Mighty River Power: Quarterly Operational Update

Quarterly Operational Update
Three months ended 30 June 2014

CUSTOMER ENERGY PRICE DOWN IN LINE WITH FORECAST

Mighty River Power’s average energy price for sales to customers in the quarter to 30 June 2014 was down 4% on the prior comparable period (pcp), reflecting the highly competitive retail electricity market.

The average energy price achieved for sales in the quarter was down $4.59/MWh to $122.17/MWh. The lower pricing was driven by competition in both the commercial and residential segments. The Company commitment to not increase headline residential energy prices, the introduction of Mercury Energy’s additional 2% Prompt Payment Discount, and the effect of absorbing increases in local lines and transmission charges in fixed-price customer contracts contributed to this decline in energy prices. The energy price of $117.70 for the 12 months to 30 June represents an increase of 0.4% over the past year, and was in line with Mighty River Power’s IPO forecast for the period of $118/MWh.

GEOTHERMAL AND HYDRO PUSH GENERATION UP 10%

A partial recovery of hydro conditions in the quarter saw hydro production up 78GWh (11%) on pcp and Lake Taupo storage up 82GWh over the quarter. The lake level at 30 June was 65% of long run average (91GWh below average) and currently sits at 83% of long run average (as at 22 July).

Geothermal was up 135GWh (25%) on pcp due to additional production from the Ngatamariki station (which was commissioned in September 2013) and increased fuel availability lifting Kawerau output. Nga Awa Purua production remained stable at the level expected until the rotor replacement (scheduled towards late CY2015). Less than expected fuel availability at Ngatamariki has led the Company to bring forward drilling on a new production well which is currently underway. We expect Ngatamariki to be back from its 72MW output currently to 82MW by the end of calendar year 2014.

The utilisation of gas-fired generation from the Southdown station was well down on previous periods with just 31GWh in the quarter and a record low generation of 125GWh for the year ending 30 June. The Company is reviewing the role of Southdown and options for the future of the plant.

REDUCED COMMERCIAL SALES COMMITMENTS, IMPROVING OUTCOMES IN WHOLESALE

Commercial volumes (from Fixed Price Variable Volume contracts and CFD contracts) fell on pcp as the Company actively managed its sales book, to gain additional flexibility with hydro generation rather than using this generation capacity to hedge low fixed-priced commercial sales. Residential electricity sales volumes were also slightly lower due to warmer weather and reduced acquisition and retention activity in the South Island. The average price for generation during the quarter was $71.67MWh, outperforming the market average and other large generators. The relative price paid for purchases compared to the wholesale price the Company received for its generation (LWAP/GWAP), was flat on pcp despite the additional base-load geothermal generation. The 12 month ratio (LWAP/GWAP) was below unity for the first time in four years.

Mighty River Power will release its financial results for the 12 months ended 30 June 2014 on 20 August 2014.

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ENDS

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