Nation’s first issue of “Ratepayer Green Bonds” is a cost-effective solution to the national predicament of financing environmental compliance costs
U.S. and European investors snap up bonds at record low interest rates
Utility companies across the U.S. expect to spend billions on reducing environmental pollution and meeting new regulatory standards
NEW YORK–LAWFUEL – The Law Newswire – Saber Partners, a leading Wall Street financial advisory boutique, has successfully served as the chief advisor to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia (PSC) in completing the nation’s first Environmental Control Bond issue, which was launched on April 3rd and closed yesterday. The bonds lowered the cost of funding environmental control equipment by approximately $130 million when compared with traditional utility financing methods. More bond issues are likely to follow in other states as governments enact stricter environmental regulations.
The new type of “ratepayer green bond” is a “market-based” financing technique that can significantly reduce the cost to customers when coal-burning utilities comply with strict environmental standards affecting the climate. The proceeds will finance the costs of reducing mercury emissions, smog, acid rain and other air pollutants. The bonds are the result of a special statute passed by the West Virginia state legislature and implemented through a financing order issued by the state’s PSC. The bonds are groundbreaking because, while they are issued by the electric utilities, they use the powerful regulatory authority of the state to guarantee repayment of bonds through a surcharge to the utilities’ customers. The offering is also innovative because neither the credit of the electric utilities, nor the credit of the state, is affected by the financing. The bonds provide investors with a safe and secure investment and lower the costs of financing environmental compliance substantially and significantly.
The taxable deal, which totaled US$459.3 million, consisted of two “ratepayer green bond” issues for two units of Allegheny Power (NYSE: AYE) that provide service in West Virginia. The issues are rated triple-A, the highest credit category available – by the top three U.S. bond ratings agencies – and were sold to investors in the U.S. and Europe at record low rates. The proceeds will be used to finance necessary environmental equipment at Allegheny’s West Virginia Ft. Martin coal-burning power plant. The equipment reduces mercury emissions, smog and acid rain – a pressing objective for West Virginia and the nation. Allegheny and the PSC, working through Saber Partners, worked together in an unprecedented level of collaboration and cooperation to bring the “ratepayer green bonds” to market.
Jon W. McKinney, Chairman of the PSC of West Virginia, said, “I am delighted to have worked with Saber Partners and its CEO, Joseph Fichera, the chief advisor to the PSC, on this innovative bond financing. Our ability to secure the lowest possible costs for the bonds and complete the transaction in record time reflects the firm’s expertise, integrity and commitment to their client and to the people of West Virginia.”
Joseph Fichera, CEO of Saber Partners, said, “We are honored to have this opportunity to assist West Virginia in leading the nation by implementing an innovative way to get low cost funds for important projects affecting the climate. The bonds solve part of the escalating costs utilities and their regulators face in meeting government environmental standards, without overly burdening electricity customers.”
“Because coal is an important part of America’s energy future, finding low-cost ways to raise funds to make coal more environmentally friendly is a national imperative. Regulators, governmental officials, electricity customers and investors all share in the environmental and economic benefits of this deal. The environment is enhanced, jobs are created and protected, and investors get a safe and secure long-term investment.”
The deal helps to achieve public health and environmental benefits to satisfy regulations from the state and the Environmental Protection Agency. The goal is to reduce mercury and other emissions that create smog and acid rain.
The bonds lower the cost of funding the emissions control equipment by over $130 million when compared with traditional utility financing methods.
The financing will also lead to the creation of jobs to build the equipment and will promote the use of West Virginia-mined coal in power generation. The state is one of the leading producers of this essential commodity for coal-fired plants.
The transaction will serve as a model of cooperation between the public and private sectors to protect customers’ interests and the environment.
The deal was divided into a $344.5 million senior secured issue to benefit Monongahela Power Co. and a $114.8 million issue to benefit The Potomac Edison Co. Each deal carried four sinking fund tranches of four, 10, 16 and 20-year average life maturities. Members of the underwriting team include First Albany Corp., Bear Stearns, Loop Capital Markets and Scotia Capital. Credit spreads on the bonds (the amount investors charge above U.S. Treasury securities in order to purchase the bonds) were the lowest ever of any similar top-rated security sold by utilities.
About Saber Partners
Since the firm’s creation in September 2000, Saber Partners has set itself apart as an innovator in the realm of banking and finance. The firm is known for taking bold action and achieving significant results on behalf of a roster of clients that includes the West Virginia, Wisconsin and Florida Public Service Commissions, ExxonMobil Corporation, the Office of the Governor of the State of California during the height of the California energy crisis, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and an agent of the State of Vermont, as well as for other corporations interested in financings, mergers or acquisitions.
About The Public Service Commission of West Virginia
Among other activities, the Public Service Commission of West Virginia supervises and regulates the rates, services, operations and most other activities of all public utilities within the state. The PSC’s mission is to support and promote a regulatory environment that balances the interests of all parties to ensure that reasonably priced and reliable utility services are available to all customers, and to increase business investment, job creation/retention and the state’s overall economic competitiveness.
About Allegheny Energy
Allegheny Energy is the parent of Allegheny Power, Monongahela Power Co. and The Potomac Edison Co. The utilities generate, transmit and distribute electric power.
