DBRS Morningstar Confirms Ratings on PSS Generating Station LP at A (low) with Stable Trends

DBRS Limited (DBRS Morningstar) confirmed PSS Generating Station LP (New Post Creek)’s (the Issuer) Issuer Rating and Series 1 Senior Secured Bonds (the Bonds) rating at A (low) with Stable trends. The Bonds were issued to partially finance the construction of the 28-megawatt hydroelectric run-of-river project on the Abitibi River and a seven-kilometre transmission line (together, the Project).

The $245 million Bonds are secured by the physical assets and material contracts of the Issuer. They have an interest-only feature for the first 10 years, amortizing thereafter, with a minimum debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) of 1.50 times (x) in the forecast.

The Project reached Commercial Operation Date (COD) on March 31, 2017, which was well ahead of the scheduled February 2018 target and within budget. Construction risk was covered by the unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG; rated A (low) with a Stable trend by DBRS Morningstar) that covers all obligations, liabilities, and indebtedness of the Issuer under the Bonds. The OPG guarantee continues to be in place and will only fall away immediately following the Recourse Release Date. Most of the key requirements for Recourse Release have been met. The Recourse Release Date is now expected in 2021 after Project closeout.

The ratings are further supported by:
(1) The Issuer and the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO; rated A (high) with a Stable trend by DBRS Morningstar) entered into a Hydroelectric Energy Supply Agreement (HESA), which protects the Project from hydrology and price risks for 50 years to 2067. The IESO has the option for a 10-year extension thereafter. Payments under the HESA commenced at COD;
(2) The Project has a strong majority owner, OPG, which is a large and experienced hydro power generation operator with significant related expertise;
(3) The Major Maintenance Reserve Account, in favour of the trustee, is funded on or prior to the tenth anniversary of the COD of both turbine units; and
(4) Strong coverage ratios with a minimum DSCR of 1.50x and an average DSCR of 1.55x.

The ratings are limited by potential merchant risk and refinancing risk following the end of the HESA. Post-HESA, if not renewed, the portion of the unamortized Bonds remaining is estimated to be approximately 20%. DBRS Morningstar sees refinancing risk mitigated by the long asset life of approximately 90 years, as estimated by the independent engineer, and proper maintenance, as required by the Trust Indenture. DBRS Morningstar sees the 20% remaining debt amount of approximately $49 million as modest and with a refinancing profile that would likely have investment-grade metrics.

A description of how DBRS Morningstar considers ESG factors within the DBRS Morningstar analytical framework and its methodologies can be found at: https://www.dbrsmorningstar.com/research/357792.

Notes:
All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

The principal methodology is Rating Project Finance (September 1, 2020), which can be found on dbrsmorningstar.com under Methodologies & Criteria.

For more information regarding rating methodologies and Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), please see the following DBRS Morningstar press release: https://www.dbrsmorningstar.com/research/357883.

The related regulatory disclosures pursuant to the National Instrument 25-101 Designated Rating Organizations are hereby incorporated by reference and can be found by clicking on the link under Related Documents or by contacting us at info@dbrsmorningstar.com.

The rated entity or its related entities did participate in the rating process for this rating action. DBRS Morningstar had access to the accounts and other relevant internal documents of the rated entity or its related entities in connection with this rating action.

Generally, the conditions that lead to the assignment of a Negative or Positive trend are resolved within a 12-month period. DBRS Morningstar trends and ratings are under regular surveillance.

DBRS Morningstar will publish a full report shortly that will provide additional analytical detail on this rating action. If you are interested in receiving this report, contact us at info@dbrsmorningstar.com.

For more information on this credit or on this industry, visit www.dbrsmorningstar.com or contact us at info@dbrsmorningstar.com.

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