator Group").
The composition of the Comparator Group is reviewed annually by the Committee for its on-going business relevance to TCPL. An overview of the characteristics of the Comparator Group, as compared to TransCanada, is provided in the following table:
TCPL |
Comparator Group |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Industry |
North American Pipelines, Power |
Canadian Oil and Gas, Pipelines, Power, Utilities |
||||
Location |
Calgary |
Principally Alberta |
||||
Median |
75th Percentile |
|||||
Revenue(1) |
$ 5.5 billion |
$ 3.2 billion |
$ 8.5 billion |
|||
Market Capitalization(2) |
$15.6 billion |
$14.5 billion |
$25.0 billion |
|||
Assets(1) |
$22.4 billion |
$11.4 billion |
$14.2 billion |
|||
Employees(1) |
Approximately 2,300 |
2,249 |
4,000 |
PAY FOR PERFORMANCE
Awarding Compensation
When awarding annual compensation to the Executives, the Committee considers actual performance and results achieved against annual corporate and individual performance objectives. The annual TDC an Executive is awarded will vary in accordance with the following guidelines:
If Actual Performance
|
|
TDC will be
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Meets objectives / satisfactory | = | Comparable to the median of the Comparator Group | ||
Exceeds objectives / above satisfactory |
= |
Comparable to above-median compensation(1) |
||
Falls short of objectives / below satisfactory |
= |
Adjusted downward from the previous year(2) |
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 31
2005 Corporate Performance
TCPL sets annual corporate objectives directed at achieving the results required to deliver on TCPL's key longer-term strategies for growth and value creation. Below is a summary of the performance categories and highlights of results achieved in 2005.
Performance Category |
Examples of Performance Measures |
Highlights of Results Achieved in 2005 |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Financial performance | Earnings per share Funds generated from operations Total Shareholder Return |
Strong financial performance in 2005 including Earnings per share of $2.49, up from $2.13 in 2004; funds generated from operations increased significantly from 2004; the sale of TransCanada Power, L.P.; and a significant increase in Total Shareholder Return ("TSR"). | ||
Operational Excellence | Costs Environment Safety |
Exceeded objectives on productivity gains, made substantial reductions in targeted operating costs and significantly reduced carbon-dioxide ("CO2") emissions from key operations. | ||
Maximize TransCanada's competitive strength and enduring value | Stakeholder relationships Corporate reputation Organizational and people strengths Financial capacity and flexibility Excellence in value-creating strategy, analysis and investment execution |
The annual customer satisfaction survey found that TCPL maintained high levels of overall customer satisfaction and improved significantly in the area of senior management relationships. Continued to demonstrate strong corporate leadership in the areas of social responsibility, community investment, and corporate governance as evidenced by various honours awarded to TCPL. Improvements in employee performance management processes including leadership development, talent management and succession planning. Maintained strong financial capacity and credit ratings in Canada and the U.S. which has allowed the Company to complete large transactions. |
||
Grow and maximize long-term value of Gas Transmission business and grow Power business | Progress on longer-term value adding initiatives Greenfield projects Completed acquisitions |
Significant progress on longer-term initiatives including liquefied natural gas opportunities, northern gas pipeline development, Bruce Power "A" restart. Greenfield initiatives Mexican Tamazunchale Pipeline, Keystone oil pipeline project. Completed acquisitions Sheerness Power Purchase Agreement, USGen New England hydroelectric generation assets. |
||
To assess results achieved against corporate objectives, where appropriate, the Committee looks at both absolute and relative performance against specific peer companies. The Committee is of the view that both relative and absolute measures are required to give a balanced perspective of achievement.
The Committee and the Board were of the opinion that TCPL's 2005 performance delivered results that exceeded objectives in the areas of financial performance and growth and above satisfactory results on other notable objectives. On average, the Committee decided to award above-median TDC for Executives based on this achievement.
32 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
Value of Awarded Compensation
While annual compensation awards made to the Executives are based on current year corporate and individual performance, the ultimate value from longer-term components of the TDC awards is linked to and dependent upon TransCanada's ability to replicate and sustain annual performance over the longer term.
To ensure that the Company's longer-term compensation programs are effective in delivering on this intent, in 2005 the Committee reviewed modeled compensation scenarios for the Executives that illustrated the impact of various future corporate performance outcomes on previously awarded and outstanding compensation. The Committee found that the intended relationship between pay and performance was appropriate for all of the Executives, and that, in aggregate, the resulting compensation modeled under various performance scenarios was reasonable, not excessive, and delivered the intended differentiation of compensation value based on performance.
COMPONENTS OF TDC
TCPL's TDC is structured to place most of the Executive's compensation at risk. Disclosure of the actual components of TDC for the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer and the three other most highly compensated executive officers based on salary and bonus value earned and received during the 2005 financial year (collectively, the "Named Executive Officers") is noted in the table "Elements of the Executive Compensation Program" below.
2005 Executive Compensation Program
Elements of the Executive Compensation Program
In 2005, the Executive Compensation Program consisted of four direct compensation elements: base salary, short-term annual cash incentives, performance share units issued under the mid-term incentive plan and stock options issued under the long-term incentive plan. The following table provides an overview of these elements:
Component of TDC |
Type of Compensation |
Average Pay Mix(1) |
Element |
Form |
Plan |
Performance Period |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FIXED | Annual | 28% of TDC |
Base Salary | Cash | "Base Pay Program" | 1 year | ||||||
VARIABLE | Annual | 27% of TDC |
Short-term Incentive | Cash | "Incentive Compensation Program" | 1 year | ||||||
Longer-term | 31% of TDC |
Medium-term Incentive | Performance Share Units | "Executive Share Unit Plan" | Up to 3 years with vesting at end of term | |||||||
14% of TDC |
Long-term Incentive | Stock Options | "Stock Option Plan" | Vesting 331/3% each year for 3 years with a 7 year term | ||||||||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 33
Overview of Executive Compensation Elements
FIXED COMPENSATION
Base Pay Program
The Base Pay Program provides a fixed level of income based on the market value of a role. In accordance with TCPL's market-based compensation practices, all Executive roles are individually matched to similar roles in the Comparator Group. Base salaries are typically targeted at the median of the market and are reviewed annually. Variance from the median could occur on the basis of sustained individual performance or material changes in an Executive's responsibilities.
VARIABLE COMPENSATION ANNUAL
The Committee has intentionally moved away from a formulaically driven variable compensation program to a program based on sound judgement and discretion at the Board and Committee levels. The Committee is of the view that formulas and weightings applied to forward-looking objectives may lead to unintended consequences for compensation purposes. For this reason, there are no pre-established weightings applied to measures or formulaic calculations used to determine payments for Executives from TCPL's performance-based annual variable compensation program. The Committee's comprehensive assessment of overall business performance of TCPL, including corporate performance against stated objectives, business circumstances and, where appropriate, relative performance against peers, provides the context for individual Executive evaluations for annual variable compensation payments.
Incentive Compensation Program
Short-term annual incentives are awarded through the Incentive Compensation Program (the "IC Program"). The IC Program provides for the opportunity to receive annual cash payments based on individual performance measured against pre-established annual business and individual objectives, within the context of overall corporate performance.
Corporate performance provides the baseline from which individual assessments are made. The actual incentive awards for the Executives are based on the Committee's subjective and discretionary assessment of the Executive's contribution to the corporate results based on his or her achievement against individual objectives. The awards are provided under the pay-for-performance guidelines noted above. Payments from the IC Program are made in the first quarter following the completion of the financial year.
VARIABLE COMPENSATION LONGER-TERM
As noted earlier in this report, TDC value awarded to the Executives in a given year reflects competitive pay in light of individual and corporate performance. The total value of longer-term variable compensation granted each year is established as part of an Executive's overall performance-based TDC, where:
34 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
Once the Total LTIP value has been established by the Committee, the value is divided between the Executive Share Unit Plan (the "ESU" Plan) and the Stock Option Plan. The Committee determines the actual division of Total LTIP value in a given year at its discretion and takes into account a number of factors including:
For the ESU Plan, consideration is given to the budget accrual requirements for the term of each grant. For stock options, consideration is given to overhang (i.e., the total number of stock options available for issue, plus all stock options outstanding that have not yet been exercised) and burn rates (i.e., the number of stock options issued each year as a percent of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of TransCanada). The Committee reviews these funding requirements to balance the impact both may have to TCPL.
From a design perspective, the ESU Plan is intended to align the Executives' performance with medium-term performance objectives that support the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders. The Stock Option Plan aligns the Executives' interests with the longer-term growth and profitability of TCPL, ultimately enhancing shareholder value. The Committee gives consideration to the Executive's ability to impact the performance outcomes measured in the different plan designs.
The value of granted stock options cannot be determined until the date of grant. Once that economic value of stock options is known, the actual value ultimately granted via the ESU Plan may be adjusted. This adjustment is necessary to reconcile the cumulative longer-term value actually granted via the two plans to the Total LTIP value that is determined by the Committee.
Under this approach the Total LTIP value could potentially be different year over year based on performance or operational considerations. As a result, the number of ESU units and stock options granted each year may also vary. In recent years, approximately 70% of the Total LTIP value has been awarded through the ESU Plan and 30% through the Stock Option Plan.
Executive Share Unit Plan
Medium-term incentives are granted through the ESU Plan. The purpose of this plan is to align a considerable portion of each participants' compensation with medium-term performance objectives that support the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders. Participants in this plan include all executive and senior management employees of TCPL.
Under the ESU Plan, participants receive a provisional grant of units that is valued based on the price of TransCanada's common shares at the time of grant. Vesting of the grants is subject to the attainment of specific business performance objectives set by the Committee at the time of grant. Throughout the three-year term of the grant, participants are credited with additional value from dividends declared and paid to TransCanada's shareholders.
At the end of the grant term, actual results are compared against the performance objectives and participant unit totals and provisional dividend accruals are adjusted based on this assessment. The resulting vested units are then valued based on the price of TransCanada's common shares at the time of vesting. Participants receive a cash payment, less statutory withholdings, for their total settlement value. The dividend value relative to the number of vested units is added to the vested unit value to calculate the total settlement value.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 35
In 2005, participants received a grant of units that was valued based on the weighted average closing price for TransCanada's common shares on the TSX for the five trading days prior to and including the grant date. The Committee established specific objectives for Threshold, Target and Maximum performance levels, the achievement of which will adjust payment amounts as follows:
Performance Level |
|
Unit Total Adjustment |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Below Threshold | = | zero units vest; no payment is made | ||
At Threshold | = | 50% of units vest for payment | ||
At Target | = | 100% of units vest for payment | ||
At or Above Maximum | = | 150% of units vest for payment |
The performance criteria which need to be met for the vesting of the 2005 grant consisted of:
There are no pre-established weightings applied to these measures nor are there formulaic calculations used to create the performance achievement for the plan. The Committee uses its judgement and discretion to assess overall performance in light of the stated criteria and business circumstances surrounding the performance achievement.
If the actual performance achievement is determined by the Committee to align at a point between Threshold and Target, or Target and Maximum levels, the Committee will determine the number of units and dividend accruals that vest on a pro-rata basis. The formula to determine the value of the vested units is based on the weighted average closing price of TransCanada's common shares on the TSX during the five trading days immediately prior to and including the valuation date.
For the purposes of executive compensation disclosure, grants under the ESU Plan are reported as long term incentives in this AIF.
Stock Option Plan
Long-term incentives are granted to the Executives through the Stock Option Plan. This plan aligns the Executives' interests with the longer term growth and profitability of TransCanada, ultimately enhancing shareholder value. Participants benefit only if the market value of TransCanada's common shares at the time of stock option exercise is greater than the market value of such shares at the time of grant. As of 2005, only executive-level employees participate in the Stock Option Plan.
The formula to determine the exercise price of a stock option is based on the price of a TransCanada common share as of the date of grant. The exercise price is set as the greater of the closing price on the grant date or the weighted average closing price on the TSX during the five trading days immediately prior to the grant date. Stock options granted in 2005 vest 331/3% on each anniversary of the grant date for a period of three years. Vested stock options from this grant may be exercised until their expiry, which is seven years from the grant date.
Share Ownership Guidelines
The Committee is of the opinion that executives should hold an interest in TransCanada in order to align their financial interests with those of shareholders. In January 2003, all of the Executives and certain additional executive and senior-level employees of the Company were given guidelines to achieve an interest level that the Committee viewed as
36 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
significant in relation to each employee's base salary. The specified employees have five years to meet the following guidelines:
CEO | 3 times base salary | |||||
Executive Vice Presidents | 2 times base salary | |||||
Other Senior Employees | 1 times base salary |
In calculating their interest in TransCanada, these employees may include the value of shares owned and any outstanding units granted under the ESU Plan. The Committee receives regular updates on employee ownership levels and compliance with the guidelines. As of December 31, 2005, all Named Executive Officers have met or exceeded these guidelines.
Changes Made for the 2005 Executive Compensation Program
ESU Plan
A review of the ESU Plan design was undertaken in 2004 to further enhance its alignment to TCPL's compensation philosophy. As a result of this review, changes were approved by the Committee and implemented commencing with the 2005 grant.
Grants reported in the "Summary Compensation Table" (below) for the years 2003 and 2004 were granted under the previous design. The key differences between the previous and current design include the expansion of the performance levels and the recalibration of performance objectives as set out below.
|
Below Threshold |
Threshold |
Target |
Maximum |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Previous Design (for 2003 & 2004 grants) |
Zero payout |
Requires stretch but achievable performance; 50% of granted units payout |
Very difficult stretch performance requirements; 100% granted units payout |
N/A |
||||
Current Design (for 2005 grants onward) |
Zero payout |
Requires acceptable performance; 50% of granted units payout |
Requires stretch but achievable performance; 100% granted units payout |
Very difficult stretch performance requirements; 150% granted units payout |
||||
With the previous design, there was a significant risk of grant forfeiture due to the difficulty of the performance requirements at both the Threshold and Target levels. Grants were made with higher nominal values (i.e., more units) in recognition of this significant risk. The current design provides for recognition of both satisfactory and excellent performance without the requirement for higher nominal grant values to deliver the same intended level of competitive compensation over the longer term.
Previously, the share price used to value units was the closing price on the TSX on the grant date. Starting with the 2005 grant, the share price used to value the units at the time of grant reflects the weighted average closing price for TransCanada's common shares on the TSX for the five trading days prior to and including the grant date. The change was made to align the grant valuation process with the payout valuation process.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 37
Inactive Executive Compensation Plans
The following section provides information pertaining to executive compensation plans under which grants or awards are no longer made. However, outstanding grants or awards from these noted plans continue to be disclosed as compensation for the Named Executive Officers in the various tables contained under the heading "Executive Compensation" below.
Stock Option Plan Prior to 2003
Prior to 2003 the Stock Option Plan was administered by the Committee to provide for stock options with an exercise period of ten years with 25% vesting on the grant date and 25% each year for the next three years.
Performance Unit Plan
The Performance Unit Plan (the "PUP") was established in 1995 and included participants in the executive and senior management employee groups. In July 2002, the Committee amended the plan so that, starting in 2003, no further grants would be made under the PUP but accruals on existing grants will continue until the last grants expire in 2012.
Until 2003, one unit from the PUP ("PUP unit") was granted in tandem with each stock option granted under the Stock Option Plan. Each PUP unit is eligible for an annual cash accrual up to the total value of dividends paid on one common share in the preceding financial year. The accrual is made if TransCanada's TSR is equal to or greater than the average TSR of other specified Canadian companies with which TransCanada competes for capital (the "PUP Peer Group"). The Committee has full discretion to award the full or a lesser accrual value if TransCanada's absolute TSR is below that of the PUP Peer Group average.
A PUP unit vests three years after the grant date and is deemed to be automatically redeemed on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. Once vested, a PUP unit may be exercised for the dollar value accrued on the unit at any time and prior to the tenth anniversary of the grant. However, the vested PUP unit may only be exercised if the stock option granted in tandem with the PUP unit is concurrently exercised, or has been previously exercised. If the underlying stock option is exercised before the PUP unit is vested, the PUP unit is forfeited.
Compensation of the President and Chief Executive Officer
The components of TDC for the CEO are the same as those for the other Executives, namely base salary, short-term incentive (from the IC program), medium-term incentive (from the ESU Plan) and long-term incentive (from the Stock Option Plan). Annually, the Committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding the CEO's compensation based on the same market-based, performance-related basis as for the other Executives. As with the other Executives, there are no pre-established weightings applied to the CEO's personal performance objectives or formulaic calculations performed to determine his annual variable compensation payments.
Overview of Performance
The Committee assesses the performance of the CEO on the basis of achievement against personal and corporate performance objectives approved by the Committee at the beginning of the year, as well as his overall contribution to the success of the Company. For 2005, Mr. Kvisle's personal objectives focused on the following areas:
ACHIEVEMENT OF CORPORATE OBJECTIVES
As previously noted, the Board has reviewed TCPL's financial and non-financial results for 2005, and assessed that the Company has met or exceeded all of the stated performance objectives, and that Mr. Kvisle played a key role in achieving these outcomes.
38 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
VALUE CREATION
Mr. Kvisle played a key role in delivering major value added initiatives in 2005. The completion of the USGen New England acquisition of hydroelectric generation facilities and the Sheerness Power Purchase Agreement will add significant earnings in the Power business. The Company began construction on the Tamazunchale Pipeline project in Mexico, and commissioned the Grandview co-generation power plant. Significant progress was made on major longer-term initiatives including liquefied natural gas opportunities, northern gas pipeline development, the Keystone oil pipeline project, and a project to restart units at Bruce Power. All of these initiatives deliver on the Company's objectives of growing its gas transmission and power businesses.
CREATING A STRONG MANAGEMENT TEAM
The Company continues to focus on developing highly motivated leaders with strong capabilities, enthused by and aligned with TCPL's strategies and corporate objectives. Mr. Kvisle provided leadership in 2005 as the organization focused on improving employee performance management and feedback processes, and on creating succession plans for key senior level positions.
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
Through his actions in 2005, Mr. Kvisle continued to demonstrate his commitment to building long term winning relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, governments, shareholders, regulators and first nations. Strong relationships with these stakeholders are considered key to the Company's long term success. The Company's annual customer satisfaction survey in 2005 reflected significant improvements in senior level relationships with customers.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Mr. Kvisle leads the Company's focus on managing operating and administrative costs, providing responsive and reliable service, organizational effectiveness and achieving health, safety and environment standards. For 2005 the Company's actual operating and administrative costs were under budget. The Company received excellent scores on its customer survey for its transactional efficiency and effectiveness, and reduced CO2 emissions from its operations.
INVESTOR CONFIDENCE
Under Mr. Kvisle's leadership, the Company has maintained a disciplined consistent strategy, delivered strong financial results and allowed the Board the ability to increase the dividend in 2005 from $1.16 to $1.22. This contributed to an increase in TransCanada's share price from $29.80 at the end of 2004 to $36.65 at Year End. TSR in 2005 was approximately 28%.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND REPUTATION
TCPL is proud of its adherence to best practices in corporate governance and the Company's strong reputation. Mr. Kvisle played a key role in ensuring the Company is held to the highest standard in this regard. The Company has been recognized with several awards for its governance practices, social responsibility and community investment.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 39
Summary of Performance
The Committee assessed Mr. Kvisle's results and concluded that his performance exceeded his individual objectives in 2005 and made this recommendation to the Board.
The Board is of the view that Mr. Kvisle's overall achievements and performance exceeded his individual objectives in 2005, resulting in his TDC being positioned in the top quartile TDC for similar roles in the Comparator Group. In making this determination, the Board considered the achievement of the Company and Mr. Kvisle's individual objectives (both financial and non financial) as well as significant economic, industrial and market circumstances that influenced the performance of TCPL.
This Report on Executive Compensation is submitted on behalf of the Human Resources Committee of the Board:
K.L. Hawkins (Chair) | D.P O'Brien | |||
W.K. Dobson | E.L. Draper |
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following chart compares the five-year cumulative TSR on the TransCanada (formerly TCPL) common shares to the S&P/TSX composite index (assuming reinvestment of dividends and considering a $100 investment in common shares on December 31, 2000).
|
Dec. 31, 2000 |
Dec. 31, 2001 |
Dec. 31, 2002 |
Dec. 31, 2003 |
Dec. 31, 2004 |
Dec. 31, 2005 |
Compound Annual Growth |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TransCanada | 100 | 121.1 | 146.0 | 185.4 | 206.6 | 263.9 | 21.4% | |||||||
TSX | 100 | 87.4 | 76.6 | 97.0 | 111.1 | 137.9 | 6.6% | |||||||
40 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
REMUNERATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF TCPL
The Executives also serve as executive officers of TCPL. An aggregate remuneration is paid for serving as an executive of TransCanada and for service as an executive officer of TCPL. Since TransCanada does not hold any assets directly other than the common shares of TCPL, all executive employee costs are assumed by TCPL according to a management services agreement between the two companies.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
All compensation values noted in this section are derived from compensation plans and programs that are described in detail under the section "Report on Executive Compensation" or from retirement arrangements reported under the section "Pension and Retirement Benefits" elsewhere in this AIF.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table outlines the summary of compensation earned in the 2005, 2004 and 2003 financial years by the Named Executive Officers.
|
ANNUAL COMPENSATION |
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION |
|
|||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards |
Payouts |
|
|||||||||
Name and Principal Position of the Named Executive Officers (a) |
Year (b) |
Salary(1) ($) (c) |
Bonus(2) ($) (d) |
Other Annual Compensation(3) ($) (e) |
Securities Under Options Granted(4) (#) (f) |
Shares or Units Subject to Resale Restriction ($) (g) |
LTIP Payouts(5) ($) (h) |
All Other Compensation(6) ($) (i) |
||||||||
H.N. Kvisle President and Chief Executive Officer |
2005 2004 2003 |
1,050,003 871,251 772,503 |
1,300,000 1,100,000 900,000 |
|
160,000 165,000 200,000 |
|
1,852,433 |
10,417 8,665 35,703 |
||||||||
R.K. Girling Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development and Chief Financial Officer |
2005 2004 2003 |
460,032 457,524 443,751 |
500,000 460,000 430,000 |
|
60,000 60,000 80,000 |
|
740,973 |
25,600 25,571 21,494 |
||||||||
A.J. Pourbaix Executive Vice-President, Power |
2005 2004 2003 |
440,001 407,505 382,506 |
500,000 450,000 430,000 |
|
60,000 60,000 80,000 |
|
740,973 |
49,691 46,148 36,867 |
||||||||
R.J. Turner Executive Vice-President, Gas Transmission |
2005 2004 2003 |
450,000 450,000 447,501 |
350,000 340,000 300,000 |
|
40,000 40,000 60,000 |
|
555,730 |
4,500 42,578 46,779 |
||||||||
D.M. Wishart Executive Vice-President, Operations and Engineering |
2005 2004 2003 |
372,504 335,004 279,435 |
400,000 330,000 270,000 |
|
40,000 40,000 40,000 |
|
370,487 |
3,713 3,325 4,427 |
||||||||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 41
This column also includes the value of salary paid in lieu of vacation based on the election of the Named Executive Officer and the value of TCPL's contributions under the Employee Stock Savings Plan made on behalf of the Named Executive Officer for the noted financial year. Named Executive Officers may participate in the Employee Stock Savings Plan on the same basis as all other TCPL employees. Each employee may contribute by payroll deduction toward the purchase of common shares. TCPL matches the employee-directed contribution in an amount equal to 25% of the employee amount to a maximum additional TCPL contribution of 1% of the employee's base salary. In the 2005 Proxy Circular, the information in this column was disclosed under column (e). Additionally, the Company is no longer including the value of employee contributions to the Employee Stock Savings Plan as these are funded through flex credit allocation and are part of the employee benefit program available to all employees of TCPL.
Long-Term Incentive Plan Tables
2005 ESU Plan Grants
The following table outlines the grants made under the ESU Plan that were approved in February 2005. These grants are still unvested and outstanding as of December 31, 2005. These outstanding grants have not yet been recorded as LTIP Payouts in the Summary Compensation Table, Column (h), above.
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Securities-Price-Based Plans (units)(2) |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Securities, Units or Other Rights(1) (#) |
Performance or Other Period Until Maturation or Payout |
||||||||||
Name |
Below Threshold (#) |
Threshold (#) |
Target (#) |
Maximum (#) |
||||||||
H.N. Kvisle | 65,320 | Dec. 31, 2007 | 0 | 32,660 | 65,320 | 97,980 | ||||||
R.K. Girling | 18,349 | Dec. 31, 2007 | 0 | 9,175 | 18,349 | 27,524 | ||||||
A.J. Pourbaix | 15,657 | Dec. 31, 2007 | 0 | 7,828 | 15,657 | 23,485 | ||||||
R.J. Turner | 12,458 | Dec. 31, 2007 | 0 | 6,229 | 12,458 | 18,687 | ||||||
D.M. Wishart | 12,458 | Dec. 31, 2007 | 0 | 6,229 | 12,458 | 18,687 | ||||||
42 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
2004 ESU Plan Grants
This section includes information on ESU Plan grants that were made in 2004. These grants are still unvested and outstanding as of December 31, 2005. These outstanding grants have not yet been recorded as LTIP Payouts in the Summary Compensation Table, Column (h), above.
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Securities-Price-Based Plans (units)(2) |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Securities, Units or Other Rights(1) (#) |
Performance or Other Period Until Maturation or Payout |
||||||||||
Name |
Below Threshold (#) |
Threshold (#) |
Target (#) |
Maximum (#) |
||||||||
H.N. Kvisle | 73,185 | Dec. 31, 2006 | 0 | 36,593 | 73,185 | 73,185 | ||||||
R.K. Girling | 29,275 | Dec. 31, 2006 | 0 | 14,638 | 29,275 | 29,275 | ||||||
A.J. Pourbaix | 26,140 | Dec. 31, 2006 | 0 | 13,070 | 26,140 | 26,140 | ||||||
R.J. Turner | 21,540 | Dec. 31, 2006 | 0 | 10,770 | 21,540 | 21,540 | ||||||
D.M. Wishart | 21,540 | Dec. 31, 2006 | 0 | 10,770 | 21,540 | 21,540 | ||||||
2003 ESU Plan Grants
The following table outlines the ESU Plan grants that were made in 2003 and vested in 2005. The table reconciles the value paid to the Named Executive Officers which is disclosed under LTIP Payouts in the Summary Compensation Table, Column (h) above.
Name |
Securities, Units or Other Rights(1) (#) |
Performance or Other Period Until Maturation or Payout |
Vested Units From Grants(2) (#) |
Vested Value From Grants(3) ($) |
Vested Value From Dividends(4) ($) |
Total Settlement(5) ($) |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H.N. Kvisle | 50,000 | Dec. 31, 2005 | 45,000 | 1,647,000 | 205,433 | 1,852,433 | ||||||
R.K. Girling | 20,000 | Dec. 31, 2005 | 18,000 | 658,800 | 82,173 | 740,973 | ||||||
A.J. Pourbaix | 20,000 | Dec. 31, 2005 | 18,000 | 658,800 | 82,173 | 740,973 | ||||||
R.J. Turner | 15,000 | Dec. 31, 2005 | 13,500 | 494,100 | 61,630 | 555,730 | ||||||
D.M. Wishart | 10,000 | Dec. 31, 2005 | 9,000 | 329,400 | 41,087 | 370,487 | ||||||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 43
Supplemental Disclosure 2006 ESU Plan Grants
Decisions regarding ESU Plan grants are made annually by the Committee in February prior to the publication of the AIF. Although not a requirement, TCPL discloses these compensation grants for the Named Executive Officers. The following table outlines the grants under the ESU Plan made in 2006:
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Securities-Price-Based Plans (units)(2) |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Securities, Units or Other Rights(1) (#) |
Performance or Other Period Until Maturation or Payout |
||||||||||
Name |
Below Threshold (#) |
Threshold (#) |
Target (#) |
Maximum (#) |
||||||||
H.N. Kvisle | 52,391 | Dec. 31, 2008 | 0 | 26,195 | 52,391 | 78,586 | ||||||
R.K. Girling | 16,893 | Dec. 31, 2008 | 0 | 8,447 | 16,893 | 25,340 | ||||||
A.J. Pourbaix | 16,893 | Dec. 31, 2008 | 0 | 8,447 | 16,893 | 25,340 | ||||||
R.J. Turner | 8,958 | Dec. 31, 2008 | 0 | 4,479 | 8,958 | 13,436 | ||||||
D.M. Wishart | 8,958 | Dec. 31, 2008 | 0 | 4,479 | 8,958 | 13,436 | ||||||
44 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
The following table outlines PUP grants made to the Named Executive Officers. The estimated future payouts set out in the table include all accruals up to and including the accrual approved for the most recently completely financial year.
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Securities-Price-Based Plans(3) |
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Securities, Units or Other Rights(1) (#) |
Performance or Other Period Until Maturation or Payout(2) |
|
|||||||
Name |
Below Threshold(4) ($) |
Maximum(4) ($) |
Total Settlement(5) ($) |
|||||||
H.N. Kvisle | 150,000 100,000 42,500 55,000 50,000 90,000 |
25-Feb-12 20-Mar-11 27-Feb-11 28-Feb-10 01-Feb-10 01-Sep-09 |
0 0 0 0 0 0 |
620,850 503,900 214,158 325,545 295,950 532,710 |
|
|||||
R.K. Girling | 65,000 45,000 45,000 50,000 20,000 25,000 25,000 25,162 |
25-Feb-12 27-Feb-11 28-Feb-10 01-Feb-10 29-Jul-09 01-Mar-09 03-Dec-08 09-Dec-07 |
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
269,035 226,755 266,355 295,950 118,380 147,975 147,975 179,380 |
|
|||||
A.J. Pourbaix | 65,000 35,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 17,500 |
25-Feb-12 27-Feb-11 28-Feb-10 01-Feb-10 01-Mar-09 03-Dec-08 |
0 0 0 0 0 0 |
269,035 176,365 118,380 118,380 118,380 103,583 |
|
|||||
R.J. Turner | 50,000 42,500 35,000 50,000 20,000 40,000 |
25-Feb-12 27-Feb-11 28-Feb-10 01-Feb-10 29-Jul-09 01-Mar-09 |
0 0 0 0 0 0 |
206,950 214,158 207,165 295,950 118,380 236,760 |
|
|||||
D.M. Wishart | 30,000 35,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 25,162 |
25-Feb12 27-Feb-11 28-Feb-10 01-Feb10 01-Mar-09 09-Dec-07 |
0 0 0 0 0 0 |
124,170 176,365 118,380 118,380 118,380 179,380 |
|
|||||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 45
Equity Compensation Plan Tables
2005 Stock Option Plan Grant
The following table outlines the grants made under the Stock Option Plan to each of the Named Executive Officers during the 2005 financial year.
Name |
Date of Grant |
Number of Common Shares Under Options Granted(1) |
% of Total Options Granted to Employees in 2005 |
Exercise Price ($/common share)(2) |
Market Value of Common Shares Underlying Options on the Date of Grant ($/common share) |
Expiration Date |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H.N. Kvisle | 28-Feb-05 | 160,000 | 14.88% | 30.09 | 29.72 | 28-Feb-12 | ||||||
R.K. Girling | 28-Feb-05 | 60,000 | 5.58% | 30.09 | 29.72 | 28-Feb-12 | ||||||
A.J. Pourbaix | 28-Feb-05 | 60,000 | 5.58% | 30.09 | 29.72 | 28-Feb-12 | ||||||
R.J. Turner | 28-Feb-05 | 40,000 | 3.72% | 30.09 | 29.72 | 28-Feb-12 | ||||||
D.M. Wishart | 28-Feb-05 | 40,000 | 3.72% | 30.09 | 29.72 | 28-Feb-12 | ||||||
Aggregate Stock Option Exercises During 2005 and 2005 Year-End Stock Option Values
The following table outlines, for each of the Named Executive Officers:
46 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
|
|
|
Unexercised Options at December 31, 2005 (#) |
Value of Unexercised in-the-Money Options at December 31, 2005(1) ($) |
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Common Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
Aggregate Value Realized ($) |
||||||||||
Name |
Exercisable |
Unexercisable |
Exercisable |
Unexercisable |
||||||||
H.N. Kvisle | 195,000 | 2,928,834 | 480,833 | 336,667 | 7,258,529 | 3,082,271 | ||||||
R.K. Girling | 0 | 0 | 138,333 | 126,667 | 1,949,029 | 1,167,471 | ||||||
A.J. Pourbaix | 100,000 | 1,030,445 | 110,833 | 126,667 | 1,522,628 | 1,167,471 | ||||||
R.J. Turner | 87,094 | 1,278,118 | 165,833 | 86,667 | 2,578,063 | 810,136 | ||||||
D.M. Wishart | 40,000 | 788,835 | 150,162 | 80,000 | 1,924,510 | 714,665 | ||||||
Supplemental Disclosure 2006 Stock Option Plan Grants
Decisions regarding stock option grants are made annually by the Committee in February prior to the publication of the AIF. Although not a requirement, TCPL discloses these compensation grants for the Named Executive Officers. The following table outlines the stock option grants under the Stock Option Plan made in 2006:
Name |
Date of Grant |
Number of Common Shares Under Options Granted(1) |
% of Total Options Granted to Employees in 2006(2) |
Exercise Price ($/common share)(3) |
Market Value of Common Shares Underlying Options on the Date of Grant ($/common share) |
Expiration Date |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H.N. Kvisle | 27-Feb-06 | 250,000 | 20.82% | 35.23 | 35.23 | 27-Feb-13 | ||||||
R.K. Girling | 27-Feb-06 | 90,000 | 7.49% | 35.23 | 35.23 | 27-Feb-13 | ||||||
A.J. Pourbaix | 27-Feb-06 | 90,000 | 7.49% | 35.23 | 35.23 | 27-Feb-13 | ||||||
R.J. Turner | 27-Feb-06 | 55,000 | 4.58% | 35.23 | 35.23 | 27-Feb-13 | ||||||
D.M. Wishart | 27-Feb-06 | 55,000 | 4.58% | 35.23 | 35.23 | 27-Feb-13 | ||||||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 47
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Stock Option Plan
The Stock Option Plan is the only compensation plan under which equity securities of TransCanada have been authorized for issuance. Stock options may be granted to such employees of TCPL as the Committee may from time to time determine. Starting in 2005, the Committee determined that only executive-level employees will participate in the plan. The following provides key information regarding the Stock Option Plan provisions:
Under the terms of the Stock Option Plan, the maximum number of common shares reserved for issuance as stock options to any one participant cannot exceed 5% of TransCanada's common shares then issued and outstanding. There are no restrictions on the number of stock options that may be granted to insiders, subject to the foregoing limitation. Stock options cannot be transferred or assigned by participants other than by will or by participants who for any reason are unable to manage their affairs.
Stock options granted as of 2003 onward vest as to one-third on each anniversary of the grant date for a period of three years and have a seven year expiry date. The exercise price of a stock option is equal to the greater of the closing price of a common share on the grant date and the weighted average closing price of a common share on the TSX during the five trading days immediately prior to the grant date of the stock options.
Administrative changes were made to the use of the Stock Option Plan in 2003 which did not require an amendment to the terms of the plan. More information on these changes is found in "Inactive Executive Compensation Plans Stock Option Plan Prior to 2003".
Under the current terms of the Stock Option Plan, stock options expire on the earlier of:
48 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
The following table outlines the current action prescribed by the Stock Option Plan, following an employment event:
Employment Event | Action | |
Resignation(1): | The participant may exercise outstanding exercisable stock options no later than six months after the last day of active employment, after which date all outstanding stock options are forfeited. | |
Termination without cause: | The participant may exercise outstanding exercisable stock options no later than the last day of the notice period, after which date all outstanding stock options are forfeited. | |
Termination for cause(1): | The participant may exercise outstanding exercisable stock options no later than six months after the last day of active employment, after which date all outstanding stock options are forfeited. | |
Subject to applicable securities laws and rules, the Committee has the power to amend or discontinue this plan at any time; provided, however, that any amendment which increases the number of common shares that may be issued under the Plan must be approved by the shareholders of TransCanada. Any such amendment shall not alter or impair the rights of any participants without their consent.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table outlines the number of common shares to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding stock options under the Stock Option Plan, the weighted-average exercise price of the outstanding stock options, and the number of common shares available for future issuance under the Stock Option Plan, all as at December 31, 2005.
Plan Category |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options (a) |
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options (b) |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 8,714,390 | $22.67 | 3,391,764 | |||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||
TOTAL | 8,714,390 | $22.67 | 3,391,764 | |||
PENSION AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR EXECUTIVES
Pension and Retirement Benefits
TCPL's Canadian pension plans are designed to attract and retain employees for the long term and to provide employees with a lifetime annual retirement income.
Base Pension Plan
All TCPL Canadian employees participate in the TCPL Registered Pension Plan, which is now solely a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan. The Registered Pension Plan previously provided three benefit options, a defined benefit, a defined contribution and a combination option (defined benefit and defined contribution). It was amended on October 1, 2001 to eliminate the combination option for new members and on January 1, 2003 to eliminate the defined contribution option.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 49
The normal retirement age under the Registered Pension Plan is age 60 or any age between 55 and 60 where the sum of an employee's age and continuous service equals 85. Employees are eligible to retire prior to their normal retirement date, but the benefit payable is subject to early retirement reduction factors. The defined benefit plan is integrated with Canada Pension Plan benefits. The benefit calculation is:
1.25% of an employee's Highest Average Earnings(1) up to the Final Average(2) YMPE(3)
plus
1.75% of an employee's Highest Average Earnings above the Final Average YMPE
multiplied by
the employee's years of credited service in the Registered Pension Plan ("Credited Pensionable Service")
Registered defined benefit pension plans are subject to a maximum annual benefit accrual under the Income Tax Act (Canada), which is currently $2,111 for each year of Credited Pensionable Service, with the result that benefits cannot be earned in the Registered Pension Plan on compensation above approximately $132,000 per annum.
Supplemental Pension Plan
All TCPL employees with pensionable earnings over the Income Tax Act (Canada) ceiling of $132,000, including the Named Executive Officers, participate in the Company's non-contributory defined benefit Supplemental Pension Plan. Approximately 393 TCPL employees currently participate in the Supplemental Pension Plan.
The Supplemental Pension Plan is funded through a retirement compensation arrangement under the Income Tax Act (Canada). Subject to the Board's approval, contributions to the fund are based on an annual actuarial valuation of the Supplemental Pension Plan obligations calculated on the basis of the plan terminating at the beginning of each calendar year.
The annual pension benefit under the Supplemental Pension Plan is equal to 1.75% multiplied by the employee's Credited Pensionable Service multiplied by the amount by which such employee's highest average earnings exceed the ceiling imposed under the Income Tax Act (Canada) and are recognized under the Registered Pension Plan.
Generally, neither the Registered Pension Plan nor the Supplemental Pension Plan provide for the recognition of past service. However, the Committee may, under the provisions of the Supplemental Pension Plan, at its sole discretion, grant additional years of credited service to executive employees.
Under the Registered Pension Plan and the Supplemental Pension Plan, TCPL employees, including the Named Executive Officers, will receive the following normal form of pension:
50 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
In lieu of the normal form of pension, optional forms of pension payment may be chosen provided that any legally required waivers are completed.
The following table sets out the estimated annual defined benefit plan benefits (based on the "joint and 60% survivor" method) payable for credited service under the Registered Pension Plan and the Supplemental Pension Plan (excluding amounts payable under the Canada Pension Plan) for employees with the following Highest Average Earnings and Credited Pensionable Service. The benefits listed in the table are not subject to any deduction for social security or other offset amounts such as Canada Pension Plan or the Québec Pension Plan.
|
Years of Credited Pensionable Service |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Highest Average Earnings |
||||||||||||
10 Years |
15 Years |
20 Years |
25 Years |
30 Years |
35 Years |
|||||||
$ 400,000 | $68,000 | $102,000 | $136,000 | $170,000 | $204,000 | $238,000 | ||||||
600,000 | 103,000 | 154,000 | 206,000 | 257,000 | 309,000 | 360,000 | ||||||
800,000 | 138,000 | 207,000 | 276,000 | 345,000 | 414,000 | 483,000 | ||||||
1,000,000 | 173,000 | 259,000 | 346,000 | 432,000 | 519,000 | 605,000 | ||||||
1,200,000 | 208,000 | 312,000 | 416,000 | 520,000 | 624,000 | 728,000 | ||||||
1,400,000 | 243,000 | 364,000 | 486,000 | 607,000 | 729,000 | 850,000 | ||||||
1,600,000 | 278,000 | 417,000 | 556,000 | 695,000 | 834,000 | 973,000 | ||||||
1,800,000 | 313,000 | 469,000 | 626,000 | 782,000 | 939,000 | 1,095,000 | ||||||
2,000,000 | 348,000 | 522,000 | 696,000 | 870,000 | 1,044,000 | 1,218,000 | ||||||
2,200,000 | 383,000 | 574,000 | 766,000 | 957,000 | 1,149,000 | 1,340,000 | ||||||
2,400,000 | 418,000 | 627,000 | 836,000 | 1,045,000 | 1,254,000 | 1,463,000 | ||||||
Based on their current Highest Average Earnings and assuming the Named Executive Officers remain employed by TCPL until age 60 and that the Registered Pension Plan and Supplemental Pension Plan remain in force substantially in their present form, the Named Executive Officers will have the number of years of Credited Pensionable Service and benefit payable set out below under their names:
H.N. Kvisle(1) |
R.K. Girling(2) |
A.J. Pourbaix(2) |
R.J. Turner |
D.M. Wishart |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Years of Credited Service to December 31, 2005 | 12.33 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 23.80 | 8.59 | |||||
Accrued Pension at December 31, 2005 and Payable at age 60(3) | $351,000 | $87,000 | $76,000 | $296,000 | $72,000 | |||||
Years of Credited Service to age 60 | 23.16 | 26.50 | 29.58 | 31.14 | 17.50 | |||||
Annual Benefit Payable at age 60(3) | $661,000 | $322,000 | $316,000 | $386,000 | $147,000 | |||||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 51
Fiscal 2005 Pension Expense Related to Service and Compensation
Amounts reported in the table below represent the pension expense related to 2005 service for each of the Named Executive Officers under both the Registered Pension Plan and the Supplemental Pension Plan including the impact of differences between actual compensation paid in 2005 and the actuarial assumptions used for the year.
Name |
Fiscal 2005 pension expense related to service and compensation |
|
---|---|---|
H.N. Kvisle | $1,604,000 | |
R.K. Girling | $158,000 | |
A.J. Pourbaix | $218,000 | |
R.J. Turner | $7,000 | |
D.M. Wishart | $155,000 | |
Accrued Pension Obligations
As at December 31, 2005, TCPL's accrued obligation for the Supplemental Pension Plan was approximately $177.2 million. The 2005 current service costs and interest costs of the Supplemental Pension Plan were approximately $4.5 and $9.0 million, respectively, for a total of $13.5 million. The accrued pension obligation is calculated following the method prescribed by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants and is based on management's best estimate of future events that affect the cost of pensions, including assumptions about future salary adjustments and bonuses. More information on the accrued obligations and the assumptions utilized may be found in Note 20 (Employee Future Benefits) of the Notes to TCPL's 2005 Consolidated Financial Statements which are available on the Company's website at www.transcanada.com and filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
The accrued pension obligations for the Named Executive Officers under both the Registered Pension Plan and the Supplemental Pension Plan are outlined in the following table. Changes include the fiscal 2005 expense attributed to service and compensation, as well as the normal increases(1) to pension obligations arising from the annual valuation of the Company's pension plans. The normal increases include interest on the beginning of year obligations and changes in interest rate assumptions as a result of changes in long-term bond yields.
Name |
Accrued obligation at December 31, 2004(1) (A) |
Change in accrued obligation for 2005(1)(2) (B) |
Accrued obligation at December 31, 2005(1) (C) = (A) + (B) |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H.N. Kvisle | $3,611,000 | $2,518,000 | $6,129,000 | |||
R.K. Girling | $685,000 | $426,000 | $1,111,000 | |||
A.J. Pourbaix | $564,000 | $475,000 | $1,039,000 | |||
R.J. Turner | $3,292,000 | $733,000 | $4,025,000 | |||
D.M. Wishart | $794,000 | $373,000 | $1,167,000 | |||
52 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
reflect the Company's best estimate of future events, the values shown in the above table may not be directly comparable to similar estimates of pension obligations that may be disclosed by other corporations.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In 2005, TCPL entered into executive separation agreements with the Executives, including each of the Named Executive Officers. Each agreement outlines the terms and conditions applicable in the event of the Executive's separation from TCPL due to retirement, termination with or without cause, resignation with or without good reason, disability or death. Good reason is an event which constitutes a constructive dismissal of the Executive. A change of control by itself without an event that constitutes constructive dismissal would not be good reason. Under the terms of the agreements, in the event of a termination without cause or a resignation for good reason, an Executive will receive a severance payment equal to his or her annual salary as of the termination date, plus the average amount of annual bonus paid in respect of the three years prior to the year in which the termination occurs (the "Annual Compensation"), multiplied by a notice period. In the case of Mr. Kvisle, the notice period is three years. In the case of the other Executives, the notice period is two years.
The agreements provide that in addition to the severance payment, each Executive would receive other entitlements in the event of termination without cause or a resignation for good reason, including:
For Mr. Kvisle, Mr. Girling and Mr. Pourbaix their respective notice periods would also be considered in the calculation of additional credited pensionable service as agreed to in their specific arrangements as described below.
A change of control (including, but not limited to, more than 20% of the voting shares of TransCanada or 50% of the voting shares of TCPL (not including the voting shares of TCPL held by TransCanada) being controlled by another entity) in itself does not trigger any payments under the agreements. However, in the month following the one year anniversary after a change of control, Mr. Kvisle may provide notice of his intention to leave TransCanada and receive all of the entitlements of a resignation for good reason. The agreements provide that a change of control would result in an acceleration of vesting of stock options under the Stock Option Plan. If for any reason the Company is unable to affect the acceleration of such vesting, the Company will pay the Executive a cash payment equal to the net amount of compensation the Executive would have received if the Executive had, on the date of a change of control, exercised all of those stock options. In addition, the ESU Plan contemplates fair and equitable compensation for participants upon a corporate reorganization.
The agreements provide that TCPL may elect to take advantage of a non-competition provision effective for a period of 12 months from the date of termination upon payment to the Executive of an amount valued at one additional year of Annual Compensation.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 53
In 2002, the Committee approved an arrangement with Mr. Kvisle to grant him additional credited pensionable service. The arrangement resulted in him receiving five years of additional credited pensionable service in 2004 on his fifth anniversary date with TCPL. In addition, for each year after 2004 until and including 2009, Mr. Kvisle will be granted one additional year of credited pensionable service on the date of the anniversary of his employment. All such additional service is not to exceed ten additional years of credited pensionable service and is only to be recognized on that portion of his pensionable earnings which exceeds his annual Registered Pension Plan earnings, to be recognized in the Supplemental Pension Plan.
In 2004, the Committee also approved arrangements for Mr. Girling and Mr. Pourbaix to obtain additional credited pensionable service. Subject to Mr. Girling and Mr. Pourbaix maintaining continuous employment with TCPL until September 8, 2007, each will receive three additional years of credited pensionable service on that date.
TOTAL COMPENSATION AWARDS
Annually, the Committee approves compensation awards that deliver market competitive and performance-relevant TDC, which is a combination of base salary and variable incentives, to the Executives. Although not awarded annually, TCPL also considers the annual value of the Base and Supplemental Pension Plans to be an integral part of the Company's Executive Compensation Program. For the purposes of this supplemental disclosure, Total Compensation is defined as TDC plus the pension expense related to service and compensation for the fiscal year noted.
For all tables in this section, the following definitions are applicable for the noted compensation elements:
Annual Base Salary: | The annual base salary rate as at April 1st of the noted financial year. | |
Cash Bonus: | The total lump-sum cash award under the IC Program for performance attributable to the noted financial year and paid in the first quarter following the completion of the financial year. | |
ESUs: | The value granted under the ESU Plan on the date of grant. The number of units granted for each financial year is based on this grant value and is reported in the various ESU Plan Grant tables in the section "Long-Term Incentive Tables". | |
The number of units from these grants that vest is subject to specified performance conditions over a three-year period. Payments received from vested units are variable based on the valuation price as of the date of vesting. |
||
Stock Options: | The stock option values are based on the number of stock options granted for each financial year as reported in the Summary Compensation Table multiplied by an economic value per stock option as calculated by an external consulting firm. This valuation methodology considers, among other things, the exercise price on the date of grant and the seven year term of the options. This method may not be identical to the methods or assumptions used by other companies, and as such, may not be directly comparable to other companies. | |
Annual Pension Expense: | Pension expense related to the year of service under both the Registered Pension Plan and the Supplemental Pension Plan. The amount includes the impact of differences between actual compensation paid in the financial year and the actuarial assumptions used for that year. The value noted is rounded to the nearest one thousand dollars. | |
54 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
The following tables outline the value of Total Compensation awarded to the Named Executive Officers as determined by the Committee for the last three financial years.
H.N. Kvisle | 2005 ($) |
2004 ($) |
2003 ($) |
||||
FIXED | |||||||
Annual Base Salary | 1,100,000 | 900,000 | 785,000 | ||||
VARIABLE | |||||||
Cash Bonus | 1,300,000 | 1,100,000 | 900,000 | ||||
ESUs | 1,940,004 | 1,206,089 | 701,500 | ||||
Stock Options | 360,000 | 361,350 | 736,000 | ||||
Total Direct Compensation | 4,700,004 | 3,567,439 | 3,122,500 | ||||
RETIREMENT | |||||||
Annual Pension Expense | 1,604,000 | 894,000 | 526,000 | ||||
Total Compensation | 6,304,004 | 4,461,439 | 3,648,500 | ||||
R.K. Girling | 2005 ($) |
2004 ($) |
2003 ($) |
||||
FIXED | |||||||
Annual Base Salary | 460,000 | 460,000 | 450,000 | ||||
VARIABLE | |||||||
Cash Bonus | 500,000 | 460,000 | 430,000 | ||||
ESUs | 544,965 | 482,452 | 280,600 | ||||
Stock Options | 135,000 | 131,400 | 294,400 | ||||
Total Direct Compensation | 1,639,965 | 1,533,852 | 1,455,000 | ||||
RETIREMENT | |||||||
Annual Pension Expense | 158,000 | 86,000 | 90,000 | ||||
Total Compensation | 1,797,965 | 1,619,852 | 1,545,000 | ||||
A.J. Pourbaix | 2005 ($) |
2004 ($) |
2003 ($) |
||||
FIXED | |||||||
Annual Base Salary | 450,000 | 410,000 | 400,000 | ||||
VARIABLE | |||||||
Cash Bonus | 500,000 | 450,000 | 430,000 | ||||
ESUs | 465,013 | 430,787 | 280,600 | ||||
Stock Options | 135,000 | 131,400 | 294,400 | ||||
Total Direct Compensation | 1,550,013 | 1,422,187 | 1,405,000 | ||||
RETIREMENT | |||||||
Annual Pension Expense | 218,000 | 70,000 | 107,000 | ||||
Total Compensation | 1,768,013 | 1,492,187 | 1,512,000 | ||||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 55
R.J. Turner | 2005 ($) |
2004 ($) |
2003 ($) |
||||
FIXED | |||||||
Annual Base Salary | 450,000 | 450,000 | 450,000 | ||||
VARIABLE | |||||||
Cash Bonus | 350,000 | 340,000 | 300,000 | ||||
ESUs | 370,003 | 354,979 | 210,450 | ||||
Stock Options | 90,000 | 87,600 | 220,800 | ||||
Total Direct Compensation | 1,260,003 | 1,232,579 | 1,181,250 | ||||
RETIREMENT | |||||||
Annual Pension Expense | 7,000 | 21,000 | 77,000 | ||||
Total Compensation | 1,267,003 | 1,253,579 | 1,258,250 | ||||
D.M. Wishart | 2005 ($) |
2004 ($) |
2003 ($) |
||||
FIXED | |||||||
Annual Base Salary | 380,000 | 350,000 | 290,000 | ||||
VARIABLE | |||||||
Cash Bonus | 400,000 | 330,000 | 270,000 | ||||
ESUs | 370,003 | 354,979 | 140,300 | ||||
Stock Options | 90,000 | 87,600 | 147,200 | ||||
Total Direct Compensation | 1,240,003 | 1,122,579 | 847,500 | ||||
RETIREMENT | |||||||
Annual Pension Expense | 155,000 | 190,000 | 140,000 | ||||
Total Compensation | 1,395,003 | 1,312,579 | 987,500 | ||||
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
56 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
AIF | Annual Information Form of TransCanada Pipelines Limited dated February 27, 2006 | |
Alberta System | A natural gas transmission system throughout the province of Alberta | |
APG | Aboriginal Pipeline Group or Mackenzie Valley Aboriginal Pipeline Limited Partnership | |
Bcf | Billion cubic feet | |
BC System | A natural gas transmission system in southeastern B.C. | |
Bécancour Plant | A power plant near Trois-Rivières, Québec | |
Board | TransCanada's Board of Directors | |
Bruce A | Bruce Power A L.P. | |
Bruce B | Bruce Power L.P. | |
Canadian Mainline | A natural gas pipeline system running from the Alberta border east to delivery points in eastern Canada and along the U.S. border | |
CSA | Canadian Securities Administrators | |
EUB | Alberta Energy and Utilities Board | |
External Auditor | KPMG LLP | |
FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (USA) | |
Foothills | Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd. | |
Foothills System | A natural gas pipeline system in southeastern B.C., southern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan | |
Grandview Plant | A power plant in Saint John, New Brunswick | |
Great Lakes System | A natural gas pipeline system in the north central U.S., roughly parallel to the Canada-U.S. Border | |
HS&E | Health, Safety and Environment | |
Iroquois System | A natural gas pipeline system in New York | |
LNG | Liquefied Natural Gas | |
Mackenzie Producers | Mackenzie Delta Producers Group | |
MD&A | TCPL's Management's Discussion and Analysis dated February 27, 2006 | |
MW | Megawatts | |
NBPL | Northern Border Pipeline | |
NEB | National Energy Board | |
NEGT | National Energy & Gas Transmission, Inc. | |
NGTL | NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. | |
Northern Border Pipeline | Northern Border Pipeline Company | |
NYSE | New York Stock Exchange | |
OPG | Ontario Power Generation Inc. | |
Power LP | TransCanada Power, L.P. | |
Proxy Circular | TransCanada's Management Proxy Circular dated February 28, 2006 | |
SEC | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission | |
Shell | Shell US Gas & Power LLC | |
SOX | U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
Tcf | Trillion cubic feet | |
TCPL | TransCanada PipeLines Limited or the Company | |
TQM | Trans Québec & Maritimes Pipeline Inc. | |
TQM System | A natural gas pipeline system in southeastern Québec | |
TransCanada | TransCanada Corporation | |
TransCanada Annual Meeting | Annual meeting of TransCanada common shareholders, to be held on April 28, 2006 | |
TSX | Toronto Stock Exchange | |
Tuscarora | Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company | |
USGen | US Gen New England, Inc. | |
Year End | December 31, 2005 |
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 57
Exchange Rate of the Canadian Dollar
All dollar amounts in the AIF are in Canadian dollars, except where otherwise indicated. The following table shows the yearly high and low noon rates, the yearly average noon rates and the year-end noon spot rates for the U.S. dollar for the past five years, each expressed in Canadian dollars, as reported by the Bank of Canada.
|
Year Ended |
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
|||||
Yearly High Noon Rate | 1.2704 | 1.3968 | 1.5747 | 1.6021 | 1.5593 | |||||
Yearly Low Noon Rate | 1.1507 | 1.1774 | 1.2924 | 1.4936 | 1.4341 | |||||
Yearly Average Noon Rate | 1.2116 | 1.3016 | 1.4014 | 1.5484 | 1.4852 | |||||
Year-End Noon Rate | 1.1659 | 1.2036 | 1.2924 | 1.5926 | 1.5002 | |||||
On February 27, 2006, the noon rate for the U.S. dollar as reported by the Bank of Canada was US $1.00 = Cdn. $1.1420.
Metric Conversion Table
The conversion factors set out below are approximate factors. To convert from Metric to Imperial multiply by the factor indicated. To convert from Imperial to Metric divide by the factor indicated.
Metric | Imperial | Factor | ||
Kilometres | Miles | 0.62 | ||
Millimetres | Inches | 0.04 | ||
Gigajoules | Million British thermal units | 0.95 | ||
Cubic metres* | Cubic feet | 35.3 | ||
Kilopascals | Pounds per square inch | 0.15 | ||
Degrees Celsius | Degrees Fahrenheit | to convert to Fahrenheit multiply by 1.8, then add 32 degrees; to convert to Celsius subtract 32 degrees, then divide by 1.8 |
||
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED A-1
SCHEDULE "B"
DISCLOSURE OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES
Board of Directors
The Board has determined that, other than Messrs. Kvisle and Stewart, all of the existing directors of TCPL (including Mr. Jackson, the Chair), and the nominees for election to the Board at the TransCanada Annual Meeting, and concurrent election to TCPL's board on the same date, have no direct or indirect material relationship with TCPL and are therefore independent.
Mr. Kvisle, as the CEO of TCPL, is not independent. Mr. Stewart is not independent as he provided consulting services to TCPL and received more than $75,000 in compensation during the 2005 financial year. Mr. Stewart's consulting contract terminated on December 31, 2005.
The Governance Committee reviews, at least annually, the existence of any relationship between each director and TCPL to ensure that the majority of directors are independent of TCPL.
The Board believes that, as a matter of policy, there should be a majority of independent directors on TCPL's Board. The Board is charged with making this determination. The determination is made annually in accordance with the definition of "independence" in the Canadian Audit Committee Rules and the Canadian Governance Guidelines. The independence criteria also conforms with the applicable rules of the SEC, the NYSE and those set out in SOX. The NYSE's extended definitions of independence that apply to directors of U.S. companies are also considered.
Further, the Board considered whether directors serving on boards of non-profit organizations which receive donations from TCPL pose any potential conflict. The Board determined that such relationships, where they exist, do not interfere with any such director's ability to act in the best interests of TCPL, as all decisions on making donations to non-profit organizations are made by a management committee on which no directors serve. The Board also considered family relationships and possible associations with companies which have relationships with TCPL, in its determination of independence.
Although some of the proposed nominees sit on boards or may be otherwise associated with companies that ship natural gas on TCPL's pipeline systems, TCPL as a common carrier in Canada cannot, under its tariff, deny transportation service to a credit-worthy shipper. Further, due to the specialized nature of the industry, TCPL believes that it is important for its Board to be composed of qualified and knowledgeable directors, so some of them must come from oil and gas producers and shippers; the Governance Committee closely monitors relationships among directors to ensure that business associations do not affect the Board's performance.
All reporting issuers of which the nominees are presently directors of are set out in the table under the heading "Directors and Officers Election of Directors".
The independent directors of the Board meet separately before and after every regularly scheduled meeting. There were eight such meetings during 2005.
The terms of reference for the Chair are set out below under the heading "Position Descriptions".
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED B-1
Directors' Attendance at Meetings
The following tables summarize the meetings of the Board and its committees held for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2005, and the attendance of individual directors. Directors are expected to attend all meetings and each director generally attends all meetings, subject to occasional scheduling conflicts.
Type of Meeting Held |
Number of Meetings |
|
---|---|---|
Board (8 regularly scheduled and 1 special)(1) | 9 | |
Audit (6 regularly scheduled and 1 special) ("AUD") | 7 | |
Health, Safety and Environment (all regularly scheduled) ("HSE") | 4 | |
Human Resources (all regularly scheduled) ("HRC") | 4 | |
Governance (2 regularly scheduled and 1 special) ("GOV") | 3 |
Director | Board Meetings Attended(1) | Committee Meetings Attended | ||||||
D.D. Baldwin | 7 of 9 | 78% | 3 of 4 HSE (Chair) | 75% | ||||
6 of 7 AUD | 86% | |||||||
K.E. Benson(2) | 5 of 6 | 83% | 4 of 4 AUD | 100% | ||||
D.H. Burney(3) | 2 of 3 | 67% | 1 of 1 GOV | 100% | ||||
W.K. Dobson | 9 of 9 | 100% | 3 of 3 GOV (Chair) 4 of 4 HRC |
100% 100% |
||||
E.L. Draper(4) | 5 of 5 | 100% | 2 of 2 HSE 1 of 1 HRC |
100% 100% |
||||
P. Gauthier | 8 of 9 | 89% | 7 of 7 AUD 4 of 4 HSE |
100% 100% |
||||
K.L. Hawkins | 8 of 9 | 89% | 4 of 4 HSE 4 of 4 HRC (Chair) |
100% 100% |
||||
S.B. Jackson | 9 of 9 | 100% | 7 of 7 AUD 2 of 2 GOV 2 of 2 HSE 4 of 4 HRC |
100% 100% 100% 100% |
||||
P.L. Joskow | 8 of 9 | 89% | 7 of 7 AUD 2 of 3 GOV |
100% 67% |
||||
H.N. Kvisle(5) | 9 of 9 | 100% | N/A | N/A | ||||
D.P. O'Brien | 9 of 9 | 100% | 3 of 3 GOV 4 of 4 HRC |
100% 100% |
||||
H.G. Schaefer | 9 of 9 | 100% | 7 of 7 AUD (Chair) 3 of 3 GOV |
100% 100% |
||||
B-2 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
Board Mandate
The Board operates under a written charter while retaining plenary power. Any responsibility not delegated to management or a committee of the Board remains with the Board. Charters have been adopted for each of the committees outlining their principal responsibilities. Each committee reviews its charter annually to ensure it is in line with the current developments in corporate governance. All charters, which are applicable to TransCanada and TCPL, are available on TransCanada's website at www.transcanada.com. The Board's charter is attached to this AIF as Schedule "C".
Position Descriptions
The Board has developed written position descriptions for the Chair and for the chair for each of the Board committees. The responsibilities of each committee chair are set out in each respective committee's Charter which are available at www.transcanada.com. The terms of reference for the Chair consist of duties and responsibilities which include:
The Board has approved terms of reference for the position of the CEO, applicable to TransCanada and TCPL, which terms of reference define the CEO's duties and responsibilities. These duties include:
The Human Resources Committee and the Board annually review and approve the CEO's personal performance objectives and review with him his performance against the previous year's objectives. The Human Resources Committee's report on executive compensation can be found in this AIF under the heading "Executive Compensation and Other Information Report on Executive Compensation".
Orientation and Continuing Education
New directors are provided with an orientation and education program that includes a directors' manual containing information about the duties and obligations of directors, the business and operations of TCPL, copies of governance charters, copies of past public filings and documents from recent Board meetings. New directors are given additional historical and financial information, a session on corporate strategy and are provided with opportunities for meetings and discussions with the executive leadership team and other directors. The directors' manual and the director induction and continuing education process are reviewed annually by the Governance Committee. The details of the orientation of each new director are tailored to each director's individual needs and expressed areas of interest.
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Senior management as well as external experts make presentations to the Board periodically on various business-related topics. Directors tour certain of TCPL's facilities annually. TCPL encourages continuing education for its directors, periodically suggests programs which may be relevant to the directors and provides funding for director education. All directors are members of the Canadian Institute of Corporate Directors which provides another source of director education.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Board has adopted and published a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines that address the structure and composition of the Board and its committees and provide guidance to both the Board and management in clarifying their respective responsibilities and ensuring effective communication between them. TCPL's Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are equally applicable to TransCanada, are published on TransCanada's website at www.transcanada.com.
In addition, the Board has committed itself to maintaining a high standard of corporate governance and integrity; it has adopted a code of business ethics for directors which incorporates as its basis principles of good conduct and high ethical behaviour. TCPL has also adopted codes of business ethics for its employees and one applicable to its CEO, Chief Financial Officer and Controller, all of which must be certified on an annual basis. Compliance with the Company's various codes is monitored by the Audit Committee and reported to the Board. The codes apply to both TransCanada and TCPL and are published on TransCanada's website at www.transcanada.com.
In a circumstance where a director declares an interest in any material contract or material transaction being considered at a meeting, the director absents himself or herself from the meeting during the consideration of the matter, and does not vote on the matter.
Nomination of Directors
The Governance Committee, which is composed entirely of independent directors, is responsible for proposing new nominees to the Board, which in turn is responsible for identifying suitable candidates for election by the shareholders. The Governance Committee annually reviews the general and specific criteria applicable to candidates to be considered for nomination. The objective of this review is to maintain the composition of the Board in a way that provides the best mix of skills and experience to guide the long-term strategy and ongoing business operations of TCPL. New nominees must have experience in the industries in which TCPL participates or experience in general business management of corporations that are a similar size and scope to TCPL, the ability to devote the time required, and a willingness to serve. The Governance Committee also advises the Board on the criteria for, and determination of, the independence of each director. The Governance Committee has the authority to retain advisors to assist it in the discharge of its responsibilities.
Compensation
The Governance Committee reviews the compensation of the directors on an annual basis, taking into account such matters as time commitment, responsibility, and compensation provided by comparable companies, and makes an annual recommendation to the Board for consideration. Directors may receive their compensation in the form of cash and deferred share units. Directors must hold a minimum of five times their annual cash retainer fee in common shares or related deferred share units of TCPL. Directors have a maximum of five years to reach this level of share ownership. The Governance Committee's review of director compensation is based on an annual report of an outside compensation expert on directors' compensation paid by comparable companies.
The Human Resources Committee, which is composed entirely of independent directors, conducts an annual review of the performance of TCPL and the CEO as measured against objectives established in the prior year by the Board, the Human Resources Committee and the CEO. The results of this annual review are reported to the Board, which then makes an evaluation of the overall performance of TCPL and the CEO. The Chair and the chair of the Human Resources
B-4 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
Committee communicate this performance evaluation to the CEO. The evaluation is used by the Human Resources Committee in its deliberations concerning the CEO's annual compensation. The evaluation of TCPL's performance against corporate objectives also forms part of the determination of the compensation of all employees. The Human Resources Committee's report on executive compensation can be found in this AIF under the heading "Executive Compensation and Other Information Report on Executive Compensation".
Further information relating to the Human Resources Committee can be found in this AIF under the heading "Corporate Governance Description of Board Committees and Their Charters Human Resources Committee".
The Committee engaged Hewitt Associates (the "Consultant") to provide independent executive compensation consulting services to the Committee during 2005. The mandate of the Consultant was to provide an independent assessment of management's proposals relating to the compensation of the Executives. In 2005, the Consultant provided services to the Committee in accordance with this mandate.
If directed or approved by the chair of the Committee, the Consultant could also provide advice to management on significant changes to compensation philosophy or programs, or other compensation matters of the Company. These additional services were not provided to TCPL in 2005.
Other Board Committees
The Board has the following Committees: Audit; Health, Safety and Environment; Governance; and Human Resources. Details relating to these committees can be found in Schedule "D" attached to this AIF.
Assessments
The Governance Committee is responsible for making an annual assessment of the overall performance of the Board, its committees and its individual members, and reporting its findings to the Board. An annual questionnaire is utilized as part of this process.
The questionnaire examines the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, and of each committee, and specifically reviews areas that the Board and/or management believe could be improved or enhanced to ensure the continued effectiveness of the Board and its committees in the execution of their responsibilities. Each committee also conducts an annual self-assessment, based on specific questions in the annual questionnaire.
TCPL believes that due to the specialized nature of the industry, it is important for its Board to be composed of qualified and knowledgeable directors. During the last year, all directors demonstrated a strong commitment to their roles and responsibilities through an average 91% overall attendance rate at Board meetings and an average 94% attendance rate at committee meetings. In addition, all of the directors are available to meet with management as required.
The annual questionnaire and the individual director's terms of reference are then used in the evaluation of the contribution of individual directors. Formal interviews with each director and each member of TCPL's executive leadership team are carried out annually by the Chair with respect to this matter. The Chair of the Governance Committee also interviews each director annually on his or her assessment of the Chair's performance. All of these assessments are reported annually to the full Board.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED B-5
SCHEDULE "C"
CHARTER OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
I. INTRODUCTION
II. COMPOSITION AND BOARD ORGANIZATION
III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board operates by delegating certain of its authorities, including spending authorizations, to management and by reserving certain powers to itself. Certain of the legal obligations of the Board are described in detail in Section IV. Subject to these legal obligations and to the Articles and By-laws of the Company, the Board retains the responsibility for managing its own affairs, including:
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED C-1
The Board has the responsibility for:
The Board has the responsibility to:
C-2 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
The Board has the responsibility to:
The Board has the responsibility to:
The Board has responsibility to:
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED C-3
The Board has the responsibility to:
IV. GENERAL LEGAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
C-4 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
Description of Board Committees and Their Charters
The Board has four standing committees: the Audit Committee; the Governance Committee; the Health, Safety and Environment Committee; and the Human Resources Committee. The Board does not have an Executive Committee. The Audit, Human Resources and Governance committees are required to be composed entirely of independent directors. The Health, Safety and Environment Committee is required to have a majority of independent directors.
Each of the committees has a charter; the Committee charters are published on TransCanada's website at www.transcanada.com.
Audit Committee
Chair: H.G. Schaefer, F.C.A.
Members: D.D. Baldwin, K.E.
Benson, P. Gauthier, P.L. Joskow
This committee is comprised of five independent directors and is mandated to assist the Board in monitoring, among other things, the integrity of the financial statements of TCPL, the compliance by TCPL with legal and regulatory requirements, and the independence and performance of TCPL's internal and external auditors. The committee is also mandated to review and recommend to the Board approval of TCPL's audited annual and unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related management discussion and analysis, and other corporate disclosure documents including information circulars, the annual information form, all prospectuses, other offering memoranda, and any financial statements required by regulatory authorities, before they are released to the public or filed with the appropriate regulatory authorities. In addition, the committee reviews and recommends to the Board the appointment and compensation of the external auditor, oversees the accounting, financial reporting, control and audit functions, and recommends funding of TCPL's pension plans.
Audit committee information as required under Canadian Audit Committee Rules is contained in TCPL's Annual Information Form for the year ending December 31, 2005 in the section "Corporate Governance Audit Committee". Audit committee information includes the charter, committee composition, relevant education and experience of each member, reliance on exemptions, financial literacy of each member, committee oversight, if any, pre-approval policies and procedures, and external auditor service fees by category. The Annual Information Form is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under TCPL's profile and is published on TransCanada's website at www.transcanada.com.
The committee oversees the operation of an anonymous and confidential toll free telephone number for employees, contractors and the public to call with respect to perceived accounting irregularities and ethical violations, and has set up a procedure for the receipt, retention, treatment and regular review of any such reported activities. This telephone number is published on TransCanada's website at www.transcanada.com, on its intranet for employees and in TransCanada's Annual Report to shareholders.
The committee reviews the audit plans of the internal and external auditors and meets with them at the time of each committee meeting, in each case both with and without the presence of management. The committee annually receives and reviews the external auditor's formal written statement of independence delineating all relationships between itself and TCPL and its report on recommendations to management regarding internal controls and procedures, and ensures the rotation of the lead audit partner having primary responsibility for the audit as required by law. The committee pre-approves all audit services and all permitted non-audit services. In addition, the committee discusses with management TCPL's material financial risk exposures and the actions management has taken to monitor and control such exposures, reviews the internal control procedures to oversee their effectiveness, monitors compliance with TCPL's policies and codes of business ethics, and reports on these matters to the Board. The committee reviews and approves the investment objectives and choice of investment managers for the Canadian pension plans and considers and approves any changes to those plans relating to financial matters.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED D-1
The committee has authority to retain advisors to assist it in the discharge of its responsibilities. The committee also reviews its charter at least annually and, as required, recommends changes to the Governance Committee and to the Board. The committee reviews its performance annually. There were seven meetings of the committee in 2005.
Governance Committee
Chair: W.K. Dobson
Members: D.H. Burney, P.L. Joskow, D.P.
O'Brien, H.G. Schaefer
This committee is comprised of five independent directors and is mandated to enhance TCPL's governance through a continuing assessment of TCPL's approach to corporate governance. The committee is also mandated to identify qualified individuals to become Board members, to recommend to the Board nominees for election as directors and to annually recommend to the Board placement of directors on committees. The committee annually reviews the independence status of each director in accordance with written criteria in order to provide the Board with guidance for its annual determination of director independence and for the placement of members on committees.
The committee reviews and reports to the Board on the performance of individual directors, the Board as a whole and each of the committees, in conjunction with the Chair of the Board. The committee also monitors the relationship between management and the Board, and reviews TCPL's structures to ensure that the Board is able to function independently of management. The committee chair annually reviews the performance of the Chair of the Board. The committee is also responsible for an annual review of director compensation and for the administration of the Share Unit Plan for Non-Employee Directors (1998), including the granting of units under the plan.
The committee has the authority to retain advisors to assist it in the discharge of its responsibilities. The committee reviews its charter at least annually and, as required, recommends changes to the Board. The committee reviews its performance annually. There were three meetings of the committee in 2005.
Human Resources Committee
Chair: K.L. Hawkins
Members: W.K. Dobson, E.L. Draper, D.P.
O'Brien
This committee is comprised of four independent directors and is mandated to review the Company's human resources policies and plans, monitor succession planning, and to assess the performance of the CEO and other senior officers of TCPL against set objectives. The committee approves the salary and other remuneration to be awarded to senior executive officers of TCPL. A report on senior management development and succession is prepared annually for presentation to the Board. The committee reports to the Board with recommendations on the remuneration package for the CEO. The committee approves executive compensation plans and approves any major changes to TCPL's compensation and benefit plans. The committee considers and approves any changes to TCPL's pension plans relating to benefits aspects of these plans. The committee administers and monitors the Executive Share Unit Plan, the Performance Share Unit Plan, the Stock Option Plan and the Performance Unit Plan.
The committee has the authority to retain advisors to assist it in the discharge of its responsibilities. The committee reviews its charter at least annually and, as required, recommends changes to the Governance Committee and the Board. The committee reviews its performance annually. There were four meetings of the committee in 2005.
Health, Safety and Environment Committee
Chair: D.D. Baldwin
Members: E.L. Draper, P. Gauthier, K.L.
Hawkins
This committee is comprised of four independent directors and is mandated to monitor the health, safety and environmental practices and procedures of TCPL and its subsidiaries for compliance with applicable legislation, conformity with industry standards and prevention or mitigation of losses. The committee also considers whether the implementation of TCPL's policies related to health, safety and environmental matters are effective. The committee reviews reports and, when appropriate, makes recommendations to the Board on TCPL's policies and procedures related
D-2 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
to health, safety and the environment. This committee meets separately with officers of TCPL and its business units who have responsibility for these matters and reports to the Board on such meetings.
The committee has the authority to retain advisors to assist it in the discharge of its responsibilities. The committee reviews its charter at least annually and, as required, recommends changes to the Governance Committee and the Board. The committee reviews its performance annually. There were four meetings of the committee in 2005.
Chair's Participation in Committees
Mr. S.B. Jackson, the Chair of the Board, is an independent director. The Chair is appointed by the Board and serves in a non-executive capacity. The Chair is a non-voting member of all committees of the Board.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED D-3
SCHEDULE "E"
CHARTER OF
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
1. Purpose
The Audit Committee shall assist the Board of Directors (the "Board") in overseeing and monitoring, among other things, the:
To fulfill its purpose, the Audit Committee has been delegated certain authorities by the Board of Directors that it may exercise on behalf of the Board.
2. Roles and Responsibilities
Subject to confirmation by the external auditors of their compliance with Canadian and U.S. regulatory registration requirements, the Audit Committee shall recommend to the Board the appointment of the external auditors, such appointment to be confirmed by the Company's shareholders at each annual meeting. The Audit Committee shall also recommend to the Board the compensation to be paid to the external auditors for audit services and shall pre-approve the retention of the external auditors for any permitted non-audit service and the fees for such service. The Audit Committee shall also be directly responsible for the oversight of the work of the external auditor (including resolution of disagreements between management and the external auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work. The external auditor shall report directly to the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee shall also receive periodic reports from the external auditors regarding the auditors' independence, discuss such reports with the auditors, consider whether the provision of non-audit services is compatible with maintaining the auditors' independence and the Audit Committee shall take appropriate action to satisfy itself of the independence of the external auditors.
The Audit Committee, to the extent it deems it necessary or appropriate, shall:
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED E-1
E-2 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
and to report to the Board on such meetings;
and to report to the Board on such meetings;
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED E-3
E-4 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
accounting officer to have participated in the Company's audit as an employee of the external auditors' during the preceding one-year period) and monitor the Company's adherence to the policy;
While the Audit Committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in this Charter, it is not the duty of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Company's financial statements and disclosures are complete and accurate or are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations. These are the responsibilities of management and the external auditors. The Audit Committee, its Chair and any of its members who have accounting or related financial management experience or expertise, are members of the Board, appointed to the Audit Committee to provide broad oversight of the financial disclosure, financial risk and control related activities of the Company, and are specifically not accountable nor responsible for the day to day operation of such activities. Although designation of a member or members as an "audit committee financial expert" is based on that individual's education and experience, which that individual will bring to bear in carrying out his or her duties on the Audit Committee, designation as an "audit committee financial expert" does not impose on such person any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations and liability imposed on such person as a member of the Audit Committee and Board in the absence of such designation. Rather, the role of any audit committee financial expert, like the role of all Audit Committee members, is to oversee the process and not to certify or guarantee the internal or external audit of the Company's financial information or public disclosure.
3. Composition of Audit Committee
The Audit Committee shall consist of three or more Directors, a majority of whom are resident Canadians (as defined in the Canada Business Corporations Act), and all of whom are unrelated and/or independent for the purposes of applicable Canadian and United States securities law and applicable rules of any stock exchange on which the Company's shares are listed. Each member of the Audit Committee shall be financially literate and at least one member shall have accounting or related financial management expertise (as those terms are defined from time to time under the requirements or guidelines for audit committee service under securities laws and the
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED E-5
applicable rules of any stock exchange on which the Company's securities are listed for trading or, if it is not so defined as that term is interpreted by the Board in its business judgment).
4. Appointment of Audit Committee Members
The members of the Audit Committee shall be appointed by the Board from time to time, on the recommendation of the Governance Committee and shall hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are earlier appointed or until they cease to be Directors of the Company.
5. Vacancies
Where a vacancy occurs at any time in the membership of the Audit Committee, it may be filled by the Board on the recommendation of the Governance Committee.
6. Audit Committee Chair
The Board shall appoint a Chair of the Audit Committee who shall:
7. Absence of Audit Committee Chair
If the Chair of the Audit Committee is not present at any meeting of the Audit Committee, one of the other members of the Audit Committee present at the meeting shall be chosen by the Audit Committee to preside at the meeting.
8. Secretary of Audit Committee
The Corporate Secretary shall act as Secretary to the Audit Committee.
9. Meetings
The Chair, or any two members of the Audit Committee, or the internal auditor, or the external auditors, may call a meeting of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee shall meet at least quarterly. The Audit Committee shall meet periodically with management, the internal auditors and the external auditors in separate executive sessions.
10. Quorum
A majority of the members of the Audit Committee, present in person or by telephone or other telecommunication device that permit all persons participating in the meeting to speak to each other, shall constitute a quorum.
11. Notice of Meetings
Notice of the time and place of every meeting shall be given in writing or facsimile communication to each member of the Audit Committee at least 24 hours prior to the time fixed for such meeting; provided, however, that a member may in any manner waive a notice of a meeting. Attendance of a member at a meeting is a waiver of notice of the meeting, except where a member attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called.
E-6 TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
12. Attendance of Company Officers and Employees at Meeting
At the invitation of the Chair of the Audit Committee, one or more officers or employees of the Company may attend any meeting of the Audit Committee.
13. Procedure, Records and Reporting
The Audit Committee shall fix its own procedure at meetings, keep records of its proceedings and report to the Board when the Audit Committee may deem appropriate but not later than the next meeting of the Board.
14. Review of Charter and Evaluation of Audit Committee
The Audit Committee shall review its Charter annually or otherwise, as it deems appropriate, and if necessary propose changes to the Governance Committee and the Board. The Audit Committee shall annually review the Audit Committee's own performance.
15. Outside Experts and Advisors
The Audit Committee is authorized, when deemed necessary or desirable, to retain independent counsel, outside experts and other advisors, at the Company's expense, to advise the Audit Committee or its members independently on any matter.
16. Reliance
Absent actual knowledge to the contrary (which shall be promptly reported to the Board), each member of the Audit Committee shall be entitled to rely on (i) the integrity of those persons or organizations within and outside the Company from which it receives information, (ii) the accuracy of the financial and other information provided to the Audit Committee by such persons or organizations and (iii) representations made by Management and the external auditors, as to any information technology, internal audit and other non-audit services provided by the external auditors to the Company and its subsidiaries.
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED E-7
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
|||||||
Income Statement | |||||||||||||
Net income applicable to common shares | |||||||||||||
Continuing operations | 1,208 | 978 | 801 | 747 | 686 | 628 | |||||||
Discontinued operations | | 52 | 50 | | (67 | ) | 61 | ||||||
Net income applicable to common shares | 1,208 | 1,030 | 851 | 747 | 619 | 689 | |||||||
Cash Flow Statement | |||||||||||||
Funds generated from operations | 1,950 | 1,701 | 1,822 | 1,843 | 1,625 | 1,484 | |||||||
(Increase)/decrease in operating working capital | (48 | ) | 28 | 93 | 92 | (487 | ) | 437 | |||||
Net cash provided by operations | 1,902 | 1,729 | 1,915 | 1,935 | 1,138 | 1,921 | |||||||
Capital expenditures and acquisitions | 2,071 | 2,046 | 965 | 851 | 1,082 | 1,144 | |||||||
Balance Sheet |
|||||||||||||
Total assets | 24,113 | 22,421 | 20,884 | 20,555 | 20,531 | 25,245 | |||||||
Long-term debt | 9,640 | 9,749 | 9,516 | 8,899 | 9,444 | 10,008 | |||||||
Common shareholders' equity | 7,164 | 6,484 | 6,044 | 5,747 | 5,426 | 5,211 |
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 1
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REVIEW | ||||
Highlights | 3 | |||
Results-at-a-Glance | 3 | |||
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION | 5 | |||
OVERVIEW AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES |
||||
TCPL Overview | 6 | |||
TCPL's Strategy | 6 | |||
Core Businesses and Significant Developments in 2005 | ||||
Gas Transmission | 7 | |||
Power | 9 | |||
Operational Excellence and "SPIRIT" | 10 | |||
Competitive Strength and Enduring Value | 11 | |||
Outlook | 11 | |||
GAS TRANSMISSION | ||||
Highlights | 13 | |||
Results-at-a-Glance | 16 | |||
Financial Analysis | 17 | |||
Opportunities and Developments | 18 | |||
Regulatory Developments | 22 | |||
Business Risks | 24 | |||
Other | 26 | |||
Outlook | 27 | |||
POWER | ||||
Highlights | 29 | |||
Results-at-a-Glance | 32 | |||
Financial Analysis | 33 | |||
Opportunities and Developments | 41 | |||
Business Risks | 41 | |||
Other | 42 | |||
Outlook | 43 | |||
CORPORATE | 44 | |||
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES | 45 | |||
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS | 46 | |||
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS | 50 | |||
RISK MANAGEMENT | 55 | |||
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICY | 57 | |||
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATE | 57 | |||
ACCOUNTING CHANGES | 57 | |||
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS | 59 | |||
SUBSIDIARIES AND INVESTMENTS | 60 | |||
SELECTED THREE YEAR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA | 61 | |||
SELECTED QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA | 62 | |||
FOURTH QUARTER 2005 HIGHLIGHTS | 64 | |||
SHARE INFORMATION | 65 | |||
OTHER INFORMATION | 65 | |||
GLOSSARY OF TERMS | 66 |
2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) dated February 27, 2006 should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TCPL or the company) and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2005. Amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
Net Income
Net Earnings
Investing Activities
Balance Sheet
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS-AT-A-GLANCE
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||
Net income applicable to common shares | ||||||
Continuing operations | 1,208 | 978 | 801 | |||
Discontinued operations | | 52 | 50 | |||
1,208 | 1,030 | 851 | ||||
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 3
SEGMENT RESULTS-AT-A-GLANCE
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||
Gas Transmission Net Earnings | ||||||||
Excluding gains | 635 | 579 | 622 | |||||
Gain on sale of PipeLines LP units | 49 | | | |||||
Gain on sale of Millennium | | 7 | | |||||
684 | 586 | 622 | ||||||
Power Net Earnings |
||||||||
Excluding gains | 253 | 209 | 220 | |||||
Gain on sale of Paiton Energy | 115 | | | |||||
Gains related to Power LP | 193 | 187 | | |||||
561 | 396 | 220 | ||||||
Corporate | (37 | ) | (4 | ) | (41 | ) | ||
Net income applicable to common shares |
||||||||
Continuing Operations(1) | 1,208 | 978 | 801 | |||||
Discontinued Operations | | 52 | 50 | |||||
1,208 | 1,030 | 851 | ||||||
(1)Net Income Applicable To Common Shares From Continuing Operations: | ||||||||
Excluding gains | 851 | 784 | 801 | |||||
Gains related to Paiton Energy, PipeLines LP, Power LP and Millennium | 357 | 194 | | |||||
1,208 | 978 | 801 | ||||||
Net income applicable to common shares for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $1,208 million compared to $1,030 million for 2004 and $851 million for 2003. This includes net income from discontinued operations of $52 million in 2004 and $50 million in 2003, reflecting income recognized on the initially deferred gains relating to the disposition in 2001 of the company's Gas Marketing business.
TCPL's net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $1,208 million compared to $978 million and $801 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Net earnings for 2005 included after-tax gains of $193 million on the sale of the company's interest in TransCanada Power, L.P. (Power LP), $115 million on the sale of the company's interest in P.T. Paiton Energy Company (Paiton Energy) and $49 million on the sale of TC PipeLines, LP (PipeLines LP) units, while net earnings for 2004 included after-tax gains of $187 million on the sale of the ManChief and Curtis Palmer assets to Power LP and the recognition of dilution gains resulting from a reduction in TCPL's ownership interest in Power LP and other previously deferred gains, as well as a $7 million after-tax gain on sale of the company's equity interest in the Millennium Pipeline Project (Millennium).
Excluding the total gains of $357 million recorded in 2005 and total gains of $194 million recorded in 2004, net earnings for 2005 of $851 million increased $67 million compared to 2004. This was mainly due to an increase in net earnings from the Gas Transmission and Power businesses, partially offset by an increase in net expenses in Corporate.
Excluding the gains on sale of PipeLines LP units in 2005 and the Millennium interest in 2004, the $56 million increase in net earnings from the Gas Transmission business for 2005 compared to 2004 was primarily attributable to a
4 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
$57 million increase as a result of a full year of net earnings from the Gas Transmission Northwest System and the North Baja System (collectively GTN), acquired on November 1, 2004. In addition, Gas Transmission's net earnings for 2005 included approximately $35 million ($13 million related to 2004 and $22 million related to 2005) as a result of the April 2005 National Energy Board (NEB) decision on the Canadian Mainline's 2004 Tolls and Tariff Application (Phase II). This decision dealt with capital structure and included an increase in the deemed common equity ratio to 36 per cent from 33 per cent for 2004, which was also effective for 2005 under the 2005 tolls settlement. The increase in Canadian Mainline's net earnings for 2005 as a result of this NEB decision was partially offset by a combination of a lower average investment base, lower earnings related to operating cost savings and a decrease in the approved rate of return on common equity (ROE) in 2005 compared to 2004. These increases in net earnings were partially offset by lower net earnings from TCPL's Other Gas Transmission businesses.
Excluding the gains related to the company's investments in Power LP in 2004 and 2005 and Paiton Energy in 2005, Power's net earnings for 2005 increased $44 million compared to 2004 as a result of higher operating and other income from Bruce Power (being the collective investments in Bruce Power A L.P. (Bruce A) and Bruce Power L.P. (Bruce B)) and Eastern Operations, partially offset by a lower contribution from Western Operations and higher general, administrative, support costs and other.
The increase in net expenses of $33 million in Corporate in 2005 compared to 2004 was primarily due to increased net interest expense on higher average long-term debt and commercial paper balances in 2005 as well as the release in 2004 of previously established restructuring provisions.
The increase in net earnings of $177 million in 2004 compared to 2003 included $187 million of gains related to Power LP and a $7 million gain on sale of Millennium. Excluding these gains, 2004 net earnings decreased $17 million from 2003. Lower net earnings in the Gas Transmission and Power businesses were partially offset by reduced net expenses in Corporate. The decrease in net earnings, excluding gains, of $43 million in the Gas Transmission business in 2004 compared to 2003 was primarily due to a decline in the Alberta System's and Canadian Mainline's net earnings. The $11 million decrease in Power's net earnings, excluding gains, in 2004 compared to 2003 was primarily due to a $19 million after-tax settlement with a counterparty in 2003. The decrease in net expenses of $37 million in Corporate in 2004 compared to 2003 was primarily due to the positive impacts of income tax, foreign exchange related items and release of the restructuring provisions in 2004.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information in this MD&A includes forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on TCPL's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the assumptions were made. Forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, new services, market forces, commitments and technological developments. By its nature, such forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those material risks discussed in this MD&A under "Gas Transmission Business Risks" and "Power Business Risks", which could cause TCPL's actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed. The material assumptions in making these forward-looking statements are disclosed in this MD&A under the headings "Overview and Strategic Priorities", "Gas Transmission Opportunities and Developments", "Gas Transmission Outlook", "Power Opportunities and Developments" and "Power Outlook". Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this MD&A or otherwise, and TCPL undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 5
TCPL OVERVIEW
TCPL is a leading North American energy infrastructure company with a strong focus on natural gas transmission and power generation opportunities located in regions in which it has significant competitive advantages. Natural gas transmission and power are complementary businesses for TCPL. They are driven by similar supply and demand fundamentals, they are both capital intensive businesses, and they use similar technology and operating practices. They are also businesses with significant long-term growth prospects.
North American natural gas demand is growing and is mainly driven by the demand for electricity. Experts predict that demand for electricity will increase at an average annual rate of approximately two per cent over the next ten years primarily due to a growing population and an increase in gross domestic product. A large part of this growth is expected to be met through higher utilization of natural gas-fired power generating plants that were built as part of the significant capacity additions that occurred in many North American markets over the last five years.
Nuclear facilities have played, and will continue to play, a significant role in supplying North America with power and new nuclear capacity is expected to come on stream over time. Coal-fired plants remain the largest source of electric power in North America and coal reserves are significant. However, the long lead times required to complete new coal and nuclear projects, the associated environmental and socio-economic issues, the high capital costs and the difficulty in locating these plants near load centres may impede the development and completion of new coal or nuclear generation over the next five to ten years. As a result, North America is expected to continue to rely on natural gas-fired generation to satisfy its growing electricity needs in the near term. This is expected to lead to a significant increase in natural gas consumption. Natural gas demand in North America, including Mexico, is expected to grow to approximately 92 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) by 2015, an increase of 16 Bcf/d when compared to 2005. New natural gas-fired power generation is expected to account for approximately 10 Bcf/d of that growth.
While growing demand will provide a number of opportunities, the natural gas industry also faces a number of challenges. North America has entered a period when it will no longer be able to rely solely on traditional sources of natural gas supply to meet its growing needs. Current high natural gas prices suggest that North America is in a period of transition and significant change. Natural gas supply is tight and this is likely to continue until major investments are made in the infrastructure required to bring new supply to market. Looking forward, production from North America's traditional basins is expected to essentially remain flat over the next decade. An increase in production in the United States Rockies will likely only offset declines in other basins, including the Gulf of Mexico. This outlook for traditional basins means that northern gas and offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be required to fill the expected shortfall between supply and demand. TCPL is well positioned in North America to serve growing power demand in the near term and to bring new natural gas supplies to market in the medium to longer term.
TCPL'S STRATEGY
TCPL's strong position is the direct result of successfully executing its corporate strategy which was first adopted in 2000. While the plan has evolved over time in response to actual and anticipated changes in the business environment, it fundamentally remains the same. Today, TCPL's corporate strategy consists of the following five components:
6 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Gas Transmission
Strategy
The company's strategy in Gas Transmission is focused on growing its North American business while maximizing the long-term value of its existing natural gas transmission assets. In order to grow the Gas Transmission business, TCPL is focusing its efforts on expanding and extending its existing systems to connect new supply to growing markets, increasing its ownership in partially-owned entities, acquiring or constructing pipelines that provide it with a significant regional presence, expanding into crude oil transmission and in the long term, connecting new sources of supply in the form of northern natural gas and LNG.
Over the past 50 years, TCPL has developed significant expertise in large-diameter, cold-climate natural gas pipeline design, construction, operation and maintenance. It has also developed significant expertise in the design, optimization and operation of large gas turbine compressor stations. Today, TCPL operates one of the largest, most sophisticated, remote-controlled pipeline networks in the world with a solid reputation for safety and reliability. TCPL also has strong project development and management skills and is committed to the highest levels of operational excellence. The company's strong financial position allows it to build large-scale infrastructure and act quickly on quality opportunities as they arise.
In addition to growing the North American Gas Transmission business, the company continues to place a strategic priority on maximizing the long-term value of its wholly-owned pipelines. Efforts in this area are focused on achieving a fair return on invested capital, developing highly competitive tariff structures, and streamlining and harmonizing processes and tariff provisions for and among TCPL's regulated pipelines. Further, the company continues to work collaboratively with its customers to develop and implement new services that deliver value to customers while sustaining TCPL's Gas Transmission business.
Existing Pipelines
TCPL's natural gas transmission assets link the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) with premium North American markets. With more than 41,000 kilometres (km) of pipeline, the company's wholly-owned gas transmission network is one of the largest in North America.
In 2005, the wholly-owned Alberta System gathered 66 per cent of the natural gas produced in Western Canada, equal to 17 per cent of total North American production. TCPL exports gas from the WCSB to Eastern Canada as well as the U.S. West, Midwest and Northeast through four wholly-owned pipeline systems:
TCPL also exports gas from the WCSB to Eastern Canada as well as the U.S. West, Midwest and Northeast through six pipeline systems in which TCPL holds the following ownership interests:
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 7
Northern Development
In 2005, TCPL continued to pursue pipeline opportunities to move both Mackenzie Delta and Alaska North Slope natural gas to markets throughout North America. If the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project and the Alaska Highway Pipeline Project are constructed and connected to TCPL's existing infrastructure, they will represent additional growth opportunities for TCPL and enhance the long-term viability and value of the company's existing Gas Transmission business, especially the wholly-owned pipelines.
Mexico
In June 2005, TCPL was awarded a contract to construct, own and operate a natural gas pipeline in east-central Mexico. The 36 inch, 125 km Tamazunchale Pipeline will extend from the facilities of Pemex Gas near Naranjos, Veracruz and transport natural gas to an electricity generation station near Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosi. TCPL expects to invest approximately US$181 million in the project with a planned in-service date of December 1, 2006. The pipeline will be designed to transport initial volumes of 170 million cubic feet per day (mmcf/d). Under the contract, the capacity of the Tamazunchale Pipeline is expected to be expanded beginning in 2009 to approximately 430 mmcf/d to meet the needs of two additional proposed power plants near Tamazunchale. TCPL continues to explore other pipeline and energy infrastructure opportunities in Mexico.
LNG
TCPL continues to work toward gaining regulatory approval for its two LNG projects: Cacouna in Québec, a joint venture with Petro-Canada; and the Broadwater Energy project (Broadwater), offshore of New York State in Long Island Sound, a joint venture with Shell US Gas & Power LLC (Shell). TCPL, on behalf of Broadwater, filed a formal application with the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on January 30, 2006 for federal approval to construct and operate Broadwater.
Natural Gas Storage
The company's initiatives in the natural gas storage business are a logical extension of its Gas Transmission business. TCPL believes Alberta-based natural gas storage will continue to serve market needs and could play an important role should northern gas be connected to North American markets. In the first quarter of 2005, TCPL started development of a natural gas storage facility near Edson, Alberta. The Edson facility is expected to have a capacity of approximately 60 petajoules (PJ) and will connect to TCPL's Alberta System. In addition, in 2004, the company secured a long-term contract with a third party for existing Alberta-based natural gas storage capacity, increasing from 20 PJ in 2005 to 30 PJ in 2006 and to 40 PJ in 2007. These initiatives, combined with the company's current 60 per cent ownership interest in CrossAlta Gas Storage & Services Ltd. (CrossAlta), position TCPL to become one of the largest natural gas storage providers in Western Canada. With more than 130 PJ of storage capacity by 2007, TCPL will own or lease approximately one-third of the natural gas storage capacity available in Alberta.
Oil Transmission
In November 2005, TCPL, ConocoPhillips Company and ConocoPhillips Pipe Line Company (CPPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ConocoPhillips Company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which commits ConocoPhillips Company to ship crude oil on the proposed Keystone oil pipeline (Keystone pipeline), and gives CPPL the right to acquire up to a 50 per cent participating interest in the pipeline. On January 31, 2006, TCPL announced that through the binding Open Season held in fourth quarter 2005 it had secured firm, long-term contracts totalling 340,000 barrels per day of crude oil with an average term of 18 years. The Keystone pipeline, expected to cost approximately US$2.1 billion, will have an initial capacity to transport approximately 435,000 barrels per day of crude oil from Hardisty, Alberta to Patoka, Illinois through a 2,960 km pipeline system.
Regulatory
In 2005, TCPL's principal regulatory activities and events included:
8 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Power
TCPL has built a substantial power business over the past decade. The power plants and power supply that TCPL owns, operates and/or controls, including projects under construction, represent approximately 6,700 megawatts (MW) of power generation capacity in Canada and the U.S. The company's power assets are concentrated in two main regions the western business focused in Alberta and the eastern business focused in the Northeastern U.S. and Eastern Canada markets.
Strategy
TCPL's strategy for growth and value creation in Power is driven by four principles:
TCPL's ability to successfully execute its strategy is directly related to the following core competencies in the power business:
In 2005, TCPL continued to add to its diverse portfolio of quality power generation assets.
Bécancour and Cartier Wind
Throughout 2005, TCPL continued to advance the Bécancour and Cartier Wind Energy (Cartier Wind) power projects. Construction of the 550 MW Bécancour cogeneration plant near Trois Rivières, Québec, remains on schedule to begin operations in September 2006. The 739.5 MW Cartier Wind project, 62 per cent owned by TCPL, awarded construction contracts in late 2005, and is expected to commence construction in early 2006. Located in the Gaspésie region of
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 9
Québec, the first of the six projects that comprise Cartier Wind is anticipated to be commissioned beginning in late 2006 with the remaining projects being commissioned through to 2012. The entire power output from both Bécancour and Cartier Wind will be supplied to Hydro-Québec Distribution (Hydro-Québec) under 20 year power purchase contracts.
TC Hydro
In April 2005, TCPL acquired from USGen New England, Inc. (USGen), hydroelectric generation assets (TC Hydro) with total generating capacity of 567 MW, for approximately US$503 million. These are low operating cost power generation assets serving the New England market.
Bruce Power
In October 2005, Bruce Power and the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), entered into a long-term agreement whereby Bruce A will restart and refurbish the currently idle Units 1 and 2, extend the operating life of Unit 3 by replacing its steam generators and fuel channels when required and replace the steam generators on Unit 4. The capital program for the restart and refurbishment work is expected to total approximately $4.25 billion and TCPL's approximate $2.125 billion share will be financed through capital contributions to 2011. Work to refurbish Units 1 and 2 was initiated in 2005 and the first unit is expected to be on-line in 2009. Restarting Units 1 and 2 will add approximately 1,500 MW to Bruce Power's existing generation capacity of 4,700 MW All of the Bruce A output will be sold to the OPA under fixed price contract terms.
As a result of the agreement between Bruce Power and the OPA, and the decision by Cameco Corporation (Cameco) not to participate in the restart and refurbishment program, a new partnership, Bruce A, was created. The Bruce A partnership subleases the Bruce A facilities, comprised of Units 1 to 4, from Bruce B. The effect of these transactions was that TCPL and BPC Generation Infrastructure Trust (BPC) each incurred a net cash outlay of $100 million and as at December 31, 2005 each owned a 47.9 per cent interest in Bruce A.
Sheerness PPA
In December 2005, TCPL acquired the remaining rights and obligations under the 756 MW Sheerness Power Purchase Arrangement (PPA) from the Alberta Balancing Pool for $585 million. The remaining term of the PPA is 15 years. The Sheerness power plant, which consists of two low-cost coal-fired thermal power generating units, is located approximately 230 km northeast of Calgary, Alberta.
Grandview
Construction of the 90 MW Grandview natural gas-fired cogeneration power plant located in Saint John, New Brunswick, was completed at the end of 2004. It was commissioned in January 2005. Under a 20 year tolling arrangement, 100 per cent of the plant's heat and electricity output is sold to Irving Oil (Irving).
TCPL expects its Power business to continue to be a key growth driver. The company is committed to growing the Power business through asset acquisitions, selected greenfield developments and further expansions of its existing business. TCPL's goal is to build and establish a diverse portfolio of high quality assets that deliver strong returns to shareholders.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND "SPIRIT"
In addition to growing its Gas Transmission and Power businesses, TCPL is committed to an operational excellence business model. The company's focus is on being a low-cost, reliable and safe operator that provides responsive services to its customers in an effective and timely manner.
The company's values guide the way business is conducted at TCPL. Within TCPL, these values are commonly referred to as "SPIRIT". They are the principles that direct how the company works and they include: Social responsibility, Passion, Integrity, Results, Innovation and Teamwork. The company's commitment to these values helps ensure it maintains its reputation as one of North America's premier energy infrastructure companies.
10 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
COMPETITIVE STRENGTH AND ENDURING VALUE
TCPL's strategy also focuses on developing and enhancing those strengths that are at the core of its corporate success:
These initiatives bring competitive advantage and facilitate the effective delivery of results for the company's Gas Transmission and Power businesses.
TCPL has approximately 2,350 employees who through their talent, integrity, hard work and results provide the company with a strong competitive advantage driven by industry-leading expertise in pipeline and power operations, depth of market and industry knowledge, financial acumen and exceptional infrastructure project capabilities.
OUTLOOK
TCPL's corporate strategy is underpinned by a long-term focus on growing its Gas Transmission and Power businesses in a disciplined and measured manner. This strategy was initiated in 2000 and has been consistently followed. In 2006 and beyond, the company's net earnings and cash flow, combined with a strong balance sheet, are expected to continue to provide the financial flexibility for TCPL to capture further opportunities and create additional long-term value for shareholders.
In Gas Transmission, the company will continue to focus its efforts on maximizing the long-term value from its pipeline and natural gas storage assets, including efforts to connect new long-term supply to growing markets. This focus will take a variety of forms in 2006 including:
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 11
In addition, Gas Transmission will continue to grow its natural gas storage business in 2006 through completion of the Edson facility, an expanded CrossAlta facility and increased capacity under a long-term contract with a third party. TCPL will also seek to continue to capitalize on opportunities to increase its ownership in its partially-owned pipelines and acquire interests in new pipelines in markets where TCPL has a significant regional presence.
In Power, TCPL has had significant success in growing this segment and, in 2006, will continue to focus its efforts on further growth. As in 2005 and prior years, this growth is expected to come from a combination of greenfield developments, new acquisitions and organic growth within its existing assets and markets. In particular, in 2006, TCPL is expected to:
The following discussion reflects management's expectations for 2006, as discussed throughout this MD&A. A number of risk factors and developments may positively or negatively affect the actual results for 2006, including new acquisitions, advancement of greenfield developments, regulatory decisions and settlements, customer bankruptcies, market changes in commodity prices, weather and interest rates as well as unplanned outages on various Gas Transmission and Power assets. The performance of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar would either positively or negatively impact TCPL's net earnings, although this impact is mitigated by partially offsetting exposures in certain of the company's businesses as well as through the company's hedging activities.
In 2006, TCPL expects reduced net earnings from the Gas Transmission business compared to 2005 (excluding the gain on sale of PipeLines LP units in 2005). The combined effects of an expected net decline in the rate base of each of the Canadian Mainline and Alberta System and the decline in each of their respective allowed ROEs are expected to decrease net earnings on these systems compared to 2005. In addition, reduced firm contract volumes on the Gas Transmission Northwest System, partially due to the effects of customer bankruptcies, are expected to have a slightly negative impact on the Gas Transmission Northwest System results compared to 2005, although it is uncertain what impact the 2006 rate case filing may have on the system's results. Lastly, anticipated lower firm service revenues on certain partially-owned pipelines and a full year of reduced ownership of PipeLines LP are expected to be only partially offset by the effects of a higher allowed deemed common equity component on the Foothills System and the BC System and the expected growth in natural gas storage net earnings.
In the Power business, 2006 net earnings are expected to be higher than in 2005 (excluding the gains on sales related to Power LP and Paiton Energy in 2005) due to higher Bruce Power results reflecting an increased ownership in Bruce A and fewer planned outages, increased contributions from Western Operations reflecting the acquisition of the Sheerness PPA, slightly improved Eastern Operations' results reflecting a full year of TC Hydro operations as well as initial contributions from Bécancour and Cartier Wind expected in late 2006. Offsetting these improved results is the loss of income due to the sale of Power LP in 2005.
In 2006, Corporate is expected to incur higher net expenses compared to 2005 primarily due to the income tax refunds and positive income tax adjustments recorded in 2005 that are not currently expected to recur in 2006. In addition, Corporate's results in 2006 could be impacted by debt levels, interest rates, foreign exchange movements and income tax refunds and adjustments.
12 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
GAS TRANSMISSION
HIGHLIGHTS
Net Earnings
Canadian Mainline
Alberta System
GTN
Foothills System and BC System
Other Gas Transmission
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 13
CANADIAN MAINLINE TCPL's 100 per cent owned, 14,898 km natural gas transmission system in Canada extends from the Alberta/Saskatchewan border east to the Québec/Vermont border and connects with other natural gas pipelines in Canada and the U.S.
ALBERTA SYSTEM TCPL's 100 per cent owned natural gas transmission system in Alberta gathers natural gas for use within the province and delivers it to provincial boundary points for connection with the Canadian Mainline, BC System, the Foothills System and other pipelines. The 23,339 km system is one of the largest carriers of natural gas in North America.
GAS TRANSMISSION NORTHWEST SYSTEM TCPL's 100 per cent owned, 2,174 km natural gas transmission system links the BC System and the Foothills System with Pacific Gas and Electric Company's California Gas Transmission System, with the Northwest Pipeline and with Tuscarora, a partially-owned entity that runs from the Oregon/California border into Nevada.
FOOTHILLS SYSTEM TCPL's 100 per cent owned, 1,040 km natural gas transmission system in Western Canada carries natural gas for export from central Alberta to the U.S. border to serve markets in the U.S. Midwest, Pacific Northwest, California and Nevada.
BC SYSTEM TCPL's 100 per cent owned natural gas transmission system extends 201 km from Alberta's western border through British Columbia to connect with the Gas Transmission Northwest System at the U.S. border, serving markets in B.C. as well as the Pacific Northwest, California and Nevada.
14 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
NORTH BAJA SYSTEM TCPL's 100 per cent owned, 129 km natural gas transmission system extends from southwestern Arizona to a point near Ogilby, California on the California/Mexico border and connects with the Gasoducto Bajanorte pipeline system in Mexico.
VENTURES LP Ventures LP, which is 100 per cent owned by TCPL, owns a 121 km pipeline and related facilities which supply natural gas to the oil sands region of northern Alberta, and a 27 km pipeline which supplies natural gas to a petrochemical complex at Joffre, Alberta.
GREAT LAKES Great Lakes connects with the Canadian Mainline at Emerson, Manitoba and serves markets in central Canada and the eastern and midwestern U.S. TCPL has a 50 per cent ownership interest in this 3,402 km pipeline system.
TQM TQM is a 572 km natural gas pipeline system which connects with the Canadian Mainline and transports natural gas from Montréal to Québec City and to the Portland system. TCPL holds a 50 per cent ownership interest in TQM.
IROQUOIS Iroquois connects with the Canadian Mainline near Waddington, New York and delivers natural gas to customers in the Northeastern U.S. TCPL has a 44.5 per cent ownership interest in this 663 km pipeline system.
PORTLAND Portland is a 474 km pipeline that connects with TQM near East Hereford, Québec and delivers natural gas to customers in the Northeastern U.S. TCPL has a 61.7 per cent ownership interest in Portland.
NORTHERN BORDER Northern Border is a 2,010 km natural gas pipeline system which serves the U.S. Midwest from a connection with the Foothills System near Monchy, Saskatchewan. TCPL indirectly owns approximately 4 per cent of Northern Border through its 13.4 per cent ownership interest in PipeLines LP.
TUSCARORA Tuscarora operates a 386 km pipeline system transporting natural gas from the Gas Transmission Northwest System at Malin, Oregon to Wadsworth, Nevada with delivery points in northeastern California and northwestern Nevada. TCPL owns an aggregate 7.6 per cent interest in Tuscarora, of which 6.6 per cent is held through TCPL's interest in PipeLines LP.
TAMAZUNCHALE TCPL is currently constructing the Tamazunchale natural gas pipeline in east central Mexico. The 125 km pipeline will extend from the facilities of Pemex Gas near Naranjos, Veracruz to an electricity generation station near Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosi. TCPL will operate and own 100 per cent of the pipeline. This pipeline is expected to be in service on December 1, 2006.
TRANSGAS TransGas is a 344 km natural gas pipeline system which runs from Mariquita in the central region of Colombia to Cali in the southwest of Colombia. TCPL holds a 46.5 per cent ownership interest in this pipeline.
GAS PACIFICO Gas Pacifico is a 540 km natural gas pipeline extending from Loma de la Lata, Argentina to Concepción, Chile. TCPL holds a 30 per cent ownership interest in Gas Pacifico.
INNERGY INNERGY is an industrial natural gas marketing and distribution company based in Concepción, Chile that markets and distributes natural gas transported on Gas Pacifico. TCPL holds a 30 per cent ownership interest in INNERGY.
CROSSALTA CrossAlta is an underground natural gas storage facility connected to the Alberta System and is located near Crossfield, Alberta. CrossAlta has a working natural gas capacity of 56 PJ with a maximum deliverability capability of 0.45 PJ per day. TCPL holds a 60 per cent ownership interest in CrossAlta.
EDSON TCPL is currently developing the Edson natural gas storage facility near Edson, Alberta. The Edson facility is expected to have a capacity of approximately 60 PJ and will connect to TCPL's Alberta System. Storage capacity is expected to be available from the Edson facility, on a phased-in basis, commencing mid-2006.
BROADWATER Broadwater, a joint venture with Shell, is a proposed LNG project offshore of New York State in Long Island Sound, capable of receiving, storing and regasifying imported LNG with an average send-out capacity of approximately one Bcf/d of natural gas.
CACOUNA Cacouna, a joint venture with Petro-Canada, is a proposed LNG project at Gros Cacouna harbour on the St. Lawrence River, capable of receiving, storing and regasifying imported LNG with an average send-out capacity of approximately 500 mmcf/d of natural gas.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 15
GAS TRANSMISSION RESULTS-AT-A-GLANCE
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||
Wholly-Owned Pipelines | ||||||||
Canadian Mainline | 283 | 272 | 290 | |||||
Alberta System | 150 | 150 | 190 | |||||
GTN(1) | 71 | 14 | | |||||
Foothills System(2) | 21 | 22 | 20 | |||||
BC System | 6 | 7 | 6 | |||||
531 | 465 | 506 | ||||||
Other Gas Transmission |
||||||||
Great Lakes | 46 | 55 | 52 | |||||
Iroquois | 17 | 17 | 18 | |||||
PipeLines LP(3) | 9 | 16 | 15 | |||||
Portland(4) | 11 | 10 | 11 | |||||
Ventures LP(5) | 12 | 15 | 10 | |||||
TQM | 7 | 8 | 8 | |||||
CrossAlta | 19 | 13 | 6 | |||||
TransGas | 11 | 11 | 22 | |||||
Northern Development | (4 | ) | (6 | ) | (4 | ) | ||
General, administrative, support costs and other | (24 | ) | (25 | ) | (22 | ) | ||
104 | 114 | 116 | ||||||
Gain on sale of PipeLines LP units (after tax) | 49 | | | |||||
Gain on sale of Millennium (after tax) | | 7 | | |||||
153 | 121 | 116 | ||||||
Net earnings | 684 | 586 | 622 | |||||
In 2005, net earnings from the Gas Transmission business were $684 million compared to $586 million and $622 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. The increase in 2005 compared to 2004 was mainly due to higher net earnings from Wholly-Owned Pipelines and a gain on sale of PipeLines LP units, partially offset by lower net earnings from Other Gas Transmission. The increase in Wholly-Owned Pipelines' net earnings in 2005 was primarily due to a full year of GTN net earnings and higher Canadian Mainline net earnings. Lower net earnings in 2005 from Other Gas Transmission were primarily due to decreased earnings from Great Lakes and PipeLines LP, partially offset by higher earnings for CrossAlta.
The overall decrease of $36 million in 2004 Gas Transmission net earnings compared to 2003 was mainly due to lower net earnings from Wholly-Owned Pipelines. The decrease in Wholly-Owned Pipelines' net earnings in 2004 was primarily due to a reduction in the Alberta System's net earnings, reflecting the EUB's disallowance of certain operating costs in
16 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
its decision on Phase I of the 2004 General Rate Application (GRA) and in its decision in the generic cost of capital (GCOC) proceeding to allow an ROE in 2004 lower than the return implicit in the 2003 revenue requirement settlement with stakeholders. In addition, net earnings on the Canadian Mainline were lower in 2004 compared to 2003 due to a decline in both the average investment base and the allowed ROE. The addition of GTN had a positive effect on net earnings in 2004.
GAS TRANSMISSION FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Canadian Mainline
The Canadian Mainline is regulated by the NEB. The NEB sets tolls which provide TCPL the opportunity to recover projected costs of transporting natural gas, including the return on the Canadian Mainline's average investment base. In addition, new facilities are approved by the NEB before construction begins. Net earnings of the Canadian Mainline are affected by changes in investment base, the ROE, the level of deemed common equity and the potential for incentive earnings.
The Canadian Mainline generated net earnings of $283 million in 2005, an increase of $11 million over 2004. The increase in net earnings is primarily due to the NEB's decision on the 2004 Tolls and Tariff Application (Phase II) which included an increase in the deemed common equity ratio to 36 per cent from 33 per cent for 2004 which is also effective for 2005 under the tolls settlement. The Phase II decision resulted in a $35 million ($13 million related to 2004 and $22 million related to 2005) increase to Canadian Mainline's 2005 net earnings compared to 2004. However, this earnings increase was partially offset by the combination of a lower average investment base, lower operating cost savings and a lower approved ROE in 2005. The NEB-approved ROE decreased to 9.46 per cent in 2005 from 9.56 per cent in 2004.
Net earnings of $272 million in 2004 were $18 million lower than 2003 net earnings of $290 million. The decrease was primarily due to a lower average investment base and allowed ROE. The NEB-approved ROE was 9.56 per cent in 2004 compared to 9.79 per cent in 2003.
Alberta System
The Alberta System is regulated by the EUB primarily under the provisions of the Gas Utilities Act (Alberta) (GUA) and the Pipeline Act (Alberta). Under the GUA, its rates, tolls and other charges, and terms and conditions of service are subject to approval by the EUB. In addition, major facilities are approved by the EUB before construction begins.
Net earnings of $150 million in 2005 were unchanged from 2004 due to the negative impacts of a lower investment base and a lower approved rate of return in 2005 being offset by the positive impact of higher allowed operating costs in 2005 than in 2004 as a result of cost disallowances in 2004 as a result of the EUB's decision on Phase I of the 2004 GRA. Net earnings in 2004 and 2005 reflect an ROE of 9.60 and 9.50 per cent, respectively, as prescribed by the EUB, on deemed common equity of 35 per cent.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 17
Net earnings in 2004 of $150 million were $40 million lower than 2003 net earnings of $190 million. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of the EUB decisions in respect of Phase I of the 2004 GRA and the GCOC proceeding. The GRA Phase I decision disallowed approximately $24 million of operating costs, and the GCOC decision resulted in a lower return on deemed common equity in 2004 compared to 2003.
GTN
Both the Gas Transmission Northwest System and the North Baja System operate under fixed rate models, under which maximum and minimum rates for various service types have been ordered by FERC and which GTN is permitted to discount or negotiate on a non-discriminatory basis. The Gas Transmission Northwest System's last filed rate case was in 1994 and it was settled and approved by FERC in 1996. The North Baja System's rates were established in FERC's initial order in 2002, certifying construction and operation of the system. The net earnings of GTN are impacted by variations in volumes delivered and prices charged under the various service types that are provided, as well as by variations in the costs of providing transportation service. Net earnings were $71 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to $14 million for November and December 2004.
Other Gas Transmission
TCPL's other direct and indirect investments in various natural gas pipelines and gas transmission related businesses are included in Other Gas Transmission. It also includes TCPL's natural gas storage facilities and project development activities related to TCPL's pursuit of new pipeline and natural gas and crude oil transmission related opportunities throughout North America.
TCPL's net earnings from Other Gas Transmission in 2005 were $153 million compared to $121 million and $116 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Excluding the gains on sale of PipeLines LP units in 2005 and Millennium in 2004, net earnings for 2005 were $10 million lower compared to 2004. The decrease was primarily due to lower net earnings of Great Lakes as a result of lower short-term revenues and higher operating and maintenance costs, and lower earnings from PipeLines LP as a result of the reduced ownership. Results were also negatively impacted by a weaker U.S. dollar in 2005. These decreases were partially offset by higher earnings from CrossAlta as a result of more favourable natural gas storage conditions in 2005.
Excluding the gain on sale of Millennium, net earnings in 2004 were $2 million lower than 2003. Higher net earnings from CrossAlta and Ventures LP were more than offset by an $11 million positive tax adjustment recorded in TransGas de Occidente S.A. (TransGas) in 2003 and the negative impact of a weaker U.S. dollar in 2004 compared to 2003.
GAS TRANSMISSION OPPORTUNITIES AND DEVELOPMENTS
Tamazunchale Pipeline
In June 2005, TCPL announced it was awarded a contract by Mexico's Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) to construct, own and operate a natural gas pipeline in east-central Mexico. The 36 inch, 125 kilometre Tamazunchale Pipeline will extend from the facilities of Pemex Gas near Naranjos, Veracruz and transport natural gas under a 26 year
18 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
contract with the CFE to an electricity generation station near Tamazunchale, San Luis Potosi. TCPL expects to invest approximately US$181 million in the project with a planned in-service date of December 1, 2006.
The pipeline will be designed to transport initial volumes of 170 mmcf/d. Under the contract, the capacity of the Tamazunchale Pipeline is expected to be expanded beginning in 2009 to approximately 430 mmcf/d to meet the needs of two additional proposed power plants near Tamazunchale.
North Baja System
In February 2006, the North Baja System filed an application with FERC for a certificate for a two-phase expansion of its existing natural gas pipeline in southern California and the construction of a new pipeline lateral in California's Imperial Valley. The expansion project envisions substantially increasing the capacity of the existing pipeline and allowing for bi-directional flow of natural gas. Natural gas currently flows on the North Baja System southward from its interconnection with El Paso Natural Gas Company at Ehrenberg, Arizona.
The proposed North Baja System expansion links to a corresponding expansion of the Gasoducto Bajanorte line in Mexico owned by Sempra Energy. Together, the expansions may allow for import into the U.S. of up to 2.7 Bcfd/d of natural gas supplied from several potential LNG terminals near Baja California, Mexico, including the Costa Azul terminal that is currently under construction. Shippers have indicated their commercial support for the projects by signing precedent agreements in support of the expansion plan as filed with FERC.
In addition to its FERC certificate of public convenience and necessity (which includes a determination on environmental issues), the project will need various permits and leases from the federal Bureau of Land Management, the California State Lands Commission and other agencies.
Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project
The Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project would result in a natural gas pipeline being constructed from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, to the northern border of Alberta, where it would then connect with the Alberta System. Through 2005, the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project continued to progress, with substantial milestones being achieved in reaching agreement with certain of the northern aboriginal groups as to the terms of land access for the pipeline right of way. As a consequence, in late 2005, the project proponents indicated their readiness to proceed to the public hearings phase of the regulatory review of the project. Hearings commenced in January 2006 and are expected to continue throughout 2006.
In 2003, TCPL entered into an agreement with the Mackenzie Valley Aboriginal Pipeline Limited Partnership (known as the APG) by which TCPL agreed to finance the APG's one-third share of the pipeline pre-development costs associated with the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project. Cumulative advances made by TCPL in this respect constitute a loan to the APG, which becomes repayable only after the date upon which the pipeline commences commercial operations. If the project does not proceed, TCPL has no recourse against the APG for recovery of advances made.
TCPL's loan advances to the APG were originally estimated to total approximately $90 million, with an acknowledgement that these costs could rise as a result of project delays and increased project costs. Given that the project has experienced delays and is entering into a protracted regulatory hearing process, the total loan advances by TCPL, on behalf of the APG, are currently forecast to increase to approximately $145 million. These advances are expected to ultimately form part of the rate base of the pipeline, and the loan will subsequently be repaid from the APG's share of available future pipeline revenues or from alternate financing. As at December 31, 2005, TCPL had funded $87 million of this loan. The ability to recover this investment remains dependent upon the successful outcome of the project. Under the terms of the agreement, TCPL gains an immediate opportunity to acquire up to five per cent equity ownership of the pipeline at the time of the decision to construct. In addition, TCPL gains certain rights of first refusal to acquire 50 per cent of any divestitures of existing partners and an entitlement to obtain a one-third interest in all expansion opportunities once the APG reaches a one-third ownership share, with the producers and the APG sharing the balance.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 19
Alaska Highway Pipeline Project
In 2005, TCPL continued its discussions with Alaska North Slope producers and the State of Alaska relating to the Alaskan portion of the proposed Alaska Highway Pipeline Project. In June 2004, TCPL filed an application under the State of Alaska's Stranded Gas Development Act and requested the State resume processing of its long-pending application for a right-of-way lease across State lands. If the right-of-way lease is approved, TCPL is prepared to convey the lease to another entity if that entity is willing to connect the final project to TCPL's pipeline system. The lease conveyance would require an interconnection agreement with TCPL at the Yukon/Alaska border. TCPL's Stranded Gas Application is one of three applications currently before the State. In October 2005, the State Administration and ConocoPhillips Company reached a preliminary agreement under the Stranded Gas Development Act. On February 21, 2006, the State announced that it had reached a preliminary agreement with BP Resources and ExxonMobil. In addition, on February 21, 2006, the State announced it would be proposing legislation for a new oil and gas production tax regime. It is not expected that a natural gas deal would be submitted to the legislative assembly of Alaska for ratification until after a new oil and gas production tax regime has been enacted.
Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd. (Foothills) holds the priority right to build, own and operate the first pipeline through Canada for the transportation of Alaskan natural gas. This right was granted under the Northern Pipeline Act of Canada (NPA), following a lengthy competitive hearing before the NEB in the late 1970s, which resulted in a decision in favour of Foothills. The NPA creates a single window regulatory regime that is uniquely available to Foothills. It has been used by Foothills to construct facilities in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan which constitute a prebuild for the Alaska Highway Pipeline Project, and to expand those facilities five times, the latest of which was in 1998. TCPL continues to seek commercial alignment with the Alaska North Slope producers on the Canadian portion of the project. Continued development under the NPA should ensure the earliest in-service date for the project.
Supply
In 2005, the upstream energy sector responded to high natural gas prices by drilling a record number of natural gas wells in the WCSB. TCPL continued to see supply growth from the west central foothills area as well as unconventional production from coalbed methane (CBM), primarily from the Horseshoe Canyon coals located in central Alberta between Edmonton and Calgary.
TCPL will continue to focus on the cost effective and timely connection of these volumes that will enable customers to access markets where natural gas continues to achieve premium prices. As well, service flexibility will continue to be a focus to ensure TCPL remains competitive.
Western Markets
TCPL continues to pursue growth opportunities within existing and new natural gas markets. In 2005, TCPL further pursued the provision of cost effective incremental delivery service into the Fort McMurray, Alberta market. As demand for natural gas continued to grow at unprecedented levels, numerous oil sands projects, both mining and in-situ, were announced in this region in 2005 resulting in incremental natural gas demand.
In late 2004 and throughout 2005, TCPL executed firm contracts for delivery service to the Fort McMurray area on the Alberta System for volumes in excess of 900 mmcf/d. As a result of the ten and 20 year contracts, TCPL has filed applications with the EUB to construct new natural gas transmission facilities to serve the contracted demand. The construction will begin in late 2006 with a contracted on-stream date of April 1, 2007. In 2008 and 2009, TCPL expects to add additional facilities as the Fort McMurray oil sands demand continues to grow.
Eastern Markets
Power generation continues to be the primary driver for incremental natural gas demand in Eastern Canada and the U.S. Northeast markets. Power projects that will require significant incremental natural gas volumes continue to be developed and, as a result, the Canadian Mainline is expected to see modest throughput increases in the short to medium term on a long haul basis. Modest expansions, underpinned with long term firm transportation (FT) contracts, are expected to be placed into service in 2006 and 2007 to meet incremental demand in the eastern markets.
20 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Desire for options in accessing natural gas supply is reflected in the continuing trend towards increased demand for short haul contracts by customers in the eastern markets. TCPL continues to work with these customers to provide service flexibility and optionality.
LNG
In September 2005, the village of Cacouna, Québec, voted 57.2 per cent in favour of an LNG terminal to be built in the area. The Cacouna Energy joint venture between Petro-Canada and TCPL was originally announced in September 2004 and proposes a $660 million project at Gros Cacouna harbour on the St. Lawrence River, capable of receiving, storing and regasifying imported LNG with an average send-out capacity of approximately 500 mmcf/d of natural gas. TCPL will operate the planned facility, while Petro-Canada will contract for all of the capacity and supply the LNG. Québec's Ministry of Environment commenced its 45 day public consultation period on February 22, 2006, regarding the next phase for this project.
In November 2004, TCPL and Shell announced plans to jointly develop an offshore LNG regasification terminal, Broadwater, in the New York State waters of Long Island Sound. The proposed floating storage and regasification unit would be located approximately 15 km off the Long Island coast and 18 km off the Connecticut coast. The proposed terminal would be capable of receiving, storing and regasifying imported LNG with an average send-out capacity of approximately one Bcf/d of natural gas. Broadwater Energy LLC, an entity which will be owned 50 per cent by TCPL, will own and operate the facility, while Shell will contract for all of the capacity and supply the LNG. The estimated cost of construction is expected to be approximately US$700 million to US$1 billion. Construction of the facility is subject to regulatory approval from U.S. federal and state governments. On January 30, 2006, a formal application was filed with FERC for federal approval to construct and operate Broadwater. Provided the necessary approvals are received, it is expected the facility will be in service in late 2010 or early 2011.
Natural Gas Storage
TCPL's natural gas storage business is situated in Alberta, and is comprised of a long-term natural gas storage contract, 60 per cent ownership in CrossAlta and the wholly-owned Edson facility which is currently under construction. By mid-2007, TCPL will own or lease more than 130 PJ, or approximately one-third of the natural gas storage capacity in Alberta.
Natural gas market price volatility, partly due to extreme weather, supply disruptions and sharp increases in oil prices, contributed to strong storage values during 2005. TCPL commenced commercial natural gas storage operations in second quarter 2005 through marketing and optimizing the 20 PJ of contracted natural gas storage capacity. The capacity under contract increases to 30 PJ in 2006 and to 40 PJ in 2007.
TCPL commenced construction of the Edson facility in early 2005. The construction cost of the project is currently expected to be approximately $270 million, which is a $70 million increase from the initial estimate due to higher drilling and construction costs, and higher base gas costs. The Edson facility is expected to have a capacity of approximately 60 PJ and will connect to TCPL's Alberta System. Storage capacity is expected to be available from the Edson facility, on a phased-in basis, commencing in mid-2006.
TCPL also has a 60 per cent interest in the CrossAlta natural gas storage facility, which has a total working natural gas capacity of 56 PJ. In 2005, CrossAlta completed expansion projects that improved the injection and withdrawal rates and increased developed capacity from 44 PJ to 56 PJ.
Current market fundamentals for natural gas storage are expected to remain strong. The imbalance in North American natural gas supply and demand has created natural gas price volatility, resulting in demand for storage service. TCPL believes Alberta-based storage will continue to serve market needs and could play an even more important role when northern natural gas is connected to North American markets.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 21
Keystone Pipeline
In November 2005, TCPL, ConocoPhillips Company and CPPL signed an MOU which commits ConocoPhillips Company to ship crude oil on the proposed Keystone pipeline, and gives CPPL the right to acquire up to a 50 per cent ownership interest in the pipeline. On January 31, 2006, TCPL announced it has secured firm, long-term contracts totalling 340,000 barrels per day with a duration averaging 18 years. The commitments were obtained through the successful completion of a binding Open Season held during fourth quarter 2005. With these commitments from shippers, TCPL will proceed with regulatory filings for approval of the project.
At an estimated cost of approximately US$2.1 billion, the Keystone pipeline is intended to transport approximately 435,000 barrels per day of crude oil from Hardisty, Alberta, to Patoka, Illinois through a 2,960 km pipeline system. The pipeline can be expanded to 590,000 barrels per day with additional pump stations. In addition to approximately 1,730 km of new pipeline construction in the U.S., the Canadian portion of the proposed project includes the construction of approximately 370 km of new pipeline and the conversion of approximately 860 km of TCPL's existing pipeline facilities from natural gas to crude oil transmission. The Keystone pipeline, upon receipt of the appropriate regulatory approvals in Canada and the U.S., is expected to be in service in 2009. Construction is proposed to begin in late 2007.
Shippers have also expressed interest in proposed extensions of the Keystone pipeline to Cushing, Oklahoma and Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. TCPL expects to hold a binding Open Season for these two extensions later in 2006.
TCPL is in the business of connecting energy supplies to markets and it views this opportunity as another way of providing a valuable service to its customers. Converting one of the company's natural gas pipeline assets for crude oil transportation is an innovative, cost-competitive way to meet the need for pipeline expansions to accommodate anticipated growth in Canadian crude oil production during the next decade.
GAS TRANSMISSION REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
In 2005, TCPL's principal regulatory activities included receiving the decision from the NEB regarding the Canadian Mainline's 2004 Tolls and Tariff Application (Phase II); a negotiated settlement with respect to 2005 Canadian Mainline tolls; a three year revenue requirement settlement for the Alberta System; a hearing before the EUB on the rate design of the Alberta System, with potential implications for the competitiveness of the Alberta System; and the successful negotiation with shippers and CAPP for their support on increasing the deemed common equity ratio on the Foothills System and the BC System. TCPL is also currently in negotiation for a settlement with its Canadian Mainline shippers regarding 2006 tolls.
Canadian Mainline
In April 2005, the NEB issued its decision on the Canadian Mainline's 2004 Tolls and Tariff Application (Phase II) which increased the Canadian Mainline deemed common equity to 36 per cent from 33 per cent for 2004 tolls.
In April 2005, the NEB approved TCPL's application for a negotiated settlement of the 2005 Canadian Mainline tolls as filed. The settlement established operating, maintenance and administration (OM&A) costs for 2005 at $169.5 million with variances between actual OM&A costs in 2005 and those agreed to in the settlement accruing to TCPL. The majority of other cost elements of the 2005 revenue requirement were to be treated on a flow through basis. Further, the 2005 ROE was set at 9.46 per cent and the deemed common equity component in 2005 reflected the outcome of the NEB's Phase II decision with respect to the Canadian Mainline's 2004 capital structure.
In May 2005, in compliance with the NEB's decision regarding the Canadian Mainline's 2004 Tolls and Tariff Application (Phase II), TCPL filed separate final tolls applications with the NEB for 2004 and 2005. In June 2005, the NEB issued its decision approving the 2004 and 2005 final tolls applications as filed.
In December 2005, the NEB approved the 2006 interim tolls, effective January 1, 2006. TCPL is currently engaged in settlement discussions with its stakeholders on matters related to the Canadian Mainline's 2006 tolls and tariff. Pending
22 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
progress on the settlement discussions, TCPL intends to file an application for approval of the 2006 tolls and tariff with the NEB in first quarter 2006.
The formula-based ROE for the Canadian Mainline for 2006 is 8.88 per cent.
Alberta System
In December 2004, TCPL filed its 2005 Phase I GRA with the EUB. In March 2005, a settlement was reached with shippers and other interested parties regarding the annual revenue requirements of the Alberta System for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007. The settlement encompasses all elements of the Alberta System revenue requirement, including OM&A costs, return on equity, depreciation, and income and municipal taxes.
In the Alberta System settlement, OM&A costs were fixed at $193 million for 2005, $201 million for 2006, and $207 million for 2007. Any variance between actual OM&A and other fixed costs and those agreed to in the settlement in each year accrue to TCPL. The majority of other cost elements of the 2005, 2006 and 2007 revenue requirements are treated on a flow through basis.
The return on equity will be calculated annually during the term of the settlement using the EUB formula for the purpose of establishing the annual generic rate of return for Alberta utilities on deemed common equity of 35 per cent. For 2005, ROE under the EUB formula was 9.50 per cent. In addition, depreciation expenses are determined using the depreciation rates and methodology that was proposed to the EUB in the 2004 GRA. Depreciation expense was $303 million in 2005 and is expected to be approximately $285 million in 2006 and $282 million in 2007.
In June 2005, the EUB approved the negotiated settlement of the Alberta System's three year revenue requirement. As stipulated in the settlement, TCPL then discontinued the action it had commenced to appeal the EUB's disallowance of certain incentive compensation and long-term incentive compensation costs in the 2004 revenue requirement and its work on an application to the EUB to review and vary this same decision.
Interim tolls approved in December 2004 were charged throughout 2005 for transportation service on the Alberta System. With the issuance on February 21, 2006 of the EUB's decision on Phase II of the Alberta System's 2005 GRA, in which the application to retain the Alberta System's current rate design and cost allocation methodologies was approved, final tolls for 2005 can be determined. An application for 2005 final tolls will be made in March 2006.
On December 15, 2005, the EUB approved the application to charge interim tolls for transportation service, effective January 1, 2006. The 2006 interim tolls, which replaced the 2005 interim tolls, will be finalized through an application to the EUB in March 2006 in which the flow-through cost components of the revenue requirement will be updated to reflect actual costs and revenues from the prior year as stipulated under the Alberta System's 2005, 2006 and 2007 revenue requirement settlement.
The formula-based ROE for the Alberta System for 2006 is 8.93 per cent.
GTN
TCPL is preparing a rate case for the Gas Transmission Northwest System that is expected to be filed by summer 2006. The primary reason for a rate case is decreased revenues due to contract non-renewals and shipper defaults. Currently, the Gas Transmission Northwest System has about 12 per cent of its long-term capacity unsubscribed and there is a risk of additional contracts not being renewed during the remainder of 2006. FERC typically suspends the effectiveness of rate increase filings for a five month period, so the company anticipates that the new rates, which are subject to refund pending the final result of the case, would go into effect near the end of 2006.
Foothills and BC Systems
TCPL filed applications with the NEB in early December 2005 for approval of 2006 tolls for the Foothills System and the BC System reflecting an agreement with CAPP and other stakeholders to increase the deemed equity component of the capital structure of each system to 36 per cent from 30 per cent. On December 21, 2005, the NEB approved the Foothills System application as filed. On February 22, 2006, the NEB finalized the BC System's 2006 tolls as filed.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 23
GAS TRANSMISSION BUSINESS RISKS
Competition
TCPL faces competition at both the supply end and the market end of its systems. The competition is a result of other pipelines accessing an increasingly mature WCSB and markets served by TCPL's pipelines. In addition, the continued expiration of long-term FT contracts has resulted in significant reductions in long-term firm contracted capacity on the Canadian Mainline, the Alberta System, the BC System and the Gas Transmission Northwest System, and shifts to short-term firm contracts.
As of December 2004, the WCSB had remaining discovered natural gas reserves of approximately 55 trillion cubic feet and a reserves-to-production ratio of approximately nine years at current levels of production. Historically, additional reserves have continually been discovered to maintain the reserves-to-production ratio at close to nine years. Natural gas prices in the future are expected to be higher than long-term historical averages due to a tighter supply/demand balance which should stimulate exploration and production in the WCSB. However, WCSB supply is expected to remain essentially flat. With the expansion of capacity on TCPL's wholly- and partially-owned pipelines over the past decade, and the competition provided by other pipelines, combined with significant growth in natural gas demand in Alberta, TCPL anticipates there will be excess pipeline capacity out of the WCSB for the foreseeable future.
TCPL's Alberta System is the major natural gas gathering and transportation system for the WCSB which connects most of the natural gas processing plants in Alberta to domestic and export markets. The Alberta System has faced, and will continue to face, increasing competition from other pipelines.
The Canadian Mainline is TCPL's cross-continental natural gas pipeline serving mid-western and eastern markets in Canada and the U.S. The demand for natural gas in TCPL's key eastern markets is expected to continue to increase, particularly to meet the expected growth in natural gas-fired power generation. Although there are opportunities to increase market share in Canadian and U.S. export markets, TCPL faces significant competition in these regions. Consumers in the U.S. Northeast have access to an array of pipeline and supply options. Eastern Canadian markets that historically received Canadian supplies only from TCPL are now capable of receiving supplies from new pipelines into the region that can source Western Canadian, Atlantic Canadian and U.S. supplies.
Over the last few years, the Canadian Mainline has experienced reductions in long haul FT contracts. This has been partially offset by increases in short haul contracts. While decreases in throughput do not directly impact Canadian Mainline earnings, such decreases will impact the competitiveness of its tolls. Over the course of 2005, strong natural gas prices in Eastern Canada and the Northeast U.S. resulted in higher than anticipated flows on the Canadian Mainline to serve those markets. In addition to increases in flow, the Canadian Mainline has also experienced an increase in short-term contracts and a resulting decrease in tolls. Looking forward, in the short to medium term, there is expected to be limited opportunity to further reduce tolls by increasing long haul volumes on the Canadian Mainline. Further, throughput and contract levels are expected to return to more modest levels.
The Gas Transmission Northwest System must compete with other pipelines to access natural gas supplies as well as to access markets. Transportation service capacity on the Gas Transmission Northwest System provides customers with access to supplies of natural gas primarily from the WCSB and serves markets in the Pacific Northwest, California and Nevada. These three markets may also access supplies from other competing basins in addition to supplies from the WCSB. Historically, natural gas supplies from the WCSB have been competitively priced in relation to natural gas supplies from the other supply regions serving these markets. The Gas Transmission Northwest System experienced contract non-renewals in 2005 and additional contracts may not be renewed in 2006. Natural gas transported from the WCSB on the Gas Transmission Northwest System competes in the California and Nevada markets against supplies from the Rocky Mountain and southwest U.S. supply basins. In the Pacific Northwest market, natural gas transported on the Gas Transmission Northwest System competes against Rocky Mountain gas supply as well as additional Western Canadian supply that is transported by the Northwest Pipeline.
Transportation service on the North Baja System provides access to natural gas supplies primarily from both the Permian Basin, located in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico, and the San Juan Basin, primarily located in
24 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
northwestern New Mexico and Colorado. The North Baja System delivers natural gas to the Gasoducto Bajanorte pipeline at the California/Mexico border, which transports the natural gas to markets in northern Baja California, Mexico. While there are currently no direct competitors to deliver natural gas to the North Baja System's downstream markets, the pipeline may compete with fuel oil which is an alternative to natural gas in the operation of some electric generation plants in the North Baja region.
Counterparty Risk
The risk of customer defaults and bankruptcy has always been present. In December 2005, Calpine Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries (Calpine) filed for bankruptcy protection. Calpine has transportation contracts on certain of TCPL's Canadian and U.S. pipelines. TCPL presently holds the maximum financial assurances allowable under the respective tariffs. As at February 27, 2006, these transportation contracts had not been accepted or rejected. Should the Calpine contracts with TCPL's Canadian pipeline systems be rejected, TCPL considers that it has been prudent in obtaining the maximum financial assurances and would make an application to the regulator for recovery under the current regulatory model of any lost revenue, net of the assurances, and any revenues from the defaulted capacity. Should contracts be rejected on TCPL's U.S. systems, the unmitigated annual after-tax exposure of the contract obligations is estimated at $10 million for the Gas Transmission Northwest System and $10 million for Portland Natural Gas Transmission System Partnership, in which TCPL holds a 61.7 per cent ownership interest. Mitigating factors exist which are expected to reduce this exposure including recovery through future general rate case filings, recontracting at maximum or discounted rates where applicable, recontracting as short-term or interruptible service, and recovery from bankruptcy proceedings. The potential impact of such mitigating factors and the resulting net exposure are unknown at this time.
Financial Risk
Regulatory decisions continue to have a significant impact on the financial returns for existing and future investments in TCPL's Canadian wholly-owned pipelines. TCPL remains concerned the approved financial returns discourage additional investment in existing Canadian natural gas transmission systems. TCPL had applied for a return of 11 per cent on 40 per cent deemed common equity for both the Canadian Mainline and the Alberta System to the NEB and EUB, respectively. The outcome of these proceedings resulted in the current Canadian Mainline's 36 per cent deemed equity thickness and Alberta System's 35 per cent deemed equity thickness. Additionally, the NEB reaffirmed its return on equity formula, while the EUB set a generic ROE which largely aligns with the formula of the NEB. In 2005, the NEB's ROE formula provided an ROE of 9.46 per cent and the EUB's generic ROE was 9.50 per cent. In 2006, the Canadian Mainline and Alberta System's ROEs decline to 8.88 percent and 8.93 per cent, respectively.
The company remains cognizant of the views and shares the concerns of credit rating agencies regarding the Canadian regulatory environment. Credit ratings and liquidity continue to be at the forefront of investor attention. While recent regulatory decisions increasing the deemed equity component of the capital structure of the company's Canadian pipelines may serve to somewhat mitigate these concerns in the long run, significantly reduced allowed ROE on NEB and EUB regulated pipelines are expected to offset any positive effect in 2006.
Foreign Exchange
TCPL's earnings from GTN, as well as a significant amount of earnings in Other Gas Transmission are generated in U.S. dollars. The performance of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar would either positively or negatively impact Gas Transmission's net earnings, although this impact is mitigated by offsetting exposures in certain of TCPL's other businesses as well as through the company's hedging activities.
Throughput Risk
As transportation contracts expire on Great Lakes, Northern Border and GTN, these pipelines will be more exposed to throughput risk and their revenues will more likely experience increased variability. Throughput risk is created by supply and market competition, gas basin pricing, economic activity, weather variability, pipeline competition and pricing of alternative fuels.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 25
GAS TRANSMISSION OTHER
Operational Excellence
TCPL continued its commitment to operational excellence in 2005 by further advancing initiatives that will improve the company's ability to provide low-cost, reliable and responsive service to customers. TCPL continues to pursue the operational excellence strategy in order to continue to be the preferred company for customers wishing to connect new natural gas supplies and markets.
TCPL maintained a high level of plant operating performance, as measured by the number of operational perfect days on both the Canadian Mainline and the Alberta System. GTN was effectively integrated in 2005, and maintained high levels of operating performance as well.
Receiving the American Society of Mechanical Engineers' inaugural award for pipeline technology in 2005 further recognized the efforts of TCPL to ensure high reliability levels are sustained over the long term.
The annual Customer Satisfaction Survey, conducted by Ipsos Reid in the fall of 2005, found that TCPL maintained high levels of overall customer satisfaction and improved significantly in the area of senior management relationships. As part of the Customer Express website, TCPL launched the "Toll Calculator", an online tool that allows customers to quickly obtain the cost of shipping on TCPL's wholly-owned and affiliated pipeline systems. Feedback from customers and other stakeholders indicates this tool was well received and support for further development of on-line tools is strong.
Also, 2005 was a very productive year with respect to collaborative efforts with customers. The Tolls Task Force, the Canadian Mainline stakeholder group, produced twenty resolutions in 2005 including process improvements, several service enhancements, a new service and a settlement for the Canadian Mainline. The Tolls, Tariff, Facilities and Procedures committee, the Alberta System stakeholder group, had eleven resolutions in 2005 focusing on greater service flexibility and process efficiency for the Alberta System. Many of these initiatives will result in increasing service flexibility and more efficient service delivery. Productive collaborative processes also result in costs savings for both TCPL and industry by avoiding costs associated with regulatory proceedings.
In 2006, TCPL will continue to focus efforts on efficiencies, operational reliability, and environmental and safety performance. Greenhouse gas emissions management programs will continue to receive focused attention and in 2006 further efforts will be undertaken to improve contractor safety performance.
Safety
TCPL worked closely with regulators, customers and communities during 2005 to ensure the continued safety of employees and the public. Pipeline safety performance in 2005 was very good with only one small diameter pipeline line-break located in a relatively remote area of northern Alberta. The break resulted in minimal impact with no injuries or property damage. Under the approved regulatory models in Canada, expenditures on pipeline integrity for the NEB and EUB regulated pipelines have no negative impact on TCPL's earnings. The company expects to spend approximately $105 million in 2006 for pipeline integrity on its Wholly-Owned Pipelines, which is an increase from the $64 million spent in 2005. The increase is due primarily to initial inspections of the Gas Transmission Northwest System, additional inspections for stress corrosion cracking on the Canadian Mainline and repairs to several water crossings in southern Alberta that were damaged during flood events in June 2005. TCPL continues to use a rigorous risk management system that focuses spending on issues and areas that have the largest impact on maintaining or improving the reliability and safety of the pipeline system.
Environment
In 2005, TCPL continued to address and assess environmental issues through proactive sampling, monitoring and remediation programs. Activities on the Canadian Mainline included the completion of three ongoing remediation projects, as well as building containment integrity improvement projects at seven compressor stations. All facilities on the Foothills System were assessed through the company's Site Assessment, Remediation and Monitoring program in 2005, along with the majority of facilities on GTN. In addition, the decommissioning and reclamation of four Canadian
26 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Mainline compressor plants and two Alberta System compressor plants was carried out in 2005. TCPL will continue to actively invest in improved environmental protection measures.
For information on management of risks with respect to the Gas Transmission business, see the "Risk Management" section.
GAS TRANSMISSION OUTLOOK
As demand for natural gas continues to grow across North America, TCPL's Gas Transmission business will continue to play a critical role in the reliable transportation of natural gas. For 2006, the business will focus on the reliable delivery of natural gas to growing markets, connecting new supply and progressing development of new infrastructure to connect northern gas. TCPL will also focus on development of the Keystone pipeline.
Looking forward, it is expected that producers will continue to explore and develop new fields, particularly in northeastern B.C. and the west central foothills regions of Alberta, as well as unconventional supply such as gas production from CBM reserves. New facilities will be required to move this incremental supply based on the location of the resource, even though overall WCSB supply is expected to remain essentially flat. The Alberta System anticipates filing an application during 2006 with the EUB, to construct new facilities required to connect additional natural gas supplies anticipated to be delivered to the Alberta System from the Mackenzie Delta.
In 2006, TCPL will continue to focus on serving the growing demand in the Fort McMurray area with construction of new natural gas transmission facilities, beginning in late 2006, with a contractual on-stream date of April 1, 2007. In 2008 and 2009, TCPL anticipates constructing additional facilities as the Fort McMurray oil sands demand for natural gas continues to grow.
It is expected that incremental supply from LNG will serve growing North American markets in the mid to long term. As a result, TCPL will take prudent steps to further evaluate the potential commercial and operational implications of connecting LNG facilities to those systems affected.
Prior to the onset of new supply from LNG and northern gas, many of the markets served by TCPL's systems may be exposed to volatile natural gas prices. As a result, TCPL will continue to focus on operational excellence and collaborative efforts with all stakeholders on negotiated settlements and service options that will increase the value of TCPL's business to customers and shareholders.
Earnings
TCPL's earnings from its Canadian wholly-owned pipelines are primarily determined by the average investment base, ROE, deemed common equity and opportunity for incentive earnings. In the short to medium term, the company expects a modest level of investment in these mature assets and therefore anticipates a continued net decline in the average investment base due to depreciation expense in excess of capital expenditures. Accordingly, without an increase in ROE, deemed common equity or incentive opportunities, future earnings are anticipated to decrease. However, these mature assets will continue to generate strong cash flows that can be redeployed to other projects offering higher returns. Under the current regulatory model, earnings from the Canadian wholly-owned pipelines are not affected by short-term fluctuations in the commodity price of natural gas, changes in throughput volumes or changes in contract levels.
In December 2005, the NEB established the 2006 ROE for the Canadian Mainline at 8.88 per cent compared to 9.46 per cent in 2005. In addition, the 2006 average investment base is expected to continue to decline. These two factors are expected to lower earnings on the Canadian Mainline in 2006 relative to 2005 if there are no offsetting factors. TCPL is currently engaged in settlement discussions with its stakeholders on matters related to the Canadian Mainline's 2006 tolls.
Alberta System earnings in 2006 will be negatively influenced by the decrease in the EUB's generic ROE to 8.93 per cent in 2006 from 9.50 per cent in 2005, and an anticipated decrease in the average investment base.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 27
The three year revenue requirement settlement reached in 2005 does provide the opportunity for limited incentive earnings as the settlement contains some at-risk cost components. If TCPL is successful in its focus on cost efficiency, there is an opportunity to partially mitigate the effect of a lower ROE and average investment base for the Alberta System in 2006.
In 2006, earnings from Portland and the Gas Transmission Northwest System may be negatively impacted should Calpine contracts be rejected on the respective systems. Calpine's FT contract accounts for approximately 24 per cent of Portland's total FT revenues. On the Gas Transmission Northwest System, approximately seven per cent of transportation revenues come from Calpine's FT contracts. It is not possible at this time to determine the impact of any potential mitigating factors on 2006 earnings if these contracts are rejected.
Reduced firm contract volumes on the Gas Transmission Northwest System, including the effects of customer bankruptcies, are expected to have a slightly negative impact on the Gas Transmission Northwest System results compared to 2005. The impact of the 2006 rate case filing on the system's results in 2006 is uncertain at this time.
Anticipated lower firm service revenues on certain partially-owned pipelines and a full year of reduced ownership of PipeLines LP are expected to be partially offset by the effects of a higher deemed equity structure on the Foothills System and BC System and the expected growth in natural gas storage net earnings.
Capital Expenditures
Total capital spending for the Wholly-Owned Pipelines during 2005 was $135 million. Overall capital spending on the Wholly-Owned Pipelines in 2006 is expected to be approximately $382 million. Capital expenditures on the Edson natural gas storage project and the Tamazunchale Pipeline are expected to be approximately $105 million and $95 million, respectively, in 2006.
NATURAL GAS THROUGHPUT VOLUMES
(Bcf)(1)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||
Canadian Mainline(2) | 2,997 | 2,621 | 2,628 | |||
Alberta System(3) | 3,999 | 3,909 | 3,883 | |||
Gas Transmission Northwest System(4) | 777 | 181 | ||||
Foothills System | 1,051 | 1,139 | 1,110 | |||
BC System | 321 | 360 | 325 | |||
North Baja System(4) | 84 | 13 | ||||
Great Lakes | 850 | 801 | 856 | |||
Northern Border | 808 | 845 | 850 | |||
Iroquois | 394 | 356 | 341 | |||
TQM | 166 | 159 | 164 | |||
Ventures LP | 192 | 136 | 111 | |||
Portland | 62 | 50 | 53 | |||
Tuscarora | 25 | 25 | 22 | |||
TransGas | 19 | 18 | 16 |
28 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
POWER
HIGHLIGHTS
Net Earnings
Expanding Asset Base
Plant Availability
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 29
BEAR CREEK An 80 MW natural gas-fired cogeneration plant located near Grande Prairie, Alberta.
MACKAY RIVER A 165 MW natural gas-fired cogeneration plant located near Fort McMurray, Alberta.
REDWATER A 40 MW natural gas-fired cogeneration plant located near Redwater, Alberta.
SUNDANCE A&B The Sundance power facility in Alberta is the largest coal-fired electrical generating facility in Western Canada. TCPL owns the 560 MW Sundance A PPA, ending in 2017. TCPL effectively owns 50 per cent of the 706 MW Sundance B PPA, ending in 2020.
SHEERNESS In December 2005, TCPL acquired the remaining rights and obligations of the 756 MW Sheerness PPA with a remaining term of 15 years. The plant consists of two coal-fired thermal power generating units.
CARSELAND An 80 MW natural gas-fired cogeneration plant located near Carseland, Alberta.
CANCARB The 27 MW Cancarb facility at Medicine Hat, Alberta is fuelled by waste heat from TCPL's adjacent thermal carbon black facility.
30 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
BRUCE POWER At December 31, 2005, TCPL owned 31.6 per cent of Bruce B, consisting of operating Units 5 to 8 with approximately 3,200 MW of generating capacity. In addition, TCPL owned 47.9 per cent of Bruce A, consisting of operating Units 3 and 4 with approximately 1,500 MW of generating capacity and currently idle Units 1 and 2 with approximately 1,500 MW of generating capacity. Units 1 and 2 are currently being refurbished for expected restart of the first unit commencing in 2009.
OSP The OSP plant is a 560 MW natural gas-fired, combined-cycle facility in Rhode Island.
BÉCANCOUR The 550 MW Bécancour natural gas-fired cogeneration power plant located near Trois-Rivières, Québec is under construction and is expected to be in service in late 2006. The entire power output will be supplied to Hydro-Québec under a 20 year power purchase contract. Steam will also be sold to local businesses.
CARTIER WIND Cartier Wind, 62 per cent owned by TCPL, is comprised of six wind projects totalling 739.5 MW to be commissioned between 2006 and 2012. Construction on the first two projects, with a combined generating capacity of 210 MW, is expected to commence early 2006 and the first project is expected to be in service in late 2006. The entire power output will be supplied to Hydro-Québec under a 20 year power purchase contract.
GRANDVIEW A 90 MW natural gas-fired cogeneration power plant located in Saint John, New Brunswick was commissioned and in service in January 2005. Under a 20 year tolling arrangement, 100 per cent of the plant's heat and electricity output is sold to Irving.
TC HYDRO In April 2005, TCPL closed the acquisition of hydroelectric generation assets from USGen. These merchant assets have a total generating capacity of 567 MW and are located in New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 31
POWER RESULTS-AT-A-GLANCE
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||
Bruce Power | 195 | 130 | 99 | ||||
Western operations | 123 | 138 | 160 | ||||
Eastern operations | 137 | 108 | 127 | ||||
Power LP investment | 29 | 29 | 35 | ||||
General, administrative, support costs and other | (102 | ) | (89 | ) | (86 | ) | |
Operating and other income | 382 | 316 | 335 | ||||
Financial charges | (11 | ) | (13 | ) | (12 | ) | |
Income taxes | (118 | ) | (94 | ) | (103 | ) | |
253 | 209 | 220 | |||||
Gains related to Power LP and Paiton Energy (after tax) | 308 | 187 | | ||||
Net earnings | 561 | 396 | 220 | ||||
Power's net earnings in 2005 of $561 million increased $165 million compared to $396 million in 2004 primarily due to gains related to Paiton Energy and Power LP. In 2005, TCPL sold its approximate 11 per cent interest in Paiton Energy to subsidiaries of The Tokyo Electric Power Company for gross proceeds of US$103 million ($122 million) resulting in an after-tax gain of $115 million. In August 2005, TCPL sold its ownership interest in Power LP to EPCOR Utilities Inc. (EPCOR) for net proceeds of $523 million resulting in an after-tax gain of $193 million. Included in 2004 net earnings was an after-tax gain of $187 million comprised of a $15 million after-tax gain on the sale of TCPL's Curtis Palmer and ManChief power facilities to Power LP as well as $172 million of after-tax dilution and other gains.
Excluding the Paiton Energy and Power LP-related gains in 2005 and 2004, respectively, Power's net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2005 of $253 million increased $44 million compared to $209 million in 2004. The increase was primarily due to higher operating and other income from Bruce Power and Eastern Operations, partially offset by a reduced contribution from Western Operations and higher general, administrative, support costs and other.
In 2003, Western Operations' results included a $31 million pre-tax ($19 million after tax) settlement with a former counterparty that defaulted in 2001 under power forward contracts. Power's net earnings for 2004, excluding gains related to Power LP in 2004 and the counterparty settlement in 2003, increased $8 million year-over-year. Pre-tax equity income from Bruce Power of $130 million in 2004 increased $31 million compared to TCPL's period of ownership in 2003. This was partially offset by lower contributions from Eastern Operations and Power LP investment.
32 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
POWER PLANTS NOMINAL GENERATING CAPACITY AND FUEL TYPE
MW | Fuel Type | ||||
Bruce Power(1) | 2,450 | Nuclear | |||
Western operations |
|||||
Sheerness(2) | 756 | Coal | |||
Sundance A(3) | 560 | Coal | |||
Sundance B(3) | 353 | Coal | |||
MacKay River | 165 | Natural gas | |||
Carseland | 80 | Natural gas | |||
Bear Creek | 80 | Natural gas | |||
Redwater | 40 | Natural gas | |||
Cancarb | 27 | Natural gas | |||
2,061 | |||||
Eastern operations |
|||||
TC Hydro(4) | 567 | Hydro | |||
OSP | 560 | Natural gas | |||
Bécancour(5) | 550 | Natural gas | |||
Cartier Wind(6) | 458 | Wind | |||
Grandview(7) | 90 | Natural gas | |||
2,225 | |||||
Total Nominal Generating Capacity | 6,736 | ||||
POWER FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Bruce Power
On October 31, 2005, Bruce Power and the OPA completed a long-term agreement whereby Bruce A will restart and refurbish the currently idle Units 1 and 2, extend the operating life of Unit 3 by replacing its steam generators and fuel channels when required and replace the steam generators on Unit 4. As a result of the agreement between Bruce Power and the OPA, and Cameco's decision not to participate in the restart and refurbishment program, a new partnership was created. Bruce A subleases its facilities, which are comprised of Units 1 to 4, from Bruce B. TCPL and BPC each incurred a net cash outlay of approximately $100 million on the formation of Bruce A. As at December 31, 2005, TCPL and BPC each owned a 47.9 per cent interest in Bruce A. The remaining 4.2 per cent is owned by the Power Worker's Union Trust No. 1 and The Society of Energy Professionals Trust. The day-to-day operations of the Bruce
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 33
Power facilities are expected to be unaffected by the formation of Bruce A and TCPL continues to own 31.6 per cent of the Bruce B Units 5 to 8.
Upon reorganizing, both Bruce A and Bruce B became jointly controlled entities and TCPL proportionately consolidated these investments on a prospective basis from October 31, 2005. The following Bruce Power financial results reflect the operations of the full six-unit operation for all periods. The Bruce Power information below includes adjustments to eliminate the effect of certain intercompany transactions between Bruce A and Bruce B.
Bruce Power Results-at-a-Glance
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||
Bruce Power (100 per cent basis) | ||||||||
Revenues | ||||||||
Power | 1,907 | 1,563 | 1,183 | |||||
Other(1) | 35 | 20 | 25 | |||||
1,942 | 1,583 | 1,208 | ||||||
Operating expenses | ||||||||
Operations and maintenance | (871 | ) | (793 | ) | (608 | ) | ||
Fuel | (77 | ) | (68 | ) | (45 | ) | ||
Supplemental rent | (164 | ) | (156 | ) | (111 | ) | ||
Depreciation and amortization | (198 | ) | (161 | ) | (89 | ) | ||
(1,310 | ) | (1,178 | ) | (853 | ) | |||
Operating income | 632 | 405 | 355 | |||||
Financial charges under equity accounting to October 31, 2005 |
(58 |
) |
(67 |
) |
(69 |
) |
||
574 | 338 | 286 | ||||||
TCPL's proportionate share | 188 | 107 | 65 | |||||
Adjustments | 7 | 23 | 34 | |||||
TCPL's operating and other income from Bruce Power(2) | 195 | 130 | 99 | |||||
Bruce Power Other Information |
||||||||
Plant availability | 80% | 82% | 83% | |||||
Sales volumes (GWh)(3) | ||||||||
Bruce Power 100 per cent | 32,900 | 33,600 | 21,060 | |||||
TCPL's proportionate share | 10,732 | 10,608 | 6,655 | |||||
Results per MWh(4) | ||||||||
Power revenues | $58 | $47 | $48 | |||||
Fuel | $2 | $2 | $2 | |||||
Total operating expenses(5) | $40 | $35 | $36 | |||||
Percentage of output sold to spot market | 49% | 52% | 35% |
34 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
TCPL's operating and other income from its combined investment in Bruce Power for 2005 was $195 million compared to $130 million for 2004. The increase of $65 million was primarily due to higher realized prices in 2005 and was offset in part by higher maintenance costs, higher depreciation and lower capitalization of labour and other in-house costs following the restart of Unit 3 in first quarter 2004. Adjustments to TCPL's combined interest in Bruce Power's income before income taxes for 2005 were lower than in 2004 primarily due to a lower amortization of the purchase price allocated to the fair value of sales contracts in place at the time of acquisition in 2003.
Combined Bruce Power prices achieved during 2005 (excluding Bruce cost recoveries) were $58 per MWh compared to $47 per MWh in 2004 reflecting higher prices on uncontracted volumes sold into the spot market. Bruce Power's combined operating expenses (net of cost recoveries) increased to $40 per MWh for 2005 from $35 per MWh in 2004. This was primarily the result of one additional planned maintenance outage in 2005 compared to 2004 as well as higher maintenance costs, higher depreciation and lower capitalization of labour and other in-house costs following the restart of Unit 3.
The Bruce units ran at a combined average availability of 80 per cent in 2005, compared to an 82 per cent average availability during 2004. The lower availability in 2005 was the result of 67 additional days of planned maintenance outages plus an additional 45 forced outage days in 2005 as compared to 2004. The additional forced outage days in 2005 are due in large part to a 27 day forced outage that occurred as a result of a transformer fire at Unit 6.
TCPL's operating and other income from its combined investment in Bruce Power for 2004 was $130 million compared to $99 million for 2003. This increase was primarily due to higher output in 2004 as a result of the return to service of Units 3 and 4 as well as a full year of earnings in 2004 on Units 5 to 8 compared to earnings from February 14 to December 31 in 2003, reflecting TCPL's period of ownership in 2003. Adjustments to TCPL's interest in Bruce Power income before taxes for 2004 were lower than the same period in 2003 primarily due to the cessation of interest capitalization upon the return to service of Units 3 and 4.
Income from Bruce B is directly impacted by fluctuations in wholesale spot market prices for electricity and income from both Bruce A and Bruce B units is impacted by overall plant availability, which in turn, is impacted by scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. To reduce its exposure to spot market prices, Bruce B had, as at December 31, 2005, entered into fixed price sales contracts to sell forward approximately 13,000 GWh hours of 2006 output and approximately 3,600 GWh of 2007 output. As a result of the contract with the OPA, all of the output from Bruce A will be sold at a fixed price of $57.37 per MWh, adjusted annually on April 1 for inflation, before recovery of fuel costs from the OPA. Under the terms of the arrangement between Bruce A and the OPA, effective October 31, 2005, Bruce A receives a contract price for power generated, where the price is adjusted for inflation annually on April 1 and capital cost variances associated with the restart and refurbishment project but will not vary with changes in the wholesale price of power in the Ontario market. As part of this contract, sales from the Bruce B Units 5 to 8 are subject to a floor price of $45 per MWh, adjusted annually for inflation on April 1. Receipts by Bruce Power under this floor price mechanism are refundable if prices subsequently increase above the floor price.
The overall plant availability percentage in 2006 is expected to be in the low 90s for the four Bruce B units and the low 80s for the two operating Bruce A units. A planned outage on Bruce A Unit 3 is scheduled to last approximately one month during first quarter 2006 and a two month maintenance outage of Bruce A Unit 4 is expected to commence in second quarter 2006. The only planned maintenance outage for 2006 for Bruce B is an approximate two month outage scheduled for Unit 8 beginning in third quarter 2006.
In 2005, cash distributions to partners, excluding a special distribution, were $400 million of which TCPL's share was $126 million. No distributions were made to partners in 2004. The partners have agreed that all excess cash from both Bruce A and Bruce B will be distributed on a monthly basis and that separate cash calls will be made for major capital projects, including the Bruce A restart and refurbishment project.
Bruce A's capital program for the restart and refurbishment project is expected to total approximately $4.25 billion and TCPL's approximate $2.125 billion share will be financed through capital contributions to 2011. A capital cost risk and
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 35
reward sharing schedule with OPA is in place for spending below or in excess of the $4.25 billion base case estimate. Work to refurbish Units 1 and 2 has commenced with the first unit expected to be online in 2009, subject to approval by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Restarting Units 1 and 2, which have a combined capacity of approximately 1,500 MW, will boost the Bruce facilities' overall output to more than 6,200 MW. As at December 31, 2005, Bruce A had capitalized $324 million with respect to the restart and refurbishment project.
Western Operations
Western Operations Results-at-a-Glance(1)
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||
Revenues | ||||||||
Power | 715 | 606 | 688 | |||||
Other(2) | 158 | 120 | 112 | |||||
873 | 726 | 800 | ||||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||
Power | (476 | ) | (377 | ) | (442 | ) | ||
Other(3) | (104 | ) | (64 | ) | (71 | ) | ||
(580 | ) | (441 | ) | (513 | ) | |||
Other costs and expenses | (149 | ) | (125 | ) | (98 | ) | ||
Depreciation | (21 | ) | (22 | ) | (29 | ) | ||
Operating and other income | 123 | 138 | 160 | |||||
Western Operations Sales Volumes(1)
Year ended December 31 (GWh)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||
Supply | ||||||||
Generation | 2,245 | 2,105 | 2,010 | |||||
Purchased | ||||||||
Sundance A & B PPAs | 6,974 | 6,842 | 6,959 | |||||
Other purchases | 2,687 | 2,748 | 3,327 | |||||
11,906 | 11,695 | 12,296 | ||||||
Contracted vs. Spot |
||||||||
Contracted | 10,374 | 10,705 | 11,039 | |||||
Spot | 1,532 | 990 | 1,257 | |||||
11,906 | 11,695 | 12,296 | ||||||
36 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
As at December 31, 2005, Western Operations directly controlled approximately 2,100 MW of power supply in Alberta from its three long-term PPAs and five natural gas-fired cogeneration facilities. The Western Operations power supply portfolio is now comprised of approximately 1,700 MW of low-cost, base-load coal-fired generation supply and approximately 400 MW of natural gas-fired cogeneration assets. This supply portfolio is among the lowest-cost, most competitive generation in the Alberta market area. The three long-term PPAs include the December 2005 acquisition of the remaining rights and obligations of the 756 MW Sheerness PPA in addition to the Sundance A and Sundance B PPAs acquired in 2001 and 2002, respectively. The Sheerness PPA was acquired from the Alberta Balancing Pool for $585 million and has a remaining term of approximately 15 years. The PPAs entitle TCPL to the output capacity of these coal facilities, ending in 2017 to 2020.
The focus of Western Operations is to maximize the value of its power supply portfolio through a balanced portfolio of long- and short-term power sale contracts. The focus is also on expanding its power supply portfolio though acquisitions and optimizing the value and output from its existing generation assets. The success of Western Operations is the direct result of its two integrated functions marketing and plant operations.
The marketing function, based in Calgary, Alberta, purchases and resells electricity sourced from the PPAs, markets uncommitted generation volumes from the cogeneration facilities and purchases and resells power and natural gas to maximize the value of the cogeneration facilities. The marketing function is integral to optimizing Power's return from its portfolio of power supply and managing risks around uncontracted volumes. The intention for the Sheerness output is the same as the Sundance output, whereby a significant portion of the power supply is expected to be sold under long-term contract to the extent possible in the market. The majority of the expected output from the cogeneration plants is also sold under long-term contract. Some portion of power supply from the PPAs and the cogeneration assets is intentionally not committed under long-term sales contracts to assist in managing Power's overall portfolio of generation. This approach to portfolio management assists in minimizing costs in situations where Power would otherwise have to purchase power in the open market to fulfill its contractual obligations. In 2005, approximately 13 per cent of power sales volumes were sold into the spot market. To reduce exposure to spot market prices of uncontracted volumes, as at December 31, 2005, Western Operations had fixed price sale contracts to sell forward approximately 9,800 GWh for 2006 and 6,000 GWh for 2007.
Plant operations consist of five natural gas-fired cogeneration power plants located in Alberta with an approximate combined output capacity of 400 MW ranging from 27 MW to 165 MW per facility. A majority of the expected output is sold under long-term contracts and the remainder is subject to fluctuations in the price of power and natural gas. Market heat rates in Alberta in 2005 were at historic lows earlier in the year but improved substantially by year-end. Market heat rate is determined by dividing the average price of power per MWh by the average price of natural gas per gigajoule (GJ) for a given period. To the extent power is not sold under long-term contract and plant fuel-gas has not been purchased, the higher the market heat rate, the more profitable is a natural gas-fired generating facility. Market heat rates averaged approximately 8.3 GJ/MWh in 2005 compared to approximately 8.8 GJ/MWh in 2004. All plants, except the 80 MW Bear Creek facility located near Grand Prairie, operated with an average plant availability in 2005 of approximately 93 per cent.
Bear Creek experienced an unplanned outage in 2005 resulting from technical difficulties with its gas turbine in the early part of 2005 and the facility has remained on an unplanned outage since May 31, 2005. Technical evaluation continued throughout 2005 regarding a possible long-term solution and the asset is expected to be back in service by mid-2006.
Operating and other income for 2005 was $123 million or $15 million lower compared to $138 million earned in 2004. This decrease was primarily due to reduced margins in 2005 resulting from the lower market heat rates on uncontracted volumes of power generated, fee revenues earned in 2004 from Power LP and a lower contribution from Bear Creek. Revenues and cost of sales increased in 2005 compared to 2004 primarily due to higher realized prices. Other costs and expenses, which include fuel gas consumed in generation, increased due to higher operating and fuel usage costs at MacKay River resulting from a full year of operation and higher natural gas prices. Generation volumes in 2005 increased compared to 2004 primarily due to a full year of operations at MacKay River partially offset by the
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 37
unplanned outage at Bear Creek. The potential to earn fees to manage and operate Power LP's plants was eliminated with the sale of Power LP to EPCOR in August 2005. In 2005, approximately 13 per cent of power sales volumes were sold into the spot market compared to eight per cent in 2004.
Operating and other income in 2004 of $138 million was $22 million lower than the $160 million earned in 2003. The decrease was mainly due to a positive $31 million pre-tax settlement in June 2003 with a former counterparty that defaulted in 2001 under power forward contracts, as well as reduced income from ManChief following the sale of the plant to Power LP in April 2004. Partially offsetting these decreases were contributions from the MacKay River plant which was placed in service in 2004, fees earned with respect to Power LP's asset acquisitions in 2004 and the impact of higher net margins achieved in second and third quarter 2004 on the overall portfolio.
Eastern Operations
Eastern Operations Results-at-a-Glance(1)
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||
Revenues | ||||||||
Power | 505 | 535 | 608 | |||||
Other(2) | 412 | 238 | 200 | |||||
917 | 773 | 808 | ||||||
Cost of sales | ||||||||
Power | (215 | ) | (288 | ) | (281 | ) | ||
Other(2) | (373 | ) | (211 | ) | (185 | ) | ||
(588 | ) | (499 | ) | (466 | ) | |||
Other costs and expenses | (167 | ) | (146 | ) | (186 | ) | ||
Depreciation | (25 | ) | (20 | ) | (29 | ) | ||
Operating and other income | 137 | 108 | 127 | |||||
Eastern Operations Sales Volumes(1)
Year ended December 31 (GWh)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||
Supply | |||||||
Generation | 2,879 | 1,467 | 1,871 | ||||
Purchased | 2,627 | 4,731 | 5,035 | ||||
5,506 | 6,198 | 6,906 | |||||
Contracted vs. Spot |
|||||||
Contracted | 4,919 | 6,055 | 6,678 | ||||
Spot | 587 | 143 | 228 | ||||
5,506 | 6,198 | 6,906 | |||||
38 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Eastern Operations conducts its business primarily in the Northeastern U.S. and Eastern Canada markets and excludes Bruce Power. In the New England market, Eastern Operations has established a successful marketing operation and, in 2005, acquired a significant group of hydroelectric generation assets from USGen with generation capacity of 567 MW. In Eastern Canada, construction continued on the 550 MW Bécancour natural gas-fired plant in Québec and the 90 MW Grandview cogeneration facility was placed into service on January 1, 2005. In late 2005, development plans were finalized and construction is expected to commence early 2006 on the first two of six wind farm projects, with generating capacity of 210 MW of the 739.5 MW Cartier Wind projects in Québec. Including facilities that are under construction or in development, Eastern Operations owns more than 2,200 MW of power generation capacity.
Eastern Operations' success in the New England deregulated power markets is the direct result of a knowledgeable, region-specific marketing operation which is conducted through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TransCanada Power Marketing Limited (TCPM), located in Westborough, Massachusetts. TCPM has firmly established itself as a leading energy provider and marketer and is focused on selling power under short- and long-term contracts to wholesale, commercial and industrial customers while managing a portfolio of power supplies sourced from both its own generation and wholesale power purchases. To reduce its exposure to spot market prices, as at December 31, 2005, Eastern Operations had entered into fixed price sales contracts to sell approximately 5,000 GWh of power for 2006 and approximately 3,500 GWh of power for 2007, although certain contracted volumes are dependent on customer usage levels. TCPM is a full requirement electricity service provider offering varied products and services to assist customers in managing their power supply and power prices in volatile deregulated power markets.
Eastern Operations' operating power generation assets currently consist of TC Hydro, Ocean State Power (OSP) and Grandview.
The TC Hydro assets, acquired on April 1, 2005, include 13 hydroelectric stations housing 39 generating units on the Connecticut River System in New Hampshire and Vermont, and the Deerfield River System in Massachusetts and Vermont. These facilities were integrated into TCPL in 2005. Water flows in 2005 through the hydro assets were above the long-term average as a result of higher precipitation in the areas surrounding the river systems.
OSP is a 560 MW natural gas-fired plant located in Rhode Island. In 2005, OSP was successful in restructuring its long-term natural gas fuel supply contracts with its suppliers. The contract restructuring at OSP reduced the term of the long-term natural gas supply contracts by approximately three years (currently ending in October 2008) and adjusted the pricing to track spot market pricing of natural gas at the Niagara delivery point versus the previously arbitrated pricing that had resulted in an above-market cost of natural gas for OSP. The new contracts, for approximately 100,000 GJ per day, require OSP to take delivery of the natural gas irrespective of the fuel requirements at the plant. OSP experienced an unplanned outage for most of the first half of 2005 resulting from a failure of one of the steam turbines at the plant. This unit was returned to service in mid-2005; however, due to the nature of the failure, the second steam turbine at OSP was taken out of service to undertake repairs and was returned to service in January 2006. An insurance claim has been filed in respect of this incident, including a claim for business interruption coverage. This claim is currently under discussion with the insurers.
Grandview is a 90 MW natural gas-fired cogeneration facility on the site of the Irving refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick. The Grandview facility was commissioned in January 2005. Under a 20 year tolling arrangement, Irving supplies fuel for the plant and contracts for 100 per cent of the plant's heat and electricity output.
Eastern Operations emerging presence in Eastern Canada is represented by the development and construction in 2006 of the 550 MW natural gas-fired Bécancour plant and the first two of six wind farms of the Cartier Wind project. The first of the two wind farms is expected to be in service in late 2006. Bécancour is expected to be operational in late 2006. Bécancour and Cartier Wind are located in Québec.
Operating and other income for 2005 was $137 million or $29 million higher than the $108 million earned in 2004. Incremental income from the acquisition of the TC Hydro assets and income from the Grandview cogeneration facility were the primary reasons for this increase. Partially offsetting these increases were a $16 million pre-tax ($10 million
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 39
after tax) contract restructuring payment made by OSP to its natural gas fuel suppliers in first quarter 2005, a $16 million pre-tax ($10 million after tax) reduction in income as a result of the sale of Curtis Palmer to Power LP in April 2004, and a loss of operating income primarily associated with the expiration of certain long-term sales contracts in 2004.
Eastern Operations' power revenues decreased in 2005 primarily due to lower long-term sales volumes resulting from the expiration of certain contracts at the end of 2004. Partially offsetting this were higher realized prices in 2005. Other revenue and other cost of sales increased year-over-year as a result of natural gas purchased and resold under the new natural gas supply contracts at OSP. Cost of sales for power were lower in 2005 due to the impact of lower purchased volumes partially offset by higher prices for purchased power. Purchased power volumes were lower in 2005 due to lower contracted sales volumes and the incremental power generation from the purchase of the TC Hydro assets. Volumes generated from the TC Hydro assets reduced the requirement to purchase power to fulfill contractual sales obligations. Other costs and expenses in 2005 were higher primarily due to the acquisition of the TC Hydro assets.
Operating and other income for 2004 was $108 million or $19 million lower than the $127 million earned in 2003. This decrease was mainly due to a reduction in income as a result of the sale of the Curtis Palmer hydroelectric facilities to Power LP in April 2004, the unfavourable impact of higher natural gas fuel costs at OSP and a weaker U.S. dollar in 2004. Partially offsetting these decreases was a $16 million positive impact from the restructuring transaction related to the power purchase contracts in 2004 between OSP and Boston Edison Company (Boston Edison). TCPL recognized earnings from the transaction's effective date of April 1, 2004.
Power LP Investment
On August 31, 2005, TCPL closed the sale of all of its interest in Power LP to EPCOR for net proceeds of $523 million resulting in an after-tax gain of $193 million. This divestiture included approximately 14.5 million Partnership units, representing approximately 30.6 per cent of the outstanding units, 100 per cent ownership of the general partner of Power LP, and management and operations agreements governing the ongoing operation of Power LP's generation assets. TCPL's investment in Power LP generated operating and other income of $29 million in 2005 compared to $29 million and $35 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Weighted Average Plant Availability(1)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||
Bruce Power(2) | 80% | 82% | 83% | |||
Western operations(3) | 85% | 95% | 93% | |||
Eastern operations(3)(4) | 83% | 95% | 94% | |||
Power LP investment(3)(5) | 94% | 97% | 96% | |||
All plants, excluding Bruce Power | 87% | 96% | 94% | |||
All plants | 84% | 90% | 90% |
Weighted average plant availability, excluding Bruce Power, was 87 per cent in 2005 compared to 96 per cent in 2004. Western Operations' weighted average plant availability was impacted in 2005 by an unplanned outage at Bear Creek
40 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
and a planned outage at MacKay River. In 2005, Eastern Operations experienced two significant outages at OSP. The first outage was completed in mid-2005 and the second outage was completed in January 2006.
POWER OPPORTUNITIES AND DEVELOPMENTS
TCPL is committed to growing the Power business through acquisitions and development of greenfield opportunities in markets it knows and where it has a competitive advantage primarily Western Canada, Eastern Canada and the Northeastern U.S. The North American power industry is expansive and will provide many opportunities for greenfield growth in power generation and power infrastructure projects. In addition to greenfield growth opportunities, TCPL will continue to pursue acquisitions of additional power assets, including opportunities resulting from, amongst other things, industry and corporate restructurings and corporate bankruptcies. Power's diverse power supply portfolio will continue to include low-cost, base-load facilities with low operating costs and high reliability and/or be underpinned by secure long-term contracts.
The Cartier Wind project is scheduled to commercially place in service the first of six wind farms in 2006. The remaining five wind farms are expected to be placed in service between 2007 and 2012. The Bécancour natural gas-fired cogeneration power plant is expected to be in service in late 2006. Bruce Power will continue refurbishment of the currently idle Bruce A Units 1 and 2 for expected restart commencing in 2009.
In February 2006, the Ontario Energy Minister directed the OPA to move forward to negotiate the terms for the construction of the 550 MW Portlands Energy Centre (PEC) in downtown Toronto. TCPL has a 50 per cent interest in PEC through a partnership with Ontario Power Generation.
POWER BUSINESS RISKS
Plant Availability
Maintaining plant availability is critical to the continued success of the Power business and this risk is mitigated through a commitment to an operational excellence model that provides low-cost, reliable operating performance at each of the company's power plants. This same commitment to operational excellence will be applied in 2006 and future years. However, unexpected plant outages and/or the duration of outages could result in lower sales revenue, reduced margins, increased maintenance costs and may require power purchases at market prices to enable TCPL to meet the company's contractual power supply obligations.
Fluctuating Market Prices
TCPL operates in highly competitive, deregulated power markets. Volatility in electricity prices is caused by market factors such as power plant fuel costs, fluctuating supply and demand which are greatly affected by weather, power consumption and plant availability. TCPL manages these inherent market risks through:
The company's risk management practices are described further in the section on "Risk Management". See the section below "Power Business Risks Uncontracted Volumes".
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 41
Weather
Extreme temperature and weather events often affect power and natural gas demand and create price volatility, and may also impact the ability to transmit power to markets. Seasonal changes in temperature also affect the efficiency and output capability of natural gas-fired power plants.
Hydrology
Power is subject to hydrology risk with its ownership of hydroelectric power generation facilities in the Northeastern U.S. Climate changes, weather events, local river management and potential dam failures at these plants or upstream facilities pose potential risks to the company.
Uncontracted Volumes
Sale of uncontracted power in the open market is subject to market price volatility which directly impacts earnings. TCPL has uncontracted sales volumes in both its Eastern Operations and Western Operations. In addition, with the acquisition of the Sheerness PPA in late 2005, Western Operations significantly increased its level of uncontracted sales volumes which are subject to price volatility in the Alberta wholesale marketplace. Although TCPL seeks to generally secure sales under medium- to long-term contracts, TCPL retains an amount of unsold generation in the short term in order to provide flexibility in managing the company's portfolio of owned assets. Also, Bruce B has a significant amount of uncontracted volumes sold into the wholesale spot market, although 100 per cent of the Bruce A output will be sold to the OPA under fixed price contract terms. Sales from the Bruce B Units 5 to 8 are subject to a floor price of $45 per MWh, adjusted annually for inflation on April 1.
Execution and Capital Cost
TCPL, including its investment in Bruce Power, is subject to execution and capital cost risk. Bruce A's four unit restart and refurbishment program is subject to execution and capital cost risk. Bruce A and the OPA share capital costs that are above and below $4.25 billion on a 50/50 basis for cost overruns up to $618 million and 75/25 for any additional cost overruns. Similarly, Bruce A and OPA share 50/50 in cost benefits if costs are $240 million less than expected and 75/25 on the next $150 million of savings.
Regulatory
TCPL operates in both regulated and deregulated power markets. As electricity markets evolve across North America, there is the potential for regulatory bodies to implement new rules that could negatively impact TCPL as a generator and marketer of electricity. These may be in the form of market rule changes, price caps, emission controls, unfair cost allocations to generators or attempts to control the wholesale market by encouraging new plant construction. TCPL continues to monitor regulatory issues and reform as well as participate in and lead discussions around these topics.
Foreign Exchange
TCPL's earnings from Northeastern U.S. Operations are generated in U.S. dollars. The performance of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar would either positively or negatively impact Power's net earnings, although this impact is mitigated by offsetting exposures in certain of TCPL's other businesses as well as through the company's hedging activities.
POWER OTHER
Operational Excellence
TCPL's sale of Power LP to EPCOR allowed it to focus on larger, directly owned power assets. TC Hydro was effectively integrated in 2005 while maintaining high levels of operating performance. TCPL continues its commitment to an operational excellence strategy of providing low cost, reliable performance.
42 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
POWER OUTLOOK
Net earnings from Bruce Power are expected to be higher in 2006 as a result of higher generation volumes of output from fewer planned outages and TCPL's increased ownership in Bruce A. Bruce B earnings are subject to variability as a result of prices realized, and both Bruce A and Bruce B results are impacted by plant availability and operating expense levels. The overall plant availability percentage in 2006, for planning purposes, is expected to be in the low 90s for the four Bruce B units and in the low 80s for the two operating Bruce A units.
The contribution from Western Operations is expected to be higher in 2006 primarily due to the December 2005 acquisition of the Sheerness PPA. At December 31, 2005 a significant portion of the acquired generation from Sheerness was uncontracted. The intention for marketing the Sheerness output is the same as the Sundance output, whereby a significant portion of the power supply is expected to be sold under long-term contract, providing this is possible in the market. The repair of Bear Creek is a high priority in 2006 and management expects the facility to be back in service in mid-2006.
The contribution from Eastern Operations is expected to rise slightly in 2006 compared to 2005 due to a full year of ownership of the TC Hydro assets and the expected commercial in-service of Bécancour and the first of the Cartier wind farms in late 2006.
The loss of earnings resulting from the sale of Power LP in August 2005 will partially offset these impacts.
Earnings opportunities in Power may be affected by factors such as plant availability, fluctuating market prices for power and natural gas and ultimately market heat rates, regulatory changes, weather, sales of uncontracted volumes, currency movements and overall stability of the power industry. See "Power Business Risks" for a complete discussion of these factors.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 43
CORPORATE
CORPORATE RESULTS-AT-A-GLANCE
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||
Indirect financial charges and non-controlling interests | 131 | 81 | 89 | ||||
Interest income and other | (29 | ) | (34 | ) | (21 | ) | |
Income taxes | (65 | ) | (43 | ) | (27 | ) | |
Net expenses, after tax | 37 | 4 | 41 | ||||
Corporate reflects net expenses not allocated to specific business segments, including:
Indirect Financial Charges and Non-Controlling Interests Direct financial charges are reported in their respective business segments and are primarily associated with the debt and preferred securities related to the company's Wholly-Owned Pipelines. Indirect financial charges, including the related foreign exchange impacts, primarily reside in Corporate. These costs are directly impacted by the amount of debt that TCPL maintains and the degree to which TCPL is impacted by fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange.
Interest Income and Other Interest income is primarily earned on invested cash balances. Gains and losses on foreign exchange related to working capital in Corporate are included in interest income and other.
Income Taxes These include income taxes on corporate net expenses and income tax refunds and adjustments.
Net expenses, after tax, in Corporate were $37 million in 2005 compared to $4 million in 2004 and $41 million in 2003.
The increase of $33 million in net expenses in 2005 compared to 2004 was primarily due to increased interest expense on higher average long-term debt and commercial paper balances in 2005 as well as the release in 2004 of previously established restructuring provisions. Income tax refunds and positive tax adjustments were comparable in 2004 and 2005.
The decrease of $37 million in net expenses in 2004 compared to 2003 was primarily due to the positive impacts of income tax related items, including refunds received and the recognition of income tax benefits relating to additional loss carryforwards utilized, the release in 2004 of previously established restructuring provisions and positive impacts of foreign exchange related items.
In 2006, Corporate is expected to incur higher net expenses compared to 2005 primarily due to the income tax refunds and positive income tax adjustments recorded in 2005 that are not currently expected to recur in 2006. In addition, Corporate's results in 2006 could be impacted by debt levels, interest rates, foreign exchange movements and income tax refunds and adjustments. The performance of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar would either positively or negatively impact Corporate's results, although this impact is mitigated by offsetting exposures in certain of TCPL's other businesses as well as through the company's hedging activities.
44 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Funds Generated from Operations
Funds generated from operations were approximately $2.0 billion for 2005 compared to approximately $1.7 billion and $1.8 billion, for 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Gas Transmission business was the primary source of funds generated from operations for each of the three years. As a result of rapid growth in the Power business in the last few years, the Power segment's funds generated from operations increased in 2005 compared to the two prior years. The decrease in 2004 compared to 2003 was mainly a result of higher current income tax expense in 2004 compared to 2003. At December 31, 2005, TCPL's ability to generate adequate amounts of cash in the short term and the long term when needed, and to maintain financial capacity and flexibility to provide for planned growth, was consistent with recent years. |
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions, totalled $754 million in 2005 compared to $530 million in 2004 and $395 million in 2003, respectively. Expenditures in all three years related primarily to construction of new power plants in Canada and maintenance and capacity capital in TCPL's Gas Transmission business.
During 2005, TCPL acquired the remaining rights and obligations of the Sheerness PPA for $585 million, invested a net cash outlay of $100 million in Bruce A as part of the Bruce Power reorganization, purchased the TC Hydro assets for US$503 million and acquired an additional 3.5 per cent ownership interest in Iroquois Gas Transmission System L.P. for US$14 million. In 2005, TCPL sold its ownership interest in Power LP for proceeds of $444 million, net of current tax, its approximate 11 per cent ownership interest in Paiton Energy for proceeds of $125 million, net of current tax, and PipeLines LP units for proceeds of $102 million, net of current tax. During 2004, TCPL acquired GTN for US$1.2 billion, excluding assumed debt of approximately US$0.5 billion, and sold the ManChief and Curtis Palmer power facilities to Power LP for US$402.6 million, excluding closing adjustments. |
During 2003, TCPL acquired a 31.6 per cent interest in Bruce Power for $409 million, the remaining interests in Foothills previously not held by the company for $105 million, excluding assumed debt of $154 million, and increased its interest in Portland to 61.7 per cent from 33.3 per cent for US$51 million, excluding assumed debt of US$78 million.
Financing Activities
In 2005, TCPL retired long-term debt of $1,113 million. In June 2005, Gas Transmission Northwest Corporation (GTNC) redeemed all of its outstanding US$150 million 7.80 per cent Senior Unsecured Debentures (Debentures). As a consequence, upon application by GTNC, the Debentures were de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange and GTNC no longer has any securities registered under U.S. securities laws. In June 2005, GTNC completed a US$400 million multi-tranche private placement of senior debt with a weighted average interest rate of 5.28 per cent and weighted average life of approximately 18 years. In 2005, TCPL also issued $300 million of 5.10 per cent medium-term notes due 2017 under the company's Canadian shelf prospectus. The company increased its notes payable by $416 million during 2005.
In 2004, TCPL retired long-term debt of $1,005 million. The company issued $200 million of 4.10 per cent medium-term notes due 2009, US$350 million of 5.60 per cent senior unsecured notes due 2034 and US$300 million of 4.875 per cent senior unsecured notes due 2015. The company increased its notes payable by $179 million during 2004.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 45
In 2003, TCPL repaid long-term debt of $753 million, reduced notes payable by $62 million and redeemed all of its outstanding US$160 million, 8.75 per cent Junior Subordinated Debentures. The company issued $450 million of ten year, 5.65 per cent medium-term notes and US$350 million of ten year, 4.00 per cent senior unsecured notes.
Dividends on common and preferred shares of $608 million were paid in 2005 compared to $574 million in 2004 and $532 million in 2003.
In January 2006, TCPL's Board of Directors declared a dividend for the quarter ending March 31, 2006 in an aggregate amount equal to the aggregate quarterly dividend to be paid on April 28, 2006 by TransCanada on the issued and outstanding common shares as at the close of business on March 31, 2006.
Certain terms of the company's preferred shares, preferred securities, and debt instruments could restrict the company's ability to declare dividends on preferred and common shares. At December 31, 2005 under the most restrictive provisions, approximately $1.6 billion was available for the payment of dividends on common shares.
Financing activities included a net reduction in TCPL's proportionate share of non-recourse debt of joint ventures of $42 million in 2005 compared to a net increase of $105 million in 2004 and a net decrease of $12 million in 2003.
Credit Activities
At December 31, 2005, TCPL had shelf prospectuses that qualified for issuance $1.2 billion of medium-term notes in Canada and US$1 billion of debt securities in the U.S. In January 2006, $300 million of 4.3 per cent medium-term notes due 2011 were issued under the Canadian shelf prospectus.
At December 31, 2005, total credit facilities of $2.0 billion were available to support the company's commercial paper program and for general corporate purposes. Of this total, $1.5 billion is a committed five-year term syndicated credit facility. The facility is extendible on an annual basis and is revolving. In December 2005, the maturity date of this facility was extended to December 2010. The remaining amounts are either demand or non-extendible facilities.
At December 31, 2005, TCPL had used approximately $271 million of its total lines of credit for letters of credit and to support ongoing commercial arrangements. If drawn, interest on the lines of credit would be charged at prime rates of Canadian chartered and U.S. banks or at other negotiated financial bases.
Credit ratings on TCPL's senior unsecured debt assigned by Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited (DBRS), Moody's and Standard & Poor's are currently A, A2 and A, respectively. DBRS and Moody's both maintain a 'stable' outlook on their ratings and Standard & Poor's maintains a 'negative' outlook on its rating.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Obligations and Commitments
Total long-term debt at December 31, 2005 was approximately $10.0 billion compared to approximately $10.5 billion at December 31, 2004. TCPL's share of total debt of joint ventures at December 31, 2005 was $978 million compared to $893 million at December 31, 2004. Total notes payable at December 31, 2005, including TCPL's proportionate share of the notes payable of joint ventures, were $962 million compared to $546 million at December 31, 2004. The security provided by each joint venture, except the capital lease obligations at Bruce Power, is limited to the rights and assets of that joint venture and does not extend to the rights and assets of TCPL, except to the extent of TCPL's investment. TCPL has provided certain pro-rata guarantees related to the capital lease obligations of Bruce Power.
Effective January 1, 2005, under new Canadian accounting standards the shareholders' equity component of preferred securities was classified as long-term debt.
At December 31, 2005, scheduled principal repayments and interest payments related to long-term debt and the company's proportionate share of the long-term debt of joint ventures are as follows.
46 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
PRINCIPAL REPAYMENTS
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011+ | |||||||
Long-term debt | 393 | 604 | 547 | 742 | 416 | 7,331 | ||||||
Long-term debt of joint ventures | 41 | 28 | 29 | 89 | 286 | 505 | ||||||
Total principal repayments | 434 | 632 | 576 | 831 | 702 | 7,836 | ||||||
INTEREST PAYMENTS
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011+ | |||||||
Interest payments on long-term debt | 806 | 784 | 734 | 682 | 637 | 7,320 | ||||||
Interest payments on long-term debt of joint ventures | 70 | 68 | 67 | 64 | 52 | 356 | ||||||
Total interest payments | 876 | 852 | 801 | 746 | 689 | 7,676 | ||||||
At December 31, 2005, future annual payments, net of sub-lease receipts, under the company's operating leases for various premises, services, equipment and a natural gas storage facility are approximately as follows.
OPERATING LEASE PAYMENTS
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011+ | ||||||||
Minimum lease payments | 46 | 52 | 54 | 54 | 53 | 646 | |||||||
Amounts recoverable under sub-leases | (12 | ) | (12 | ) | (12 | ) | (11 | ) | (11 | ) | (13 | ) | |
Net payments | 34 | 40 | 42 | 43 | 42 | 633 | |||||||
The operating lease agreements for premises, services and equipment expire at various dates through 2011, with an option to renew certain lease agreements for five years. The operating lease agreement for the natural gas storage facility expires in 2030 with lessee termination rights every fifth anniversary commencing in 2010 and with the lessor having the right to terminate the agreement every five years commencing in 2015.
At December 31, 2005, the company's future purchase obligations are approximately as follows.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 47
PURCHASE OBLIGATIONS(1)
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011+ | |||||||
Gas Transmission | ||||||||||||
Transportation by others(2) | 179 | 175 | 131 | 89 | 79 | 52 | ||||||
Other | 253 | 16 | 12 | 3 | | | ||||||
Power |
||||||||||||
Commodity purchases(3) | 1,163 | 1,039 | 881 | 522 | 525 | 4,802 | ||||||
Capital expenditures(4) | 534 | 390 | 145 | 70 | | | ||||||
Other(5) | 52 | 56 | 32 | 21 | 29 | 92 | ||||||
Corporate |
||||||||||||
Information technology and other | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 7 | 14 | ||||||
Total purchase obligations | 2,197 | 1,690 | 1,215 | 719 | 640 | 4,960 | ||||||
During 2006, TCPL expects to make funding contributions to the company's pension plans and other benefit plans in the amount of approximately $95 million and $7 million, respectively. The expected increase in total funding in 2006 from $74 million in 2005 is due to continued reductions in discount rates used to calculate plan obligations partially offset by investment performance above long-term expectations in 2005. During 2006, TCPL's proportionate share of expected funding contributions to be made by joint ventures to their respective pension plans and other benefit plans is approximately $27 million and $2 million, respectively.
48 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Bruce Power
Included in Power's capital expenditures in the table above is TCPL's share of Bruce A's signed commitments to third party suppliers for the next five years for the restart and refurbishment of the currently idle Units 1 and 2, extending the operating life of Unit 3 by replacing its steam generators and fuel channels when required and replacing the steam generators on Unit 4, as follows.
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2006 | 322 | |
2007 | 311 | |
2008 | 142 | |
2009 | 69 | |
2010 | | |
844 | ||
Aboriginal Pipeline Group
On June 18, 2003, the Mackenzie Delta gas producers, the APG and TCPL reached an agreement which governs TCPL's role in the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project. The project would result in a natural gas pipeline being constructed from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, to the northern border of Alberta, where it would connect with the Alberta System. Under the agreement, TCPL agreed to finance the APG for its one-third share of project development costs. These costs were originally estimated to be approximately $90 million, but given extended project delays, the protracted regulatory process and the projected timing to reach a decision to construct the pipeline, this share is currently forecast to increase to approximately $145 million. As at December 31, 2005, TCPL had funded $87 million (2004 $60 million) of this loan which is included in other assets. The ability to recover this investment is dependent upon the outcome of the project.
TCPL and its affiliates have long-term natural gas transportation and natural gas purchase arrangements as well as other purchase obligations, all of which are or were transacted at market prices and in the normal course of business.
Guarantees
TCPL had no outstanding guarantees related to the long-term debt of unrelated third parties at December 31, 2005.
The company, together with Cameco and BPC, has severally guaranteed one-third of certain contingent financial obligations of Bruce B related to power sales agreements, operator licenses, the lease agreement, and contractor services. The terms of the guarantees currently range from 2018 to 2019.
As part of the reorganization of Bruce Power, including the formation of Bruce A and the commitment to restart and refurbish the Bruce A units, the company, together with BPC, severally guaranteed one-half of certain contingent financial obligations of Bruce A related to the refurbishment agreement with the OPA and cost sharing and sublease agreements with Bruce B. The terms of the guarantees range from 2019 to 2036.
TCPL's share of the net exposure under these Bruce Power guarantees at December 31, 2005 was estimated to be approximately $652 million of a calculated maximum of $758 million. The current carrying amount of the liability related to these guarantees is nil and the fair value is approximately $17 million.
TCPL has guaranteed the equity undertaking of a subsidiary which supports the payment, under certain conditions, of principal and interest on US$133 million of public debt obligations of TransGas. The company has a 46.5 per cent interest in TransGas. Under the terms of the agreement, the company severally with another major multinational company may be required to fund more than their proportionate share of debt obligations of TransGas in the event that the minority shareholders fail to contribute. Any payments made by TCPL under this agreement convert into share capital of TransGas. The potential exposure is contingent on the impact of any change of law on TransGas' ability to
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 49
service the debt. From the issuance of the debt in 1995 to date, there has been no change in applicable law and thus no exposure to TCPL. The debt matures in 2010. The company has made no provision related to this guarantee.
In connection with the acquisition of GTN, US$241 million of the purchase price was deposited into an escrow account. As at December 31, 2005, there was US$54 million remaining in the escrow account. The outstanding funds in the escrow account represent the full face amount of the potential liability under certain GTN guarantees and are to be used to satisfy the liability of GTN under these designated guarantees.
Contingencies
The Canadian Alliance of Pipeline Landowners' Associations and two individual landowners commenced an action in 2003 under Ontario's Class Proceedings Act, 1992, against TCPL and Enbridge Inc. for damages of $500 million alleged to arise from the creation of a control zone within 30 metres of the pipeline pursuant to Section 112 of the NEB Act. The company believes the claim is without merit and will vigorously defend the action. The company has made no provision for any potential liability. A liability, if any, would be dealt with through the regulatory process.
The company and its subsidiaries are subject to various other legal proceedings and actions arising in the normal course of business. While the final outcome of such legal proceedings and actions cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management that the resolution of such proceedings and actions will not have a material impact on the company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.
FINANCIAL AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS
The company issues short-term and long-term debt, purchases and sells energy commodities including amounts in foreign currencies, and invests in foreign operations. These activities result in exposures to interest rates, energy commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. The company utilizes derivatives to manage the risk that results from these activities.
Derivatives and other instruments must be designated and effective to qualify for hedge accounting. Derivatives are recorded at their fair value at each balance sheet date. For cash flow and fair value hedges, gains or losses relating to derivatives are deferred and recognized in the same period and in the same financial statement category as the corresponding hedged transactions. For hedges of net investments in self-sustaining foreign operations, exchange gains or losses on derivatives, net of tax, and designated foreign currency denominated debt are offset against the exchange losses or gains arising on the translation of the financial statements of the foreign operations included in the foreign exchange adjustment account in Shareholders' Equity. In the event that a derivative does not meet the designation or effectiveness criteria, realized and unrealized gains or losses are recognized in income each period in the same financial statement category as the underlying transaction giving rise to the exposure being economically hedged. Premiums paid or received with respect to derivatives that are hedges are deferred and amortized to income over the term of the hedge.
If a derivative that previously qualified as a hedge is settled, de-designated or ceases to be effective, the gain or loss at that date is deferred and recognized in the same period and in the same financial statement category as the corresponding hedged transactions. If a hedged anticipated transaction is no longer probable to occur, related deferred gains or losses are recognized in income in the current period.
The recognition of gains and losses on derivatives for Canadian Mainline, Alberta System, the Foothills System and the BC System exposures is determined through the regulatory process.
The fair value of foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives has been estimated using year-end market rates. The fair value of power, natural gas and heat rate derivatives has been calculated using estimated forward prices for the relevant period.
50 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Net Investment in Foreign Operations
At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the company had net investments in self sustaining foreign operations with a U.S. dollar functional currency which created an exposure to changes in exchange rates. The company uses U.S. dollar denominated debt and derivatives to hedge this exposure on an after-tax basis. The fair value for derivatives used to manage the exposure is shown in the table below.
Asset/(Liability)
2005 | 2004 | |||||||||
December 31 (millions of dollars) |
Accounting Treatment |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
|||||
U.S. dollar cross-currency swaps (maturing 2006 to 2012) | Hedge | 119 | U.S. 450 | 95 | U.S. 400 | |||||
U.S. dollar forward foreign exchange contracts (maturing 2006) | Hedge | 5 | U.S. 525 | (1 | ) | U.S. 305 | ||||
U.S. dollar options (maturing 2006) | Hedge | | U.S. 60 | 1 | U.S. 100 |
Reconciliation of Foreign Exchange Adjustment (Losses)/Gains
December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | |||
Balance at January 1 | (71 | ) | (40 | ) | |
Translation losses on foreign currency denominated net assets(1) | (21 | ) | (39 | ) | |
Gains on derivatives | 23 | 52 | |||
Income taxes | (21 | ) | (44 | ) | |
Balance at December 31 | (90 | ) | (71 | ) | |
Foreign Exchange Gains/(Losses)
Foreign exchange gains included in Other Expenses/(Income) for the year ended December 31, 2005 are $19 million (2004 $6 million; 2003 nil).
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 51
Foreign Exchange and Interest Rate Management Activity
The company manages the foreign exchange and interest rate risks related to its U.S. dollar denominated debt, and transactions and interest rate exposures of the Canadian Mainline, the Alberta System and the BC System through the use of foreign currency and interest rate derivatives. Certain of the realized gains and losses on these derivatives are shared with shippers on predetermined terms. The details of the foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives are shown in the table below.
Asset/(Liability)
2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||
December 31 (millions of dollars) |
Accounting Treatment |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
|||||||
Foreign Exchange | ||||||||||||
Cross-currency swaps | ||||||||||||
(maturing 2010 to 2013) | Non-hedge | (86 | ) | 363/U.S. 257 | (69 | ) | 363/U.S. 257 | |||||
Interest Rate |
||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||
Canadian dollars | ||||||||||||
(maturing 2007 to 2008) | Hedge | 4 | 100 | 7 | 145 | |||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2009) | Non-hedge | 7 | 374 | 9 | 374 | |||||||
11 | 16 | |||||||||||
U.S. dollars | ||||||||||||
(maturing 2007 to 2009) | Non-hedge | 5 | U.S. 100 | 7 | U.S. 100 |
52 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The company manages the foreign exchange and interest rate exposures of its other businesses through the use of foreign currency and interest rate derivatives. The details of these foreign currency and interest rate derivatives are shown in the table below.
Asset/(Liability)
2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||
December 31 (millions of dollars) |
Accounting Treatment |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
|||||||
Foreign Exchange | ||||||||||||
Options (maturing 2006) | Non-hedge | 1 | U.S. 195 | 2 | U.S. 255 | |||||||
Forward foreign exchange contracts | ||||||||||||
(maturing 2006) | Hedge | 2 | U.S. 29 | | | |||||||
(maturing 2006) | Non-hedge | 1 | U.S. 208 | 1 | U.S. 129 | |||||||
Interest Rate |
||||||||||||
Options | Non-hedge | | | | U.S. 50 | |||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||
Canadian dollar | ||||||||||||
(maturing 2007 to 2009) | Hedge | 1 | 100 | 4 | 100 | |||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2011) | Non-hedge | 1 | 423 | 5 | 485 | |||||||
2 | 9 | |||||||||||
U.S. dollar | ||||||||||||
(maturing 2013) | Hedge | | U.S. 50 | 3 | U.S. 375 | |||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2010) | Non-hedge | 18 | U.S. 550 | 22 | U.S. 500 | |||||||
18 | 25 | |||||||||||
Certain of the company's joint ventures use interest rate derivatives to manage interest rate exposures. The company's proportionate share of the fair value of the outstanding derivatives at December 31, 2005 was nil (2004 $1 million).
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 53
Energy Price Risk Management
The company executes power, natural gas and heat rate derivatives for overall management of its asset portfolio. Heat rate contracts are contracts for the sale or purchase of power that are priced based on a natural gas index. The fair value and notional volumes of contracts for differences and the swap, future, option and heat rate contracts are shown in the tables below.
Power
Asset/(Liability)
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
December 31 (millions of dollars) |
Accounting Treatment | Fair Value |
Fair Value |
|||||
Power swaps and contracts for differences | ||||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2011) | Hedge | (130 | ) | 7 | ||||
(maturing 2006 to 2010) | Non-hedge | 13 | (2 | ) | ||||
Gas swaps, futures and options | ||||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2016) | Hedge | 17 | (39 | ) | ||||
(maturing 2006 to 2008) | Non-hedge | (11 | ) | (2 | ) | |||
Heat rate contracts | ||||||||
(maturing 2006) | Non-hedge | | (1 | ) |
Notional Volumes
Power (GWh) | Gas (Bcf) | ||||||||||
December 31, 2005 |
Accounting Treatment | Purchases |
Sales |
Purchases |
Sales |
||||||
Power swaps and contracts for differences |
|||||||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2011) | Hedge | 2,566 | 7,780 | | | ||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2010) | Non-hedge | 1,332 | 456 | | | ||||||
Gas swaps, futures and options | |||||||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2016) | Hedge | | | 91 | 69 | ||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2008) | Non-hedge | | | 15 | 18 | ||||||
Heat rate contracts | |||||||||||
(maturing 2006) | Non-hedge | | 35 | | |
December 31, 2004 | ||||||||||
Power swaps and contracts for differences | Hedge | 3,314 | 7,029 | | | |||||
Non-hedge | 438 | | | | ||||||
Gas swaps, futures and options | Hedge | | | 80 | 84 | |||||
Non-hedge | | | 5 | 8 | ||||||
Heat rate contracts | Non-hedge | | 229 | 2 | |
Certain of the company's joint ventures use power derivatives to manage energy price risk exposures. The company's proportionate share of the fair value of these outstanding power sales derivatives at December 31, 2005 was $(38) million (2004 nil) and relates to contracts which cover the period 2006 to 2008. The company's proportionate share of the notional sales volumes associated with this exposure at December 31, 2005 was 2,058 GWh (2004 nil).
54 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Risk Management Overview
TCPL and its subsidiaries are exposed to market, financial and counterparty risks in the normal course of their business activities. The risk management function assists in managing these various business activities and the risks associated with them. A strong commitment to a risk management culture by TCPL's management supports this function. TCPL's primary risk management objective is to protect earnings and cash flow and ultimately, shareholder value.
The risk management function is guided by the following principles that are applied to all businesses and risk types:
The processes within TCPL's risk management function are designed to ensure that risks are properly identified, quantified, reported and managed. Risk management strategies, policies and limits are designed to ensure TCPL's risk taking is consistent with the company's business objectives and risk tolerance. Risks are managed within limits ultimately established by the company's Board of Directors and implemented by senior management, monitored by risk management personnel and audited by internal audit personnel.
TCPL manages market, financial and counterparty risks and related exposures in accordance with the company's market risk, interest rate and foreign exchange risk, and counterparty risk policies. The company's primary market and financial risks result from volatility in commodity positions and prices, interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. Senior management reviews these exposures and reports on a regular basis to the Audit Committee of TCPL's Board of Directors.
Market Risk Management
In order to manage market risk exposures created by fixed and variable pricing arrangements at different pricing indices and delivery points, the company enters into offsetting physical positions and derivative financial instruments. Market risks are quantified using value-at-risk methodology and are reviewed weekly by senior management.
Financial Risk Management
TCPL monitors the financial market risk exposures relating to the company's investments in foreign currency denominated net assets, regulated and non-regulated long-term debt portfolios and foreign currency exposure on transactions. The market risk exposures created by these business activities are managed by establishing offsetting positions or through the use of derivative financial instruments.
Counterparty Risk Management
Counterparty risk is the financial loss that the company would experience if the counterparty failed to meet its obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of its contracts with the company. Counterparty risk is mitigated by conducting financial and other assessments to establish a counterparty's creditworthiness, setting exposure limits and monitoring exposures against these limits, and, where warranted, obtaining financial assurances.
The company's counterparty risk management practices and positions are further described in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 55
Risks and Risk Management Related to the Kyoto Protocol
TCPL is in the business of transporting natural gas and generating electricity to meet the growing energy needs of businesses and consumers throughout North America. While expanding the company's businesses, TCPL continuously identifies and takes action to manage issues that could affect the company's ability to provide consumers with safe, reliable and cost-effective energy supplies. Among these issues are business risks associated with greenhouse gas emissions.
In Canada, TCPL's fossil-fired power plants, pipeline assets and carbon black facilities are expected to be covered under legislation for large final emitters. While the broad elements of the proposed regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensities from large industrial emitters have been established, key policy elements remain outstanding, including details of compliance options that entities may use to fulfill compliance obligations. At this time, it is difficult to determine the level of impact to the company's Canadian assets until these and other key policy elements have been defined.
In 2006, TCPL will continue with its strategy for managing the climate change issue. This strategy includes activities such as:
In addition to these activities, TCPL also ensures that the potential business risks and opportunities posed by increasing environmental priorities are considered when making decisions regarding the company's businesses.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Internal Controls
Pursuant to regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and those of the Canadian Securities Administrators, TCPL's management evaluates the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company's disclosure controls and procedures (disclosure controls). This evaluation is done under the supervision of, and with the participation of, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, TCPL's management evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls. Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that TCPL's disclosure controls are effective in ensuring that material information relating to TCPL is made known to management on a timely basis, and is included in this report.
During the period covered by this report, there has been no change in internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, TCPL's internal control over financial reporting.
CEO and CFO Certifications
With respect to the year ending December 31, 2005, TCPL's President and Chief Executive Officer has provided the New York Stock Exchange with the annual CEO certification regarding TCPL's compliance with the New York Stock Exchange's corporate governance listing standards applicable to foreign issuers. In addition, TCPL's President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have filed with the SEC certifications regarding the quality of TCPL's public disclosures relating to its fiscal 2005 reports filed with the SEC.
Compliance Expenditures
The total cost incurred by TCPL to meet compliance requirements of Sections 302, 404 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for the period January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2005, was estimated to be $9 million, including third party charges of $3 million.
56 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICY
The company accounts for the impacts of rate regulation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as outlined in Notes 1 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements. Three criteria must be met to use these accounting principles: the rates for regulated services or activities must be subject to approval by a regulator; the regulated rates must be designed to recover the cost of providing the services or products; and it must be reasonable to assume that rates set at levels to recover the cost can be charged to and will be collected from customers in view of the demand for services or products and the level of direct and indirect competition. The company's management believes that all three of these criteria have been met. The most significant impact from the use of these accounting principles is that in order to appropriately reflect the economic impact of the regulators' decisions regarding the company's revenues and tolls, and to thereby achieve a proper matching of revenues and expenses, the timing of recognition of certain expenses and revenues in the regulated businesses may differ from that otherwise expected under GAAP as detailed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
As prescribed by the regulators, the taxes payable method of accounting for income taxes is used for tollmaking purposes for Canadian regulated natural gas transmission operations. As permitted by GAAP, this method is also used for accounting purposes, since there is reasonable expectation that future income taxes payable will be included in future costs of service and recorded in revenues at that time. Consequently, future income tax liabilities have not been recognized as it is expected that when these amounts become payable, they will be recovered through future rate revenues. In the absence of rate regulation accounting, GAAP would require the recognition of future income tax liabilities. If the liability method of accounting had been used, additional future income tax liabilities in the amount of $1,619 million at December 31, 2005 would have been recorded.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATE
Since a determination of many assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses is dependent upon future events, the preparation of the company's consolidated financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions which have been made using careful judgment. TCPL's critical accounting estimate is depreciation expense. TCPL's plant, property and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $1,017 million. Depreciation expense impacts the Gas Transmission and Power segments of the company. In the Gas Transmission business, depreciation rates are approved by the regulators, where applicable, and depreciation expense is recoverable based on the cost of providing the services or products. A change in the estimation of the useful lives of the plant, property and equipment in the Gas Transmission segment would, if recovery through rates is permitted by the regulators, have no material impact on TCPL's net income but would directly impact funds generated from operations.
ACCOUNTING CHANGES
Financial Instruments Disclosure and Presentation
Effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted the amendment of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) to the existing Handbook Section "Financial Instruments Disclosure and Presentation" which provides guidance for classifying certain financial instruments that embody obligations that may be settled by the issuance of the issuer's equity shares as debt when the instrument that embodies the obligations does not establish an ownership relationship. In accordance with this amendment, TCPL classified the shareholders' equity component of preferred securities as long-term debt. This change was applied retroactively with restatement of prior periods. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for the impact of this accounting change.
Disclosure by Entities Subject to Rate Regulation
In May 2005, the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) issued Accounting Guideline AcG-19 "Disclosures by Entities Subject to Rate Regulation" to improve the quality and consistency of disclosures by entities subject to rate regulation.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 57
Under AcG-19, all rate regulated entities are required to disclose general information about the rate-setting process, its accounting effects and the operations affected. The new disclosure requirements were effective for fiscal years ending on or after December 31, 2005. The company adopted these requirements effective December 31, 2005. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for disclosures required under AcG-19.
Limited Partnerships
A wholly-owned subsidiary of TCPL serves as the general partner of PipeLines LP. Effective December 31, 2005, TCPL consolidated limited partnerships when the general partner controls the strategic operating, financing and investing activities of the limited partnerships and the limited partners do not have substantive participating rights. This change was applied retroactively with restatement of prior periods. There was no impact on previously recorded net income and the balance sheet and income statement impact was not material.
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities
In June 2003, the Accounting Standards Board of the CICA issued a new Accounting Guideline "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" which requires enterprises to identify variable interest entities in which they have an interest, determine whether they are the primary beneficiary of such entities and, if so, to consolidate them. For TCPL, the guideline's requirements were effective as of January 1, 2005. Adopting the provisions of this guideline had no impact on the company's consolidated financial statements.
Non-Monetary Transactions
In June 2005, the AcSB issued the new Handbook Section 3831 "Non-Monetary Transactions" replacing Section 3830 of the same title. The revised standard requires all non-monetary transactions to be measured at fair value, subject to certain exceptions. Commercial substance replaces culmination of the earnings process as the test for fair value measurement and is a function of the cash flows expected from the exchanged assets. The new requirements are effective for non-monetary transactions initiated in periods beginning on or after January 1, 2006. Adopting the provisions of this standard is not expected to have an impact on the company's consolidated financial statements.
Financial Instruments Recognition and Measurement
In January 2005, the AcSB issued the new Handbook Section 3855 "Financial Instruments Recognition and Measurement" which prescribes that all financial instruments within the scope of this standard, including derivatives, be included on a company's balance sheet and measured, either at their fair value or, in limited circumstances when fair value may not be considered most relevant, at cost or amortized cost. It also specifies when gains and losses as a result of changes in fair value are to be recognized in the income statement. This standard is effective for interim and annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006. This standard is substantially similar to the corresponding requirements under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115 "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" and SFAS No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" which were adopted by the company for U.S. GAAP purposes, effective January 1, 2001. This new Handbook section will be adopted by the company as of January 1, 2007 on a prospective basis. TCPL does not expect the new Canadian requirement to have a significant impact on the company's consolidated financial statements. See the company's reconciliation to United States GAAP posted on www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml for the impact of SFAS No. 133 on the company's consolidated financial statements.
Hedges
In January 2005, the AcSB issued the new Handbook Section 3865 "Hedges" which specifies the circumstances under which hedge accounting is permissible, how hedge accounting may be performed, and where the impacts should be recorded. The provisions of this standard introduce three specific types of hedging relationships: fair value hedges, cash flow hedges and hedges of a net investment in self-sustaining foreign operations. This standard is effective for interim and annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006. The standard builds on existing Accounting Guideline AcG-13 "Hedging Relationships" which was adopted by TCPL effective January 1, 2004. This new Handbook section will be adopted by the company as of January 1, 2007 on a prospective basis. TCPL does not expect the new requirement to have a significant impact on the company's consolidated financial statements.
58 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Comprehensive Income
In January 2005, the AcSB issued the new Handbook Section 1530 "Comprehensive Income" which requires that an enterprise present comprehensive income and its components, in a separate financial statement that is displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. This Section introduces a new requirement to present certain gains and losses temporarily outside net income. This standard is effective for interim and annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006. This standard is substantially similar to the corresponding requirements under SFAS No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income" and SFAS No. 133 "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" which have already been adopted by the company for U.S. GAAP purposes. This Handbook section will be adopted by the company as of January 1, 2007 on a prospective basis. TCPL does not expect the new Canadian requirement to have a significant impact on the company's consolidated financial statements. See the company's reconciliation to United States GAAP posted on www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml for the impact of SFAS No. 130 and SFAS No. 133 on the company's consolidated financial statements.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
TCPL's Board of Directors approved plans in previous years to dispose of the company's International, Canadian Midstream, Gas Marketing and certain other businesses. As of December 31, 2003, TCPL's investments in Gasoducto del Pacifico (Gas Pacifico), INNERGY Holdings S.A. (INNERGY) and Paiton Energy, which were previously approved for disposal, were accounted for as part of continuing operations due to the length of time it had taken the company to dispose of these assets. Gas Pacifico and INNERGY are included in the Gas Transmission segment. It is the intention of the company to continue with its plan to dispose of these investments. Paiton Energy was sold in November 2005 and the gain on sale was recorded in the Power segment.
In 2005, the company reviewed the provision for loss on discontinued operations and concluded that the provision was adequate.
In 2004 and 2003, the company recognized in income $52 million and $50 million, respectively, related to the original $102 million after-tax deferred gain on the sale of Gas Marketing.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 59
SUBSIDIARIES AND INVESTMENTS
TCPL and its subsidiaries and investments that hold significant operating assets are noted below.
Subsidiary Investment |
Major Operating Assets |
Organized Under the Laws of |
Effective Percentage Ownership by TCPL(1) |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TransCanada PipeLines Limited | Canadian Mainline and BC System | Canada | 100 | |||||
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. |
Alberta System |
Alberta |
100 |
|||||
TransCanada Pipeline Ventures Ltd. |
Ventures LP |
Alberta |
100 |
|||||
Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd. |
Foothills System |
Canada |
100 |
|||||
TransCanada PipeLine USA Ltd. |
Nevada |
100 |
||||||
TransCanada Hydro Northeast Inc. |
TC Hydro |
Delaware |
100 |
|||||
Gas Transmission Northwest Corporation |
GTN |
California |
100 |
|||||
TransCanada Power Marketing Ltd. |
U.S. Power assets |
Delaware |
100 |
|||||
Great Lakes Gas Transmission Limited Partnership |
Great Lakes |
Delaware |
50 |
|||||
Iroquois Gas Transmission System L.P. |
Iroquois |
Delaware |
44.5 |
|||||
Portland Natural Gas Transmission System Partnership |
Portland |
Maine |
61.7 |
|||||
TC PipeLines, LP |
TC PipeLines, LP assets |
Delaware |
13.4 |
|||||
Northern Border Pipeline Company |
Northern Border |
Texas |
4 |
|||||
Tuscarora Gas Transmission Company |
Tuscarora |
Nevada |
7.6 |
|||||
TransCanada Energy Ltd. |
Canadian Power assets |
Canada |
100 |
|||||
Bruce Power A L.P. |
Bruce A Units 1 to 4 |
Ontario |
47.9 |
|||||
Bruce Power L.P. |
Bruce B Units 5 to 8 |
Ontario |
31.6 |
|||||
Trans Québec & Maritimes Pipeline Inc. |
TQM |
Canada |
50 |
|||||
CrossAlta Gas Storage & Services Ltd. |
CrossAlta |
Alberta |
60 |
|||||
TransGas de Occidente S.A. |
TransGas |
Colombia |
46.5 |
60 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
SELECTED THREE YEAR CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA(1)
(millions of dollars except per share amounts)
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||
Income Statement | |||||||
Revenues | 6,124 | 5,497 | 5,636 | ||||
Net income applicable to common shares | |||||||
Continuing operations | 1,208 | 978 | 801 | ||||
Discontinued operations | | 52 | 50 | ||||
Total | 1,208 | 1,030 | 851 | ||||
Balance Sheet |
|||||||
Total assets | 24,113 | 22,421 | 20,884 | ||||
Long-term debt | 9,640 | 9,749 | 9,516 | ||||
Non-recourse debt of joint ventures | 937 | 808 | 741 | ||||
Preferred securities | 536 | 554 | 598 | ||||
Per Common Share Data |
|||||||
Net income Basic and Diluted | |||||||
Continuing operations | $2.50 | $2.03 | $1.66 | ||||
Discontinued operations | | 0.11 | 0.11 | ||||
$2.50 | $2.14 | $1.77 | |||||
Dividends declared(2) | $1.23 | $1.17 | $1.08 | ||||
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 61
SELECTED QUARTERLY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2005 |
||||||||
(millions of dollars except per share amounts) | Fourth | Third | Second | First | |||||
Revenues | 1,771 | 1,494 | 1,449 | 1,410 | |||||
Net income applicable to common shares | |||||||||
Continuing operations | 349 | 428 | 199 | 232 | |||||
Discontinued operations | | | | | |||||
349 | 428 | 199 | 232 | ||||||
Per Common Share Data | |||||||||
Net income Basic and Diluted | |||||||||
Continuing operations | $0.72 | $0.89 | $0.41 | $0.48 | |||||
Discontinued operations | | | | | |||||
$0.72 | $0.89 | $0.41 | $0.48 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2004 |
||||||||
Fourth | Third | Second | First | ||||||
Revenues | 1,480 | 1,311 | 1,347 | 1,359 | |||||
Net income applicable to common shares | |||||||||
Continuing operations | 184 | 192 | 388 | 214 | |||||
Discontinued operations | | 52 | | | |||||
184 | 244 | 388 | 214 | ||||||
Per Common Share Data | |||||||||
Net income Basic and Diluted | |||||||||
Continuing operations | $0.38 | $0.40 | $0.81 | $0.44 | |||||
Discontinued operations | | 0.11 | | | |||||
$0.38 | $0.51 | $0.81 | $0.44 | ||||||
62 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Factors Impacting Quarterly Financial Information
In the Gas Transmission business, which consists primarily of the company's investments in regulated pipelines, annual revenues and net earnings fluctuate over the long term based on regulators' decisions and negotiated settlements with shippers. Generally, quarter over quarter revenues and net earnings during any particular fiscal year remain relatively stable with fluctuations arising as a result of adjustments being recorded due to regulatory decisions and negotiated settlements with shippers and due to items outside of the normal course of operations.
In the Power business, which builds, owns and operates electrical power generation plants and sells electricity, quarter over quarter revenues and net earnings are affected by seasonal weather conditions, customer demand, market prices, planned and unplanned plant outages as well as items outside of the normal course of operations.
Significant items which impacted 2005 and 2004 quarterly net earnings are as follows.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 63
FOURTH QUARTER 2005 HIGHLIGHTS
SEGMENT RESULTS-AT-A-GLANCE
Three months ended December 31 (millions of dollars)
2005 | 2004 | |||||
Gas Transmission | 160 | 157 | ||||
Power |
||||||
Excluding gains | 82 | 31 | ||||
Gain on sale of Paiton Energy | 115 | | ||||
197 | 31 | |||||
Corporate | (8 | ) | (4 | ) | ||
Net income applicable to common shares(1) | 349 | 184 | ||||
(1)Net income applicable to common shares | ||||||
Excluding gain | 234 | 184 | ||||
Gain on sale of Paiton Energy | 115 | | ||||
349 | 184 | |||||
Net income applicable to common shares for fourth quarter 2005 of $349 million increased by $165 million compared to $184 million for fourth quarter 2004. This increase was due to significantly higher net earnings from the Power business, including an after-tax gain of $115 million from the sale of Paiton Energy.
Excluding the $115 million gain related to the sale of Paiton Energy, net earnings for fourth quarter 2005 increased $50 million compared to fourth quarter 2004, to $234 million. This was due to increases of $51 million and $3 million in net earnings from the Power and Gas Transmission businesses, respectively, partially offset by an increase of $4 million in net expenses in Corporate.
The increase in Power's net earnings was primarily due to higher operating and other income from Bruce Power and Eastern Operations. Bruce Power's contribution to operating and other income increased by $48 million in fourth quarter 2005 compared to fourth quarter 2004, primarily due to higher realized power prices on uncontracted volumes sold into Ontario's wholesale spot market, higher generation volumes and an increased ownership interest in the Bruce A facilities effective October 31, 2005.
Western Operations' operating and other income was $8 million higher in fourth quarter 2005 compared to fourth quarter 2004 primarily due to increased margins in fourth quarter 2005 as a result of higher market heat rates on uncontracted volumes of power sold. Partially offsetting this increase were lower contributions from the Bear Creek cogeneration facility which remained on an unplanned outage throughout the quarter.
Eastern Operations' operating and other income was $37 million higher in fourth quarter 2005 compared to fourth quarter 2004 primarily due to contributions from TC Hydro, acquired on April 1, 2005, and from the Grandview cogeneration facility placed into service in January 2005. Partially offsetting these increases was a fourth quarter 2004 positive impact due to a restructuring transaction relating to OSP power purchase contracts and the loss of operating income associated with the expiration of certain long-term sales contracts in 2004.
General, administrative, support costs and other increased $9 million in fourth quarter 2005 compared to fourth quarter 2004 primarily due to higher business development costs expensed in 2005 and the positive impact in fourth quarter 2004 of the recognition of unrealized foreign exchange gains on Power LP's U.S. dollar denominated debt.
64 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
For fourth quarter 2005, Gas Transmission's net income was $160 million compared to $157 million in fourth quarter 2004. The $3 million increase was due to a $6 million increase in net income from the Other Gas Transmission businesses partially offset by a $3 million reduction in income from Wholly-Owned Pipelines. The reduction in income from Wholly-Owned Pipelines was primarily due to a decline in the Canadian Mainline and the Alberta System net income. These decreases were partially offset by higher net income during the quarter from TCPL's investment in GTN which was acquired on November 1, 2004. The increase in net income from Other Gas Transmission was primarily due to lower project development costs expensed in fourth quarter 2005 resulting from capitalization of costs of the Broadwater and Keystone projects in 2005 and higher income from Gas Pacifico. These increases were partially offset by lower income from Great Lakes and Ventures LP.
Net expenses, after tax, in Corporate for fourth quarter 2005 were $8 million compared to $4 million for the corresponding period in 2004. The $4 million increase in net expenses was primarily due to increased net interest costs offset by an income tax refund received in fourth quarter 2005 relating to prior years.
SHARE INFORMATION
As at February 27, 2006, TCPL had 483,344,109 issued and outstanding common shares and there were no outstanding options to purchase common shares.
OTHER INFORMATION
Additional information relating to TCPL, including the company's Annual Information Form and continuous disclosure documents, is posted on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under TransCanada PipeLines Limited.
Other selected consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 and 2000 is found under the heading "Six-Year Financial Highlights" on pages 107 and 108 of this report.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 65
AcSB | Accounting Standards Board | |
APG | Aboriginal Pipeline Group/Mackenzie Valley Aboriginal Pipeline Limited Partnership | |
Bcf | Billion cubic feet | |
B.C. | British Columbia | |
Bcf/d | Billion cubic feet per day | |
Boston Edison | Boston Edison Company | |
BPC | BPC Generation Infrastructure Trust | |
Broadwater | Broadwater Energy project | |
Bruce A | Bruce Power A L.P. | |
Bruce B | Bruce Power L.P. | |
Bruce Power | Bruce A and Bruce B, collectively | |
Calpine | Calpine Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries | |
Cameco | Cameco Corporation | |
CAPP | Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers | |
Cartier Wind | Cartier Wind Energy | |
CBM | Coalbed methane | |
CFE | Comisión Federal de Electricdad | |
CICA | Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants | |
CPPL | ConocoPhillips Pipe Line Company | |
CrossAlta | CrossAlta Gas Storage & Services Ltd. | |
DBRS | Dominion Bond Rating Service Limited | |
Debentures | Senior Unsecured Debentures | |
disclosure controls | Disclosure controls and procedures | |
EPCOR | EPCOR Utilities Inc. | |
EUB | Alberta Energy and Utilities Board | |
FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission | |
Foothills | Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd. | |
FT | Firm transportation | |
GAAP | Generally accepted accounting principles | |
Gas Pacifico | Gasoducto del Pacifico | |
GCOC | Generic cost of capital | |
GJ | Gigajoules | |
GRA | General Rate Application | |
Great Lakes | Great Lakes Gas Transmission System | |
GTN | Gas Transmission Northwest System and the North Baja System, collectively | |
GTNC | Gas Transmission Northwest Corporation | |
GUA | Gas Utilities Act (Alberta) | |
GWh | Gigawatt hours | |
Hydro-Québec | Hydro-Québec Distribution | |
IID | Imperial Irrigation District | |
INNERGY | INNERGY Holdings S.A. | |
Iroquois | Iroquois Gas Transmission System | |
Irving | Irving Oil | |
Keystone pipeline | Keystone oil pipeline | |
km | Kilometres | |
LNG | Liquefied natural gas | |
Millennium | Millennium Pipeline Project | |
mmcf/d | Million cubic feet per day | |
Moody's | Moody's Investors Service | |
MOU | Memorandum of Understanding | |
MW | Megawatt | |
MWh | Megawatt hour | |
NEB | National Energy Board | |
Net earnings | Net income from continuing operations | |
Northern Border | Northern Border Pipeline Company | |
NPA | Northern Pipeline Act | |
OM&A | Operating, maintenance and administration | |
OPA | Ontario Power Authority | |
OSP | Ocean State Power | |
PG&E | Pacific Gas & Electric Company | |
Paiton Energy | P.T. Paiton Energy Company | |
PipeLines LP | TC PipeLines, LP | |
PJ | Petajoules | |
Portland | Portland Natural Gas Transmission System | |
Portlands Energy | Portlands Energy Centre L.P. | |
Power LP | TransCanada Power, L.P. | |
PPA | Power purchase arrangement | |
ROE | Rate of return on common equity | |
SFAS | Statement of Financial Accounting Standards | |
Shell | Shell US Gas & Power LLC | |
STFT | Short-term firm transportation service | |
TC Hydro | Hydroelectric generation assets acquired from USGen | |
Tcf | Trillion cubic feet | |
TCPL or the company | TransCanada PipeLines Limited | |
TCPM | TransCanada Power Marketing Limited | |
TQM | Trans Québec & Maritimes System | |
TransCanada | TransCanada Corporation | |
TransGas | TransGas de Occidente S.A. | |
Tuscarora | Tuscarora Gas Transmission System | |
U.S. | United States | |
USGen | USGen New England | |
Ventures LP | TransCanada Pipeline Ventures Limited Partnership | |
WCSB | Western Canada Sedimentary Basin |
66 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Report of Management |
The consolidated financial statements included in this report are the responsibility of Management and have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Management in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in Canada and include amounts that are based on estimates and judgments. Financial information contained elsewhere in this report is consistent with the consolidated financial statements. Management has prepared Management's Discussion and Analysis which is based on the Company's financial results prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP. It compares the Company's financial performance in 2005 to 2004 and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. In addition, significant changes between 2004 and 2003 are highlighted. Management has developed and maintains a system of internal accounting controls, including a program of internal audits. Management believes that these controls provide reasonable assurance that financial records are reliable and form a proper basis for preparation of financial statements. The internal accounting control process includes Management's communication to employees of policies which govern ethical business conduct. The Board of Directors has appointed an Audit Committee consisting of unrelated, non-management directors which meets at least five times during the year with Management and independently with each of the internal and external auditors and as a group to review any significant accounting, internal control and auditing matters. The Audit Committee reviews the consolidated financial statements, before the consolidated financial statements are submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. The internal and external auditors have free access to the Audit Committee without obtaining prior Management approval. With respect to the external auditors, KPMG LLP, the Audit Committee approves the terms of engagement and reviews the annual audit plan, the Auditors' Report and results of the audit. It also recommends to the Board of Directors the firm of external auditors to be appointed by the shareholders. The independent external auditors, KPMG LLP, have been appointed by the shareholders to express an opinion as to whether the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows in accordance with Canadian GAAP. The report of KPMG LLP on page 68 outlines the scope of their examination and their opinion on the consolidated financial statements. |
|
Harold N. Kvisle | Russell K. Girling | |||
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development and Chief Financial Officer | |||
February 27, 2006 |
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED 67
Auditors' Report |
To the Shareholder of TransCanada PipeLines Limited We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of TransCanada PipeLines Limited as at December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005 in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Chartered Accountants Calgary, Canada February 27, 2006 |
|
TransCanada PipeLines Limited |
68 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED INCOME
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||
Revenues | 6,124 | 5,497 | 5,636 | |||||
Operating Expenses |
||||||||
Cost of sales | 1,168 | 940 | 979 | |||||
Other costs and expenses | 1,889 | 1,615 | 1,666 | |||||
Depreciation | 1,017 | 948 | 917 | |||||
4,074 | 3,503 | 3,562 | ||||||
Operating Income |
2,050 |
1,994 |
2,074 |
|||||
Other Expenses/(Income) |
||||||||
Financial charges (Note 9) | 837 | 860 | 878 | |||||
Financial charges of joint ventures (Note 10) | 66 | 63 | 80 | |||||
Equity income (Note 7) | (247 | ) | (213 | ) | (206 | ) | ||
Interest income and other | (63 | ) | (59 | ) | (60 | ) | ||
Gains on sale of assets (Note 8) | (445 | ) | (204 | ) | | |||
148 | 447 | 692 | ||||||
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes and Non-Controlling Interests |
1,902 |
1,547 |
1,382 |
|||||
Income Taxes (Note 18) |
||||||||
Current | 550 | 414 | 284 | |||||
Future | 60 | 77 | 230 | |||||
610 | 491 | 514 | ||||||
Non-Controlling Interests (Note 14) | 62 | 56 | 45 | |||||
Net Income from Continuing Operations | 1,230 | 1,000 | 823 | |||||
Net Income from Discontinued Operations (Note 24) | | 52 | 50 | |||||
Net Income | 1,230 | 1,052 | 873 | |||||
Preferred Share Dividends | 22 | 22 | 22 | |||||
Net Income Applicable to Common Shares | 1,208 | 1,030 | 851 | |||||
Net Income Applicable to Common Shares |
||||||||
Continuing operations | 1,208 | 978 | 801 | |||||
Discontinued operations | | 52 | 50 | |||||
1,208 | 1,030 | 851 | ||||||
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 69
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||
Cash Generated from Operations | |||||||
Net income from continuing operations | 1,230 | 1,000 | 823 | ||||
Depreciation | 1,017 | 948 | 917 | ||||
Gains on sale of assets, net of current tax (Note 8) | (318 | ) | (204 | ) | | ||
Equity income in excess of distributions received (Note 7) | (71 | ) | (113 | ) | (117 | ) | |
Future income taxes | 60 | 77 | 230 | ||||
Non-controlling interests | 62 | 56 | 45 | ||||
Funding of employee future benefits in excess of expense | (9 | ) | (29 | ) | (65 | ) | |
Other | (21 | ) | (34 | ) | (11 | ) | |
Funds generated from operations | 1,950 | 1,701 | 1,822 | ||||
(Increase)/decrease in operating working capital (Note 22) | (48 | ) | 28 | 93 | |||
Net cash provided by operations | 1,902 | 1,729 | 1,915 | ||||
Investing Activities |
|||||||
Capital expenditures | (754 | ) | (530 | ) | (395 | ) | |
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 8) | (1,317 | ) | (1,516 | ) | (570 | ) | |
Disposition of assets, net of current tax (Note 8) | 671 | 410 | | ||||
Deferred amounts and other | 65 | (12 | ) | (131 | ) | ||
Net cash used in investing activities | (1,335 | ) | (1,648 | ) | (1,096 | ) | |
Financing Activities |
|||||||
Dividends on common and preferred shares | (608 | ) | (574 | ) | (532 | ) | |
Distributions paid to non-controlling interests | (52 | ) | (65 | ) | (57 | ) | |
Advances from parent | (36 | ) | 35 | 46 | |||
Notes payable issued/(repaid), net | 416 | 179 | (62 | ) | |||
Long-term debt issued | 799 | 1,090 | 930 | ||||
Reduction of long-term debt | (1,113 | ) | (1,005 | ) | (753 | ) | |
Long-term debt of joint ventures issued | 38 | 217 | 60 | ||||
Reduction of long-term debt of joint ventures | (80 | ) | (112 | ) | (72 | ) | |
Common shares issued (Note 16) | 80 | | 18 | ||||
Partnership units of joint ventures issued | | 88 | | ||||
Redemption of junior subordinated debentures | | | (218 | ) | |||
Net cash used in financing activities | (556 | ) | (147 | ) | (640 | ) | |
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Short-Term Investments |
11 |
(87 |
) |
(54 |
) |
||
Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Short-Term Investments | 22 | (153 | ) | 125 | |||
Cash and Short-Term Investments |
|||||||
Beginning of year | 190 | 343 | 218 | ||||
Cash and Short-Term Investments | |||||||
End of year | 212 | 190 | 343 | ||||
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
70 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 | 2004 | |||
ASSETS | |||||
Current Assets |
|||||
Cash and short-term investments | 212 | 190 | |||
Accounts receivable | 796 | 616 | |||
Inventories | 281 | 174 | |||
Other | 277 | 120 | |||
1,566 | 1,100 | ||||
Long-Term Investments (Note 7) | 400 | 1,098 | |||
Plant, Property and Equipment (Notes 4, 9 and 10) | 20,038 | 18,764 | |||
Other Assets (Note 5) | 2,109 | 1,459 | |||
24,113 | 22,421 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|||||
Current Liabilities |
|||||
Notes payable (Note 19) | 962 | 546 | |||
Accounts payable | 1,536 | 1,215 | |||
Accrued interest | 222 | 214 | |||
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 9) | 393 | 774 | |||
Current portion of long-term debt of joint ventures (Note 10) | 41 | 85 | |||
3,154 | 2,834 | ||||
Deferred Amounts (Note 11) | 1,196 | 783 | |||
Future Income Taxes (Note 18) | 703 | 509 | |||
Long-Term Debt (Note 9) | 9,640 | 9,749 | |||
Long-Term Debt of Joint Ventures (Note 10) | 937 | 808 | |||
Preferred Securities (Note 13) | 536 | 554 | |||
16,166 | 15,237 | ||||
Non-Controlling Interests (Note 14) | 394 | 311 | |||
Shareholders' Equity |
|||||
Preferred shares (Note 15) | 389 | 389 | |||
Common shares (Note 16) | 4,712 | 4,632 | |||
Contributed surplus | 275 | 270 | |||
Retained earnings | 2,267 | 1,653 | |||
Foreign exchange adjustment (Note 17) | (90 | ) | (71 | ) | |
7,553 | 6,873 | ||||
Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees (Note 23) | |||||
24,113 | 22,421 | ||||
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
On behalf of the Board:
Harold N. Kvisle Director |
Harry G. Schaefer Director |
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 71
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED RETAINED EARNINGS
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||
Balance at beginning of year | 1,653 | 1,185 | 854 | ||||
Net income | 1,208 | 1,052 | 873 | ||||
Preferred share dividends | (22 | ) | (22 | ) | (22 | ) | |
Common share dividends | (572 | ) | (562 | ) | (520 | ) | |
2,267 | 1,653 | 1,185 | |||||
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
72 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
TransCanada PipeLines Limited (the Company or TCPL) is a leading North American energy company. TCPL operates in two business segments, Gas Transmission and Power, each of which offers different products and services.
Gas Transmission
The Gas Transmission segment owns and operates the following natural gas pipelines:
Gas Transmission also holds the Company's investments in other natural gas pipelines and natural gas storage facilities located primarily in North America. In addition, Gas Transmission investigates and develops new natural gas and crude oil transmission, natural gas storage and liquefied natural gas regasification facilities in North America.
Power
The Power segment builds, owns and operates electrical power generation plants, and sells electricity. Power also holds the Company's investments in other electrical power generation plants. This business operates in Canada and the U.S. as follows:
TCPL owns and operates:
TCPL owns but does not operate:
TCPL has long-term power purchase arrangements (PPAs) in place for:
TCPL has under construction:
NOTE 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared by Management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the current year's presentation.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 73
Since a determination of many assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses is dependent upon future events, the preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions which have been made using careful judgment. In the opinion of Management, these consolidated financial statements have been properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality and within the framework of the significant accounting policies summarized below.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TransCanada PipeLines Limited and its subsidiaries as well as its proportionate share of the accounts of its joint ventures. TCPL uses the equity method of accounting for investments over which the Company is able to exercise significant influence.
Regulation
The Canadian Mainline, the BC System, the Foothills System and Trans Québec & Maritimes Pipeline Inc. (Trans Québec & Maritimes) are subject to the authority of the National Energy Board (NEB) and the Alberta System is regulated by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB). The Gas Transmission Northwest System, the North Baja System and the other natural gas pipelines in the U.S. are subject to the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). These natural gas transmission operations are regulated with respect to the determination of revenues, tolls, construction and operations. In order to appropriately reflect the economic impact of the regulators' decisions regarding the Company's revenues and tolls, and to thereby achieve a proper matching of revenues and expenses, the timing of recognition of certain revenues and expenses in these regulated businesses may differ from that otherwise expected under GAAP. The impact of rate regulation on TCPL is provided in Note 12.
Revenue Recognition
Gas Transmission
In the Gas Transmission business, revenues from the Canadian rate-regulated operations are recognized in accordance with the decisions made by the NEB and EUB. Revenues from the U.S. rate-regulated operations are recorded in accordance with FERC rules and regulations. Revenues from non-regulated operations are recorded when products have been delivered or services have been performed.
Power
The majority of revenues from the Power business are derived from the sale of electricity from energy marketing and trading activities and are recorded in the month of delivery. Revenues from the Power business are also derived from the sale of unutilized natural gas fuel and energy derivative contracts, including financial swaps, futures contracts and options.
Dilution Gains
Dilution gains which result from the sale of units by limited partnerships in which TCPL has an ownership interest are recognized immediately in net income.
Cash and Short-Term Investments
The Company's short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents and are recorded at cost, which approximates market value.
Inventories
Inventories consisting of natural gas in storage, uranium, materials and supplies, including spare parts, are carried at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.
Plant, Property and Equipment
Gas Transmission
Plant, property and equipment of natural gas transmission operations are carried at cost. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis. Pipeline and compression equipment are depreciated at annual rates ranging from two to six per cent and metering and other plant are depreciated at various rates. An allowance for funds used during construction, using the rate of return on rate base approved by the regulators, is capitalized and included in the cost of gas transmission plant.
74 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Power
Major power generation plant, equipment and structures in the Power business are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated service lives at average annual rates ranging from two to ten per cent. Nuclear assets under capital lease are initially recorded at the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the lease and amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their useful life or remaining lease term. Other equipment is depreciated at various rates. The cost of major overhauls of equipment is capitalized and depreciated over the estimated service lives. Interest is capitalized on projects under construction.
Corporate
Corporate plant, property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives at average annual rates ranging from three to 20 per cent.
Power Purchase Arrangements
PPAs are long-term contracts to purchase or sell power on a predetermined basis. The initial payments for PPAs acquired by TCPL are deferred and amortized over the terms of the contracts, from the dates of acquisition, which range from ten to 19 years. Certain PPAs under which TCPL sells power are accounted for as operating leases and, accordingly, the related plant, property and equipment are accounted for as assets under operating leases.
Income Taxes
As prescribed by the regulators, the taxes payable method of accounting for income taxes is used for tollmaking purposes for Canadian natural gas transmission operations. Under the taxes payable method, it is not necessary to provide for future income taxes. As permitted by GAAP, this method is also used for accounting purposes, since there is reasonable expectation that future taxes payable will be included in future costs of service and recorded in revenues at the time payable. The liability method of accounting for income taxes is used for the remainder of the Company's operations. Under this method, future tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Future income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted or substantively enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Changes to these balances are recognized in income in the period in which they occur.
Canadian income taxes are not provided on the unremitted earnings of foreign investments which the Company does not intend to repatriate in the foreseeable future.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company's foreign operations are self-sustaining and are translated into Canadian dollars using the current rate method. Under this method, assets and liabilities are translated at period end exchange rates and items included in the statements of consolidated income, consolidated retained earnings and consolidated cash flows are translated at the exchange rates in effect at the time of the transaction. Translation adjustments are reflected in the foreign exchange adjustment in Shareholders' Equity.
Exchange gains or losses on the principal amounts of foreign currency debt and preferred securities related to the Alberta System and the Canadian Mainline are deferred until they are recovered in tolls.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company utilizes derivative and other financial instruments to manage its exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and energy commodity prices.
Derivatives and other instruments must be designated and effective to qualify for hedge accounting. Derivatives are recorded at their fair value at each balance sheet date. For cash flow and fair value hedges, gains or losses relating to derivatives are deferred and recognized in the same period and in the same financial statement category as the corresponding hedged transactions. For hedges of net investments in self-sustaining foreign operations, exchange gains or losses on derivatives, net of tax, and designated foreign currency denominated debt are offset against the exchange losses or gains arising on the translation of the financial statements of the foreign operations included in the foreign exchange adjustment account in Shareholders' Equity. In the event that a derivative does not meet the designation or effectiveness criteria, realized and unrealized gains or losses are recognized in income each period in the same financial statement category as the underlying transaction giving rise to the exposure being economically hedged. Premiums paid or received with respect to derivatives that are hedges are deferred and amortized to income over the term of the hedge.
If a derivative that previously qualified as a hedge is settled, de-designated or ceases to be effective, the gain or loss at that date is deferred and recognized in the same period and in the same financial statement category as the corresponding hedged transactions. If a hedged anticipated transaction is no longer probable to occur, related deferred gains or losses are recognized in income in the current period.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 75
The recognition of gains and losses on derivatives for Canadian Mainline, Alberta System, the BC System and the Foothills System exposures is determined through the regulatory process.
Asset Retirement Obligation
The Company recognizes the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation, where a legal obligation exists, in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset and the liability is accreted at the end of each period through charges to operating expenses.
Employee Benefit and Other Plans
The Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans (DB Plans). The cost of defined benefit pensions and other post-employment benefits earned by employees is actuarially determined using the projected benefit method pro-rated on service and Management's best estimate of expected plan investment performance, salary escalation, retirement ages of employees and expected health care costs. Pension plan assets are measured at fair value. The expected return on pension plan assets is determined using market-related values based on a five-year moving average value for all plan assets. Adjustments arising from plan amendments are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of employees active at the date of amendment. The excess of the net actuarial gain or loss over 10 per cent of the greater of the benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets is amortized over the average remaining service period of the active employees. When the restructuring of a benefit plan gives rise to both a curtailment and a settlement, the curtailment is accounted for prior to the settlement.
The Company has broad-based, medium-term employee incentive plans, which grant units to each eligible employee and are payable in cash at the date of vesting. The expense related to these incentive plans is accounted for on an accrual basis. Under these plans, units vest when certain conditions are met, including the employee's continued employment during a specified period and achievement of specified corporate performance targets.
Certain of the Company's joint ventures sponsor DB Plans and other post-employment benefit plans. The Company records its proportionate share of expenses, funding contributions and accrued benefit assets and liabilities related to these plans.
NOTE 2 ACCOUNTING CHANGES
Financial InstrumentsDisclosure and Presentation
Effective January 1, 2005, the Company adopted the amendment of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) to the existing Handbook Section "Financial InstrumentsDisclosure and Presentation", which provides guidance for classifying certain financial instruments that embody obligations that may be settled by issuance of the issuer's equity shares as debt when the instrument does not establish an ownership relationship. In accordance with this amendment, TCPL reclassified the Shareholders' Equity component of preferred securities as long-term debt.
This accounting change was applied retroactively with restatement of prior periods. The impact of this change on TCPL's net income in prior years was nil.
The impact of the accounting change on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as at December 31, 2004 is as follows.
(millions of dollars) | Increase/(Decrease | ) | ||
Deferred amounts(1) | 135 | |||
Preferred securities | 535 | |||
Shareholders' Equity | ||||
Preferred securities | (670 | ) | ||
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | | |||
Limited Partnerships
A wholly-owned subsidiary of TCPL serves as the general partner of TC PipeLines, LP (PipeLines LP). Effective December 31, 2005, TransCanada consolidated limited partnerships when the general partner controls the strategic operating, financing and investing activities of the limited partnerships and the limited partners do not have substantive participating rights. This change was applied retroactively. There was no impact on previously recorded net income and the balance sheet and income statement impact was not material.
76 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 SEGMENTED INFORMATION
NET INCOME/(LOSS)(1)
Year ended December 31, 2005 (millions of dollars) | Gas Transmission | Power | Corporate | Total | |||||
Revenues | 4,163 | 1,961 | | 6,124 | |||||
Cost of sales(2) | | (1,168 | ) | | (1,168 | ) | |||
Other costs and expenses | (1,380 | ) | (505 | ) | (4 | ) | (1,889 | ) | |
Depreciation | (938 | ) | (79 | ) | | (1,017 | ) | ||
Operating income/(loss) | 1,845 | 209 | (4 | ) | 2,050 | ||||
Financial and preferred equity charges and non-controlling interests |
(788 | ) | (2 | ) | (131 | ) | (921 | ) | |
Financial charges of joint ventures | (57 | ) | (9 | ) | | (66 | ) | ||
Equity income | 79 | 168 | | 247 | |||||
Interest income and other | 25 | 5 | 33 | 63 | |||||
Gains on sale of assets | 82 | 363 | | 445 | |||||
Income taxes | (502 | ) | (173 | ) | 65 | (610 | ) | ||
Continuing operations | 684 | 561 | (37 | ) | 1,208 | ||||
Discontinued operations | | ||||||||
Net Income Applicable to Common Shares | 1,208 | ||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2004 (millions of dollars) | |||||||||
Revenues | 3,929 | 1,568 | | 5,497 | |||||
Cost of sales(2) | | (940 | ) | | (940 | ) | |||
Other costs and expenses | (1,228 | ) | (384 | ) | (3 | ) | (1,615 | ) | |
Depreciation | (876 | ) | (72 | ) | | (948 | ) | ||
Operating income/(loss) | 1,825 | 172 | (3 | ) | 1,994 | ||||
Financial and preferred equity charges and non-controlling interests |
(848 | ) | (9 | ) | (81 | ) | (938 | ) | |
Financial charges of joint ventures | (59 | ) | (4 | ) | | (63 | ) | ||
Equity income | 83 | 130 | | 213 | |||||
Interest income and other | 8 | 14 | 37 | 59 | |||||
Gains on sale of assets | 7 | 197 | | 204 | |||||
Income taxes | (430 | ) | (104 | ) | 43 | (491 | ) | ||
Continuing operations | 586 | 396 | (4 | ) | 978 | ||||
Discontinued operations | 52 | ||||||||
Net Income Applicable to Common Shares | 1,030 | ||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2003 (millions of dollars) | |||||||||
Revenues | 3,968 | 1,668 | | 5,636 | |||||
Cost of sales(2) | | (979 | ) | | (979 | ) | |||
Other costs and expenses | (1,274 | ) | (385 | ) | (7 | ) | (1,666 | ) | |
Depreciation | (834 | ) | (82 | ) | (1 | ) | (917 | ) | |
Operating income/(loss) | 1,860 | 222 | (8 | ) | 2,074 | ||||
Financial and preferred equity charges and non-controlling interests |
(845 | ) | (11 | ) | (89 | ) | (945 | ) | |
Financial charges of joint ventures | (79 | ) | (1 | ) | | (80 | ) | ||
Equity income | 107 | 99 | | 206 | |||||
Interest income and other | 17 | 14 | 29 | 60 | |||||
Income taxes | (438 | ) | (103 | ) | 27 | (514 | ) | ||
Continuing operations | 622 | 220 | (41 | ) | 801 | ||||
Discontinued operations | 50 | ||||||||
Net Income Applicable to Common Shares | 851 | ||||||||
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 77
TOTAL ASSETS
December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||
Gas Transmission | 18,252 | 18,720 | ||||
Power | 4,923 | 2,802 | ||||
Corporate | 938 | 899 | ||||
24,113 | 22,421 | |||||
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||
Revenues(3) | ||||||
Canada domestic | 3,499 | 3,214 | 3,324 | |||
Canada export | 1,160 | 1,261 | 1,293 | |||
United States | 1,465 | 1,022 | 1,019 | |||
6,124 | 5,497 | 5,636 | ||||
PLANT, PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||
Canada | 15,647 | 14,757 | ||||
United States | 4,306 | 4,007 | ||||
Mexico | 85 | | ||||
20,038 | 18,764 | |||||
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||
Gas Transmission | 377 | 241 | 260 | |||
Power | 373 | 285 | 132 | |||
Corporate | 4 | 4 | 3 | |||
754 | 530 | 395 | ||||
78 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 4 PLANT, PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||||
December 31 (millions of dollars) | Cost |
Accumulated Depreciation | Net Book Value |
Cost |
Accumulated Depreciation | Net Book Value |
|||||||
Gas Transmission | |||||||||||||
Canadian Mainline | |||||||||||||
Pipeline | 8,701 | 3,665 | 5,036 | 8,695 | 3,421 | 5,274 | |||||||
Compression | 3,341 | 1,066 | 2,275 | 3,322 | 947 | 2,375 | |||||||
Metering and other | 359 | 134 | 225 | 366 | 125 | 241 | |||||||
12,401 | 4,865 | 7,536 | 12,383 | 4,493 | 7,890 | ||||||||
Under construction | 15 | | 15 | 16 | | 16 | |||||||
12,416 | 4,865 | 7,551 | 12,399 | 4,493 | 7,906 | ||||||||
Alberta System | |||||||||||||
Pipeline | 5,020 | 2,203 | 2,817 | 4,978 | 2,055 | 2,923 | |||||||
Compression | 1,493 | 676 | 817 | 1,496 | 599 | 897 | |||||||
Metering and other | 799 | 247 | 552 | 861 | 262 | 599 | |||||||
7,312 | 3,126 | 4,186 | 7,335 | 2,916 | 4,419 | ||||||||
Under construction | 25 | | 25 | 20 | | 20 | |||||||
7,337 | 3,126 | 4,211 | 7,355 | 2,916 | 4,439 | ||||||||
GTN(1) | |||||||||||||
Pipeline | 1,381 | 60 | 1,321 | 1,417 | 8 | 1,409 | |||||||
Compression | 507 | 15 | 492 | 526 | 2 | 524 | |||||||
Metering and other | 90 | | 90 | 101 | 2 | 99 | |||||||
1,978 | 75 | 1,903 | 2,044 | 12 | 2,032 | ||||||||
Under construction | 18 | | 18 | 17 | | 17 | |||||||
1,996 | 75 | 1,921 | 2,061 | 12 | 2,049 | ||||||||
Foothills System | |||||||||||||
Pipeline | 815 | 377 | 438 | 815 | 346 | 469 | |||||||
Compression | 373 | 128 | 245 | 373 | 114 | 259 | |||||||
Metering and other | 75 | 31 | 44 | 78 | 35 | 43 | |||||||
1,263 | 536 | 727 | 1,266 | 495 | 771 | ||||||||
Joint Ventures and other(2) | 3,491 | 1,127 | 2,364 | 3,293 | 1,073 | 2,220 | |||||||
26,503 | 9,729 | 16,774 | 26,374 | 8,989 | 17,385 | ||||||||
Power(3) |
|||||||||||||
Nuclear(4) | 1,265 | 143 | 1,122 | ||||||||||
Natural gas | 1,121 | 347 | 774 | 1,333 | 374 | 959 | |||||||
Hydro | 598 | 9 | 589 | 61 | 1 | 60 | |||||||
Other | 67 | 36 | 31 | 67 | 32 | 35 | |||||||
3,051 | 535 | 2,516 | 1,461 | 407 | 1,054 | ||||||||
Under construction | 721 | | 721 | 288 | | 288 | |||||||
3,772 | 535 | 3,237 | 1,749 | 407 | 1,342 | ||||||||
Corporate | 73 | 46 | 27 | 124 | 87 | 37 | |||||||
30,348 | 10,310 | 20,038 | 28,247 | 9,483 | 18,764 | ||||||||
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 79
NOTE 5 OTHER ASSETS
December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||
Derivative contracts | 209 | 180 | ||||
Hedging deferrals | 118 | 50 | ||||
PPAs Canada(1) | 825 | 274 | ||||
PPAs U.S.(1) | | 98 | ||||
Pension and other benefit plans | 304 | 253 | ||||
Regulatory assets | 183 | 174 | ||||
Loans and advances(2) | 91 | 135 | ||||
Goodwill | 57 | 58 | ||||
Debt issue costs | 48 | 50 | ||||
Other | 274 | 187 | ||||
2,109 | 1,459 | |||||
2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||
December 31 (millions of dollars) | Cost |
Accumulated Amortization |
Net Book Value |
Cost |
Accumulated Amortization |
Net Book Value |
||||||
PPAs Canada | 915 | 90 | 825 | 345 | 71 | 274 | ||||||
PPAs U.S. | | | | 102 | 4 | 98 |
NOTE 6 JOINT VENTURE INVESTMENTS
TCPL's Proportionate Share | ||||||||||||
Income Before Income Taxes Year Ended December 31 |
Net Assets December 31 |
|||||||||||
(millions of dollars) | Ownership Interest | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Gas Transmission | ||||||||||||
Great Lakes | 50.0% | (1) | 73 | 86 | 81 | 375 | 379 | |||||
Iroquois | 44.5% | (1)(2) | 29 | 28 | 31 | 190 | 175 | |||||
Trans Québec & Maritimes | 50.0% | 13 | 13 | 14 | 73 | 75 | ||||||
CrossAlta | 60.0% | (1) | 31 | 20 | 11 | 30 | 24 | |||||
Foothills | (3) | | | 19 | | | ||||||
Other | Various | 15 | 12 | 12 | 67 | 67 | ||||||
Power |
||||||||||||
Bruce A | 47.9% | (4) | 19 | 563 | ||||||||
Bruce B | 31.6% | (4) | 5 | 434 | ||||||||
ASTC Power Partnership | 50.0% | (5) | | | | 88 | 93 | |||||
Power LP | (6) | 25 | 32 | 25 | | 289 | ||||||
210 | 191 | 193 | 1,820 | 1,102 | ||||||||
80 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated retained earnings at December 31, 2005 include undistributed earnings from these joint ventures of $765 million (2004 $473 million).
Summarized Financial Information of Joint Ventures
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||
Income | |||||||
Revenues | 687 | 572 | 635 | ||||
Other costs and expenses | (328 | ) | (240 | ) | (278 | ) | |
Depreciation | (93 | ) | (90 | ) | (98 | ) | |
Financial charges and other | (56 | ) | (51 | ) | (66 | ) | |
Proportionate share of income before income taxes of joint ventures | 210 | 191 | 193 | ||||
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||
Cash Flows | |||||||
Operations | 346 | 270 | 259 | ||||
Investing activities | (133 | ) | (287 | ) | (139 | ) | |
Financing activities(1) | (152 | ) | 35 | (115 | ) | ||
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and short-term investments | (1 | ) | (5 | ) | (12 | ) | |
Proportionate share of increase/(decrease) in cash and short-term investments of joint ventures | 60 | 13 | (7 | ) | |||
December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | |||||
Balance Sheet | |||||||
Cash and short-term investments | 123 | 63 | |||||
Other current assets | 281 | 122 | |||||
Plant, property and equipment | 2,707 | 1,708 | |||||
Current liabilities | (291 | ) | (155 | ) | |||
(Deferred amounts)/other assets (net) | (45 | ) | 221 | ||||
Long-term debt of joint ventures | (937 | ) | (808 | ) | |||
Future income taxes | (18 | ) | (49 | ) | |||
Proportionate share of net assets of joint ventures | 1,820 | 1,102 | |||||
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 81
NOTE 7 LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
TCPL's Share | ||||||||||||||||||
Distributions from Equity Investments Year Ended December 31 |
Income from Equity Investments Year Ended December 31 |
Equity Investments December 31 |
||||||||||||||||
(millions of dollars) | Ownership Interest | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||||||
Gas Transmission | ||||||||||||||||||
Northern Border | (1) | 76 | 79 | 65 | 61 | 65 | 63 | 315 | 349 | |||||||||
TransGas | 46.5% | (2) | 6 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 11 | 27 | 62 | 78 | ||||||||
Portland | 61.7% | (3) | | | 10 | | | 14 | | | ||||||||
Other | Various | 10 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 23 | 29 | |||||||||
Power |
||||||||||||||||||
Bruce B | 31.6% | (4) | 84 | | | 168 | 130 | 99 | | 642 | ||||||||
176 | 100 | 89 | 247 | 213 | 206 | 400 | 1,098 | |||||||||||
Consolidated retained earnings at December 31, 2005 include undistributed earnings from these equity investments of $55 million (2004 $294 million).
NOTE 8 ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
Acquisitions
Sheerness PPA
Effective December 31, 2005, TCPL acquired the remaining rights and obligations of the Sheerness PPA from the Alberta Balancing Pool for $585 million. There is approximately a 15 year term remaining on the PPA.
Bruce Power
In February 2003, the Company acquired a 31.6 per cent partnership interest in Bruce B for $409 million, which at that time owned the currently idle Bruce A Units 1 and 2 as well as the currently operating Bruce A Units 3 and 4 and Bruce B Units 5 to 8. The Company accounted for this as an equity investment. On October 31, 2005, as part of an agreement to restart the currently idle Bruce A Units 1 and 2, TCPL acquired a partnership interest in a newly created partnership, Bruce A, which subleased the Bruce A Units 1 to 4 from Bruce B (the Bruce A Sublease) and purchased certain other related assets. TCPL incurred a net cash outlay of $100 million as a result of this transaction and as at December 31, 2005 held a 47.9 per cent interest in Bruce A. As part of this reorganization, both Bruce A and Bruce B became jointly controlled entities and TCPL commenced proportionately consolidating its investments in both Bruce A and Bruce B, on a prospective basis, effective October 31, 2005.
TC Hydro
In April 2005, TCPL acquired certain hydroelectric generation assets from USGen New England, Inc. for approximately US$503 million. Substantially all of the purchase price was allocated to plant, property and equipment. The financial results from these assets have been included in the Power segment as of the date of acquisition.
82 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
GTN
In November 2004, TCPL acquired GTN for US$1,728 million, including US$528 million of assumed debt and closing adjustments. The purchase price was allocated as follows using fair values of the net assets at the date of acquisition.
Purchase Price Allocation
(millions of U.S. dollars) | |||
Current assets | 40 | ||
Plant, property and equipment | 1,718 | ||
Other non-current assets | 21 | ||
Goodwill | 48 | ||
Current liabilities | (48 | ) | |
Long-term debt | (528 | ) | |
Other non-current liabilities | (51 | ) | |
1,200 | |||
Goodwill, which is attributable to the North Baja System, is re-evaluated on an annual basis for impairment. Factors that contributed to goodwill include opportunities for expansion, a strong competitive position, strong demand for natural gas in the western markets and access to an ample supply of relatively low-cost natural gas. The goodwill recognized on this transaction is being amortized for tax purposes over 15 years.
The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The financial results of GTN were consolidated with those of TCPL subsequent to the acquisition date and included in the Gas Transmission segment.
Dispositions
The pre-tax gains on sale of assets are comprised of the following.
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||
Gains related to Power LP | 245 | 197 | ||||
Gain on sale of Paiton Energy(1) | 118 | | ||||
Gain on sale of PipeLines LP units | 82 | | ||||
Gain on sale of Millennium(1) | | 7 | ||||
445 | 204 | |||||
Power LP
In August 2005, TCPL sold its ownership interest in Power LP to EPCOR Utilities Inc. (EPCOR) for net proceeds of $523 million and realized an after-tax gain of $193 million. The net gain was recorded in the Power segment and the Company recorded a $52 million income tax charge, including $79 million of current income tax expense, on this transaction. The book value of Power LP's assets and liabilities disposed of under this sale were $452 million and $174 million, respectively. EPCOR's acquisition included 14.5 million limited partnership units of Power LP, representing 30.6 per cent of the outstanding units; 100 per cent ownership of the general partner of Power LP; and the management and operations agreements governing the ongoing operation of Power LP's generation assets.
In April 2004, TCPL sold the ManChief and Curtis Palmer power facilities to Power LP for US$402.6 million, plus closing adjustments of US$12.8 million, and recognized an after-tax gain on sale of $15 million. The net gain was recorded in the Power segment and the Company recorded a $10 million income tax charge.
At a special meeting held in April 2004, Power LP's unitholders approved an amendment to the terms of the Power LP Partnership Agreement to remove Power LP's obligation to redeem all units not owned by TCPL at June 30, 2017. TCPL was required to fund this redemption, thus the removal of Power LP's obligation eliminated this requirement. The removal of the obligation and the reduction in TCPL's ownership interest in Power LP resulted in a gain of $172 million.
Paiton Energy
In November 2005, TCPL sold its approximate 11 per cent ownership interest in Paiton Energy to subsidiaries of The Tokyo Electric Power Company for gross proceeds of US$103 million ($122 million). The book value of Paiton Energy at the time of sale was nil and TCPL realized an after-tax gain on sale of $115 million. The net gain was recorded in the Power segment and the Company recorded a $3 million income tax charge, including $3 million of current income tax recovery.
PipeLines LP
In March and April 2005, TCPL sold 3,574,200 common units of PipeLines LP for net proceeds of $153 million and recorded an after-tax gain of $49 million. The net gain was recorded in the Gas Transmission segment and the company recorded a $33 million income tax charge, including $51 million of current income tax expense, on this transaction. Subsequent to these transactions, TCPL continues to own a 13.4 per cent interest in PipeLines LP represented by a general partner interest of 2.0 per cent and an 11.4 per cent limited partner interest.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 83
2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||
Maturity Dates |
Outstanding December 31(1) |
Weighted Average Interest Rate(2) |
Outstanding December 31(1) |
Weighted Average Interest Rate(2) |
|||||||
CANADIAN MAINLINE(4) | |||||||||||
First Mortgage Pipe Line Bonds | |||||||||||
Pounds Sterling (2005 and 2004 £25) | 2007 | 50 | 16.5% | 58 | 16.5% | ||||||
Debentures | |||||||||||
Canadian dollars | 2008 to 2020 | 1,354 | 10.9% | 1,354 | 10.9% | ||||||
U.S. dollars (2005 and 2004 US$600)(3) | 2012 to 2021 | 702 | 9.5% | 722 | 9.5% | ||||||
Medium-Term Notes | |||||||||||
Canadian dollars | 2006 to 2031 | 1,987 | 7.1% | 2,167 | 6.9% | ||||||
U.S. dollars (2005 and 2004 US$120) | 2010 | 140 | 6.1% | 144 | 6.1% | ||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4,233 | 4,445 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
ALBERTA SYSTEM(5) |
|||||||||||
Debentures and Notes | |||||||||||
Canadian dollars | 2007 to 2024 | 585 | 11.6% | 607 | 11.6% | ||||||
U.S. dollars (2005 and 2004 US$375) | 2012 to 2023 | 437 | 8.2% | 451 | 8.2% | ||||||
Medium-Term Notes | |||||||||||
Canadian dollars | 2006 to 2030 | 964 | 6.6% | 767 | 7.4% | ||||||
U.S. dollars (2005 and 2004 US$233) | 2026 to 2029 | 272 | 7.7% | 280 | 7.7% | ||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
2,258 | 2,105 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
GTN(6) |
|||||||||||
Unsecured Debentures and Notes (2005 US$400; 2004 US$525) | 2010 to 2035 | 466 | 5.3% | 632 | 7.2% | ||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
FOOTHILLS SYSTEM(4) |
|||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes | 2009 to 2014 | 400 | 4.9% | 400 | 4.9% | ||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
PORTLAND(7) |
|||||||||||
Senior Secured Notes | |||||||||||
U.S. dollars (2005 US$241; 2004 US$256) | 2018 | 281 | 5.9% | 308 | 5.9% | ||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
OTHER |
|||||||||||
Medium-Term Notes(4) | |||||||||||
Canadian dollars | 2014 to 2030 | 542 | 5.9% | 592 | 6.2% | ||||||
U.S. dollars (2005 and 2004 US$521) | 2006 to 2025 | 607 | 6.9% | 627 | 6.9% | ||||||
Subordinated Debentures(4) | |||||||||||
U.S. dollars (2005 and 2004 US$57) | 2006 | 66 | 9.1% | 68 | 9.1% | ||||||
Unsecured Loans, Debentures and Notes(3)(8) | |||||||||||
U.S. dollars (2005 US$1,014; 2004 US$1,119) | 2006 to 2034 | 1,180 | 4.8% | 1,346 | 5.0% | ||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
2,395 | 2,633 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
10,033 | 10,523 | ||||||||||
Less: Current Portion of Long-Term Debt | 393 | 774 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
9,640 | 9,749 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
84 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Principal Repayments
Principal repayments on the long-term debt of the Company approximate: 2006 $393 million; 2007 $604 million; 2008 $547 million; 2009 $742 million; and 2010 $416 million.
Debt Shelf Programs
At December 31, 2005, $1.2 billion of medium-term note debentures could be issued under a base shelf program in Canada and US$1 billion of debt securities could be issued under a debt shelf program in the U.S. In January 2006, the Company issued $300 million of five year medium-term notes bearing interest of 4.3 per cent under the Canadian base shelf program.
CANADIAN MAINLINE
First Mortgage Pipe Line Bonds
The Deed of Trust and Mortgage securing the Company's First Mortgage Pipe Line Bonds limits the specific and floating charges to those assets comprising the present and future Canadian Mainline and TCPL's present and future gas transportation contracts.
ALBERTA SYSTEM
Debentures
Debentures amounting to $225 million have retraction provisions which entitle the holders to require redemption of up to eight per cent of the then outstanding principal plus accrued and unpaid interest on specified repayment dates. No redemptions have been made to December 31, 2005.
Medium-Term Notes
Medium-term notes amounting to $50 million have a provision entitling the holders to extend the maturity of the medium-term notes from the initial repayment date of 2007 to 2027. If extended, the interest rate would increase from 6.1 per cent to 7.0 per cent and the medium-term notes would become redeemable at the option of the Company.
Financial Charges
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||
Interest on long-term debt | 849 | 864 | 867 | ||||
Interest on short-term debt | 23 | 7 | 16 | ||||
Capitalized interest | (24 | ) | (11 | ) | (9 | ) | |
Amortizations and other financial charges | (11 | ) | | 4 | |||
837 | 860 | 878 | |||||
The Company made interest payments of $838 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 (2004 $864 million; 2003 $903 million).
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 85
NOTE 10 LONG-TERM DEBT OF JOINT VENTURES
2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||
Maturity Dates |
Outstanding December 31(1) |
Weighted Average Interest Rate(2) |
Outstanding December 31(1) |
Weighted Average Interest Rate(2) |
|||||||
Great Lakes | |||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes | |||||||||||
(2005 US$230; 2004 US$235) | 2011 to 2030 | 268 | 7.9% | 283 | 7.9% | ||||||
Bruce Power |
|||||||||||
Capital Lease Obligations | 2018 | 254 | 7.5% | ||||||||
Iroquois |
|||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes | |||||||||||
(2005 US $165; 2004 US$151) | 2010 to 2027 | 192 | 7.5% | 182 | 7.5% | ||||||
Bank Loan | |||||||||||
(2005 US$25; 2004 US$36) | 2008 | 29 | 4.3% | 43 | 2.5% | ||||||
Trans Québec & Maritimes |
|||||||||||
Bonds | 2009 to 2010 | 138 | 6.0% | 143 | 7.3% | ||||||
Term Loan | 2010 | 29 | 3.5% | 29 | 3.2% | ||||||
Power L.P.(3) |
|||||||||||
Senior Unsecured Notes (2004 US$58) | | 70 | 5.9% | ||||||||
Credit Facility | | 64 | 3.2% | ||||||||
Term Loan | | 2 | 11.3% | ||||||||
Other | 2006 to 2012 | 68 | 6.1% | 77 | 5.8% | ||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
978 | 893 | ||||||||||
Less: Current Portion of Long-Term Debt of Joint Ventures | 41 | 85 | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
||||||||
937 | 808 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
The long-term debt of joint ventures is non-recourse to TCPL, except that TCPL has provided certain pro-rata guarantees related to the capital lease obligations of Bruce Power. The security provided with respect to the debt by each joint venture is limited to the rights and assets of that joint venture and does not extend to the rights and assets of TCPL, except to the extent of TCPL's investment.
The Company's proportionate share of principal repayments resulting from maturities and sinking fund obligations of the non-recourse joint venture debt approximates: 2006 $34 million; 2007 $20 million; 2008 $20 million; 2009 $78 million; and 2010 $273 million.
The Company's proportionate share of principal payments resulting from the capital lease obligations of Bruce Power approximates: 2006 $7 million; 2007 $8 million; 2008 $9 million; 2009 $11 million; and 2010 $13 million.
86 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Financial Charges of Joint Ventures
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||
Interest on long-term debt | 60 | 59 | 77 | |||
Interest on capital lease obligations | 3 | | | |||
Interest on short-term debt and other financial charges | 1 | 2 | 1 | |||
Deferrals and amortizations | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||
66 | 63 | 80 | ||||
The Company's proportionate share of the interest payments of joint ventures was $62 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 (2004 $58 million; 2003 $71 million).
The Company's proportionate share of interest payments from the capital lease obligations of Bruce Power was $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 (2004 and 2003 nil).
Subject to meeting certain requirements, the Bruce Power capital lease agreements provide for renewals commencing January 1, 2019. The first renewal is for a period of one year, and each of the second to thirteenth renewals is for a period of two years.
NOTE 11 DEFERRED AMOUNTS
December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||
Derivative contracts | 212 | 135 | ||||
Hedging deferrals | 72 | 53 | ||||
Regulatory liabilities | 597 | 392 | ||||
Pensions and other benefit plans | 168 | 82 | ||||
Deferred revenue | 42 | 58 | ||||
Asset retirement obligations | 33 | 36 | ||||
Other | 72 | 27 | ||||
1,196 | 783 | |||||
NOTE 12 REGULATED BUSINESS
Regulatory assets and liabilities represent future revenues which are expected to be recovered from or refunded to customers in future periods through the rate-setting process associated with certain costs, incurred in the current period or in prior periods, and under or over collection of revenues.
Canadian Regulated Operations
Canadian natural gas transmission services are provided under gas transportation tariffs that provide for cost recovery including return of and return on capital as approved by the applicable regulatory authorities.
Rates charged by TCPL's wholly-owned and partially-owned Canadian pipelines are typically set through a process that involves filing an application for a change in rates with the regulator. Under the regulation, rates are underpinned by the total annual revenue requirement which includes a specified annual return on capital, including debt and equity, and all necessary operating expenses, taxes and depreciation.
TCPL's Canadian regulated pipelines have generally been regulated using a cost-of-service model, where the forecast costs plus a return on capital equals the revenues for the upcoming year. To the extent that actual costs are more or less than the forecast costs, the regulators generally allow the difference to be deferred to a future period and recovered or refunded in revenues at that time. Those costs, for which the regulator does not allow the difference between actual and forecast costs to be deferred, are included in the determination of net income in the year in which they are incurred.
The Canadian Mainline, the BC System, the Foothills System and the TransQuébec & Maritimes System (TQM) are regulated by the NEB under the National Energy Board Act. The Alberta System is regulated by the EUB primarily under the provisions of the Gas Utilities Act (Alberta) and the Pipeline Act (Alberta). The NEB and the EUB regulate the construction, operations, tolls and the determination of revenues of the Canadian natural gas transmission operations.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 87
Canadian Mainline
In February 2005, TCPL and its Canadian Mainline shippers entered into a negotiated settlement that addresses all elements of the Canadian Mainline's 2005 tolls (2005 Settlement). The 2005 Settlement was approved by the NEB in April 2005. Pursuant to the 2005 Settlement, the cost of capital of the Canadian Mainline's 2005 revenue requirement and resulting tolls were determined based on the RH-2-2004 Phase II proceeding relating to the 2004 cost of capital of the Canadian Mainline. The RH-2-2004 Phase II decision increased the deemed capital structure for the Canadian Mainline to 36 per cent from 33 per cent, effective January 1, 2004. The impact of this has been recognized in 2005. The return on equity of the Canadian Mainline continues to be based on the NEB's approved rate of return on common equity (ROE) formula which was established in the RH-2-94 Multi-Pipeline Cost of Capital proceeding.
Under the 2005 Settlement, the Canadian Mainline's operations, maintenance and administrative (OM&A) costs for 2005 were fixed and variances between the 2005 negotiated and actual level of OM&A costs accrued to TCPL. All other cost and revenue component variances were treated on a full recovery basis. The allowed ROE in 2005 was 9.46 per cent.
Alberta System
The Alberta System operates under the 2005-2007 Revenue Requirement Settlement. This settlement, approved by the EUB in June 2005, encompassed all elements of the Alberta System's revenue requirement for 2005, 2006 and 2007 and established methodologies for calculation of the revenue requirement for all three years, based on the recovery of all cost components and the use of deferral accounts.
Fixed costs are operating costs and certain other costs, including foreign exchange on interest payments, uninsured losses and amortization of severance costs. These costs were set for each year for 2005, 2006 and 2007 and any difference between actual and forecast fixed costs will be included in the determination of net income in the year in which they are incurred. Costs other than fixed costs are forecast at the beginning of each year and included in the calculation of the revenue requirement. Any variance between the forecast and actual costs incurred will be included in a deferral account and adjusted in the following year's revenue requirement. The settlement also set the ROE using the formula for determining the annual generic rate of return on common equity established in the EUB's General Cost of Capital Decision 2004-052 on a deemed common equity of 35 per cent for all three years. The allowed ROE in 2005 was 9.50 per cent.
Other Canadian Pipelines
Similar to the Canadian Mainline, the NEB approves pipeline tolls on an annual cost of service basis for the BC System, Foothills System and TQM. The NEB allows each pipeline to charge a schedule of tolls based on the estimated cost of service. This schedule of tolls is used for a current year until a new toll filing is made for the following year. Differences between the estimated cost of service and the actual cost of service are included in the following year's tolls. The ROE for these Canadian pipelines is based on the NEB's approved ROE formula which was established in the RH-2-94 Multi-Pipeline Cost of Capital proceeding, being 9.46 per cent in 2005. The deemed equity component of each of the pipelines' capital structure was set at 30 per cent for 2005.
U.S. Regulated Operations
TCPL's wholly-owned and partially-owned U.S. pipelines, including Great Lakes, Iroquois, Portland, Northern Border and Tuscarora Gas Transmission System, are 'natural gas companies' operating under the provisions of the Natural Gas Act of 1938 and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, and are subject to the jurisdiction of the FERC. The Natural Gas Act of 1938 grants the FERC authority over the construction and operation of pipelines and related facilities. The FERC also has authority to regulate rates for natural gas transportation in interstate commerce.
Gas Transmission Northwest System and North Baja System
Rates and tariffs of the Gas Transmission Northwest System and the North Baja System have been approved by the FERC. These two systems operate under fixed rate models, whereby maximum and minimum rates for various service types have been ordered by FERC and under which each of the two systems are permitted to discount or negotiate rates on a non-discriminatory basis. General rates for mainline capacity on the Gas Transmission Northwest System were last reviewed by the FERC in a 1994 rate proceeding. A settlement of the 1994 rate proceeding, which set rate levels that remain in effect today, was approved by the FERC in 1996. Rates for capacity on the North Baja System were established in the FERC's initial order certificating construction and operations of its system.
Portland
In 2003, Portland received final approval from FERC of its general rate case under the Natural Gas Act of 1938. Portland is required to file a general rate case under the Natural Gas Act of 1938 with a proposed effective date of April 1, 2008.
88 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 |
2004 |
Remaining Recovery/ Settlement Period |
||||
|
|
|
(years) |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regulatory Assets | |||||||
Unrealized losses on derivatives Canadian Mainline(1) | 43 | 35 | 2 - 5 | ||||
Unrealized losses on derivatives BC System(1) | 33 | 25 | 8 | ||||
Foreign exchange Alberta System(2) | 32 | 33 | 24 | ||||
Contractor claim Trans Québec & Maritimes(3) | | 16 | n/a | ||||
Phase II Preliminary Expenditures Foothills System(4) | 23 | 25 | 10 | ||||
Deferred charge on reacquired debt Gas Transmission Northwest System(5) | 14 | 6 | 4 - 20 | ||||
Transitional other benefit obligations Canadian Mainline(6) | 10 | 11 | 11 | ||||
Other | 28 | 23 | 3 - 11 | ||||
Total Regulatory Assets (Other Assets) | 183 | 174 | |||||
Regulatory Liabilities |
|||||||
Operating and debt service regulatory liabilities(7) | 273 | 146 | 1 | ||||
Foreign exchange on long-term debt Canadian Mainline(2) | 202 | 153 | 2 - 42 | ||||
Foreign exchange on long-term debt Alberta System(2) | 59 | 36 | 7 - 24 | ||||
Foreign exchange on long-term debt BC System(2) | 20 | 16 | 8 | ||||
Post-retirement benefits other than pension Gas Transmission Northwest System(8) | 17 | 15 | n/a | ||||
Other | 26 | 26 | n/a | ||||
Total Regulatory Liabilities (Deferred Amounts) | 597 | 392 | |||||
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 89
As prescribed by the regulators, the taxes payable method of accounting for income taxes is used for tollmaking purposes for Canadian regulated natural gas transmission operations. As permitted by GAAP, this method is also used for accounting purposes, since there is reasonable expectation that future income taxes payable will be included in future costs of service and recorded in revenues at that time. Consequently, future income tax liabilities have not been recognized as it is expected that when these amounts become payable, they will be recovered through future rate revenues. In the absence of rate regulation accounting, GAAP would require the recognition of future income tax liabilities. If the liability method of accounting had been used, additional future income tax liabilities in the amount of $1,619 million at December 31, 2005 (2004 $1,692 million) would have been recorded. For the U.S. natural gas transmission operations, the liability method of accounting is used for both accounting and tollmaking purposes, whereby future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of such assets and liabilities. As this method is also used for tollmaking purposes for the U.S. natural gas transmission operations, the current year's revenues include a tax provision which is calculated based on the liability method of accounting and therefore, there is no recognition of a related regulatory asset or liability.
NOTE 13 PREFERRED SECURITIES
The US$460 million (2005 $536 million; 2004 $554 million) 8.25 per cent preferred securities are redeemable by the Company at par at any time. The Company may elect to defer interest payments on the preferred securities and settle the deferred interest in either cash or common shares.
NOTE 14 NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
The Company's non-controlling interests included in the consolidated balance sheet are as follows.
December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||
Non-controlling interest in PipeLines LP | 318 | 235 | ||||
Other | 76 | 76 | ||||
394 | 311 | |||||
The Company's non-controlling interests included in the consolidated income statement are as follows.
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||
Non-controlling interest in PipeLines LP | 52 | 46 | 43 | |||
Other | 10 | 10 | 2 | |||
62 | 56 | 45 | ||||
At December 31, 2005, the non-controlling interest in PipeLines LP is 86.6 per cent. Other non-controlling interests at December 31, 2005 include the 38.3 per cent non-controlling interest in Portland. Revenues received from PipeLines LP and Portland with respect to services provided by TCPL for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $1 million (2004$1 million; 2003 $1 million) and $6 million (2004 $4 million; 2003 nil), respectively.
90 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31 |
Number of Shares |
Dividend Rate Per Share |
Redemption Price Per Share |
2005 |
2004 |
|||||
(thousands) | (millions of dollars) | (millions of dollars) | ||||||||
Cumulative First Preferred Shares | ||||||||||
Series U | 4,000 | $2.80 | $50.00 | 195 | 195 | |||||
Series Y | 4,000 | $2.80 | $50.00 | 194 | 194 | |||||
389 | 389 | |||||||||
The authorized number of preferred shares issuable in series is unlimited. All of the cumulative first preferred shares are without par value.
On or after October 15, 2013, for the Series U shares, and on or after March 5, 2014, for the Series Y shares, the Company may redeem the shares at $50 per share.
NOTE 16 COMMON SHARES
Number of Shares |
Amount |
||||
(thousands) | (millions of dollars) | ||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2003 | 479,502 | 4,614 | |||
Exercise of options | 1,166 | 18 | |||
Outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2004 | 480,668 | 4,632 | |||
Issued for cash or cash equivalent | 2,676 | 80 | |||
Outstanding at December 31, 2005 | 483,344 | 4,712 | |||
Common Shares Issued and Outstanding
The Company is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of no par value.
Restriction on Dividends
Certain terms of the Company's preferred shares, preferred securities, and debt instruments could restrict the Company's ability to declare dividends on preferred and common shares. At December 31, 2005, under the most restrictive provisions, approximately $1.6 billion was available for the payment of dividends on common shares.
NOTE 17 RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Company issues short-term and long-term debt, purchases and sells energy commodities, including amounts in foreign currencies, and invests in foreign operations. These activities result in exposures to changing interest rates, energy commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company uses derivatives to manage the risk that results from these activities.
The fair value of foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives has been calculated using year-end market rates. The fair value of power, natural gas and heat rate derivatives has been calculated using estimated forward prices for the relevant period.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 91
Net Investment in Foreign Operations
At December 31, 2005 and 2004, the Company had net investments in self sustaining foreign operations with a U.S. dollar functional currency which created an exposure to changes in exchange rates. The Company uses U.S. dollar denominated debt and derivatives to hedge this exposure on an after-tax basis. The fair value for derivatives used to manage the exposure is shown in the table below.
2005 | 2004 | ||||||||||
Asset/(Liability) December 31 (millions of dollars) |
Accounting Treatment |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
||||||
U.S. dollar cross-currency swaps | |||||||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2012) | Hedge | 119 | U.S. 450 | 95 | U.S. 400 | ||||||
U.S. dollar forward foreign exchange contracts | |||||||||||
(maturing 2006) | Hedge | 5 | U.S. 525 | (1 | ) | U.S. 305 | |||||
U.S. dollar options | |||||||||||
(maturing 2006) | Hedge | | U.S. 60 | 1 | U.S. 100 |
Reconciliation of Foreign Exchange Adjustment (Losses)/Gains
December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | |||||
Balance at January 1 | (71 | ) | (40 | ) | |||
Translation losses on foreign currency denominated net assets(1) | (21 | ) | (39 | ) | |||
Gains on derivatives | 23 | 52 | |||||
Income taxes | (21 | ) | (44 | ) | |||
Balance at December 31 | (90 | ) | (71 | ) | |||
Foreign Exchange Gains/(Losses)
Foreign exchange gains included in Other Expenses/(Income) for the year ended December 31, 2005 are $19 million (2004 $6 million; 2003 nil).
Foreign Exchange and Interest Rate Management Activity
The Company manages the foreign exchange and interest rate risks related to its U.S. dollar denominated debt, and transactions and interest rate exposures of the Canadian Mainline, the Alberta System and the BC System through the use of foreign currency and interest rate
92 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
derivatives. Certain of the realized gains and losses on these derivatives are shared with shippers on predetermined terms. The details of the foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives are shown in the table below.
2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||
Asset/(Liability) December 31 (millions of dollars) |
Accounting Treatment |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
|||||||
Foreign Exchange | ||||||||||||
Cross-currency swaps (maturing 2010 to 2013) | Non-hedge | (86 | ) | 363/U.S. 257 | (69 | ) | 363/U.S. 257 | |||||
Interest Rate |
||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||
Canadian dollars | ||||||||||||
(maturing 2007 to 2008) | Hedge | 4 | 100 | 7 | 145 | |||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2009) | Non-hedge | 7 | 374 | 9 | 374 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 | 16 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
U.S. dollars | ||||||||||||
(maturing 2007 to 2009) | Non-hedge | 5 | U.S. 100 | 7 | U.S. 100 |
The Company manages the foreign exchange and interest rate exposures of its other businesses through the use of foreign currency and interest rate derivatives. The details of these foreign currency and interest rate derivatives are shown in the table below.
2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||
Asset/(Liability) December 31 (millions of dollars) |
Accounting Treatment |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
Fair Value |
Notional or Notional Principal Amount |
|||||||
Foreign Exchange | ||||||||||||
Options (maturing 2006) | Non-hedge | 1 | U.S. 195 | 2 | U.S. 255 | |||||||
Forward foreign exchange contracts | ||||||||||||
(maturing 2006) | Hedge | 2 | U.S. 29 | | | |||||||
(maturing 2006) | Non-hedge | 1 | U.S. 208 | 1 | U.S. 129 | |||||||
Interest Rate |
||||||||||||
Options | Non-hedge | | | | U.S. 50 | |||||||
Interest rate swaps | ||||||||||||
Canadian dollar | ||||||||||||
(maturing 2007 to 2009) | Hedge | 1 | 100 | 4 | 100 | |||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2011) | Non-hedge | 1 | 423 | 5 | 485 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | 9 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
U.S. dollar | ||||||||||||
(maturing 2013) | Hedge | | U.S. 50 | 3 | U.S. 375 | |||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2010) | Non-hedge | 18 | U.S. 550 | 22 | U.S. 500 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
18 | 25 | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Certain of the Company's joint ventures use interest rate derivatives to manage interest rate exposures. The Company's proportionate share of the fair value of these outstanding derivatives at December 31, 2005 was nil (2004 $1 million).
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 93
Energy Price Risk Management
The Company executes power, natural gas and heat rate derivatives for overall management of its asset portfolio. Heat rate contracts are contracts for the sale or purchase of power that are priced based on a natural gas index. The fair value and notional volumes of contracts for differences and the swap, future, option and heat rate contracts are shown in the tables below.
Power
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Asset/(Liability) December 31 (millions of dollars) |
Accounting Treatment |
Fair Value |
Fair Value |
|||||
Power swaps and contracts for differences | ||||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2011) | Hedge | (130 | ) | 7 | ||||
(maturing 2006 to 2010) | Non-hedge | 13 | (2 | ) | ||||
Gas swaps, futures and options | ||||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2016) | Hedge | 17 | (39 | ) | ||||
(maturing 2006 to 2008) | Non-hedge | (11 | ) | (2 | ) | |||
Heat rate contracts | ||||||||
(maturing 2006) | Non-hedge | | (1 | ) |
Power (GWh)(1) | Gas (Bcf)(1) | ||||||||||
Notional Volumes December 31, 2005 |
Accounting Treatment |
Purchases |
Sales |
Purchases |
Sales |
||||||
Power swaps and contracts for differences | |||||||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2011) | Hedge | 2,566 | 7,780 | | | ||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2010) | Non-hedge | 1,332 | 456 | | | ||||||
Gas swaps, futures and options | |||||||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2016) | Hedge | | | 91 | 69 | ||||||
(maturing 2006 to 2008) | Non-hedge | | | 15 | 18 | ||||||
Heat rate contracts | |||||||||||
(maturing 2006) | Non-hedge | | 35 | | |
December 31, 2004 | ||||||||||
Power swaps and contracts for differences | Hedge | 3,314 | 7,029 | | | |||||
Non-hedge | 438 | | | | ||||||
Gas swaps, futures and options | Hedge | | | 80 | 84 | |||||
Non-hedge | | | 5 | 8 | ||||||
Heat rate contracts | Non-hedge | | 229 | 2 | |
Certain of the Company's joint ventures use power derivatives to manage energy price risk exposures. The Company's proportionate share of the fair value of these outstanding power sales derivatives at December 31, 2005 was $(38) million (2004 nil) and relates to contracts which cover the period 2006 to 2008. The Company's proportionate share of the notional sales volumes associated with this exposure at December 31, 2005 was 2,058 GWh (2004 nil).
94 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of cash and short-term investments and notes payable approximates their carrying amounts due to the short period to maturity. The fair value of long-term debt, long-term debt of joint ventures and preferred securities is determined using market prices for the same or similar issues.
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
December 31 (millions of dollars) |
Carrying Amount |
Fair Value |
Carrying Amount |
Fair Value |
||||
Long-Term Debt |
||||||||
Canadian Mainline | 4,233 | 5,327 | 4,445 | 5,473 | ||||
Alberta System | 2,258 | 2,858 | 2,105 | 2,668 | ||||
GTN | 466 | 470 | 632 | 627 | ||||
Foothills System | 400 | 415 | 400 | 413 | ||||
Portland | 281 | 292 | 308 | 328 | ||||
Other | 2,395 | 2,486 | 2,633 | 2,731 | ||||
Long-Term Debt of Joint Ventures | 978 | 1,101 | 893 | 1,003 | ||||
Preferred Securities | 536 | 554 | 554 | 572 |
The fair value is provided solely for information purposes and is not recorded in the consolidated balance sheet.
Credit Risk
Credit risk results from the possibility that a counterparty to a derivative in which the Company has an unrealized gain fails to perform according to the terms of the contract. Credit exposure is minimized through the use of established credit management techniques, including formal assessment processes, contractual and collateral requirements, master netting arrangements and credit exposure limits. At December 31, 2005, for foreign currency and interest rate derivatives, total credit risk and the largest credit exposure to a single counterparty were $127 million and $44 million, respectively. At December 31, 2005, for power, natural gas and heat rate derivatives, total credit risk and the largest credit exposure to a single counterparty were $63 million and $39 million, respectively.
NOTE 18 INCOME TAXES
Provision for Income Taxes
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||
Current | ||||||
Canada | 499 | 373 | 243 | |||
Foreign | 51 | 41 | 41 | |||
550 | 414 | 284 | ||||
Future |
||||||
Canada | (46 | ) | 34 | 183 | ||
Foreign | 106 | 43 | 47 | |||
60 | 77 | 230 | ||||
610 | 491 | 514 | ||||
Geographic Components of Income
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||
Canada | 1,315 | 1,205 | 1,058 | |||
Foreign | 587 | 342 | 324 | |||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interests | 1,902 | 1,547 | 1,382 | |||
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 95
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and non-controlling interests | 1,902 | 1,547 | 1,382 | ||||
Federal and provincial statutory tax rate | 33.6 | % | 33.9 | % | 36.7 | % | |
Expected income tax expense | 639 | 524 | 507 | ||||
Income tax differential related to regulated operations | 71 | 62 | 29 | ||||
Higher/(lower) effective foreign tax rates | 2 | 2 | (2 | ) | |||
Large corporations tax | 15 | 21 | 28 | ||||
Lower effective tax rate on equity in earnings of affiliates | (29 | ) | (24 | ) | (27 | ) | |
Non-taxable portion of gains on sale of assets | (68 | ) | (66 | ) | | ||
Change in valuation allowance | | (7 | ) | (3 | ) | ||
Other | (20 | ) | (21 | ) | (18 | ) | |
Actual income tax expense | 610 | 491 | 514 | ||||
Future Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | ||||
Deferred costs | 119 | 71 | ||||
Deferred revenue | 11 | 18 | ||||
Alternative minimum tax credits | | 10 | ||||
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards | 1 | 7 | ||||
Other | 43 | 72 | ||||
174 | 178 | |||||
Less: Valuation allowance | 14 | 17 | ||||
Future income tax assets, net of valuation allowance | 160 | 161 | ||||
Difference in accounting and tax bases of plant, equipment and PPAs | 637 | 456 | ||||
Investments in subsidiaries and partnerships | 131 | 114 | ||||
Unrealized foreign exchange gains on long-term debt | 68 | 45 | ||||
Other | 27 | 55 | ||||
Future income tax liabilities | 863 | 670 | ||||
Net future income tax liabilities | 703 | 509 | ||||
Unremitted Earnings of Foreign Investments
Income taxes have not been provided on the unremitted earnings of foreign investments which the Company does not intend to repatriate in the foreseeable future. If provision for these taxes had been made, future income tax liabilities would increase by approximately $61 million at December 31, 2005 (2004 $57 million).
Income Tax Payments
Income tax payments of $530 million were made during the year ended December 31, 2005 (2004 $419 million; 2003 $220 million).
96 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Outstanding December 31(1) |
Weighted Average Interest Rate Per Annum at December 31 |
Outstanding December 31(1) |
Weighted Average Interest Rate Per Annum at December 31 |
|||||
Canadian dollars | 765 | 3.4% | 546 | 2.6% | ||||
U.S. dollars (2005 US$169) | 197 | 4.5% | | | ||||
|
|
|
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
962 | 546 | |||||||
|
|
|
Notes payable consists of commercial paper and line of credit drawings. At December 31, 2005, total credit facilities of $2.0 billion were available to support the Company's commercial paper programs and for general corporate purposes. Of this total, $1.5 billion was a committed five-year term syndicated credit facility. This facility is extendible on an annual basis and is revolving. In December 2005, the facility was extended to December 2010. The remaining amounts are either demand or non-extendible facilities.
At December 31, 2005, the Company had used approximately $271 million of its total lines of credit for letters of credit and to support its ongoing commercial arrangements. If drawn, interest on the lines of credit is charged at prime rates of Canadian chartered and U.S. banks and at other negotiated financial bases. The cost to maintain the unused portion of the lines of credit was $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 (2004 $2 million).
NOTE 20 ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
At December 31, 2005, the estimated undiscounted cash flows required to settle the asset retirement obligations with respect to Gas Transmission were $46 million (2004 $48 million), calculated using an inflation rate ranging from two to three per cent per annum. The estimated fair value of this liability was $12 million (2004 $12 million) after discounting the estimated cash flows at rates ranging from 5.5 per cent to 6.6 per cent. At December 31, 2005, the expected timing of payment for settlement of the obligations ranges from 12 to 24 years. No amount has been recorded for asset retirement obligations relating to the regulated natural gas transmission operation assets as it is not possible to make a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the liability due to the inability to determine the scope and timing of the asset retirements. Management believes it is reasonable to assume that all retirement costs associated with the regulated pipelines will be recovered through tolls in future periods.
At December 31, 2005, the estimated undiscounted cash flows required to settle the asset retirement obligations with respect to the Power business were $95 million (2004 $128 million), calculated using an inflation rate ranging from two to three per cent per annum. The estimated fair value of this liability was $21 million (2004 $24 million) after discounting the estimated cash flows at rates ranging from 5.5 per cent to 6.6 per cent. At December 31, 2005, the expected timing of payment for settlement of the obligations ranges from 13 to 28 years.
For the hydroelectric power plant assets, as it is not possible to make a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the liability due to the inability to determine the scope and timing of the asset retirements, no amount has been recorded for asset retirement obligations. For the Bruce Power nuclear assets, as the lessor is responsible for decommissioning liabilities under the lease agreement, no amount has been recorded for asset retirement obligations.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 97
Reconciliation of Asset Retirement Obligations
(millions of dollars) | Gas Transmission | Power | Total | ||||
Balance at January 1, 2003 | 2 | 6 | 8 | ||||
Revisions in estimated cash flows | | 1 | 1 | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2003 | 2 | 7 | 9 | ||||
New obligations and revisions in estimated cash flows | 9 | 21 | 30 | ||||
Removal of Power LP redemption obligations | | (5 | ) | (5 | ) | ||
Accretion expense | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2004 | 12 | 24 | 36 | ||||
Revisions in estimated cash flows and lives | (1 | ) | 1 | | |||
Sale of Power LP | | (5 | ) | (5 | ) | ||
Accretion expense | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||
Balance at December 31, 2005 | 12 | 21 | 33 | ||||
NOTE 21 EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS
The Company sponsors DB Plans that cover substantially all employees. Benefits provided under the DB Plans are based on years of service and highest average earnings over three consecutive years of employment, and increase annually by a portion of the increase in the Consumer Products Index (CPI). Past service costs are amortized over the expected average remaining service life of employees, which is approximately 11 years.
The Company also provides its employees with post-employment benefits other than pensions, including termination benefits and defined life insurance and medical benefits beyond those provided by government-sponsored plans. Past service costs are amortized over the expected average remaining life expectancy of former employees, which at December 31, 2005 was approximately 12 years.
In 2005, the Company expensed $2 million (2004 $1 million; 2003 $1 million) related to retirement savings plans for its U.S. employees.
Total cash payments for employee future benefits for 2005, consisting of cash contributed by the Company to the DB Plans and other benefit plans was $74 million (2004 $89 million).
98 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company measures its accrued benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for accounting purposes as at December 31 of each year. The most recent actuarial valuation of the pension plans for funding purposes was as of January 1, 2006, and the next required valuation is as of January 1, 2007.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | |||||||||
(millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Change in Benefit Obligation | ||||||||||
Benefit obligation beginning of year | 1,100 | 960 | 123 | 106 | ||||||
Current service cost | 32 | 28 | 3 | 3 | ||||||
Interest cost | 63 | 58 | 7 | 7 | ||||||
Employee contributions | 3 | 2 | | | ||||||
Benefits paid | (60 | ) | (66 | ) | (6 | ) | (4 | ) | ||
Actuarial loss/(gain) | 149 | 46 | 21 | (12 | ) | |||||
Foreign exchange rate changes | (3 | ) | | | | |||||
Curtailment | (2 | ) | | | | |||||
Acquisition | | 72 | | 23 | ||||||
Benefit obligation end of year | 1,282 | 1,100 | 148 | 123 | ||||||
Change in Plan Assets |
||||||||||
Plan assets at fair value beginning of year | 970 | 799 | 26 | | ||||||
Actual return on plan assets | 119 | 97 | 2 | 1 | ||||||
Employer contributions | 67 | 84 | 5 | 4 | ||||||
Employee contributions | 3 | 2 | | | ||||||
Benefits paid | (60 | ) | (66 | ) | (6 | ) | (4 | ) | ||
Foreign exchange rate changes | (3 | ) | | | | |||||
Acquisition | | 54 | | 25 | ||||||
Plan assets at fair value end of year | 1,096 | 970 | 27 | 26 | ||||||
Funded status plan deficit | (186 | ) | (130 | ) | (121 | ) | (97 | ) | ||
Unamortized net actuarial loss | 331 | 255 | 45 | 25 | ||||||
Unamortized past service costs | 36 | 39 | 8 | 7 | ||||||
Accrued benefit asset/(liability), net of valuation allowance | 181 | 164 | (68 | ) | (65 | ) | ||||
The accrued benefit (asset)/liability, net of valuation allowance of nil, is included in the Company's balance sheet as follows.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | ||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Other assets | 268 | 224 | 4 | 3 | |||||
Accounts payable | (70 | ) | (42 | ) | (7 | ) | (5 | ) | |
Deferred amounts | (17 | ) | (18 | ) | (65 | ) | (63 | ) | |
Total | 181 | 164 | (68 | ) | (65 | ) | |||
Included in the above accrued benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets at year end are the following amounts in respect of plans that are not fully funded.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | ||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Accrued benefit obligation | (1,263 | ) | (1,084 | ) | (124 | ) | (100 | ) | |
Fair value of plan assets | 1,075 | 952 | | | |||||
Funded status plan deficit | (188 | ) | (132 | ) | (124 | ) | (100 | ) | |
The Company's expected contributions for the year ended December 31, 2006 are approximately $95 million for the pension benefit plans and approximately $7 million for the other benefit plans.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 99
The following are estimated future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service.
(millions of dollars) | Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||
2006 | 58 | 6 | ||
2007 | 59 | 7 | ||
2008 | 62 | 7 | ||
2009 | 64 | 8 | ||
2010 | 67 | 8 | ||
Years 2011 to 2015 | 378 | 44 |
The significant weighted average actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the Company's benefit obligations at December 31 are as follows.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||
Discount rate | 5.00% | 5.75% | 5.15% | 6.00% | ||||
Rate of compensation increase | 3.50% | 3.50% |
The significant weighted average actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the Company's net benefit plan cost for years ended December 31 are as follows.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | |||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||
Discount rate | 5.75% | 6.00% | 6.25% | 6.00% | 6.25% | 6.50% | ||||||
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 6.90% | 6.90% | 7.25% | 7.20% | ||||||||
Rate of compensation increase | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.75% |
The overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on historical and projected rates of return for both the portfolio in aggregate and for each asset class in the portfolio. Assumed projected rates of return are selected after analyzing historical experience and future expectations of the level and volatility of returns. Asset class benchmark returns, asset mix and anticipated benefit payments from plan assets are also considered in the determination of the overall expected rate of return. The discount rate is based on market interest rates of high quality bonds that match the timing and benefits expected to be paid under each plan.
For measurement purposes, a 9.0 per cent annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2006. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0 per cent for 2015 and remain at that level thereafter. A one percentage point increase or decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects.
(millions of dollars) | Increase | Decrease | |||
Effect on total of service and interest cost components | 2 | (1 | ) | ||
Effect on post-employment benefit obligation | 18 | (16 | ) |
100 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company's net benefit cost is as follows.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | ||||||||||||
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||
Current service cost | 32 | 28 | 25 | 3 | 3 | 2 | |||||||
Interest cost | 63 | 58 | 52 | 7 | 7 | 6 | |||||||
Actual return on plan assets | (119 | ) | (97 | ) | (89 | ) | (2 | ) | (1 | ) | | ||
Actuarial loss/(gain) | 149 | 46 | 66 | 21 | (12 | ) | 7 | ||||||
Elements of net benefit cost prior to adjustments to recognize the long-term nature of net benefit cost | 125 | 35 | 54 | 29 | (3 | ) | 15 | ||||||
Difference between expected and actual return on plan assets | 54 | 39 | 38 | | 1 | | |||||||
Difference between actuarial loss recognized and actual actuarial loss on accrued benefit obligation | (131 | ) | (32 | ) | (58 | ) | (20 | ) | 13 | (6 | ) | ||
Difference between amortization of past service costs and actual plan amendments | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | | 1 | |||||||
Amortization of transitional obligation related to regulated business | | | | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||||||
Net benefit cost recognized | 51 | 45 | 37 | 12 | 13 | 12 | |||||||
The Company's pension plans' weighted average asset allocations at December 31, by asset category, and weighted average target allocation at December 31, by asset category, is as follows.
Percentage of Plan Assets | Target Allocation | |||||
Asset Category | 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | |||
Debt securities | 43% | 44% | 35% to 60% | |||
Equity securities | 57% | 56% | 40% to 65% | |||
100% | 100% | |||||
Debt securities include the Company's long-term debt in the amount of $3 million (0.3 per cent of total plan assets) at December 31, 2005 and 2004. Equity securities include the Company's common shares in the amounts of $5 million (0.5 per cent of total plan assets) and $3 million (0.3 per cent of total plan assets) at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
The assets of the pension plans are managed on a going concern basis subject to legislative restrictions. The plans' investment policies are to maximize returns within an acceptable risk tolerance. Pension assets are invested in a diversified manner with consideration given to the demographics of the plans' participants.
Employee Future Benefits of Joint Ventures
Certain of the Company's joint ventures sponsor DB Plans, as well as post-employment benefits other than pensions, including defined life insurance and medical benefits beyond those provided by government-sponsored plans. The obligations of these plans are non-recourse to TCPL. The amounts that follow represent TCPL's proportionate share with respect to these plans.
Total cash payments for employee future benefits for 2005, consisting of cash contributed by the Company's joint ventures to DB Plans and other benefit plans was $4 million (2004 $1 million).
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 101
The Company's joint ventures measure the accrued benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for accounting purposes as at December 31 of each year. The most recent actuarial valuation of the pension plans for funding purposes was as of January 1, 2006, and the next required valuation will be as of January 1, 2007.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | |||||||||
(millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Change in Benefit Obligation | ||||||||||
Benefit obligation beginning of year | 45 | 47 | 2 | 2 | ||||||
Current service cost | 4 | 1 | 1 | | ||||||
Interest cost | 7 | 3 | 1 | | ||||||
Employee contributions | | | | | ||||||
Benefits paid | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | | | ||||
Actuarial loss | 17 | | 2 | | ||||||
Foreign exchange rate changes | (1 | ) | (3 | ) | | |||||
Bruce B(1) | 610 | 75 | ||||||||
Benefit obligation end of year | 679 | 45 | 81 | 2 | ||||||
Change in Plan Assets |
||||||||||
Plan assets at fair value beginning of year | 57 | 56 | | | ||||||
Actual return on plan assets | 18 | 7 | | | ||||||
Employer contributions | 4 | 1 | | | ||||||
Employee contributions | | | | | ||||||
Benefits paid | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | | | ||||
Foreign exchange rate changes | (1 | ) | (4 | ) | | | ||||
Bruce B(1) | 510 | | | |||||||
Plan assets at fair value end of year | 585 | 57 | | | ||||||
Funded status plan deficit | (94 | ) | 12 | (81 | ) | (2 | ) | |||
Unamortized net actuarial loss/(gain) | 125 | 14 | (5 | ) | 1 | |||||
Unamortized past service costs | 1 | | | | ||||||
Accrued benefit asset/(liability), net of valuation allowance | 32 | 26 | (86 | ) | (1 | ) | ||||
The accrued benefit (asset)/liability, net of valuation allowance of nil, is included in the Company's balance sheet as follows.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | ||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Other assets | 32 | 26 | | | |||||
Deferred amounts | | | (86 | ) | (1 | ) | |||
Total | 32 | 26 | (86 | ) | (1 | ) | |||
Included in the above accrued benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets at year end are the following amounts in respect of plans that are not fully funded.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | ||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | ||||||
Accrued benefit obligation | (645 | ) | (5 | ) | (81 | ) | (2 | ) | |
Fair value of plan assets | 534 | 4 | | | |||||
Funded status plan deficit | (111 | ) | (1 | ) | (81 | ) | (2 | ) | |
The Company's joint ventures' expected contributions for the year ended December 31, 2006 are approximately $27 million for the pension benefit plans and approximately $2 million for the other benefit plans.
102 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following are estimated future benefit payments, which reflect expected future service.
(millions of dollars) | Pension Benefits | Other Benefits | ||
2006 | 11 | 2 | ||
2007 | 13 | 2 | ||
2008 | 16 | 2 | ||
2009 | 20 | 3 | ||
2010 | 24 | 3 | ||
Years 2011 to 2015 | 172 | 21 |
The significant weighted average actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the Company's joint ventures' benefit obligations at December 31 are as follows.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | |||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||
Discount rate | 5.30% | 5.75% | 5.15% | 5.75% | ||||
Rate of compensation increase | 3.50% | 4.00% |
The significant weighted average actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the Company's joint ventures' net benefit plan cost for years ended December 31 are as follows.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | |||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | |||||||
Discount rate | 6.20% | 6.00% | 6.75% | 6.25% | 6.00% | 6.75% | ||||||
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets | 7.40% | 8.50% | 8.80% | |||||||||
Rate of compensation increase | 3.50% | 4.00% | 4.00% |
A one percentage point increase or decrease in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects.
(millions of dollars) | Increase | Decrease | |||
Effect on total of service and interest cost components | 1 | (1 | ) | ||
Effect on post-employment benefit obligation | 7 | (6 | ) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 103
The Company's proportionate share of net benefit cost of joint ventures is as follows.
Pension Benefit Plans | Other Benefit Plans | |||||||||||
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||
Current service cost | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | | ||||||
Interest cost | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | | | ||||||
Actual return on plan assets | (18 | ) | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | | | | |||
Actuarial loss | 17 | | 4 | 2 | | | ||||||
Elements of net benefit cost prior to adjustments to recognize the long-term nature of net benefit cost | 10 | (3 | ) | 1 | 4 | | | |||||
Difference between expected and actual return on plan assets | 9 | 2 | 2 | | | | ||||||
Difference between actuarial loss recognized and actual actuarial loss on accrued benefit obligation | (16 | ) | 1 | (4 | ) | (3 | ) | | | |||
Difference between amortization of past service costs and actual plan amendments | | | | | | | ||||||
Net benefit cost recognized by joint ventures | 3 | | (1 | ) | 1 | | | |||||
The Company's pension plans' weighted average asset allocations at December 31, by asset category, and weighted average target allocation at December 31, by asset category, is as follows.
Percentage of Plan Assets | Target Allocation | |||||
Asset Category | 2005 | 2004 | 2005 | |||
Debt securities | 30% | 38% | 30% to 40% | |||
Equity securities | 70% | 62% | 60% to 70% | |||
100% | 100% | |||||
Debt securities include the Company's long-term debt in the amount of $1 million (0.2 per cent of total plan assets) and nil at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Equity securities include the Company's common shares in the amounts of $5 million (0.9 per cent of total plan assets) and nil at December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
The assets of the pension plans are managed on a going concern basis subject to legislative restrictions. The plans' investment policies are to maximize returns within an acceptable risk tolerance. Pension assets are invested in a diversified manner with consideration given to the demographics of the plans' participants.
NOTE 22 CHANGES IN OPERATING WORKING CAPITAL
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||
(Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable | (100 | ) | 15 | 98 | |||
(Increase)/decrease in inventories | (50 | ) | | 15 | |||
(Increase)/decrease in other current assets | (1 | ) | 24 | 28 | |||
Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable | 98 | (4 | ) | (46 | ) | ||
Increase/(decrease) in accrued interest | 5 | (7 | ) | (2 | ) | ||
(48 | ) | 28 | 93 | ||||
104 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 23 COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES
Commitments
Operating leases
Future annual payments, net of sub-lease receipts, under the Company's operating leases for various premises, services, equipment and a natural gas storage facility are approximately as follows.
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) |
Minimum Lease Payments |
Amounts Recoverable under Sub-Leases |
Net Payments |
|||
2006 | 46 | (12 | ) | 34 | ||
2007 | 52 | (12 | ) | 40 | ||
2008 | 54 | (12 | ) | 42 | ||
2009 | 54 | (11 | ) | 43 | ||
2010 | 53 | (11 | ) | 42 |
The operating lease agreements for premises, services and equipment expire at various dates through 2011, with an option to renew certain lease agreements for five years. The operating lease agreement for the natural gas storage facility expires in 2030 with lessee termination rights every fifth anniversary commencing in 2010 and with the lessor having the right to terminate the agreement every five years commencing in 2015. Net rental expense on operating leases for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $17 million (2004 $7 million; 2003 $2 million).
Bruce Power
TCPL's share of Bruce A's signed commitments to third party suppliers for the next five years for the restart and refurbishment of the currently idle Units 1 and 2, extending the operating life of Unit 3 by replacing its steam generators and fuel channels when required and replacing the steam generators on Unit 4, is as follows.
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) | ||
2006 | 322 | |
2007 | 311 | |
2008 | 142 | |
2009 | 69 | |
2010 | | |
844 | ||
Aboriginal Pipeline Group
On June 18, 2003, the Mackenzie Delta gas producers, the APG and TCPL reached an agreement which governs TCPL's role in the Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project. The project would result in a natural gas pipeline being constructed from Inuvik, Northwest Territories, to the northern border of Alberta, where it would connect with the Alberta System. Under the agreement, TCPL agreed to finance the APG for its one-third share of project development costs. These costs were originally estimated to be approximately $90 million, but given extended project delays, the protracted regulatory process and the projected timing to reach a decision to construct the pipeline, this share is currently forecasted to increase to approximately $145 million. As at December 31, 2005, TCPL had funded $87 million (2004 $60 million) of this loan which is included in other assets. The ability to recover this investment is dependent upon the outcome of the project.
Contingencies
The Canadian Alliance of Pipeline Landowners' Associations and two individual landowners commenced an action in 2003 under Ontario's Class Proceedings Act, 1992, against TCPL and Enbridge Inc. for damages of $500 million alleged to arise from the creation of a control zone within 30 metres of the pipeline pursuant to Section 112 of the NEB Act. The Company believes the claim is without merit and will vigorously defend the action. The Company has made no provision for any potential liability. A liability, if any, would be dealt with through the regulatory process.
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various other legal proceedings and actions arising in the normal course of business. While the final outcome of such legal proceedings and actions cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of Management that the resolution of such proceedings and actions will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 105
Guarantees
The Company, together with Cameco Corporation and BPC Generation Infrastructure Trust (BPC), has severally guaranteed one-third of certain contingent financial obligations of Bruce B related to power sales agreements, operator licenses, the lease agreement and contractor services. The terms of the guarantees range from 2007 to 2018.
As part of the reorganization of Bruce Power, including the formation of Bruce A and the commitment to restart and refurbish the Bruce A units, the Company, together with BPC, severally guaranteed one-half of certain contingent financial obligations of Bruce A related to the refurbishment agreement with the Ontario Power Authority and cost sharing and sublease agreements with Bruce B. The terms of the guarantees currently range from 2018 to 2019.
TCPL's share of the exposure under these Bruce Power guarantees at December 31, 2005 was estimated to be approximately $652 million of a calculated maximum of $758 million. The current carrying amount of the liability related to these guarantees is nil and the fair value is approximately $17 million.
TCPL has guaranteed the equity undertaking of a subsidiary which supports the payment, under certain conditions, of principal and interest on US$133 million of public debt obligations of TransGas. The Company has a 46.5 per cent interest in TransGas. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company severally with another major multinational company may be required to fund more than their proportionate share of debt obligations of TransGas in the event that the minority shareholders fail to contribute. Any payments made by TCPL under this agreement convert into share capital of TransGas. The potential exposure is contingent on the impact of any change of law on TransGas' ability to service the debt. From the issuance of the debt in 1995 to date, there has been no change in applicable law and thus no exposure to TCPL. The debt matures in 2010. The Company has made no provision related to this guarantee.
In connection with the acquisition of GTN, US$241 million of the purchase price was deposited into an escrow account. As at December 31, 2005, there was US$54 million remaining in the escrow account. The outstanding funds in the escrow account represent the full face amount of the potential liability under certain GTN guarantees and are to be used to satisfy the liability of GTN under these designated guarantees.
NOTE 24 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
The Board of Directors approved plans in previous years to dispose of the Company's International, Canadian Midstream, Gas Marketing and certain other businesses. Net income from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2005 was nil (2004 $52 million, net of $27 million of income taxes; 2003 $50 million, net of $29 million of income taxes). Included in accounts payable at December 31, 2005 was the remaining $51 million provision for loss on discontinued operations (2004 $55 million).
106 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SIX YEAR FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(millions of dollars except where indicated) | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||||||
Income Statement | ||||||||||||||
Revenues | 6,124 | 5,497 | 5,636 | 5,225 | 5,285 | 4,384 | ||||||||
Net income from continuing operations | 1,230 | 1,000 | 823 | 769 | 708 | 663 | ||||||||
Net income | 1,230 | 1,052 | 873 | 769 | 641 | 724 | ||||||||
Results by segment | ||||||||||||||
Gas Transmission | 684 | 586 | 622 | 653 | 585 | 623 | ||||||||
Power | 561 | 396 | 220 | 146 | 168 | 85 | ||||||||
Corporate | (37 | ) | (4 | ) | (41 | ) | (52 | ) | (67 | ) | (80 | ) | ||
Continuing operations | 1,208 | 978 | 801 | 747 | 686 | 628 | ||||||||
Discontinued operations | | 52 | 50 | | (67 | ) | 61 | |||||||
Net income applicable to common shares | 1,208 | 1,030 | 851 | 747 | 619 | 689 | ||||||||
Cash Flow Statement |
||||||||||||||
Funds generated from operations | 1,950 | 1,701 | 1,822 | 1,843 | 1,625 | 1,484 | ||||||||
(Increase)/decrease in operating working capital | (48 | ) | 28 | 93 | 92 | (487 | ) | 437 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operations | 1,902 | 1,729 | 1,915 | 1,935 | 1,138 | 1,921 | ||||||||
Capital expenditures and acquisitions | 2,071 | 2,046 | 965 | 851 | 1,082 | 1,144 | ||||||||
Dividends on common and preferred shares | 608 | 574 | 532 | 488 | 440 | 458 | ||||||||
Balance Sheet |
||||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||
Plant, property and equipment | ||||||||||||||
Gas Transmission | 16,774 | 17,385 | 16,122 | 16,158 | 16,562 | 16,937 | ||||||||
Power | 3,237 | 1,342 | 1,310 | 1,340 | 1,116 | 776 | ||||||||
Corporate | 27 | 37 | 50 | 64 | 66 | 111 | ||||||||
Total assets | 24,113 | 22,421 | 20,884 | 20,555 | 20,531 | 25,245 | ||||||||
Capitalization |
||||||||||||||
Long-term debt | 9,640 | 9,749 | 9,516 | 8,899 | 9,444 | 10,008 | ||||||||
Long-term debt of joint ventures | 937 | 808 | 741 | 1,193 | 1,262 | 1,280 | ||||||||
Preferred securities | 536 | 554 | 598 | 944 | 950 | 1,208 | ||||||||
Preferred shares | 389 | 389 | 389 | 389 | 389 | 389 | ||||||||
Common shareholders' equity | 7,164 | 6,484 | 6,044 | 5,747 | 5,426 | 5,211 |
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 107
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | ||||||||
Per Common Share Data (dollars) | |||||||||||||
Net income Basic | |||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $2.50 | $2.03 | $1.66 | $1.56 | $1.44 | $1.32 | |||||||
Discontinued operations | | 0.11 | 0.11 | | (0.14 | ) | 0.13 | ||||||
$2.50 | $2.14 | $1.77 | $1.56 | $1.30 | $1.45 | ||||||||
Net income Diluted | |||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $2.50 | $2.03 | $1.66 | $1.55 | $1.44 | $1.32 | |||||||
Discontinued operations | | 0.11 | 0.11 | | (0.14 | ) | 0.13 | ||||||
$2.50 | $2.14 | $1.77 | $1.55 | $1.30 | $1.45 | ||||||||
Dividends declared | $1.23 | $1.17 | $1.08 | $1.00 | $0.90 | $0.80 | |||||||
Per Preferred Share Data (dollars) |
|||||||||||||
Series U Cumulative First Preferred Shares | $2.80 | $2.80 | $2.80 | $2.80 | $2.80 | $2.80 | |||||||
Series Y Cumulative First Preferred Shares | $2.80 | $2.80 | $2.80 | $2.80 | $2.80 | $2.80 | |||||||
Financial Ratios |
|||||||||||||
Earnings to fixed charges(1) | 2.9 | 2.5 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 1.9 |
108 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
RECONCILIATION TO UNITED STATES GAAP
AUDITORS' REPORT ON RECONCILIATION TO UNITED STATES GAAP
To the Shareholders of TransCanada PipeLines Limited
On February 27, 2006, we reported on the consolidated balance sheets of TransCanada PipeLines Limited as at December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005, which are included in the annual report on Form 40-F. In connection with our audits conducted in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards of the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the related supplemental note entitled "Reconciliation to United States GAAP" included in the Form 40-F. This supplemental note is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this supplemental note based on our audits.
In our opinion, such supplemental note, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chartered
Accountants
Calgary, Canada
February 27, 2006
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TRANSCANADA PIPELINES LIMITED
RECONCILIATION TO UNITED STATES GAAP
The 2005 audited consolidated financial statements of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TCPL or the Company) have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which in some respects, differ from U.S. GAAP. The effects of these differences on the Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005 are provided in the following U.S. GAAP condensed consolidated financial statements which should be read in conjunction with TCPL's 2005 audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
Condensed Statement of Consolidated Income and Comprehensive Income in Accordance with U.S. GAAP(1)
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 |
Restated(3) 2004 |
Restated(3) 2003 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenues | 5,333 | 5,014 | 5,121 | |||||
Cost of sales | 840 | 777 | 814 | |||||
Other costs and expenses | 1,794 | 1,618 | 1,645 | |||||
Depreciation | 924 | 857 | 819 | |||||
3,558 | 3,252 | 3,278 | ||||||
Operating income | 1,775 | 1,762 | 1,843 | |||||
Other (income)/expenses | ||||||||
Equity income(1) | (458 | ) | (402 | ) | (380 | ) | ||
Other expenses(2)(3)(4) | 401 | 852 | 895 | |||||
Dilution gain(3) | | (40 | ) | | ||||
Income taxes | 607 | 490 | 515 | |||||
550 | 900 | 1,030 | ||||||
Income from continuing operations U.S. GAAP | 1,225 | 862 | 813 | |||||
Net income from discontinued operations U.S. GAAP | | 52 | 50 | |||||
Income before cumulative effect of the application of accounting changes in accordance with U.S. GAAP | 1,225 | 914 | 863 | |||||
Cumulative effect of the application of accounting changes, net of tax | | | (13 | ) | ||||
Net Income in Accordance with U.S. GAAP | 1,225 | 914 | 850 | |||||
Adjustments affecting comprehensive income under U.S. GAAP | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax | (18 | ) | (31 | ) | (54 | ) | ||
Changes in minimum pension liability, net of tax(5) | (51 | ) | 72 | (2 | ) | |||
Unrealized(loss)/gain on derivatives, net of tax(6) | (54 | ) | 1 | 8 | ||||
Comprehensive Income in Accordance with U.S. GAAP | 1,102 | 956 | 802 | |||||
2
Reconciliation of Income from Continuing Operations
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 |
Restated(3) 2004 |
Restated(3) 2003 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net Income from Continuing Operations in Accordance with Canadian GAAP | 1,230 | 1,000 | 823 | |||||
U.S. GAAP adjustments | ||||||||
Unrealized (loss)/gain on energy contracts(6) | (14 | ) | 10 | 28 | ||||
Tax impact of unrealized (loss)/gain on energy contracts | 5 | (3 | ) | (10 | ) | |||
Equity gain/(loss)(7)(8) | 5 | (2 | ) | (18 | ) | |||
Tax impact of equity gain/(loss) | (1 | ) | | 6 | ||||
Unrealized gain/(loss) on foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives(6) | 1 | (12 | ) | (9 | ) | |||
Tax impact of gain/(loss) on foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives | (1 | ) | 4 | 3 | ||||
Amortization of deferred gains related to Power LP(3)(4) | | (3 | ) | (10 | ) | |||
Deferred gains related to Power LP(3)(4) | | (132 | ) | | ||||
Income from Continuing Operations in Accordance with U.S. GAAP | 1,225 | 862 | 813 | |||||
Condensed Statement of Consolidated Cash Flows in Accordance with U.S. GAAP(1)
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash Generated from Operations(9) | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,627 | 1,617 | 1,759 | ||||
Investing Activities |
|||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (1,169 | ) | (1,367 | ) | (946 | ) | |
Financing Activities |
|||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (514 | ) | (329 | ) | (627 | ) | |
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Short-Term Investments |
13 |
(87 |
) |
(54 |
) |
||
(Decrease)/Increase in Cash and Short-Term Investments | (43 | ) | (166 | ) | 132 | ||
Cash and Short-Term Investments |
|||||||
Beginning of year | 126 | 292 | 160 | ||||
Cash and Short-Term Investments |
|||||||
End of year | 83 | 126 | 292 | ||||
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Condensed Balance Sheet in Accordance with U.S. GAAP(1)
December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 |
2004 |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Current assets(10) | 1,058 | 910 | ||
Long-term investments(7)(8) | 2,168 | 2,163 | ||
Plant, property and equipment | 17,348 | 17,083 | ||
Regulatory asset(11) | 2,601 | 2,606 | ||
Other assets(7) | 2,028 | 1,217 | ||
25,203 | 23,979 | |||
Current liabilities(12) | 2,797 | 2,661 | ||
Deferred amounts(6)(8) | 1,298 | 785 | ||
Long-term debt(6) | 9,675 | 9,789 | ||
Deferred income taxes(11) | 3,102 | 3,048 | ||
Preferred securities | 536 | 554 | ||
Non-controlling interests | 394 | 311 | ||
Shareholders' equity | 7,401 | 6,831 | ||
25,203 | 23,979 | |||
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income in Accordance with U.S. GAAP
(millions of dollars) |
Cumulative Translation Account |
Minimum Pension Liability (SFAS No. 87) |
Cash Flow Hedges (SFAS No. 133) |
Total |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance at January 1, 2003 | 14 | (96 | ) | (13 | ) | (95 | ) | ||
Changes in minimum pension liability, net of tax of $1(5) | | (2 | ) | | (2 | ) | |||
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax of nil(6) | | | 8 | 8 | |||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $(64) | (54 | ) | | | (54 | ) | |||
Balance at December 31, 2003 | (40 | ) | (98 | ) | (5 | ) | (143 | ) | |
Changes in minimum pension liability, net of tax of $(39)(5) |
|
72 |
|
72 |
|||||
Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax of $(3)(6) | | | 1 | 1 | |||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $(44) | (31 | ) | | | (31 | ) | |||
Balance at December 31, 2004 | (71 | ) | (26 | ) | (4 | ) | (101 | ) | |
Changes in minimum pension liability, net of tax of $27(5) |
|
(51 |
) |
|
(51 |
) |
|||
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax of $28(6) | | | (54 | ) | (54 | ) | |||
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $(21) | (18 | ) | | | (18 | ) | |||
Balance at December 31, 2005 | (89 | ) | (77 | ) | (58 | ) | (224 | ) | |
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recognized as income. Under U.S. GAAP, any such gains in the period from 1997 to April 2004 are characterized as dilution gains and, because the Company was committed to fund the redemption of the units, the gains are recorded, on an after-tax basis, as equity transactions in shareholders' equity.
The Company's accounting policy for dilution gains is to record them as income for both Canadian and U.S. GAAP purposes, however, U.S. GAAP requires such gains to be recorded directly in equity if there is a contemplation of reacquisition of units. With the removal of the redemption obligation in April 2004, subsequent issuances of units by Power LP are accounted for as dilution gains in income for both Canadian and U.S. GAAP purposes.
In the period 1997 to 2001, the Company recorded certain transactions involving Power LP as sales of a revenue stream for both Canadian and U.S. GAAP purposes. For U.S. GAAP purposes, these transactions should have been accounted for as dilution gains (see footnote 3 above). This was corrected on a retroactive basis. The impact on previously reported amounts for U.S. GAAP purposes is as follows:
(millions of dollars) |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Decrease in: | ||||||
Income from continuing operations |
|
135 |
10 |
|||
Net income |
|
135 |
10 |
For U.S. GAAP purposes, the correction had no impact on the accumulated shareholders' equity at December 31, 2004 and the impact at December 31, 2003 was an increase of $135 million.
December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 |
2004 |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prepaid benefit cost | 6 | 183 | |||
Regulatory asset | 107 | | |||
Other assets | 37 | 1 | |||
Accounts payable | (70 | ) | (42 | ) | |
Deferred amounts | (17 | ) | (18 | ) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 118 | 40 | |||
Net amount recognized | 181 | 164 | |||
The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's defined benefit pension plans was $1,123 million at December 31, 2005 (2004 $943 million).
Substantially all of the amounts recorded in the twelve months ended December 31, 2005, 2004 and 2003 as differences between U.S. and Canadian GAAP in respect of energy contracts relate to gains and losses on derivative energy contracts for periods before they were documented as hedges for purposes of U.S. GAAP and to differences in accounting with respect to physical energy contracts.
During 2005, under the provisions of SFAS 133, net gains of $8 million (2004 $10 million; 2003 $47 million) from the hedges of changes in the fair value of long-term debt, and net losses of $8 million (2004 $18 million; 2003 $53 million) in the fair value of the hedged item were included in earnings for U.S. GAAP purposes as an adjustment to interest expense and foreign exchange losses. No amounts of the derivatives' gains or losses were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness in fair value hedging relationships.
No amounts were included in income in 2005, 2004, and 2003 with respect to ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges. For amounts included in other comprehensive income at December 31, 2005, $4 million (2004 $(4) million; 2003 $9 million) relates to the hedging of interest rate risk; $(1) million (2004 $3 million; 2003 $5 million) relates to the hedging of foreign exchange rate risk; and $(57) million (2004 $2 million; 2003 $(6) million) relates to the hedging of energy price risk. Of these amounts, $(44) million is expected to be recorded in earnings during 2006.
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At December 31, 2005, assets of $175 million (2004 $29 million) and liabilities of $110 million (2004 $27 million) were reduced for U.S. GAAP purposes to reflect the fair value of derivatives and the corresponding change in the fair value of hedged items.
Income Taxes
The income tax effects of differences between the accounting value and the tax value of assets and liabilities are as follows.
December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 |
2004 |
||
---|---|---|---|---|
Deferred Tax Liabilities | ||||
Difference in accounting and tax bases of plant, equipment and power purchase arrangements | 1,724 | 1,741 | ||
Taxes on future revenue requirement | 874 | 914 | ||
Investments in subsidiaries and partnerships | 555 | 438 | ||
Other | 147 | 140 | ||
3,300 | 3,233 | |||
Deferred Tax Assets |
||||
Net operating and capital loss carryforwards | 1 | 7 | ||
Deferred amounts | 148 | 89 | ||
Other | 63 | 106 | ||
212 | 202 | |||
Less: Valuation allowance | 14 | 17 | ||
198 | 185 | |||
Net deferred tax liabilities | 3,102 | 3,048 | ||
Other
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) "Share-Based Payment" which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. In 2002, TCPL adopted accounting for its stock-based compensation plans using the fair value recognition
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provisions under Canadian GAAP. Therefore, adopting the provisions under SFAS No 123 (revised 2004) has no impact on the U.S. GAAP financial statements of the Company.
In March 2005, (FASB) issued a Staff Position (FSP) on a previously issued Financial Interpretation (FIN). The provisions of FSP FIN 46 (R)-5 "Implicit Variable Interests under revised FIN 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" require that a reporting enterprise consider consolidating implicit variable interests when applying the provisions of FIN 46(R). Adopting these provisions has had no impact on the U.S. GAAP financial statements of the Company.
In March 2005, FASB issued FIN 47 "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations an interpretation of FASB No.143". FIN 47 clarifies that the term "conditional asset retirement obligation" as used in SFAS No. 143, refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. It also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. Adopting the clarification under this interpretation has had no impact on the U.S. GAAP financial statements of the Company.
In May 2005, FASB issued SFAS No 154 "Accounting Changes and Error Corrections a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and SFAS No. 3" which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. SFAS No. 154 changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle and error correction. It establishes, unless impracticable, retrospective application as the required method for reporting a change in accounting principle in the absence of explicit transition requirements specific to the newly adopted accounting principle. Adopting the provisions under SFAS No. 154, as of January 1, 2006, is not expected to have an impact on the U.S. GAAP financial statements of the Company.
Summarized Financial Information of Long-Term Investments
The following summarized financial information of long-term investments includes those investments that are accounted for by the equity method under U.S. GAAP (including those that are accounted for by the proportionate consolidation method under Canadian GAAP).
Year ended December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Income | |||||||
Revenues | 1,233 | 1,249 | 1,169 | ||||
Other costs and expenses | (508 | ) | (594 | ) | (552 | ) | |
Depreciation | (173 | ) | (173 | ) | (160 | ) | |
Financial charges and other | (94 | ) | (80 | ) | (77 | ) | |
Proportionate share of income before income taxes of long-term investments | 458 | 402 | 380 | ||||
December 31 (millions of dollars) |
2005 |
2004 |
|
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balance Sheet | ||||||
Current assets | 456 | 358 | ||||
Plant, property and equipment | 3,365 | 3,470 | ||||
Current liabilities | (319 | ) | (254 | ) | ||
Deferred amounts (net) | (73 | ) | (199 | ) | ||
Non-recourse debt | (1,236 | ) | (1,195 | ) | ||
Deferred income taxes | (25 | ) | (17 | ) | ||
Proportionate share of net assets of long-term investments | 2,168 | 2,163 | ||||
The distributed earnings from long-term investments for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $371 million (2004 $258 million; 2003 $192 million).
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Exhibit 99.1
COMMENTS BY AUDITORS FOR U.S. READERS ON CANADA-U.S.
REPORTING DIFFERENCE
In the United States, reporting standards for auditors require the addition of an explanatory paragraph (following the opinion paragraph) when there is a change in accounting principles that has a material effect on the comparability of the Company's financial statements, such as the changes described in Note 2 Accounting Changes to the Company's consolidated financial statements as at December 31, 2005 and 2004, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2005 which are incorporated by reference herein. Our report to the shareholders dated February 27, 2006, which is incorporated by reference herein, is expressed in accordance with Canadian reporting standards which do not require a reference to such a change in accounting principles in the auditors' report when the change is properly accounted for and adequately disclosed in the financial statements.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants
Calgary,
Canada
February 27, 2006