SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
¨ | REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
OR | ||
þ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the fiscal year ended 31 March 2012 | ||
OR | ||
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
OR | ||
¨ | SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
Date of event requiring this shell company report | ||
For the transition period from to |
Commission file number: 001-14958
NATIONAL GRID PLC
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
England and Wales
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5EH, England
(Address of principal executive offices)
Helen Mahy
011 44 20 7004 3000
Facsimile No. 011 44 20 7004 3004
Company Secretary and General Counsel
National Grid plc
1-3 Strand London WC2N 5EH, England
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Title of each class |
Name of each exchange on which registered |
|
Ordinary Shares of 11 17/43 pence each | The New York Stock Exchange* | |
American Depositary Shares, each representing five | The New York Stock Exchange | |
Ordinary Shares of 11 17/43 pence each | ||
6.625% Guaranteed Notes due 2018 | The New York Stock Exchange | |
6.30% Guaranteed Notes due 2016 | The New York Stock Exchange | |
Preferred Stock ($100 par value-cumulative): | ||
3.90% Series | The New York Stock Exchange | |
3.60% Series | The New York Stock Exchange |
* | Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares representing Ordinary Shares pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: None.
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: None.
The number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or common stock as of March 31, 2012 was
Ordinary Shares of 11 17/43 pence each | 3,700,949,542 |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act: Yes þ No ¨ o
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ¨ No þ
Note Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for 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 þ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files): Yes ¨ No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ | Accelerated filer ¨ | Non-accelerated filer ¨ |
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ¨ International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board þ Other ¨
If Other has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17 ¨ Item 18 ¨
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ
This constitutes the annual report on Form 20-F of National Grid Plc (the Company) in accordance with the requirements of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) for the year ended 31 March 2012 and is dated 12 June 2012. Details of events occurring subsequent to the approval of the annual report on 16 May 2012 are summarised in the section titled Further Information. The content of the Groups website (www.nationalgrid.com/uk) should not be considered to form part of this annual report on Form 20-F.
Form 20-F Cross Reference Table
Item |
Form 20-F caption | Location in the document | Page | |||||
1 |
Identity of directors, senior management and advisors |
Not applicable |
| |||||
2 |
Offer statistics and expected timetable |
Not applicable |
| |||||
3 |
Key Information |
|||||||
3A Selected financial data |
Summary consolidated financial information |
194-195 | ||||||
Financial performance |
56-63 | |||||||
Additional disclosuresExchange rates |
189 | |||||||
Exchange Rates |
|
Further
|
|
|||||
3B Capitalization and indebtedness |
Not applicable |
|||||||
| ||||||||
3C Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds |
Not applicable |
|||||||
| ||||||||
3D Risk Factors |
Risk Factors |
41-43 | ||||||
4 |
Information on the company |
|||||||
4A History and development of the company |
Delivering our strategyHow do we deliver?Financial outperformanceCapital investment programme |
36 | ||||||
Delivering our strategyWhat we delivered this yearDisciplined investment |
54-55 | |||||||
Financial position and resourcesSummarised balance sheet |
72-73 | |||||||
Additional informationKey milestones |
185 | |||||||
Useful Information |
196 | |||||||
4B Business overview |
Operating across two geographies |
15 | ||||||
Our business modelWhat we do |
16-23 | |||||||
Our operating environmentRegulatory environment |
24-29 | |||||||
Risk factorsInfrastructure security and IT systemsWe may suffer a major network failure or interruption, or may not be able to carry out critical non network operations |
41 | |||||||
4C Organizational structure |
Note 36 to the consolidated financial statementsPrincipal subsidiary undertakings |
169 | ||||||
4D Property, plants and equipment |
Operating across two geographies |
15 | ||||||
Delivering our strategyHow do we deliver?Environmental responsibility |
34-35 | |||||||
Financial position and resourcesSummarised balance sheetProperty, plant and equipment |
72 | |||||||
Additional disclosuresProperty, Plant and equipment |
185 | |||||||
Note 19 to the consolidated financial statementsBorrowings |
142 | |||||||
4A |
Unresolved staff comments |
Additional disclosuresUnresolved staff comments |
185 | |||||
5 |
Operational and financial review and prospects |
|||||||
5A Operating results |
Financial performance |
56-63 | ||||||
Principal operations |
64-71 | |||||||
Financial position and resourcesNet debt |
74-76 | |||||||
Note 32 to the consolidated financial |
156 |
i
Item |
Form 20-F caption | Location in the document | Page | |||||
statementsFinancial risk(a) Market risk(i) Foreign exchange risk |
||||||||
Our operating environmentEconomic environment |
24 | |||||||
5B Liquidity and capital resources |
Financial position and resources |
72-77 | ||||||
Chief Executives reviewDelivering on strategy |
6 | |||||||
Delivering our strategyHow we deliver?Financial OutperformanceCapital investment programme |
36 | |||||||
Financial position and resourcesCommitments and contingencies |
76-77 | |||||||
Additional disclosuresMaterial interests in shares |
184 | |||||||
Material interests in Shares |
|
Further
Information |
|
|||||
Our shareholder proposition |
Cover | |||||||
5C Research and development, patents and licenses, etc. |
Additional informationResearch and development |
185 | ||||||
5D Trend information |
Financial performance |
56-63 | ||||||
Principal operations |
64-71 | |||||||
5E Off-balance sheet arrangements |
Financial position and resourcesOff-balance sheet items |
76 | ||||||
5F Tabular disclosure of contractual obligations |
Note 28 to the consolidated financial statementsCommitments and contingencies |
151 | ||||||
5G Safe Harbor |
Important notice |
2 | ||||||
Cautionary Statement |
Back cover | |||||||
6 |
Directors, senior management and employees |
|||||||
6A Directors and senior management |
Board of Directors |
8-9 | ||||||
6B Compensation |
Remuneration Report |
90-106 | ||||||
Note 2 to the consolidated financial statementsOperating costs(c) Key management compensation |
127 | |||||||
Note 23 to the consolidated financial statementsPensions and other post-retirement benefits |
145-146 | |||||||
Note 30 to the consolidated financial statementsActuarial information on pensions and other post-retirement benefits |
152-155 | |||||||
Share ownership |
|
Further
Information |
|
|||||
6C Board practices |
Corporate GovernanceThe Board |
84-89 | ||||||
Board of Directors |
8-9 | |||||||
Remuneration ReportExecutive Directors service contracts, termination and mitigation and Non-executive Directors letters of appointment |
99-100 | |||||||
6D Employees |
Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements(b) Number of employees |
127 | ||||||
Additional disclosuresEmployees |
185 |
ii
Item |
Form 20-F caption | Location in the document | Page | |||||
6E Share ownership |
Remuneration ReportAll-employee share plans and Shareholding for Executive Directors |
97 | ||||||
Remuneration ReportRemuneration during the year ended 31 March 2012Directors interests in share options, Directors interests in the LTPP, PSP and DSP, and Directors beneficial interests |
103-106 | |||||||
7 |
Major shareholders and related party transactions |
|||||||
7A Major shareholders |
Additional disclosuresMaterial interests in shares |
184 | ||||||
7B Related party transactions |
Note 29 to the consolidated financial statementsRelated party transactions |
152 | ||||||
7C Interests of experts and counsel |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
8 |
Financial information |
|||||||
8A Consolidated statements and other financial information |
||||||||
Accounting policies |
112-118 | |||||||
Adoption of new accounting standards |
119 | |||||||
Consolidated primary statements |
120-124 | |||||||
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
125-150 | |||||||
Notes to the consolidated financial statementssupplementary information |
151-176 | |||||||
8B Significant changes |
Subsequent Events
|
|
Further
|
|
||||
9 |
The offer and listing |
|||||||
9A Offer and listing details |
Additional disclosuresThe offer and listingPrice history |
186 | ||||||
Price history |
|
Further
|
|
|||||
Useful informationShare price |
196 | |||||||
Exchange Rates |
|
Further
|
|
|||||
9B Place of distribution |
Not applicable |
|||||||
9C Markets |
Useful informationShare price |
196 | ||||||
9D Selling shareholders |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
9E Dilution |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
9F Expenses of the issue |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
10 |
Additional information |
|||||||
10A Share capital |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
10B Memorandum and articles of association |
Additional disclosuresAdditional informationArticles of association |
186-187 | ||||||
10C Material contracts |
Additional disclosuresMaterial contracts |
187 | ||||||
10D Exchange controls |
Additional disclosuresExchange controls |
187 | ||||||
10E Taxation |
Additional disclosuresTaxation |
187-189 | ||||||
10F Dividends and paying agents |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
10G Statement by experts |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
10H Documents on display |
Additional disclosuresAdditional informationDocuments on display |
189 | ||||||
10I Subsidiary information |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
11 |
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk |
|||||||
11A Quantitative information about market risk |
Note 31 to the consolidated financial statementsSupplementary information on derivative financial instruments |
155-156 | ||||||
Note 32 to the consolidated financial statements |
157-162 |
iii
Item |
Form 20-F caption | Location in the document | Page | |||||
Financial risk |
||||||||
Note 33 to the consolidated financial statementsCommodity risk |
162-164 | |||||||
Financial position and resources |
72-77 | |||||||
11B Qualitative information about market risk |
Note 31 to the consolidated financial statementsSupplementary information on derivative financial instruments |
155-156 | ||||||
Note 32 to the consolidated financial statementsFinancial risk |
157-162 | |||||||
Note 33 to the consolidated financial statementsCommodity risk |
162-164 | |||||||
Financial position and resources
|
72-77 | |||||||
12 |
Description of securities other than equity securities |
|||||||
12A Debt securities |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
12B Warrants and rights |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
12C Other securities |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
12D American depositary shares |
Additional disclosuresDescription of securities other than equity securities depositary fees and charges |
189 | ||||||
Definitions and glossary of terms
|
190 | |||||||
13 |
Defaults, dividend arrearages and delinquencies |
Not applicable |
| |||||
14 |
Material modifications to the rights of security holders and use of proceeds |
Not applicable |
| |||||
15 |
Controls and procedures |
Internal control over financial reporting |
47 | |||||
16 |
16A Audit committee financial expert |
Corporate GovernanceAudit CommitteeExperience |
88 | |||||
16B Code of ethics |
Additional disclosuresCode of Ethics |
184 | ||||||
16C Principal accountant fees and services |
Corporate GovernanceAudit CommitteeExternal Audit |
89 | ||||||
Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements(e) Auditors remuneration |
128 | |||||||
16D Exemptions from the listing standards for audit committees |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
16E Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
16F Change in registrants certifying accountant |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
16G Corporate governance |
Additional disclosuresCorporate governance practices: differences from New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listing standards |
184 | ||||||
16H Mine safety disclosure |
Not applicable |
| ||||||
17 |
Financial statements |
Not applicable |
| |||||
18 |
Financial statements |
Accounting policies |
112-118 | |||||
Adoption of new accounting standards |
119 | |||||||
Consolidated primary statements |
120-124 | |||||||
Notes to the consolidated financial statements |
125-150 | |||||||
Notes to the consolidated financial statementssupplementary information |
151-176 | |||||||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
111 | |||||||
19 |
Exhibits |
Filed with the SEC |
|
iv
Business Review
An energy networks business focused on generating shareholder value through both dividends and asset/equity growth by investing in essential assets under predominantly regulated market conditions to service long-term, sustainable, consumer led demands.
Investing in essential assets We plan to invest over £40bn in our regulated networks over the period to 2021, primarily in core UK transmission infrastructure. |
|
|
More features online www.nationalgrid.com/ annualreports/2012 |
|
www.nationalgrid.com
£3,495m -3%
Adjusted operating profit 2010/11: £3,600m
+8% excluding the impact of timing and major storms
51.3p +1%
Adjusted earnings per share 2010/11: 50.9p (i)
$14.5bn +1%
US rate base 2010/11: $14.3bn
39.28p +8%
Ordinary dividends 2010/11: 36.37p
£3,539m -6%
Operating profit 2010/11: £3,745m
+5% excluding the impact of timing and major storms
57.1p -9%
Earnings per share 2010/11: 62.9p (i)
£22.2bn +7%
UK regulatory asset value 2010/11: £20.8bn
10.9%
Group return on equity 2010/11: 10.8%
| Excludes the impact of exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries. See page 57 for more information about these adjusted profit measures |
| Prior year restated for consistency. See page 57 for more information |
(i) | Comparative earnings per share data has been restated for the impact of the scrip dividend issues. |
Our financial results are reported in sterling. The average exchange rate, as detailed on page 57, was $1.60 to £1 in 2011/12 compared with the average rate of $1.57 to £1 in 2010/11. Except as otherwise noted, the figures in this Report are stated in sterling or US dollars. All references to dollars or $ are to the US currency.
Business analysis 2011/12
Geographical analysis 2011/12
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 01
Business Review
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company based in the UK and northeastern US. We play a vital role in connecting millions of people safely, reliably and efficiently to the energy they use.
Directors Report
The Directors Report, prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and the UK Listing Authoritys Listing, and Disclosure and Transparency rules, comprising pages 8 to 107 and 184 to 189 was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:
Helen Mahy
Company Secretary & General Counsel
16 May 2012
The location within the main body of the Annual Report of the specific requirements of the Directors Report can be found in the checklist on page 81.
We use a number of technical terms and abbreviations within this document. In the interest of saving paper, we do not define terms or provide explanations every time that they are used; please refer to the glossary on pages 190 to 193 for this information. |
Segmental reporting
The performance of our principal businesses is reported by segment, reflecting the management responsibilities and economic characteristics of each activity.
Throughout this report, the following colours are used to indicate references to a particular segment:
UK Transmission | ||
UK Gas Distribution | ||
US Regulated |
Activities which do not fall within these segments are reported separately and are identified as:
Other activities |
Discussion relating to the Company as a whole is identified as:
Company activities |
If you require a full search facility, please go to the pdf of the Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 in the investor relations section of our website and use a word search.
Important notice
This document contains certain statements that are neither reported financial results nor other historical information. These statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. For a description of factors that could affect future results, reference should be made to the full cautionary statement on the back cover of this document and to the risk factors section on pages 41 to 43.
02 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
www.nationalgrid.com
IFC to 79
56 | Financial performance: | |
64 | Principal operations: | |
64 | UK Transmission | |
66 | UK Gas Distribution | |
68 | US Regulated | |
70 | Other activities | |
72 | Financial position and resources | |
78 | Accounting policies |
Corporate Governance
80 to 107
Financial Statements
108 to 183
109 | Statement of Directors responsibilities | |
110 | Intentionally Left Blank | |
111 |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated financial statements under IFRS |
|
112 | Accounting policies | |
119 | Adoption of new accounting standards | |
151 | Notes to the consolidated financial statements - supplementary information | |
Company financial statements under UK GAAP | ||
177 | Company accounting policies | |
Primary statement | ||
179 | Company balance sheet | |
180 | Notes to the Company financial statements |
Additional Information
184 to 198
|
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 03
Business Review
Sir Peter Gershon, Chairman
(i) | Comparative earnings per share data has been restated for the impact of the scrip dividend issues. |
Results
I am pleased to announce a good set of results for 2011/12. Adjusted earnings per share increased by 1% to 51.3 pence per share, compared to 50.9 (i) pence per share in 2010/11. This increase is particularly pleasing in light of the significant timing differences and major storm costs incurred this year.
Dividend policy
The Board is proposing a final dividend of 25.35 pence per share making a total of 39.28 pence per share for the 2011/12 financial year. This represents an increase of 8% from last year.
Our dividend is an important part of our returns to shareholders along with growth in the value of the asset base attributable to equity holders. This year is the last of our current dividend policy, which has been in place since January 2008. The Board has agreed a new one year dividend policy under which we plan to increase the dividend by 4% in nominal terms over the proposed dividend of 39.28 pence for 2011/12. This policy reflects the outcome from the one year TPCR4 rollover review and forecast inflation of around 3% for the same period. It will apply to the interim dividend to be paid in January 2013 and the final dividend to be paid in August 2013. We expect to announce a longer-term dividend policy after the current regulatory review is complete and its implications are clear.
Safety
This year has seen three fatalities occur. Any fatality associated with our business, whether an employee, contractor or member of the public, is deeply regrettable. Following thorough investigations, we are undertaking a wide range of measures to ensure we learn from these tragic events.
Safety is a top priority and will remain at the forefront of our core objectives. The Boards governance arrangements for the oversight of safety are being strengthened and the Chief Executive is leading a new drive to further improve our safety performance. We will always be exposed to high risk working environments on a daily basis and embedding safety procedures and principles in our people is a key part of improving our performance. We continue to foster the belief across our businesses that all accidents can be avoided.
Operating responsibly
We are mindful of our responsibility to the environments in which we operate and ensuring we continue operating in a socially responsible manner is fundamental to our continued delivery of sustainable profits and creating long-term value for our investors.
This year, we have made significant contributions across a number of areas including new education initiatives, such as the opening of the London tunnels energy education centre, our ongoing partnership with Special Olympics Great Britain and our work in the US on the engineering our future initiative. Our UK and US employees also continue to give up their time to volunteer and support community projects such as City Year. Details of a range of activities we and our employees support are available on our website.
Innovation is a key driver in our business, especially when it comes to connecting new sources of energy. The UK public debate around overhead lines versus underground cables provokes strong opinion and we are mindful of Government guidance when developing new connections and consider carefully the impact of our work on local communities. What is clear is that, at higher voltages, undergrounding is much more expensive. The right balance between landscape and affordability needs to be struck with society deciding whether it is
04 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
willing to accept the higher cost. We continue to work with those concerned to inform the debate, while also exploring innovative solutions to issues such as the visual impact of pylons (see page 50).
We have established a new energy partnership with the Buffalo Niagara medical campus which engages community stakeholders in innovative energy initiatives and helps support economic development and growth in the region. This partnership aims to set the benchmark for future energy efficient living and offers valuable insight into how people can embrace smart technologies in their everyday lives.
People
I am privileged to have taken over the role as Chairman of National Grid and would like to thank Sir John Parker for his personal contribution to the Companys success during his time as chairman, and for all the guidance and support he offered during my induction. I am delighted to be his successor.
A balance of skills, experience, knowledge and diversity is key to an effective Board and will remain a priority as we continue to refresh the composition of our Board over the next two years, as outlined on page 81. During the year, we welcomed Ruth Kelly and Paul Golby as Non-executive Directors. Both bring with them independence, knowledge and experience which will be invaluable as we address future opportunities and challenges.
Furthermore, Nora Brownell will join our Board as a Non-executive Director from 1 June 2012. Nora brings with her a vast amount of experience of the US energy industry and regulatory environment that will help further strengthen our Board.
Stephen Pettit and Linda Adamany will step down from the Board with effect from 30 July and 31 October 2012 respectively. Both have made an invaluable contribution to the Board, with Stephen chairing our Risk & Responsibility Committee for a number of years. I would like to thank them both for their committed service.
We must continue to develop robust succession planning for our Directors and senior management by actively looking to recruit new and diverse talent into the business, and by ensuring our existing employees are developed and challenged to reach their full potential. Attracting new talent into the business through innovative recruitment drives, the development of new recruits, our apprentice schemes and the maintenance of our graduate programme as one of the industry leading programmes, will continue to form part of our focus.
The Board is aware of the ongoing discussions and opinions being voiced with regard to executive remuneration and the heightened profile of this topic. We acknowledge this is an important area for shareholders. Our new chair of the Remuneration Committee is focused on this matter and we have taken steps to enhance our disclosures as part of the Remuneration Report starting on page 90.
The Chairmans Awards, a global employee recognition scheme, are an excellent initiative introduced by my predecessor and I am delighted to offer these my full support. This year attracted more than 160 submissions and the winners will be announced in June. They provide a perfect illustration of the talent and tireless effort of our employees to make National Grid an improved place to work and to make positive contributions to local communities. We were particularly interested in ideas to improve safety and wellbeing in the workplace and are pleased that a number of the initiatives submitted really strove to go the extra mile and demonstrate innovation.
Governance
We are again committed to setting the tone at the top and look to adopt best practice in corporate governance. Personally, I am dedicated to this approach and will continue to ensure that, as a Board, we remain engaged in exploring ways that can further improve our performance. Further details on Board evaluation and effectiveness are provided on page 82.
Outlook
The Board and I remain committed to delivering increased shareholder value and returns. We are more focused than ever on improving our safety performance, recognising the need for all our employees and contractors to be able to operate safely on a day-to-day basis to enable our business to continue to operate at an optimum level.
I extend my thanks to our US employees, who demonstrated outstanding commitment in responding to the severe storms experienced earlier this year, as well as to all our employees for their hard work and dedication to the success of the Company. This reinforces my belief that we are well positioned to meet the future opportunities and challenges we face.
Sir Peter Gershon
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 05
Business Review
Steve Holliday, Chief Executive
Over the course of 2011/12, we have made good progress on our key priorities: disciplined investment; delivering improved performance and returns in the US; preparing for the new regulatory arrangements in the UK; and focusing on operational excellence across all our principal operations, in particular, through our restructuring of the US business and UK Gas Distribution. We remain at the centre of the challenge to connect future energy solutions in both the UK and northeastern US and continue to progress these through ongoing engagement with our stakeholders.
Financials
Throughout 2011/12, we have delivered good financial performance. Adjusted operating profit is up 8%, excluding the timing differences that benefited 2010/11 and the impact of two major storms in the US. We delivered another significant year of capital expenditure with £3.4 billion reflecting the sustained investment in our regulated activities. The launch of our first UK RPI linked retail bond proved a great success, raising further capital as well as securing a new investor base. We continued to manage our portfolio of businesses in a disciplined manner, releasing value through sales of two of our non-regulated businesses, OnStream in the UK and Seneca-Upshur in the US.
In November, Ofgem published final proposals for the one year (2012/13) transmission price control rollover for our UK Transmission business (TPCR4). These included real increases in revenues for electricity and gas transmission, reflecting the capital investment we have made over the current price control period.
Safety
Safety remains a top priority, as our financial and business performance must always be underpinned by a strong safety record. I must reiterate the message from our Chairman; the three fatalities associated with our business are deeply regrettable.
During 2011/12, our injury frequency rate was unchanged at 0.18. This remains an area where we must increase our efforts and strive to achieve zero injuries. Last year we focused on trends associated with high potential incidents and mitigating actions, our incident review process, and ever increasing engagement across the entire leadership team. These actions will continue to be in place going forward as we accept that more must be done to ensure all employees and contractors operate safely.
Delivering our strategy
We own and manage the networks to which many different energy sources are connected. That puts us at the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing our society: creating new sustainable energy solutions for the future and developing an energy system that can support economic prosperity in the 21st century.
This year, our programme of capital expenditure continued to be largely driven by our UK electricity and gas businesses and improvement of our networks. Highlighted in our business plans, submitted in support of the new regulatory framework RIIO (revenue = incentives + innovation + outputs), the level of investment in this area is planned to reach £31 billion through to 2021. We continue to work with Ofgem to reach an acceptable RIIO outcome for our UK regulated businesses. Details on the new framework can be found on page 25.
Following last years announcement of the changes in our US business, we have an increased local focus that has helped improve, in particular, our performance and responsiveness when interacting with our customers and regulators. Through the reorganisation, we were also able to achieve the targeted annualised cost saving of $200 million. The increased local engagement has already seen positive results. In December 2011, NYPSC approved our request to recover certain deferred costs and a portion of recent storm costs in our Niagara Mohawk electricity business. In April 2012, we also submitted important new rate filings for our Niagara Mohawk and Narragansett businesses.
In December, the UK Government published its technical update for the Electricity Market Reform bill, which is expected to be passed into legislation during the current parliamentary session. The changes proposed will be key in shaping investment decisions in new generation capacity and it is envisaged that we will assume responsibility for administration of the new framework for renewable and low carbon generation payments.
Operational
Maintaining a safe and reliable supply is a critical part of our job. Operationally we have performed well, with reliability of the UK electricity and gas transmission network at more than 99%. However, during the severe winter of 2010/11 we failed standards for uncontrolled gas escapes in all four of our networks and for controlled gas escapes in two of them, resulting in a fine of £4.3 million from Ofgem. The lessons we learnt were used to improve plans for the winter of 2011/12 when we met all our targets.
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In the US, our reliability was 93%. However, these figures always exclude major storms and 2011/12 was an exceptional year for weather events. Over the summer we faced tropical storm Irene, flooding and tornadoes, while in Massachusetts, an unseasonal snow storm in October affected 92% of the communities we serve. The level of devastation experienced as a result of these storms was huge and the process of rebuilding communities and replacing infrastructure was a challenge. The response, passion and commitment of our teams and the support we received from neighbouring states, were exceptional. The process of restoring power to communities can always be improved, but in such exceptional circumstances I am proud of the efforts of all those involved.
In December 2011, LIPA announced that we had not been selected to continue to manage and operate Long Islands electricity system beyond the term of the current agreement, expiring on 31 December 2013. We are naturally disappointed by this decision, but our substantive assets on Long Island are not affected. We will continue to provide high quality services for the remainder of our contract and support the complex transition.
Customer
We remain determined to improve customer service and further understand customers needs so we can serve them in the most effective and efficient manner. This year has seen the opening of our new UK Gas Distribution customer centres, specifically designed to provide a more responsive and integrated service. The result of this and other initiatives implemented are already showing, with our customer satisfaction increasing by an average of 5.5% this year. Further improvement is important to us and will have even greater significance under the new regulatory framework, with incentives being introduced. Embedding customer focus now should enable us to be ready for this.
In the US, our results have been mixed. However, the success of the new structure and the deeper engagement with our stakeholders is already starting to improve relationships, with positive feedback being received. The elevate 2015 programme aims to design and implement more customer focused processes better aligned to meeting their needs, and by doing so, will enable greater improvement in our customer service performance.
We continue to progress efficiency initiatives across all our businesses. The UK Gas Distribution front office programme has successfully implemented replacement systems and streamlined core business processes that should help us move to upper quartile
customer performance. In addition, our US foundations project, which will integrate multiple information systems and improve control processes, is on target for late 2012 implementation. It aims to deliver a single financial system, a single cost allocation methodology and enhanced jurisdictional and functional reporting.
People
Our people form the foundation of our business. Personally, I remain committed to developing all of them to the best of their abilities. We need to deliver the planned increase in capital expenditure and without the correct people and capabilities we will be unable to meet this challenge.
In the UK, over the next nine years we are looking to recruit in the region of 2,500 engineers a mixture of experienced engineers and development programme trainees to support our investment programme. In the US, we also expect to fill around 800 management roles requiring an engineering background over the next 10 years. Developing talent is vital to our success and we recognise our role in enthusing the next generation of young people to pursue science, technology and mathematics at school and beyond. We are working with schools and partnerships to bring alive the opportunities that exist via the different routes into industry. Over the last year, our UK employees interacted with more than 3,900 students through work experience, Imagineering clubs and open days, and our US employees continue to be active in supporting local schools and communities. Our focus on inspiring the younger generation into engineering and science will continue on both sides of the Atlantic.
This year saw an 84% response rate to the employee survey. I am pleased with this, as the results provide a true reflection of how we are doing. Overall, our results have improved from the last survey, with customer and safety both scoring higher. There is still more work to be done on engagement and, as a leadership team across the Company, we are already starting to address this area.
Looking forward
The scale of the challenges we face over the next decade is significant, as we must deliver the networks to support future needs. Our job remains to connect people safely and reliably to the energy they use; this is a privileged position.
Our priorities for 2012/13 are focused towards:
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driving a marked improvement in our safety performance; |
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delivery of our ongoing capital investment programme; |
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continuing to work with Ofgem on the final RIIO proposals; |
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driving improved performance and returns across our US Regulated business; |
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further improving our operational processes, both in the US, following our reorganisation, and in the UK, as we prepare to operate within a RIIO framework; and |
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further developing key leadership and business capabilities to support our long-term strategic ambitions. |
Steve Holliday
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1. Sir Peter Gershon CBE,
Chairman
Appointment to the Board: 1 August 2011 as Deputy Chairman, Chairman with effect from 1 January 2012
Committee membership: N (ch)
Career experience: Previous appointments include Chairman of Premier Farnell plc, Chief Executive of the Office of Government Commerce and Managing Director of Marconi Electronic Systems.
External appointments: Chairman of Tate & Lyle plc, member of the UK Defence Academy Advisory Board and HM Government Efficiency Board.
2. Steve Holliday,
Chief Executive
Appointment to the Board: October 2002, appointed to National Grid Group plc 2001, Chief Executive with effect from January 2007
Committee membership: E (ch), F
Career experience: Formerly Executive Director of British Borneo Oil and Gas; he also spent 19 years within the Exxon Group, where he held senior positions in the international gas business and managed major operational areas such as refining and shipping.
External appointments: Non-executive Director of Marks and Spencer Group plc and Chairman of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy, Crisis UK, the Technician Council and a member of the Board of Trustee Directors for Business in the Community and Infrastructure UK Advisory Council.
3. Andrew Bonfield,
Finance Director
Appointment to the Board: November 2010
Committee membership: E, F
Career experience: Chief Financial Officer at Cadbury plc until March 2010; he also spent five years as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and has previous experience in the energy sector as Finance Director of BG Group plc.
External appointments: Non-executive Director of Kingfisher plc.
4. Tom King,
Executive Director, US
Appointment to the Board: August 2007
Committee membership: E
Career experience: President of PG&E Corporation and Chairman and CEO of Pacific Gas and Electric Company from 2003 to 2007, having held a number of senior positions within the PG&E group since joining in 1998. Senior management positions with Kinder Morgan Energy Partners and Enron Corporation.
5. Nick Winser,
Executive Director, UK
Appointment to the Board: April 2003
Committee membership: E
Career experience: Previously Chief Operating Officer of the US transmission business for National Grid Transco plc having joined The National Grid Company plc in 1993, becoming Director of Engineering in 2001. Prior to this, Nick had been with Powergen since 1991 as principal negotiator on commercial matters.
External appointments: Non-executive Director of Kier Group plc and co-Chair of the Energy Research Partnership.
6. Ken Harvey CBE,
Non-executive Director and
Senior Independent Director
Appointment to the Board: October 2002, appointed to Lattice Group plc board in 2000, Senior Independent Director with effect from October 2004
Committee membership: N, R (ch), R&R
Career experience: Formerly Engineering Director and then Deputy Chairman of London Electricity and Chairman and Chief Executive of NORWEB plc.
External appointments: Chairman of Pennon Group Plc.
7. Linda Adamany,
Non-executive Director
Appointment to the Board: November 2006
Committee membership: A, N, R&R
Career experience: Various executive roles for BP in both the UK and US, including Chief Executive of BP Shipping and Group Vice President and Commercial Director, BP Refining & Marketing and until April 2008, Group Vice President, BP plc.
8. Philip Aiken,
Non-executive Director
Appointment to the Board: May 2008
Committee membership: A, N, R&R
Career experience: Formerly Group President of BHP Billitons Energy business, Executive Director of BTR plc, held senior roles in BOC Group plc and was senior advisor to Macquarie Capital (Europe) Limited.
External appointments: Chairman of Robert Walters plc, Deputy Chairman of AVEVA Group plc, Non-executive and Senior Independent Director of Kazakhmys PLC and Non-executive Director of Miclyn Express Offshore Limited and Essar Energy plc.
9. Paul Golby CBE,
Non-executive Director
Appointment to the Board: 1 February 2012
Committee membership: N, R, R&R
Career experience: Formerly Executive Director of Clayhithe plc before joining East Midlands Electricity plc in 1998 as Managing Director. Appointed as Chief Executive of E.ON UK plc in 2002, and later additionally as Chairman, stepping down from the E.ON Board in December 2011.
External appointments: Non-executive Chairman of AEA Technology Group plc, Chairman of Engineering UK, Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and a member of the Council for Science and Technology.
10. Ruth Kelly,
Non-executive Director
Appointment to the Board: 1 October 2011
Committee membership: A, F, N
Career experience: Various senior roles in Government from 2001 to 2008, including Secretary of State for Transport, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Secretary of State for Education and Skills and Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
External appointments: Managing Director at HSBC and Governor for the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.
11. Stephen Pettit,
Non-executive Director
Appointment to the Board: October 2002, appointed to Lattice Group plc board in 2001
Committee membership: F, N, R, R&R (ch)
Career experience: Formerly Chairman of ROK plc, Executive Director of Cable & Wireless plc and Chief Executive, Petrochemicals at British Petroleum.
External appointments: Non-executive Director of Halma p.l.c and a member of BT Group plcs Equality of Access Board.
12. Maria Richter,
Non-executive Director
Appointment to the Board: October 2003
Committee membership: A, F (ch), N
Career experience: With Morgan Stanley from 1993 to 2002, latterly as Managing Director of its Corporate Finance Retail Group; Vice President of Independent Power Group for Salomon Brothers and Vice President of Prudential Capital Corporation and Power Funding Associates.
External appointments: Non-executive Chairman of Pro Mujer UK and Non-executive Director of The Pantry, Inc., The Vitec Group plc and The Bessemer Group Inc.
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13. George Rose, Non-executive Director Appointment to the Board: October 2002, appointed to Lattice Group plc board in 2000 Committee membership: A (ch), N, R Career experience: Formerly a member of the Financial Reporting Review Panel, Non-executive Director of Orange plc and Saab AB and Finance Director of BAE Systems plc. External appointments: Member of the UK Industrial Development Advisory Board, Non-executive Director of Genel Energy plc and Laing ORourke plc.
14. Helen Mahy, Company Secretary & General Counsel Appointment as Company Secretary: October 2002 Committee membership: E Career experience: A barrister and an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute. Formerly a Non-executive Director of Aga Rangemaster Group plc and Chair of the GC100 Group. External appointments: Non-executive Director of Stagecoach Group plc and a member of the Opportunity Now Advisory Board.
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Key: A = Audit Committee E = Executive Committee F = Finance Committee N = Nominations Committee R = Remuneration Committee R&R = Risk & Responsibility Committee (ch) = chairman of Committee |
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Board diversity and succession
We believe creating an inclusive and diverse culture supports the attraction and retention of talented people, improves effectiveness, delivers superior performance and enhances the success of the Company. While criteria such as gender or ethnicity are important, we also value diversity of skills, experience, knowledge and expertise, as can be seen below. Our Board brings together people with different experience and backgrounds, and sometimes divergent opinions, but with shared goals.
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Davies Review
In relation to gender diversity, as a result of the transition of our Board, see page 81, we expect the number of female Board members to fluctuate in coming months. We aspire to meet the targets set by Lord Davies by 2015 and the Board will be considering a formal diversity policy during the year ahead.
Our executive and leadership population is regularly and rigorously assessed against achievement of individual objectives and key leadership qualities to help build a sustainable development and succession plan. The Board reviews the talent pipeline to the
Executive Committee and the quality and diversity of talent further down the organisation. Individuals who are identified as potential successors to the Executive Committee within a three year timeframe also undergo an external benchmarking and assessment process carried out by an independent third party. At the same time, we have initiated a programme of executive sponsorship and mentoring of high potential female and minority ethnic managers in order to ensure increased diversity throughout the leadership of the Company.
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The Boards purpose is to create and deliver the long-term success of the Company and returns for shareholders.
There are a number of areas where the Board takes the lead, for example around corporate governance, strategic direction, financial policy including the budget and business plan and the reputation of the Company and its businesses.
The composition of the Board and the diverse skills and experience our Directors bring to the table are vital for ensuring shareholders interests are best represented and that there is sufficient constructive challenge and debate.
Our Non-executive Directors commit sufficient time to perform their duties and to understand the Company, for example through their work on the Committees, site visits, induction programmes for new Directors and meetings with management and employees.
While the Board delegates authority to its Committees to carry out certain tasks on its behalf as set out in each Committees terms of reference, available on our website it ensures that what has been discussed and any decisions taken are communicated to the other Directors. The chairman of each Committee provides a summary back to the Board at the following meeting.
For more information on the operation of the Board and its Committees refer to pages 80 to 89.
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The Executive Committee has responsibility for making day-to-day management and operational decisions to safeguard the interests of the Company.
The nine members of the Committee have a broad range of skills and expertise which is constantly being updated through training and development, as well as through holding external non-executive directorships. This broadens experience and gives exposure to other companies governance frameworks and board practices. The Committee officially met 11 times this year but interaction among the members occurs much more regularly.
The Committee oversees the safety, operational and financial performance of the Company, taking management action it considers necessary to safeguard the interests of the Company and is responsible for furthering the strategy, business objectives and targets established by the Board. It approves capital and operational expenditure within its authority levels and regularly discusses, formulates and approves proposals to be considered by the Board.
Although the other members of the Committee do not sit on the Board, they all regularly attend Board meetings and other Committees (with Helen Mahy, the Company Secretary & General Counsel, attending all Board and Nominations Committee meetings as secretary) to ensure that every member is fully up to date and knowledge is shared.
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In common with all international companies, we operate in a complex environment with a number of external factors affecting our operations.
UK energy policy
The Climate Change Act 2008 requires the UK to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 34% from the 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Continuing the drive toward these goals, in December 2011, DECC published its technical update for the Electricity Market Reform bill, which was confirmed in the Queens speech on 9 May 2012 and is expected to be passed into legislation during the current parliamentary session. The changes proposed by this legislation will be instrumental in shaping investment in new generation capacity over the coming decade which, in turn, underpins our expected capital investment plans.
DECC remains committed to reducing the costs of renewable generation and published a joint report with Ofgem in March 2012 highlighting that offshore and onshore development must be considered together when looking at network development needs. Our role as system operator includes offshore networks and we will play a key role in ensuring onshore and offshore network development is coordinated.
EU energy policy
With the implementation of the 3rd Energy Package in 2011, the development of the European Infrastructure Package in 2012 and emerging EU thinking on a roadmap to 2050 (ie moving beyond the 2020 CO2 targets), the EU is another factor in the development of energy policy in the UK. The 3rd Energy Package is largely associated with the development of EU level codes, to establish EU wide rules on technical and commercial issues relating to cross border trade. These codes are the responsibility of the European networks for transmission system operators for electricity and the European networks for transmission system operators for gas, and we have been working closely with both of them. In the years to come, we expect policy to develop around greater interconnection in the electricity market and networks in the North Sea.
US energy policy
US energy policy continues to be shaped by debates over the economy, the costs and benefits of regulation, and concerns over energy security. During the year, Congress enacted an extension of the Pipeline Safety Act and debated a variety of other energy related legislation including a clean energy standard, energy efficiency, renewable energy incentives and cyber security. The most significant changes however, came in the form of new US Environmental Protection Agency regulations. These included rules for mandatory reporting of GHG emissions from electricity and gas utility facilities and the promotion of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards rule and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule which will help to ensure air and water quality.
Federal agencies continued their investment in energy efficiency as a direct reflection of the Obama administrations priorities. This has manifested itself in large projects at federal facilities in all of the Companys service areas and we are working with a number of Government facilities to assist in this endeavour.
At the state level energy policy continues to be an active arena, particularly in the northeastern US, driven by interest in promoting energy efficiency, maintaining reliability, and deploying renewable technologies that help states meet environmental and energy diversity goals. New York has promoted a broad energy policy
agenda, including renewed focus on transmission development, a state energy plan, responsible exploration of shale gas, a mandated utility-based loan programme to increase efficiency installations with recovery through customer bills, and promotion of solar technology. Massachusetts continues to focus on climate and energy initiatives including the recent establishment of a GHG inventory programme. Rhode Island enacted several pieces of legislation in 2011 that will promote renewable technologies at the distribution system level, as well as significantly boost the support for gas energy efficiency programmes.
The economic uncertainty within the eurozone has led to volatility in financial markets during the year, however, we have not experienced any adverse effects. Instead, as the UK is seen as a safe haven, its bond yields have fallen and this has had a positive effect on our cost of debt. We continue to monitor developments as it may affect our ability to access capital markets or the financial strength of our counterparties.
Inflation in the UK has declined from its peak in September 2011 but remains above the long-term trend. Our UK regulated revenues are linked to inflation and this has therefore led to higher revenues (see below for an explanation of the UK regulatory regime). We also have index-linked debt so our financing cost increases with inflation, providing a partial economic offset.
In the US, the economic recovery was sluggish early in the year but accelerated towards year end, leading to recent declines in the unemployment rate. Unlike the position in the UK, we sell gas and electricity directly to consumers in the US and so are exposed to bad debt risk, which is affected by unemployment rates. Some of our rate plans include protection against such risk (see page 28), but in most cases they do not cover the full cost.
The Gas Act 1986 and Electricity Act 1989, as amended (the Acts), provide the fundamental legal framework for gas and electricity companies. They establish the licences for electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply, and for gas transmission, distribution, shipping and supply. The licences established under the Acts require each of our business activities to develop, maintain and operate an economic and efficient network and to facilitate competition in the supply of gas and electricity in Great Britain. They also give the licensed businesses statutory powers, such as the right to bury our pipes or cables under public highways and the ability to use compulsory powers to purchase land to enable the conduct of our businesses.
Energy networks are regulated by Ofgem which operates under the direction and governance of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority. Ofgem has established price control mechanisms that set the amount of revenue that can be earned by our regulated businesses.
Price control regulation is designed to ensure our interests, as a monopoly, are balanced with those of our customers. Ofgem allows us to charge reasonable, but not excessive, prices giving us a future level of revenue sufficient to meet our statutory duties and licence obligations, and also to make a reasonable return on our investment.
The price control includes a number of mechanisms to achieve its objectives, including financial incentives designed to encourage us to: continuously improve the cost and effectiveness of our services; manage and operate our networks; provide quality customer service; and invest in the development of the network in a manner that ensures long-term security of supply.
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To ensure that our licensed businesses are operating efficiently, and consumers are protected, we operate under eight price controls in the UK, comprising two for our UK electricity transmission operations, one covering our role as transmission owner (TO) and the other for our role as system operator (SO); two for our gas transmission operations, again one as TO and one as SO; and one for each of our four regional gas distribution networks. In addition to the eight price controls, our LNG storage business has a price control covering some aspects of its operations. There is also a tariff cap price control applied to certain elements of domestic metering and daily meter reading activities undertaken by National Grid Metering.
Current price controls
The current price control mechanisms for our gas distribution business will expire on 31 March 2013. The price controls for our transmission business were extended for one year and will now also expire on 31 March 2013. The extension included real increases in revenues for electricity and gas transmission next year and a base real vanilla return of 4.75%. The revenue increase partly reflects the capital investment we have made over the current price control period which forms part of our total UK RAV, which at 31 March 2012 was over £22 billion.
The current price control mechanism establishes the amount of money that can be earned by our regulated businesses is restricted by what is referred to as an RPI-X price control. The RPI-X allowance is based on Ofgems estimates of efficient operating expenditure (opex), capital expenditure (capex) and asset replacement, together with an allowance for depreciation and an allowed rate of return on capital invested in our businesses. The RPI-X price control takes the RPI as its inflation benchmark and subtracts X, an efficiency factor, from it. For example, at a time when annual inflation was 3%, a value for X of 2% would allow our regulated businesses to raise prices by no more than 1%.
The RAV, which represents the value ascribed by Ofgem to the capital employed in our regulated businesses, is adjusted to reflect asset additions, removals, depreciation and the rate of inflation.
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Future price controls
It is estimated that we will need to invest over £31 billion during the RIIO period, partly to facilitate the move to a low carbon economy. This will include the gas and electricity networks developing smarter grids, meeting environmental challenges and securing energy supplies.
In light of the challenges around the evolving energy environment and the significant investments required, Ofgem has introduced a new regulatory price control framework to replace the existing framework which has been in use for over 20 years. This is known as RIIO: revenue = incentives + innovation + outputs.
Under this regime, networks will be encouraged to deliver outputs, such as agreed levels of safety, reliability and environmental performance, while ensuring timely connections for customers, improving on customer satisfaction and (for UK Gas Distribution only) complying with social obligations. The networks will be incentivised to deliver these innovatively and efficiently. During the price control review process, Ofgem will assess what an efficient level of expenditure would be to deliver these outputs and will then set the revenue levels accordingly.
The RIIO price control will last for eight years with a mid-period review at four years.
The fundamentals of how our revenue is derived under RIIO are not that different, but the mechanics of how capex and opex (totex) are treated has changed, as demonstrated below. A fixed proportion of totex goes into the RAV (slow money) with the remainder remunerated within the year (fast money).
We have developed our business plans in conjunction with our stakeholders and have reflected their views and feedback in our updated plans, submitted to Ofgem in March and April 2012 for our UK Transmission and UK Gas Distribution businesses respectively. Full details of these business plans can be found on our website.
Ofgem will issue their initial proposals for the first RIIO price control period in July 2012 and their final proposals in December 2012. We will continue to work with Ofgem as the RIIO price controls are finalised, aiming to secure positive opportunities to invest for long-term profitable growth and reasonable returns.
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Our operating environment continued
Managing uncertainty
With an eight year price control period replacing the previous five year controls, there will inevitably be a larger exposure to potential variance against our forecasts; for example, on our electricity transmission business a different mix of generators may look to connect to the system than those we have assumed in our baseline plan. In order to understand the impact that different outcomes might have, we have modelled a range of credible future demand and generation scenarios using the scenarios developed with stakeholders through the UK Future Energy Scenarios process. The impact of these alternative scenarios against our baseline capital investment forecast (which uses the gone green scenario) is illustrated below:
Building on our existing risk management approach, we have developed an innovative risk model to better understand the risks that our business will face, how those risks might best be managed and to evaluate the relationship between uncertainty mechanisms and the required rate of return. We have shared this model with stakeholders, including Ofgem, who have been broadly supportive of it.
Following discussions with stakeholders, we have therefore proposed a number of regulatory mechanisms, which would adjust our allowed investment levels over the period of the price control to ensure there are no inappropriate windfall gains or losses for our networks or consumers as a result of reality diverging from the assumptions we have made in forecasting the next eight years. In doing this, we have maintained the principle that risks should be borne by the party best able to manage them.
Further information on these mechanisms and the risks they seek to reduce is available on our price control stakeholder engagement website: www.talkingnetworkstx.com.
Regulators
In the US, public utilities retail transactions are regulated by state utility commissions, including the New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC), the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (MADPU), the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) and the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC). Utility commissions serve as economic regulators in approving cost recovery and authorised rates of return. The state commissions establish the retail rates to recover the cost of transmission and distribution services, and focus on services and costs within their jurisdictions. FERC regulates the wholesale transactions of public utilities, such as interstate transmission and electricity generation, and provides for the cost recovery of these services.
Utility commissions are also charged with serving the public interest by ensuring utilities provide safe and reliable service at just and reasonable prices. They establish service standards and approve mergers and acquisitions of public utilities. FERC also regulates public utility holding companies and centralised service companies, including those of our US businesses.
All the states in which we operate have deregulated the commodity or supply component of electricity and gas utility services. Customers in deregulated states have the option to purchase electricity or gas services from competitive suppliers.
Regulatory process
Utilities in the US submit a formal rate filing to the applicable state regulatory body requesting a revenue adjustment in a proceeding known as a rate case. The rate case process is conducted in a litigated setting and, in the states in which we operate, it can take six to 13 months for the commission to render a final decision. In all states, the utility is required to prove that its requested rate change is prudent and reasonable. At FERC there is no defined process for adjudicating a rate case. FERC allows rates to be put in place before a final decision is reached, however, a refund may be required if the outcome is unfavourable. The utility may request a rate plan that can span multiple years.
During the rate case process, consumer advocates and other intervening parties scrutinise and often file opposing positions to the utilitys rate request. The rate case decision reflects a weighing of the facts in light of the regulators policy objectives. During a rate case, the utility, consumer advocates and intervening parties may agree on the resolution of aspects of a case and file a negotiated settlement with a commission for approval.
Gas and electricity rates are established from a revenue requirement, or cost of service, representing the utilitys total cost of providing distribution or delivery service to its customers. It includes operating expenses, depreciation, taxes and a fair and reasonable return on certain components of the utilitys regulated asset base, typically referred to as its rate base. The rate of return applied to the rate base is the utilitys weighted average cost of capital, representing its cost of debt and an allowed ROE intended to provide the utility with an opportunity to attract capital from investors and maintain its financial integrity. The total cost of service is apportioned among different customer classes and categories of service to establish the rates, through a process called rate design, for these classes of customers. The final cost of service and rate design are ultimately approved in the rate case decision.
The revenue requirement is derived from a comprehensive study of the utilitys total costs during a recent 12 month period of operations referred to as a test year. Each commission has its own rules and standards for adjustments to the test year which are intended to
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arrive at the total costs expected in the first year new rates will be in effect, or the rate year, and may include forecast capital investments in determining rate year rate base. Often, known and measurable adjustments are made to test year data to reflect normal operating conditions. In Massachusetts, only limited adjustments to this test year are allowed, which are required to be both known and measurable. New York and Rhode Island allow more comprehensive adjustments to the test year.
In summary, the US regulatory regime is based on a building block approach intended to allow the utility to recover its cost of service and earn a return on its investments.
Our rate plans
We have five sets of electricity rates and seven sets of gas rates, covering our electricity distribution operations in upstate New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, and our gas distribution networks in upstate New York, New York City, Long Island, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Distribution and transmission electricity services in upstate New York continue to be subject to a combined rate that is billed to end use customers. In New England, retail transmission rates reflect the recovery from our end use customers of wholesale transmission charges assessed to our electricity distribution companies. Wholesale rates for our electricity transmission network in New England and New York and for our Long Island generation business are subject to FERC approval.
We have regulatory arrangements that provide for the recovery of our historical investments and commitments related to our former electricity generation business that were stranded when some of our US subsidiaries divested their generation assets as part of industry restructuring and wholesale power deregulation in New England and New York. We have recovered most of our sunk investments in generation assets and revenue associated with stranded cost recoveries will decline significantly in future years.
Our rate plans are designed to produce a specific allowed ROE, by reference to an allowed operating expense level and rate base. Some rate plans include earned savings mechanisms that allow us to retain a proportion of the savings we achieve through improving efficiency, with the balance benefiting customers.
In addition, our performance under certain rate plans is subject to service performance targets. We may be subject to monetary penalties in cases where we do not meet those targets.
Allowed ROE in context
One measure used to monitor the performance of our regulated businesses is a comparison of achieved ROE to allowed ROE, with a target that the achieved should be equal to or above the
allowed. This measure cannot be used in isolation, however, as there are a number of factors that may prevent us from achieving that target in any given year:
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Regulatory lag: in the years following the rate year, costs may increase due to inflation or other factors. If the cost increases cannot be offset by productivity gains, the total cost to deliver will be higher as a proportion of revenue and therefore achieved ROE will be lowered. |
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Cost disallowances: a cost disallowance is a decision by the regulator that a certain expense should not be recovered in rates from customers. The regulator may do this for a variety of reasons. We can respond to some disallowances by choosing not to incur those costs; others may be unavoidable. As a result, unless offsetting cost reductions can be found, the achieved ROE will be lowered. |
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Market conditions: if a utility files a new rate case, the new allowed ROE may be below the current allowed ROE as financial market conditions may have changed. As such, a utility that appears to be underperforming the allowed ROE and files a new rate case may not succeed in increasing revenues. |
We work to increase achieved ROEs through: productivity improvements; positive performance against incentives or earned savings mechanisms such as energy efficiency programmes, where available; and, through filing a new rate case when achieved returns are lower than that which the Company could reasonably expect to attain through a new rate case.
Features of our rate plans
We are responsible for billing our customers for their use of electricity and gas services. Customer bills typically comprise a commodity charge, covering the cost of the electricity or gas delivered, and charges covering our delivery service. Depending on the state, delivery rates are either based upon actual sales volumes and costs incurred in an historical test year, or on estimates of sales volumes and costs, and in both cases may differ from actual amounts. A substantial proportion of our costs, in particular electricity and gas purchases for supply to customers, are pass-through costs, meaning they are fully recoverable from our customers. Our charges to customers are designed to recover these costs with no profit. Rates are adjusted from time to time to ensure any over- or under-recovery of these costs is returned to, or recovered from, our customers. There can be timing differences between costs being incurred and rates being adjusted.
Revenue for our wholesale transmission business in New England and New York is collected from wholesale transmission customers, who are typically other utilities and include our own New England electricity distribution businesses. With the exception of upstate New York, which continues to combine retail transmission and distribution rates to end use customers, these wholesale transmission costs are incurred by distribution utilities on behalf of their customers and are fully recovered as a pass-through from end use customers as approved by each state commission.
Our Long Island generation plants sell capacity to LIPA under a power supply agreement, approved by FERC, which provides a similar economic effect to cost of service rate regulation. The contract expires in 2013 and new contract negotiations are underway.
In addition, in December 2011, LIPA announced that, after a lengthy competitive bid process related to the management services agreement, we had not been selected to continue to manage and operate Long Islands electricity system beyond the term of the current agreement, which expires on 31 December 2013.
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Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 27 |
Business Review
Our operating environment continued
Regulatory filings
The objectives of our rate case filings are to ensure we have the right cost of service with the ability to earn a fair and reasonable rate of return, while providing a safe and reliable service to our customers. In order to achieve these objectives and to reduce regulatory lag, we have been requesting structural changes, such as revenue decoupling mechanisms, capital trackers, commodity related bad debt true ups, and pension and other post-employment benefit (OPEB) true ups, separately from base rates. These terms are explained below the table on the opposite page.
The chart below shows the progress we have made on these regulatory principles (excluding New Hampshire). We continue to work towards implementing these regulatory principles across our US business.
Although many of our rate plans feature revenue decoupling, in some cases decoupling applies only to some classes of customer. As a result, the proportion of revenues which is decoupled is 91% for our electricity businesses and 64% for our gas businesses for 2011/12. Transmission and generation revenue is effectively decoupled.
We have ongoing regulatory filings associated with downstate New York deferrals and tax refunds and the disposal of New Hampshire businesses. Progress continues in these areas. Below we summarise significant developments in rate filings during the year.
Upstate New York 2012 rate filing
On 27 April 2012, we filed a one year rate plan filing for our upstate New York electricity and gas businesses, to take effect from 1 April 2013. The filing included a request for an increase in electricity delivery revenue of $131 million. This would be more than offset by approximately $190 million per annum of rate reductions related to the recovery of certain past deferred costs, resulting in an overall net decrease of approximately $59 million to customers. The filing also includes a request for an increase in gas delivery revenue of $40 million, which would be partially offset by a net decrease in deferral recovery of $29 million. The filing is based on an ROE of 10.55% for the one year rate filing, and includes annual reconciliation mechanisms for certain non-controllable costs.
The filing, which is expected to take 11 months to review and to conclude in March 2013, includes investments of $454 million and $82 million in the electricity and gas businesses respectively. The increased electricity service costs also include the creation of a $29 million sustainable storm fund.
Upstate New York deferral filing
On 16 December 2011, NYPSC approved Niagara Mohawk Power Corporations request to recover $240 million in deferred costs ($211 million related to deferred environmental, capital expenditure, and pension costs included in our July 2011 deferral filing, $25 million related to recent storm response costs, and $4 million related to carrying charges and other adjustments). This amount will be collected over 15 months, effective from 1 January 2012. In addition, NYPSC approved the removal of $573 million from Niagara Mohawks rates related to stranded cost recoveries.
New York State review
In February 2011, NYPSC instituted a New York State proceeding to review its site investigation and environmental remediation (SIR) expenditure policies. The proceeding directed New York States utilities to assist in developing the future scope of utility SIR programmes including cost containment, cost allocation and methods for minimising the impact on customers of SIR cost recovery. A Recommended Decision was issued on 3 November 2011 the proceeding is open and ongoing.
Rhode Island 2012 rate filing and appeal of ruling in 2009 rate filing
On 27 April 2012, we filed a new rate plan for our Rhode Island electricity and gas businesses, to take effect from 1 February 2013. The filing requests increases in electricity distribution revenue of $31 million and gas delivery revenue of $20 million, based on an ROE of 10.75% with annual reconciliation mechanisms for certain non-controllable costs such as pensions and OPEB, property taxes and commodity bad debt true up.
In order to ensure the new investments are effectively implemented, the new filing sets out the case for new rates, cost of service allowances and other needs for the businesses. The capital spending programme for these two utilities is addressed annually outside of this filing. The current levels of approved capital investment for the year which commenced on 1 April 2012 are $61.9 million for the gas system and $56.5 million for the electricity system. The filing is expected to take nine months to review and to conclude in January 2013.
On 23 January 2012, the Rhode Island Supreme Court issued its decision on our appeal of RIPUCs decision in its 2009 rate case. The Court reversed RIPUCs decision to impose National Grids capital structure onto Narragansett but affirmed their decision to disallow 50% of our incentive compensation. On 11 April 2012, RIPUC adopted a settlement resolving the capital structure aspects of the rate order, which we had appealed. The settlement authorises Narragansett a capital structure comprised of 48.78% common equity, an overall rate of return of 7.31%, and an additional $3.2 million electricity rate increase, effective from 23 April 2012.
Overland audit
In February 2011, NYPSC selected Overland Consulting Inc., a management consulting firm, to perform a management audit of our affiliate cost allocations, policies and procedures. The audit of these service company charges seeks to determine if any service company transactions have resulted in unreasonable costs to New York customers for the provision of delivery services. If potentially material levels of misallocated or inappropriate costs are discovered, at the direction of NYPSC, the investigation will be expanded to prior years to determine if they have been charged to the New York utilities. A report of this review to NYPSC is anticipated in 2012.
28 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Summary of US price controls and rate plans
* Both transmission and distribution, excluding stranded costs
Revenue decoupling
A mechanism that removes the link between a utilitys revenue and sales volume so that the utility is indifferent to changes in usage. Revenues are reconciled to a revenue target, with differences billed or credited to customers. Allows the utility to support energy efficiency.
Capital tracker
A mechanism that allows for the recovery of the revenue requirement of incremental capital investment above that embedded in base rates, including depreciation, property taxes and a return on the incremental investment.
§ Commodity related bad debt true up
A mechanism that allows a utility to reconcile commodity related bad debt to either actual commodity related bad debt or to a specified commodity related bad debt write-off percentage. For electricity utilities, this mechanism also includes working capital.
¯ Pension/OPEB true up
A mechanism that reconciles the actual non capitalised costs of pension and OPEB and the actual amount recovered in base rates. The difference may be amortised and recovered over a period or deferred for a future rate case.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 29
Business Review
The following chart demonstrates the alignment between the elements of our strategy, the strategic objectives that will enable us to deliver it, the risks we face and what we have delivered this year.
30 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
Use this as a road map to the content on pages 32 to 55.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 31
Business Review
Delivering our strategy
Our people are the foundation of what we do. It is through their actions that we will deliver our strategy; ensuring we have a skilled, engaged and dedicated workforce is essential to this. Delivering a safe and reliable network is the number one priority for our people. We also remain committed to being an innovative leader in energy management and to safeguarding our global environment for future generations.
The relationships we hold with our regulators, customers and communities continue to be important; we have made changes to forge even deeper relationships and broaden our engagement with stakeholders.
We continue to invest to create organic growth and evaluate other investment opportunities as they arise. Any investment we make will fit with our strategic goals, deliver a reasonable return and maintain the balance and spread of our businesses.
People
We are committed to developing our employees to the best of their abilities and to ensuring we have access to the widest possible pool of talent to meet the current and future requirements of our business.
Building an engaged workforce
We measure how engaged our people are through our employee engagement index, calculated from certain questions in our employee survey. Our 2012 employee survey included 68 questions and was completed by 84% of our employees. The results allow us to identify specific areas where we are performing well and those areas we need to improve.
We have undergone a significant amount of change within our US business having completed the transition to the new jurisdictional operating model including identifying 1,150 roles that have been removed from our structure. Significant change affects each employee differently and, as expected, this has affected our 2012 global employee engagement index, which has decreased compared to the last results in 2010. We are now embarking on a review of our UK operating model to ensure that it is scalable and structured correctly to deliver the increasing capital investment programme and to be successful under the new RIIO price control framework.
We want to make sure our people are as fully engaged as they can be. To demonstrate our ongoing commitment to this important area, one of our 2012/13 shared priorities is to increase levels of employee engagement across all our teams. We have created a Company wide framework called engaging for performance that explains what we believe contributes to increasing engagement, which in turn results in higher levels of performance.
Survey reports are produced at Company wide, region, business unit, function and team levels and associated action plans are created. The engaging for performance framework provides managers with access to practical and easy to use tools and guidance to support them when developing team action plans.
Communicating for success
Good communication helps employee engagement and we have multiple communication channels to ensure our more than 25,000 employees have access to information that is relevant to them and so that they feel connected to the business. We use our intranet site to make announcements, share our achievements and to communicate what we have learnt and other information useful to our people. We also have various open forums where senior leaders share key topics relevant to our business. These provide our people with the opportunity to ask questions and connect with leadership. We produce a monthly magazine and use various team forums and other traditional communication methods such as email broadcasts and discussion boards.
Aligning individual and corporate goals
The incentive plans for our Executive Directors include financial measures such as earnings, returns and cash flow which align their interests with the success of the Company. See the Remuneration Report section of Corporate Governance on pages 90 to 106 for more information.
Our strategy is cascaded to employees. This ensures that the objectives of each employee align with those of the Company and the actions required to deliver the strategy are allocated to and shared by all our people, connecting them to our corporate goals.
Our performance, talent and reward management process for managers links incentive compensation to an assessment of both what the individual has achieved and how those outcomes have been achieved, with reference to their individual objectives. This provides ongoing incentive for all managers to contribute to the achievement of our strategic goals and ensures that our top performers are recognised for their contributions.
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Building capability
We have reviewed the leadership, business and technical capabilities that we will need to ensure we are successful, including: driving process excellence; innovation; and stakeholder management. We are designing tools and processes to help elevate our capabilities in those areas and they will be supported by training programmes and other learning opportunities. We have invested in a range of technologies that will enhance the learning experience and reduce the cost associated with training delivery. We endeavour to continually improve the quality of our new talent development programmes and our focus on this has external recognition, including 2010 Ofsted grade 1 outstanding performance rating and UK Learning and Skills Improvement Service Beacon status.
Our graduate scheme is well regarded and we have continued to be an employer of choice. In 2012, we were ranked 84 in the Times Top 100 graduate employers, an improvement on 2011 when we entered the Top 100 for the first time. Our graduate retention levels are good, standing at 86%.
The foundations of leadership programme, aimed at the next generation of managers, continued to run throughout 2011. For our female employees, we also continued to provide access to the Springboard and Spring Forward development programmes in the UK and Women Empowered in the US. We appeared in the Times Top 50 Employers for Women 2012, appearing in the list since 2006.
Promoting inclusion and diversity
We aim to develop and operate our business with an inclusive and diverse culture, ensuring equal opportunity in recruitment, career development, training and reward for all employees regardless of race, gender, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and background. Where existing employees become disabled, our policy is to provide continued employment and training wherever practical. A focus for 2011/12 was creating a level playing field in the organisation. These policies support the attraction and retention of the best people, improve effectiveness, deliver superior performance and enhance our success.
Our employee resource groups, which cover areas including gender, ethnicity, disability, faith, sexual orientation, veterans and new employees, continue to have good membership. These groups deliver opportunities for professional development, networking, supporting our community relations activities and increasing the broader understanding of inclusion and diversity through workshops, presentations and other educational events.
Information on our inclusion and diversity policies can be found on the corporate responsibility section of our website.
Attracting the best people
As a result of our extensive capital investment plans in the UK, we need to increase our employee numbers in key parts of our business, particularly engineers and other technical roles. In 2011/12, we have recruited more than 450 engineers and, over the next nine years, we expect to recruit over 2,500 more.
We are establishing medium- and long-term talent pipelines and have launched an engineering entry programme for recent graduates with science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) degrees. The two year comprehensive and structured training programme will provide a blend of practical experience with traditional training programmes and will help the recruits develop project management and development expertise, as well as
increase their technical knowledge and gain specialist experience of the energy sector. On successful completion, they will be appointed to a permanent role.
With an ageing workforce and declining interest in STEM subjects by young people, pressure on recruitment will continue for many years. Our long-term talent programmes will help to provide us with the expertise we need to be successful well into the future. This year in the UK, we worked with more than 3,900 school students giving them an insight into engineering, the energy sector and National Grid. We delivered 22 open days, ran two residential work experience week courses for nearly 100 15 year olds at our training centre, supported seven engineering education scheme projects, delivered 30 STEM enhancement days and many talks in schools. In the US, we face similar challenges to ensure we have access to top quality, well trained candidates to maintain the number and quality of our workforce over time. Over the next 10 years, we expect to fill around 800 management level roles that require an engineering background and we run a number of initiatives similar to those in the UK. In addition to our work in the US with school aged children to inspire interest in STEM subjects, we work with local community colleges on their energy utility technology programmes designed to give students the technical and practical skills required to work on the construction or maintenance of power lines. We also run our own engineering pipeline programme and have recently completed the second year. This six year development programme is designed to inspire promising students to become engineers and provide them with an opportunity for fast tracked employment with us.
Safety and reliability
Providing safe and reliable services is what our customers expect.
Keeping our people and the public safe
While our employee lost time injury frequency rate was 0.18, the same as 2010/11, this year we have seen accidents leading to the deaths of two members of the public and one contractor. We have investigated thoroughly and learnt from these tragedies.
We recognise the need to reinvigorate and reinforce our safety agenda across the Company. All our senior leadership team are asked to be visible safety leaders actively engaging with employees to drive our safety ambition forward and ensuring lessons learnt from any incidents are acted on as appropriate.
Further development of our safety culture will be critical to navigating the heightened risks that come with our expanding capital investment programme. Key parts of the business have undertaken safety culture surveys to capture what our employees think about how we manage safety and help us identify areas where we need to improve. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has the expertise, and exhibits the right behaviours, to work safely and without harm. We will also leverage our size, and learn from our partners, to identify best practices and ensure these are shared and implemented across our business.
A recent area of focus has been deploying a major accident hazard framework and risk methodology and standards that build greater structure into process safety and risk management. These standards have been developed collaboratively by technical specialists in the UK and US. The requirements are being discussed
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Business Review
Delivering our strategy
How do we deliver? continued
with all of our relevant businesses and teams to ensure they are implemented and applied consistently. A review process has been established using technical specialists and third party independent assessors to aid sharing and consistent application of standards.
Our Executive Committee monitors progress against our safety goals monthly and the Boards governance arrangements for the oversight of safety are being strengthened.
Delivering reliability
Our licences and regulatory agreements set out reliability targets and these are linked to our revenue streams. Excluding the impact of storms in the US, we are pleased to report that we have substantially met all our reliability targets for the year. We failed one target in Massachusetts, however, due to our good performance against other targets for the state, this had no financial impact. After failing to meet some of our emergency standards of service last year and being fined £4.3 million by Ofgem, we are also pleased to report that we met all our standards of service in the UK this year.
Reliability is achieved through four interrelated actions: planning our capital investments to meet changing demand and supply patterns; designing and building robust networks; risk based maintenance and replacement programmes; and detailed and tested incident response plans.
Our UK Future Energy Scenarios publication outlines our forecasts for energy needs in the UK up to 2050. We use this to inform our capital investment plans and ensure our networks will deliver what is required in the future. In the US, we are taking part in the Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative, funded by the US Department of Energy, and working with other utilities, regulators and independent system operators to model future energy scenarios and consider their effects on the future of the electricity transmission grid by 2030.
Our construction teams work closely with our engineers to ensure that the networks designed and built will meet internal and external technical specifications and deliver the required levels of reliability once brought into service. Our UK Transmission business, where the majority of our capital investment will be undertaken, is PAS 55 and ISO 9001 certified, and has detailed procedures in place governing a project throughout each phase of scoping, design, commissioning and the transition to normal operations. Key roles on each project are defined and owners assigned, along with appropriate independent checks to ensure quality is maintained.
We collect and analyse a large quantity of data relating to network reliability including faults, failures and defect information. Using this information, asset health indices are assigned to the major equipment groups. These are then considered together with safety, system and environmental criticality to give replacement priorities that feed into our maintenance and replacement programmes.
Planning for a disaster can take a number of forms. In December, our US team worked with the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, local law enforcement and fire departments and other government agencies in a simulated attack on one of our generation plants. The simulation tested our emergency response plans, validating the plans already in place and identifying areas for improvement.
Our commitment to reliability extends to our efforts to restore electricity and gas to customers in a timely manner when an outage occurs. Major flooding of the Mohawk River, in the area of the Amsterdam and Rotterdam Junction in New York, led to significant damage to our gas facilities at several locations and resulted in
approximately 440 customers losing their gas supply. Permanent repairs to the damaged facilities would have taken months, an outcome unacceptable to both us and our customers. We embarked on a plan to bring in LNG, a remedy with little or no precedent in New York. With extensive work by our crews and cooperation of NYPSC, New York State Departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection, the local fire department and others, we were able to successfully restore gas services within a week. Our service territories were in some cases seriously affected by storms this year which resulted in large restoration efforts across our businesses. While we try and learn lessons from these events and improve how we deal with them, our responses to some of them, such as tropical storm Irene and the October snow storm, are subject to investigations by a number of our regulators.
Smart grid
Modernising our networks is an essential part of our continued growth. In the US, we anticipate receiving a regulatory order this summer to carry out a $44 million pilot in Worcester, Massachusetts. We expect to test customer choice with a goal of reducing energy use by 5% as well as implementing new distribution grid equipment that has the potential to make capital investment more efficient, reduce losses, improve reliability, and assist with storm restoration as we modernise the grid. This pilot will serve to show what will be possible across the US business.
Environmental responsibility
As a responsible business, we are committed to protecting the environment for current and future generations.
Investing in and running electricity and gas networks means we use energy and raw materials, and produce waste. Our goal is to reduce any adverse effect we may have and we look for ways to improve the environment. We embrace new technology and methods to use resources more efficiently and sustainably, seek to responsibly refurbish existing assets and reduce waste through recycling and materials efficiency.
Reducing greenhouse gases
We have continued with our climate change and energy efficiency programmes and remain committed to our targets of a 45% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Refer to the glossary on page 193 for a definition of Scope 1 and 2 emissions. We continue to look for new technology or more efficient equipment that will help us achieve these goals and we have outperformed a number of targets for emissions during the year, including some tied to incentive revenues. Our total Scope 1 and 2 emissions for 2011/12 were 8.7 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent. This represents a 55% reduction on our 1990 base line. We have refreshed our rolling five year GHG reduction plans and, although our 2011/12 outturn is better than our 2020 target, we have many challenges through the next few years that will require considerable focus in the business.
We have a number of ongoing initiatives that have helped achieve these results. Some of our gas distribution networks in both the UK and US consist of old metallic pipe, which contributes significantly to the gas losses from our system. We have replaced around 2,500 kilometres of this leak prone pipe during the year across our UK and US businesses and have estimated the replacements in the UK will achieve the equivalent of a 3% reduction in gas losses each year.
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In the UK, we also now use computerised pressure management equipment that matches system pressures with demand, improving safety, driving considerable reductions in gas losses and, consequently, reducing the level of our greenhouse gas effects. We also continued our focus on reducing the losses of SF 6 , a powerful greenhouse gas, from high voltage switchgear on our system through improved leak detection and repair processes and continue research to identify alternatives.
Supporting the move to a low carbon economy
In the UK, we are already developing networks to facilitate new generation, eg commissioning Cleve Hill substation to enable London Array Limited to connect the worlds largest wind farm.
In the US, we are investing in oil to gas conversions in customer premises and installing gas infrastructure and services to support new construction. Over the last three years we have connected over 120,000 new gas heating customers. Demand for new interconnections of green generation in the US is on the rise with a 70% increase in the applications received in New York and New England in 2011. These included combined heat and power, farm waste, fuel cells, hydro, solar and wind projects. In response to this escalating market demand we have created two new groups within our business to process the requests efficiently and ensure they are connected in accordance with the appropriate technical standards and the applicable state tariffs.
We recently installed 32 new electric vehicle charging stations in Massachusetts under the Coulomb Technologies ChargePoint America programme. Through programmes such as these, we offer our customers more sustainable energy options that help to protect the environment.
Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholders views form an integral part of the way we do business and make decisions.
Meeting the needs of stakeholders
Our stakeholder engagement principles include:
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Integrity: We will be open and engaging so we can develop a clear understanding of what our stakeholders want us to deliver. |
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Accountability: We will inform stakeholders of how their views have been taken into account and, if they have not, the reasons why. |
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Transparency: We will conduct our engagement activities in a transparent manner, ensuring all relevant information is readily available and understandable to all stakeholders. |
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Inclusivity: We recognise the need to increase engagement with the broadest possible range of our stakeholders and we will seek their views. |
For example, in the course of developing our electricity and gas transmission and gas distribution business plans for RIIO-T1 and RIIO-GD1, we held 26 workshops, talking directly to several hundred stakeholders with a broad range of interests. We produced three written consultations, held numerous forums and focus groups, undertook in-depth telephone interviews and surveyed opinions from over 10,000 customers. We used an independent third party to facilitate our stakeholder engagement so we could be sure we were not unwittingly influencing, misunderstanding or misinterpreting what our stakeholders were saying. For our Worcester smart grid pilot, we held a two day appreciative inquiry summit to engage with the local community including local government, businesses and households. We recognise active participation from a broad
cross section of the community will be important to complete the pilot successfully.
Our regulators remain an important area of focus for our stakeholder engagement activities. Through our new US jurisdictional focus, we are better able to communicate with our regulators, ensuring they have a point of contact that understands their perspective and is committed to meeting their needs. We have also opened an office in Brussels to establish a stronger and more visible presence with EU institutions and policy makers on key strategic issues facing us in the years to come.
Industry engagement
Participation by our employees on other bodies allows us to engage more broadly, and we aim to be supportive of roles on industry boards and other groups. For example, our US vice president, engineering standards and policy, currently sits on the US Department of Transportations Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee. Engagement such as this allows us to participate in and inform debates as they occur and to learn from the best practices of others. In the wake of the San Bruno gas explosion, the US Government passed into law the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act. Some of the new rules and safeguards coming out of the law are a direct result of the issues discussed by the Committee.
Improving customer service
We recognise the importance of good customer and community relationships. Success is evident from the improved results in our key Ofgem customer satisfaction studies in the UK as shown in our KPIs on page 39. We participate in four studies in the J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction study in the US. Our target goal was a one quartile improvement in each of the four studies. We achieved this in the Business Gas study. However, in the Business Electric and Residential Electric studies, we remained in the same quartile and in the Residential Gas study we fell one quartile.
In late 2011, we opened our new integrated UK Gas Distribution customer centres in Hinckley and Leicester, which combine cutting edge technology and specialist training to offer a fresh approach to customer service. The new technology provides greater visibility of all the work we are doing, allowing our employees to respond more effectively and resolve more enquiries on the first call, resulting in improved service and customer satisfaction. The centres provide our customers with a single point of contact 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure we can always maintain a high level of service and meet our commitments. The importance of this work in the UK will be reinforced by requirements under the new RIIO price control, where customer satisfaction is a specific output measure linked to our potential revenue.
Working with our communities
We believe that helping local businesses is one of the best ways to help the communities we serve. If they are strong and growing we will be too. Through our community investment initiatives, we aim to identify and support local projects that can have a positive effect in the communities in which we operate.
In the US, since 2003, our economic development grants have totalled $53 million and have helped create or retain more than 19,000 jobs. In December 2011, we provided $1 million to Albany, New York for use in their State Street revitalisation. The grant will help build new footpaths, underground conduits, decorative lighting and other amenities. This revitalisation programme is expected to help the citys economic growth by attracting more businesses, residents and visitors to the area.
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Delivering our strategy
How do we deliver? continued
We have even extended our outreach to include the communities in which our key suppliers operate. The Global SpirIT initiative raises funds for the education of underprivileged children in India, where we have been working with IT suppliers for over 17 years.
Balance and spread of businesses
We deliver our returns to shareholders through a balance of equity growth and cash returned in the form of a growing dividend. This is supported by the complementary features of the businesses which, together, make up our group.
National Grid today consists of a balanced blend of distinct regulated businesses in the UK and US and some non-regulated businesses, primarily in the UK. This includes a mixture of cash generative developed assets with minimal investment requirements (such as our existing interconnectors and National Grid Metering), businesses with low to medium levels of growth and positive cash generation (such as our UK and US distribution businesses) and businesses with high levels of investment and growth (such as our UK electricity transmission business and potential new non-regulated investments).
We continue to develop our balance and mix of businesses through cycles of investment and cash generation. Our target is to maximise shareholder value while delivering appropriate levels of both cash generation, to support dividends, and investment in assets, to support equity growth and future revenues.
We consider a number of factors when assessing any current or future business contribution to the group. This includes its contribution to cash flows and earnings, its asset base growth and funding requirements and the regulatory or commercial framework applying to that business. On an ongoing basis we review the business balance, considering our strategic objectives and long-term growth opportunities.
Where an individual business is not expected to exhibit the range of characteristics we are looking for within a reasonable timeframe, or where we are offered a higher value for the business than we might place on it, we will consider selling that business. In the last year, we have sold Seneca-Upshur, a gas and oil exploration and production business in the US, and our OnStream non-regulated metering business in the UK and we await the final regulatory approvals for the sale of our Granite State Electric and EnergyNorth businesses in New Hampshire which we announced in December 2010.
Financial outperformance
We aim to maximise our returns within the constraints of our regulatory agreements, while continuing to invest for future growth.
We have seen a good financial performance this year with positive movement in all our financial KPIs excluding the impact of timing differences and major storms, where relevant.
Capital investment programme
A feature of our price controls and rate plans is that we earn a return on our regulated asset base. As a result, as our regulated asset base increases our returns should similarly increase. We continue to invest in our regulated asset base and, in the UK, our RIIO
submissions have reflected a need for investment over the eight year price control in excess of £31 billion for our UK Transmission and UK Gas Distribution businesses. This is dependent on the location and number of new connections required and, if achieved, will represent an average cumulative annual growth rate in our regulated asset value of over 8%.
This amount of investment will not be without its challenges: obtaining planning permission for major projects is time consuming and can create delays; finding and developing enough people with the right skills will be difficult; and managing the costs of key inputs that are forecast to increase faster than the rate of inflation due to worldwide demand for these products, will also pose a challenge.
In the US, we will continue to invest in our regulated asset base with a focus on modernising and maintaining our network and, where appropriate, increasing its capacity. For example, work is underway with FERC and other utilities on the construction of the New England East-West Solution. This is a new transmission line in southern New England that will increase capacity in a constrained area of the grid and once completed will represent a significant investment in a new transmission asset.
We continue to look for smart investments in non-regulated businesses and are assessing expansion plans for our Grain LNG business.
Despite the Government withdrawing funding for the proposed carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at Longannet, we believe CCS to be an important element in the Governments strategy to achieve its carbon reduction targets. We are working with several UK emitters to develop CCS projects; these are seeking funding through a Government competition that is scheduled for the second half of 2012.
Work continues on plans for an interconnector between the UK and Belgium, a joint project with the Belgian transmission system operator which will be the first electricity link between the two countries. The 1,000 megawatt undersea cable will run between Zeebrugge and Richborough and is expected to enter commercial operation in 2018.
Remuneration from investment
In the UK, we work closely with Ofgem and the Health and Safety Executive, the main safety regulator in the UK, to balance the needs of all stakeholders for a safe and reliable network with a price control that provides the required return to allow us to operate our businesses effectively. We will only accept a price control settlement if we believe that it achieves this balance. In the US, some of our rate plans do not include capital trackers and therefore spend on capital programmes may be unremunerated until we file a new rate case. We carefully track our capital spending compared to our rate allowances and, when we believe additional spending is required, we may file a new rate case.
For more information on the features of our price controls and rate plans, refer to pages 25 to 29.
Incentives and outperformance
In the UK, achieving output targets to earn incentive revenue is a key element of our ability to provide superior financial returns. Our price control plans have historically included a range of incentive mechanisms and under RIIO the importance of incentive revenue will increase. Examples of our current incentive mechanisms include:
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Transmission network reliability: if we achieve our reliability targets we can earn an incentive of up to 1% of revenue, however, if we fail, we can incur a penalty of up to 1.5%. |
36 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Day ahead gas demand forecast: if we achieve targets for the accuracy of the forecast published daily on our website, we can receive an incentive payment of up to around £8 million, however penalties can be charged if the forecast is inaccurate. |
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Greenhouse gas emissions: we can earn incentive payments if certain greenhouse gas emissions are below targets. |
Our US rate plans generally do not feature the same variety of incentive mechanisms used in the UK, however, some include earned savings mechanisms that allow us to retain a proportion of the savings we achieve through improving energy efficiency, with the balance benefiting customers. In addition, the electric generation power supply agreement with LIPA contains a performance-based incentive and penalty mechanism. We may earn or lose up to $4 million depending on how well we operate the generation units as measured by reliability, efficiency and capacity metrics.
Under our UK price controls and some of our US rate plans, our revenues include an imputed cost of debt. We manage our interest rate risk using fixed- and floating-rate debt and derivative financial instruments including interest rate swaps, swaptions and forward rate agreements. Where we actively manage our interest rate risk, we seek to minimise total financing costs (being interest costs and changes in the market value of debt), subject to constraints, with the aim of outperforming the imputed cost of debt. The Finance Committee regularly monitors performance by comparing the actual total financing costs with those of a comparable, passively managed, benchmark portfolio.
Increasing productivity
We are undertaking a number of transformation initiatives to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations.
Our global information systems (IS) transformation project will replace ageing IS infrastructure that currently limits our ability to deliver reliable IT systems and inhibits the creation of platforms for growth. Under a partner provided approach, our IS services will offer a more flexible, cost effective, transparent and responsive delivery model. Our UK Gas Distribution front office programme has progressed significantly during the year and is already showing benefits. The final deployment of the system, which will help our repair and construction teams, is on track to complete ahead of the Olympics this summer. More information on these programmes can be found in the case studies on pages 48 and 49.
In the US, we are replacing two legacy information systems along with a range of ancillary systems. This change, in conjunction with various process improvement initiatives within our US finance function, simplifies our cost allocation methodology, allows better jurisdictional reporting and improves controls over our financial reporting processes.
Each of these transformation initiatives contributes to our ability to support our future growth, improve operational performance and efficiency, and respond to the needs of our stakeholders.
Managing costs
As discussed on pages 24 to 29, our allowed revenues are set in reference to an expected cost to deliver our services. We must manage our costs closely within that framework as, without the permission of our regulators, we may not be able to increase our revenues to compensate for cost overruns. We set budgets and assign owners for cost centres within the business who are responsible for delivering set outputs within that budget.
2012/13 priorities
At the beginning of each year, we set ourselves priorities; achieving these will help us deliver our strategy. We separate our priorities between shared priorities that are the responsibility of every employee, and UK and US specific priorities. |
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Shared priorities |
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deliver a step change improvement in safety performance across our organisation; | |||
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increase levels of employee engagement across all teams; | |||
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deliver significant improvements in how we meet our customer commitments; and | |||
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achieve our financial targets. | |||
UK priorities |
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deliver the core UK Transmission and UK Gas Distribution investment programmes; | |||
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agree a RIIO price control for both transmission and gas distribution that allows a reasonable return for investors; | |||
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develop and implement the right processes and organisational model that will allow us to be successful under RIIO and maintain our credit ratings; | |||
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deepen relationships with important European stakeholders and raise our profile within the EU; and | |||
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make progress in developing growth opportunities, including non-regulated businesses. | |||
US priorities |
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focus on process excellence and modernising our networks; | |||
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deliver planned regulatory filings; | |||
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deepen our relationships with our communities and stakeholders, to help achieve their local economic and environmental goals; and | |||
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ensure continuous improvement is embedded in the organisation and our costs have clear transparency to ensure regulated recovery.
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Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 37
Business Review
Delivering our strategy
Measuring performance our KPIs
Financial KPIs
We measure the achievement of our objectives, make operational and investment decisions and reward our employees through the use of qualitative assessments and through the monitoring of quantitative indicators. To provide a full and rounded view of our business, we use non-financial as well as financial measures. Although all these measures are important, some are considered to be of more significance than others, and these more significant measures are designated as KPIs.
KPIs are used to measure our progress on strategic priorities, aligning with those activities that combine to deliver our strategy. Non-financial KPIs are often leading indicators of future financial performance as improvements in these measures build our competitive advantage, for example through attractive regulatory arrangements and in competition for future growth opportunities. Financial KPIs are trailing indicators of the success of past initiatives and specific programmes. They also highlight areas for further improvement and allow us to ensure our actions are culminating in sustainable long-term growth in shareholder value. |
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Commentary on our overall financial results can be found on pages 56 to 63, and information on the performance and financial results of each line of business is set out on pages 64 to 71. |
#
* |
Refers to the four elements of our strategy: operational excellence; innovation & efficiency; engaging externally; and disciplined investment
Adjusted earnings exclude exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
||
+ |
2007/08 data include continuing operations acquired with KeySpan for the period from 24 August 2007 to 31 March 2008 or as at 31 March 2008 |
|||
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Comparative data have been restated for the effect of the bonus element of the rights issue and the scrip dividend issues |
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^ |
2007/08 results include KeySpan operations on a pro forma financial performance basis assuming the acquisition occurred on 1 April 2007 |
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|
Prior years restated for consistency. See page 57 for more information |
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¯ |
Prior years have been restated on a constant currency basis |
38 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
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Non-financial KPIs
Strategic element # | Measuring performance for | KPI | Definition | |||||||
Operational excellence: |
Safety and reliability | Employee lost time injury frequency rate | Number of employee lost time injuries per 100,000 hours worked on a 12 month basis | |||||||
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Network reliability targets | Various definitions appropriate to the relevant line of business | |||||||||
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All: | People | Employee engagement index | Employee engagement index calculated using responses to our employee survey | |||||||
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Engaging externally: |
Stakeholder engagement | Customer satisfaction | Our position in customer satisfaction surveys | |||||||
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Innovation & efficiency: | Environmental responsibility | Greenhouse gas emissions | Percentage reduction in greenhouse gas emissions against our 1990 baseline | |||||||
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Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 39
Business Review
Delivering our strategy
The Board is committed to the long-term success of the Company and the protection of our reputation and assets. It ensures we maintain a sound system of internal control in order to safeguard the interests of our shareholders.
Our system of internal control, and in particular our risk management process, has been designed to manage rather than eliminate material risks to the achievement of our strategic and business objectives while also recognising that any such process can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. This process complies with the Turnbull working party guidance, revised October 2005, and additionally contributes to our compliance with the obligations under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 and other internal assurance activities.
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code and the schedule of matters reserved to the Board, the Board retains overall responsibility for our system of internal control and monitoring of its effectiveness. Our system of internal control is based on thorough and systematic processes for the identification and assessment of business critical risks and their management and monitoring over time. In depth reports are provided from both line managers and internal assurance providers such as corporate audit, corporate risk and ethics and compliance. These reports are provided to the Committees in relation to their specific areas of responsibility and they, in turn, provide reports to the Board.
The Board reviews the effectiveness of our internal control process, including around financial reporting, on an annual basis to ensure it remains robust and to identify any weaknesses. The latest review covered the financial year to 31 March 2012 and included the period to the approval of this Annual Report and Accounts. It included:
|
the receipt of a letter of assurance from the Chief Executive which consolidates key matters of interest raised through the year-end assurance process; |
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assurance from Committees as appropriate, with particular reference to the reports received from the Audit and Risk & Responsibility Committees on reviews undertaken at their meetings; and |
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assurances about the certifications required under Sarbanes-Oxley as a result of our US reporting obligations. |
Risk management process
Our risk management process is designed to protect value and enhance performance by building vigilance, agility and resilience into our management process. The process ensures that risks are assessed against a uniform set of criteria, continuously managed and regularly reported in a visible and structured manner. The output informs management decisions and provides assurance to management and the Board, helping to safeguard our assets and reputation.
Our risk management process is based on comprehensive bottom-up and top-down assessments of a wide range of risks, which typically include strategic, operational (including safety and reliability), financial and project risks. All businesses and the corporate and global functions that support them, prepare and maintain risk registers to capture their key risks and the actions being taken to manage them. Executive Directors and other senior management review, challenge and debate these bottom-up results, producing an overall evaluation of the risks facing the Company. The Executive, Audit and Risk & Responsibility Committees review the risk profile and any changes to it in accordance with their terms of reference, and the Audit Committee reviews the overall risk management process.
In the last year, a number of enhancements to the process were initiated. The corporate risk function was reorganised and brought into the strategic planning and corporate development function to provide appropriate regional focus in line with the new operating model and to forge stronger links with strategic planning activities. The Board considered the characteristics of our corporate risk appetite and the outcome will determine the appropriate risk appetite for us in the pursuit and delivery of our corporate strategy. New reporting formats, including dashboards incorporating risk timings and mitigation objectives, were developed and rolled out to focus the risk management debate toward future actions. Also, the implementation of a governance, risk and compliance system that will improve our ability to link risks, automate risk metrics and capture associated assurance data has commenced.
Compliance management process
Our enterprise wide compliance management process is consistent with, and complementary to, our risk management process and provides assurance to senior management on the effectiveness of control frameworks to manage key internal and external obligations, and also highlights any instances of significant non compliance with those obligations. External obligations are driven primarily by key legal and regulatory requirements, while internal obligations focus on compliance with our corporate policies and procedures.
In examining a business areas compliance performance, we look for any actual or potential instances of non compliance and consult with other assurance providers. Before issuing an opinion on an areas compliance control framework, we obtain the views of experts in the field such as internal safety and environmental specialists.
The Executive, Risk & Responsibility and Audit Committees each receive a report twice a year setting out our key internal and external compliance obligations and any significant non compliance with those obligations, together with compliance opinions and action plans to improve controls where necessary.
40 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
www.nationalgrid.com
Our risk management process has identified the following risk factors that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation, as well as the value and liquidity of our securities. Any investment decision regarding our securities and any forward-looking statements made by us should be considered in the light of these risk factors and the cautionary statement set out on the back cover.
Harmful activities | ||||||
Aspects of our activities are potentially hazardous or could damage the environment. Potentially hazardous activities that arise in connection with our business include the operation and maintenance of electricity generation facilities, electricity lines and substations and the storage, transmission and distribution of gas. We are subject to laws and regulations in the UK and US governing health and safety matters to protect the public and our employees, who could potentially be harmed by these activities. Electricity and gas utilities also typically use and generate hazardous and potentially hazardous products and by-products. In addition, there may be other aspects of our operations that are not currently regarded or proved to have adverse effects but could become so, such as the effects of electric and magnetic fields.
We are subject to laws and regulations relating to pollution, the protection of the environment, and the use and disposal of hazardous substances and waste materials. These expose us to costs and liabilities relating to our operations and properties whether current, including those inherited from predecessor bodies, or formerly owned by us, and sites used for the disposal of our waste. The cost of future environmental remediation obligations is often inherently difficult to estimate and uncertainties can include the extent of contamination, the appropriate corrective actions and our share of the liability. We are increasingly subject to regulation in relation to climate change and are affected by requirements to reduce our own carbon emissions as well as reduction in energy use by our customers. |
We commit significant expenditure to complying with these laws and regulations and to meeting our obligations under negotiated settlements. If more onerous requirements are imposed or our ability to recover these costs under regulatory frameworks changes, this could have a material adverse impact on our businesses, reputation, results of operations and financial position. Furthermore, any breach of our regulatory or contractual obligations or our climate change targets, or even incidents that do not amount to a breach, could materially adversely affect our results of operations and our reputation.
For more information about environmental, climate change and health and safety matters relating to our businesses, see the corporate responsibility section of our website. |
Infrastructure and IT systems | ||||||
We may suffer a major network failure or interruption, or may not be able to carry out critical non network operations. Operational performance could be materially adversely affected by a failure to maintain the health of the system or network, inadequate forecasting of demand, inadequate record keeping or control of data or failure of information systems and supporting technology. This could cause us to fail to meet agreed standards of service, incentive and reliability targets, or be in breach of a licence, approval, regulatory requirement or contractual obligation, and even incidents that do not amount to a breach could result in adverse regulatory and financial consequences, as well as harming our reputation.
In addition to these risks, we may be affected by other potential events that are largely outside our control such as the impact of weather (including as a result of climate change), unlawful or unintentional acts of third parties, insufficient supply or force majeure. Weather conditions can affect financial performance and severe weather that causes outages or damages infrastructure will materially adversely affect operational and potentially business performance and our reputation. |
Malicious attack, sabotage or other intentional acts may also damage our assets or otherwise significantly affect corporate activities and, as a consequence, have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Unauthorised access to, or deliberate breaches of, our IT systems may also seek to access and manipulate our proprietary business data or customer information. Unauthorised access to private customer information may make us liable for a violation of data privacy regulations.
Even where we establish business continuity controls and security against threats against our systems these may not be sufficient. |
|
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 41 |
Business Review
Delivering our strategy
Risks to delivery continued
Law and regulation | ||||||
Changes in law or regulation or decisions by governmental bodies or regulators could materially adversely affect us. Many of our businesses are utilities or networks subject to regulation by governments and other authorities. Changes in law or regulation or regulatory policy and precedent in the countries or states in which we operate (including the new RIIO approach in the UK) could materially adversely affect us.
Decisions or rulings concerning, for example: (i) whether licences, approvals or agreements to operate or supply are granted or are renewed, or whether there has been any breach of the terms of a licence, approval or regulatory requirement; and |
(ii) timely recovery of incurred expenditure or obligations, the ability to pass through commodity costs, a decoupling of energy usage and revenue, and other decisions relating to the impact of general economic conditions on us, our markets and customers, implications of climate change, the level of permitted revenues and dividend distributions for our businesses and in relation to proposed business development activities,
could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows, the financial condition of our businesses and the ability to develop those businesses in the future.
For further information see pages 24 to 29 which explain our regulatory environment in detail. |
Business development activity | ||||||
New businesses or activities that we undertake alone or with partners may not be earnings positive and may expose us to additional operational and financial risk. Business development activities, including acquisitions, disposals and joint ventures, entail a number of risks, including that they may be based on incorrect assumptions or conclusions, failure to realise planned levels of synergy and efficiency savings, the inability to integrate acquired businesses effectively and we may suffer unanticipated costs and liabilities and other unanticipated effects. |
We may also be liable for the past acts, omissions or liabilities of companies or businesses we have acquired, which may be unforeseen or greater than anticipated. In the case of joint ventures, we may have limited control over operations and our joint venture partners may have interests that diverge from our own. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition, and could also impact our ability to enter into other transactions. |
Business performance | ||||||
Future business performance may not meet expectations. Earnings maintenance and growth from our regulated gas and electricity businesses will be affected by our ability to meet or exceed efficiency targets and service quality standards set by, or agreed with, our regulators. In addition, from time to time we publish cost and efficiency savings targets for our businesses. If we do not meet these targets and standards, or if we do not deliver the capital |
investment in our business plan or implement the transformation projects we are carrying out as envisaged, or are not able to shape our operating model to deliver success under RIIO, we may not achieve the expected benefits, our business may be materially adversely affected and our performance, results of operations and reputation may be materially harmed. |
Cost escalation | ||||||
Changes in foreign currency rates, interest rates or commodity prices could materially impact earnings or our financial condition. We have significant operations in the US and so are subject to the exchange rate risks normally associated with non UK operations, including the need to translate US assets and liabilities, and income and expenses, into sterling, our primary reporting currency. In addition, our results of operations and net debt position may be affected because a significant proportion of our borrowings, derivative financial instruments and commodity contracts are |
affected by changes in interest rates, commodity price indices and exchange rates, in particular the dollar to sterling exchange rate.
Furthermore, our cash flow may be materially affected as a result of settling hedging arrangements entered into to manage our exchange rate, interest rate and commodity price exposure, or by cash collateral movements relating to derivative market values, which also depend on the sterling exchange rate into euro and other currencies. |
Operating costs may increase faster than revenues. Income under our price controls in the UK is linked to the RPI. Our operating costs may increase without a corresponding increase in the RPI and therefore without a corresponding increase in UK revenues. Our income under our rate plans in the US is not typically linked to inflation. |
In periods of inflation in the US, our operating costs may increase by more than our revenues. In both the UK and US such increased costs may materially adversely affect our results of operations. |
42 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
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Cost escalation continued | ||||||
We may be required to make significant contributions to fund pension and other post-retirement benefits. We participate in a number of pension schemes that together cover substantially all our employees. In both the UK and US, the principal schemes are defined benefit schemes where the scheme assets are held independently of our own financial resources. In the US, we also have other post-retirement benefit schemes. Estimates of the amount and timing of future funding for the UK and US schemes are based on actuarial assumptions and other factors including: the actual and projected market performance of the scheme assets, future long-term bond yields, average life expectancies and relevant legal requirements. |
Actual performance of scheme assets may be affected by volatility in debt and equity markets, exacerbated by the eurozone crisis. Changes in these assumptions or other factors may require us to make additional contributions to these pension schemes which, to the extent they are not recoverable under our price controls or state rate plans, could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. |
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Financing and liquidity | ||||||
Maintenance and growth of our business requires access to capital markets at commercially acceptable interest rates. Our business is financed through cash generated from our ongoing operations, bank lending facilities and the capital markets, particularly the long-term debt capital markets. Some of the debt we issue is rated by credit rating agencies and changes to these ratings may affect both our borrowing capacity and borrowing costs. In addition, restrictions imposed by regulators may also limit how we service the financial requirements of our current businesses or the financing of newly acquired or developing businesses.
Financial markets can be subject to periods of volatility and shortages of liquidity, which may be exacerbated by the eurozone crisis. If we were unable to access the capital markets or other sources of finance at competitive rates for a prolonged period, our cost of financing may increase, the discretionary and uncommitted elements of our proposed capital investment programme may need to be reconsidered and the manner in which we implement our strategy may need to be reassessed. The occurrence of any such |
events could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and prospects.
Some of our regulatory agreements impose lower limits for the long-term senior unsecured debt credit ratings that certain companies within the group must hold or the amount of equity within their capital structures. One of the key limits requires National Grid plc to hold an investment grade long-term senior unsecured debt credit rating. In addition, some of our regulatory arrangements impose restrictions on the way we can operate. These include regulatory requirements for us to maintain adequate financial resources within certain parts of our operating businesses and may restrict the ability of National Grid plc and some of our subsidiaries to engage in certain transactions, including paying dividends, lending cash and levying charges. The inability to meet such requirements or the occurrence of any such restrictions may have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition. |
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Customers and counterparties | ||||||
Customers and counterparties may not perform their obligations. Our operations are exposed to the risk that customers, suppliers, financial institutions and others with whom we do business will not satisfy their obligations, which could materially adversely affect our financial position. |
This risk is most significant where our subsidiaries have concentrations of receivables from gas and electricity utilities and their affiliates, as well as industrial customers and other purchasers, and may also arise where customers are unable to pay us as a result of increasing commodity prices or adverse economic conditions. |
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Employees and others | ||||||
We need to attract and retain employees with the skills and experience required to deliver our strategy and ensure they are engaged to act in our best interests. Our ability to implement our strategy depends on the capabilities and performance of our employees. Our ability to implement our strategy may be negatively affected by the loss of key personnel or an inability to attract, train or retain appropriately qualified personnel (in particular for technical positions where availability of appropriately qualified personnel may be limited), or if significant disputes arise with our employees and, as a result, there may be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. |
There is a risk that an employee or someone acting on our behalf may breach our internal controls or internal governance framework or may contravene applicable laws and regulations. This could have an impact on our results of operations, our reputation and our relationship with our regulators and other stakeholders. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 43
Business Review
Delivering our strategy
Risks to delivery continued
When appropriate, management implements processes, procedures and controls to minimise the likelihood of a risk occurring or the potential impact if it does occur. Below are examples of the actions implemented to address the risks discussed above. It is not possible to eliminate a risk and even where a response is in place and effective, a risk may still occur.
Harmful activities | ||||||
We have implemented safety and occupational health plans, programmes and procedures that are aimed at continuous improvements in safety performance. We continue to focus on process safety, which ensures that at all stages of the asset life cycle key safety considerations are taken into account. This includes the process and procedures that govern the development and design of the assets, the competence of the staff who will build, operate and maintain the assets and the quality of the materials used to construct them. Group wide initiatives are supplemented with regional specific safety programmes aimed at addressing specific areas to ensure safety is at the forefront of every employees mind.
During the life cycle of our assets, we develop risk assessments and method statements to ensure the safety of those working on |
equipment, the safety of the public and the operational performance of the system are not compromised. More information on our safety initiatives can be found on page 33.
We are working to reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote their global reduction through support of mandatory reporting legislation. Our approach to GHG emission reductions is discussed on page 34 and more information can also be found in our annual online corporate responsibility report.
We maintain robust investigation and remediation programmes to clean up wastes. We have engineered controls in place to minimise or mitigate releases to the environment during remediation activities, including containment, alarms, spill response contracts and equipment. |
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Infrastructure and IT systems | ||||||
Routine maintenance is supported by a risk-based asset replacement strategy. A global safety management process was initiated last year to reduce the likelihood of a major accident hazard. It focuses on industry best practice risk assessment techniques, which may proactively identify opportunities to improve asset integrity.
In the UK, we have developed increasingly robust demand forecasting processes and scenario analysis in place informed by broad consultation. We use this information to plan our future development activity to ensure our network has the capacity to meet customer demands and also make this analysis available to stakeholders to inform their actions. UK Future Energy Scenarios , available on our website, gives more information.
In the US, where our networks are more susceptible to damage from storms, measures in place to address any interruption include: robust emergency response plans with training and annual drills; |
mutual aid agreements with other utilities; communication with regulators on restoration progress and costs; formalised annual business continuity plans and tactical drills; and cross training of personnel on various aspects of emergency response.
To maintain security of supply for our US gas businesses, where we are responsible for procuring and distributing the gas commodity, we maintain a diverse supply portfolio with long- and short-haul transportation agreements. Multiple interstate pipeline connections to our jurisdictions provide access to diverse production basins (US Gulf Coast, Western Rockies, Alberta, midcontinent and eastern shale supplies, Nova Scotia and imported LNG). We also have storage assets and peak shaving facilities.
We use industry best practices as part of our cyber security policies, processes and technologies, and continually invest in cyber strategies that are commensurate with the changing nature of the security landscape. |
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Law and regulation | ||||||
We actively participate in regulatory development and implementation to help shape favourable outcomes for our shareholders and the industry.
In the UK, we are proactively working with DECC on their proposals related to Electricity Market Reform. We are also working closely with Ofgem as they review our business plan submissions for RIIO-T1 and RIIO-GD1. Initial feedback has been favourable but final decisions are not due until later in the year and our engagement in this process will continue.
We recently opened an office in Brussels to establish a stronger and more visible presence with EU institutions and policy makers. |
We will inform the evolving discussion around: European Network Codes; CO 2 reduction targets beyond 2020; the establishment of a North Sea grid; and other areas.
In the US, we have completed the reorganisation of our business, moving to a jurisdictional model that will allow us to provide a local face to our global business and to more effectively engage with our regulators and the communities we serve. In addition, we will continue to file new rate cases to enable our businesses to earn a fair and reasonable rate of return. Our rate filings include structural changes where appropriate, such as revenue decoupling mechanisms, capital trackers, commodity related bad debt true ups and pension and other post-employment benefit true ups. |
44 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Business development activity | ||||||
Our investment and disposal guidelines explain the review and approval procedure for investments in and acquisitions of new companies and businesses, disposals of existing ones and organic growth investment opportunities.
They establish our search and selection criteria, the process followed, responsibilities of the parties involved and the minimum |
standards for transaction due diligence, including an economic evaluation. They operate in conjunction with our delegation of authority policy to ensure that no transaction is entered into without appropriate approval. |
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Business performance | ||||||
To meet efficiency and service quality standards, perform well against our peers, meet the expectations of our stakeholders and deliver our business plan, we will continue to improve operational performance, service reliability and customer service and invest in our infrastructure and the development of our IT. We are also carrying out other major internal transformation projects. Steering |
groups oversee progress on these projects and regular reports on progress, status and risks are presented to the Executive Committee. External advisors and specialist expertise are sought and post implementation assessments undertaken, where appropriate, and findings used to inform future programmes. |
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Cost escalation | ||||||
Our treasury function manages financial risks, including foreign currency and interest rate, to within acceptable boundaries and under policies and guidelines approved by the Finance Committee. The treasury function is not operated as a profit centre. Debt and treasury positions are managed in a non speculative manner with all transactions in financial instruments or products matched to an underlying current or anticipated business requirement.
Foreign currency risk: Translation risk is managed by maintaining a ratio of dollar denominated financial liabilities to dollar denominated gross assets of between 85% and 95%. Debt and foreign exchange derivatives are used to provide an economic offset of our dollar cash flows against the servicing of those liabilities.
Transaction risk is managed by hedging contractually committed foreign exchange transactions over a prescribed minimum size. Where foreign currency cash flow forecasts are uncertain and a judgement has to be made, we hedge a proportion based on the likelihood of them occurring, aiming to hedge substantially all such cash flows without over hedging. A hedge may be put in place where a foreign currency exposure is likely to occur but where contracts have yet to be signed. Cover usually involves the forward sale or purchase of foreign currencies and must always relate to forecast underlying operational cash flows.
Interest rate risk: Interest rate risk is managed by seeking to minimise total financing costs (interest costs and changes in the market value of debt) subject to constraints. We do this by using fixed- and floating-rate debt and derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, swaptions and forward rate agreements. We maintain a portion of our debt portfolio as inflation linked bonds. This provides a partial economic offset to the inflation risk associated with our UK inflation linked revenues.
We measure the effectiveness of our interest rate risk management by comparing the actual total financing costs with those of a passively managed benchmark portfolio. This is regularly monitored by the Finance Committee. |
Commodity price risk: We manage market price volatility associated with our gas and electricity delivery operations in the US by using forward purchase contracts for electricity, gas and electricity capacity as well as derivative instruments linked to those commodities.
We only participate in the physical and financial markets for which we or our customers have a requirement, and transact only within predefined risk parameters. These parameters are approved by the energy procurement risk management committee, which operates in accordance with authority delegated by the Finance Committee and Executive Committee.
Inflation: Actions to minimise the impact of inflation include: transformation initiatives designed to improve productivity or reduce the cost of delivering outputs; contracting for future needs where appropriate; and a multi supplier tendering process to ensure costs are minimised.
For our US based regulated businesses, if costs have increased significantly since the base year of our last rate case, we may choose to file a new rate case with the relevant regulator.
Pension and other post-retirement benefits: We negotiate recovery of pension costs from our regulators. Working with the pension schemes trustees, we also manage the risks associated with our defined benefit pension schemes in two ways:
investing in assets that match the financial characteristics of the liabilities of the schemes; and ensuring that contributions required to repair any deficits are spread over extended periods of time, to smooth the effects of market fluctuations. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 45
Business Review
Delivering our strategy
Risks to delivery continued
Financing and liquidity | ||||||
We identify short-term liquidity and long-term funding requirements by regularly producing short- and long-term cash flow forecasts, along with undertaking financial headroom analysis. The assessment of our liquidity takes into account the regulatory requirements that restrict our ability to pay dividends from some of our operating businesses.
To facilitate short- and long-term debt issuance, we maintain a number of commercial paper and medium-term note programmes in both the UK and US. We also have an SEC registered debt shelf to facilitate long-term debt issuance into the US capital markets. We manage refinancing risk by limiting the amount of debt maturities on borrowings in any one financial year. Details of our long-term borrowings maturity profile is on page 75. |
We also have both committed and uncommitted bank borrowing facilities that are available for general corporate purposes to support our liquidity requirements. The majority of our committed borrowing facilities are used to provide back up to our commercial paper programmes. To date, these have never been drawn and there is no current intention to draw them in the future.
We consider restrictions imposed by regulatory agreements in preparing cash flow forecasts and determining our future funding requirements.
Details of the programmes and facilities we maintain can be found in the debt investors section of our website. |
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Customers and counterparties | ||||||
Security deposits or other forms of collateral may be obtained from commercial and industrial customers to reduce the risk from customer default. In the US, we have processes to minimise bad debt from retail customers. We actively monitor arrears accounts and require security deposits on high risk accounts, as allowed by regulation. We offer a variety of programmes to help retail customers make their payments, including deferred payment plans for low income customers.
A diversity of commodity suppliers is maintained to reduce the credit or non performance risk from the failure of any one supplier.
The Finance Committee has agreed a policy for managing counterparty risk that sets limits to the exposure we can have based on an individual counterpartys credit rating from independent rating |
agencies. Limits are monitored daily and amended as credit ratings change and are set on a portfolio basis to ensure that our total exposure is acceptable. Given the economic uncertainties in the eurozone, we consider other leading indicators of counterparty distress and reduce exposure below the approved limits, if appropriate.
Where multiple financial transactions are entered into with a single counterparty, a netting arrangement is usually put in place to reduce our exposure to the credit risk arising.
More information about managing counterparty risk is given in note 32(c) to the consolidated financial statements. |
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Employees and others | ||||||
We maintain a strong commitment to ethical business conduct. Our ethics and compliance office was established specifically to answer questions and address concerns about unethical behaviour affecting us.
The significant changes to our business, particularly in the US, have led to our employee engagement index, as shown in our KPIs on page 39, showing there is room for improvement. To demonstrate our commitment to this important area, one of our 2012/13 shared priorities is to increase levels of employee engagement across all of our teams. We will use our engaging for performance framework, see page 32, to deliver this priority.
In the UK, we are confident that we understand our resource and skills gaps in our electricity transmission business and plans are in place to respond to these risks. Plans are not just aimed at recruiting qualified engineers with experience in our industry, but |
recognise that we must look more widely, identifying capable individuals we can train and develop to create a talent pipeline that will support our growth over time. In our UK Gas Distribution business, plans are being developed to ensure this is also the case and, in the US, we will create the same levels of assurance as workforce planning, already in place in the UK, is rolled out.
We also continue to work closely with existing partners, and when appropriate, will seek to create new partnerships. Through our partnerships we can leverage external resources, expertise and best practices to supplement our internal knowledge and experience and ensure that we can deliver our planned capital investment programme. |
46 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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The Board considers that it is imperative to have accurate and reliable information to enable informed and timely decisions to be taken that further our objectives. Key elements in managing information assurance risks include education, training and awareness.
These initiatives emphasise the importance of information security, the quality of data collection and the affirmation process that supports our business transactions, evidencing our decisions and actions. All communication channels, including training for doing the right thing, make it clear that the accurate and honest reporting of data and other information must never be compromised. These initiatives are supported by the letter of assurance process in which managers affirm, among other things, they have control frameworks in place to ensure data and other information is reported accurately. In line with ongoing transformation initiatives, we continue to monitor and evolve our control processes.
Internal control over financial reporting
Our process
In addition to the risk management process set out on the previous pages, we have specific internal mechanisms to govern the financial reporting process and the preparation of the Annual Report and Accounts. Our financial controls guidance sets out the fundamentals of internal control over financial reporting which are applied across the group and the group accounting guides provide guidance on our accounting policies. Teams of controls specialists are embedded within the business to provide support in developing, implementing and operating effective internal controls and ongoing assurance to management that financial controls are both designed and operating effectively.
Within our processes we have system, transaction and oversight controls. In addition, our businesses prepare detailed monthly management reports which include analysis of their results along with comparisons to relevant budgets, forecasts and prior year results. These are presented to and challenged by senior management within Finance, including the Finance Director, the group financial controller and the global tax and treasury director. The Finance Director, in turn, presents a consolidated management report to the Board.
These reviews are supplemented by quarterly performance reviews, chaired by the Chief Executive. They discuss historical results and expected future performance and involve senior management from both operational and financial areas of the business.
Our opinion
Working with management, including the Chief Executive and Finance Director, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as at 31 March 2012. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, however the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures has limitations including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Even effective disclosure controls and procedures provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. Based on the evaluation, the Chief Executive and Finance Director concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarised and reported as and when required and that such information is accumulated and
communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive and Finance Director, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosure.
Our management, including the Chief Executive and Finance Director, has carried out an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Disclosure and Transparency Rules and Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley. As required by Section 404, management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management evaluation of the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting was based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as at 31 March 2012.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, which has audited our consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2012, has also audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Their attestation report can be found on page 111.
During the year, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, it.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 47
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Delivering our strategy
48 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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As we enter each new year, we assess our strategy and set priorities for the coming period. These priorities cover a broad array of actions that will collectively, over time, deliver our strategy. Some examples of the actions taken this year can be found in the How do we deliver? section on pages 32 to 37. In this section, we provide a closer look at some of our priorities and how we have performed against them during the year.
A step change in IS
Our business is evolving to meet the demands of our customers and regulators; we have revised our organisational structure and sourcing strategies; and are working to ensure that our IS are also positioned to support us. We are taking a new approach to system design and delivery, infrastructure and service delivery across our IS landscape with the following objectives: |
|
|
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removing the reliance on an ageing infrastructure and complex |
Tom King Executive Director US | |||||
application portfolio that limit our ability to deliver a reliable service and respond to growth opportunities; meeting the challenge of our customers and regulators to operate more efficiently and continue to deliver quality services at better value; and developing the capability and capacity to deliver more and better IS solutions and services to the business in response to our customers needs.
Our new IS operating model includes six strategic partners, to help the delivery of our investment plan, and levels of investment that would be unachievable if we did not significantly change our ways of working. Under this partner leveraged approach, IS should be able to offer a more flexible, agile, cost effective, transparent and responsive delivery model for its services. The expected benefits of the new model are:
operating through one common global infrastructure, standard processes and tools, which makes managing our systems simpler and more efficient; delivering higher quality at better value which is being demanded by our customers and regulators; partnering with businesses across the Company to better serve our customers; providing real cost transparency helping the businesses to make more informed decisions around service levels and investments; and significantly more secure and resilient IS environment protecting our assets and information. |
A new way of doing business
In 2011, we changed from a global line of business model to a regional model with Tom King, Executive Director US, leading our US business. The change was made because our customers and regulators were looking for something more closely aligned to their local needs. We also recognised the need to balance local needs with our objective of achieving greater efficiency and, where we could achieve cost savings through centralising activities, we continued to pursue these opportunities.
The primary focus was to improve our US performance. A more locally focused organisation led by regional presidents responsible for understanding and meeting the needs of customers, communities and regulators in each state or jurisdiction where we operate was created. The restructuring included a significant reduction in cost with the elimination of 1,150 management roles. While this was a difficult time for all those involved, it was essential to take this action to reduce costs, as payroll represented our most significant ongoing expense. The key concerns were to ensure that: we were fair to our people; retained the right balance of skills and expertise to grow the business for the future; maintained service levels to our customers; and designed an organisational model that was sustainable while still keeping the goal of reducing costs by $200 million firmly in mind. |
During the restructuring, we reviewed the activities of every function in the US. A significant, and vitally important, part position, assess all potential candidates for each job in the new organisation, and fill each role with the best candidate. Employees were evaluated based on past performance, leadership qualities and fit for potential future roles. In some cases, suitably qualified or experienced internal candidates were not available to fill the vacancy and a limited number of external appointments had to be made.
The reorganisation of the US business was completed in September 2011, marking an important milestone in our evolution towards a lean organisation that makes good, swift decisions, with knowledgeable people empowered to do the right thing. The reorganisation means that we are well positioned to operate within the financial means established by our rate structures, and to achieve our goal of building closer relationships with our communities, providing the electricity and gas that are essential in peoples everyday lives. |
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greater reliability and accessibility to help people achieve their goals.
David Lister chief information officer |
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Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 49
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Delivering our strategy
What we delivered this year
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Robot technology enhances our operations
Enhancing our networks without affecting supply to customers is part of what we do and we continue to look for innovative ways to do it. With the latest developments, particularly in robot technology, we are now trialling a number of solutions across our business.
In the US, through collaboration with Con Edison and ULC Robotics we have created a cast iron sealing bot (CISBOT) that can internally seal cast iron main pipe in live gas conditions. The CISBOT allows work to take place without interruption to supply and has been successfully tested on over 610 metres (2,000 feet) of gas main in Massachusetts. This level of innovation not only benefits our customers, but should also enable us to complete future infrastructure work at a more competitive cost as well as reduce safety risks.
Robotic technologies are now also being developed for use in our UK business. LineScout, developed originally in Canada, is a remotely operated overhead line inspection robot that, similar to the CISBOT, is capable of working on live electricity lines up to 735 kV. The LineScout robot can inspect overhead line conductors and fittings, using onboard high definition cameras. In addition, it is able to perform routine maintenance, such as recovery and relocation of
|
The cast iron sealing bot or CISBOT
bolted damper assemblies, temporary conductor strand repairs and the electrical resistance measurement of conductor joints. At all times LineScout is operating on live lines, controlled via our ground teams to provide a safe mode of operation, and, equally importantly, enables customer supply to remain uninterrupted.
Such is the potential of both pieces of technology that we are continuing to work with our partners to explore further ways in which we can benefit from other technological developments. |
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Expanding our sources of capital
Innovation also extends to the way we finance our operations. September 2011 saw the launch of our first RPI linked retail bond. The 10 year bond attracted huge demand and was reopened twice to meet further demand, eventually totalling £283 million in capital raised. Open to retail investors for a minimum investment of just £2,000, this bond reached a new investor base attracting around 10,000 private investors and increased the diversity of our funding sources without a significant premium to our existing bonds. Externally recognised for its innovation, it won two awards including Deal of the Year' from the Association of Corporate Treasurers and is seen as a benchmark for other corporations to follow. The bond proved that even in difficult economic times we retain the ability to attract investors.
Malcolm Cooper global tax and treasury director comments on the success of the retail bond |
Energising the future
Our innovative energy partnership with Buffalo Niagara medical campus in upstate New York was recognised at the 2012 Energy Efficiency Global Forum in March 2012, when the project won the Energy Efficiency Global Visionary Award for the Americas.
The award was granted to Buffalo Niagara for creating a five year energy innovation and economic development plan for the campus and surrounding residential community that integrates energy efficiency, modernisation, alternative transportation and renewable energy. Campus officials worked with nearby residents, National Grid and campus institutions to create an impressive path towards energy efficiency.
Our partnership with Buffalo Niagara forms part of our community engagement through the promotion of energy efficiency and innovation. Part of our contribution to this programme will be a model energy efficient home. Originally constructed in 1915, the home will be an illustration of how the latest technologies can be integrated within existing properties and will use various innovative energy solutions, interactive learning tools and will offer further information on residential energy programmes. In addition, we commissioned 21 vehicle charging stations in December 2011 and over the coming years will complete work to increase the capacity of our network to ensure we can meet the growing energy demands of the local community.
Four cities on four continents were honoured as exemplars of energy efficiency leadership by the Alliance to Save Energy and the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance. The awards celebrate cutting edge energy efficiency achievements. Selections are made by the 50+ member Energy Efficiency Global International Steering Committee, chaired by US Senator Mark Warner and Schneider Electric US President Jeff Drees. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 51
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Delivering our strategy
What we delivered this year
52 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 53
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Delivering our strategy
What we delivered this year
54 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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London power tunnels
The flagship London power tunnels project, started in 2010, will create 10 new 400 kV circuits at the heart of the capitals transmission system. Investment could reach nearly £0.9 billion once completed in 2018. London generates the largest electricity demand on our network around 9 GW at peak and demand is continuing to grow.
To ensure we can deliver the reliability demanded by our customers in the future, we need to increase the capacity of our transmission system in and around London and so the new cables that we are installing will operate at significantly higher voltages; providing significantly more capacity than the cables they are reinforcing and replacing.
The tunnel network will surface at eight points across London to transmit electricity across local areas from new substations and will provide power to the new Crossrail transport hub. The project is also connected to the national network as part of an integrated plan to upgrade and modernise the grid nationwide rewiring Britain for the 21st century. |
Upgrading an ageing network
Five years ago, we committed to an unprecedented level of investment in our upstate New York electricity transmission and distribution system. The goals were to: upgrade an ageing network; allow us to continue providing safe, reliable power to more than 1.6 million customers in the region; and to set the stage for continued investment.
Work has ranged from upgrading transmission lines and large tower structures that move bulk power to many communities, to smaller projects that improve service to individual homes and businesses across upstate New York.
Examples of some of the individual projects completed since 2007 are:
$16 million for replacement transformers for Packard and New Gardenville substations. $36 million project to rebuild Clay 345 kV substation. $35 million to replace 139 towers on the New Scotland 345 kV line. $11 million to refurbish 69 kV line in Rotterdam-Schoharie, replacing 166 deteriorated wood pole structures and addressing reliability issues.
Despite the difficult economic times, we have invested over $1.5 billion more than double the rate allowance set in 2001 and we have done it six months ahead of schedule.
The results so far have been excellent we have met or exceeded our reliability targets every year since 2008. |
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300,000 tonnes of CO 2 per annum potential saving through LNG heat pipe
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1m learner hours of training delivered |
£0.9bn planned investment in the London tunnels project |
$1.5bn investment in upstate New York |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 55
Business Review
Contents | ||
56 | ||
57 | ||
57 Timing |
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59 Earnings |
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62 | ||
63 | ||
64 | ||
68 US Regulated |
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Andrew Bonfield Finance Director
This year has seen good financial performance across our business. Excluding the impact of the timing differences that benefited last years results and the impact of the two major storms which severely affected our US business, our adjusted operating profit increased by 8%. On this basis, we saw increases in all of our business segments.
Our cost savings programme in the US has delivered the targeted run rate of $200 million as at the end of the year, which has contributed toward a £30 million reduction in controllable operating costs in the US Regulated segment. These savings were offset by increases in controllable costs in the UK due to inflationary pressures and additional staffing costs to support both the GDFO system implementation in our UK Gas Distribution business and the ongoing increase in our capital investment programme in UK Transmission.
Our interest expense and other finance costs were significantly lower in 2011/12 due to the benefit of lower average net debt and lower debt buy back costs. This led to an effective interest rate on treasury managed debt of 5.4% compared with 5.8% in 2010/11. The total tax charge this year was higher even though we saw the benefit of the lower tax rates in the UK, although our effective tax rate, excluding exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries, remained unchanged from the prior year at 29.2%.
Capital investment for the year was £3.4 billion. Taken together with the impact of depreciation and inflation, growth in our combined US and UK regulated asset base in 2011/12 has again been significant at over £1.5 billion.
Following strong cash flow from operations and the disposal of two small subsidiaries, we saw only a small increase in our net debt of £866 million. We expect net debt to continue to increase in line with our capital investment programme.
With the anticipated inflationary revenue growth from our regulatory arrangements in the UK and the benefit of new rates from the deferral filing in our upstate New York electricity business, we look forward to another year of good financial results in 2012/13.
Andrew Bonfield
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56 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Measurement of financial performance
We report our financial results and position in accordance with IFRS.
Use of adjusted profit measures
In considering the financial performance of our businesses and segments, we analyse each of our primary financial measures of operating profit, profit before tax, profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders and earnings per share into two components.
The first of these components is referred to as an adjusted profit measure, also known as a business performance measure. This is the principal measure used by management to assess the performance of the underlying business.
Adjusted results exclude exceptional items, remeasurements, stranded cost recoveries, and the amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles. These items are reported collectively as the second component of the financial measures.
Accounting policy T on page 117 explains in detail the items which are excluded from our adjusted profit measures.
Adjusted profit measures have limitations in their usefulness compared with the comparable total profit measures as they exclude important elements of our financial performance. However, we believe that by presenting our financial performance in two components it is easier to read and interpret financial performance between periods, as adjusted profit measures are more comparable having removed the distorting effect of the excluded items. Those items are more clearly understood if separately identified and analysed. The presentation of these two components of financial performance is additional to, and not a substitute for, the comparable total profit measures presented.
Management uses adjusted profit measures as the basis for monitoring financial performance and in communicating financial performance to investors in external presentations and announcements of financial results. Internal financial reports, budgets and forecasts are primarily prepared on the basis of adjusted profit measures, although planned exceptional items, such as significant restructurings, and stranded cost recoveries are also reflected in budgets and forecasts. We separately monitor and disclose the excluded items as a component of our overall financial performance.
Reconciliations of adjusted profit measures to the total profit measure, that includes both components can be found on page 120.
As discussed on pages 24 to 29, our allowed revenues are set in accordance with our regulatory price controls or rate plans. We calculate the billing rates we charge our customers based on the estimated volume of energy we believe will be sold during the coming period. The actual volumes sold will differ from this estimate and therefore our total actual revenue will be different from our total allowed revenue. These differences are commonly referred to as timing differences. If we collect more than the allowed level of revenue, the balance must be returned to customers in subsequent periods, and if we collect less than the allowed level of revenue we may recover the balance from customers in subsequent periods. The amounts calculated as timing differences are estimates and subject to change until the variables that determine allowed revenue are final.
Our operating profit for the year includes an estimated in year over collection of £18 million (2010/11: £274 million over collection; 2009/10: £163 million under collection) and our closing balance
of over-recovery at 31 March 2012 was £90 million. All other things being equal, the majority of that balance would normally be returned to customers in the following year. The table below shows adjusted operating profit and operating profit, adjusted for timing differences.
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
Excluding the impact of timing differences |
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010
£m |
|||||||||
Adjusted operating profit |
3,477 | 3,326 | 3,284 | |||||||||
Operating profit |
3,521 | 3,471 | 3,456 |
Our financial results are reported in sterling. Transactions for our US operations are denominated in dollars and so the related amounts that are reported in sterling depend on the dollar to sterling exchange rate. As the average rate of the dollar at $1.60:£1 in 2011/12 was weaker than the average rate of $1.57:£1 in 2010/11, the same amount of revenue, adjusted operating profit and operating profit in dollars earned in 2010/11 would have been reported as £135 million, £21 million and £26 million lower respectively if earned in 2011/12. In 2009/10, the average rate was $1.58:£1; if the revenue, adjusted operating profit and operating profit in dollars recognised in 2009/10 was earned in 2010/11 it would have been reported as £29 million, £3 million and £4 million higher respectively.
The balance sheet has been translated at an exchange rate of $1.60:£1 at 31 March 2012 ($1.61:£1 at 31 March 2011).
Key performance indicators (KPIs)
Our financial KPIs are set out on pages 38 and 39.
Total shareholder return (TSR)
We measure TSR as a KPI on a cumulative three year basis. The measure reflects changes in our share price and also assumes that dividends paid to shareholders over that period were reinvested in our shares. Cumulative TSR for the period from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2012 was 51% (1 April 2008 to 31 March 2011: 4%; 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2010: -3%). This reflects the fact that, following a sharp fall in equity prices amid the turbulence in the financial markets during 2008/09, the subsequent recovery in the following three years has reversed these losses and resulted in further growth in TSR.
Group return on equity
We measure our performance in generating value for our shareholders by dividing our annual return by our equity base. We have changed the calculation methodology for group return on equity to better align with the methodology used for our new return on capital employed (RoCE) metric discussed on page 59.
Our annual return consists of the groups adjusted earnings, amended for regulatory and accounting differences including, where applicable, timing differences, the impact of inflation on our UK RAV, pension and other post-employment benefits, certain capital related operating costs, the exclusion of non debt related interest, and changes to the tax expense resulting from the tax impact of these adjustments. Our equity base consists of opening capital employed less opening net debt. Opening capital employed consists of opening UK RAV, plus opening US rate base, plus the opening net book value of assets and liabilities of our non-regulated businesses and joint ventures, plus opening goodwill. Opening net debt is adjusted for significant individual transactions during the year such as rights issues and significant acquisition or disposal activities.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 57
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Financial performance continued
Using the revised methodology, we monitor our performance using the annual return each year. For 2011/12, our group ROE was 10.9%, compared with 10.8% in 2010/11 and 12.6% in 2009/10. The return in 2011/12 was in line with the prior year but was restrained by the significantly higher US storm costs. Excluding the higher major storm costs, the 2011/12 return was 11.3%, the increase driven by growth in the Companys pre timing earnings. The high return in 2009/10 was primarily driven by inflation fluctuations in the UK affecting our allowed revenues and interest expense associated with our RPI linked bonds.
Regulated controllable operating costs
We measure regulated controllable operating costs as a proportion of our regulated assets, as measured by our UK RAV and our US rate base.
This ratio decreased to 6.7% in 2011/12, compared with 7.2% in 2010/11 and 7.5% in 2009/10 on a constant currency basis, reflecting cost savings in our US business following the restructure and the efficient growth of our regulated asset base.
Adjusted earnings per share
We monitor our financial performance during the year by measuring adjusted earnings per share. This and other profit measures are described on the following pages.
Dividends and dividend cover
The proposed total ordinary dividend for 2011/12 amounts to £1,401 million or 39.28 pence per ordinary share. This represents an increase of 8% over the previous years ordinary dividend per share of 36.37 pence.
The table below shows the ordinary dividends paid or payable by National Grid for the past five financial years.
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends |
2012 pence |
2011 pence |
2010 pence |
2009 pence |
2008 pence |
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Interim |
13.93 | 12.90 | 13.65 | 12.64 | 11.70 | |||||||||||||||
Final |
25.35 | 23.47 | 24.84 | 23.00 | 21.30 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
39.28 | 36.37 | 38.49 | 35.64 | 33.00 | |||||||||||||||
Dividends per ADS | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Interim |
1.10 | 1.02 | 1.15 | 0.95 | 1.21 | |||||||||||||||
Final |
2.02 | 1.90 | 1.77 | 1.74 | 2.05 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
3.12 | 2.92 | 2.92 | 2.69 | 3.26 |
Dividends expressed in dollars per ADS in the table above reflect the amounts paid or payable to ADS holders, rounded to two decimal places.
The final dividend proposed in respect of each financial year is reported in the financial statements for the following year. Therefore, the proposed final dividend for 2011/12 of 25.35 pence per share, amounting to approximately £905 million (assuming all dividends are settled in cash), will be reported in the financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2013.
Dividend cover |
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
Total ordinary dividends covered by: |
2012
times |
2011
times |
2010
times |
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Adjusted earnings |
1.3 | 1.4 | 1.5 | |||||||||
Earnings |
1.5 | 1.8 | 1.5 |
Scrip take up |
Dividend | Proportion taking up scrip | |||
2009/10 final |
23% | |||
2010/11 interim |
14% | |||
2010/11 final |
34% | |||
2011/12 interim |
7% |
58 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Interest cover
In order to deliver sustainable growth, we must be disciplined in the way we manage our balance sheet. The principal measure we use to monitor financial discipline is interest cover, being a measure of the cash flows we generate compared with the net interest cost of servicing our borrowings. The table below shows our interest cover for the last three years:
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 times |
2011 times |
2010 times |
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Interest cover |
3.9 | 3.8 | 3.9 |
The primary reasons for the increase in 2011/12 were a fall in finance costs driven by interest rates on short-term instruments combined with benefits from our 2010/11 debt buy back programme partially offset by a small decrease in our operational cash inflows for the year.
Return on capital employed
RoCE is designed to provide a performance comparison between our regulated UK and US businesses and is one of the measures that we use to make strategic and investment decisions around our portfolio of businesses. Our RoCE calculation is a post-tax return on assets measure based on an IFRS operating profit adjusted, where applicable, for timing differences, the impact of inflation on our UK RAV and differences between the treatment of certain costs by regulators and their treatment in the financial statements, including taxation, pension and other post-employment benefits, and certain capital related operating costs. We also deduct taxation at the statutory rate. The capital employed is the opening UK RAV and opening US rate base.
The table below shows the RoCE for our businesses over the last three years:
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
RoCE |
2012
% |
2011
% |
2010
% |
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UK regulated |
8.6 | 8.5 | 9.6 | |||||||||
US regulated |
6.8 | 7.1 | 5.5 |
The increase in UK RoCE is due to higher operating profit following the benefits of inflation on our RPI-X price controls partially offset by growth in our asset base. The fall in the US RoCE is due to higher storm costs, partially offset by savings driven by our restructuring. Excluding the impact of higher major storm costs, the US RoCE would have been 7.6%, an increase of 0.5% compared with 2011.
The following chart shows the five year trend in adjusted profit attributable to equity shareholders of the parent (adjusted earnings) and adjusted earnings per share.
The following chart shows the five year trend in profit attributable to equity shareholders (earnings) and earnings per share.
In accordance with IAS 33, all earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share amounts for comparative periods have been restated as a result of shares issued via scrip dividends and the bonus element of the rights issue.
Diluted adjusted earnings per share and diluted earnings per share are shown in the table below:
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 pence |
2011 pence |
2010 pence |
||||||||||
Adjusted diluted earnings per share |
51.0 | 50.6 | 48.3 | |||||||||
Diluted earnings per share |
56.8 | 62.5 | 47.3 |
The principal reason for the dilution in each year relates to employee share plans.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 59
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Financial performance continued
Adjusted operating profit
The £105 million decrease in adjusted operating profit in 2011/12 to £3,495 million is primarily due to:
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Adverse timing differences of £256 million, as noted on page 57. |
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Higher storm costs in the US of £116 million due to hurricane Irene and the October snow storm in Massachusetts. |
Partially offset by:
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An increase in UK regulated revenues of £220 million reflecting the impact of inflation on our RPI-X price controls. |
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Improved results from other activities as described on page 71. |
Other operating costs were relatively flat year on year, reflecting reduced costs in our US Regulated segment as a result of the restructuring, offset by higher costs within the UK due to inflation and additional staffing costs to support both the GDFO system implementation in our UK Gas Distribution business and the ongoing increase in our capital investment programme in UK Transmission.
The £479 million increase in 2010/11 to £3,600 million was primarily due to the favourable timing differences that adversely affected the current year and increased revenues in our US Regulated segment following the introduction of new rates in several of our utilities.
More information can be found in the discussion of our segments on pages 62 to 71.
Adjusted net finance costs
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
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Adjusted net finance costs |
917 | 1,134 | 1,155 |
The £217 million decrease in adjusted net finance costs in 2011/12 to £917 million is primarily due to lower interest rates on short-term instruments; lower debt repurchase costs that had peaked in the prior year due to the use of surplus funds from the rights issue; the benefit of lower average net debt as a result of those buy backs; and a favourable variance in pension interest primarily due to a higher than expected rate of return on US pension assets. The slight increase in 2010/11 compared with 2009/10 primarily reflected lower net pension interest due to higher plan assets and higher rates of return on those assets, offset by higher accretions on index-linked debt following the return of UK inflation.
Adjusted taxation
Adjusted tax for 2011/12 was a charge of £755 million (2010/11: £722 million; 2009/10: £553 million). This represents an effective tax rate of 29.2% (2010/11: 29.2%; 2009/10: 28.0%). The 2011/12 effective tax rate before exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries did not change from 2010/11 because a fall in prior period tax credits was offset, primarily by a 2% reduction in the UK corporation tax rate and a change in the UK/US profit mix where higher UK profits were taxed at UK tax rates, which are lower than those in the US. The increase in the rate from 2009/10 to 2010/11 mainly arose from a change in the UK/US profit mix where higher US profits were taxed at US tax rates that are higher than those in the UK. More information on taxation can be found in note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.
Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries
Exceptional charges of £122 million in 2011/12 consisted of restructuring charges of £101 million, environmental charges of £55 million and impairment charges of £64 million, offset by net gains on the disposals of two subsidiaries of £97 million and other net gains of £1 million.
Exceptional charges of £350 million in 2010/11 consisted of restructuring costs of £89 million, environmental charges of £128 million, impairment costs and related charges of £133 million and other charges of £15 million, offset by net gains on disposals of three subsidiaries and an associate of £15 million.
Exceptional charges of £268 million in 2009/10 consisted of restructuring charges of £149 million, environmental charges of £63 million and other charges of £67 million, offset by net gains on disposals of £11 million.
Exceptional finance costs and remeasurements
There were no exceptional finance costs in 2011/12. There were £73 million of exceptional finance costs during 2010/11 relating to the early redemption of debt following the rights issue in June 2010, offset by £43 million of exceptional interest income relating to tax settlements in the US. There were £33 million of exceptional finance costs during 2009/10 relating to the early redemption of debt. Financial remeasurements relate to net gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, 2011/12 included a loss of £70 million (2010/11: £36 million gain; 2009/10: £81 million gain). The financial element of commodity contract revaluations was nil in 2011/12 (2010/11: nil; 2009/10: £1 million loss).
Stranded cost recoveries
Stranded cost recoveries decreased by £88 million to £260 million as the costs were substantially recovered during the year. (2010/11: £348 million; 2009/10: £369 million).
Exceptional taxation
Taxation related to exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries changes each year in line with the nature and amount of transactions recorded.
In addition, exceptional tax from 2011/12 included an exceptional deferred tax credit of £242 million arising from a reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 26% to 24% applicable from 1 April 2012. A similar reduction in the UK corporation tax rate in 2010/11 from 28% to 26% resulted in a £226 million deferred tax credit in that year.
An additional exceptional tax credit of £59 million arose in 2010/11 from settling a number of KeySpan pre acquisition items with the US tax authorities. In 2009/10 a £41 million exceptional tax charge arose due to a change in US tax legislation under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
More information on exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries can be found in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
60 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Reconciliations of adjusted profit measures
Reconciliation of adjusted operating profit to total operating profit
Adjusted operating profit is presented on the face of the income statement under the heading operating profit before exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries.
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||
Adjusted operating profit |
3,495 | 3,600 | 3,121 | |||||||||
Exceptional items |
(122 | ) | (350 | ) | (268) | |||||||
Remeasurements |
(94 | ) | 147 | 71 | ||||||||
Stranded cost recoveries |
260 | 348 | 369 | |||||||||
Total operating profit |
3,539 | 3,745 | 3,293 |
Reconciliation of adjusted operating profit to adjusted earnings and earnings
Adjusted earnings is presented in note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, under the heading adjusted earnings.
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||
Adjusted operating profit |
3,495 | 3,600 | 3,121 | |||||||||
Adjusted net finance costs |
(917 | ) | (1,134 | ) | (1,155) | |||||||
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures |
7 | 7 | 8 | |||||||||
Adjusted profit before tax |
2,585 | 2,473 | 1,974 | |||||||||
Adjusted taxation |
(755 | ) | (722 | ) | (553) | |||||||
Adjusted profit |
1,830 | 1,751 | 1,421 | |||||||||
Attributable to non-controlling interests |
(2 | ) | (4 | ) | (3) | |||||||
Adjusted earnings |
1,828 | 1,747 | 1,418 | |||||||||
Exceptional items |
174 | (16 | ) | (270) | ||||||||
Remeasurements |
(122 | ) | 219 | 17 | ||||||||
Stranded cost recoveries |
156 | 209 | 221 | |||||||||
Earnings |
2,036 | 2,159 | 1,386 |
Reconciliation of adjusted earnings per share to earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share is presented in note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 pence |
2011 pence |
2010 pence |
||||||||||
Adjusted earnings per share |
51.3 | 50.9 | 48.6 | |||||||||
Exceptional items |
4.9 | (0.5 | ) | (9.3) | ||||||||
Remeasurements |
(3.4 | ) | 6.4 | 0.6 | ||||||||
Stranded cost recoveries |
4.3 | 6.1 | 7.6 | |||||||||
Earnings per share |
57.1 | 62.9 | 47.5 |
Reconciliation of adjusted profit before tax to total profit before tax
Adjusted profit before tax is presented on the face of the income statement under the heading profit before tax before exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries.
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||
Adjusted profit before tax |
2,585 | 2,473 | 1,974 | |||||||||
Exceptional items |
(122 | ) | (380 | ) | (301) | |||||||
Remeasurements |
(164 | ) | 183 | 151 | ||||||||
Stranded cost recoveries |
260 | 348 | 369 | |||||||||
Total profit before tax |
2,559 | 2,624 | 2,193 |
Reconciliation of adjusted operating profit excluding timing differences and major storms to total operating profit
Adjusted operating profit excluding timing differences and major storms is discussed in the Business Review.
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||
Adjusted operating profit excluding timing differences and major storms |
3,593 | 3,326 | 3,284 | |||||||||
Major storms |
(116 | ) | | | ||||||||
Adjusted operating profit excluding timing differences |
3,477 | 3,326 | 3,284 | |||||||||
Timing differences |
18 | 274 | (163) | |||||||||
Adjusted operating profit |
3,495 | 3,600 | 3,121 | |||||||||
Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
44 | 145 | 172 | |||||||||
Total operating profit |
3,539 | 3,745 | 3,293 |
Reconciliation of adjusted operating profit excluding timing differences to total operating profit
Adjusted operating profit excluding timing differences and total operating profit excluding timing differences are discussed in the Business Review.
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||
Adjusted operating profit excluding timing differences |
3,477 | 3,326 | 3,284 | |||||||||
Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
44 | 145 | 172 | |||||||||
Total operating profit excluding timing differences |
3,521 | 3,471 | 3,456 | |||||||||
Timing differences |
18 | 274 | (163) | |||||||||
Total operating profit |
3,539 | 3,745 | 3,293 |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 61
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Financial performance continued
Revenue by operating segment |
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||
UK Transmission |
3,804 | 3,484 | 3,475 | |||||||||
UK Gas Distribution |
1,605 | 1,524 | 1,518 | |||||||||
US Regulated |
7,795 | 8,746 | 8,372 | |||||||||
Other activities |
715 | 678 | 741 | |||||||||
Total segmental revenues |
13,919 | 14,432 | 14,106 | |||||||||
Less: sales between operating segments |
(87) | (89) | (99) | |||||||||
Total |
13,832 | 14,343 | 14,007 |
62 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Analysis of adjusted operating profit
The chart on this page analyses the movements in adjusted operating profit by segment, comparing 2011/12 with 2010/11 and comparing 2010/11 with 2009/10. The charts on pages 65, 67, 69 and 71 show the principal movements in each segment over the same periods.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 63
Business Review
We own the electricity transmission system in England and Wales and are the national electricity transmission system operator, responsible for both the England and Wales transmission system, and the two high voltage transmission networks in Scotland, which we do not own. Day-to-day operation of the system involves the continuous real-time matching of demand and generation output. We are also designated as system operator for the new offshore electricity transmission regime.
We own and operate the gas national transmission system in Great Britain, with day-to-day responsibility for balancing demand.
We own and operate the UK assets, and a portion of the subsea cables, that comprise the electricity interconnector between England and France as part of a joint arrangement with the French transmission operator.
For more details on how our UK Transmission business operates see pages 16 to 17 and 20 to 21.
Key achievements
|
delivered our capital investment programme totalling £1.4 billion; |
|
achieved our best year for reliability on record with transmission system availability of 99.999999%; |
|
opened an office in Brussels to engage at a European level; |
|
outperformed both our transmission carbon budgets (by over 25%) and our regulatory SF 6 leakage target; and |
|
in February 2012, in a joint venture partnership with ScottishPower, we awarded a £1 billion contract to build the first ever subsea electricity link between England and Scotland the western high voltage direct current link. |
Strategy
As part of the groups strategic objectives, UK Transmissions strategy includes:
|
delivering the increased capital investment programme. This adds to our regulated asset value and supports future equity growth; |
|
working with Ofgem to achieve an acceptable outcome to RIIO-T1. This will include reviewing the output measures and incentives and considering how best to maximise our returns under these new mechanisms. This will contribute to future earnings and cash flows; |
|
continuing work to increase our influence in Europe and create a long-term EU strategy, intended to help contribute to the evolution of the laws and regulations that affect our business and our consumers; and |
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increasing innovation, commercially, technically and financially. This can help us meet the output measures of our RIIO regulatory agreement and assist in finding new ways to generate growth. |
Principal risks
|
the assets associated with our major project developments will require significant stakeholder engagement in order to secure the necessary permissions to be built; |
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the increased capital expenditure programme drives a need to ensure we have the appropriate core organisational and leadership capabilities; and |
|
the outcome of Ofgems review of our business plans is uncertain. |
Outlook
We believe the outlook for our UK Transmission business over the coming year is positive. While there are challenges ahead, we believe we have the right skills and approach to overcome them.
In the next 12 months we aim to deliver over £1.5 billion of capital investment and over the RIIO price control period we estimate this will be £25 billion.
Our safety and reliability performance has remained strong during the year and we believe this can continue. Our customer satisfaction scores have improved and work is underway to help deliver further improvement in this area.
We are working with stakeholders to try to develop the network of the future, designed to have appropriate flexibility to cope with the transition to a low carbon economy.
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64 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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UK Transmission
The results of the UK Transmission segment for the years ended 31 March 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||
Revenue |
3,804 | 3,484 | 3,475 | |||||||||
Operating costs excluding exceptional items |
(2,450 | ) | (2,121 | ) | (2,164) | |||||||
Adjusted operating profit |
1,354 | 1,363 | 1,311 | |||||||||
Exceptional items |
| (70 | ) | (59) | ||||||||
Operating profit |
1,354 | 1,293 | 1,252 |
Principal movements (2009/10 2011/12)
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 65
Business Review
Principal operations
We own and operate four of the eight regional gas distribution networks in Great Britain. Our networks comprise approximately 132,000 kilometres (82,000 miles) of gas distribution pipeline and we transport gas from the gas national transmission system to around 10.8 million consumers on behalf of 26 active gas shippers. Gas consumption in our UK networks was 259 TWh in 2011/12 compared with 304 TWh in 2010/11.
We manage the national gas emergency number (0800 111 999). This service, along with the enquiries lines, appliance repair helpline and meter enquiry service, handled 2,498,804 calls during 2011/12.
For more details on how our UK Gas Distribution business operates see pages 20 and 21.
Key achievements
|
achieved all our overall standards of service, including our emergency standards; |
|
delivered £645 million of capital investment, including £474 million replacement expenditure to deliver 1,979 kilometres of decommissioned mains; |
|
significantly improved customer satisfaction, increasing scores by an average of 5.5% this year and closing the gap on the independent distribution networks (IDNs); |
|
submitted our RIIO business plans, prompting a favourable reaction from Ofgem and subsequently submitted revised plans; and |
|
completed the exit of all IDNs from the system operator managed services agreement, including delivery of all systems. |
Strategy
As part of the groups strategic objectives, UK Gas Distributions strategy includes:
|
improving our safety performance. This discipline is important for our people, our contractors and the public and is an output measure under RIIO; |
|
further improving our service to customers. This aids our relationships with stakeholders and is an output measure under RIIO; |
|
embedding process excellence, along with systems improvements and training to make us more efficient and productive. Efficient processes should help us to meet output targets at reasonable cost, contributing to superior financial returns; and |
|
developing a high performance culture to help inspire our people to do their best. Our people are the foundation of what we do. |
Principal risks
|
the potentially dangerous nature of our activities, for our employees, contractors and the public, drives us to stay focused on process and personal safety; |
|
operational performance and our ability to meet standards of service could be materially adversely affected by extreme weather conditions or other events. We therefore actively drive performance throughout the year; and |
|
the outcome of Ofgems review of our business plan is uncertain. |
Outlook
We expect to complete the roll out of the GDFO system across our networks over the summer of 2012. Once completed, this will be an enabling tool for our process improvements and should assist in improving productivity.
Our mains replacement programme will continue and is estimated at around £5 billion over the eight years of the first RIIO price control. In addition, we estimate around £1.3 billion in other capital expenditure.
We plan to introduce process and system improvements which are designed to help achieve output measures and earn incentive revenues under RIIO.
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66 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
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More information at nationalgrid.com |
UK Gas Distribution
The results of the UK Gas Distribution segment for the years ended 31 March 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||
Revenue |
1,605 | 1,524 | 1,518 | |||||||||
Operating costs excluding exceptional items |
(842 | ) | (813 | ) | (795 | ) | ||||||
Adjusted operating profit |
763 | 711 | 723 | |||||||||
Exceptional items |
(24 | ) | (40 | ) | (41 | ) | ||||||
Operating profit |
739 | 671 | 682 |
Principal movements (2009/10 2011/12)
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 67
Business Review
Principal operations
We own and operate electricity distribution networks in upstate New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Through these networks we serve approximately 3.5 million electricity consumers in New England and upstate New York.
We also maintain and operate the electricity transmission and distribution system on Long Island owned by LIPA. The LIPA service territory covers approximately 3,185 square kilometres (1,230 square miles).
We own 57 electricity generation units on Long Island that together provide 4.1 GW of power under contract to LIPA. Our plants consist of oil and gas fired steam turbine, gas turbine and diesel driven generating units ranging from 2 MW to 385 MW.
Our US gas distribution networks provide services to around 3.5 million consumers across the northeastern US, located in service territories in upstate New York, New York City, Long Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. We added 35,000 new gas heating customers in these areas in 2011/12.
We are responsible for billing, customer service and supply services. We forecast, plan for and procure approximately 14 billion standard cubic metres of gas and 33 TWh of electricity annually across four states.
For more details on how our US Regulated business operates see pages 18 to 19 and 22 to 23.
Key achievements
|
in April 2012, filed new rate cases for our upstate New York and Rhode Island gas and electricity businesses; |
|
completed the US reorganisation to a local facing jurisdictional model; |
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achieved $200 million annualised cost savings compared to 2009/10 real achieved costs; |
|
achieved significant milestones on the New England East-West Solution project, a multistate transmission project, working with the NE ISO and other utilities; and |
|
successful continued development of the Cape Wind project. |
Strategy
As part of the groups strategic objectives, US Regulateds strategy includes:
|
aligning our end-to-end processes to the needs of our customers and working to strengthen our relationships with the communities we serve; |
|
improving our financial performance through new rate filings and actions to increase the efficiency of our operations. New tools such as integrated information systems can help enable these improvements. By achieving this we will be better placed to achieve or exceed our allowed returns; |
|
increasing our safety and reliability. Work to improve our response to major weather events will continue and can help enhance our reputation; and |
|
re-engaging our people and taking action to improve our employee engagement index. |
Principal risks
|
due to storms or other events our network may fail; |
|
the outcome of our rate case filings is uncertain; |
|
adverse findings in the audit by Overland Consulting Inc on behalf of NYPSC may damage our relationships with our regulators; and |
|
new environmental or other regulations may increase our costs and may not be remunerated under our rate plans. |
Outlook
We believe the US Regulated business has opportunities to improve performance and we have a plan in place to realise these opportunities over the next few years.
The next 12 months will see significant changes to our information systems with the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning system. This will be supplemented by process improvements aimed at delivering efficiency gains while also improving operational performance.
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68 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
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More information at nationalgrid.com |
US Regulated
The results of the US Regulated segment for the years ended 31 March 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||
Revenue excluding stranded cost recoveries |
7,516 | 8,391 | 7,996 | |||||||||
Operating costs excluding exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
(6,326 | ) | (6,984 | ) | (7,055) | |||||||
Adjusted operating profit |
1,190 | 1,407 | 941 | |||||||||
Exceptional items and remeasurements |
(296 | ) | (51 | ) | (10) | |||||||
Stranded cost recoveries |
260 | 348 | 369 | |||||||||
Operating profit |
1,154 | 1,704 | 1,300 |
Principal movements (2009/10 2011/12)
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 69
Business Review
Principal operations
Grain LNG
Grain LNG is one of three LNG importation facilities in the UK. It was constructed in three phases, phases I, II and III becoming operational in 2005, 2008 and 2010 respectively. It operates under long-term contracts with customers and provides importation services, storage and send out capacity on to the national transmission system.
We are exploring with customers whether there is interest in a further expansion of the Grain LNG site that could take peak capacity up to 27% of the current annual UK gas demand when completed, which may be as early as winter 2016/17 subject to market interest.
BritNed
BritNed is a joint venture between National Grid and TenneT, the Dutch transmission system operator, to build and operate a 1,000 MW, 260 kilometre (162 mile) subsea electricity link between the UK and the Netherlands. BritNed was fully commissioned and went live on 1 April 2011.
The first capacity auction was held in October 2011 and intraday auctions are expected to commence in May 2012. In its first year of operation 80% of power flows, around 3.9 TWh, were from the Netherlands to the UK and availability was above 95%.
Metering
National Grid Metering provides installation and maintenance services to energy suppliers in the regulated market in Great Britain. It maintains an asset base of around 15 million domestic, industrial and commercial meters. During 2011/12, it significantly improved its approach to measuring process safety performance and reported no lost time injuries as well as improving customer satisfaction as measured under a biannual customer survey.
During 2012, we successfully completed the sale of OnStream which provides installation and maintenance services in the unregulated market.
UK Property
National Grid Property is responsible for managing our occupied properties in the UK and for the management, clean up and disposal of surplus sites, most of which are former gasworks.
During the year, we reviewed our commercial property operating model and in April 2012 signed an outsourcing contract with Capita Symonds. This arrangement will provide a range of services to further progress the efficient disposal and management of our surplus estate.
Xoserve
Xoserve delivers transactional services on behalf of all the major gas network transportation companies in Great Britain, including National Grid. Xoserve is jointly owned by National Grid, as majority shareholder, and the other gas distribution network companies.
US non-regulated businesses
These include interests in LNG storage, LNG road transportation and transmission pipelines. During the year, we successfully completed the sale of Seneca-Upshur, our oil and gas exploration and production business in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Corporate activities and shared services functions
Corporate activities comprise central overheads, insurance and expenditure incurred on business development.
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Other activities
The results of our other activities for the years ended 31 March 2012, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
Years ended 31 March | ||||||||||||
2012
£m |
2011
£m |
2010
£m |
||||||||||
Revenue |
715 | 678 | 741 | |||||||||
Operating costs excluding exceptional items |
(527 | ) | (559 | ) | (595 | ) | ||||||
Adjusted operating profit |
188 | 119 | 146 | |||||||||
Exceptional items |
104 | (42 | ) | (87 | ) | |||||||
Operating profit |
292 | 77 | 59 |
Principal movements (2009/10 2011/12)
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 71
Business Review
Financial position and resources
The following is a summarised analysis of our financial position and resources and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements.
You may also be interested in our risks and response to risk, particularly:
cost escalation on pages 42, 43 and 45 financing and liquidity on pages 43 and 46 customers and counterparties on pages 43 and 46
|
Having made enquiries, the Directors consider that the Company and its subsidiary undertakings have adequate resources to continue in business for the foreseeable future, and that it is therefore appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the consolidated and individual financial statements of the Company. More details of our liquidity position are provided under the risk factors discussion on page 43 and in note 32(d) to the consolidated financial statements.
As at 31 March | ||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Goodwill and intangibles |
5,322 | 5,277 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
33,701 | 31,956 | ||||||
Investments and other non-current assets |
687 | 728 | ||||||
Pension assets |
155 | 556 | ||||||
Current assets* |
2,611 | 2,822 | ||||||
Current liabilities* |
(3,155 | ) | (3,441 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
(3,738 | ) | (3,766 | ) | ||||
Provisions and other non-current liabilities |
(3,652 | ) | (3,758 | ) | ||||
Pensions and other post-retirement obligations |
(3,088 | ) | (2,574 | ) | ||||
Net debt |
(19,597 | ) | (18,731 | ) | ||||
Net assets |
9,246 | 9,069 |
*Excludes amounts related to net debt and provisions reported in other lines
Goodwill and intangibles increased by £45 million during 2011/12 to £5,322 million. This increase primarily relates to software additions of £203 million offset by amortisation of £79 million and the impairment of the acquisition related intangible asset of £64 million following the announcement that, after the end of the current contract in 2013, we will no longer operate and maintain the electricity distribution network on behalf of LIPA.
Property, plant and equipment increased by £1,745 million to £33,701 million. This was principally due to capital expenditure of £3,172 million, predominantly in the extension of our regulated networks, partially offset by £1,212 million of depreciation and net disposals of £279 million, primarily the disposal of OnStream in October 2011.
72 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 73 |
Business Review
Financial position and resources continued
Plan assets are predominantly invested in equities, corporate bonds, gilts, property and short-term investments. Our plans are trustee administered and the trustees are responsible for setting the investment strategy and monitoring investment performance, consulting with us where appropriate.
The investment profile of our pension plan assets is illustrated below:
Further information on our pension and other post-retirement obligations can be found in note 30 of the consolidated financial statements.
Funding and liquidity risk management
Funding and treasury risk management is carried out by the treasury function under policies and guidelines approved by the Finance Committee of the Board. The Finance Committee is responsible for the regular review and monitoring of treasury activity and for the approval of specific transactions, the authority for which may be further delegated.
The primary objective of the treasury function is to manage our funding and liquidity requirements. A secondary objective is to manage the associated financial risks, in the form of interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk, to within acceptable boundaries. Further details on the management of funding and liquidity and the main risks arising from our financing and commodity hedging activities can be found in the risk factors discussion starting on page 41 and in notes 32 and 33 of the consolidated financial statements.
Investment of surplus funds, usually in short-term fixed deposits or placements with money market funds that invest in highly liquid instruments of high credit quality, is subject to our counterparty risk management policy.
The trend in our net debt as shown in the chart above highlights two significant events. The acquisition of KeySpan in August 2007 and our rights issue in June 2010.
Net debt is made up as follows:
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Cash, cash equivalents & financial investments |
2,723 | 3,323 | ||||||
Borrowings and bank overdrafts |
(23,025 | ) | (23,198 | ) | ||||
Derivatives |
705 | 1,144 | ||||||
Total net debt |
(19,597 | ) | (18,731 | ) |
The increase in net debt of £866 million to £19,597 million is explained by our chart below:
74 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Factors decreasing net debt
Our primary source of cash relates to operating cash flows as detailed separately below. In 2011/12 this was supplemented by proceeds from the rights issue. Non cash movements related to foreign exchange gains caused by movements in the sterling to dollar exchange rate which was offset by increases in the value of inflation linked debt.
Factors increasing net debt
Our primary use of cash is for capital expenditure and other investing activities. This has increased by £258 million primarily due to increased investment in our UK Transmission business. We also utilised cash for dividends which increased by £148 million representing the 8% growth in the dividend and the increase in the number of qualifying shares following the rights issue and scrip dividend uptakes. Net interest paid was £287 million lower than prior year, reflecting lower interest rates, lower average net debt during the year and reduced debt repurchase costs. Tax paid was £259 million, £263 million higher than prior year due to a refund received in March 2011. Non cash movements related to increases in the value of inflation linked debt and remeasurements.
Operating cash flows
Cash flows from our operations are largely stable over a period of years. Our electricity and gas transmission and distribution operations in the UK and US are subject to multi-year rate agreements with regulators. In the UK, we have largely stable annual cash flows. However, in the US our short-term cash flows are dependent on the price of gas and electricity and the timing of customer payments. The regulatory mechanisms for recovering costs from customers can result in significant cash flow swings from year to year. Changes in volumes in the US, for example as a consequence of abnormally mild or extreme weather or economic conditions affecting the level of demand, can affect cash inflows in particular.
Cash flow from operations decreased by £367 million in 2011/12 to £4,487 million due to lower operating profits, unfavourable working capital movements, higher pension payments and lower stranded costs recoveries.
The increase of £482 million in 2010/11 to £4,854 million was due to higher operating profits and lower pension payments.
Borrowings
The Finance Committee controls refinancing risk by limiting the amount of our debt maturities arising from borrowings in any one year which is demonstrated by our maturity profile.
The maturity profile of gross borrowings by our major financial entities is illustrated below:
During the year we continued to refinance where attractive opportunities arose. We received £1,809 million of proceeds from new loans and debt issuance, including a 500 million note in NGUSA in May 2011, £283 million from our RPI linked retail bond in National Grid plc in October 2011 and a $500 million note in Boston Gas in February 2012; and repaid £1,914 million of borrowings during the year.
As at 31 March 2012 total borrowings of £23,025 million including bonds, bank loans, finance leases and other debt was broadly consistent with 2010/11. We expect to repay £2,492 million of our maturing debt in the next 12 months and that we will be able to refinance this debt through the capital and money markets.
Further information on borrowings can be found on the debt investors section of our website and in note 19 of the consolidated financial statements.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 75
Business Review
Financial position and resources continued
Derivatives
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Interest rate swaps |
187 | 161 | ||||||
Cross-currency interest rate swaps |
740 | 970 | ||||||
Foreign exchange forward contracts |
59 | 38 | ||||||
Forward rate agreements |
(5 | ) | (20 | ) | ||||
Inflation linked swaps |
(276 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||
Total as at 31 March |
705 | 1,144 |
We use derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to risks arising from fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates. We value our derivatives by discounting all future cash flows by externally sourced market yield curves at the balance sheet date, taking into account the credit quality of both parties. The decrease in our derivatives of £439 million therefore represents movements as a result of underlying market variables and composition of the derivative portfolio.
The currency exposure on our borrowings is managed through the use of cross-currency swaps and results in a net debt profile post derivatives that is almost entirely sterling/dollar.
The impact on net debt from our use of derivatives can be seen in the currency and interest rate profiles shown below:
The interest rate profile of net debt is actively managed under the constraints of our interest rate risk management policy as approved by the Finance Committee. Our interest rate exposure, and therefore profile, will change over time. The chart below shows the interest rate profile of our net debt before derivatives.
The charts below show the impact, as at 31 March 2012, of derivatives on our net debt for 2012/13 and future years. The 2012/13 position reflects the use of derivatives, including forward rate agreements to lock in interest rates in the short term. The future years position excludes derivatives that mature within the next year.
Further details on our foreign currency and interest rate risk management can be found in the risk factors discussion on page 45 and in note 32(a) of the consolidated financial statements.
There were no significant off-balance sheet arrangements other than the contractual obligations shown in note 32(d) of the consolidated financial statements, and the commitments and contingencies discussed below.
The following table summarises the commitments and contingencies outstanding at 31 March 2012 and 2011
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Future capital expenditure contracted but not provided for |
2,728 | 1,614 | ||||||
Total operating lease commitments |
706 | 795 | ||||||
Energy commitments |
4,174 | 3,543 | ||||||
Guarantees and letters of credit |
1,344 | 762 |
The increase in capital expenditure contracted but not provided for is a result of the continued ramp up in our capital investment programme.
The energy commitments reflect obligations to purchase energy under long-term contracts. These contracts are used in respect of our normal sale and purchase requirements and do not include commodity contracts carried at fair value. Substantially all our costs of purchasing electricity and gas supply for our customers are recoverable at an amount equal to cost. The timing of recovery can vary between financial periods leading to an under- or over-recovery within any particular financial period (see timing differences as discussed on page 57).
The increase in guarantees and letters of credit relates to a guarantee provided in relation to our portion of the construction of the HVDC west coast link between Scotland and England, which is expected to expire in 2016.
76 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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We propose to meet all our commitments, as well as working capital requirements, from existing cash and investments, operating cash flows, existing credit facilities, future facilities and other financing that we reasonably expect to be able to secure in the future.
Further information on commitments and contingencies can be found in note 28 to the consolidated financial statements, together with information on litigation and claims.
The principal measure of our balance sheet efficiency is our interest cover ratio as described on page 59. Our target long-term range for interest cover is between 3.0 and 3.5, which we believe is consistent with single A range long-term senior unsecured debt credit ratings within our main UK operating companies, National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (NGET plc) and National Grid Gas plc (NGG plc).
Some of our regulatory agreements impose lower limits for the long-term senior unsecured debt credit ratings that certain companies within the group must hold or the amount of equity within their capital structures. These requirements are monitored on a regular basis in order to ensure compliance. One of the key limits requires National Grid plc to hold an investment grade long-term senior unsecured debt credit rating. We believe our aim of maintaining single A range long-term senior unsecured debt credit ratings within our main UK operating companies is consistent with this. Further details on credit ratings can be found on the debt investors section of our website.
Gearing at 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2011, calculated as net debt expressed as a percentage of net debt plus net assets, amounted to 68% and 67% respectively. We do not consider that this standard gearing ratio is an appropriate measure of our balance sheet efficiency as it does not reflect the economic value of our regulated assets in our UK and US businesses.
Therefore, we monitor the regulatory asset value (RAV) gearing within NGET plc and the regulated transmission and distribution businesses within NGG plc. This is calculated as net debt expressed as a percentage of RAV, and indicates the level of debt employed to fund our UK regulated businesses. It is compared to 60% which is the level of RAV gearing indicated by Ofgem as being appropriate for these businesses. The table below shows the RAV gearing for NGET plc and for the regulated transmission and distribution businesses within NGG plc as at 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2011. To calculate RAV gearing for the regulated transmission and distribution businesses within NGG plc, we exclude an element of debt that is associated with funding the metering business within NGG plc which no longer has a RAV associated with it.
RAV gearing |
2012
% |
2011
% |
||||||
Regulated transmission and distribution businesses within National Grid Gas plc |
51 | 54 | ||||||
National Grid Electricity Transmission plc |
49 | 54 |
Actuarial valuation of UK pensions
A triennial valuation is carried out for the independent trustees of our two UK defined benefit plans by professionally qualified actuaries, using the projected unit method. The purpose of the valuation is to design a funding plan to ensure that present and future contributions should be sufficient to meet future liabilities.
The last completed full actuarial valuation of the National Grid UK Pension Scheme was as at 31 March 2010. This concluded that the pre-tax funding deficit was £599 million in the defined benefit section on the basis of the funding assumptions. Employer cash contributions for the ongoing cost of this plan are currently being made at a rate of 32% of pensionable payroll.
The last completed full actuarial valuation of the National Grid Electricity Group of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme was as at 31 March 2010. This concluded that the pre-tax funding deficit was £507 million on the basis of the funding assumptions. Employer cash contributions for the ongoing cost of this plan are currently being made at a rate of 23.7% of pensionable payroll.
We agreed with both sets of Trustees that the deficits should be repaired over 17 years and that we would deposit additional cash in restricted accounts over which the respective Trustee has a charge and that would be paid to the Trustee, primarily in the event of insolvency or loss of licence of the relevant employer. The money is returned back to the company if the respective scheme moves into surplus.
In addition, we agreed with the Trustees of the National Grid Electricity Group of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme to make a payment in respect of the deficit up to a maximum of £220 million should certain triggers be breached, primarily relating to loss of licence by NGET plc or its credit rating falling below agreed limits.
More information on the actuarial valuations can be found in note 30 to the consolidated financial statements.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 77
Business Review
Basis of accounting
The consolidated financial statements present our results for the years ended 31 March 2012, 2011 and 2010 and our financial position as at 31 March 2012 and 2011. They have been prepared using the accounting policies shown, in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
In complying with IFRS, we are also complying with the version of IFRS that has been endorsed by the European Union for use by listed companies.
Choices permitted under IFRS
IFRS provides certain options available within accounting standards. Material choices we have made, and continue to make, include the following:
Presentation formats We use the nature of expense method for our income statement and total our balance sheet to net assets and total equity.
In the income statement, we present subtotals of total operating profit, profit before tax and profit from continuing operations, together with additional subtotals excluding exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries. Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries are presented separately on the face of the income statement.
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Customer contributions Contributions received prior to 1 July 2009 towards capital expenditure are recorded as deferred income and amortised in line with the depreciation on the associated asset.
Financial instruments We normally opt to apply hedge accounting in most circumstances where this is permitted. For net investment hedges, we have chosen to use the spot rate method, rather than the alternative forward rate method.
Timing of goodwill impairment reviews Goodwill impairment reviews are carried out annually in the final quarter of the financial year.
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Critical accounting policies
The application of accounting principles requires us to make estimates, judgements and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the accounts. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates using historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods that we consider reasonable in the particular circumstances to ensure compliance with IFRS. Actual results may differ significantly from our estimates, the effect of which will be recognised in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.
Certain accounting policies, described below, have been identified as critical accounting policies, as these policies involve particularly complex or subjective decisions or assessments. The discussion of critical accounting policies below should be read in conjunction with the description of our accounting policies set out in the consolidated financial statements on pages 112 to 118.
Revenue Revenue includes an assessment of energy and accruals for transportation services supplied to customers between the date of the last meter reading and the year end. Changes to the estimate of the energy or transportation services supplied during this period would have an impact on our reported results.
Unbilled revenues at 31 March 2012 are estimated at £368 million in the UK and £360 million in the US compared with £303 million and £445 million respectively at 31 March 2011.
Estimated economic lives of property, plant and equipment The reported amounts for depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortisation of non-current intangible assets can be materially affected by the judgements exercised in determining their estimated economic lives.
Hedge accounting We use derivative financial instruments to hedge certain economic exposures arising from movements in exchange and interest rates or other factors that could affect either the value of our assets or liabilities or our future cash flows. Movements in the fair values of derivative financial instruments may be accounted for using hedge accounting where we meet the relevant eligibility, documentation and effectiveness testing requirements. If a hedge does not meet the strict criteria for hedge accounting, or where there is ineffectiveness or partial ineffectiveness, then the movements will be recorded in the income statement immediately instead of being recognised in other comprehensive income or by being offset by adjustments to the carrying value of debt.
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Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries are items of income and expense that, in the judgement of management, should be disclosed separately on the basis that they are material, either by their nature or their size, to an understanding of our financial performance and distort the comparability of our financial performance between periods.
Items of income or expense that are considered by management for designation as exceptional items include such items as significant restructurings, write-downs or impairments of non-current assets, significant changes in environmental or decommissioning provisions, integration of acquired businesses, gains or losses on disposals of businesses or investments and debt redemption costs as a consequence of transactions such as significant disposals or issues of equity.
Remeasurements comprise gains or losses recorded in the income statement arising from changes in the fair value of commodity contracts and of derivative financial instruments. These fair values increase or decrease as a consequence of changes in commodity and financial indices and prices over which we have no control.
Stranded cost recoveries relate to the recovery, through charges to electricity customers in upstate New York and in New England, of costs mainly incurred prior to divestiture of generation assets.
Tax estimates Our tax charge is based on the profit for the year and tax rates in effect. The determination of appropriate provisions for taxation requires us to take into account anticipated decisions of tax authorities and estimate our ability to utilise tax benefits through future earnings and tax planning.
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78 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Carrying value of assets and potential for impairments The carrying value of assets recorded in the consolidated balance sheet could be materially reduced if an impairment were to be assessed as being required. Impairment reviews are carried out either when a change in circumstance is identified that indicates an asset might be impaired or, in the case of goodwill, annually. An impairment review involves calculating either or both of the fair value or the value in use of an asset or group of assets and comparing with the carrying value in the balance sheet.
These calculations involve the use of assumptions as to the price that could be obtained for, or the future cash flows that will be generated by, an asset or group of assets, together with an appropriate discount rate to apply to those cash flows.
Assets and liabilities carried at fair value Certain assets and liabilities, principally financial investments, derivative financial instruments and certain commodity contracts, are carried in the balance sheet at their fair value rather than historical cost.
The fair value of financial investments is based on market prices, as is that of derivative financial instruments where market prices exist. Other derivative financial instruments and those commodity contracts carried at fair value are valued using financial models, which include judgements on, in particular, future movements in exchange and interest rates as well as equity and commodity prices.
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Provisions Provisions are made for liabilities, the timing and amount of which is uncertain. These include provisions for the cost of environmental restoration and remediation, decommissioning of nuclear facilities we no longer own but to which we still have a responsibility to contribute, restructuring, and employer and public liability claims.
Calculations of these provisions are based on estimated cash flows relating to these costs, discounted at an appropriate rate where significant. The amounts and timing of cash flows relating to these liabilities are based on management estimates supported by external consultants.
Pensions and other post-retirement benefits Obligations for pensions and other post-retirement benefits recorded in the balance sheet are calculated actuarially using a number of assumptions about the future, including inflation, salary increases, life expectancy, length of service and pension and investment returns, together with the use of a discount rate to calculate the present value of the obligation.
These assumptions can have a significant impact on both the pension obligation recorded in the balance sheet and on the net charge recorded in the income statement.
Energy commitments Our energy commitments relate to contractual commitments to purchase electricity or gas to satisfy physical delivery requirements to our customers or for energy that we use ourselves. In managements judgement these commitments meet the normal purchase, sale or usage exemption in IAS 39 and are not recognised in the financial statements.
If these commitments were judged not to meet the exemption under IAS 39 they would have to be carried in the balance sheet at fair value as derivative instruments, with movements in their fair value shown in the income statement under remeasurements.
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In order to illustrate the impact that changes in assumptions could have on our results and financial position, the following sensitivities are presented:
Revenue accruals A 10% change in our estimate of unbilled revenues at 31 March 2012 would result in an increase or decrease in our recorded net assets and profit for the year by approximately £49 million net of tax.
Asset useful lives An increase in the economic useful lives of assets of one year on average would reduce our annual depreciation charge on property, plant and equipment by £70 million (pre-tax) and our annual amortisation charge on intangible assets by £11 million (pre-tax).
Hedge accounting If using our derivative financial instruments, hedge accounting had not been achieved during the year ended 31 March 2012, then the profit after tax for the year would have been £165 million higher than that reported net of tax, and net assets would have been £163 million higher.
Provisions A 10% change in the estimates of future cash flows estimated in respect of provisions for liabilities would result in an increase or decrease in our provisions of approximately £173 million.
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Assets carried at fair value A 10% change in assets and liabilities carried at fair value would result in an increase or decrease in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments and commodity contract liabilities of £71 million and £19 million respectively.
Pensions and other post-retirement obligations Our pension and post-retirement obligations are sensitive to the actuarial assumptions used. A 0.1% increase in the discount rate, a 0.5% increase in the rate of salary increases or an increase of one year in life expectancy would result in a change in the net obligation of £346 million, £158 million and £686 million and a change in the annual pension cost of £7 million, £8 million and £6 million respectively. The effect of a change in the discount rate, driven by changes in corporate bond interest rates, would be expected to have a partial offset due to the related effects on asset values.
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Accounting developments
Accounting standards, amendments to standards and interpretations adopted in 2011/12
In preparing our consolidated financial statements we have complied with IFRS, IAS and interpretations applicable for 2011/12. None of the standards, amendments to standards and interpretations adopted during 2011/12 resulted in a material change to our consolidated financial statements for the year, or the comparative years presented.
Accounting standards, amendments to standards and interpretations not yet adopted
New accounting standards, amendments to standards and interpretations which have been issued but not yet adopted by National Grid are discussed in the consolidated financial statements on page 119.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 79
Corporate Governance
I am fully committed to strong corporate governance practices and firmly believe in the benefits an effective board can bring to an organisation. It is evident to me that the Board, under the leadership of Sir John, made great progress in enhancing its effectiveness. However, we must not rest on our laurels, and I have been looking at ways to further improve it. As well as my own observations, I have discussed the Boards operation and processes with each Director individually. For more information, see Board evaluation and effectiveness on page 82.
We have made changes to Board meeting agendas to ensure our Non-executive Directors have greater opportunity to support, challenge and add value, particularly on strategic issues. Further, our Non-executive Directors have committed to individually visit different sites to continuously broaden their understanding of the Company and meet our employees and contractors. We have also undertaken a comprehensive review of our risk appetite with a corresponding increase in our understanding of this important area.
As a priority following my appointment, I have worked with the Nominations Committee to review the evolution of the Board and Committee composition, in light of the longevity of service of several of our Non-executive Directors and noting in particular the strategic challenges and opportunities our Company faces. We have identified the balance of skills, experience, capabilities, independence, diversity and knowledge of the Company required on the Board and its Committees against which future appointments will be made, see page 81 for more details on Board transition.
As part of this succession planning process, which should complete in July 2014, we are delighted to welcome Ruth Kelly, Paul Golby and, with effect from 1 June 2012, Nora Brownell to our Board. During 2012, we will be saying goodbye to Stephen Pettit and Linda Adamany and thank them for their committed service to the Board. The phased recruitment and induction of new Non-executive Directors facilitates a structured handover and allows us to retain essential experience and knowledge to ensure continuity during a period of change. I am confident our Non-executive Directors retain independent character and judgement and continue to play an essential role in the composition of our Board due to the skills and expertise they bring. For more information on the diversity of our Board see pages 10 and 11.
I look forward to leading the Board through this period of transition and overseeing the changes ahead to further strengthen our corporate governance.
Sir Peter Gershon Chairman
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We are committed to operating our businesses in a responsible and sustainable manner. Our corporate governance framework forms an integral part of this approach in order to safeguard shareholder value.
Compliance statement The Board considers that it complied in full with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) during the financial year being reported, with the exception of the recruitment process for one of the Non-executive Directors, see page 87 for further details.
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This report explains key features of the Companys governance structure to provide a greater understanding of how the main principles of the Code have been applied and to highlight areas of focus during the year. The report also includes items required by the Disclosure and Transparency Rules. The location within the Annual Report and Accounts of each of the disclosures required in the Directors Report is set out in the index at the top of the following page. Our business model is explained on page 14 as required by the Code.
A full description of the matters reserved to the Board, together with other documentation relating to the Companys governance, is available on our website.
Examples of changes during the year
The role of the Senior Independent Director has been updated during the year, and the Board has increased its focus on risk matters, see pages 40 to 47.
Additionally, a project was undertaken to formulate revised global delegations of authority which set out the processes for decision- making within the Company. Over time, the existing delegations had become complex, making it difficult to interpret quickly the correct delegation of authority requirement for decision-making. The principles of the simplified processes and guidance, which also incorporated consideration of risk, were approved by the Executive Committee and then the Board in January 2012. The revised framework came into effect from 1 April 2012 following a period of training and communication and applies equally to the UK and US.
80 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Directors Report statutory and other disclosures (starting on page indicated) |
|||||||||||||||||||||
107 | Annual General Meeting | 184 | Conflicts of interest | 14 | Future developments | expenditure | ||||||||||||||||
186 | Articles of Association | 24 | Contractual and other | 40 | Internal control | 185 | Post balance sheet events | |||||||||||||||
89 | Audit information | arrangements | 184 | Material interests in shares | 14 | Principal activities and | ||||||||||||||||
8 | Board of Directors | 184 | Directors indemnity | 32 | People | business review | ||||||||||||||||
184 | Change of control provisions | 103 | Directors share interests | 185 | Policy and practice on | 185 | Research and development | |||||||||||||||
184 | Charitable donations | 58 | Dividends | payment of creditors | 40 | Risk management | ||||||||||||||||
184 | Code of Ethics | 74 | Financial instruments | 185 | Political donations and | 107 | Share capital |
The Board reserves a number of matters for its sole consideration where these matters impact the strategic direction, effective oversight and reputation of the Company and its businesses.
Board focus during the year
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monthly Chief Executives report on safety, business development and scorecard showing performance against KPIs; |
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strategic review to 2020; |
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UK and US regulatory issues and updates; |
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UK business deep dives on operating model, energy futures and carbon capture and storage; |
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US business deep dives on restructuring progress, customer focus and initiatives and review of external audits; |
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dividend policy; |
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risk appetite; |
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budget and business plan; |
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London Olympics; and |
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corporate governance best practice. |
Expected Board focus for next year
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safety performance and initiatives; |
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UK price control review submissions, outcomes and updates and US regulatory relationships and rate filings; |
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results of 2012 employee opinion survey and proposed high level actions; |
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ageing workforce regeneration; |
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talent management, retention and recruitment; |
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clarifying future sources of growth; |
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UK capital expenditure programme delivery; |
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financing the business, including dividend policy; and |
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implementing and monitoring actions to improve its own performance, see page 82. |
Sir Peter joined the Board on 1 August 2011 as Deputy Chairman and assumed the role of Chairman on 1 January 2012 when Sir John Parker stepped down. Additionally during the year, Ruth Kelly and Paul Golby joined the Board as Non-executive Directors and John Allan stepped down. The Directors during the year are set out on page 85.
In their deliberations, the Nominations Committee and the Board consider balance as a key requirement for the composition of the Board, not only in terms of the number of Executives and Non-executives, but also with regard to the mix of skills, experience, knowledge, independence and diversity. The skills and diversity of the Board are set out on pages 10 and 11.
The Board considers the Directors offering themselves for election or re-election continue to be effective, committed to their roles and have sufficient time available to perform their duties. The Chairman has established processes to enable him to fulfil his role as chairman of two FTSE 100 companies effectively. In accordance with the Code, all Directors, with the exception of Stephen Pettit, will seek election or re-election as set out in the Notice of the 2012 AGM. Biographical details for current Directors can be found on pages 8 and 9, together with details of Committee memberships.
For further details regarding the Directors service contracts and letters of appointment, see pages 99 and 100 in the Remuneration Report.
Board transition Stephen Pettit and Linda Adamany will step down from the Board with effect from 30 July and 31 October 2012 respectively. Ken Harvey, Senior Independent Director and Remuneration Committee chairman, and George Rose, Audit Committee chairman, are expected to stay on the Board until July 2013, allowing time for suitably qualified and experienced external candidates to be appointed. Maria Richter, Finance Committee chairman, who also has significant financial expertise, is expected to step down in July 2014 to allow a phased recruitment and induction of new non-executive directors. While we recognise the length of service of Ken, George and Maria we strongly believe that as a result of their skills, experience and independence they remain key to the phased and orderly transition of the Board.
It is anticipated up to four new non-executive directors will be appointed over the period until July 2014. In this respect, on 1 June 2012 Nora Brownell will join the Board, bringing US regulatory and utilities experience. She will join the Nominations, Remuneration and Risk & Responsibility Committees. Future non-executive director appointments will be made against candidate profiles to bring additional finance, City, CEO/CFO and executive remuneration experience, as appropriate, to the Board.
On Stephen Pettits departure, the Risk & Responsibility Committee which he has chaired will be replaced by a new committee, to be chaired by Philip Aiken, which will focus on safety, environmental and health matters.
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The Board delegates authority to its Committees to carry out certain tasks as defined in, and regulated by, the Committees terms of reference, which are available on our website. The Committee structure is set out in summary on page 12 and in more detail on pages 84 and 85.
In relation to the day-to-day management of the Company, the Executive Committee has responsibility for making management and operational decisions. Included this year, on page 13, is further information on the membership and operation of the Executive Committee.
Non-executive Director independence
The independence of the Non-executive Directors is considered at least annually along with their character, judgement, commitment and performance on the Board and relevant Committees. The Board, in its deliberations, specifically took into consideration the Code and examples of indicators of potential non independence, including length of service. On appointment as Chairman, Sir Peter was considered to be independent by the Board.
The length of service of several of our Non-executive Directors was a key consideration for the Chairman on his appointment. As set out in the Chairmans foreword to this report, Sir Peter and the Nominations Committee have reviewed the composition and balance of the Board and its ability to meet future challenges. The orderly transition of the Board is underway in a phased manner as set out above. Following the annual evaluation of independence, with a particularly rigorous review for those Directors who have served greater than six years, each of the Non-executive Directors at year end has been determined by the Board to be independent notwithstanding that Ken Harvey, Stephen Pettit and George Rose have served on the Board for more than nine years.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 81
Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance continued
Director induction, development and support
The Chairman, with the support of the Company Secretary & General Counsel, is responsible for the induction of new Directors and ongoing development of all Directors.
Non-executive Directors induction programme On appointment to the Board, new Non-executive Directors receive an induction programme including:
one-to-one meetings with other Directors and senior management in the UK and US; Directors information pack to provide background information on the Companys businesses and operations including matters relating to corporate governance and corporate responsibility; meetings with the external auditors and advisors; and operational site visits.
Programmes are tailored depending on the experience and background of each individual and the Committees on which they serve. Ruth Kellys induction provided information on the Companys operations and industry together with legal duties associated with being a Director of a listed company. Recognising that Paul Golby has recent and relevant industry experience in the UK, and has also served as a director of a UK listed company, his induction is being tailored accordingly, including opportunities to find out more about our US businesses.
Chairmans induction programme The Chairmans induction programme included the items listed in the above bullets and was further tailored as follows:
an extensive site visit programme including, in the UK and US, control centres and substations, and in the UK Isle of Grain and Eakring learning centre, together with the Brooklyn/Queens Interconnector in the US; extensive time spent with the Chief Executive; meetings with senior management from a wide variety of functions, such as procurement, human resources, network operations, asset management, maintenance and construction, together with jurisdictional presidents; and
meetings with the UK regulator and major shareholders.
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At the one-to-one meetings held with the Chairman as part of the Board performance evaluation process, a discussion is held to identify any personal development and training needs. As the internal and external business environment changes, it is important to ensure the Directors skills and knowledge are refreshed and updated regularly.
Board meetings are regularly held at operational sites to enhance familiarity with the Company. At each Board meeting, all Directors receive updates on legal, economic, corporate governance and best practice matters as appropriate, and details of the latest training courses available. Executive Directors use external coaching in accordance with their personal development plans.
With the agreement of the Board, Executive Directors gain experience of other companies operations, governance frameworks and boardroom dynamics through non-executive appointments as set out in the Board biographies on pages 8 and 9. The fees for these positions are retained by the individual as detailed on page 99.
Board evaluation and effectiveness
The annual performance evaluation process allows the Board to formally record, monitor and look to improve its performance in order to maintain high standards of governance.
After due consideration by Sir John, Sir Peter and the Nominations Committee of the requirement periodically to conduct an externally facilitated performance evaluation, it was agreed that, in this first year of Board transition including change of Chairman, an internally facilitated approach would be the most appropriate method of evaluation.
The performance evaluation process was led jointly by Sir John and Sir Peter until Sir Johns departure and assisted by the Company Secretary & General Counsel. The process consisted of surveys for the Board and each Committee, and one-to-one meetings between each of the Directors and Sir Peter. A summary of the timeline and process is set out in the diagram below.
The Board and Committee surveys were structured around the provisions of the Code and topics included composition, role and structure of the Board and Committees, meeting scheduling and operation, information and support, and training and development opportunities for Directors. This year all surveys were updated to reflect evolving best practice on diversity. For each question, a choice of four answers was provided and all Committee surveys included open questions to prompt comments and suggestions on how the Committee could enhance its performance, and influence and impact on the business.
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The results of this year's performance evaluation show the Board and its Committees continue to operate effectively and actions for further enhancements have been identified, examples of which are set out in the table below.
Area
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Actions for 2012/13
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Membership and attendees |
During this period of Board transition, membership of all Committees is to be reviewed to ensure appropriate alignment of skills and knowledge. Responsibility: Nominations Committee
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Training and development |
Training and development is key for all members of the Board. Formal training plans will be agreed between each Director and the Chairman (and in the case of the Chairman with the Senior Independent Director). Responsibility: Board members
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Role and structure |
To review the terms of reference and remit of the Risk & Responsibility Committee, including the advice sought from external advisors (Note this action is being taken forward as part of the proposal to replace the Committee with a new committee which will focus on safety, environmental and health matters). Responsibility: Chairman, Chief Executive and Company Secretary & General Counsel
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Having joined during the year, to enhance his familiarisation with the operation and processes of the Board, in addition to meeting each Director to discuss the results of the Board performance evaluation survey, Sir Peter also met with all Directors on a one-to-one basis. This was part of a separate and complementary review, which was run in parallel with the formal Board evaluation process. Following consultation with the Chief Executive, Sir Peter presented his initial findings on the Board's effectiveness to the Nominations Committee and Board in January, with the Board in February agreeing detailed actions under the following broad areas:
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enabling the Board and its Committees to focus appropriately on addressing the key challenges and opportunities; |
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facilitating an appropriate level of input and constructive challenge from the Non-executive Directors; |
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establishing more clarity about the levels of assurance the Board needs in areas outside the remit of the Audit Committee; |
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increasing Non-executive Director engagement with the operations; and |
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increasing the effectiveness of scrutiny of operations and business processes. |
In relation to the above, membership of the Nominations Committee has been extended to include all Non-executive Directors so as to provide a wider forum to consider Executive succession and performance matters. Additionally, short meetings between the Chairman and the Non-executive Directors have been introduced immediately before each Board meeting to help the Chairman identify any particular issues to enable him to focus the relevant discussions, and after each Board meeting to capture feedback on performance and any residual issues. Following the performance evaluation and the Chairman's review, a combined action plan has been produced and progress with actions will be continually monitored throughout the year by the Company Secretary & General Counsel, as noted in the diagram opposite.
Examples of actions undertaken following last year's performance evaluation process are set out in the table below.
Area
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Actions completed 2011/12
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Commentary
|
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Training and development |
Ongoing review and assessment of training and development opportunities for Board members, including any areas of interest for training sessions to be delivered by internal or external parties. Responsibility: Board |
Throughout the year, at Board level, there has been a variety of training undertaken, examples include carbon capture and storage updates and discussions relating to the undergrounding of electric cables led by internal experts at Board meetings. External parties have presented on Basel III and debt capital markets to the Finance Committee. Updates on new legislation and evolving best practice have also been provided by external advisors to the Committees.
|
||||||
|
||||||||
Board composition |
Review and agree clarity of succession planning focus between the Nominations Committee and the Board. Responsibility: Board and Nominations Committee
|
It was determined the Nominations Committee with the Board would focus on succession plans for the Board and Executive Committee. The Board would also focus on the wider Company talent pipeline. |
||||||
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||||||||
Role and structure |
Continue to monitor and review advice from, and effectiveness of, advisors including appropriateness of each advisor. Responsibility: Remuneration and Risk & Responsibility Committees |
The effectiveness of advisors is continually monitored to ensure the Company receives sound and timely advice. Recent changes in operation of the Remuneration Committee will enable more opportunities for updates, views and comments from the advisors. The Risk & Responsibility Committee has reviewed the provision of advisors during the year and, as a result, a new safety advisor has been appointed.
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At a private meeting of the Non-executive Directors, Ken Harvey led the review of Sir John's performance. Sir John's performance and leadership of the Board was considered to have been of a high standard. Following Sir Peter's appointment as Chairman, it has been determined that a review of his performance to date would be premature, however, in line with previous years, this review will be led by Ken Harvey in November 2012. In their deliberations, the Non-executive Directors, with input from the Executive Directors, will include an assessment of his ability to fulfil his role as Chairman given he is also chairman of another FTSE 100 company.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 83
Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance continued
84 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 85
Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance continued
Steve Holliday Committee chairman
The safety of our employees, contractors and members of the public is a top priority. Monitoring any trends and learning from incidents is essential and, in the past year, Committee members have taken part in a safety leadership day and senior management safety workshops to ensure the momentum on improving safety performance is maintained.
We have continued to focus on delivery of our strategy, including monitoring the development of our new US organisational structure and the delivery of our planned efficiency savings, positioning the Company for new UK regulatory arrangements, and improving customer relationships.
We have also focused on the key capabilities of our employees in order to deliver our strategy, as well as talent and leadership development.
Steve Holliday
Review of the year Examples of matters the Committee considered during the year include: safety and initiatives to promote shared learning and incident management; the financial, operational and environmental performance of the Company and its businesses; global regulatory matters, including the RIIO UK price controls and US audits and rate filings; inclusion and diversity, employee engagement and recognition; and global information systems strategic issues and monitoring external developments in social media.
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Maria Richter Committee chairman
During the year the Committee continued to focus on the Companys debt management policy including the issue of our first RPI linked retail bond to take advantage of market conditions. We also considered the risk management procedures in relation to hedging and trading activities.
There was a renewed focus on continual development for Committee members including updates from external advisors in relation to Basel lll, the eurozone crisis and tax matters.
The update on Basel lll highlighted the impact of the increase in minimum capital requirements for banks plus the consequences for both customers and markets. The presentation on the implications of the eurozone crisis in January 2012 proved timely in view of evolving economic conditions.
Maria Richter
Review of the year Examples of matters the Committee considered during the year include: long-term funding requirements; setting and reviewing treasury management guidelines and policy; treasury performance updates; UK and US tax strategy; activities of the energy procurement risk management committee in the US; pensions, including a valuation update; and insurance renewal strategy.
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Stephen Pettit Committee chairman
The Committee has spent considerable time this year reviewing the circumstances relating to the two fatalities to members of the public in the US and the contractor fatality in the UK, including root causes, learning points and actions taken.
We considered and supported the Companys focus on understanding and mitigating process safety risks. We also undertook site visits to enhance our knowledge of operational risk. Such visits give us the opportunity to observe work on the front line, to speak with the employees and contractors involved and, through this, to see the Companys safety policies and processes in practice.
Stephen Pettit
Review of the year Examples of matters the Committee considered during the year include: the major accident hazard project undertaken across the Company to define the framework and implement risk control standards; high potential incidents and any associated trends; climate change strategy, including performance against emissions targets; health, safety and environment audits, their findings and any corrective actions; changes in the non-financial risk profile of the Company; and findings from the Companys external safety and environmental advisors.
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Sir Peter Gershon Committee chairman
I took over as chairman of the Nominations Committee on 28 September 2011 and as expected we have considered as a priority Board and Committee size, structure and composition. As part of our review of Board evolution, we have put in place formal succession plans and agreed candidate profiles, having reviewed the skills, experience, knowledge and expertise of our existing Non-executive Directors including those who, due to longevity of service, will leave the Board over the next two years. In formulating these plans we took into consideration the likely challenges and opportunities the Company will face over coming years.
This planned and structured refreshing of the Board will ensure an orderly succession to maintain an appropriate balance of skills and experience during what will be a period of significant change.
We also considered the Companys position in relation to the Davies Review Women on boards. During this period of Board transition, the percentage of women on our Board will go up and down until we reach a period of stability. I am pleased to confirm that the executive search firms engaged during the year for Board appointments have signed up to the voluntary Code of Conduct in response to the Davies Review. The Committee also noted importantly that gender is only one criterion for diversity; there are other qualities and experience which can improve the Boards ability to operate effectively. Further information on Board diversity, including our aspirations and progress in determining a diversity policy, is set out on pages 10 and 11.
Sir Peter Gershon
Review of the year Examples of matters the Committee considered during the year include: the appointment of the Chairman; the Board and Committee performance evaluation process, results and action plans, see page 82; recruitment and appointment of new Non-executive Directors; ongoing succession planning for Board members and senior management; and the future experience, skills and capabilities required on the Board.
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Recruitment processes Chairman Ken Harvey, as Senior Independent Director, led the recruitment process to identify a new Chairman. A sub-group of the Nominations Committee was established to deliver the process comprising Ken, Stephen Pettit, Maria Richter and Linda Adamany, with input from Steve Holliday and Mike Westcott, the global human resources director. In accordance with best practice, Sir John was not involved in the process to recruit his successor.
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November 2010 January 2011 11 executive search consultants invited to submit information.
Shortlist of four consultants invited to present to the sub-group.
Search consultant selected and terms of appointment agreed.
February July 2011 Candidate profile and position specification prepared including: time commitment expected; ability to lead the Board; ability to be the public face of the Company for government, regulators and investors; advise and support the Chief Executive and Executive team; overall responsibility for corporate governance; and ensure that matters of safety, strategy, performance and finance are effectively implemented by the Executive team. |
Four external candidates shortlisted from a wider pool were seen by Ken Harvey and Steve Holliday.
Two preferred candidates met with each member of the sub-group.
Initially three internal candidates also considered and met with the members of the sub-group. |
Sub-group unanimously recommended the appointment of Sir Peter, which the Board approved.
Announced 1 July 2011.
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Non-executive Directors Following an introduction by a member of the Board, Ruth Kelly met with each member of the Committee. The Committee unanimously agreed it was not necessary to look further for a suitable Non-executive Director as Ruth brought the skills, experience, independence and expertise required. In particular, the Committee noted Ruths wealth of financial, economic and political experience, knowledge of large infrastructure projects and proven track record with regulatory interfaces. Therefore, while neither an external search consultancy nor open advertising were used, the appointment was made on merit with due regard for the benefits of diversity on the Board. A description of the role and capabilities required was not prepared and, therefore, the Company was not compliant with provision B.2.2 of the Code.
An executive search consultancy was appointed to benchmark Paul Golbys candidacy against other potential candidates in the market. A role and person specification was prepared against which the candidates were reviewed. Paul met separately with each of the Committee members. The Committee agreed that Paul was the best candidate noting in particular his skills, engineering background with utilities and experience of interfacing with the regulator.
We plan to ensure the recruitment processes for future non-executive director appointments will be formal, rigorous and transparent, as was the case with the recent appointment of Nora Brownell.
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Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 87
Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance continued
George Rose Committee chairman
A significant amount of time this year has been spent reviewing the effectiveness of internal controls. In support of managements commitment to continuous improvement, a two year US finance controls programme has commenced to deliver a number of interrelated actions, including the implementation of a single platform financial system, a single cost allocation method and, following the change in organisational structure in the US, enhanced jurisdictional and functional reporting. The Committee receives regular updates, providing us with the opportunity to support and challenge management as the programme develops.
The Committee is highly aware of the need to maintain external auditor independence and objectivity so the decision to engage PwC on the US finance controls improvement programme in a non-audit capacity was not taken lightly. It was considered by management and the Committee to be the most suitable option given PwCs knowledge of our processes and the related efficiency benefits.
During the year, we welcomed Ruth Kelly to the Committee. Ruth brings with her a wealth of financial and economic experience. As part of her induction she met separately with all regular attendees of our Committee meetings including the lead partner from PwC.
It has been a year of sound progress and our forward business schedule suggests another busy year ahead. Given the competencies, knowledge and experience of the Committee members, we are well placed to meet the challenges and opportunities we face.
George Rose
Review of the year Examples of matters the Committee reviewed during the year include:
work undertaken to strengthen controls within the UK construction business;
the new approach to risk reporting; Bribery Act and effectiveness of the procedures in place; and
an update on the actions undertaken globally on regulatory reporting and compliance.
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Experience
The Board has determined that George Rose has recent and relevant financial experience and is a suitably qualified audit committee financial expert, within the meaning of the SEC audit committee financial expert requirements. The Board also considers George to be independent within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange listing rules.
The composition of the Committee during the year is set out on page 85, with biographical details and experience of members on pages 8 and 9 respectively.
Financial reporting
The Committee is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Companys financial information and other formal documents relating to its financial performance and for making appropriate recommendations to the Board before publication. In addition, it also reviews reports of, and discusses any issues raised by, the disclosure committee (see below for more information).
A key factor in ensuring the integrity of the financial statements is compliance with accounting standards and consistency of accounting policies on a year-on-year basis and across the Company. Accounting for unusual transactions, significant reporting issues and judgements made by management, in particular the classification and treatment of exceptional items, are discussed and the views of the external auditors are taken into account. During the year, this has included discussions on the accounting matters arising from the change in organisational structure in the US and more recently the accounting consequences of the loss of the LIPA management services agreement from 31 December 2013, including the impairment of an intangible asset related to the contract.
Disclosure committee
The role of the disclosure committee is to assist the Chief Executive and the Finance Director in fulfilling their responsibility for oversight of the accuracy and timeliness of the disclosures made whether in connection with our presentations to analysts, financial reporting obligations or other material stock exchange announcements, for example, the announcement of the new dividend policy. Additionally this year, the committee considered the progress made in the US organisational restructure. The committee is chaired by the Finance Director and its members are the Company Secretary & General Counsel, the global director of tax and treasury, the group financial controller, the director of investor relations, the director of corporate audit and the corporate counsel, together with such other attendees as may be appropriate.
Confidential reporting procedures and whistleblowing
The integrity of the financial statements is further supported by the confidential reporting and whistleblowing procedures in place. The Committee reviews these once a year to ensure all complaints received are treated confidentially and there is proportionate and independent investigation and follow up action.
Internal (corporate) audit
The Committee is also responsible for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of internal audit activities and their resourcing. The Committee approved the audit plan which was primarily risk led, with key areas of focus being regulatory matters, financial processes, major system changes, and security and business resilience. Throughout the year, we receive reports from the director of corporate audit on significant findings and key control issues together with managements responsiveness to such matters.
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External audit
The Committee is responsible for overseeing relations with the external auditors and makes recommendations to the Board on their appointment, reappointment and fees.
Details of total remuneration for auditors for the year, including audit services, audit related services and other non-audit services, can be found in note 2(e) of the consolidated financial statements on page 128.
Auditor independence and objectivity
Auditor independence is maintained by limiting the nature and value of non-audit services performed by the external auditors, ensuring that employees of the external auditor who have worked on the audit in the past two years are not appointed to senior financial positions within the Company, and the rotation of the lead engagement partner at least every five years. The current lead engagement partner has held the position for two years.
Non-audit services provided by the external auditors Non-audit services provided by the external auditors are approved by the Committee prior to commencement. Approval is given on the basis that the service will not compromise independence and is a natural extension of the audit or if there are overriding business or efficiency reasons making the external auditors most suited to provide the service. Certain services are prohibited from being performed by the external auditors, as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002.
Total non-audit services provided by PwC during the year ended 31 March 2012 were £3.8 million (2011: £2.7 million) which comprised 44% (2011: 34%) of total audit fees. Total audit fees include the statutory fee and fees paid to PwC for other services which the external auditors are legally required to perform pursuant to legislation, for example regulatory audits and Sarbanes-Oxley Act attestation. Non-audit fees represent all other services provided by PwC not included in the above.
Significant non-audit services provided by PwC in the year included quality assurance provided on the US finance controls improvement programme (£2.3 million) and UK tax compliance services (£0.5 million).
PwC were engaged on the US finance controls improvement programme, as noted in the introduction, as they were best placed to provide valuable insight on the programme, given their in depth knowledge of our control environment and relevant utilities experience. They were appointed in an advisory capacity only and were not involved in designing or implementing new controls and processes, thereby helping to safeguard independence and objectivity.
The Committee considered that tax compliance services were most efficiently provided by the external auditors as much of the information used in preparing computations and returns is derived from audited financial information. In order to maintain the external auditors independence and objectivity, management took responsibility for judgements and submissions including a review of tax returns and related correspondence. |
Audit quality
To maintain audit quality and provide comfort on the integrity of financial reporting, the Committee reviews and challenges the proposed external audit plan to ensure that PwC have identified all key risks and developed robust audit procedures. The Committee also considers PwCs response to accounting, financial control and audit issues as they arise, and meets with them at least annually
without management present providing the external auditors with the opportunity to raise any matters in confidence.
Auditor appointment
An annual review is conducted by the Committee of the level and constitution of the external audit and non-audit fees and the independence and objectivity of the external auditors.
The annual review includes consideration of:
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the external audit process globally; |
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the auditors performance against the audit plan; |
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the expertise of the firm and our relationship with them; |
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the results of online questionnaires completed by certain National Grid finance employees engaged with the audit; and |
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this year, complemented by results and feedback from interviews with selected senior Company representatives conducted by the PwC client perspectives team, which is independent of the audit team. |
Following this years annual review, the Committee is satisfied with the effectiveness, independence and objectivity of the external auditors, who have been engaged since the merger with Lattice Group plc in 2002, and recommend to the Board their reappointment for a further year. A resolution to reappoint PwC and giving authority to the Directors to determine their remuneration will be submitted to shareholders at the 2012 AGM.
The Committee considers formally at least every three years whether the audit might be provided more efficiently or effectively by an alternative audit firm. We may, however, put the audit out to tender at any time. There are no contractual obligations restricting our choice of external auditors and no auditor liability agreement has been entered into.
Audit information
Having made the requisite enquiries, so far as the Directors in office at the date of the approval of this report are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditors are unaware and each Director has taken all reasonable steps to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
Internal control, risk and compliance
We consider regularly the effectiveness of financial reporting, internal controls and compliance with applicable legal and internal requirements. We also review the procedures for the identification, assessment, mitigation and reporting of risks, particularly financial risks. During the year this included noting a new approach to the risk reporting process following the change in US organisational structure and the transfer of ownership of the risk process to corporate strategy. Risks are now more closely aligned to strategic plans. Executive Directors and their teams are invited to attend and discuss risk management activities and mitigation plans within their areas. Details of our internal control and risk management systems, including over the financial reporting process, and risk factors can be found on pages 40 to 47.
The compliance management process has been updated to align with the new US organisational structure and contributes toward elements of the entity level work performed under the Sarbanes- Oxley Act, as well as other internal assurance activities. Prior to implementation of the Bribery Act 2010, the Board considered proposals for monitoring and reviewing procedures for the prevention and detection of bribery. At year end the Committee noted that no material instances of non compliance had been identified and reviewed the adequacy of procedures, with minor improvements recommended to the Board.
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Corporate Governance
Ken Harvey Committee chairman
I am pleased to present the Remuneration Report for 2011/12. I became the Remuneration Committee chairman on 1 August 2011, following the departure of John Allan. At the beginning of the performance year we introduced a revised long-term incentive plan, the Long Term Performance Plan (LTPP), which was approved for operation at last years Annual General Meeting (AGM). No other changes have been made to our remuneration arrangements.
I am acutely aware of the increased focus on executive pay and over the last few months I have taken the opportunity to meet with a number of our institutional investors to discuss our remuneration policy and seek their views on the future direction of executive remuneration. In addition, we have contributed to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) consultation on executive remuneration, narrative reporting and shareholder voting rights. Following both these processes, a number of changes have been made to the format of this report to improve transparency.
Our policy of relating pay to the Companys business priorities and its performance continues to be the strong principle underlying the Remuneration Committees consideration of executive remuneration. The introduction of a return on equity (ROE) measure in the LTPP (as an established key performance indicator for our shareholders and regulators) further emphasises the alignment between the Companys strategy and performance measures contained in our incentive plans.
2011/12 was another year of good financial and operational performance. This included strong underlying earnings growth, delivery of key restructuring activities across the business and successful investment in our asset base that will drive our long-term shareholder value. These things are taken into consideration when remuneration decisions are made.
The remuneration framework for Executive Directors remains relatively straightforward. Our incentive plans comprise an annual incentive with a compulsory share deferral element and the LTPP. We have formal clawback provisions to both those plans for financial misstatement. We have meaningful share ownership requirements for Executive Directors which are generally exceeded and the dilution levels for our share plans remain well below prescribed limits. We operate a mitigation policy in the event of early termination by the Company of an Executive Directors employment.
Overall, we aim to ensure the Company continues to attract, motivate and retain high calibre individuals to deliver the highest possible performance for our shareholders. We firmly believe the mix of our remuneration package provides an appropriate and balanced opportunity for executives and their senior teams. Our incentive plans are reviewed annually to ensure they remain closely aligned with the Companys strategic objectives and our shareholders interests, while continuing to motivate and engage the team leading the Company to achieve stretching targets.
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Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee members are Ken Harvey, Stephen Pettit, George Rose and Paul Golby. Each of these Non-executive Directors served throughout the year, except Paul Golby who joined the Board on 1 February 2012.
No Director or other attendee (see page 85 for more details) is present during any discussion regarding his or her own remuneration.
As well as having regular meetings during the year, we have an annual review and strategy meeting where we review our remuneration practices and incentive plans to ensure they remain aligned to the Companys strategic goals. We also take the opportunity to assess external trends and best practice, and undertake an indepth review of a particular remuneration element each year.
The Board has accepted all the recommendations made by the Remuneration Committee during the year.
The Remuneration Committee has authority to obtain the advice of external independent remuneration consultants. It is solely responsible for their appointment, retention and termination together with approval of the basis of their fees and other terms.
In the year to 31 March 2012, the following advisors provided services to the Remuneration Committee:
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Towers Watson, independent remuneration advisors. It also provides general remuneration and benefits advice to the Company. In this respect, the Remuneration Committee is satisfied that any potential conflicts are appropriately managed. Towers Watson is a member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and the Remuneration Committee has carefully reviewed the voluntary code of conduct in relation to executive consulting in the UK; |
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Alithos Limited, provision of total shareholder return (TSR) calculations for the Performance Share Plan (PSP) and LTPP; |
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Linklaters LLP, advice relating to Directors service contracts as well as providing other legal advice to the Company; and |
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KPMG LLP, advice relating to pension taxation legislation. |
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Review of the year
During the year, the following regular agenda items have been discussed:
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review and approval of salary increases for Executive Directors and direct reports to the Chief Executive, and the salary budget for all non-unionised employees in the Company; |
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approval of the Remuneration Report and analysis of associated AGM voting levels; |
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review of achievement for financial and individual objectives under the outgoing years Annual Performance Plan (APP); |
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approval of the forthcoming years APP financial and individual objectives; |
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review and approval of awards made under the LTPP; |
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review of all share plan performance measures including the annual vesting of the PSP awards; |
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review of Executive Director and senior management shareholding guidelines including achievement against them; |
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review of risk matters in incentive plans; |
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review of dilution levels; and |
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review of the code of conduct for the advisors to the Committee. |
Annual review and strategy meeting (to ensure remuneration practices are reviewed and align to Company strategy)
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consideration of current guidelines by advisory bodies and institutional investors regarding executive remuneration, including approval of responses to the BIS consultations; |
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review of external market data for all areas of remuneration including performance measures used in incentive plans and plan design; |
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analysis of performance outturns under the APP and PSP for the Executive Directors and other direct reports to the Chief Executive for the last five years in comparison to business financial performance over the same period; and |
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analysis of the value of the Chief Executives remuneration package compared to that of employees generally including a review of salary increases made to the Chief Executive compared to the wider employee population over the last five years. |
Additional items during the year
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review of feedback from institutional shareholders and shareholding representative bodies regarding the design of the LTPP and the subsequent voting outcome; |
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approval of the Chairmans terms and appointment letter; |
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review of all employee share plan rules for adoption after the 2011 AGM including Sharesave, Share Incentive Plan (SIP) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP); and |
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review of UK pension arrangements for Executive Directors and senior management in response to changes to income tax relief and future pension strategy. |
The Remuneration Committee determines remuneration policy and practices with the aim of attracting, motivating and retaining high calibre Executive Directors and other senior employees to deliver value for shareholders and high levels of customer service, safety and reliability in an efficient and responsible manner. The Remuneration Committee sets remuneration policies and practices in line with the Companys strategy and best practice in the markets in which the Company operates. Remuneration policies continue to be framed around the following key principles:
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total rewards should be set at levels that are competitive in the relevant market. For UK-based Executive Directors, the primary focus is placed on companies ranked (in terms of market capitalisation) 11-40 in the FTSE 100. This peer group is considered to be appropriate for a large, international but predominately regulated business. For US-based Executive Directors, the primary focus is placed on US utility companies; |
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a significant proportion of the Executive Directors total reward should be performance based. Performance based incentives will be earned through the achievement of demanding targets for short-term business and individual performance as well as long-term shareholder value creation; |
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incentive plans, performance measures and targets should be stretching and aligned as closely as possible with shareholders long-term interests; and |
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remuneration structures should motivate employees to enhance the Companys performance without encouraging them to take undue risks, whether financial or operational. |
The Remuneration Committee is briefed on any key policy changes affecting employees generally and depending on the scope of that change its approval is sought. Having this wider insight into remuneration practices across the Company means the Remuneration Committee can take this information into consideration when making decisions about the Executive Directors remuneration.
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Corporate Governance
Remuneration Report continued
Alignment of the remuneration policy with the Company strategy
The Remuneration Committee aims to align the remuneration policy to our Company strategy and key business objectives. Therefore, the performance criteria in our incentive plans, both short- and long-term, are designed to underpin the Company vision and strategy (for ease replicated below).
Vision
We, at National Grid, will be the foremost international electricity and gas company, delivering unparalleled safety, reliability and efficiency, vital to the wellbeing of our customers and communities.
We are committed to being an innovative leader in energy management and to safeguarding our global environment for future generations.
Strategy
We will operate and grow our business to deliver consistently superior service and financial returns through:
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our drive for operational excellence ; |
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embedding innovation and efficiency in our corporate culture; |
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understanding the needs of our stakeholders and shaping energy policy through external engagement ; and |
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maintaining a disciplined investment programme to grow our regulated asset base and non-regulated investments. |
While aligning the remuneration policy to our strategic objectives, the Committee aims to ensure the policy reflects shareholders and our customers interests, taking account of risk related factors, and that it contributes to driving the highest possible ethical standards.
Executive Directors remuneration
The remuneration package for Executive Directors consists of the following elements, which are generally aligned to market median within our comparator groups:
Element
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Key facts
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Level
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Salary |
Salaries are reviewed annually with changes effective from 1 June. Individual performance, skills, the scope of the role and the individuals time in the role are taken into account when assessing salaries, as is market data for similar roles in the relevant comparator group.
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Annual increases awarded are aligned fully with salary increases applied across the Company. |
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APP including Deferred Share Plan (DSP) |
The APP is designed to drive short-term performance against annual performance measures which are cascaded down the organisation to all employees in the plan. It aligns short-term strategic objectives with shareholder interests. For Executive Directors, 70% of the APP is based on performance against financial measures and 30% on individual objectives. Achievement of target performance results in payment of 40% of the maximum possible. 50% of any award under the APP is deferred compulsorily into shares and held for three years before release, subject to forfeiture on leaving in certain circumstances.
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Maximum of 150% of salary. |
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LTPP |
The LTPP measures performance over three or four year periods and is designed to drive medium- to long-term performance, aligning key strategic objectives to shareholder interests. The measures include EPS (50% of the award) and TSR (25% of the award), which are measured over a three year performance period, and UK and US ROE (25% of the award) measured over a four year period.
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225% of salary for the Chief Executive and 200% of salary for the other Executive Directors. The maximum permitted under the rules of the LTPP is 250% of salary. |
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Benefits |
Includes healthcare provision, a company car and use of a driver when required (or cash in lieu of a car) and life assurance. Executive Directors may participate in all-employee share plans eg Sharesave, SIP or the ESPP.
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In line with relevant market practice. |
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Pension |
In the UK, provisions are either through the Defined Benefit (DB) or Defined Contribution (DC) sections of our pension schemes. In the US, the provision is through a qualified pension plan and an executive supplemental retirement plan. |
Legacy arrangements exist in relation to the DB sections of our pension schemes. The UK DC section and US pension arrangements are in line with market practice.
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When reviewing individual salary levels the Remuneration Committee takes into account business performance, the individuals performance and experience in the role, together with salary practices prevailing for other employees in the Company in order to ensure any increases are in line with those for employees generally.
Salaries are targeted broadly at the median position against the relevant market. In determining the relevant market, the Remuneration Committee takes account of the regulated nature of the majority of the Companys operating activities along with the size, complexity and international scope of the business. For UK-based and US-based Executive Directors, UK and US markets are used respectively (as detailed in the remuneration policy on page 91).
Salary increases for Executive Directors effective from 1 June 2012 are at or below 3%, which is consistent with a salary increase budget of 3% for employees generally across the business, UK and US. See Table 1A on page 101, footnote (i) for further details.
Annual Performance Plan (APP) including the Deferred Share Plan (DSP)
The APP is based on the achievement of a combination of demanding Company, individual and, where applicable, divisional targets. The APP is cascaded through the management population, which provides a line of sight for employees to connect day-to-day activities with our vision, strategy and key financial and service provision metrics. The principal financial measures of Company performance in 2011/12 were adjusted EPS, see page 59 for further details, and consolidated cash flow. The main divisional measures were operating profit, and UK and US ROE targets, with some employees having slightly different targets dependent upon their role and area of the business. For more details regarding the returns measures see pages 25 (UK ROE) and 29 (US ROE).
Financial targets for Executive Directors represent 70% of the APP. Individual objectives represent 30% of the APP and normally up to five objectives are set in relation to key operating and strategic objectives. These objectives are defined in terms of target and stretch performance requirements, and change each year depending on the business priorities.
The Remuneration Committee sets financial targets and Executive Directors individual objectives at the start of the performance year.
It reviews performance against those targets and individual objectives at year end. When setting financial targets and individual objectives, and when reviewing performance against them, the Remuneration Committee takes into account the long-term impact and any risks that could be associated with those targets and objectives. In addition, the chairmen of the Audit and Risk & Responsibility Committees are both members of the Remuneration Committee and therefore are able to provide input from those Committees reviews of the Companys performance.
As part of a balanced scorecard approach, the Remuneration Committee may use its discretion to reduce payments to take account of significant safety or service standard incidents. The Remuneration Committee also has discretion to consider environmental, social and governance issues when determining payments to Executive Directors. Those principles may then be cascaded down the organisation to appropriate employee groups based on the specific circumstances.
In addition, the Remuneration Committee retains the right, in exceptional circumstances, to reclaim any monies based on financial misstatement and/or the misconduct of an individual through means deemed appropriate to those specific circumstances.
In 2011/12, the maximum opportunity under the APP for Executive Directors was 150% of base salary, with 40% of the APP (60% of salary) being paid for target performance. One half of any award earned is deferred automatically into National Grid shares (ADSs for US-based Executive Directors) through the DSP. The shares are held in trust for three years before release. The Remuneration Committee may, at the time of release of the shares, use its discretion to pay a cash amount equivalent to the value of the dividends that would have accumulated on the deferred shares. The deferred shares may be forfeited if the Executive Director ceases employment during the three year holding period as a bad leaver, for example, resignation. We believe the forfeiture provision serves as a strong retention tool.
The Remuneration Committee believes that requiring Executive Directors to invest a substantial amount of their APP award in National Grid shares increases the proportion of rewards linked to both short-term performance and longer term TSR. This practice also ensures that Executive Directors share a significant level of risk with the Companys shareholders. Awards for UK-based Executive Directors are not pensionable but, in line with current US market practice, US-based Executive Directors awards are pensionable.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 93
Corporate Governance
Remuneration Report continued
APP performance for 2011/12
The following table details the financial targets for 2011/12 and performance achieved against them as well as examples of achievements against individual objectives.
The Remuneration Committee has determined that performance based on our operational and safety balanced scorecards, whilst high, has not met our exacting expectations in certain areas. The Remuneration Committee, therefore, decided to use its discretion to reduce APP awards. This downward adjustment is reflected in the range of APP awards for Executive Directors this year of 67% to 70% (as a percentage of maximum potential).
Long-term incentive Long Term Performance Plan (LTPP)
The first awards under this plan were granted in 2011, following approval by shareholders at the 2011 AGM. Executive Directors and approximately 400 other senior employees who have significant influence over the Companys ability to meet its strategic objectives, may receive an award which will vest subject to the achievement of performance conditions set by the Remuneration Committee at the date of grant. The value of shares (ADSs for US-based Executive Directors and relevant employees) constituting an award (as a percentage of salary) varies by grade and seniority subject to a maximum, for Executive Directors, of 200% of salary (225% of salary for the Chief Executive, to further emphasise longer term performance related pay in his package). The provisions in the LTPP rules allow awards up to a maximum value of 250% of salary to provide a degree of flexibility for the future. The performance measures are cascaded to all participants in the LTPP.
The performance measures are as follows:
|
the annualised growth of the Companys EPS (50% of the award); |
|
the Companys TSR performance when compared to the FTSE 100 at the date of grant (25% of the award); and |
|
ROE, measuring performance against allowed regulatory returns established through price control reviews in the UK and rate case settlements in the US (25% of the award). |
One quarter of the shares awarded subject to each measure will vest for threshold performance. Shares will vest (over three and four years depending on the performance measure) conditional upon the satisfaction of the relevant performance criteria. The TSR and EPS targets are measured over a three year performance period and ROE is measured over four years which more readily reflects the nature of that metric. This will result in partial vesting after three years, subject to performance and the remainder relating purely to ROE after four years.
The Remuneration Committee took the opportunity to introduce ROE into the LTPP as return measures are established key performance indicators for our shareholders and regulators. The Committee believes the inclusion of ROE in the LTPP focuses participants further on increasing efficiency for both customers and shareholders, and enhancing returns for shareholders over the longer term.
9 4 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
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It is believed the level of challenge for the ROE performance ranges in the UK and US are broadly similar, to provide stretch in both cases while at the same time being motivational for participants. The performance ranges reflect the different impacts of regulated incentives in the UK and US.
Details regarding the performance measures and vesting requirements are provided in the table below:
Performance measure | Definitions and measurement | Vesting requirements | ||
|
||||
EPS |
The EPS measure is calculated by reference to National Grids real EPS growth see page 59 for further details. The measure is defined as annualised growth in adjusted EPS (on a continuing basis and excluding exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded costs) over the three year performance period. | Threshold performance 25% of the shares subject to this measure will vest where EPS growth exceeds RPI growth by 3%. | ||
|
||||
Upper target performance all the shares subject to this measure will vest where EPS growth exceeds RPI growth by 8%. | ||||
|
||||
TSR |
In calculating TSR (on an annualised compound basis) it is assumed that all dividends are reinvested. No shares will be released under the TSR part of the award if the Companys TSR over the three year performance period, when ranked against that of the FTSE 100 comparator group, falls below the median. | Threshold performance for TSR at the median 25% of the shares subject to this measure will vest. | ||
|
||||
Upper target performance 100% of the shares subject to this measure will vest where National Grids TSR performance is 7.5% above that of the median company in the FTSE 100. | ||||
|
||||
ROE |
The ROE measure is derived from returns on pages 25 and 29. In the UK, this is based on the UK Transmission and UK Gas Distribution ROEs. For the US, it is based on US regulated returns by jurisdiction. The Chief Executive and Finance Director are targeted on both the UK and US ROEs. For the UK and US-based operational Directors, they are targeted on their respective UK or US ROEs. | Threshold performance 25% of the shares subject to this measure will vest where the allowed regulatory returns in the UK are achieved and -1% of the allowed regulatory returns in the US. | ||
|
||||
Upper target performance 100% of the shares subject to this measure will vest for out-performance of regulatory returns by 2% UK and 1% US. | ||||
|
For performance, under each measure, between threshold and the upper target, the number of shares released is pro rated on a straight-line basis.
These measures are used because the Remuneration Committee believes they offer a balance between meeting the needs of shareholders (by measuring TSR performance against other large UK companies) and providing a measure of performance (EPS growth and ROE) over which the Executive Directors have direct influence. All these measures are key financial performance indicators for the Company.
In order to better align the interests of participants with those of shareholders, the rules of the LTPP allow the Remuneration Committee to determine that dividends accrue on the shares comprised in the award. The dividends will be released in shares when the award vests, if and to the extent the performance criteria are achieved.
Long-term incentive Performance Share Plan (PSP) operated for awards between 2003 and 2010 inclusive
The general operation of the PSP is similar to that detailed above under the LTPP, as is the population who may participate in the plan. The value of shares (ADSs for US-based Executive Directors and relevant employees) constituting an award (as a percentage of salary) varied by grade and seniority subject to a maximum, for all Executive Directors, of 200% of salary. The provisions in the PSP rules allowed awards up to a maximum value of 250% of salary, although no awards were made above 200%.
Shares vest after three years, conditional upon the satisfaction of the relevant performance criteria. Vested shares must then be held for a further period (the retention period) after which they are released to the participant on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. During the retention period, the Remuneration Committee has discretion to pay an amount, in cash or shares, equivalent to the dividend which would have been paid on the vested shares.
Awards vest based on the Companys TSR performance when compared to the FTSE 100 at the date of grant (50% of the award) and the annualised growth of the Companys EPS (50% of the award). The same performance criteria are cascaded to all participants in the plan.
Details regarding the performance measures and vesting requirements are provided in the table below:
Performance measure | Definitions and measurement | Vesting requirements | ||
|
||||
EPS |
The EPS measure is calculated by reference to National Grids real EPS growth see page 59 for further details. The measure is defined as annualised growth in adjusted EPS (on a continuing basis and excluding exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded costs) over the three year performance period. | Threshold performance 30% of the shares subject to this measure will vest where EPS growth exceeds RPI growth by 3%. | ||
|
||||
Upper target performance all the shares subject to this measure will vest where EPS growth exceeds RPI growth by 8%. | ||||
|
||||
TSR |
In calculating TSR (on an annualised compound basis) it is assumed that all dividends are reinvested. No shares will be released under the TSR part of the award if the Companys TSR over the three year performance period, when ranked against that of the FTSE 100 comparator group, falls below the median. | Threshold performance for TSR at the median 30% of the shares subject to this measure will vest. | ||
|
||||
Upper target performance 100% of the shares subject to this measure will vest where National Grids TSR performance is 7.5% above that of the median company in the FTSE 100. | ||||
|
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 95
Corporate Governance
Remuneration Report continued
Vested 2008 PSP award
The upper target for the EPS performance criteria was met almost in full (99% of the shares subject to that performance measure vested) but threshold performance against the TSR element of the award was not achieved resulting in shares subject to that measure lapsing. This resulted in vesting at 49.5% of the award. The shares then entered the retention period. The Remuneration Committee agreed to pay a cash amount equivalent in value to the net dividends (after taxes, commissions and any other charges) that would be paid during the retention period in respect of the shares comprised in the vested award. These payments were made in August 2011 and February 2012, to align broadly with dividend payments to our shareholders (see Table 4 on page 105, footnote (ii)).
Vesting history of the PSP
The following table details the vesting of the PSP over the years it has been in operation, shown as a percentage of the award.
2003 award
(vested 2006) |
2004 award
(vested 2007) |
2005 award
(vested 2008) |
2006 award
(vested 2009) |
2007 award
(vested 2010) |
2008 award
(vested 2011) |
Vesting average | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
0% | 0% | 100% | 100% | 65.15% | 49.5% | 52.4% | ||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Note: All awards subject to a retention period before release.
Common elements of the LTPP and PSP
The Remuneration Committee believes the mix of measures used in both plans to be appropriate and in alignment with the Companys strategy. In addition, the LTPP will ensure continued focus on returns (particularly in the US) and shareholders interests through the continued use of TSR and EPS.
No re-testing of performance is permitted for the awards that do not vest after the performance periods and any such awards lapse.
If the Remuneration Committee considers, in its absolute discretion, the underlying financial performance of the Company does not justify the vesting of awards, even if some or all of the performance measures are satisfied in whole or in part, it can declare that some or all of the award lapses.
In addition, the Remuneration Committee retains the right, in exceptional circumstances, to reclaim any monies based on financial misstatement and/or the misconduct of an individual through means deemed appropriate to those specific circumstances.
Under the terms of the LTPP and PSP, the Remuneration Committee may allow shares to vest early to departing participants, including Executive Directors, to the extent the performance conditions have been met, in which event the number of shares that vest will be pro rated to reflect the proportion of the performance period that has elapsed at the date of departure.
Performance elements in the Executive Directors remuneration package
Illustrated below is the current remuneration package for the Chief Executive and other Executive Directors (excluding pensions, all-employee share plans and non-cash benefits) for assuming on target performance and maximum stretch performance for the incentive plans (APP and LTPP). The assumptions used for target performance are based on 40% (60% of salary) for the APP, and 50% (100% of salary) for LTPP awards. For the Chief Executive, due to the higher LTPP award level, the target assumption is 112.5% of salary.
Executive Directors remuneration package (key elements expressed as a percentage of the package)
|
96 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
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All-employee share plans
|
Sharesave: Employees resident in the UK, including UK-based Executive Directors, are eligible to participate in HM Revenue & Customs approved all-employee Sharesave schemes. Under these schemes, participants may contribute between £5 and £250 in total each month, for a fixed period of three years, five years or both. Contributions are taken from net salary. At the end of the savings period, these contributions can be used to purchase ordinary shares in National Grid at a discount capped at 20% of the market price set at the launch of each scheme. |
|
SIP: Employees resident in the UK, including UK-based Executive Directors, are eligible to participate in the SIP. Contributions up to £125 are deducted from participants gross salary and used to purchase ordinary shares in National Grid each month. The shares are placed in trust and if they are left in trust for at least five years, they can be removed free of UK income tax and National Insurance Contributions. |
|
US Incentive Thrift Plans: Employees of National Grids US companies (including US-based Executive Directors) are eligible to participate in the Thrift Plans, which are tax-advantaged savings plans (commonly referred to as 401(k) plans). These are defined contribution pension plans that give participants the opportunity to invest up to applicable Federal salary limits ie for pre-tax contributions, a maximum of 50% of salary limited to $16,500 for those under the age of 50 and $22,000 for those over 50; for post-tax contributions, up to 15% of salary limited to the lesser of 100% of compensation or $49,000 for calendar year 2011. For calendar year 2012, participants may invest up to the applicable Federal salary limits ie for pre-tax contributions a maximum of 50% of salary limited to $17,000 for those under the age of 50 and $22,500 for those over 50; for post-tax contributions up to 15% of salary limited to the lesser of 100% of compensation or $50,000. Employees may invest their own and Company contributions in National Grid shares or various mutual fund options. The Company matches 50% of the first 8% of salary contributed. |
|
ESPP: Employees of National Grids US companies (including US-based Executive Directors) are eligible to participate in the ESPP (commonly referred to as a 423b plan). Eligible employees have the opportunity to purchase ADSs on a monthly basis at a 15% discounted price. Under the plan employees may contribute up to 20% of base pay each year up to a maximum annual contribution of $18,888 to purchase ADSs in National Grid. Any ADSs purchased through the ESPP may be sold at any time, however, there are tax advantages for ADSs held for at least two years from the offer date. |
Share ownership guidelines
The Chief Executive is required to build up and retain a shareholding representing at least 200% of annual salary. For other Executive Directors, the requirement is 125% of salary. This will be achieved by retaining at least 50% of the after-tax gain on any options exercised or shares received through the long-term incentive or all-employee share plans and will include any shares held beneficially. Each of the Executive Directors has surpassed the respective share ownership guideline (except for Andrew Bonfield who is more recently appointed).
Senior managers in the Company are encouraged to build up and retain a shareholding representing at least 100% of annual salary.
Shareholding for Executive Directors
Executive Directors |
Ordinary
shares at
|
% of
salary held
shares
|
Shares
in Trust at
(iii) (iv) |
% of
salary held
(i) (ii) |
Total ordinary shares and shares
in Trust at
(iii) (iv) |
% of salary held
in ordinary
in Trust (i) (ii) |
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Steve Holliday |
484,560 | 315 | 491,083 | 319 | 975,643 | 634 | ||||||||||||||||||
Andrew Bonfield |
287 | 0.26 | 29,184 | 27 | 29,471 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||
Nick Winser |
224,473 | 271 | 224,820 | 271 | 449,293 | 542 | ||||||||||||||||||
Tom King (v) |
209,285 | 189 | 323,370 | 292 | 532,655 | 481 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
(i) | The salary used for calculating the value of shareholding is the salary earned in the year (see Table 1A on page 101). |
(ii) | The share price used for calculating the value of shareholding is 630.5p, which was the closing share price on 30 March 2012. |
(iii) | Shares held in Trust include vested but unexercised options for the Share Matching Plan (where applicable, see Table 3 on page 103), shares awarded under the DSP and vested shares under the PSP (see Table 4 on page 104). Unvested shares in the PSP and LTPP, and unexercised options held under Sharesave, are not included. |
(iv) | Shares in Trust are shown on a gross basis, ie before deductions for income tax and other withholdings. |
(v) | Shares held in Trust converted from awards over ADSs where each ADS represents five ordinary shares. |
Share dilution through the operation of share-based incentive plans
Where shares may be issued or treasury shares reissued to satisfy incentives, the aggregate dilution resulting from executive share-based incentives will not exceed 5% in any 10 year period. Dilution resulting from all incentives, including all-employee incentives, will not exceed 10% in any 10 year period. The Remuneration Committee reviews dilution against these limits regularly and under these limits, the Company currently has headroom of 3.96% and 7.24% respectively.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 97
Corporate Governance
Remuneration Report continued
Pensions
Steve Holliday and Nick Winser are provided with final salary pension benefits. These pension provisions are designed to provide a pension of one thirtieth of final salary at age 60 for each year of service subject to a maximum of two thirds of final salary, including any pension rights earned in previous employment. Within the pension schemes, the pensionable salary is normally the base salary in the 12 months prior to leaving the Company. Both Executive Directors participate in Flexible Pension Savings (FPS), a salary sacrifice arrangement available to all members of the Companys pension arrangements. Life assurance provision of four times pensionable salary and a spouses pension equal to two thirds of the Executive Directors pension are provided on death.
Both aforementioned Executive Directors have elected to participate in the unfunded scheme in respect of any benefits in excess of the Lifetime Allowance or their Personal Lifetime Allowance. An appropriate provision in respect of the unfunded scheme has been made in the Companys balance sheet. Alternatively, these Executive Directors are able to cease accrual in the pension schemes and take a 30% cash allowance in lieu of pension if they so wish. This option is offered to current senior employees in the Company, except the cash allowance varies depending upon organisational grade.
Andrew Bonfield is a member of the National Grid UK Pension Scheme DC section. He has chosen to participate in FPS, the Companys salary sacrifice arrangement. Under this arrangement, if the Executive Director chooses to pay the maximum standard contribution of 5% of salary, the Company will typically pay a pension contribution of 30%. Alternatively, the Company will pay a non-pensionable cash allowance to ensure the total value of the Company contribution (not including contributions paid via FPS) and the cash allowance is equal to 30% of base salary. The latter option was chosen by Andrew Bonfield. These benefits are in line with those offered to current senior employees in the Company, except the total value of the Company contribution and cash allowance varies depending upon organisational grade. Life assurance provision of four times pensionable salary and a spouses pension equal to one third of the Executive Directors base salary are provided on death.
Following the changes to pensions tax relief introduced from April 2011, the Company has reviewed the pension benefits offered to members. The Company has agreed that senior employees most likely to be affected by the legislative changes will be offered more flexibility to take cash in lieu of Company contributions. The total level of benefits offered in the form of cash and/or pension contributions will not change. The Company continues to honour existing unfunded promises, however, no new unfunded promises have been granted since April 2006.
US-based Executive Directors participate in a qualified pension plan and an executive supplemental retirement plan provided by National Grids US companies. These plans are non-contributory defined benefit arrangements. The qualified plan is directly funded, while the executive supplemental retirement plan is indirectly funded through a rabbi trust. Benefits are calculated using a formula based on years of service and highest average compensation over five consecutive years. In line with many US plans, the calculation of benefits under the arrangements takes into account salary, APP awards and incentive share awards (DSP) but not share options or LTPP/PSP awards. The normal retirement age under the qualified pension plan is 65. The executive supplemental retirement plan provides unreduced pension benefits from age 55. On the death of the Executive Director, the plans also provide for a spouses pension of at least 50% of that accrued by the Executive Director. Benefits under these arrangements do not increase once in payment.
Non-cash benefits
The Company provides competitive benefits to Executive Directors, such as a fully expensed car or a cash alternative in lieu of car, use of a driver when required, private medical insurance and life assurance. Business expenses incurred are reimbursed in such a way as to give rise to no benefit to the Executive Director.
Flexible benefits plan
Additional benefits may be purchased under the flexible benefits plan (the Plan), in which UK-based Executive Directors, along with all other UK employees, have been given the opportunity to participate. The Plan operates by way of salary sacrifice, that is, the participants salaries are reduced by the monetary value used to purchase benefits under the Plan. Many of the benefits are linked to purchasing additional healthcare and insurance products for employees and their families. Andrew Bonfield participates in this Plan and the impact on his salary is shown in Table 1A on page 101.
Similar plans are offered to US-based employees. However, they are not salary sacrifice plans and therefore do not affect salary values. Tom King was a participant in such a plan during the year.
98 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Executive Directors service contracts, termination and mitigation
In its consideration of these matters the Remuneration Committee takes into account the Companies Act 2006, the UK Listing Authoritys Listing Rules, the UK Corporate Governance Code, and other requirements of legislation, regulation and good governance. Service contracts for all Executive Directors provide for one years notice by either party, which aligns to best practice.
In the event of early termination by the Company of an Executive Directors employment, contractual base salary reflecting the notice period would normally be payable. The Remuneration Committee operates a policy of mitigation in these circumstances with any payments being made on a monthly basis. The departing Executive Director would generally be expected to mitigate any losses where employment is taken up during the notice period, however, this policy remains subject to the Remuneration Committees discretion, based on the circumstances of the termination.
Executive Directors | Date of contract | Notice period | ||
|
||||
Steve Holliday |
1 April 2006 | 12 months | ||
Andrew Bonfield |
1 November 2010 | 12 months | ||
Nick Winser |
28 April 2003 | 12 months | ||
Tom King |
11 July 2007 | 12 months | ||
|
External appointments and retention of fees
With the approval of the Board in each case, Executive Directors may normally accept one external appointment as a non-executive director of another company and retain any fees received for this appointment. The table below details the Executive Directors who served as non-executive directors in other companies during the year ended 31 March 2012.
Executive Directors | Company | Retained fees (£) | ||
|
||||
Steve Holliday |
Marks and Spencer Group plc | 85,000 | ||
Andrew Bonfield |
Kingfisher plc | 75,000 | ||
Nick Winser |
Kier Group plc | 43,000 | ||
|
Non-executive Directors remuneration
Non-executive Directors remuneration comprises a basic fee (£60,000 pa for those who are UK-based and £72,000 pa for those who are US-based), a Committee membership fee of £8,000 pa per membership and for those who are chairmen of committees, an additional fee of £12,500 pa. The Audit Committee chairman receives a fee of £15,000 pa to recognise the additional responsibilities commensurate with that role and the Senior Independent Director receives a fee of £20,000 pa.
Non-executive Directors do not participate in the APP or LTPP, nor do they receive any pension benefits from the Company.
The Chairman is covered by the Companys personal accident and private medical insurance schemes. In addition, he may have a fully expensed car or cash in lieu of a car (with the use of a driver when required).
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 99
Corporate Governance
Remuneration Report continued
Non-executive Directors letters of appointment
The Chairmans letter of appointment provides for a period of six months notice by either party to give the Company reasonable security with regard to his service. The terms of engagement of Non-executive Directors other than the Chairman are also set out in letters of appointment. For all Non-executive Directors, their initial appointment and any subsequent reappointment is subject to election by shareholders. The letters of appointment do not contain provision for termination payments.
Non-executive Directors | Date of appointment to the Board | Date of next election | ||
|
||||
Sir Peter Gershon (i) |
1 August 2011 | 2012 AGM | ||
Ken Harvey |
21 October 2002 | 2012 AGM | ||
Linda Adamany |
1 November 2006 | 2012 AGM | ||
Philip Aiken |
15 May 2008 | 2012 AGM | ||
Paul Golby (ii) |
1 February 2012 | 2012 AGM | ||
Ruth Kelly (iii) |
1 October 2011 | 2012 AGM | ||
Stephen Pettit |
21 October 2002 | | ||
Maria Richter |
1 October 2003 | 2012 AGM | ||
George Rose |
21 October 2002 | 2012 AGM | ||
Sir John Parker (iv) |
21 October 2002 | | ||
John Allan (v) |
1 May 2005 | | ||
|
(i) | Sir Peter Gershon joined the Board as Deputy Chairman on 1 August 2011 and became Chairman on 1 January 2012. |
(ii) | Paul Golby joined the Board on 1 February 2012. |
(iii) | Ruth Kelly joined the Board on 1 October 2011. |
(iv) | Sir John Parker stepped down from the Board on 31 December 2011. |
(v) | John Allan stepped down from the Board on 25 July 2011. |
The graph below represents the comparative TSR performance of the Company from 31 March 2007 to 31 March 2012.
This graph represents the Companys performance against the performance of the FTSE 100 index, which is considered suitable for this purpose as it is a broad equity market index of which National Grid is a constituent. This graph has been produced in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.
In drawing this graph, it has been assumed that all dividends have been reinvested. The TSR level shown at 31 March each year is the average of the closing daily TSR levels for the 30 day period up to and including that date.
100 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
Remuneration during the year ended 31 March 2012
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 comprise the auditable part of the Remuneration Report, being the information required by Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.
1. Directors emoluments
The following tables set out the pre-tax emoluments for the years ended 31 March 2012 and 2011, including APP awards but excluding pensions, for individual Directors who held office in National Grid during the year ended 31 March 2012.
emoluments | emoluments | emoluments | emoluments | emoluments | emoluments | emoluments | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Table 1A | Year ended 31 March 2012 |
Year ended 31 March 2011 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Directors |
Salary (i) £000s |
APP £000s |
Benefits in kind (ii) (cash) £000s |
Benefits in kind (ii) (non-cash) £000s |
Other
£000s |
Total £000s |
Total £000s |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Steve Holliday |
971 | 1,000 | 12 | 18 | | 2,001 | 2,126 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Andrew Bonfield (iii) (iv) |
691 | 726 | 232 | 4 | | 1,653 | 711 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Nick Winser |
523 | 523 | | 11 | | 1,057 | 1,070 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tom King (v) |
699 | 727 | 5 | 18 | | 1,449 | 1,561 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Steve Lucas (vi) |
| | | | 201 | 201 | 1,088 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Mark Fairbairn (vii) |
| | | | 393 | 393 | 1,024 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
2,884 | 2,976 | 249 | 51 | 594 | 6,754 | 7,580 |
(i) | With effect from 1 June 2012, the Executive Directors salaries are as follows: Steve Holliday £1,000,000; Andrew Bonfield £712,000; Nick Winser £546,000 and Tom King £724,203. As reported in last years Remuneration Report, salaries effective from 1 June 2011 were £975,000; £695,000; £530,000; and £714,740 respectively. | |
(ii) | Benefits in kind comprise benefits such as private medical insurance, life assurance, either a fully expensed car or cash in lieu of a car and the use of a driver when required. In the case of Andrew Bonfield, a cash allowance in lieu of additional Company pension contributions is included (see Table 2 on page 102 for further details). | |
(iii) | For Andrew Bonfield the difference in the 31 March 2011 and 2012 totals reflects the comparison between a part year (2010/11) and a full years remuneration (2011/12). | |
(iv) | Andrew Bonfield participates in the UK flexible benefits plan which operates by way of salary sacrifice, therefore, his salary is reduced by the value of the benefits he has elected under the Plan. The value of these benefits is included in the Benefits in kind (non-cash) figure. The value is £458.84. | |
(v) | For Tom King the exchange rate averaged over the year 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 to convert dollars to UK pounds sterling is $1.599: £1. | |
(vi) | Steve Lucas left National Grid on 31 December 2010. He had a contractual entitlement of one years salary on leaving, of which he worked three months. He was therefore entitled to nine months salary, which was payable in six monthly instalments and subject to mitigation, at the Remuneration Committees discretion, should he have taken employment during the period. The payment of £201,000 referred to above in Other emoluments reflects the final three months of those instalments. Payments prior to 1 April 2011 were reported in last years Remuneration Report. | |
(vii) | Mark Fairbairn left National Grid on 31 March 2011. He had a contractual entitlement to one years salary on leaving, of which he worked two months. He was therefore entitled to 10 months salary, which was payable in six monthly instalments and subject to mitigation, at the Remuneration Committees discretion, should he have taken employment during the period. The payment referred to in Other emoluments reflects the full 6 months of those instalments. These details were disclosed in last years Remuneration Report. |
emoluments | emoluments | emoluments | emoluments | |||||||||||||
Table 1B | Year ended 31 March 2012 |
Year ended 31 March 2011 |
||||||||||||||
Non-executive Directors |
Fees £000s |
Other emoluments £000s |
Total £000s |
Total £000s |
||||||||||||
Sir Peter Gershon (i) |
223 | 5 | 228 | | ||||||||||||
Ken Harvey |
104 | | 104 | 83 | ||||||||||||
Linda Adamany |
88 | | 88 | 74 | ||||||||||||
Philip Aiken |
76 | | 76 | 68 | ||||||||||||
Paul Golby (ii) |
13 | | 13 | | ||||||||||||
Ruth Kelly (iii) |
38 | | 38 | | ||||||||||||
Stephen Pettit |
97 | | 97 | 83 | ||||||||||||
Maria Richter |
101 | | 101 | 89 | ||||||||||||
George Rose |
91 | | 91 | 79 | ||||||||||||
Sir John Parker (iv) |
412 | 56 | 468 | 621 | ||||||||||||
John Allan (v) |
28 | | 28 | 81 | ||||||||||||
Total |
1,271 | 61 | 1,332 | 1,178 |
(i) | Sir Peter Gershon joined the Board as Deputy Chairman on 1 August 2011 and became Chairman on 1 January 2012. His other emoluments comprise medical insurance, cash in lieu of a car and the use of a driver when required. | |
(ii) | Paul Golby joined the Board on 1 February 2012. | |
(iii) | Ruth Kelly joined the Board on 1 October 2011. | |
(iv) | Sir John Parker stepped down from the Board on 31 December 2011. His Other emoluments comprise private medical insurance, life assurance and a fully expensed car. | |
(v) | John Allan stepped down from the Board on 25 July 2011. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 101 |
Corporate Governance
Remuneration Report continued |
2. Directors pensions
The table below provides details of the Executive Directors pension benefits.
contributions (ii) | contributions (ii) | contributions (ii) | contributions (ii) | contributions (ii) | contributions (ii) | contributions (ii) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional benefit earned during year ended |
Accrued entitlement as at |
Transfer value of accrued benefits as at 31 March (i) |
Increase in transfer value less |
Additional benefit earned in the year ended 31 March 2012 (excluding |
Transfer value of increase in accrued benefit in the year ended 31 March 2012 (excluding inflation) and Directors |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Table 2 |
31 March 2012 pension £000s |
31 March 2012 pension £000s |
2012
£000s |
2011
£000s |
Directors contributions (ii) £000s |
inflation) pension £000s |
contributions (ii) £000s |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Steve Holliday (iii) |
42 | 394 | 9,995 | 7,122 | 2,873 | 22 | 548 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Andrew Bonfield (iv) |
| | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Nick Winser (v) |
29 | 244 | 5,675 | 3,888 | 1,787 | 17 | 386 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tom King (vi) |
185 | 408 | 2,864 | 1,212 | 1,652 | 185 | 1,300 |
(i) | The transfer values shown at 31 March 2011 and 2012 represent the value of each Executive Directors accrued benefits based on total service to the relevant date. Transfer values for the UK-based Executive Directors have been calculated in line with transfer value bases agreed by the UK Pension Scheme Trustees. The transfer values for the US-based Executive Director have been calculated using discount rates based on high quality US corporate bonds and associated yields at the relevant dates. | |
(ii) | The UK-based Executive Directors participate in Flexible Pension Savings (FPS), a salary sacrifice arrangement, the effects of which have not been taken into account in the table above. Contributions paid via FPS should be deducted from the figures shown above. The contributions paid via FPS can be found in footnotes (iii), (iv) and (v) below. | |
(iii) | In addition to the pension above, for Steve Holliday there is an accrued lump sum entitlement of £114,000 as at 31 March 2012. The increase to the accumulated lump sum including inflation was £3,000 and excluding inflation was nil in the year to 31 March 2012. The transfer value information above includes the value of the lump sum. Contributions were paid via FPS of £19,000. | |
(iv) | Andrew Bonfield does not participate in either of the Companys DB pension arrangements. Andrew is a member of the DC section of the National Grid UK Pension Scheme and the Company has made contributions of £27,667 to this arrangement. In addition, £13,833 was paid via FPS. Andrew also received a cash allowance in lieu of additional Company contributions equal to 26% of base salary. This allowance is included in Table 1A on page 101. | |
(v) | In addition to the pension above, for Nick Winser there is an accrued lump sum entitlement of £294,000 as at 31 March 2012. The increase to the accumulated lump sum including inflation was £23,000 and excluding inflation was £8,000 in the year to 31 March 2012. The transfer value information above includes the value of the lump sum. Contributions were paid via FPS of £31,000. | |
(vi) | For Tom King, the exchange rate as at 31 March 2012 was $1.59960:£1 and as at 31 March 2011 was $1.60700:£1. In addition to the pension quoted above, through participation in the 401(k) plan in the US, the Company made contributions worth £7,219 to a defined contribution arrangement. |
102 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
3. Directors interests in share options
Executive Share Option Plan (ESOP)
No further awards will be made under this plan but there are outstanding options granted in previous years. Such options will normally be exercisable between the third and tenth anniversary of the date of grant, subject to a performance condition.
Options worth up to 100% of an optionholders base salary will become exercisable in full if TSR, measured over the period of three years beginning with the financial year in which the option is granted, is at least median compared with a comparator group of energy distribution companies, and UK and international utilities.
Grants in excess of 100% of salary vest on a sliding scale and become fully exercisable if the Companys TSR is in the top quartile.
The outstanding options have reached the required performance criteria and remain subject to exercise only.
The table below provides details of the Executive Directors holdings of share options awarded under the ESOP, the Share Matching Plan (Share Match) and Sharesave schemes.
Table 3 |
Options held at 1 April 2011 |
Options exercised or lapsed during the year |
Market price at exercise (pence) |
Options granted during the year |
Options held at 31 March 2012 |
Exercise price per share (pence) |
Normal exercise period |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Steve Holliday |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ESOP |
77,129 | 77,129 | 625.2012 | | | 421.36 | Jun 2005 to Jun 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share Match |
11,827 (i) | 11,827 | 625.2012 | | | 100 in total | Jun 2005 to Jun 2012 | |||||||||||||||||||||
16,092 | | | | 16,092 | 100 in total | Jun 2006 to Jun 2013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
21,383 | | | | 21,383 | nil | May 2007 to May 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sharesave |
3,921 | | | | 3,921 | 427.05 | Apr 2014 to Sep 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
130,352 | 88,956 | | 41,396 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Andrew Bonfield |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sharesave |
3,421 | | | | 3,421 | 445 | Apr 2016 to Sep 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
3,421 | | | 3,421 |
(i) | Steve Holliday exercised a Share Match award over 11,827 shares on 18 January 2012, the market price at the date of exercise was 625.2012p. He received £32,210 in respect of a cash payment in lieu of dividends. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 103 |
Corporate Governance
Remuneration Report continued |
4. Directors interests in the LTPP, PSP and DSP
The table below provides details of the Executive Directors holdings of shares awarded under the LTPP whereby Executive Directors receive a conditional award of shares, up to a current maximum of 200% of salary (225% of salary for the Chief Executive), which is subject to performance criteria over a three year performance period for the annualised growth of the Companys EPS (50% of the award), see page 59 for further information, and the Companys TSR performance (25% of the award) when compared to the FTSE 100. The final 25% of the award is subject to ROE performance over four years.
The table includes shares awarded under the PSP whereby Executive Directors received a conditional award of shares, up to a maximum of 200% of salary, which is subject to performance criteria over a three year performance period. Awards vest based on the Companys TSR performance when compared to the FTSE 100 at the date of grant (50% of the award) and the annualised growth of the Companys EPS (50% of the award). Shares are then released on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant, following a retention period.
The table includes share awards under the DSP, where Executive Directors receive an award of shares representing one half of any APP award earned in the year. The deferred shares are held in trust for three years before release.
Table 4 |
Type of award |
PSP, LTPP and DSP conditional awards at 1 April 2011 |
Awards lapsed during year |
Awards vested in year |
Release of PSP awards in year |
Awards granted during year |
Market price at award (pence except #) |
Date of award (dd/mm/yy) |
Conditional awards at 31 March 2012 |
Release date (dd/mm/yy) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Steve Holliday |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | 103,644 | | | 103,644 (i) | | 648.24 | 28/06/07 | | 28/06/11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | 57,508 | | | 57,508 (i) | | 700.95 | 28/11/07 | | 28/11/11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | 316,472 | 159,819 (ii) | 156,653 (ii) | | | 584.57 | 25/06/08 | 156,653 | 25/06/12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | 391,212 | | | | | 472.89 | 25/06/09 | 391,212 | 25/06/13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | 384,220 | | | | | 494.5076 | 29/06/10 | 384,220 | 29/06/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTPP | | | | | 362,148 | 605.7605 | 28/07/11 | 362,148 | 28/07/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
& 28/07/15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | 97,481 | | 97,481 (iii) | | | 610.37 | 12/06/08 | | 12/06/11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | 68,960 (iv) | | | | | 541.14 | 11/06/09 | 68,960 | 11/06/12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | 130,636 | | | | | 506.294 | 15/06/10 | 130,636 | 15/06/13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | | | | | 97,359 | 592.6 | 15/06/11 | 97,359 | 15/06/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
1,550,133 | 159,819 | 254,134 | 161,152 | 459,507 | 1,591,188 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Andrew Bonfield |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | 236,464 | | | | | 570.9098 | 30/11/10 | 236,464 | 30/11/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTPP | | | | | 229,463 | 605.7605 | 28/07/11 | 229,463 | 28/07/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
& 28/07/15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | | | | | 29,184 | 592.6 | 15/06/11 | 29,184 | 15/06/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
236,464 | | | | 258,647 | 495,111 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nick Winser |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | 55,841 | | | 55,841 (i) | | 648.24 | 28/06/07 | | 28/06/11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | 30,985 | | | 30,985 (i) | | 700.95 | 28/11/07 | | 28/11/11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | 158,166 | 79,874 (ii) | 78,292 (ii) | | | 584.57 | 25/06/08 | 78,292 | 25/06/12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | 195,521 | | | | | 472.89 | 25/06/09 | 195,521 | 25/06/13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | 196,356 | | | | | 494.5076 | 29/06/10 | 196,356 | 29/06/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTPP | | | | | 174,986 | 605.7605 | 28/07/11 | 174,986 | 28/07/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
& 28/07/15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | 41,146 | | 41,146 (iii) | | | 610.37 | 12/06/08 | | 12/06/11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | 33,804 (iv) | | | | | 541.14 | 11/06/09 | 33,804 | 11/06/12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | 64,370 | | | | | 506.294 | 15/06/10 | 64,370 | 15/06/13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | | | | | 48,354 | 592.6 | 15/06/11 | 48,354 | 15/06/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
776,189 | 79,874 | 119,438 | 86,826 | 223,340 | 791,683 |
104 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
Table 4 |
Type of award |
PSP, LTPP and DSP conditional awards at 1 April 2011 |
Awards lapsed during year |
Awards vested in year |
Release of PSP awards in year |
Awards granted during year |
Market
at award (pence except #) |
Date of award (dd/mm/yy) |
Conditional awards at 31 March 2012 |
Release date (dd/mm/yy) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tom King |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | ADSs 17,872 | | | 17,872 (i) | | $72.907 # | 28/11/07 | | 28/11/11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | ADSs 36,680 | 18,523 (ii) | 18,157 (ii) | | | $57.2505 # | 25/06/08 | 18,157 | 25/06/12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | ADSs 54,403 | | | | | $38.6002 # | 25/06/09 | 54,403 | 25/06/13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSP | ADSs 57,762 | | | | | $37.4465 # | 29/06/10 | 57,762 | 29/06/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LTPP | | | | | ADSs 45,537 (v) | $49.4093 # | 28/07/11 | 45,537 | 28/07/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
& 28/07/15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | ADSs 5,534 | | 5,534 (iii) | | | $59.61 # | 12/06/08 | | 12/06/11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | ADSs 13,804 | | | | | $39.2373 # | 11/06/09 | 13,804 | 11/06/12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | ADSs 18,776 | | | | | $37.7474 # | 15/06/10 | 18,776 | 15/06/13 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DSP | | | | | ADSs 13,937 (v) | $48.261 # | 15/06/11 | 13,937 | 15/06/14 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total ADSs |
ADSs 204,831 | ADSs 18,523 | ADSs 23,691 | ADSs 17,872 | ADSs 59,474 | ADSs 222,376 |
(i) | The 2007 PSP award was granted in two parts for Steve Holliday and Nick Winser only. The award vested partially (at a vesting level of 65.15% of the award) in June 2010 and then entered a retention period. The vested shares were released on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant (ie June 2011 and November 2011 for Steve Holliday and Nick Winser; and in November 2011 only for Tom King). | |
(ii) | The 2008 PSP award vested partially in June 2011 at a vesting level of 49.5% of the award. The award then entered a retention period. Cash payments in lieu of dividends accrued during the retention period were paid as follows: Steve Holliday £40,852 in August 2011 and £24,246 in February 2012; Nick Winser £20,417 and £12,118; Tom King £21,581 and £12,453 respectively. | |
(iii) | Following the three year deferral period, the 2008 DSP award was released in June 2011. Cash payments in lieu of dividends accrued during the deferral period were paid as follows: Steve Holliday £109,658; Nick Winser £46,286 and Tom King £27,122. | |
(iv) | Exceptionally, the 2009 DSP award for Steve Holliday and Nick Winser was made over restricted shares. The award was subject to income tax and National Insurance Contributions on grant and therefore the shares shown reflect the net number of shares. | |
(v) | Awards were made over ADSs and each ADS represents five ordinary shares. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 105 |
Corporate Governance
Remuneration Report continued |
5. Directors beneficial interests
The Directors beneficial interests (which include those of their families) in National Grid ordinary shares of 11 17 / 43 pence each are shown below.
Table 5 |
Ordinary shares at 31 March 2012 or, if earlier, on retirement (i) |
Ordinary shares at 1 April 2011 or, if later, on appointment * |
Options/awards over ordinary shares at 31 March 2012 |
Options/awards over ordinary shares at 1 April 2011 |
||||||||||||
Sir Peter Gershon (ii) |
18,055 | 7,882 * | | | ||||||||||||
Steve Holliday (iii) (iv) |
484,560 | 339,451 | 1,632,584 | 1,680,485 | ||||||||||||
Andrew Bonfield (iii) (iv) |
287 | 44 | 498,532 | 239,885 | ||||||||||||
Nick Winser (iii) |
224,473 | 325,914 | 791,683 | 776,189 | ||||||||||||
Tom King |
209,285 | 155,195 | 1,111,880 | 1,024,155 | ||||||||||||
Ken Harvey |
5,236 | 5,236 | | | ||||||||||||
Linda Adamany |
2,800 | 2,800 | | | ||||||||||||
Philip Aiken |
4,900 | 4,900 | | | ||||||||||||
Paul Golby (v) |
2,500 | * | | | ||||||||||||
Ruth Kelly (vi) |
800 | * | | | ||||||||||||
Stephen Pettit |
4,061 | 3,906 | | | ||||||||||||
Maria Richter |
14,357 | 14,357 | | | ||||||||||||
George Rose |
6,792 | 6,792 | | | ||||||||||||
Sir John Parker (vii) |
135,798 | 134,712 | | | ||||||||||||
John Allan (viii) |
14,500 | 14,500 | | |
(i) | There has been no other change in the beneficial interests of the Directors in ordinary shares between 1 April 2012 and 16 May 2012, except in respect of routine monthly purchases under the SIP (see note (iv) below). | |
(ii) | Sir Peter Gershon joined the Board on 1 August 2011. | |
(iii) | Each of the Executive Directors, with the exception of Tom King, was for Companies Act purposes deemed to be a potential beneficiary under the National Grid plc 1996 Employee Benefit Trust and the National Grid Employee Share Trust. Steve Holliday, Andrew Bonfield and Nick Winser thereby have an interest in 82,428 and 365,423 ordinary shares in the aforementioned trusts respectively, as at 31 March 2012 (with the latter trust holding 1,638 ADSs in addition). | |
(iv) | Beneficial interests include shares purchased under the monthly operation of the SIP in the year to 31 March 2012. In April and May 2012 a further 38 shares were purchased on behalf of Steve Holliday and a further 38 shares were purchased on behalf of Andrew Bonfield, thereby increasing their beneficial interests. | |
(v) | Paul Golby joined the Board on 1 February 2012. | |
(vi) | Ruth Kelly joined the Board on 1 October 2011. | |
(vii) | Sir John Parker stepped down from the Board on 31 December 2011. | |
(viii) | John Allan stepped down from the Board on 25 July 2011. |
6. National Grid share price range
The closing price of a National Grid ordinary share on 30 March 2012 was 630.5p. The range during the year (previous 52 weeks) was 660.5p (high) and 545.5p (low). The Register of Directors Interests contains full details of shareholdings and options/awards held by Directors as at 31 March 2012.
The Remuneration Report has been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:
Ken Harvey
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
16 May 2012
106 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
Shareholder and share capital information
Shareholder engagement
We believe it is important to maintain effective channels of communication with our institutional investors and individual shareholders to understand their views about the Company and ensure they are provided with timely and appropriate information.
In line with best practice, the Company maintains appropriate controls on the dissemination of price sensitive information. For more information on the role of the disclosure committee, see page 88.
Institutional investors
The Board has responsibility for the oversight of relations with investors which is managed primarily by the Chief Executive, Finance Director and director of investor relations. Our investor relations team meets regularly with current and prospective investors to discuss the Companys strategy, performance, financing and other developments, such as progress on the RIIO regulatory review during 2011.
The Board receives regular feedback from the director of investor relations, our brokers and other specialist advisors. Analysts notes on the Company are circulated to Executive Directors for their information and periodically an independent audit of investor sentiment is also undertaken and presented to the Board.
Sir Peter Gershon has met with a number of investors since his appointment to the Board and Ken Harvey, in his capacity as Remuneration Committee chairman, has held meetings with institutional investors and representative bodies on remuneration matters. Sir Peter will write to major investors at the time of our full year results, to offer them the opportunity to meet with him, the Senior Independent Director or any of the other Non-executive Directors, so they can discuss any issue they feel unable to raise with members of the Executive team.
Individual shareholders
Engagement with individual shareholders, who represent more than 95% of the shareholders on our share register, is led by the Company Secretary & General Counsel. Shareholders are invited to learn more about the Company through the shareholder networking programme, see below, and the exhibits at the AGM which for example in 2011 featured an oil reclamation unit.
During the year, the Company invited members of the UK Shareholder Association to a half day analyst style meeting hosted by the Chief Executive, Finance Director and director of investor relations, who gave presentations and answered questions on the half year results and the activities and performance of the Company generally. In addition, shareholders were also invited by Capita Registrars to visit their offices to increase awareness of the services they provide to our shareholders. Other initiatives include duplicate account amalgamation and a low cost share dealing service, details of which were included with the 2011/12 interim dividend information.
Annual General Meeting
This will be held on Monday 30 July 2012 at The International Convention Centre in Birmingham. The Notice of Meeting for the 2012 AGM, available on our website, sets out in full the resolutions for consideration by shareholders together with explanatory notes and further information on the Directors standing for election and re-election. This year, the AGM can be viewed by webcast on our website where information on how to view the webcast can be found.
Shareholder networking
The shareholder networking programme normally takes place twice a year and includes visits to UK operational sites and presentations by senior managers and employees over two days. The costs of the programme (including shareholder travel to and from the event) are paid for by the Company.
If you are a UK resident shareholder and would like to take part please apply online via the Investors page on our website. You can also apply in person at the AGM. Only those successful in the selection ballot will be contacted, with priority given to those who have not recently attended.
Share capital
The share capital of the Company consists of ordinary shares of 11 17 / 43 pence nominal value each and ADSs, which represent five ordinary shares.
Authority to purchase shares
Shareholder approval was given at the 2011 AGM to purchase up to 10% of the Companys share capital. The Directors intend to seek shareholder approval to renew this authority at this years AGM. No shares were repurchased during the year. Of the shares repurchased in prior years and held as treasury shares, 5,482,477 have been transferred to employees under the employee share plans leaving a balance as at the date of this report of 131,658,687 ordinary shares held as treasury shares.
Authority to allot shares
Shareholder approval was given at the 2011 AGM to allot shares of up to 1 / 3 of the Companys share capital and a further 1 / 3 in connection with an offer by way of a rights issue. The Directors intend to seek shareholder approval to renew this authority at this years AGM.
The Directors currently have no intention of issuing new shares, or of granting rights to subscribe for or convert any security into shares, except in relation to, or in connection with, our Scrip Dividend Scheme and the exercise of options under our share plans.
The Directors consider it desirable to have the maximum flexibility permitted by investor guidelines to respond to market developments. No issue of shares will be made which would effectively alter control of the Company without the sanction of shareholders in general meeting.
Rights attached to shares
Ordinary shareholders and ADS holders receive dividends and can vote at general meetings. Treasury shares do not attract a vote or dividends. There are no restrictions on the transfer or sale of ordinary shares.
Some of the Companys employee share plans, details of which are contained in the Remuneration Report, include restrictions on the transfer of shares while the shares are subject to the plan. Where, under an employee share plan operated by the Company, participants are the beneficial owners of the shares but not the registered owner, the voting rights may be exercised by the registered owner at the direction of the participant.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 107 |
Financial Statements
Contents of financial statements
108 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
www.nationalgrid.com
Statement of Directors responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Accounts, including the consolidated financial statements and the Company financial statements, and the Directors Report, including the Remuneration Report, in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have prepared the consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union, and the Company financial statements and the Remuneration Report in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom generally accepted accounting practice, UK GAAP). In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Directors have also elected to comply with IFRS, issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company on a consolidated and individual basis and of the profit or loss of the Company on a consolidated basis for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to:
|
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; |
|
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; |
|
state that the consolidated financial statements comply with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and IFRS adopted by the European Union and, with regard to the Company financial statements, that applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and |
|
prepare the consolidated financial statements and Company financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company, on a consolidated and individual basis, will continue in business, in which case there should be supporting assumptions or qualifications as necessary. |
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Companys transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company on a consolidated and individual basis, and to enable them to ensure that the consolidated financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and the Company financial statements and the Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are listed on pages 8 and 9, confirms that, to the best of their knowledge:
|
the consolidated financial statements and the Company financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union and UK GAAP respectively, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Company on a consolidated and individual basis; and |
|
the Annual Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Company on a consolidated and individual basis, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces. |
By order of the Board
Helen Mahy
Company Secretary & General Counsel
16 May 2012
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 109 |
Financial Statements
110 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
www.nationalgrid.com
Report of Independent Registered | ||
Public Accounting Firm |
to the Board of Directors and Shareholders of National Grid plc
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated income statements, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of cash flow and consolidated statements of changes in equity, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of National Grid plc and its subsidiaries at 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 31 March 2012 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.
Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 31 March 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Companys management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the Business Review appearing on page 47 of the 2012 Annual Report and Accounts.
Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Companys internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorisations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorised acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
London
United Kingdom
16 May 2012
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 111 |
Financial Statements
A. Basis of preparation of consolidated financial statements under IFRS
National Grids principal activities involve the transmission and distribution of electricity and gas in Great Britain and northeastern US. The Company is a public limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in England, with its registered office at 1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5EH.
The Company has its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and is also quoted on the New York Stock Exchange. These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the Board of Directors on 16 May 2012.
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB and IFRS as adopted by the EU. They are prepared on the basis of all IFRS accounting standards and interpretations that are mandatory for periods ending 31 March 2012 and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS and Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulation. The 2011 and 2010 comparative financial information has also been prepared on this basis.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on an historical cost basis, except for the recording of pension assets and liabilities, the revaluation of derivative financial instruments and certain commodity contracts and investments classified as available-for-sale.
These consolidated financial statements are presented in pounds sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period (see accounting policy Z). Actual results could differ from these estimates.
B. Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, together with a share of the results, assets and liabilities of jointly controlled entities (joint ventures) and associates using the equity method of accounting, where the investment is carried at cost plus post-acquisition changes in the share of net assets of the joint venture, less any provision for impairment.
A subsidiary is defined as an entity controlled by the Company. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. A joint venture is an entity established to engage in economic activity, which the Company jointly controls with its fellow venturers. An associate is an entity which is neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture, but over which the Company has significant influence.
Losses in excess of the consolidated interest in joint ventures are not recognised, except where the Company or its subsidiaries have made a commitment to make good those losses.
Where necessary, adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies used in the individual financial statements of the Company, subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates into line with those used by the Company in its consolidated financial statements under IFRS. Intercompany transactions are eliminated.
The results of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated income statement from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.
Acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method, where the purchase price is allocated to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a fair value basis and the remainder recognised as goodwill.
C. Foreign currencies
Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company or subsidiary concerned are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at closing exchange rates. Non monetary assets are not retranslated unless they are carried at fair value.
Gains and losses arising on the retranslation of monetary assets and liabilities are included in the income statement, except where the adoption of hedge accounting requires inclusion in other comprehensive income (accounting policy R).
On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of operations that have a functional currency different from the Companys functional currency of pounds sterling, principally our US operations that have a functional currency of dollars, are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the weighted average exchange rates for the period where these do not differ materially from rates at the date of the transaction. Exchange differences arising are classified as equity and transferred to the consolidated translation reserve.
D. Goodwill
Goodwill arising on a business combination represents the difference between the cost of acquisition and the Companys consolidated interest in the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities of a subsidiary or joint venture as at the date of acquisition.
Goodwill is recognised as an asset and is not amortised, but is reviewed for impairment at least annually. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the income statement and is not subsequently reversed.
Goodwill recorded under UK GAAP arising on acquisitions before the date of transition to IFRS has been frozen at that date, subject to subsequent testing for impairment.
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign entity and translated at the closing exchange rate.
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E. Intangible assets other than goodwill
With the exception of goodwill, as described above, identifiable intangible assets are recorded at cost less accumulated amortisation and any provision for impairment.
Internally generated intangible fixed assets, such as software, are recognised only if: an asset is created that can be identified; it is probable that the asset created will generate future economic benefits; and the development cost of the asset can be measured reliably. Where no internally generated intangible asset can be recognised, development expenditure is recorded as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.
On a business combination, as well as recording separable intangible assets possessed by the acquired entity at their fair value, identifiable intangible assets that arise from contractual or other legal rights are also included in the balance sheet at their fair value. Acquisition-related intangible assets principally comprise customer relationships.
Non-current intangible assets, other than goodwill, are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful economic lives. Amortisation periods for categories of intangible assets are:
Amortisation periods | Years | |||
|
||||
Software |
3 to 7 | |||
Acquisition-related intangibles |
10 to 25 | |||
Other licences and other intangibles |
3 to 5 | |||
|
Following the recognition of an impairment charge in relation to acquisition-related intangibles, the net book value has been fully written off.
Intangible emission allowances are accounted for in accordance with accounting policy U.
F. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost or deemed cost at the date of transition to IFRS, less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses.
Cost includes payroll and finance costs incurred which are directly attributable to the construction of property, plant and equipment as well as the cost of any associated asset retirement obligations.
Property, plant and equipment includes assets in which the Companys interest comprises legally protected statutory or contractual rights of use.
Additions represent the purchase or construction of new assets, including capital expenditure for safety and environmental assets, and extensions to, enhancements to, or replacement of existing assets.
Contributions received prior to 1 July 2009 towards the cost of property, plant and equipment are included in trade and other payables as deferred income and credited on a straight-line basis to the income statement over the estimated useful economic lives of the assets to which they relate.
Contributions received post 1 July 2009 are recognised in revenue immediately, except where the contributions are consideration for a future service, in which case they are recognised initially as deferred income and revenue is subsequently recognised over the period in which the service is provided.
No depreciation is provided on freehold land or assets in the course of construction.
Other items of property, plant and equipment are depreciated, principally on a straight-line basis, at rates estimated to write off their book values over their estimated useful economic lives. In assessing estimated useful economic lives, which are reviewed on a regular basis, consideration is given to any contractual arrangements and operational requirements relating to particular assets. Unless otherwise determined by operational requirements, the depreciation periods for the principal categories of property, plant and equipment are, in general, as shown in the table below:
Depreciation periods | Years | |||
|
||||
Freehold and leasehold buildings |
up to 65 | |||
Plant and machinery |
||||
Electricity transmission plant |
15 to 60 | |||
Electricity distribution plant |
15 to 60 | |||
Electricity generation plant |
20 to 40 | |||
Interconnector plant |
15 to 60 | |||
Gas plant mains, services and regulating equipment |
30 to 100 | |||
Gas plant storage |
15 to 21 | |||
Gas plant meters |
10 to 33 | |||
Motor vehicles and office equipment |
up to 10 | |||
|
G. Impairment of assets
Impairments of assets are calculated as the difference between the carrying value of the asset and its recoverable amount, if lower. Where such an asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which that asset belongs is estimated. Recoverable amount is defined as the higher of fair value less costs to sell and estimated value-in-use at the date the impairment review is undertaken.
Value-in-use represents the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually. Otherwise, tests for impairment are carried out only if there is some indication that the carrying value of the assets may have been impaired.
Material impairments are recognised in the income statement and are disclosed separately.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 113 |
Financial Statements
Accounting policies continued
H. Taxation
Current tax
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amounts expected to be recovered from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amounts are those that are enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Current tax is charged or credited to the income statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In these cases, the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.
Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation and establishes provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.
Deferred tax and investment tax credits
Deferred tax is provided for using the balance sheet liability method and is recognised on temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised on all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction (other than a business combination) that affects neither the accounting nor taxable profit or loss.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised on taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and jointly controlled entities, except where the Company is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised, based on the tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited to the income statement, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In these cases the tax is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be recovered. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed at each balance sheet date and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Company and its subsidiaries intend to settle their current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
Investment tax credits are amortised over the economic life of the assets that give rise to the credits.
I. Discontinued operations, assets
and businesses held for sale
Cash flows and operations that relate to a major component of the business or geographical region that has been sold or is classified as held for sale are shown separately from continuing operations.
Assets and businesses classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. No depreciation is charged on assets and businesses classified as held for sale.
Assets and businesses are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered or settled principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as being met only when the sale is highly probable and the assets or businesses are available for immediate sale in their present condition or the sale relates to a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale. Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of classification.
Finance income or costs are included in discontinued operations only in respect of financial assets or liabilities classified as held for sale or derecognised on sale.
J. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, calculated on a weighted average basis, and net realisable value.
Where applicable, cost comprises direct materials and direct labour costs as well as those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.
K. Decommissioning and environmental costs
Provision is made for decommissioning and environmental costs, based on future estimated expenditures, discounted to present values. An initial estimate of decommissioning and environmental costs attributable to property, plant and equipment is recorded as part of the original cost of the related property, plant and equipment.
Changes in the provision arising from revised estimates or discount rates or changes in the expected timing of expenditures that relate to property, plant and equipment are recorded as adjustments to their carrying value and depreciated prospectively over their remaining estimated useful economic lives; otherwise such changes are recognised in the income statement.
The unwinding of the discount is included within the income statement as a financing charge.
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L. Revenue
Revenue primarily represents the sales value derived from the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy and recovery of US stranded costs together with the sales value derived from the provision of other services to customers during the year and excludes value added tax and intra-group sales.
US stranded costs are various generation-related costs incurred prior to the divestiture of generation assets beginning in the late 1990s and costs of legacy contracts that are being recovered from customers. The recovery of stranded costs and other amounts allowed to be collected from customers under regulatory arrangements is recognised in the period in which these amounts are recoverable from customers.
Revenue includes an assessment of unbilled energy and transportation services supplied to customers between the date of the last meter reading and the year end. This is estimated based on historical consumption and weather patterns.
Where revenue received or receivable exceeds the maximum amount permitted by regulatory agreement and adjustments will be made to future prices to reflect this over-recovery, no liability is recognised as such an adjustment to future prices relates to the provision of future services. Similarly no asset is recognised where a regulatory agreement permits adjustments to be made to future prices in respect of an under-recovery.
M. Segmental information
Segmental information is based on the information the Board uses internally for the purposes of evaluating the performance of operating segments and determining resource allocation between operating segments. The Board is the chief operating decision maker and assesses the performance of operations principally on the basis of operating profit before exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries (see accounting policy T).
N. Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
For defined benefit retirement schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date.
Current service cost is recognised in operating costs in the period in which the defined benefit obligation increases as a result of employee services.
Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the period in which they occur in the statement of other comprehensive income.
Past service costs are recognised immediately to the extent that benefits are already vested. Otherwise such costs are amortised on a straight-line basis over the period until the benefits vest.
Settlements are recognised when a transaction is entered into that eliminates all further legal or constructive obligations for benefits under a scheme.
Curtailments are recognised when a commitment is made to a material reduction in the number of employees covered by a scheme.
The retirement benefit obligations recognised in the balance sheet represent the present value of the defined benefit obligations, as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets and any unrecognised past service cost.
The expected return on scheme assets and the unwinding of the discount on defined benefit obligations are recognised within interest income and expense respectively.
O. Leases
Rentals under operating leases are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised at their fair value or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments on inception. The corresponding liability is recognised as a finance lease obligation within borrowings. Rental payments are apportioned between finance costs and reduction in the finance lease obligation, so as to achieve a constant rate of interest.
Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of their useful life and the lease term.
P. Financial instruments
Financial assets, liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into, and recognised on trade date. Available-for-sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated in this category or not classified in any other categories.
Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, less any appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts. A provision is established for irrecoverable amounts when there is objective evidence that amounts due under the original payment terms will not be collected. Indications that the trade receivable may become irrecoverable would include financial difficulties of the debtor, likelihood of the debtors insolvency, and default or significant failure of payment. Trade payables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost.
Loans receivable and other receivables are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Interest income, together with gains and losses when the loans and receivables are derecognised or impaired, are recognised in the income statement.
Other financial investments are recognised at fair value plus, in the case of available-for-sale financial investments, directly related incremental transaction costs, and are subsequently carried at fair value on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of investments classified as fair value through profit and loss are included in the income statement, while changes in the fair value of investments classified as available-for-sale are recognised directly in equity, until the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired. At this time the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is included in the income statement for the period. In the case of securities classified as available-for-sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the securities below their cost is considered as an indicator that the securities are impaired. Investment income on investments classified as fair value through profit and loss and on available-for-sale investments is recognised using the effective interest method and taken through interest income in the income statement.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 115 |
Financial Statements
Accounting policies continued |
Borrowings, which include interest bearing loans, UK RPI linked debt and overdrafts are recorded at their initial fair value which normally reflects the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs less any repayments. Subsequently these are stated at amortised cost, using the effective interest method. Any difference between the proceeds after direct issue costs and the redemption value is recognised over the term of the borrowing in the income statement using the effective interest method.
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets (being assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to prepare for their intended use or sale) are added to their cost. Such additions cease when the assets are substantially ready for their intended use.
Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value. Where the fair value of a derivative is positive it is carried as a derivative asset, and where negative as a derivative liability. Assets and liabilities on different transactions are only netted if the transactions are with the same counterparty, a legal right of set off exists and the cash flows are intended to be settled on a net basis. Gains and losses arising from the changes in fair value are included in the income statement in the period they arise.
No adjustment is made with respect to derivative clauses embedded in financial instruments or other contracts that are closely related to those instruments or contracts. In particular, interest payments on UK RPI debt are linked to movements in the UK RPI. The link to RPI is considered to be an embedded derivative, which is closely related to the underlying debt instrument based on the view that there is a strong relationship between interest rates and inflation in the UK economy. Consequently these embedded derivatives are not accounted for separately from the debt instrument. Where there are embedded derivatives in host contracts not closely related, the embedded derivative is separately accounted for as a derivative financial instrument and recorded at fair value.
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the consolidated assets of the Company after deducting all its liabilities and is recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs, with an amount equal to the nominal amount of the shares issued included in the share capital account and the balance recorded in the share premium account.
Subsequent to initial recognition, the fair values of financial instruments measured at fair value that are quoted in active markets are based on bid prices for assets held and offer prices for issued liabilities. When independent prices are not available, fair values are determined by using valuation techniques which are consistent with techniques commonly used by the relevant market. The techniques use observable market data.
Q. Commodity contracts
Commodity contracts that meet the definition of a derivative and which do not meet the exemption for normal sale, purchase or usage are carried at fair value.
Energy purchase contracts for the forward purchase of electricity or gas that are used to satisfy physical delivery requirements to customers or for energy that the Company uses itself meet the normal purchase, sale or usage exemption of IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation. They are, therefore, not recognised in the financial statements. Disclosure of commitments under such contracts is made in the notes to the financial statements (see note 28).
Remeasurements of commodity contracts carried at fair value are recognised in the income statement, with changes due to movements in commodity prices recorded in operating costs and changes relating to movements in interest rates recorded in finance costs.
Where contracts are traded on a recognised exchange and margin payments are made, the contract fair values are reported net of the associated margin payments.
R. Hedge accounting
The Company and its subsidiaries enter into both derivative financial instruments (derivatives) and non-derivative financial instruments in order to manage interest rate and foreign currency exposures, and commodity price risks associated with underlying business activities and the financing of those activities.
Hedge accounting allows derivatives to be designated as a hedge of another (non-derivative) financial instrument, to mitigate the impact of potential volatility in the income statement of changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments. To qualify for hedge accounting, documentation is prepared specifying the hedging strategy, the component transactions and methodology used for effectiveness measurement. National Grid uses three hedge accounting methods.
Firstly, changes in the carrying value of financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows (cash flow hedges) are recognised directly in equity and any ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the income statement. Amounts deferred in equity in respect of cash flow hedges are subsequently recognised in the income statement in the same period in which the hedged item affects net profit or loss. Where a non-financial asset or a non-financial liability results from a forecasted transaction or firm commitment being hedged, the amounts deferred in equity are included in the initial measurement of that non-monetary asset or liability.
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Secondly, fair value hedge accounting offsets the changes in the fair value of the hedging instrument against the change in the fair value of the hedged item with respect to the risk being hedged. These changes are recognised in the income statement to the extent the fair value hedge is effective. Adjustments made to the carrying amount of the hedged item for fair value hedges will be amortised over the remaining life, in line with the hedged item.
Thirdly, foreign exchange gains or losses arising on financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of the Companys consolidated net investment in overseas operations (net investment hedges) are recorded directly in equity, with any ineffective portion recognised immediately in the income statement.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the income statement as they arise, within finance costs (included in remeasurements see accounting policy T).
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, exercised or no longer qualities for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gains or losses relating to cash flow hedges recognised in equity are initially retained in equity and subsequently recognised in the income statement in the same periods in which the previously hedged item affects net profit or loss. Amounts deferred in equity with respect to net investment hedges are subsequently recognised in the income statement in the event of the disposal of the overseas operations concerned. For fair value hedges, the cumulative adjustment recorded to the carrying value of the hedged item at the date hedge accounting is discontinued is amortised to the income statement using the effective interest method.
If a hedged forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to the income statement immediately.
S. Share-based payments
The Company issues equity-settled, share-based payments to certain employees of the Companys subsidiary undertakings.
Equity-settled, share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value determined at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the number of shares that will eventually vest.
T. Business performance and exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries
Our financial performance is analysed into two components: business performance, which excludes exceptional items, remeasurements, stranded cost recoveries and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles; and exceptional items, remeasurements, stranded cost recoveries and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles. Business performance is used by management to monitor financial performance as it is considered that it improves the comparability of our reported financial performance from year to year. Business performance subtotals, which exclude exceptional items, remeasurements, stranded cost recoveries and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles are presented on the face of the income statement or in the notes to the financial statements.
Exceptional items, remeasurements, stranded cost recoveries and amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles are items of income and expense that, in the judgement of management, should be disclosed separately on the basis that they are important to understanding our financial performance and may significantly distort the comparability of financial performance between periods.
Items of income or expense that are considered by management for designation as exceptional items include such items as significant restructurings, write-downs or impairments of non-current assets, significant changes in environmental or decommissioning provisions, integration of acquired businesses, restructuring costs, gains or losses on disposals of businesses or investments and debt redemption costs as a consequence of transactions such as significant disposals or issues of equity.
Costs arising from restructuring programmes include redundancy costs. Redundancy costs are charged to the income statement in the year in which a commitment is made to incur the costs and the main features of the restructuring plan have been announced to affected employees.
Remeasurements comprise gains or losses recorded in the income statement arising from changes in the fair value of commodity contracts and of derivative financial instruments to the extent that hedge accounting is not achieved or is not effective.
Stranded cost recoveries represent the recovery of historical generation-related costs in the US, related to generation assets that are no longer owned by National Grid. Such costs are being recovered from customers as permitted by regulatory agreements, with almost all having been recovered by 31 March 2012.
Acquisition-related intangibles comprise intangible assets, principally customer relationships, that are only recognised as a consequence of accounting required for a business combination. The amortisation of acquisition-related intangibles distorts the comparison of the financial performance of acquired businesses with non-acquired businesses.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 117
Financial Statements
Accounting policies continued |
U. Emission allowances
Emission allowances, principally relating to the emissions of carbon dioxide in the UK and sulphur and nitrous oxides in the US, are recorded as intangible assets within current assets and are initially recorded at cost and subsequently at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Where emission allowances are granted by relevant authorities, cost is deemed to be equal to the fair value at the date of allocation. Receipts of such grants are treated as deferred income, which is recognised in the income statement as the related charges for emissions are recognised or on impairment of the related intangible asset. A provision is recorded in respect of the obligation to deliver emission allowances and emission charges are recognised in the income statement in the period in which emissions are made.
Income from emission allowances that are sold is reported in revenue.
V. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash held at bank and in hand, together with short-term highly liquid investments with an original maturity of less than three months that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to an insignificant change in value. Net cash and cash equivalents reflected in the cash flow statement are net of bank overdrafts, which are reported in borrowings.
W. Net debt
The movement in cash and cash equivalents is reconciled to movements in net debt. Net debt comprises cash and cash equivalents, current financial investments, borrowings and derivative financial instruments.
X. Other equity reserves
Other equity reserves comprise the translation reserve (see accounting policy C), cash flow hedge reserve (see accounting policy R), available-for-sale reserve (see accounting policy P), the capital redemption reserve and the merger reserve. The merger reserve arose as a result of the application of merger accounting principles under the then prevailing UK GAAP, which under IFRS 1 was retained for mergers that occurred prior to the IFRS transition date. Under merger accounting principles, the difference between the carrying amount of the capital structure of the acquiring vehicle and that of the acquired business was treated as a merger difference and included within reserves.
As the amounts included in other equity reserves are not attributable to any of the other classes of equity presented, they have been disclosed as a separate classification of equity.
Y. Dividends
Interim dividends are recognised when they become payable to the Companys shareholders. Final dividends are recognised when they are approved by shareholders.
Z. Areas of judgement and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Information about such judgements and estimations is contained in the accounting policies or the notes to the financial statements, and the key areas are summarised below.
Areas of judgement that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are as follows:
|
The categorisation of certain items as exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries and the definition of adjusted earnings notes 3 and 6. |
|
The exemptions adopted on transition to IFRS including, in particular, those relating to business combinations. |
|
Classification of business activities as held for sale and discontinued operations accounting policy I. |
|
Hedge accounting accounting policy R. |
|
Energy purchase contracts classification as being for normal purchase, sale or usage accounting policy Q and note 28. |
Key sources of estimation uncertainty that have significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are as follows:
|
Impairment of goodwill accounting policy D and note 8. |
|
Review of residual lives, carrying values and impairment charges for other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment accounting policies E, F and G. |
|
Estimation of liabilities for pensions and other post-retirement benefits notes 23 and 30. |
|
Valuation of financial instruments and derivatives notes 14, 31 and 32(b). |
|
Revenue recognition and assessment of unbilled revenue accounting policy L. |
|
Recoverability of deferred tax assets accounting policy H and note 22. |
|
Environment and decommissioning provisions note 24. |
118 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Adoption of new accounting standards
New IFRS accounting standards and interpretations adopted in 2011/12
During the year ended 31 March 2012, the Company has not adopted any new IFRS, IAS or amendments issued by the IASB, and interpretations by the IFRS Interpretations Committee, which have had a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
New IFRS accounting standards and
interpretations not yet adopted
The Company enters into a significant number of transactions which fall within the scope of IFRS 9 on financial instruments. The IASB is completing IFRS 9 in phases and the Company is evaluating the impact of the standard as it develops.
IFRS 10 on consolidated financial statements, IFRS 11 on joint arrangements, IFRS 12 on disclosures of interests in other entities and IFRS 13 on fair value measurements and consequent amendments to IAS 27 and IAS 28 were issued in May 2011. The Company is evaluating the impact of these standards on its financial statements. The standards are required to be adopted by the Company on 1 April 2013, subject to endorsement by the EU.
The amended version of IAS 19 on employee benefits, issued in June 2011 and effective for periods beginning after 1 January 2013 (subject to EU endorsement), requires net interest to be calculated on the net defined benefit liability/(asset) using the same discount rate used to measure the defined benefit obligation. Where the expected return on assets exceeds the discount rate, the adoption of the amended standard will result in a reduction in reported net income and an increase in other comprehensive income. The impact on the Companys financial statements for the period of initial application of the amended standard will depend upon reported pension assets and liabilities and the relationship between the expected return on assets and the discount rate at the date of adoption. These amounts are volatile from year to year and therefore figures for the year ending 31 March 2014 cannot be reasonably estimated. If the amended standard had been adopted for the year ended 31 March 2012, net income would have been reduced by £119m and other comprehensive income increased by £123m.
Other standards and interpretations or amendments thereto which have been issued, but are not yet effective, are not expected to have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 119
Financial Statements
for the years ended 31 March
Notes |
2012 £m |
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
1(a | ) | 13,832 | 14,343 | 14,007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating costs |
2 | (10,293 | ) | (10,598 | ) | (10,714 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Before exceptional items, remeasurements
|
1(b | ) | 3,495 | 3,600 | 3,121 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items, remeasurements and
|
3 | 44 | 145 | 172 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating profit |
1(b | ) | 3,539 | 3,745 | 3,293 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income and similar income |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Before exceptional items |
4 | 1,301 | 1,281 | 1,005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items |
3,4 | | 43 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total interest income and similar income |
4 | 1,301 | 1,324 | 1,005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense and other finance costs |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Before exceptional items and remeasurements |
4 | (2,218 | ) | (2,415 | ) | (2,160 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items and remeasurements |
3,4 | (70 | ) | (37 | ) | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total interest expense and other finance costs |
4 | (2,288 | ) | (2,452 | ) | (2,113 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share of post-tax results of joint ventures and associates |
13 | 7 | 7 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit before tax |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Before exceptional items, remeasurements
|
1(b | ) | 2,585 | 2,473 | 1,974 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items, remeasurements and
|
3 | (26 | ) | 151 | 219 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total profit before tax |
1(b | ) | 2,559 | 2,624 | 2,193 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Before exceptional items, remeasurements
|
5 | (755 | ) | (722 | ) | (553 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items, remeasurements and
|
3,5 | 234 | 261 | (251 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total taxation |
5 | (521 | ) | (461 | ) | (804 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit after tax |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Before exceptional items, remeasurements
|
1,830 | 1,751 | 1,421 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items, remeasurements and
|
3 | 208 | 412 | (32 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
2,038 | 2,163 | 1,389 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity shareholders of the parent |
2,036 | 2,159 | 1,386 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
2 | 4 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2,038 | 2,163 | 1,389 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share* |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
6 | 57.1p | 62.9p | 47.5p | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted |
6 | 56.8p | 62.5p | 47.3p |
*Comparative amounts have been restated to reflect the impact of additional shares issued as scrip dividends
The notes on pages 125 to 176 form part of the consolidated financial statements.
120 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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of comprehensive income
for the years ended 31 March
Notes |
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
|||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
2,038 | 2,163 | 1,389 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss)/income: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
27 | (95 | ) | 33 | ||||||||||||||||||
Actuarial net (losses)/gains |
23 | (1,325 | ) | 571 | (731 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax on actuarial net gains and losses |
5 | 403 | (181 | ) | 175 | |||||||||||||||||
Net (losses)/gains in respect of cash flow hedges |
(18 | ) | 7 | (45 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Transferred to profit or loss on cash flow hedges |
19 | (7 | ) | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax on cash flow hedges |
5 | 2 | (2 | ) | 9 | |||||||||||||||||
Net gains on available-for-sale investments |
16 | 16 | 54 | |||||||||||||||||||
Transferred to profit or loss on sale of available-for-sale investments |
(9 | ) | (3 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax on available-for-sale investments |
(2 | ) | (1 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Share of post-tax other comprehensive (loss)/income of joint ventures |
| (4 | ) | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the year, net of tax |
(887 | ) | 301 | (508 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year |
1,151 | 2,464 | 881 | |||||||||||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity shareholders of the parent |
1,149 | 2,460 | 879 | |||||||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
2 | 4 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
1,151 | 2,464 | 881 |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 121
Financial Statements
as at 31 March
Notes |
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
||||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
8 | 4,776 | 4,776 | |||||||||||||
Other intangible assets |
9 | 546 | 501 | |||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
10 | 33,701 | 31,956 | |||||||||||||
Other non-current assets |
11 | 95 | 135 | |||||||||||||
Pension assets |
23 | 155 | 556 | |||||||||||||
Financial and other investments |
12 | 592 | 593 | |||||||||||||
Derivative financial assets |
14 | 1,819 | 1,270 | |||||||||||||
Total non-current assets |
41,684 | 39,787 | ||||||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||||||
Inventories and current intangible assets |
15 | 376 | 320 | |||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
16 | 1,971 | 2,212 | |||||||||||||
Financial and other investments |
12 | 2,391 | 2,939 | |||||||||||||
Derivative financial assets |
14 | 317 | 468 | |||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
17 | 332 | 384 | |||||||||||||
Total current assets |
5,387 | 6,323 | ||||||||||||||
Assets of businesses held for sale |
18 | 264 | 290 | |||||||||||||
Total assets |
47,335 | 46,400 | ||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
19 | (2,492 | ) | (2,952 | ) | |||||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities |
14 | (162 | ) | (190 | ) | |||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
20 | (2,685 | ) | (2,828 | ) | |||||||||||
Current tax liabilities |
(383 | ) | (503 | ) | ||||||||||||
Provisions |
24 | (282 | ) | (353 | ) | |||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
(6,004 | ) | (6,826 | ) | ||||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
19 | (20,533 | ) | (20,246 | ) | |||||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities |
14 | (1,269 | ) | (404 | ) | |||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
21 | (1,921 | ) | (1,944 | ) | |||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
22 | (3,738 | ) | (3,766 | ) | |||||||||||
Pensions and other post-retirement benefit obligations |
23 | (3,088 | ) | (2,574 | ) | |||||||||||
Provisions |
24 | (1,449 | ) | (1,461 | ) | |||||||||||
Total non-current liabilities |
(31,998 | ) | (30,395 | ) | ||||||||||||
Liabilities of businesses held for sale |
18 | (87 | ) | (110 | ) | |||||||||||
Total liabilities |
(38,089 | ) | (37,331 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net assets |
9,246 | 9,069 | ||||||||||||||
Equity |
||||||||||||||||
Called up share capital |
25 | 422 | 416 | |||||||||||||
Share premium account |
1,355 | 1,361 | ||||||||||||||
Retained earnings |
12,297 | 12,153 | ||||||||||||||
Other equity reserves |
26 | (4,835 | ) | (4,870 | ) | |||||||||||
Shareholders equity |
9,239 | 9,060 | ||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
7 | 9 | ||||||||||||||
Total equity |
9,246 | 9,069 |
These financial statements comprising the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated balance sheet, consolidated statement of changes in equity, consolidated cash flow statement, accounting policies, adoption of new accounting standards and the notes to the consolidated financial statements 1 to 37, were approved by the Board of Directors on 16 May 2012 and were signed on its behalf by:
Sir Peter Gershon Chairman
Andrew Bonfield Finance Director
122 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the years ended 31 March
Called-up share capital £m |
Share premium account £m |
Retained earnings £m |
Other equity reserves (i) £m |
Total shareholders equity £m |
Non- controlling interests £m |
Total equity £m |
||||||||||||||||||||||
At 1 April 2009 |
294 | 1,371 | 7,135 | (4,830 | ) | 3,970 | 14 | 3,984 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year |
| | 830 | 49 | 879 | 2 | 881 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Equity dividends |
| | (893 | ) | | (893 | ) | | (893 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Scrip dividend related share issue |
4 | (5 | ) | 205 | | 204 | | 204 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issue of treasury shares |
| | 18 | | 18 | | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Repurchase of share capital and purchase of treasury shares |
| | (7 | ) | | (7 | ) | | (7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other movements in non-controlling interests |
| | | | | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Share-based payment |
| | 25 | | 25 | | 25 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax on share-based payment |
| | 3 | | 3 | | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2010 |
298 | 1,366 | 7,316 | (4,781 | ) | 4,199 | 12 | 4,211 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year |
| | 2,549 | (89 | ) | 2,460 | 4 | 2,464 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Rights issue |
113 | | | 3,101 | 3,214 | | 3,214 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer between reserves |
| | 3,101 | (3,101 | ) | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity dividends |
| | (1,064 | ) | | (1,064 | ) | | (1,064 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Scrip dividend related share issue |
5 | (5 | ) | 206 | | 206 | | 206 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issue of treasury shares |
| | 18 | | 18 | | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of own shares |
| | (3 | ) | | (3 | ) | | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other movements in non-controlling interests |
| | | | | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Share-based payment |
| | 25 | | 25 | | 25 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax on share-based payment |
| | 5 | | 5 | | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2011 |
416 | 1,361 | 12,153 | (4,870 | ) | 9,060 | 9 | 9,069 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year |
| | 1,114 | 35 | 1,149 | 2 | 1,151 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Equity dividends |
| | (1,319 | ) | | (1,319 | ) | | (1,319 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Scrip dividend related share issue |
6 | (6 | ) | 313 | | 313 | | 313 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issue of treasury shares |
| | 13 | | 13 | | 13 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of own shares |
| | (4 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other movements in non-controlling interests |
| | | | | (4 | ) | (4 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Share-based payment |
| | 24 | | 24 | | 24 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax on share-based payment |
| | 3 | | 3 | | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2012 |
422 | 1,355 | 12,297 | (4,835 | ) | 9,239 | 7 | 9,246 |
(i) | For further details of other equity reserves, see note 26. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 123
Financial Statements
Consolidated cash flow statement
for the years ended 31 March
Notes |
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total operating profit |
1(b | ) | 3,539 | 3,745 | 3,293 | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments for: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
3 | (44 | ) | (145 | ) | (172 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment |
1,282 | 1,245 | 1,188 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based payment charge |
24 | 25 | 25 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in working capital |
146 | 185 | 431 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in provisions |
(116 | ) | (93 | ) | (98 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Changes in pensions and other post-retirement benefit obligations |
(386 | ) | (304 | ) | (521 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash flows relating to exceptional items |
(205 | ) | (147 | ) | (135 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash flows relating to stranded cost recoveries |
247 | 343 | 361 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cash generated from operations |
4,487 | 4,854 | 4,372 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Tax (paid)/received |
(259 | ) | 4 | 144 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash inflow from operating activities |
4,228 | 4,858 | 4,516 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of investments |
(13 | ) | (135 | ) | (86 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net proceeds from sale of investments in subsidiaries |
365 | 11 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of intangible assets |
(203 | ) | (176 | ) | (104 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
(3,147 | ) | (2,958 | ) | (3,007 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Disposals of property, plant and equipment |
24 | 26 | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends received from joint ventures |
26 | 9 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Interest received |
24 | 26 | 21 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net movements in short-term financial investments |
553 | (1,577 | ) | 805 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash flow used in investing activities |
(2,371 | ) | (4,774 | ) | (2,332 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds of rights issue |
| 3,214 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from issue of treasury shares |
13 | 18 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of own shares |
(4 | ) | (3 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from loans received |
1,809 | 767 | 1,933 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Repayment of loans |
(1,914 | ) | (2,878 | ) | (2,257 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net movements in short-term borrowings and derivatives |
(49 | ) | 348 | (175 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest paid |
(749 | ) | (965 | ) | (1,003 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional finance costs on the redemption of debt |
| (73 | ) | (33 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Dividends paid to shareholders |
(1,006 | ) | (858 | ) | (688 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net cash flow used in financing activities |
(1,900 | ) | (430 | ) | (2,212 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
27(a | ) | (43 | ) | (346 | ) | (28 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Exchange movements |
| (3 | ) | (1 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net cash and cash equivalents at start of year |
342 | 691 | 720 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash and cash equivalents at end of year (i) |
17 | 299 | 342 | 691 |
(i) | Net of bank overdrafts of £33m (2011: £42m; 2010: £29m). |
124 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Notes to the consolidated financial statements analysis of items in the primary statements |
The Board of Directors is National Grids chief operating decision making body (as defined by IFRS 8 on operating segments). The segmental analysis is based on the information the Board of Directors uses internally for the purposes of evaluating the performance of operating segments and determining resource allocation between segments. The performance of operating segments is assessed principally on the basis of operating profit before exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries. The following table describes the main activities for each operating segment:
UK Transmission | High voltage electricity transmission networks, the gas transmission network in Great Britain, UK liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage activities and the French electricity interconnector. | |
UK Gas Distribution | Four of the eight regional networks of Great Britains gas distribution system. | |
US Regulated | Gas distribution networks, electricity distribution networks and high voltage electricity transmission networks in New York and New England and electricity generation facilities in New York. |
Other activities primarily relate to non-regulated businesses and other commercial operations not included within the above segments, including: UK based gas and electricity metering activities (including OnStream up to the date it was sold on 24 October 2011); UK property management; a UK LNG import terminal; other LNG operations; US unregulated transmission pipelines; US gas fields (related to Seneca-Upshur up to the date it was sold on 3 October 2011); together with corporate activities.
Sales between operating segments are priced having regard to the regulatory and legal requirements to which the businesses are subject. The analysis of revenue by geographical area is on the basis of destination. There are no material sales between the UK and US geographical areas.
As a consequence of the introduction of a new operating model, which took effect on 4 April 2011, there has been a change to the reported segments: the US Transmission, US Gas Distribution and US Electricity Distribution & Generation segments which were presented as separate segments in prior periods, have been combined and are reported as a single US Regulated segment.
(a) Revenue
Total sales 2012 £m |
Sales between segments 2012 £m |
Sales to third parties 2012 £m |
Total sales 2011 £m |
Sales between segments 2011 £m |
Sales to third parties 2011 £m |
Total sales 2010 £m |
Sales between segments 2010 £m |
Sales to third parties 2010 £m |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating segments |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UK Transmission |
3,804 | (5 | ) | 3,799 | 3,484 | (7 | ) | 3,477 | 3,475 | (6 | ) | 3,469 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UK Gas Distribution |
1,605 | (52 | ) | 1,553 | 1,524 | (60 | ) | 1,464 | 1,518 | (70 | ) | 1,448 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
US Regulated |
7,795 | | 7,795 | 8,746 | | 8,746 | 8,372 | | 8,372 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other activities |
715 | (30 | ) | 685 | 678 | (22 | ) | 656 | 741 | (23 | ) | 718 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13,919 | (87 | ) | 13,832 | 14,432 | (89 | ) | 14,343 | 14,106 | (99 | ) | 14,007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total excluding stranded
|
13,553 | 13,988 | 13,631 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stranded cost recoveries |
279 | 355 | 376 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13,832 | 14,343 | 14,007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geographical areas |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UK |
6,000 | 5,556 | 5,543 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
US |
7,832 | 8,787 | 8,464 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13,832 | 14,343 | 14,007 |
Where revenue received or receivable exceeds the maximum amount permitted by regulatory agreement and adjustments will be made to future prices to reflect the over-recovery, no liability is recognised. Similarly, no asset is recognised where a regulatory agreement permits adjustments to be made to future prices in respect of an under-recovery. In the UK, there was an under-recovery of £26m at 31 March 2012 (2011: £34m; 2010: £100m). In the US, under-recoveries and other regulatory entitlements to future revenue amounted to £1,429m at 31 March 2012 (2011: £1,618m; 2010: £2,333m).
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 125
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
1. Segmental analysis continued
(b) Operating profit
A reconciliation of the operating segments measure of profit to total profit before tax is provided below. Further details of the exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries are provided in note 3.
126 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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Key management compensation relates to the Board of Directors, including the Executive Directors and Non-executive Directors for the years presented.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 127
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
2. Operating costs continued
(d) Directors emoluments
Details of Directors emoluments are contained in the auditable part of the Remuneration Report, which forms part of these financial statements.
(e) Auditors remuneration
Auditors remuneration presented in accordance with the requirements of the UK Companies Act 2006:
2012
£m |
2011
£m |
2010
£m |
||||||||||||||||
Total services pursuant to legislation |
||||||||||||||||||
Audit services: |
||||||||||||||||||
Audit of parent company and consolidated financial statements |
1.1 | 1.0 | 1.1 | |||||||||||||||
Other services pursuant to legislation (i): |
||||||||||||||||||
Audit of subsidiary financial statements |
5.2 | 4.8 | 5.4 | |||||||||||||||
Other services supplied |
2.3 | 2.1 | 1.9 | |||||||||||||||
8.6 | 7.9 | 8.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Total other services |
||||||||||||||||||
Services relating to tax compliance |
0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||
Services relating to tax advice |
0.2 | 0.4 | 0.8 | |||||||||||||||
Services relating to information technology |
0.2 | 0.2 | | |||||||||||||||
Services relating to corporate finance transactions |
0.2 | 0.4 | 0.4 | |||||||||||||||
All other services (ii) |
2.7 | 1.2 | 0.8 | |||||||||||||||
3.8 | 2.7 | 2.6 | ||||||||||||||||
Total auditors remuneration |
12.4 | 10.6 | 11.0 |
(i) | Other services supplied pursuant to legislation represent fees payable for services in relation to other statutory filings or engagements that are required to be carried out by the auditors. In particular, this includes fees for reports under section 404 of the US Public Company Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002 (Sarbanes-Oxley) and audit reports on regulatory returns. |
(ii) | All other services include fees relating to assurance provided on transformation initiatives and sundry services, all of which have been subject to prior approval by the Audit Committee. |
In addition, fees of £0.1m were incurred in 2012 in relation to the audits of the pension schemes of the Company (2011: £0.1m; 2010: £0.1m).
Principal accountant fees and services presented in accordance with the disclosure requirements of Item 16C of Form 20-F:
2012
£m |
2011
£m |
2010
£m |
||||||||||||||||
Audit fees (i) |
8.6 | 7.9 | 8.4 | |||||||||||||||
Audit related fees (ii) |
| | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||
Tax fees (iii) |
0.7 | 0.9 | 1.4 | |||||||||||||||
All other fees (iv) |
3.1 | 1.8 | 1.0 | |||||||||||||||
Total auditors remuneration |
12.4 | 10.6 | 11.0 |
(i) | Audit fees in each year represent fees for the audit of the Companys financial statements and regulatory reporting for the years ended 31 March 2012, 2011 and 2010, and the review of interim financial statements for the six month periods ended 30 September 2011, 2010 and 2009 respectively. |
(ii) | Audit related fees comprise assurance and related services that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Companys financial statements but are not disclosed under audit fees above. |
(iii) | Tax fees include amounts charged for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. |
(iv) | All other fees include amounts relating to assurance provided on transformation initiatives and sundry services, all of which have been subject to prior approval by the Audit Committee. |
Subject to the Companys Articles of Association and the Companies Act 2006, the Audit Committee is solely and directly responsible for the approval of the appointment, reappointment, compensation and oversight of the Companys independent auditors. It is our policy that the Audit Committee must approve in advance all non-audit work to be performed by the independent auditors.
All of the above services were pre approved by the Audit Committee.
128 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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3. Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||||||||
Included within operating profit: |
||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items: |
||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring costs (1) |
(101 | ) | (89 | ) | (149 | ) | ||||||||||||
Environmental charges (2) |
(55 | ) | (128 | ) | (63 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net gain on disposal of businesses (3) |
97 | 15 | 11 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment charges and related costs (4) |
(64 | ) | (133 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Other (5) |
1 | (15 | ) | (67 | ) | |||||||||||||
(122 | ) | (350 | ) | (268 | ) | |||||||||||||
Remeasurements commodity contracts (6) |
(94 | ) | 147 | 71 | ||||||||||||||
Stranded cost recoveries (7) |
260 | 348 | 369 | |||||||||||||||
44 | 145 | 172 | ||||||||||||||||
Included within interest income and similar income: |
||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items: |
||||||||||||||||||
Interest credit on tax settlement (8) |
| 43 | | |||||||||||||||
Included within finance costs: |
||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items: |
||||||||||||||||||
Debt redemption costs (9) |
(73 | ) | (33 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Remeasurements: |
||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts (6) |
| | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net (losses)/gains on derivative financial instruments (10) |
(70 | ) | 36 | 81 | ||||||||||||||
(70 | ) | (37 | ) | 47 | ||||||||||||||
Total included within profit before tax |
(26 | ) | 151 | 219 | ||||||||||||||
Included within taxation: |
||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional credits/(charges) arising on items not included in profit before tax: |
||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax credit arising on the reduction in the UK tax rate (11) |
242 | 226 | | |||||||||||||||
Other (12,13) |
| 59 | (41 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Tax on exceptional items |
54 | 79 | 72 | |||||||||||||||
Tax on remeasurements (6,10) |
42 | 36 | (134 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Tax on stranded cost recoveries |
(104 | ) | (139 | ) | (148 | ) | ||||||||||||
234 | 261 | (251 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Total exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries after tax |
208 | 412 | (32 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Analysis of total exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries after tax: |
||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items after tax |
174 | (16 | ) | (270 | ) | |||||||||||||
Remeasurements after tax |
(122 | ) | 219 | 17 | ||||||||||||||
Stranded cost recoveries after tax |
156 | 209 | 221 | |||||||||||||||
Total |
208 | 412 | (32 | ) |
(1) | Restructuring costs for the year include: |
| costs related to the restructuring of our US operations of £58m (2011: £10m; 2010: £nil), which includes a severance provision and a pension and other post-retirement benefits curtailment loss (2011: curtailment gain); |
| transformation related initiatives of £54m (2011: £103m; 2010: £78m); and |
| credit of £11m (2011: £39m; 2010: £nil) for the release of restructuring provisions in the UK recognised in prior years. |
Restructuring costs in 2011 also included a charge of £15m (2010: £30m) related to the integration of KeySpan. Restructuring costs in 2010 included a charge of £41m for the restructuring of our UK LNG storage facilities.
(2) | Environmental charges include £55m (2011: £58m; 2010: £21m) and £nil (2011: £70m; 2010: £42m) related to specific exposures in the US and UK respectively. Costs incurred with respect to US environmental provisions are substantially recoverable from customers. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 129
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
3. Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries continued
(3) | During the year, we recognised a gain on disposal of £56m for the sale of Seneca-Upshur our oil and gas exploration business in West Virginia and Pennsylvania; a gain of £16m for the sale of OnStream our non-regulated metering business in the UK; and gains of £25m in relation to disposals of businesses in prior years, representing the release of various unutilised provisions. During the year ended 31 March 2011, we sold three subsidiaries and an associate resulting in a gain of £15m. During the year ended 31 March 2010 there was a gain of £5m on the sale of an associate and the release of various unutilised provisions amounting to £6m originally recorded on the sale of a subsidiary in 2008. |
(4) | The charge for the current year represents an impairment of £64m of intangibles (originally recognised on the acquisition of KeySpan) related to our LIPA management services agreement contract, following the announcement on 15 December 2011 that the current contract would not be renewed after 31 December 2013. During the year ended 31 March 2011, impairment charges and related costs included a charge of £49m related to our investment in Blue-NG; an impairment charge of £34m against the goodwill related to our US companies in New Hampshire following our proposed sale of these businesses; and a charge of £50m related to our US generation assets for impairment and associated decommissioning. |
(5) | Other exceptional charges for the year include an amortisation charge of £5m (2011: £7m; 2010: £6m) in relation to acquisition-related intangibles offset by a release of £6m of unutilised provisions in our metering business, originally recognised during the year ended 31 March 2010. The charge for the year ended 31 March 2011 included an £8m penalty levied by Ofgem on our UK Gas Distribution business. The year ended 31 March 2010 also included an impairment charge of £11m in relation to acquisition-related intangibles, a charge of £9m relating to US healthcare costs arising from legislative changes, and £41m related to a fine of £15m levied by the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority together with associated costs and provisions against receivables and other balance sheet items. |
(6) | Remeasurements commodity contracts represent mark-to-market movements on certain physical and financial commodity contract obligations in the US. These contracts primarily relate to the forward purchase of energy for supply to customers, or to the economic hedging thereof, that are required to be measured at fair value and that do not qualify for hedge accounting. Under the existing rate plans in the US, commodity costs are recoverable from customers although the timing of recovery may differ from the pattern of costs incurred. These movements are comprised of those affecting operating profit which are based on the change in the commodity contract liability and those recorded in finance costs as a result of the time value of money. |
(7) | Stranded cost recoveries include the recovery of some of our historical investments in generating plants that were divested as part of the restructuring and wholesale power deregulation process in New England and New York during the 1990s. The recovery of these stranded costs is now substantially completed and we do not expect to separately report income from stranded cost recoveries from 1 April 2012 onwards. Stranded cost recoveries on a pre-tax basis consist of revenue of £279m (2011: £355m; 2010: £376m) and operating costs of £19m (2011: £7m; 2010: £7m). |
(8) | During the year ended 31 March 2011, we reached agreement with the US tax authorities on the settlement of pre-acquisition tax liabilities which resulted in the repayment of tax and interest accruing. |
(9) | Debt redemption costs in the year ended 31 March 2011 represent costs arising from our debt repurchase programme following the rights issue on 14 June 2010. Debt redemption costs in the year ended 31 March 2010 represented costs relating to the early redemption of a significant loan. |
(10) | Remeasurements net gains/(losses) on derivative financial instruments comprise gains/(losses) arising on derivative financial instruments reported in the income statement. These exclude gains and losses for which hedge accounting has been effective, which have been recognised directly in other comprehensive income or which are offset by adjustments to the carrying value of debt. The tax credit in the year includes a credit of £1m (2011: £104m credit; 2010: £78m charge) in respect of prior years. |
(11) | The exceptional tax credit arises from a reduction in the UK corporation tax rate from 26% to 24% (2011: 28% to 26%) included in the Finance Bill 2012 and has statutory effect under the Provisional Collection of Taxes Act 1968 and applicable from 1 April 2012. This results in a reduction in deferred tax liabilities. |
(12) | The exceptional tax charge of £41m in the year ended 31 March 2010 arose from a change in US tax legislation under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. |
(13) | The exceptional tax credit for the year ended 31 March 2011 primarily arose from a settlement of pre-acquisition tax liabilities with the US tax authorities. |
130 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||||||||
Interest income and similar income |
||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on pension and other post-retirement benefit plan assets |
1,273 | 1,256 | 981 | |||||||||||||||
Interest income on financial instruments: |
||||||||||||||||||
Bank deposits and other financial assets |
19 | 22 | 18 | |||||||||||||||
Gains on disposal of available-for-sale investments |
9 | 3 | 6 | |||||||||||||||
Interest income and similar income before exceptional items |
1,301 | 1,281 | 1,005 | |||||||||||||||
Exceptional items |
||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional interest credit on tax settlement |
| 43 | | |||||||||||||||
Interest income and similar income |
1,301 | 1,324 | 1,005 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense and other finance costs |
||||||||||||||||||
Interest on pension and other post-retirement benefit plan obligations |
(1,203 | ) | (1,231 | ) | (1,193 | ) | ||||||||||||
Interest expense on financial liabilities held at amortised cost: |
||||||||||||||||||
Bank loans and overdrafts |
(84 | ) | (85 | ) | (80 | ) | ||||||||||||
Other borrowings |
(1,105 | ) | (1,184 | ) | (938 | ) | ||||||||||||
Derivatives |
122 | 84 | 22 | |||||||||||||||
Unwinding of discounts on provisions |
(72 | ) | (128 | ) | (70 | ) | ||||||||||||
Less: interest capitalised (i) |
124 | 129 | 99 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense and other finance costs before exceptional items and remeasurements |
(2,218 | ) | (2,415 | ) | (2,160 | ) | ||||||||||||
Exceptional items |
||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional debt redemption costs |
| (73 | ) | (33 | ) | |||||||||||||
Remeasurements |
||||||||||||||||||
Net (losses)/gains on derivative financial instruments included in remeasurements (ii): |
||||||||||||||||||
Ineffectiveness on derivatives designated as: |
||||||||||||||||||
Fair value hedges (iii) |
9 | 40 | 67 | |||||||||||||||
Cash flow hedges |
14 | 9 | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Net investment hedges |
(15 | ) | 7 | (19 | ) | |||||||||||||
Net investment hedges undesignated forward rate risk |
39 | (16 | ) | 51 | ||||||||||||||
Derivatives not designated as hedges or ineligible for hedge accounting |
(117 | ) | (4 | ) | (13 | ) | ||||||||||||
Financial element of remeasurements on commodity contracts |
| | (1 | ) | ||||||||||||||
(70 | ) | 36 | 80 | |||||||||||||||
Exceptional items and remeasurements included within interest expense |
(70 | ) | (37 | ) | 47 | |||||||||||||
Interest expense and other finance costs |
(2,288 | ) | (2,452 | ) | (2,113 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net finance costs |
(987 | ) | (1,128 | ) | (1,108 | ) |
(i) | Interest on funding attributable to assets in the course of construction was capitalised during the year at a rate of 5.2% (2011: 5.3%; 2010: 2.8%). |
(ii) | Includes a net foreign exchange gain on financing activities of £280m (2011: £173m; 2010: £334m) offset by foreign exchange gains and losses on derivative financial instruments measured at fair value. |
(iii) | Includes a net gain on instruments designated as fair value hedges of £233m (2011: £86m gain; 2010: £90m loss) offset by a net loss of £224m (2011: £46m loss; 2010: £157m gain) arising from fair value adjustments to the carrying value of debt. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 131
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
Tax charged/(credited) to the income statement
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||||||||
Tax before exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
755 | 722 | 553 | |||||||||||||||
Exceptional tax on items not included in profit before tax (see note 3) |
(242 | ) | (285 | ) | 41 | |||||||||||||
Tax on other exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
8 | 24 | 210 | |||||||||||||||
Tax on total exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries (see note 3) |
(234 | ) | (261 | ) | 251 | |||||||||||||
Total tax charge |
521 | 461 | 804 |
Taxation as a percentage of profit before tax
2012 % |
2011 % |
2010 % |
||||||||||||||||
Before exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
29.2 | 29.2 | 28.0 | |||||||||||||||
After exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
20.4 | 17.6 | 36.7 |
The tax charge for the year can be analysed as follows:
2012
£m |
2011
£m |
2010
£m |
||||||||||||||||
United Kingdom |
||||||||||||||||||
Corporation tax at 26% (2011: 28%; 2010: 28%) |
186 | 168 | 197 | |||||||||||||||
Corporation tax adjustment in respect of prior years |
(5 | ) | (161 | ) | (31 | ) | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax |
12 | 53 | 259 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred tax adjustment in respect of prior years |
(18 | ) | (43 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||
175 | 17 | 420 | ||||||||||||||||
Overseas |
||||||||||||||||||
Corporate tax |
98 | 105 | 74 | |||||||||||||||
Corporate tax adjustment in respect of prior years |
(144 | ) | (2 | ) | (364 | ) | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax |
225 | 393 | 279 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred tax adjustment in respect of prior years |
167 | (52 | ) | 395 | ||||||||||||||
346 | 444 | 384 | ||||||||||||||||
Total tax charge |
521 | 461 | 804 |
Adjustments in respect of prior years include £nil for corporation tax (2011: £207m credit; 2010: £76m charge) and a £1m deferred tax credit (2011: £44m charge; 2010: £1m charge) that relate to exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries.
Tax (credited)/charged to other comprehensive income and equity
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||||||||
Corporation tax |
||||||||||||||||||
Share-based payments |
(3 | ) | (1 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax |
||||||||||||||||||
Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures and associates |
| (2 | ) | 4 | ||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale investments |
2 | 1 | 5 | |||||||||||||||
Cash flow hedges |
(2 | ) | 2 | (9 | ) | |||||||||||||
Share-based payments |
| (4 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Actuarial (losses)/gains (i) |
(403 | ) | 181 | (175 | ) | |||||||||||||
(406 | ) | 177 | (178 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Total tax recognised in the statement of comprehensive income |
(403 | ) | 182 | (175 | ) | |||||||||||||
Total tax relating to share-based payments recognised directly in equity |
(3 | ) | (5 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||
(406 | ) | 177 | (178 | ) |
(i) | 2010 includes a £42m charge relating to a change in US tax legislation under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. |
132 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
5. Taxation continued
The tax charge for the year after exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries is lower than (2011: lower; 2010: higher) the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 26% (2011: 28%; 2010: 28%):
Before
2012 £m |
After
exceptional
£m |
Before
£m |
After
exceptional
£m |
Before
£m |
After
exceptional
£m |
|||||||||||||||||||
Profit before tax |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Before exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
2,585 | 2,585 | 2,473 | 2,473 | 1,974 | 1,974 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
| (26 | ) | | 151 | | 219 | |||||||||||||||||
Profit before tax |
2,585 | 2,559 | 2,473 | 2,624 | 1,974 | 2,193 | ||||||||||||||||||
Profit before tax multiplied by UK corporation tax rate of 26% (2011: 28%; 2010: 28%) |
672 | 665 | 692 | 735 | 553 | 614 | ||||||||||||||||||
Effects of: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments in respect of prior years |
1 | | (95 | ) | (258 | ) | (82 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes |
36 | 55 | 42 | 204 | 62 | 237 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-taxable income |
(19 | ) | (30 | ) | 5 | (136 | ) | (6 | ) | (131 | ) | |||||||||||||
Adjustment in respect of foreign tax rates |
75 | 75 | 74 | 120 | 37 | 77 | ||||||||||||||||||
Impact of share-based payments |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax impact of change in UK tax rate |
| (242 | ) | | (226 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||
Other |
(11 | ) | (3 | ) | 3 | 21 | (11 | ) | 12 | |||||||||||||||
Total tax |
755 | 521 | 722 | 461 | 553 | 804 | ||||||||||||||||||
% | % | % | % | % | % | |||||||||||||||||||
Effective tax rate |
29.2 | 20.4 | 29.2 | 17.6 | 28.0 | 36.7 |
Factors that may affect future tax charges
A reduction in the UK corporation tax rate to 24% from 1 April 2012 was announced in the 2012 UK Budget Report. This has been substantively enacted and deferred tax balances have been calculated at this rate.
Other changes such as the proposed reduction in the UK corporation tax rate to 23% from April 2013, with a further 1 % reduction in the following year will result in a UK corporation tax rate of 22% from April 2014. These changes have not been substantively enacted as at the balance sheet date and have therefore not been reflected in these financial statements.
The process for reforming the UK's rules for taxing controlled foreign companies completed with the issue of draft legislation in the UK Finance Bill 2012. We do not expect any material adverse impact of this legislation on our holdings in foreign operations.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 133
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
Adjusted earnings per share, excluding exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries, are provided to reflect the business performance subtotals used by the Company. For further details of exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries, see note 3.
(a) Basic earnings per share
Earnings 2012 £m |
Earnings
per share 2012 pence |
Earnings 2011 £m |
Earnings
per share 2011* pence |
Earnings 2010 £m |
Earnings
per share 2010* pence |
|||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted earnings |
1,828 | 51.3 | 1,747 | 50.9 | 1,418 | 48.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items after tax |
174 | 4.9 | (16 | ) | (0.5) | (270 | ) | (9.3) | ||||||||||||||||
Remeasurements after tax |
(122 | ) | (3.4 | ) | 219 | 6.4 | 17 | 0.6 | ||||||||||||||||
Stranded cost recoveries after tax |
156 | 4.3 | 209 | 6.1 | 221 | 7.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Earnings |
2,036 | 57.1 | 2,159 | 62.9 | 1,386 | 47.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
2012 millions |
2011 millions |
2010 millions |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares basic* |
3,565 | 3,431 | 2,917 |
*Comparative amounts have been restated to reflect the impact of additional shares issued as scrip dividends
(b) Diluted earnings per share
per share0 | per share0 | per share0 | per share0 | per share0 | per share0 | |||||||||||||||||||
Earnings 2012 £m |
Earnings
per share 2012 pence |
Earnings 2011 £m |
Earnings
pence |
Earnings 2010 £m |
Earnings
2010* pence |
|||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted diluted earnings |
1,828 | 51.0 | 1,747 | 50.6 | 1,418 | 48.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exceptional items after tax |
174 | 4.9 | (16 | ) | (0.5) | (270 | ) | (9.2) | ||||||||||||||||
Remeasurements after tax |
(122) | (3.4 | ) | 219 | 6.3 | 17 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||
Stranded cost recoveries after tax |
156 | 4.3 | 209 | 6.1 | 221 | 7.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Diluted earnings |
2,036 | 56.8 | 2,159 | 62.5 | 1,386 | 47.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
2012
millions |
2011
millions |
2010
millions |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of shares diluted* |
3,584 | 3,450 | 2,930 |
*Comparative amounts have been restated to reflect the impact of additional shares issued as scrip dividends
(c) Reconciliation of basic to diluted average number of shares
per share | per share | per share | per share | per share | per share | |||||||||||||
2012 millions |
2011 millions |
2010 millions |
||||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares basic |
3,565 | 3,431 | 2,917 | |||||||||||||||
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares employee share plans |
19 | 19 | 13 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares diluted |
3,584 | 3,450 | 2,930 |
134 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
The following table shows the actual dividends paid to equity shareholders:
2012
pence per share |
2012 Total £m |
2012
settled via scrip £m |
2011
pence per share |
2011 Total £m |
2011
settled via scrip £m |
2010
pence per share |
2010 Total £m |
2010
settled via scrip £m |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interim year ended 31 March 2012 |
13.93 | 496 | 34 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Final year ended 31 March 2011 |
23.47 | 823 | 279 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interim year ended 31 March 2011 |
| | | 12.90 | 451 | 65 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Final year ended 31 March 2010 |
| | | 24.84 | 613 | 141 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interim year ended 31 March 2010 |
| | | | | | 13.65 | 336 | 68 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Final year ended 31 March 2009 |
| | | | | | 23.00 | 557 | 137 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
37.40 | 1,319 | 313 | 37.74 | 1,064 | 206 | 36.65 | 893 | 205 |
The Directors are proposing a final dividend for 2012 of 25.35p per share that will absorb approximately £905m of shareholders equity (assuming all amounts are settled in cash). It will be paid on 15 August 2012 to shareholders who are on the register of members at 1 June 2012 and a scrip dividend will be offered as an alternative, subject to shareholders approval at the Annual General Meeting.
Total £m |
||||
Cost at 1 April 2010 |
5,102 | |||
Exchange adjustments |
(280 | ) | ||
Impairment of goodwill on businesses reclassified as held for sale (i) |
(34 | ) | ||
Reclassified as held for sale (i) |
(12 | ) | ||
Cost at 31 March 2011 |
4,776 | |||
Exchange adjustments |
22 | |||
Reclassified as held for sale (i) |
(22 | ) | ||
Cost at 31 March 2012 |
4,776 | |||
Net book value at 31 March 2012 |
4,776 | |||
Net book value at 31 March 2011 |
4,776 |
(i) | Relates to our New Hampshire businesses which have been classified as held for sale (notes 3 and 18). |
With effect from 4 April 2011, a new operating model was introduced, which aligns more closely with local responsibilities. As a consequence, cash-generating units have been reviewed and revised. The amounts disclosed above as at 31 March 2012 include balances relating to the following jurisdictions: New York £2,752m (2011: £2,752m); Massachusetts £1,028m (2011: £1,028m); Rhode Island £383m (2011: £383m) and Federal £613m (2011: £613m).
Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment and the recoverability of goodwill at 31 March 2012 has been assessed by comparing the carrying amount of our operations described above (our cash-generating units) with the expected recoverable amount on a value-in-use basis. In each assessment the value-in-use has been calculated based on five year plan projections that incorporate our best estimates of future cash flows, customer rates, costs, future prices and growth. Such projections reflect our current regulatory rate plans taking into account regulatory arrangements to allow for future rate plan filings and recovery of investment. Our plans have proved to be reliable guides in the past and the Directors believe the estimates are appropriate.
The future growth rate used to extrapolate projections beyond five years has been reduced to 2.25% (2011: 2.4%). The growth rate has been determined having regard to data on projected growth in US real gross domestic product. Based on our business place in the underlying US economy, it is appropriate for the terminal growth rate to be based upon the overall growth in real GDP and, given the nature of our operations, to extend over a long period of time. Cash flow projections have been discounted to reflect the time value of money, using an effective pre-tax discount rate of 9% (2011: 10%). The discount rate represents the estimated weighted average cost of capital of these operations.
While it is possible that a key assumption in the calculation could change, the Directors believe that no reasonably foreseeable change would result in an impairment of goodwill, in view of the long-term nature of the key assumptions and the margin by which the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying amount.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 135
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
Software
£m |
Acquisition-
£m |
Other
£m |
Total £m |
|||||||||||||
Cost at 1 April 2010 |
624 | 122 | 18 | 764 | ||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
(13 | ) | (7 | ) | | (20 | ) | |||||||||
Additions |
176 | | | 176 | ||||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
(4 | ) | | | (4 | ) | ||||||||||
Other reclassifications and disposals (i) |
17 | | (14 | ) | 3 | |||||||||||
Cost at 31 March 2011 |
800 | 115 | 4 | 919 | ||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
1 | 1 | | 2 | ||||||||||||
Additions |
203 | | | 203 | ||||||||||||
Disposals |
(105 | ) | | (4 | ) | (109 | ) | |||||||||
Cost at 31 March 2012 |
899 | 116 | | 1,015 | ||||||||||||
Amortisation at 1 April 2010 |
(334 | ) | (27 | ) | (14 | ) | (375 | ) | ||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
4 | 3 | | 7 | ||||||||||||
Amortisation charge for the year |
(62 | ) | (7 | ) | (1 | ) | (70 | ) | ||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
3 | | | 3 | ||||||||||||
Other reclassifications and disposals (i) |
6 | | 11 | 17 | ||||||||||||
Amortisation at 31 March 2011 |
(383 | ) | (31 | ) | (4 | ) | (418 | ) | ||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
(1 | ) | | | (1 | ) | ||||||||||
Amortisation charge for the year |
(74 | ) | (5 | ) | | (79 | ) | |||||||||
Impairment charge for the year (note 3) |
| (64 | ) | | (64 | ) | ||||||||||
Disposals |
89 | | 4 | 93 | ||||||||||||
Reclassifications (i) |
16 | (16 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Amortisation at 31 March 2012 |
(353 | ) | (116 | ) | | (469 | ) | |||||||||
Net book value at 31 March 2012 |
546 | | | 546 | ||||||||||||
Net book value at 31 March 2011 |
417 | 84 | | 501 |
(i) | Primarily represents reclassifications between property, plant and equipment, trade and other receivables and between categories. |
136 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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10. Property, plant and equipment
Land and
buildings £m |
Plant and
machinery £m |
Assets
in the
|
Motor
vehicles and office equipment £m |
Total £m |
||||||||||||||||
Cost at 1 April 2010 |
1,572 | 39,230 | 2,541 | 1,026 | 44,369 | |||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
(56 | ) | (812 | ) | (30 | ) | (2 | ) | (900 | ) | ||||||||||
Additions |
123 | 888 | 2,194 | 87 | 3,292 | |||||||||||||||
Disposals |
(22 | ) | (305 | ) | | (25 | ) | (352 | ) | |||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
(5 | ) | (278 | ) | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | (287 | ) | ||||||||||
Reclassifications (i) |
146 | 2,175 | (2,285 | ) | (33 | ) | 3 | |||||||||||||
Cost at 31 March 2011 |
1,758 | 40,898 | 2,417 | 1,052 | 46,125 | |||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
5 | 66 | 2 | | 73 | |||||||||||||||
Additions |
161 | 757 | 2,170 | 84 | 3,172 | |||||||||||||||
Disposals |
(8 | ) | (294 | ) | (4 | ) | (612 | ) | (918 | ) | ||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
(3 | ) | 11 | | (3 | ) | 5 | |||||||||||||
Reclassifications between categories |
100 | 1,261 | (1,610 | ) | 249 | | ||||||||||||||
Cost at 31 March 2012 |
2,013 | 42,699 | 2,975 | 770 | 48,457 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation at 1 April 2010 |
(283 | ) | (12,624 | ) | (2 | ) | (605 | ) | (13,514 | ) | ||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
7 | 218 | | | 225 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation charge for the year (ii) |
(39 | ) | (1,072 | ) | | (89 | ) | (1,200 | ) | |||||||||||
Impairment charge for the year (iii) |
| (20 | ) | | | (20 | ) | |||||||||||||
Disposals |
9 | 228 | | 19 | 256 | |||||||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
5 | 78 | | 1 | 84 | |||||||||||||||
Reclassifications (i) |
(108 | ) | 92 | | 16 | | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation at 31 March 2011 |
(409 | ) | (13,100 | ) | (2 | ) | (658 | ) | (14,169 | ) | ||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
(1 | ) | (18 | ) | | | (19 | ) | ||||||||||||
Depreciation charge for the year (ii) |
(54 | ) | (1,056 | ) | | (102 | ) | (1,212 | ) | |||||||||||
Impairment charge for the year (iv) |
| (15 | ) | | | (15 | ) | |||||||||||||
Disposals |
8 | 257 | | 374 | 639 | |||||||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
| 18 | | 2 | 20 | |||||||||||||||
Reclassifications between categories |
20 | 110 | | (130 | ) | | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation at 31 March 2012 |
(436 | ) | (13,804 | ) | (2 | ) | (514 | ) | (14,756 | ) | ||||||||||
Net book value at 31 March 2012 |
1,577 | 28,895 | 2,973 | 256 | 33,701 | |||||||||||||||
Net book value at 31 March 2011 |
1,349 | 27,798 | 2,415 | 394 | 31,956 |
(i) | Primarily represents reclassifications between categories, other intangible assets, trade and other receivables and other payables. |
(ii) | Includes amounts in respect of capitalised depreciation of £19m (2011: £18m). |
(iii) | Relates to write-down of certain of our US generation assets. |
(iv) | Relates to impairment of LNG assets. |
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Information in relation to property, plant and equipment |
||||||||
Capitalised interest included within cost |
1,148 | 1,023 | ||||||
Net book value of assets held under finance leases |
207 | 199 | ||||||
Additions to assets held under finance leases |
36 | 68 | ||||||
Contributions to cost of property, plant and equipment included within: |
||||||||
Trade and other payables |
43 | 40 | ||||||
Non-current liabilities |
1,467 | 1,476 |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 137
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Commodity contract assets |
36 | 94 | ||||||
Other receivables |
54 | 37 | ||||||
Prepayments |
5 | 4 | ||||||
95 | 135 |
There is no material difference between the fair value and the carrying value of other non-current assets.
12. Financial and other investments
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Non-current |
||||||||
Available-for-sale investments |
251 | 237 | ||||||
Investments in joint ventures and associates (note 13) |
341 | 356 | ||||||
592 | 593 | |||||||
Current |
||||||||
Available-for-sale investments |
1,675 | 2,776 | ||||||
Loans and receivables |
716 | 163 | ||||||
2,391 | 2,939 | |||||||
Total financial and other investments |
2,983 | 3,532 | ||||||
Financial and other investments include the following: |
||||||||
Investments in short-term money funds |
1,351 | 2,498 | ||||||
Managed investments in equity and bonds (i) |
441 | 388 | ||||||
Investment in joint ventures and associates (note 13) |
341 | 356 | ||||||
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies |
130 | 127 | ||||||
Other investments |
4 | 2 | ||||||
Restricted cash balances (ii) |
716 | 161 | ||||||
2,983 | 3,532 |
(i) | Includes £286m (2011: £282m) of current investments which are held by insurance captives and are therefore restricted. |
(ii) | Principally comprises collateral placed with counterparties with whom we have entered into a credit support annex to the ISDA Master Agreement £461m (2011: £54m), and pension scheme deficit contributions £146m (2011: £nil). |
Available-for-sale investments are recorded at fair value. Due to their short maturities the carrying value of loans and receivables approximates their fair value. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the fair value of the financial investments. For further information on our treasury related credit risk, refer to note 32(c). None of the financial investments are past due or impaired.
13. Investments in joint ventures and associates
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Share of net assets at 1 April |
356 | 250 | ||||||
Exchange adjustments |
(15 | ) | 5 | |||||
Additions |
13 | 135 | ||||||
Share of retained profit for the year |
7 | 7 | ||||||
Dividends received |
(26 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||
Share of other comprehensive income |
| (7 | ) | |||||
Impairment charge (note 3) |
| (29 | ) | |||||
Other movements |
6 | 4 | ||||||
Share of net assets at 31 March |
341 | 356 |
A list of principal joint ventures and associates is provided in note 36.
138 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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14. Derivative financial instruments
Our use of derivatives may entail a derivative transaction qualifying for one or more hedge type designations under IAS 39. For further information and a detailed description of our derivative financial instruments and hedge type designations, refer to note 31. The fair value amounts by designated hedge type can be analysed as follows:
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets £m |
Liabilities £m |
Total £m |
Assets £m |
Liabilities £m |
Total £m |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fair value hedges |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps |
230 | | 230 | 99 | (9 | ) | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cross-currency interest rate swaps |
409 | (12 | ) | 397 | 450 | (4 | ) | 446 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
639 | (12 | ) | 627 | 549 | (13 | ) | 536 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow hedges |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps* |
| (87 | ) | (87 | ) | 3 | (41 | ) | (38 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cross-currency interest rate swaps |
448 | (57 | ) | 391 | 685 | (28 | ) | 657 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange forward contracts |
| (5 | ) | (5 | ) | 2 | (1 | ) | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Inflation linked swaps* |
2 | (18 | ) | (16 | ) | 3 | (9 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
450 | (167 | ) | 283 | 693 | (79 | ) | 614 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment hedges |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cross-currency interest rate swaps |
149 | (214 | ) | (65 | ) | 179 | (329 | ) | (150 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange forward contracts |
50 | | 50 | 26 | (4 | ) | 22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
199 | (214 | ) | (15 | ) | 205 | (333 | ) | (128 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives not in a formal hedge relationship |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps* |
754 | (710 | ) | 44 | 339 | (230 | ) | 109 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cross-currency interest rate swaps* |
33 | (16 | ) | 17 | 21 | (4 | ) | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange forward contracts |
14 | | 14 | 19 | (4 | ) | 15 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forward rate agreements |
| (5 | ) | (5 | ) | | (20 | ) | (20 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Inflation linked swaps* |
37 | (297 | ) | (260 | ) | 29 | (28 | ) | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
838 | (1,028 | ) | (190 | ) | 408 | (286 | ) | 122 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2,126 | (1,421 | ) | 705 | 1,855 | (711 | ) | 1,144 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hedge positions offset within derivative instruments |
10 | (10 | ) | | (117 | ) | 117 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
2,136 | (1,431 | ) | 705 | 1,738 | (594 | ) | 1,144 |
*Inflation linked swaps have been separately presented in the current year, comparatives have been adjusted accordingly
The maturity of derivative financial instruments is as follows:
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets £m |
Liabilities £m |
Total £m |
Assets
£m |
Liabilities £m |
Total £m |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 1 year |
317 | (162 | ) | 155 | 468 | (190 | ) | 278 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current |
317 | (162 | ) | 155 | 468 | (190 | ) | 278 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In 1-2 years |
109 | (74 | ) | 35 | 129 | (45 | ) | 84 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In 2-3 years |
92 | (60 | ) | 32 | 167 | (37 | ) | 130 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In 3-4 years |
84 | (30 | ) | 54 | 96 | (28 | ) | 68 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In 4-5 years |
116 | (132 | ) | (16 | ) | 66 | (2 | ) | 64 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
More than 5 years |
1,418 | (973 | ) | 445 | 812 | (292 | ) | 520 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-current |
1,819 | (1,269 | ) | 550 | 1,270 | (404 | ) | 866 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2,136 | (1,431 | ) | 705 | 1,738 | (594 | ) | 1,144 |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 139
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
14. Derivative financial instruments continued
For each class of derivative the notional contract* amounts are as follows:
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||||||
Interest rate swaps** |
(17,342 | ) | (18,647 | ) | ||||||||
Cross-currency interest rate swaps** |
(6,305 | ) | (7,265 | ) | ||||||||
Foreign exchange forward contracts |
(4,636 | ) | (4,028 | ) | ||||||||
Forward rate agreements |
(4,223 | ) | (13,752 | ) | ||||||||
Inflation linked swaps** |
(1,379 | ) | (890 | ) | ||||||||
Other |
| (314 | ) | |||||||||
Total |
(33,885 | ) | (44,896 | ) |
* | The notional contract amounts of derivatives indicate the gross nominal value of transactions outstanding at the balance sheet date |
** | Inflation linked swaps have been separately presented in the current year, comparatives have been adjusted accordingly |
15. Inventories and current intangible assets
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||||||
Fuel stocks |
191 | 114 | ||||||||||
Raw materials and consumables |
143 | 152 | ||||||||||
Work in progress |
13 | 12 | ||||||||||
Current intangible assets emission allowances |
29 | 42 | ||||||||||
376 | 320 |
A provision for obsolescence of £28m has been made against inventories as at 31 March 2012 (2011: £22m).
16. Trade and other receivables
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||||||
Trade receivables |
933 | 1,163 | ||||||||||
Prepayments and accrued income |
963 | 999 | ||||||||||
Commodity contract assets |
35 | 16 | ||||||||||
Other receivables |
40 | 34 | ||||||||||
1,971 | 2,212 |
Trade receivables are non interest-bearing and generally have a 30-90 day term. Due to their short maturities, the fair value of trade and other receivables approximates their book value. Commodity contract assets are recorded at fair value. All other receivables are recorded at amortised cost.
Provision for impairment of receivables
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||||||
At 1 April |
283 | 311 | ||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
1 | (16 | ) | |||||||||
Charge for the year, net of recoveries |
103 | 112 | ||||||||||
Uncollectible amounts written off against receivables |
(117 | ) | (124 | ) | ||||||||
At 31 March |
270 | 283 |
Trade receivables past due but not impaired
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||||||
Up to 3 months past due |
171 | 136 | ||||||||||
3 to 6 months past due |
53 | 34 | ||||||||||
Over 6 months past due |
4 | 74 | ||||||||||
228 | 244 |
For further information on our wholesale and retail credit risk, refer to note 32(c). For further information on our commodity risk, refer to note 33.
140 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
2012
£m |
2011
£m |
|||||||||||
Cash at bank |
60 | 94 | ||||||||||
Short-term deposits |
272 | 290 | ||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents excluding bank overdrafts |
332 | 384 | ||||||||||
Bank overdrafts |
(33 | ) | (42 | ) | ||||||||
Net cash and cash equivalents |
299 | 342 |
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts approximate their fair values.
Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits are made for periods varying between one day and three months, depending on the immediate cash requirements, and earn interest at the respective short-term deposit rates. Net cash and cash equivalents held in currencies other than sterling have been converted into sterling at year-end exchange rates. For further information on currency exposures, refer to note 32(a)(i).
At 31 March 2012, £29m (2011: £50m) of cash and cash equivalents were restricted. This primarily relates to cash held in insurance captive companies.
18. Businesses classified as held for sale
During the year ended 31 March 2011, our EnergyNorth gas business and Granite State electricity business in New Hampshire were reclassified as businesses held for sale in the expectation that they would be disposed of during the year ended 31 March 2012. We are continuing to work with the NHPUC to obtain regulatory approval to complete the disposals. We expect to receive these approvals and to be able to complete the disposals. We therefore continue to report the businesses as held for sale.
During the year ended 31 March 2012, the amounts classified as held for sale have been reviewed and adjusted accordingly.
The following table shows the assets and liabilities related to businesses held for sale at 31 March 2012.
The results of these businesses have not been separately disclosed from those of continuing operations as they do not constitute a separate major line of business or geographical area of National Grid's operations.
2012
£m |
2011
£m |
|||||||||||
Goodwill |
34 | 12 | ||||||||||
Other intangible assets |
1 | 1 | ||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
192 | 203 | ||||||||||
Other receivables |
3 | 40 | ||||||||||
Non-current assets |
230 | 256 | ||||||||||
Inventories |
7 | 5 | ||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
25 | 29 | ||||||||||
Financial investments |
2 | | ||||||||||
Current assets |
34 | 34 | ||||||||||
Assets of businesses held for sale |
264 | 290 | ||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(15 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||||||
Current liabilities |
(15 | ) | (17 | ) | ||||||||
Borrowings |
(10 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
(2 | ) | (6 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
(9 | ) | (29 | ) | ||||||||
Pensions and other post-retirement benefit obligations |
(14 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||||||
Provisions |
(37 | ) | (40 | ) | ||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
(72 | ) | (93 | ) | ||||||||
Liabilities of businesses held for sale |
(87 | ) | (110 | ) |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 141
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||||||
Current |
||||||||||||
Bank loans |
1,061 | 831 | ||||||||||
Bonds |
1,356 | 1,595 | ||||||||||
Commercial paper |
| 457 | ||||||||||
Finance leases |
22 | 20 | ||||||||||
Other loans |
20 | 7 | ||||||||||
Bank overdrafts |
33 | 42 | ||||||||||
2,492 | 2,952 | |||||||||||
Non-current |
||||||||||||
Bank loans |
2,160 | 2,118 | ||||||||||
Bonds |
18,012 | 17,787 | ||||||||||
Finance leases |
185 | 182 | ||||||||||
Other loans |
176 | 159 | ||||||||||
20,533 | 20,246 | |||||||||||
Total |
23,025 | 23,198 |
Total borrowings are repayable as follows:
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||||||
Less than 1 year |
2,492 | 2,952 | ||||||||||
In 1-2 years |
1,867 | 1,225 | ||||||||||
In 2-3 years |
1,725 | 1,610 | ||||||||||
In 3-4 years |
828 | 1,766 | ||||||||||
In 4-5 years |
1,252 | 424 | ||||||||||
More than 5 years: |
||||||||||||
by instalments |
77 | 77 | ||||||||||
other than by instalments |
14,784 | 15,144 | ||||||||||
23,025 | 23,198 |
The fair value of borrowings at 31 March 2012 was £25,217m (2011: £24,182m). Market values, where available, have been used to determine fair value. Where market values are not available, fair values have been calculated by discounting cash flows at prevailing interest rates. The notional amount outstanding of the debt portfolio at 31 March 2012 was £22,618m (2011: £23,035m).
The assets of the Colonial Gas Company and the Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation and certain gas distribution assets of the Narragansett Electric Company are subject to liens and other charges and are provided as collateral over borrowings totalling £487m at 31 March 2012 (2011: £486m).
Collateral is placed with or received from any counterparty where we have entered into a credit support annex to the ISDA Master Agreement once the current mark-to-market valuation of the trades between the parties exceeds an agreed threshold. Included in current bank loans is £655m (2011: £551m) in respect of cash received under collateral agreements.
For further details of our bonds in issue and borrowing facilities, refer to note 34.
Finance lease obligations
142 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||||||
Trade payables |
1,530 | 1,720 | ||||||||||
Deferred income |
305 | 261 | ||||||||||
Commodity contract liabilities |
149 | 118 | ||||||||||
Social security and other taxes |
107 | 129 | ||||||||||
Other payables |
594 | 600 | ||||||||||
2,685 | 2,828 |
Due to their short maturities, the fair value of trade and other payables approximates their book value. Commodity contract liabilities are recorded at fair value. All other trade and other payables are recorded at amortised cost.
21. Other non-current liabilities
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||||||
Deferred income |
1,557 | 1,564 | ||||||||||
Commodity contract liabilities |
111 | 101 | ||||||||||
Other payables |
253 | 279 | ||||||||||
1,921 | 1,944 |
Commodity contract liabilities are recorded at fair value. All other non-current liabilities are recorded at amortised cost. There is no material difference between the fair value and the carrying value of other non-current liabilities.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 143
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued |
22. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
The following are the major deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised, and the movements thereon, during the current and prior reporting periods:
Deferred tax (assets)/liabilities
Accelerated
tax depreciation £m |
Share-
based payments £m |
Pensions
and other post- retirement benefits £m |
Financial
instruments £m |
Other net
temporary differences £m |
Total
£m |
|||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets at 31 March 2010 |
(2 | ) | (12 | ) | (1,235 | ) | (103 | ) | (657 | ) | (2,009 | ) | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities at 31 March 2010 |
5,089 | | 90 | 12 | 142 | 5,333 | ||||||||||||||||||
At 1 April 2010 |
5,087 | (12 | ) | (1,145 | ) | (91 | ) | (515 | ) | 3,324 | ||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
(122 | ) | | 49 | 4 | 29 | (40 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Charged/(credited) to income statement |
251 | (2 | ) | 137 | 32 | (67 | ) | 351 | ||||||||||||||||
(Credited)/charged to equity |
| (4 | ) | 181 | 1 | | 178 | |||||||||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
(31 | ) | | 5 | | (3 | ) | (29 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Other |
(1 | ) | | 2 | | (19 | ) | (18 | ) | |||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2011 |
5,184 | (18 | ) | (771 | ) | (54 | ) | (575 | ) | 3,766 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets at 31 March 2011 |
(2 | ) | (18 | ) | (882 | ) | (60 | ) | (706 | ) | (1,668 | ) | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities at 31 March 2011 |
5,186 | | 111 | 6 | 131 | 5,434 | ||||||||||||||||||
At 1 April 2011 |
5,184 | (18 | ) | (771 | ) | (54 | ) | (575 | ) | 3,766 | ||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
10 | | (3 | ) | (1 | ) | (4 | ) | 2 | |||||||||||||||
Charged/(credited) to income statement |
307 | | 128 | (34 | ) | (20 | ) | 381 | ||||||||||||||||
Credited to equity |
| | (403 | ) | | | (403 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Disposals |
(28 | ) | | | | | (28 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
10 | | 1 | | 14 | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other |
| | 3 | | (8 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2012 |
5,483 | (18 | ) | (1,045 | ) | (89 | ) | (593 | ) | 3,738 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets at 31 March 2012 |
(1 | ) | (18 | ) | (1,173 | ) | (98 | ) | (702 | ) | (1,992 | ) | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities at 31 March 2012 |
5,484 | | 128 | 9 | 109 | 5,730 | ||||||||||||||||||
5,483 | (18 | ) | (1,045 | ) | (89 | ) | (593 | ) | 3,738 |
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are only offset where there is a legally enforceable right of offset and there is an intention to settle the balances net. The following is an analysis of the deferred tax balances (after offset) for balance sheet purposes:
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
3,738 | 3,766 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets |
| | ||||||
|
3,738 | 3,766 |
At the balance sheet date there were no material current deferred tax assets or liabilities (2011: £nil).
Deferred tax assets in respect of capital losses, trading losses and non-trade deficits have not been recognised as their future recovery is uncertain or not currently anticipated. The deferred tax assets not recognised are as follows:
2012
£m |
2011
£m |
|||||||
Capital losses |
353 | 368 | ||||||
Non-trade deficits |
2 | 2 | ||||||
Trading losses |
7 | 7 |
The capital losses and non-trade deficits arise in the UK and are available to carry forward indefinitely. However, the capital losses can only be offset against specific types of future capital gains and non-trade deficits against specific future non-trade profits. The trading losses arise in the UK and the US and are also available to carry forward indefinitely.
The aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with the unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries and joint ventures for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised at the balance sheet date is approximately £1,729m (2011: £1,837m). No liability is recognised in respect of the differences because the Company and its subsidiaries are in a position to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future. In addition, as a result of a change in UK tax legislation which largely exempts overseas dividends received on or after 1 July 2009 from UK tax, the temporary differences are unlikely to lead to additional tax.
144 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
23. Pensions and other post-retirement benefits
Substantially all National Grid's employees are members of either defined benefit or defined contribution pension plans.
In the UK the principal schemes are the National Grid UK Pension Scheme and the National Grid Electricity Group of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme. In the US we have a number of plans and also provide healthcare and life insurance benefits to eligible retired US employees. The fair value of plan assets and present value of defined benefit obligations are updated annually. For further details of each scheme/plan's terms and the actuarial assumptions used to value the associated assets and obligations, see note 30.
Amounts recognised in the income statement and statement of other comprehensive income
Pensions | US other post-retirement benefits | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||
£m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | |||||||||||||||||||||
Included within payroll costs |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Defined contribution scheme costs |
13 | 11 | 7 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Defined benefit scheme costs: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current service cost |
159 | 165 | 112 | 37 | 37 | 26 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Past service cost |
2 | 28 | 19 | 6 | 3 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Curtailment loss/(gain) on redundancies |
13 | (4 | ) | (7 | ) | 23 | (29 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||
Special termination benefits on redundancies |
19 | 6 | 26 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Curtailment cost augmentations |
2 | 2 | 4 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
US healthcare reform cost |
| | | | | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||
208 | 208 | 161 | 66 | 11 | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||
(Profit)/loss on sale of subsidiary undertaking |
(6 | ) | 2 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest cost |
1,063 | 1,084 | 1,050 | 140 | 147 | 143 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(1,189 | ) | (1,185 | ) | (931 | ) | (84 | ) | (71 | ) | (50 | ) | ||||||||||||||
(126 | ) | (101 | ) | 119 | 56 | 76 | 93 | |||||||||||||||||||
Included within other comprehensive income |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Actuarial net (loss)/gain during the year |
(1,207 | ) | 483 | (572 | ) | (118 | ) | 88 | (159 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Exchange differences |
2 | 38 | 64 | 6 | 87 | 76 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1,205 | ) | 521 | (508 | ) | (112 | ) | 175 | (83 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Cumulative actuarial loss |
(1,880 | ) | (673 | ) | (1,156 | ) | (392 | ) | (274 | ) | (362 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Amounts recognised in the balance sheet
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pensions | US other post-retirement benefits | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Present value of funded obligations |
(21,143 | ) | (19,255 | ) | (19,372 | ) | (2,630 | ) | (2,458 | ) | (2,602 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets |
19,957 | 18,903 | 18,186 | 1,192 | 1,066 | 950 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1,186 | ) | (352 | ) | (1,186 | ) | (1,438 | ) | (1,392 | ) | (1,652 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Present value of unfunded obligations |
(243 | ) | (225 | ) | (226 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Other post-employment liabilities |
(5 | ) | | | (66 | ) | (62 | ) | (62 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Unrecognised past service cost |
2 | 4 | | 3 | 9 | 28 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net liability in the balance sheet |
(1,432 | ) | (573 | ) | (1,412 | ) | (1,501 | ) | (1,445 | ) | (1,686 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities |
(1,587 | ) | (1,129 | ) | (1,412 | ) | (1,501 | ) | (1,445 | ) | (1,686 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Assets |
155 | 556 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net liability |
(1,432 | ) | (573 | ) | (1,412 | ) | (1,501 | ) | (1,445 | ) | (1,686 | ) |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 145
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued |
23. Pensions and other post-retirement benefits continued
Pensions | US other post-retirement benefits | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligations (including unfunded obligations) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Opening defined benefit obligations |
(19,480 | ) | (19,598 | ) | (16,000 | ) | (2,458 | ) | (2,602 | ) | (2,299 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Current service cost |
(159 | ) | (165 | ) | (112 | ) | (37 | ) | (37 | ) | (26 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Interest cost |
(1,063 | ) | (1,084 | ) | (1,050 | ) | (140 | ) | (147 | ) | (143 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Actuarial (losses)/gains |
(1,673 | ) | 185 | (3,563 | ) | (83 | ) | 28 | (360 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Curtailment (loss)/gain on redundancies |
(13 | ) | 10 | 7 | (23 | ) | 29 | | ||||||||||||||||||
Transfers in/(out) |
1 | 1 | (3 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||||
Special termination benefits |
(13 | ) | (17 | ) | (26 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Curtailment cost augmentations |
(2 | ) | (2 | ) | (4 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Plan amendments |
| (28 | ) | (19 | ) | | 14 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||
Plan amendments US healthcare reform |
| | | | | (9 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Medicare subsidy received |
| | | (6 | ) | (5 | ) | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Employee contributions |
(3 | ) | (3 | ) | (10 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Benefits paid |
1,035 | 985 | 1,008 | 127 | 117 | 132 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Transferred to liabilities of businesses held for sale |
3 | 7 | | 2 | 2 | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
(19 | ) | 229 | 174 | (12 | ) | 143 | 104 | ||||||||||||||||||
Closing defined benefit obligations |
(21,386 | ) | (19,480 | ) | (19,598 | ) | (2,630 | ) | (2,458 | ) | (2,602 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Changes in the fair value of plan assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Opening fair value of plan assets |
18,903 | 18,186 | 14,797 | 1,066 | 950 | 722 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
1,189 | 1,185 | 931 | 84 | 71 | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Actuarial gains/(losses) |
466 | 298 | 2,991 | (35 | ) | 60 | 201 | |||||||||||||||||||
Transfers (out)/in |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | 3 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Employer contributions |
415 | 408 | 572 | 198 | 158 | 137 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Employee contributions |
3 | 3 | 10 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Benefits paid |
(1,035 | ) | (985 | ) | (1,008 | ) | (127 | ) | (117 | ) | (132 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
17 | (191 | ) | (110 | ) | 6 | (56 | ) | (28 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Closing fair value of plan assets |
19,957 | 18,903 | 18,186 | 1,192 | 1,066 | 950 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Actual return on plan assets |
1,655 | 1,483 | 3,922 | 49 | 131 | 251 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Expected contributions to plans in the following year |
353 | 353 | 353 | 248 | 200 | 148 |
146 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
Environ- mental £m |
Decom- missioning £m |
Restructuring £m |
Emissions £m |
Other £m |
Total provisions £m |
|||||||||||||||||||
At 1 April 2010 |
1,076 | 97 | 105 | 22 | 410 | 1,710 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
(46 | ) | (5 | ) | (1 | ) | (1 | ) | (16 | ) | (69 | ) | ||||||||||||
Additions |
167 | 43 | 87 | 9 | 30 | 336 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unused amounts reversed |
(12 | ) | (7 | ) | (39 | ) | (6 | ) | (6 | ) | (70 | ) | ||||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
(39 | ) | (1 | ) | | | | (40 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Unwinding of discount |
104 | 2 | | | 22 | 128 | ||||||||||||||||||
Utilised |
(100 | ) | (9 | ) | (24 | ) | | (48 | ) | (181 | ) | |||||||||||||
At 31 March 2011 |
1,150 | 120 | 128 | 24 | 392 | 1,814 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
4 | 1 | | | 1 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||
Additions |
58 | 1 | 39 | 7 | 14 | 119 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unused amounts reversed |
(9 | ) | | (23 | ) | (6 | ) | (17 | ) | (55 | ) | |||||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
3 | | | | | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||
Unwinding of discount |
53 | 1 | | | 18 | 72 | ||||||||||||||||||
Utilised |
(101 | ) | (11 | ) | (74 | ) | (2 | ) | (40 | ) | (228 | ) | ||||||||||||
At 31 March 2012 |
1,158 | 112 | 70 | 23 | 368 | 1,731 | ||||||||||||||||||
2012
£m |
2011 £m |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Current |
282 | 353 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-current |
1,449 | 1,461 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
1,731 | 1,814 |
Environmental provision
The environmental provision represents the estimated restoration and remediation costs relating to a number of sites owned and managed by subsidiary undertakings, together with certain US sites that National Grid no longer owns. The environmental provision is as follows:
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Discounted
£m |
Undiscounted
£m |
Discounted £m |
Undiscounted
£m |
Real
discount rate |
||||||||||||||||||||
UK sites (i) |
306 | 423 | 339 | 503 | 2.0% | |||||||||||||||||||
US sites (ii) |
852 | 960 | 811 | 923 | 2.0% | |||||||||||||||||||
1,158 | 1,383 | 1,150 | 1,426 |
(i) | The remediation expenditure in the UK relates to old gas manufacturing sites and also to electricity transmission sites. Cash flows are expected to be incurred between 2012 and 2060. A number of uncertainties affect the calculation of the provision, including the impact of regulation, accuracy of the site surveys, unexpected contaminants, transportation costs, the impact of alternative technologies and changes in the discount rate. This provision incorporates our best estimate of the financial effect of these uncertainties, but future material changes in any of the assumptions could materially impact the calculation of the provision. The undiscounted amount is the undiscounted best estimate of the liability having regard to these uncertainties. |
(ii) | The remediation expenditure in the US is expected to be incurred between 2012 and 2058. The uncertainties regarding the calculation of this provision are similar to those considered in respect of UK sites. However, unlike the UK, with the exception of immaterial amounts of such costs, this expenditure is expected to be largely recoverable from ratepayers under the terms of various rate agreements in the US. |
Decommissioning provision
The decommissioning provision primarily represents the net present value of the estimated expenditure (discounted at a real rate of 3%) expected to be incurred until 2038 in respect of the decommissioning of certain nuclear generating units that National Grid no longer owns. It also includes £74m (2011: £73m) of expenditure relating to other asset retirement obligations expected to be incurred until 2058.
Restructuring provision
At 31 March 2012, £8m of the total restructuring provision (2011: £12m) consisted of provisions for the disposal of surplus leasehold interests and rates payable on surplus properties with expenditure expected to be incurred until 2018. The remainder of the restructuring provision, related to business reorganisation costs in the UK and the US, is expected to be incurred until 2013.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 147
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
24. Provisions continued
Emissions provision
The provision for emission costs is expected to be settled using emission allowances granted.
Other provisions
Included within other provisions at 31 March 2012 are amounts provided in respect of onerous lease commitments of £178m (2011: £196m). Other provisions also included £141 m (2011: £118m) of estimated liabilities in respect of past events insured by insurance subsidiary undertakings, including employer liability claims. In accordance with insurance industry practice, these estimates are based on experience from previous years and there is, therefore, no identifiable payment date. Other provisions also included £3m (2011: £5m) in respect of the sales of four UK gas distribution networks relating to property transfer costs and £13m (2011: £20m) in respect of obligations associated with investments in joint ventures.
Allotted, called up
and fully paid |
||||||||
Ordinary shares | millions | £m | ||||||
|
||||||||
At 1 April 2010 |
2,617 | 298 | ||||||
Rights issue |
990 | 113 | ||||||
Issued during the year in lieu of dividends (i) |
41 | 5 | ||||||
|
||||||||
At 31 March 2011 |
3,648 | 416 | ||||||
Issued during the year in lieu of dividends (i) |
53 | 6 | ||||||
|
||||||||
At 31 March 2012 |
3,701 | 422 | ||||||
|
(i) | The issue of shares in lieu of dividends is considered to be a bonus issue under the terms of the Companies Act 2006 and the nominal value of the shares is charged to the share premium account. |
The share capital of the Company consists of ordinary shares of 11 17 / 43 pence nominal value each and American Depositary Shares. The ordinary and American Depositary Shares allow holders to receive dividends and vote at general meetings of the Company. The Company holds treasury shares but may not exercise any rights over these shares including the entitlement to vote or receive dividends. There are no restrictions on the transfer or sale of ordinary shares.
In line with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, National Grid plc has amended its Articles of Association and ceased to have authorised share capital.
Rights issue
During the year ended 31 March 2011, the Company raised £3.2bn (net of expenses of £105m) through a rights issue of 990m new ordinary shares at 335 pence each on the basis of two new ordinary shares for every five existing ordinary shares. The issue price represented a discount of 44% to the closing ex-dividend share price on 20 May 2010, the announcement date of the rights issue.
The structure of the rights issue initially gave rise to a merger reserve under section 612 of the Companies Act 2006, representing the net proceeds of the rights issue less the nominal value of the new shares issued. Following the receipt of the cash proceeds through the structure, the excess of the net proceeds over the nominal value of the share capital issued was transferred from the merger reserve to retained earnings.
Treasury shares
At 31 March 2012, the Company held 135m (2011: 140m) of its own shares. The market value of these shares as at 31 March 2012 was £854m (2011: £833m).
The maximum number of shares held during the year was 140m ordinary shares (2011: 144m) representing approximately 3.8% (2011: 3.9%) of the ordinary shares in issue as at 31 March 2012 and having a nominal value of £16m (2011: £16m).
148 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
|
Translation
£m |
|
|
Cash flow
hedge £m |
|
|
Available-
for-sale £m |
|
|
Capital
redemption £m |
|
|
Merger
£m |
|
|
Total
£m |
|
|||||||
At 1 April 2009 |
384 | (72 | ) | 4 | 19 | (5,165 | ) | (4,830 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
30 | 3 | 1 | | | 34 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (losses)/gains taken to equity |
| (45 | ) | 54 | | | 9 | |||||||||||||||||
Transferred to profit or loss |
| 3 | (6 | ) | | | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax |
| 9 | (5 | ) | | | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
Share of other comprehensive income of joint ventures |
| 5 | | | | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2010 |
414 | (97 | ) | 48 | 19 | (5,165 | ) | (4,781 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
(95 | ) | | | | | (95 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net gains taken to equity |
| 7 | 16 | | | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||
Transferred to profit or loss |
| (7 | ) | (3 | ) | | | (10 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Rights issue (i) |
| | | | 3,101 | 3,101 | ||||||||||||||||||
Transfer to retained earnings (i) |
| | | | (3,101 | ) | (3,101 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax |
| (2 | ) | (1 | ) | | | (3 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Share of other comprehensive loss of joint ventures |
| (4 | ) | | | | (4 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2011 |
319 | (103 | ) | 60 | 19 | (5,165 | ) | (4,870 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Exchange adjustments |
27 | | | | | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (losses)/gains taken to equity |
| (18 | ) | 16 | | | (2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Transferred to profit or loss |
| 19 | (9 | ) | | | 10 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax |
| 2 | (2 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2012 |
346 | (100 | ) | 65 | 19 | (5,165 | ) | (4,835 | ) |
(i) | For details of the rights issue and subsequent transfer to retained earnings see note 25. |
The merger reserve represents the difference between the carrying value of subsidiary undertaking investments and their respective capital structures following the Lattice demerger from BG Group plc and the 1999 Lattice refinancing of £5,745m and merger differences of £221m and £359m.
The cash flow hedge reserve on interest rate swap contracts will be continuously transferred to the income statement until the borrowings are repaid. The amount due to be released from reserves to the income statement next year is £17m and the remainder released with the same maturity profile as borrowings due after more than one year.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 149
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
27. Consolidated cash flow statement
(a) Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt
(25,095) | (25,095) | (25,095) | (25,095) | (25,095) | (25,095) | (25,095) | ||||||||||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
(43 | ) | (346) | (28) | |||||||||||||||||||||
(Decrease)/increase in financial investments |
|
(553 | ) | 1,577 | (805) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Decrease in borrowings and related derivatives |
|
154 | 1,763 | 499 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest paid on the components of net debt |
|
721 | 1,011 | 999 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in net debt resulting from cash flows |
|
279 | 4,005 | 665 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in fair value of financial assets and liabilities and exchange movements |
|
(87 | ) | 690 | 865 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest charge on the components of net debt |
|
(1,042 | ) | (1,228) | (996) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
|
(2 | ) | 9 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other non-cash movements |
|
(14 | ) | (68) | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Movement in net debt (net of related derivative financial instruments) in the year |
|
(866 | ) | 3,408 | 534 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net debt (net of related derivative financial instruments) at start of year |
|
(18,731 | ) | (22,139) | (22,673) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net debt (net of related derivative financial instruments) at end of year |
|
(19,597 | ) | (18,731) | (22,139) | |||||||||||||||||||||
(b) Analysis of changes in net debt
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash
and cash
|
Bank
overdrafts
|
Net cash
and cash equivalents £m |
Financial
investments £m |
Borrowings
£m |
Derivatives
£m |
Total (i) £m |
||||||||||||||||||||
At 1 April 2009 |
737 | (17) | 720 | 2,197 | (26,776 | ) | 1,186 | (22,673) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow |
(16 | ) | (12) | (28 | ) | (826 | ) | 2,079 | (560) | 665 | ||||||||||||||||
Fair value gains and losses and exchange movements |
(1 | ) | | (1 | ) | 2 | 644 | 220 | 865 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest charges |
| | | 24 | (1,042 | ) | 22 | (996) | ||||||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2010 |
720 | (29) | 691 | 1,397 | (25,095 | ) | 868 | (22,139) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow |
(333 | ) | (13) | (346 | ) | 1,551 | 2,933 | (133) | 4,005 | |||||||||||||||||
Fair value gains and losses and exchange movements |
(3 | ) | | (3 | ) | (34 | ) | 402 | 325 | 690 | ||||||||||||||||
Interest charges |
| | | 25 | (1,337 | ) | 84 | (1,228) | ||||||||||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
| | | | 9 | | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other non-cash movements |
| | | | (68 | ) | | (68) | ||||||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2011 |
384 | (42) | 342 | 2,939 | (23,156 | ) | 1,144 | (18,731) | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow |
(52 | ) | 9 | (43 | ) | (577 | ) | 1,343 | (444) | 279 | ||||||||||||||||
Fair value gains and losses and exchange movements |
| | | 8 | 22 | (117) | (87) | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest charges |
| | | 23 | (1,187 | ) | 122 | (1,042) | ||||||||||||||||||
Reclassified as held for sale |
| | | (2 | ) | | | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other non-cash movements |
| | | | (14 | ) | | (14) | ||||||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2012 |
332 | (33) | 299 | 2,391 | (22,992 | ) | 705 | (19,597) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balances at 31 March 2012 comprise: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
| | | | | 1,819 | 1,819 | |||||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
332 | | 332 | 2,391 | | 317 | 3,040 | |||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
| (33) | (33 | ) | | (2,459 | ) | (162) | (2,654) | |||||||||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
| | | | (20,533 | ) | (1,269) | (21,802) | ||||||||||||||||||
332 | (33) | 299 | 2,391 | (22,992 | ) | 705 | (19,597) |
(i) | Includes accrued interest at 31 March 2012 of £178m (2011: £162m). |
150 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
Notes to the consolidated financial statements supplementary information
28. Commitments and contingencies
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Future capital expenditure |
||||||||
Contracted for but not provided |
2,728 | 1,614 | ||||||
Operating lease commitments |
||||||||
Less than 1 year |
81 | 83 | ||||||
In 1-2 years |
96 | 79 | ||||||
In 2-3 years |
89 | 93 | ||||||
In 3-4 years |
66 | 72 | ||||||
In 4-5 years |
63 | 70 | ||||||
More than 5 years |
311 | 398 | ||||||
706 | 795 | |||||||
Energy purchase commitments (i) |
||||||||
Less than 1 year |
1,073 | 1,081 | ||||||
In 1-2 years |
511 | 480 | ||||||
In 2-3 years |
403 | 328 | ||||||
In 3-4 years |
357 | 272 | ||||||
In 4-5 years |
276 | 241 | ||||||
More than 5 years |
1,554 | 1,141 | ||||||
4,174 | 3,543 | |||||||
Guarantees and letters of credit |
||||||||
Guarantee of sublease for US property (expires 2040) |
304 | 328 | ||||||
Letter of credit and guarantee of certain obligations of BritNed Interconnector (expired 2011) |
| 36 | ||||||
Guarantees of certain obligations of Grain LNG Import Terminal (expire up to 2028) |
161 | 139 | ||||||
Guarantee of certain obligations for construction of HVDC West Coast Link (expected expiry 2016) |
691 | | ||||||
Other guarantees and letters of credit (various expiry dates) |
188 | 259 | ||||||
1,344 | 762 |
(i) | Energy commitments relate to contractual commitments to purchase electricity or gas that are used to satisfy physical delivery requirements to our customers or for energy that we use ourselves (ie normal purchase, sale or usage) and hence are accounted for as ordinary purchase contracts. Details of commodity contracts that do not meet the normal purchase, sale or usage criteria, and hence are accounted for as derivative contracts, are shown in note 33. |
The total of future minimum sublease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable subleases is £22m (2011: £20m).
Litigation and claims
KeySpan class actions
As reported in our 2010/11 Annual Report and Accounts, two putative class actions were commenced in 2009 against KeySpan and Morgan Stanley, one in the federal court and one in a New York state court. The claims were based on allegations that the financial swap transaction between KeySpan and Morgan Stanley dated 18 January 2006 caused customers of Consolidated Edison, Inc. to overpay for electricity between May 2006 and February 2008. Both claims were dismissed the first on 22 March 2011 and the second on appeal on 10 April 2012. On 6 January 2012, a third putative class action was commenced in the federal court on behalf of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation customers on similar grounds and in respect of the same financial swap transaction which we also believe is without merit.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 151
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
29. Related party transactions
The following significant transactions with related parties were in the normal course of business; amounts receivable from and payable to related parties are due on normal commercial terms:
2012
£m |
2011
£m |
2010
£m |
||||||||||
Sales: Services and goods supplied to a pension plan and joint ventures |
10 | 11 | 5 | |||||||||
Purchases: Services and goods received from joint ventures (i) |
95 | 84 | 73 | |||||||||
Interest income: Interest receivable on loans with joint ventures |
| 2 | 1 | |||||||||
Receivable from a pension plan and joint ventures |
2 | 2 | 1 | |||||||||
Loan to joint venture (ii) |
| | 23 | |||||||||
Payable to joint ventures |
6 | 8 | 6 | |||||||||
Dividends received from joint ventures (iii) |
26 | 9 | 18 |
(i) | During the year the Company received services and goods from a number of joint ventures, including Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. of £39m (2011: £40m; 2010: £58m) and Millennium Pipeline Company, LLC of £32m (2011: £28m; 2010: £26m) for the transportation of gas in the US. |
(ii) | For the year ended 31 March 2011, following a decision in August 2010 to cease investing in Blue-NG (a joint venture), an impairment charge was recorded against the carrying value of the investment, together with provision against recovery of loans from National Grid to Blue-NG of £30m (2010: £23m) and associated interest receivable. |
(iii) | Dividends were received from Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. of £17m (2011: £9m; 2010: £17m) and Millennium Pipeline Company, LLC of £9m (2011: £nil; 2010: £nil). |
Details of investments in principal subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates are disclosed in note 36 and information relating to pension fund arrangements is disclosed in notes 23 and 30. For details of Directors' and key management remuneration, refer to note 2(c) and the auditable section of the Remuneration Report.
30. Actuarial information on pensions and other post-retirement benefits
UK pension schemes
National Grid's defined benefit pension arrangements are funded with assets held in separate trustee administered funds. The arrangements are subject to independent actuarial valuations at least every three years, on the basis of which the qualified actuary certifies the rate of employers' contribution, which, together with the specified contributions payable by the employees and proceeds from the schemes' assets, are expected to be sufficient to fund the benefits payable under the schemes. The next valuations will be based on the position at 31 March 2013. The results of the 2010 valuations are shown below:
NG UK Pension Scheme | NGEG of ESPS | |||||
|
||||||
Latest full actuarial valuation |
31 March 2010 | 31 March 2010 | ||||
Actuary |
Towera Watson | Aon Hewitt | ||||
Market value of scheme assets at latest valuation |
£13,399m | £1,531m | ||||
Actuarial value of benefits due to members |
£(13,998)m | £(2,038)m | ||||
Market value as percentage of benefits |
96% | 75% | ||||
Funding deficit |
£599m | £507m | ||||
Funding deficit (net of tax) |
£455m | £385m | ||||
|
National Grid UK Pension Scheme
The 2010 actuarial valuation showed that, based on long-term financial assumptions, the contribution rate required to meet future benefit accrual was 35% of pensionable earnings (32% employers and 3% employees). In addition, National Grid makes payments to the scheme to cover administration costs and the Pension Protection Fund levy. The employer contribution rate will be reviewed as part of the next valuation in 2013, while administration costs are reviewed annually.
Following the 2010 actuarial valuation, National Grid and the Trustees agreed a recovery plan which will see the funding deficit repaid by 31 March 2027. Under the schedule of contributions, no deficit contributions were made in 2010/11 or 2011/12. An annual payment of £47m, rising in line with the RPI from March 2010, will commence in 2012/13 and continue until 2027.
Following this agreement, National Grid has established a secured bank account with a charge in favour of the Trustees. The balance of the bank account at 31 March 2012 was £142m. The funds in the bank account will be paid to the scheme in the event that National Grid Gas plc is subject to an insolvency event, or is given notice of less than 12 months that Ofgem intends to revoke its licence under the Gas Act 1986. The funds in the bank account will be released back to National Grid if the scheme moves into surplus.
This scheme ceased to allow new hires to join from 1 April 2002 and from 4 September 2001 for certain employees. A defined contribution arrangement was offered for employees joining after these dates.
152 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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30. Actuarial information on pensions and other post-retirement benefits continued
National Grid Electricity Group of the Electricity Supply Pension Scheme
The 2010 actuarial valuation showed that, based on long-term financial assumptions, the contribution rate required to meet future benefit accrual was 29.6% of pensionable earnings (23.7% employers and an average of 5.9% employees). The employer contribution rate will be reviewed as part of the next valuation in 2013.
Following the 2010 actuarial valuation, National Grid and the Trustees agreed a recovery plan that will see the funding deficit repaid by 31 March 2027. Under the schedule of contributions a payment of £45m was made in 2010/11 and a further payment of £45m was made in 2011/12. Thereafter, an annual payment of £38m is due to be made, rising in line with RPI.
Following this agreement, National Grid has established a secured bank account with a charge in favour of the Trustees. The balance of the bank account at 31 March 2012 was £4m. The funds in the bank account will be paid to the scheme in the event that: National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (NGET) is subject to an insolvency event, or ceases to hold a licence granted under the Electricity Act 1989. The funds in the bank account will be released back to National Grid if the scheme moves into surplus.
National Grid has also agreed to make a payment in respect of the deficit up to a maximum of £220m should certain triggers be breached; namely if NGET ceases to hold the licence granted under the Electricity Act 1989 or NGET's credit rating by two out of three specified agencies falls below certain agreed levels for a period of 40 days.
The scheme closed to new members from 1 April 2006. A defined contribution arrangement was offered to new hires from this date.
US pension plans
National Grid's defined benefit pension plans in the US provide annuity or lump sum payments for vested employees. Non-union employees hired on or after 1 January 2011 are provided with a defined contribution plan. A defined contribution plan is also provided to two groups of represented US employees. In addition, a matched defined contribution plan is offered to all eligible employees. The assets of the plans are held in separate trustee administered funds.
Employees do not contribute to the defined benefit plans. Employer contributions are made in accordance with the rules set out by the US Internal Revenue Code and can vary according to the funded status of the plans and the amounts that are tax deductible. At present, there is some flexibility in the amount that is contributed on an annual basis. In general, the Company's policy for funding the US pension plans is to contribute amounts collected in rates. These contributions are expected to meet the requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
US retiree healthcare and life insurance plans
National Grid provides healthcare and life insurance benefits to eligible retired US employees. Eligibility is based on certain age and length of service requirements and in most cases retirees contribute to the cost of their coverage. In the US, there is no governmental requirement to pre fund post-retirement health and welfare plans. However, there may be requirements under the various state regulatory agreements to contribute to these plans. Depending upon the rate jurisdiction and the plan, the funding level may be equal to: the expense under US GAAP; the amount collected in rates; the maximum tax deductible contribution; or zero.
Asset allocations
UK pensions | US pensions | US other post- retirement benefits | ||||||||||||||||||||
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Equities (i) |
33.3 | 34.5 | 36.8 | 47.7 | 51.5 | 52.8 | 76.6 | 76.5 | 68.6 | |||||||||||||
Corporate bonds (ii) |
33.1 | 30.3 | 32.3 | 42.5 | 40.7 | 41.5 | 22.7 | 22.6 | 24.8 | |||||||||||||
Gilts |
24.3 | 26.8 | 22.4 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||
Property |
7.2 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 3.8 | 2.0 | | | | | |||||||||||||
Other |
2.1 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 6.0 | 5.8 | 5.7 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 6.6 | |||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||
|
(i) | Included within equities at 31 March 2012 were ordinary shares of National Grid plc with a value of £13m (2011: £12m; 2010: £17m). |
(ii) | Included within corporate bonds at 31 March 2012 was an investment in a number of bonds issued by subsidiary undertakings with a value of £50m (2011: £39m; 2010: £nil). |
Target asset allocations
NGUKPS
% |
ESPS
% |
US
pensions % |
US
OPEB % |
|||||
Equities (i) |
31 | 46 | 60 | 70 | ||||
Bonds, property and other matching assets |
69 | 54 | 40 | 30 | ||||
Total |
100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
(i) | Included within equities are hedge fund and active currency investments. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 153
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
30. Actuarial information on pensions and other post-retirement benefits continued
Actuarial assumptions
For UK schemes, the expected long-term rate of return on assets has been set reflecting the price inflation expectation, the expected real return on each major asset class and the long-term asset allocation strategy adopted for each scheme. The expected real returns on specific asset classes reflect historical returns, investment yields on the measurement date and general future return expectations, and have been set after taking advice from the schemes actuaries.
For US plans, the estimated rate of return for various passive asset classes is based both on analysis of historical rates of return and forward looking analysis of risk premiums and yields. Current market conditions, such as inflation and interest rates, are evaluated in connection with the setting of our long-term assumptions. A small premium is added for active management of both equity and fixed income. The rates of return for each asset class are then weighted in accordance with the actual asset allocation resulting in a long-term return on asset rate for each plan.
UK pensions | US pensions | US OPEBs | ||||||||||||||||||||
2012 % |
2011 % |
2010 % |
2012 % |
2011 % |
2010 % |
2012 % |
2011 % |
2010 % |
||||||||||||||
Discount rate (i) |
4.8 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.1 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 5.1 | 5.9 | 6.1 | |||||||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
5.5 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.2 | |||||||||||||
Rate of increase in salaries (ii) |
4.0 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | |||||||||||||
Rate of increase in pensions in payment |
3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 | | | | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||
Rate of increase in pensions in deferment |
3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 | | | | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||
Rate of increase in RPI (or equivalent) |
3.2 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 2.4 | n/a | n/a | n/a | |||||||||||||
Initial healthcare cost trend rate |
n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 8.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | |||||||||||||
Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate |
n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
(i) | The discount rates for pension liabilities have been determined by reference to appropriate yields on high quality corporate bonds prevailing in the UK and US debt markets at the balance sheet date. |
(ii) | A promotional scale has also been used where appropriate. |
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||||||||
UK years |
US years |
UK years |
US years |
UK years |
US years |
|||||||||||
Assumed life expectations for a retiree at age 65 |
||||||||||||||||
Today |
||||||||||||||||
Males |
22.5 | 19.4 | 22.4 | 18.8 | 21.0 | 18.8 | ||||||||||
Females |
25.0 | 21.3 | 24.9 | 20.8 | 23.4 | 20.8 | ||||||||||
In 20 years |
||||||||||||||||
Males |
24.9 | 20.9 | 24.7 | 18.8 | 23.4 | 18.8 | ||||||||||
Females |
27.5 | 22.2 | 27.4 | 20.8 | 25.7 | 20.8 |
Sensitivities to actuarial assumptions
Change in pensions
and OPEB liability |
Change in annual
pension and OPEB cost |
|||||||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
|||||||||
Sensitivities (all other assumptions held constant) |
||||||||||||||
0.1% change in discount rate |
346 | 304 | 317 | 7 | 7 | 4 | ||||||||
0.5% change in long-term rate of increase in salaries |
158 | 162 | 166 | 8 | 8 | 8 | ||||||||
Change of one year to life expectations at age 60 |
686 | 653 | 670 | 6 | 7 | 5 | ||||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||||||||||
Sensitivities to a 1% change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates |
||||||||||||||
Increase |
||||||||||||||
Effect on the aggregate of the service costs and interest costs |
29 | 28 | 25 | |||||||||||
Effect on defined benefit obligations |
366 | 330 | 348 | |||||||||||
Decrease |
||||||||||||||
Effect on the aggregate of the service costs and interest costs |
(25) | (23) | (21) | |||||||||||
Effect on defined benefit obligations |
(310) | (282) | (298) |
154 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
www.nationalgrid.com
30. Actuarial information on pensions and other post-retirement benefits continued
The history of the present value of obligations, the fair value of plan assets and of experience adjustments is as follows:
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
2009 £m |
2008 £m |
||||||||||||||||
Present value of funded and unfunded obligations |
(24,016 | ) | (21,938 | ) | (22,200 | ) | (18,299 | ) | (18,175 | ) | ||||||||||
Fair value of plan assets |
21,149 | 19,969 | 19,136 | 15,519 | 17,273 | |||||||||||||||
(2,867 | ) | (1,969 | ) | (3,064 | ) | (2,780 | ) | (902 | ) | |||||||||||
Difference between the expected and actual return on plan assets |
431 | 358 | 3,192 | (3,952 | ) | (911 | ) | |||||||||||||
Experience (losses)/gains on plan liabilities |
(54 | ) | 28 | 509 | (125 | ) | 152 | |||||||||||||
Actuarial (losses)/gains on plan liabilities |
(1,756 | ) | 213 | (3,923 | ) | 1,934 | 1,343 |
31. Supplementary information on derivative financial instruments
Treasury financial instruments
Derivatives are financial instruments that derive their value from the price of an underlying item such as interest rates, foreign exchange, credit spreads, commodities, equity or other indices. Derivatives enable their users to alter exposure to these market or credit risks. We use derivatives to manage the interest rate and foreign exchange risks from our financing portfolio and this enables the optimisation of the overall cost of accessing debt capital markets. We also use derivatives to manage our operational market risks from commodities. The commodity derivative contracts and commodity market risks are detailed in note 33.
We calculate fair value of the financial derivatives by discounting all future cash flows by the market yield curve at the balance sheet date. The market yield curve for each currency is obtained from external sources for interest and foreign exchange rates. In the case of derivative instruments that include options, the Black's variation of the Black-Scholes model is used to calculate fair value.
Hedging policies using derivative financial instruments are further explained in note 32 and, where possible, derivatives held as hedging instruments are formally designated as hedges as defined in IAS 39. Derivatives may qualify as hedges for accounting purposes if they are fair value hedges, cash flow hedges or net investment hedges. These are described as follows:
Fair value hedges
Fair value hedges principally consist of interest rate and cross-currency swaps that are used to protect against changes in the fair value of fixed-rate, long-term financial instruments due to movements in market interest rates. For qualifying fair value hedges, all changes in the fair value of the derivative and changes in the fair value of the item in relation to the risk being hedged are recognised in the income statement. If the hedge relationship is terminated, the fair value adjustment to the hedged item continues to be reported as part of the basis of the item and is amortised to the income statement as a yield adjustment over the remainder of the life of the hedged item.
Cash flow hedges
Exposure arises from the variability in future interest and currency cash flows on assets and liabilities which bear interest at variable rates or are in a foreign currency. Interest rate and cross-currency swaps are maintained, and designated as cash flow hedges, where they qualify, to manage this exposure. Fair value changes on designated cash flow hedges are initially recognised directly in the cash flow hedge reserve, as gains or losses recognised in equity. Amounts are transferred from equity and recognised in the income statement as the income or expense is recognised on the hedged asset or liability.
Forward foreign currency contracts are used to hedge anticipated and committed future currency cash flows. Where these contracts qualify for hedge accounting they are designated as cash flow hedges. On recognition of the underlying transaction in the financial statements, the associated hedge gains and losses, deferred in equity, are transferred and included with the recognition of the underlying transaction.
The gains and losses on ineffective portions of such derivatives are recognised immediately in remeasurements within the income statement.
When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at that time remains in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in the income statement or on the balance sheet. When a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately transferred to remeasurements within the income statement.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 155
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
31. Supplementary information on derivative financial instruments continued
Net investment hedges
Borrowings, cross-currency swaps and forward currency contracts are used in the management of the foreign exchange exposure arising from the investment in non-sterling denominated subsidiaries. Where these contracts qualify for hedge accounting they are designated as net investment hedges.
The cross-currency swaps and forward foreign currency contracts are hedge accounted using the spot to spot method. The foreign exchange gain or loss on retranslation of the borrowings and the spot to spot movements on the cross-currency swaps and forward currency contracts are transferred to equity to offset gains or losses on translation of the net investment in the non-sterling denominated subsidiaries.
Derivatives not in a formal hedge relationship
Our policy is not to use derivatives for trading purposes. However, due to the complex nature of hedge accounting under IAS 39 some derivatives may not qualify for hedge accounting, or are specifically not designated as a hedge where natural offset is more appropriate. Changes in the fair value of any derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised immediately in remeasurements within the income statement.
Our activities expose us to a variety of financial risks: market risk, including foreign exchange risk, fair value interest rate risk, cash flow interest rate risk and commodity price risk, credit risk, and liquidity risk. Our overall risk management programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on financial performance. We use financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments to manage risks of this type.
Risk management related to financing activities is carried out by a central treasury department under policies approved by the Finance Committee of the Board. The objective of the treasury department is to manage funding and liquidity requirements, including managing associated financial risks, to within acceptable boundaries. The Finance Committee provides written principles for overall risk management, as well as written policies covering specific areas such as foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, use of derivative financial instruments and non-derivative financial instruments, and investment of excess liquidity.
(a) Market risk
(i) Foreign exchange risk
National Grid operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures, primarily with respect to the dollar. Foreign exchange risk arises from future commercial transactions, recognised assets and liabilities and investments in foreign operations.
Our policy for managing foreign exchange transaction risk is to hedge contractually committed foreign currency cash flows over a prescribed minimum size. Where foreign currency cash flow forecasts are less certain, our policy is to hedge a proportion of such cash flows based on the probability of those cash flows occurring. Instruments used to manage foreign exchange transaction risk include foreign exchange forward contracts and foreign exchange swaps.
Our policy for managing foreign exchange translation risk relating to our net investment in foreign operations is to maintain a percentage of net debt and foreign exchange forwards so as to provide an economic offset of our cash flows arising in the foreign currency. The primary managed foreign exchange exposure arises from the dollar denominated assets and liabilities held by our US operations, with a further small euro exposure in respect of a joint venture investment.
During 2012 and 2011, derivative financial instruments were used to manage foreign currency risk as follows:
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sterling £m |
Euro £m |
Dollar £m |
Other £m |
Total £m |
Sterling £m |
Euro £m |
Dollar £m |
Other £m |
Total £m |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
14 | 1 | 317 | | 332 | 319 | 1 | 64 | | 384 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial investments |
1,021 | 84 | 1,200 | 86 | 2,391 | 1,046 | 111 | 1,696 | 86 | 2,939 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings (i) |
(11,034 | ) | (4,146 | ) | (7,284 | ) | (561 | ) | (23,025) | (10,565 | ) | (4,896 | ) | (7,113 | ) | (624 | ) | (23,198 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Pre-derivative position |
(9,999 | ) | (4,061 | ) | (5,767 | ) | (475 | ) | (20,302) | (9,200 | ) | (4,784 | ) | (5,353 | ) | (538 | ) | (19,875 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative effect |
2,584 | 3,845 | (6,206 | ) | 482 | 705 | 2,921 | 4,637 | (6,962 | ) | 548 | 1,144 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net debt position |
(7,415 | ) | (216 | ) | (11,973 | ) | 7 | (19,597) | (6,279 | ) | (147 | ) | (12,315 | ) | 10 | (18,731 | ) |
(i) | Includes bank overdrafts. |
The overall exposure to dollars largely relates to our net investment hedge activities as described in note 31.
156 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
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32. Financial risk continued
The currency exposure on other financial instruments is as follows:
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sterling £m |
Euro £m |
Dollar £m |
Other £m |
Total £m |
Sterling
£m |
Euro £m |
Dollar £m |
Other £m |
Total £m |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
112 | | 896 | | 1,008 | 91 | | 1,122 | | 1,213 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(1,124 | ) | (1 | ) | (1,255 | ) | | (2,380 | ) | (1,319 | ) | | (1,248 | ) | | (2,567 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
(24 | ) | | (340 | ) | | (364 | ) | (26 | ) | | (354 | ) | | (380 | ) |
The carrying amounts of other financial instruments are denominated in the above currencies, which in most instances are the functional currency of the respective subsidiaries. Our exposure to dollars is due to activities in our US subsidiaries. We do not have any other significant exposure to currency risk on these balances.
(ii) Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk
National Grids interest rate risk arises from our long-term borrowings. Borrowings issued at variable rates expose National Grid to cash flow interest rate risk, partially offset by cash held at variable rates. Borrowings issued at fixed rates expose National Grid to fair value interest rate risk.
Our interest rate risk management policy is to seek to minimise total financing costs (being interest costs and changes in the market value of debt) subject to constraints. We do this by using fixed- and floating-rate debt and derivative financial instruments including interest rate swaps, swaptions and forward rate agreements.
We hold some borrowings on issue that are inflation linked. We believe that these provide a partial economic offset to the inflation risk associated with our UK inflation linked revenues.
The following table sets out the carrying amount, by contractual maturity, of borrowings that are exposed to interest rate risk before taking into account interest rate swaps:
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Fixed interest rate borrowings |
||||||||
Less than 1 year |
(1,026 | ) | (1,313 | ) | ||||
In 1-2 years |
(1,428 | ) | (808 | ) | ||||
In 2-3 years |
(1,169 | ) | (1,467 | ) | ||||
In 3-4 years |
(734 | ) | (1,189 | ) | ||||
In 4-5 years |
(1,052 | ) | (307 | ) | ||||
More than 5 years |
(7,985 | ) | (8,487 | ) | ||||
(13,394 | ) | (13,571 | ) | |||||
Floating interest rate borrowings (including inflation linked) |
(9,618 | ) | (9,627 | ) | ||||
Non-interest bearing borrowings |
(13 | ) | | |||||
Total borrowings |
(23,025 | ) | (23,198 | ) |
During 2012 and 2011, net debt was managed using derivative instruments to hedge interest rate risk as follows:
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fixed rate £m |
Floating rate £m |
Inflation
£m |
Other
(ii)
£m |
Total £m |
Fixed rate £m |
Floating rate £m |
Inflation linked (i) £m |
Other (ii) £m |
Total £m |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
289 | 43 | | | 332 | 315 | 69 | | | 384 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial investments |
742 | 1,523 | | 126 | 2,391 | 759 | 2,053 | | 127 | 2,939 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings (iii) |
(13,394 | ) | (3,314 | ) | (6,304 | ) | (13 | ) | (23,025 | ) | (13,571 | ) | (3,933 | ) | (5,694 | ) | | (23,198 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Pre-derivative position |
(12,363 | ) | (1,748 | ) | (6,304 | ) | 113 | (20,302 | ) | (12,497 | ) | (1,811 | ) | (5,694 | ) | 127 | (19,875 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative effect (iv) |
1,220 | (567 | ) | 52 | | 705 | 295 | 531 | 318 | | 1,144 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net debt position |
(11,143 | ) | (2,315 | ) | (6,252 | ) | 113 | (19,597 | ) | (12,202 | ) | (1,280 | ) | (5,376 | ) | 127 | (18,731 | ) |
(i) | The post-derivative impact represents financial instruments linked to UK RPI. |
(ii) | Represents financial instruments which are not directly affected by interest rate risk, such as investments in equity or other similar financial instruments. |
(iii) | Includes bank overdrafts. |
(iv) | The impact of 2012/13 (2011: 2011/12) maturing short-dated interest rate derivatives is included. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 157
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
32. Financial risk continued
(b) Fair value analysis
The following provides an analysis of our financial instruments measured at fair value. They are reported in a tiered hierarchy based on the valuation methodology described in note 31, and reflecting the significance of market observable inputs. The best evidence of fair value is a quoted price in an actively traded market. In the event that the market for a financial instrument is not active, a valuation technique is used.
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 £m |
Level 2 £m |
Level 3 £m |
Total £m |
Level 1
£m |
Level 2
£m |
Level 3
£m |
Total £m |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale investments |
1,741 | 185 | | 1,926 | 2,834 | 179 | | 3,013 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments |
| 2,078 | 58 | 2,136 | | 1,684 | 54 | 1,738 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1,741 | 2,263 | 58 | 4,062 | 2,834 | 1,863 | 54 | 4,751 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments |
| (1,193 | ) | (238 | ) | (1,431 | ) | | (594 | ) | | (594 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
1,741 | 1,070 | (180 | ) | 2,631 | 2,834 | 1,269 | 54 | 4,157 |
Level 1: | Financial instruments with quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. | |
Level 2: | Financial instruments with quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets and financial instruments valued using models where all significant inputs are based directly or indirectly on observable market data. | |
Level 3: | Financial instruments valued using valuation techniques where one or more significant inputs are based on unobservable market data. |
During the year no transfers have been made between the hierarchy levels.
The financial instruments classified as level 3 include cross-currency swaps with an embedded call option, currency swaps where the currency forward curve is illiquid and inflation linked swaps where the inflation curve is illiquid. In valuing these instruments third party valuations are obtained from more than one source to support the reported fair value.
The changes in value of our level 3 derivative financial instruments are as follows:
2012 Level 3 valuation £m |
2011 Level 3 valuation £m |
|||||||
At 1 April |
54 | 36 | ||||||
Net (losses)/gains for the year (i) |
(47 | ) | 21 | |||||
Purchases |
(184 | ) | | |||||
Settlements |
(3 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||
At 31 March |
(180 | ) | 54 |
(i) | Losses of £47m (2011: £21m gain) are attributable to assets or liabilities held at the end of the reporting period and have been recognised in finance costs in the income statement. |
During the year limited price inflation (LPI) swaps were transacted. These derivative instruments are sensitive to changes in the LPI market curve. An illustrative movement in basis points of the LPI market curve would have the following impacts, after the effects of tax:
2012 | ||||||||
Income statement £m |
Other equity reserves £m |
|||||||
+20 basis point change in LPI market curve |
(56 | ) | | |||||
20 basis point change in LPI market curve |
52 | |
A reasonably possible change in assumption of all the other level 3 instruments is unlikely to result in a material change in fair values.
158 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
32. Financial risk continued
(c) Credit risk
We are exposed to the risk of loss resulting from counterparties default on their commitments including failure to pay or make a delivery on a contract. This risk is inherent in our commercial business activities. We are exposed to credit risk on our cash and cash equivalents, derivative financial instruments, deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to wholesale and retail customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions.
Treasury related credit risk
Counterparty risk arises from the investment of surplus funds and from the use of derivative instruments. As at 31 March 2012, the following limits were in place for investments held with banks and financial institutions:
Maximum limit £m |
Long-term limit £m |
|||||||
AAA rated G8 sovereign entities |
Unlimited | Unlimited | ||||||
Triple A vehicles |
290 | 246 | ||||||
Triple A range institutions (AAA) |
990 to 1,493 | 498 to 782 | ||||||
Double A range institutions (AA) |
591 to 744 | 301 to 372 | ||||||
Single A range institutions (A) |
203 to 290 | 104 to 148 |
As at 31 March 2011 and 2012, we had a number of exposures to individual counterparties. In accordance with our treasury policies, counterparty credit exposure utilisations are monitored daily against the counterparty credit limits. Counterparty credit ratings and market conditions are reviewed continually with limits being revised and utilisation adjusted, if appropriate. Management does not expect any significant losses from non performance by these counterparties.
The counterparty exposure under derivative financial contracts as shown in note 14 was £2,136m (2011: £1,738m); after netting agreements it was £1,453m (2011: £1,389m). This exposure is further reduced by collateral received as shown in note 19. Additional information for commodity contract credit risk is in note 33.
Wholesale and retail credit risk
Our principal commercial exposure in the UK is governed by the credit rules within the regulated codes Uniform Network Code and Connection and Use of System Code. These lay down the level of credit relative to the regulatory asset value (RAV) for each credit rating. In the US, we are required to supply electricity and gas under state regulations. Our credit policies and practices are designed to limit credit exposure by collecting security deposits prior to providing utility services, or after utility service has commenced if certain applicable regulatory requirements are met. Collection activities are managed on a daily basis. Sales to retail customers are usually settled in cash, cheques, electronic bank payments or by using major credit cards. We are committed to measuring, monitoring, minimising and recording counterparty credit risk in our wholesale business. The utilisation of credit limits is regularly monitored and collateral is collected against these accounts when necessary. Management does not expect any significant losses of receivables that have not been provided for as shown in note 16.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 159
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
32. Financial risk continued
(d) Liquidity analysis
Our policy is to determine our liquidity requirements by the use of both short- and long-term cash flow forecasts. These forecasts are supplemented by a financial headroom analysis which is used to assess funding adequacy for at least a 12 month period.
We believe our contractual obligations, including those shown in commitments and contingencies in note 28 can be met from existing cash and investments, operating cash flows and other financings that we reasonably expect to be able to secure in the future, together with the use of committed facilities if required.
The following is an analysis of the contractual undiscounted cash flows payable under financial liabilities and derivative assets and liabilities as at the balance sheet date:
At 31 March 2012 |
Less than 1 year £m |
1-2 years £m |
2-3 years £m |
More than 3 years £m |
Total £m |
|||||||||||||||
Non-derivative financial liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings, excluding finance lease liabilities |
(2,157 | ) | (1,822 | ) | (1,707 | ) | (16,725 | ) | (22,411) | |||||||||||
Interest payments on borrowings (i) |
(819 | ) | (749 | ) | (655 | ) | (8,927 | ) | (11,150) | |||||||||||
Finance lease liabilities |
(22 | ) | (44 | ) | (30 | ) | (151 | ) | (247) | |||||||||||
Other non interest-bearing liabilities |
(2,124 | ) | (253 | ) | | | (2,377) | |||||||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts receipts |
536 | 1,186 | 600 | 1,004 | 3,326 | |||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts payments |
(336 | ) | (992 | ) | (370 | ) | (851 | ) | (2,549) | |||||||||||
Commodity contracts |
(257 | ) | (54 | ) | (43 | ) | (62 | ) | (416) | |||||||||||
Total |
(5,179 | ) | (2,728 | ) | (2,205 | ) | (25,712 | ) | (35,824) | |||||||||||
At 31 March 2011 |
Less than 1 year £m |
1-2 years £m |
2-3 years £m |
More than 3 years £m |
Total £m |
|||||||||||||||
Non-derivative financial liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings, excluding finance lease liabilities |
(2,616 | ) | (1,188 | ) | (1,574 | ) | (17,455 | ) | (22,833) | |||||||||||
Interest payments on borrowings (i) |
(828 | ) | (807 | ) | (741 | ) | (9,328 | ) | (11,704) | |||||||||||
Finance lease liabilities |
(20 | ) | (38 | ) | (33 | ) | (157 | ) | (248) | |||||||||||
Other non interest-bearing liabilities |
(2,320 | ) | (279 | ) | | | (2,599) | |||||||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts receipts |
1,596 | 407 | 649 | 1,606 | 4,258 | |||||||||||||||
Derivative contracts payments |
(1,213 | ) | (169 | ) | (345 | ) | (1,345 | ) | (3,072) | |||||||||||
Commodity contracts |
(290 | ) | (84 | ) | (40 | ) | (43 | ) | (457) | |||||||||||
Total |
(5,691 | ) | (2,158 | ) | (2,084 | ) | (26,722 | ) | (36,655) |
(i) | The interest on borrowings is calculated based on borrowings held at 31 March without taking account of future issues. Floating rate interest is estimated using a forward interest rate curve as at 31 March. Payments are included on the basis of the earliest date on which the Company can be required to settle. |
160 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
32. Financial risk continued
(e) Sensitivity analysis
Financial instruments affected by market risk include borrowings, deposits, derivative financial instruments and commodity contracts. The following analysis illustrates the sensitivity to changes in market variables, being UK and US interest rates, the UK RPI and the dollar to sterling exchange rate, on our financial instruments.
The analysis excludes the impact of movements in market variables on the carrying value of pension and other post-retirement benefit obligations, provisions and on the non-financial assets and liabilities of overseas subsidiaries.
The sensitivity analysis has been prepared on the basis that the amount of net debt, the ratio of fixed to floating interest rates of the debt and derivatives portfolio and the proportion of financial instruments in foreign currencies are all constant and on the basis of the hedge designations in place at 31 March 2012 and 2011 respectively. As a consequence, this sensitivity analysis relates to the positions at those dates and is not representative of the years then ended, as all of these varied.
The following assumptions were made in calculating the sensitivity analysis:
|
the balance sheet sensitivity to interest rates relates only to derivative financial instruments and available-for-sale investments, as debt and other deposits are carried at amortised cost and so their carrying value does not change as interest rates move; |
|
the sensitivity of accrued interest to movements in interest rates is calculated on net floating rate exposures on debt, deposits and derivative instruments; |
|
changes in the carrying value of derivatives from movements in interest rates of designated cash flow hedges are assumed to be recorded fully within equity; |
|
changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments designated as net investment hedges from movements in interest rates are recorded in the income statement as they are designated using the spot rather than the forward translation method. The impact of movements in the dollar to sterling exchange rate are recorded directly in equity; |
|
changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments not in hedging relationships only affect the income statement; |
|
all other changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments designated as hedges are fully effective with no impact on the income statement; |
|
debt with a maturity below one year is floating rate for the accrued interest part of the calculation; |
|
the floating leg of any swap or any floating rate debt is treated as not having any interest rate already set, therefore a change in interest rates affects a full 12 month period for the accrued interest portion of the sensitivity calculations; and |
|
sensitivity to the UK RPI does not take into account any changes to revenue or operating costs that are affected by the UK RPI or inflation generally. Inflation linked derivative sensitivity assumes that changes to nominal interest rates are solely due to changes in inflation. |
Using the above assumptions, the following table shows the illustrative impact on the income statement and items that are recognised directly in equity that would result from reasonably possible movements in the UK RPI, UK and US interest rates and in the dollar to sterling exchange rate, after the effects of tax.
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||
Income
statement +/- £m |
Other equity
+/- £m |
Income
statement +/- £m |
Other equity reserves +/- £m |
|||||||||||||||
UK RPI +/- 0.50%* |
24 | | 19 | | ||||||||||||||
UK interest rates +/- 0.50% |
38 | 54 | 38 | 50 | ||||||||||||||
US interest rates +/- 0.50% |
23 | 11 | 39 | 15 | ||||||||||||||
US dollar exchange rate +/- 10% |
39 | 571 | 44 | 636 |
* Excludes sensitivities to Limited Price Inflation index, further details on sensitivities are provided in note 32 (b)
The income statement sensitivities impact interest expense and financial instrument remeasurements.
The other equity reserves impact does not reflect the exchange translation in our US subsidiary net assets. It is estimated this would change by £691m (2011: £800m) in the opposite direction if the dollar exchange rate changed by 10%.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 161
Financial Statement
Notes to consolidated financial statement continued
32. Financial risk continued
(f) Capital and risk management
National Grids objectives when managing capital are: to safeguard our ability to continue as a going concern; to remain within regulatory constraints; and to maintain an efficient mix of debt and equity funding thus achieving an optimal capital structure and cost of capital. We regularly review and maintain or adjust the capital structure as appropriate in order to achieve these objectives.
The principal measure of our balance sheet efficiency is our interest cover ratio. Interest cover for the year ended 31 March 2012 increased to 3.9 from 3.8 for the year ended 31 March 2011. Our long-term target range for interest cover is between 3.0 and 3.5, which we believe is consistent with single A range long-term senior unsecured debt credit ratings within our main UK operating companies, National Grid Electricity Transmission plc and National Grid Gas plc, based on guidance from the rating agencies. The increase in interest cover from 2011 was due to a reduction in finance costs combined with a smaller decrease in our funds from operations.
In addition, we monitor the regulatory asset value (RAV) gearing within each of National Grid Electricity Transmission plc and the regulated transmission and distribution businesses within National Grid Gas plc. This is calculated as net debt expressed as a percentage of RAV, and indicates the level of debt employed to fund our UK regulated businesses. It is compared with the level of RAV gearing indicated by Ofgem as being appropriate for these businesses, at around 60%.
National Grid USA and its public utility subsidiaries, all consolidated subsidiaries of National Grid, are subject to restrictions on the payment of dividends by administrative order and contract. Orders by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and applicable state regulatory commissions limit the payment of dividends to cumulative retained earnings, including pre-acquisition retained earnings. Other orders by federal and state commissions require National Grid USA and its public utility subsidiaries to maintain a minimum equity to capital ratio of between 30% to 44%, varying by entity and order or covenant.
Some of our regulatory and bank loan agreements additionally impose lower limits for the long-term credit ratings that certain companies within the group must hold. All of the above requirements are monitored on a regular basis in order to ensure compliance. Additional information is provided on page 77. The Company has complied with all externally imposed capital requirements to which it is subject.
We purchase electricity and gas in order to supply our customers in the US and also to meet our own energy requirements.
Substantially all our costs of purchasing electricity and gas for supply to customers are recoverable at an amount equal to cost. The timing of recovery of these costs can vary between financial periods leading to an under- or over-recovery within any particular financial period.
We enter into forward contracts for the purchase of commodities, some of which do not meet the own use exemption for accounting purposes and hence are accounted for as derivatives. We also enter into derivative financial instruments linked to commodity prices, including index-linked swaps and futures contracts. These derivative financial instruments are used to manage market price volatility and are carried at fair value on the balance sheet, with the mark-to-market changes reflected through earnings.
Our energy procurement risk management policy and delegations of authority govern our US commodity trading activities for energy transactions. The purpose of this policy is to ensure we transact within pre-defined risk parameters and only in the physical and financial markets where we or our customers have a physical market requirement.
The credit policy for commodity transactions is owned and monitored by the energy procurement risk management committee, under authority delegated by the Board and Executive Committee, and establishes controls and procedures to determine, monitor and minimise the credit risk of counterparties. The valuation of our commodity contracts considers the risk of credit by utilising the most current default probabilities and the most current published credit ratings. We also use internal analysis to guide us in setting credit and risk levels and use contractual arrangements including netting agreements as applicable.
The counterparty exposure for our commodity derivatives is £71m (2011: £110m), and after netting agreements it was £58m (2011: £73m).
162 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
33. Commodity risk continued
(a) Fair value analysis
The fair value of our commodity contracts by type can be analysed as follows:
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | Liabilities | Total | Assets | Liabilities | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
£m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | |||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity purchase contracts accounted for as derivative contracts |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forward purchases of electricity |
| (119 | ) | (119 | ) | | (101 | ) | (101 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Forward purchases/sales of gas |
48 | (77 | ) | (29 | ) | 42 | (83 | ) | (41 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments linked to commodity prices |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electricity swaps |
1 | (25 | ) | (24 | ) | 4 | (18 | ) | (14 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Electricity options |
10 | | 10 | 62 | | 62 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gas swaps |
12 | (39 | ) | (27 | ) | 2 | (17 | ) | (15 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
71 | (260 | ) | (189 | ) | 110 | (219 | ) | (109 | ) |
The fair value classification of our commodity contracts is as follows; a definition of each level can be found on page 158:
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
£m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts |
| 13 | 58 | 71 | | 6 | 104 | 110 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity contracts |
| (62 | ) | (198 | ) | (260 | ) | | (36 | ) | (183 | ) | (219 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
| (49 | ) | (140 | ) | (189 | ) | | (30 | ) | (79 | ) | (109 | ) |
Our level 3 commodity contracts primarily consist of our forward purchases of electricity and gas where pricing inputs are unobservable, as well as other complex transactions. Complex transactions can introduce the need for internally developed models based on reasonable assumptions. Industry standard valuation techniques such as the Black-Scholes pricing model and Monte Carlo simulation are used for valuing such instruments. Level 3 is also applied in cases when optionality is present or where an extrapolated forward curve is considered unobservable. All published forward curves are verified to market data; if forward curves differ from market data by 5% or more they are considered unobservable.
The changes in the value of our level 3 commodity contracts are as follows:
2012
£m |
2011
£m |
|||||||
At 1 April |
(79 | ) | (124 | ) | ||||
Net (losses)/gains for the year (i) |
(98 | ) | 20 | |||||
Purchases |
(36 | ) | (42 | ) | ||||
Settlements |
73 | 68 | ||||||
Reclassification out of level 3 |
| (1 | ) | |||||
At 31 March |
(140 | ) | (79 | ) |
(i) | Losses of £96m (2011: £14m gain) are attributable to assets or liabilities held at the end of the reporting period. |
In 2011 the transfers out of level 3 were driven by changes in the observability of extrapolated forward curves.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 163
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
33. Commodity risk continued
The impacts on a post-tax basis of reasonably possible changes in significant level 3 assumptions are as follows:
2012 Income statement £m |
2011 Income statement £m |
|||||||
10% increase in commodity prices (i) |
28 | 39 | ||||||
10% decrease in commodity prices (i) |
(16 | ) | (36 | ) | ||||
Volume forecast uplift (ii) |
(5 | ) | (5 | ) | ||||
Volume forecast reduction (ii) |
6 | 3 | ||||||
Forward curve extrapolation |
(2 | ) | (1 | ) |
(i) | Level 3 commodity price sensitivity is included within the sensitivity analysis disclosed in (d) below. |
(ii) | Volumes were flexed using historical averages, or by ±10% where historical averages were not available. |
The impacts disclosed above were considered on a contract by contract basis with the most significant unobservable inputs identified.
(b) Maturity analysis
The maturity of commodity contracts measured at fair value can be analysed as follows:
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets £m |
Liabilities £m |
Total £m |
Assets £m |
Liabilities £m |
Total £m |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Less than one year |
35 | (149 | ) | (114 | ) | 16 | (118 | ) | (102 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Current |
35 | (149 | ) | (114 | ) | 16 | (118 | ) | (102 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
In 1 2 years |
9 | (38 | ) | (29 | ) | 18 | (26 | ) | (8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
In 2 3 years |
5 | (28 | ) | (23 | ) | 9 | (20 | ) | (11 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
In 3 4 years |
6 | (22 | ) | (16 | ) | 8 | (20 | ) | (12 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
In 4 5 years |
11 | (16 | ) | (5 | ) | 11 | (18 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
More than 5 years |
5 | (7 | ) | (2 | ) | 48 | (17 | ) | 31 | |||||||||||||||||
Non-current |
36 | (111 | ) | (75 | ) | 94 | (101 | ) | (7 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total |
71 | (260 | ) | (189 | ) | 110 | (219 | ) | (109 | ) |
(c) Notional quantities
For each class of commodity contract, our exposure based on the notional quantities is as follows:
2012 | 2011* | |||||||
Forward purchases of electricity (i) |
3,403 GWh | 4,257 GWh | ||||||
Forward purchases/sales of gas (ii) |
106m Dth | 100m Dth | ||||||
Electricity swaps |
5,380 GWh | 2,559 GWh | ||||||
Electricity options |
36,580 GWh | 30,248 GWh | ||||||
Gas swaps |
84m Dth | 27m Dth | ||||||
Gas options |
8m Dth | 9m Dth | ||||||
NYMEX gas futures (iii) |
21m Dth | 18m Dth |
*Comparatives have been reclassified to present items on a basis consistent with the current year classification
(i) | Forward electricity purchases have terms up to 5 years. The contractual obligations under these contracts are £206m (2011: £240m). |
(ii) | Forward gas purchases have terms up to 5 years. The contractual obligations under these contracts are £148m (2011: £247m). |
(iii) | NYMEX gas futures have been offset with related margin accounts. |
(d) Sensitivity analysis
A sensitivity analysis has been prepared on the basis that all commodity contracts are constant from the balance sheet date. Based on this, an illustrative 10% movement in commodity prices would have the following impacts after the effects of tax:
2012 Income statement £m |
2011
Income statement £m |
|||||||
10% increase in commodity prices |
29 | 58 | ||||||
10% decrease in commodity prices |
(23 | ) | (54 | ) |
The income statement sensitivities would affect commodity remeasurements.
164 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
The table below shows our significant bonds in issue, being those with approximately £100m equivalent original notional value or greater. Unless otherwise indicated, these instruments were outstanding at both 31 March 2012 and 2011.
Issuer | Original Notional Value | Description of Instrument | Due | |||
Bonds |
||||||
Boston Gas Company |
USD 500m | 4.487% Fixed Rate (i) | 2042 | |||
British Transco Finance Inc. |
USD 300m | 6.625% Fixed Rate | 2018 | |||
British Transco International Finance BV |
USD 1,500m | Zero Coupon Bond | 2021 | |||
Brooklyn Union Gas Company |
USD 153m | 4.7% GFRBs Series 1996 | 2021 | |||
USD 400m | 5.6% Senior Unsecured Note | 2016 | ||||
KeySpan Corporation |
USD 250m | MTN 8.00% | 2030 | |||
USD 307m | 5.803% Notes | 2035 | ||||
USD 150m | 4.65% Notes | 2013 | ||||
USD 150m | 5.875% Notes | 2033 | ||||
KeySpan Gas East Corporation |
USD 500m | 5.819% Fixed Rate | 2041 | |||
(National Grid Energy Delivery Long Island) |
||||||
Massachusetts Electric Company |
USD 800m | 5.90% Fixed Rate | 2039 | |||
National Grid Electricity Transmission plc |
EUR 600m | 6.625% Fixed Rate | 2014 | |||
GBP 300m | 2.983% Guaranteed Retail Price Index Linked | 2018 | ||||
GBP 220m | 3.806% Retail Price Index Linked | 2020 | ||||
GBP 450m | 5.875% Fixed Rate | 2024 | ||||
GBP 360m | 6.5% Fixed Rate | 2028 | ||||
GBP 200m | 1.6449% Retail Price Index Linked | 2036 | ||||
GBP 150m | 1.823% Retail Price Index Linked | 2056 | ||||
GBP 150m | 1.8575% Index Linked | 2039 | ||||
GBP 379m | 7.375% Fixed Rate | 2031 | ||||
National Grid Gas plc |
GBP 300m | 6.0% Fixed Rate | 2017 | |||
GBP 275m | 8.75% Fixed Rate | 2025 | ||||
GBP 100m | 1.6747% Retail Price Index Linked | 2036 | ||||
GBP 115m | 1.7298% Retail Price Index Linked | 2046 | ||||
GBP 100m | 1.6298% Retail Price Index Linked | 2048 | ||||
GBP 100m | 1.5522% Retail Price Index Linked | 2048 | ||||
GBP 300m | 1.754% Retail Price Index Linked | 2036 | ||||
GBP 140m | 1.7864% Index Linked | 2037 | ||||
GBP 100m | 1.9158% Index Linked | 2037 | ||||
GBP 100m | 1.7762% Index Linked | 2037 | ||||
GBP 100m | 1.7744% Index Linked | 2039 | ||||
GBP 100m | 1.8625% Index Linked | 2039 | ||||
GBP 484m | 6.375% Fixed Rate | 2020 | ||||
GBP 503m | 4.1875% Index Linked | 2022 | ||||
GBP 503m | 7.0% Fixed Rate | 2024 | ||||
EUR 800m | 5.125% Fixed Rate | 2013 | ||||
EUR 163m | 4.36% EUR-HICP Linked | 2018 | ||||
GBP 457m | 6.0% Fixed Rate | 2038 | ||||
National Grid plc |
CAD 200m | 4.98% Fixed Rate (ii) | 2011 | |||
EUR 1,000m | 4.125% Fixed Rate | 2013 | ||||
EUR 600m | 5.0% Fixed Rate | 2018 | ||||
EUR 500m | 4.375% Fixed Rate | 2020 | ||||
EUR 750m | Floating Rate (ii) | 2012 | ||||
GBP 300m | 5.25% Fixed Rate (ii) | 2011 | ||||
GBP 310m | 5.5% Fixed Rate | 2013 | ||||
USD 1,000m | 6.3% Fixed Rate | 2016 | ||||
EUR 578m | 6.5% Fixed Rate | 2014 | ||||
GBP 414m | 6.125% Fixed Rate | 2014 | ||||
GBP 283m | 1.25% Retail Price Index Linked (i) | 2021 |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 165
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
34. Bonds and facilities continued
Issuer | Original Notional Value | Description of Instrument | Due | |||
Bonds continued |
||||||
National Grid USA |
EUR 500m | 3.25% Fixed Rate (i) | 2015 | |||
NGG Finance plc |
EUR 750m | 6.125% Fixed Rate (ii) | 2011 | |||
Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation |
USD 750m | 4.881% Fixed Rate | 2019 | |||
USD 500m | 3.553% Fixed Rate | 2014 | ||||
The Narragansett Electric Company |
USD 250m | 4.534% Fixed Rate | 2020 | |||
USD 300m | 5.638% Fixed Rate | 2040 | ||||
Bank loans and other loans |
||||||
National Grid Grain LNG Limited |
GBP 120m | Floating Rate | 2014 | |||
GBP 140m | Floating Rate | 2023 | ||||
National Grid Electricity Transmission plc |
GBP 200m | Floating Rate | 2012 | |||
GBP 200m | Floating Rate | 2017 | ||||
GBP 100m | 0.96% Retail Price Index Linked (i) | 2021 | ||||
National Grid Gas plc |
GBP 200m | Floating Rate | 2012 | |||
GBP 180m | 1.88% Retail Price Index Linked | 2022 | ||||
GBP 190m | 2.14% Retail Price Index Linked | 2022 | ||||
GBP 360m | Retail Price Index Linked | 2024 | ||||
National Grid Holdings Inc. |
USD 250m | Floating Rate (i) | 2013 | |||
USD 250m | Floating Rate (i) | 2013 | ||||
USD 500m | Floating Rate (i) | 2014 | ||||
National Grid Holdings Limited |
GBP 250m | 4.13840% Fixed Rate (ii) | 2011 | |||
National Grid USA |
USD 250m | Floating Rate (ii) | 2014 | |||
USD 150m | Floating Rate (ii) | 2014 |
(i) | Issued during the year ended 31 March 2012. |
(ii) | Matured or repurchased during the year ended 31 March 2012. |
No significant bonds have been announced to the market or issued subsequent to 31 March 2012, up to the date of the signing of the accounts.
Borrowing facilities
At 31 March 2012, there were bilateral committed credit facilities of £1,140m (2011: £2,086m), of which £1,140m (2011: £2,086m) were undrawn. In addition, there were committed credit facilities from syndicates of banks of £844m at 31 March 2012 (2011: £812m), of which £844m (2011: £812m) were undrawn. An analysis of the maturity of these undrawn committed facilities is shown below:
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Undrawn committed borrowing facilities expiring: |
||||||||
Less than 1 year |
313 | 330 | ||||||
In 1-2 years |
| 899 | ||||||
In 2-3 years |
1,140 | | ||||||
In 3-4 years |
531 | 1,140 | ||||||
In 4-5 years |
| 529 | ||||||
1,984 | 2,898 |
In addition to the committed facilities at 31 March 2012, we have negotiated a further £860m equivalent available for five years from July 2012.
At 31 March 2012 of the unused facilities £1,671m (2011: £2,568m) was held as back up to commercial paper and similar borrowings, while £313m (2011: £330m) is available as back up to specific US borrowings.
166 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
35. Share options and reward plans
We operate four principal forms of share option and share reward plans. These plans include an employee Sharesave scheme, a Long Term Performance Plan (LTPP), the Deferred Share Plan and the Retention Award Plans. In any ten year period, the maximum number of shares that may be issued or issuable pursuant to these share plans may not exceed 10% of the issued ordinary share capital.
Active share plans
|
Sharesave scheme share options are offered to employees at 80% of the market price at the time of the invitation. The share options are exercisable on completion of a three and/or five year Save As You Earn contract. |
|
LTPP awards granted in National Grid shares (ADSs for US participants) are made to Executive Directors and senior employees. The criteria are based on adjusted EPS (50%) when compared to the growth in RPI, the Companys total shareholder return (25%) when compared to the median TSR of the FTSE 100 companies and return on equity (25%) compared against the relevant allowed regulatory return. |
|
Deferred Share Plan 50% of any Annual Performance Plan awarded to the Executive Directors and a fixed percentage awarded to senior employees is automatically deferred into National Grid shares (ADSs for US participants) which are held in trust for three years before release. |
|
Retention Award Plans awards delivered in National Grid shares (ADSs for US participants) to senior employees and vest in equal tranches over a period up to four years provided the employee remains employed by the Company. |
Additional information in respect of active share plans (excluding Sharesave scheme)
2012
millions |
2011
millions |
|||||||
Awards of ordinary share equivalents at 1 April |
14.8 | 10.2 | ||||||
Impact of rights issue |
| 1.5 | ||||||
Transfer of PSP to non-active share plans* |
(13.0 | ) | | |||||
Awards made |
4.0 | 5.5 | ||||||
Lapses/forfeits |
| (1.5) | ||||||
Awards vested |
(0.7 | ) | (0.9) | |||||
Awards of ordinary share equivalents at 31 March |
5.1 | 14.8 | ||||||
Conditional awards available for release at 31 March |
| 1.4 |
*PSP has been presented as an inactive plan for the whole of 2011/12
Non-active share plans
We also have historical plans where awards are still outstanding but no further awards will be granted. These include the Share Matching Plan and the Performance Share Plan (PSP), for which 64,157 and 1,232,397 awards are available for release as at 31 March 2012 respectively and the Executive Share Option Plan, for which details of movements are provided below.
Share options Sharesave scheme and Executive Share Option Plan
Sharesave scheme | Executive Share Option Plan | |||||||||||||||||||
Weighted
£ |
millions |
Weighted
£ |
millions |
Total
options millions |
||||||||||||||||
At 1 April 2010 |
5.05 | 18.4 | 4.92 | 0.9 | 19.3 | |||||||||||||||
Impact of rights issue |
| 2.1 | | 0.1 | 2.2 | |||||||||||||||
Granted |
4.45 | 3.9 | | | 3.9 | |||||||||||||||
Lapsed expired |
4.57 | (1.4 | ) | 4.61 | (0.3 | ) | (1.7) | |||||||||||||
Exercised |
4.31 | (3.5 | ) | 4.37 | (0.2 | ) | (3.7) | |||||||||||||
At 31 March 2011 |
4.43 | 19.5 | 4.03 | 0.5 | 20.0 | |||||||||||||||
Granted |
4.96 | 3.9 | | | 3.9 | |||||||||||||||
Lapsed expired |
4.57 | (0.6 | ) | | | (0.6) | ||||||||||||||
Exercised |
4.29 | (3.5 | ) | 4.03 | (0.3 | ) | (3.8) | |||||||||||||
At 31 March 2012 |
4.56 | 19.3 | 4.01 | 0.2 | 19.5 | |||||||||||||||
Exercisable |
||||||||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2012 |
4.52 | 0.2 | 4.01 | 0.2 | 0.4 | |||||||||||||||
At 31 March 2011 |
4.83 | 1.2 | 4.03 | 0.4 | 1.6 | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average share price at exercise date |
||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended 31 March 2012 |
6.16 | 3.5 | 6.21 | 0.3 | 3.8 | |||||||||||||||
Year ended 31 March 2011 |
5.53 | 3.5 | 5.59 | 0.2 | 3.7 |
The weighted average remaining contractual life of options in the employee Sharesave scheme at 31 March 2012 was two years. These options have exercise prices between £3.80 and £5.73 per ordinary share. The aggregate intrinsic value of all options outstanding and exercisable at 31 March 2012 amounted to £47m and £2m respectively.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 167
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
35. Share options and reward plans continued
Awards under share option and reward plans
2012 pence |
2011 pence |
2010 pence |
||||||||
Share options |
||||||||||
Average share price at date of grant |
607.0 | 564.5 | 676.0 | |||||||
Average exercise price |
496.0 | 445.0 | 520.0 | |||||||
Average fair value |
90.5 | 137.0 | 161.1 | |||||||
Other share plans |
||||||||||
Average share price at date of grant |
602.1 | 493.3 | 598.2 | |||||||
Average fair value |
483.2 | 327.8 | 355.6 | |||||||
Fair value calculation assumptions |
||||||||||
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||||
Dividend yield (%) |
6.4-6.9 | 4.4-5.0 | 4.4-5.0 | |||||||
Volatility (%) |
25.4-28.0 | 22.4-26.1 | 22.4-26.1 | |||||||
Risk free investment rate (%) |
0.6-1.2 | 2.5 | 2.5 | |||||||
Average life (years) |
4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
The fair values of awards under the Sharesave scheme have been calculated using the Black-Scholes European model. The fair value of awards with total shareholder return performance conditions are calculated using a Monte Carlo Simulation model. Fair values of other awards are calculated as the share price at grant date, less the present value of dividends not received in the vesting period.
Volatility was derived based on the following, and is assumed to revert from its current implied level to its long-run mean based on historical volatility under (ii) below:
(i) | implied volatility in traded options over the Companys shares; |
(ii) | historical volatility of the Companys shares over a term commensurate with the expected life of each option; and |
(iii) | implied volatility of comparator companies where options in their shares are traded. |
Additional information in respect of share options
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
2010 £m |
||||
Share options exercised |
||||||
Cash received on exercise of all share options during the year |
13 | 18 | 18 | |||
Tax benefits realised from share options exercised during the year |
6 | 3 | 8 |
168 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
36. Subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates
Principal subsidiary undertakings
The principal subsidiary undertakings included in the consolidated financial statements at 31 March 2012 are listed below. These undertakings are wholly-owned and, unless otherwise indicated, are incorporated in England and Wales.
Principal activity | ||||
National Grid Gas plc |
Transmission and distribution of gas | |||
National Grid Electricity Transmission plc |
Transmission of electricity | |||
New England Power Company (i) |
Transmission of electricity | |||
Massachusetts Electric Company (i) |
Distribution of electricity | |||
The Narragansett Electric Company (i) |
Transmission and distribution of electricity | |||
Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation (i) |
Transmission of electricity and distribution of electricity and gas | |||
National Grid Metering Limited |
Metering services | |||
National Grid Grain LNG Limited |
LNG importation and storage | |||
Boston Gas Company (i) |
Distribution of gas | |||
National Grid Generation LLC (i) |
Generation of electricity | |||
KeySpan Gas East Corporation (i) |
Distribution of gas | |||
The Brooklyn Union Gas Company (i) |
Distribution of gas | |||
NGG Finance plc |
Financing | |||
National Grid Property Holdings Limited |
Property services | |||
National Grid Holdings One plc |
Holding company | |||
Lattice Group plc |
Holding company | |||
National Grid USA (i) |
Holding company | |||
Niagara Mohawk Holdings, Inc. (i) |
Holding company | |||
National Grid Commercial Holdings Limited |
Holding company | |||
National Grid Holdings Limited |
Holding company | |||
KeySpan Corporation (i) |
Holding company | |||
National Grid Holdings Inc. (i) |
Holding company | |||
British Transco Finance Inc. (i) |
Financing | |||
British Transco International Finance BV (incorporated in the Netherlands) |
Financing |
(i) | Incorporated in the US. |
Principal joint ventures and associates
The principal joint ventures and associated undertakings included in the financial statements at 31 March 2012 are listed below. These undertakings are incorporated in England and Wales (unless otherwise indicated).
% of ordinary shares held |
Principal activity | |||
BritNed Development Limited |
50 | UK/Netherlands interconnector | ||
Millennium Pipeline Company, LLC (i) |
26.25 | Transmission of gas | ||
Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. (i) |
20.4 | Transmission of gas |
(i) | Incorporated in the US. |
A full list of all subsidiary and associated undertakings is available from the Company Secretary & General Counsel of the Company.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 169
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
37. National Grid Gas plc and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation additional disclosures
The following condensed consolidating financial information, comprising statements of comprehensive income, balance sheets and cash flow statements, is given in respect of National Grid Gas plc (Subsidiary guarantor), which became joint full and unconditional guarantor on 11 May 2004 with National Grid plc (Parent guarantor) of the 6.625% Guaranteed Notes due 2018 issued in June 1998 by British Transco Finance Inc., then known as British Gas Finance Inc. (issuer of notes). Condensed consolidating financial information is also provided in respect of Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation as a result of National Grid plcs guarantee, dated 29 October 2007, of Niagara Mohawks 3.6% and 3.9% issued preferred shares. National Grid Gas plc, British Transco Finance Inc., and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation are wholly-owned subsidiaries of National Grid plc.
The following financial information for National Grid plc, National Grid Gas plc, British Transco Finance Inc., and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation on a condensed consolidating basis is intended to provide investors with meaningful and comparable financial information and is provided pursuant to Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X in lieu of the separate financial statements of each subsidiary issuer of public debt securities.
This financial information should be read in conjunction with the Companys financial statements and footnotes presented in our 2011/12 Annual Report and Accounts.
Summary statements of comprehensive income are presented, on a consolidating basis, for the three years ended 31 March 2012. Summary statements of comprehensive income of National Grid plc and National Grid Gas plc are presented under IFRS measurement principles, as modified by the inclusion of the results of subsidiary undertakings on the basis of equity accounting principles.
The summary balance sheets of National Grid plc and National Grid Gas plc include the investments in subsidiaries recorded on the basis of equity accounting principles for the purposes of presenting condensed consolidating financial information under IFRS. The summary balance sheets present these investments within non-current financial and other investments.
The consolidation adjustments column includes the necessary amounts to eliminate the intercompany balances and transactions between National Grid plc, National Grid Gas plc, British Transco Finance Inc., Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation and other subsidiaries.
170 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
37. National Grid Gas plc and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation additional disclosures continued
Summary statements of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 March 2012 IFRS
Parent
guarantor |
Issuer of notes |
Subsidiary
guarantor |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Niagara | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mohawk | British | National | National | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
National | Power | Transco | Grid Gas | Other | Consolidation | Grid | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grid plc | Corporation | Finance Inc. | plc | subsidiaries | adjustments | consolidated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
£m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
| 2,269 | | 2,909 | 8,828 | (174 | ) | 13,832 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating costs |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortisation |
| (115 | ) | | (491 | ) | (666 | ) | | (1,272) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payroll costs |
| (273 | ) | | (228 | ) | (970 | ) | | (1,471) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of electricity |
| (530 | ) | | | (915 | ) | | (1,445) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of gas |
| (169 | ) | | (133 | ) | (1,221 | ) | | (1,523) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rates and property taxes |
| (137 | ) | | (236 | ) | (582 | ) | | (955) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balancing Service Incentive Scheme |
| | | | (818 | ) | | (818) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payments to other UK network owners |
| | | | (407 | ) | | (407) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating costs |
1 | (501 | ) | | (486 | ) | (1,590 | ) | 174 | (2,402) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1 | (1,725 | ) | | (1,574 | ) | (7,169 | ) | 174 | (10,293) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
1 | 544 | | 1,335 | 1,659 | | 3,539 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net finance costs |
(133 | ) | (71 | ) | | (406 | ) | (377 | ) | | (987) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends receivable |
| | | | 350 | (350 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest in equity accounted affiliates |
2,141 | | | 5 | 7 | (2,146 | ) | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit before tax |
2,009 | 473 | | 934 | 1,639 | (2,496 | ) | 2,559 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxation |
27 | (195 | ) | | (102 | ) | (251 | ) | | (521) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
2,036 | 278 | | ( i ) | 832 | 1,388 | (2,496 | ) | 2,038 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income (ii) |
(887 | ) | (50 | ) | | 9 | (880 | ) | 921 | (887) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year |
1,149 | 228 | | 841 | 508 | (1,575 | ) | 1,151 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity shareholders |
1,149 | 228 | | 841 | 506 | (1,575 | ) | 1,149 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
| | | | 2 | | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1,149 | 228 | | 841 | 508 | (1,575 | ) | 1,151 |
(i) | Profit for the year for British Transco Finance Inc. is £nil as interest payable to external bond holders is offset by interest receivable on loans to National Grid Gas plc. |
(ii) | Includes other comprehensive income relating to interest in equity accounted affiliates. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 171
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
37. National Grid Gas plc and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation additional disclosures continued
Summary statements of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 March 2011 IFRS
Parent guarantor |
Issuer of notes |
Subsidiary guarantor |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
National
£m |
Niagara
Mohawk Power Corporation £m |
British
Transco Finance Inc. £m |
National Grid Gas plc £m |
Other
subsidiaries £m |
Consolidation
adjustments £m |
National
Grid consolidated £m |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
| 2,606 | | 2,739 | 9,174 | (176) | 14,343 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating costs |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortisation |
| (133) | | (455) | (664) | | (1,252) | |||||||||||||||||||
Payroll costs |
| (288) | | (236) | (972) | | (1,496) | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of electricity |
| (628) | | | (854) | | (1,482) | |||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of gas |
| (244) | | (141) | (1,635) | | (2,020) | |||||||||||||||||||
Rates and property taxes |
| (151) | | (239) | (555) | | (945) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balancing Service Incentive Scheme |
| | | | (581) | | (581) | |||||||||||||||||||
Payments to other UK network owners |
| | | | (298) | | (298) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other operating costs |
| (375) | | (489) | (1,836) | 176 | (2,524) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (1,819) | | (1,560) | (7,395) | 176 | (10,598) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
| 787 | | 1,179 | 1,779 | | 3,745 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net finance costs |
(261) | (119) | | (395) | (353) | | (1,128) | |||||||||||||||||||
Dividends receivable |
| | | | 400 | (400) | | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest in equity accounted affiliates |
2,360 | | | 7 | 7 | (2,367) | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||
Profit before tax |
2,099 | 668 | | 791 | 1,833 | (2,767) | 2,624 | |||||||||||||||||||
Taxation |
64 | (236) | | (97) | (192) | | (461) | |||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
2,163 | 432 | ( i ) | 694 | 1,641 | (2,767) | 2,163 | |||||||||||||||||||
Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income (ii) |
301 | 49 | | 7 | 351 | (407) | 301 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year |
2,464 | 481 | | 701 | 1,992 | (3,174) | 2,464 | |||||||||||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity shareholders |
2,460 | 481 | | 701 | 1,988 | (3,170) | 2,460 | |||||||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
4 | | | | 4 | (4) | 4 | |||||||||||||||||||
2,464 | 481 | | 701 | 1,992 | (3,174) | 2,464 |
(i) | Profit for the year for British Transco Finance Inc. is £nil as interest payable to external bond holders is offset by interest receivable on loans to National Grid Gas plc. |
(ii) | Includes other comprehensive income relating to interest in equity accounted affiliates. |
172 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
37. National Grid Gas plc and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation additional disclosures continued
Summary statements of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 March 2010 IFRS
Parent
guarantor |
Issuer of notes |
Subsidiary
guarantor |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
National
£m |
Niagara
Mohawk Power Corporation £m |
British
Transco Finance Inc. £m |
National Grid Gas plc £m |
Other
subsidiaries £m |
Consolidation
adjustments £m |
National
Grid consolidated £m |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue |
| 2,409 | | 2,787 | 9,008 | (197 | ) | 14,007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating costs |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortisation |
| (131 | ) | | (430 | ) | (633 | ) | | (1,194) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payroll costs |
| (274 | ) | | (224 | ) | (904 | ) | | (1,402) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of electricity |
| (575 | ) | | | (998 | ) | | (1,573) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of gas |
| (253 | ) | | (155 | ) | (1,834 | ) | | (2,242) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rates and property taxes |
| (126 | ) | | (248 | ) | (533 | ) | | (907) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balancing Service Incentive Scheme |
| | | | (691 | ) | | (691) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payments to other UK network owners |
| | | | (260 | ) | | (260) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating costs |
4 | (435 | ) | | (633 | ) | (1,578 | ) | 197 | (2,445) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4 | (1,794 | ) | | (1,690 | ) | (7,431 | ) | 197 | (10,714) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
4 | 615 | | 1,097 | 1,577 | | 3,293 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net finance costs |
(227 | ) | (96 | ) | | (224 | ) | (561 | ) | | (1,108) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends receivable |
| | | | 300 | (300 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest in equity accounted affiliates |
1,558 | | | 12 | 8 | (1,570 | ) | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit before tax |
1,335 | 519 | | 885 | 1,324 | (1,870 | ) | 2,193 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Taxation |
54 | (225 | ) | | (285 | ) | (348 | ) | | (804) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
1,389 | 294 | | ( i ) | 600 | 976 | (1,870 | ) | 1,389 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts recognised in other comprehensive income (ii) |
(508 | ) | (22 | ) | | (47 | ) | (473 | ) | 542 | (508) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income for the year |
881 | 272 | | 553 | 503 | (1,328 | ) | 881 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity shareholders |
879 | 272 | | 553 | 501 | (1,326 | ) | 879 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
2 | | | | 2 | (2 | ) | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
881 | 272 | | 553 | 503 | (1,328 | ) | 881 |
(i) | Profit for the year for British Transco Finance Inc. is £nil as interest payable to external bond holders is offset by interest receivable on loans to National Grid Gas plc. |
(ii) | Includes other comprehensive income relating to interest in equity accounted affiliates. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 173
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
37. National Grid Gas plc and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation additional disclosures continued
Balance sheets as at 31 March 2012 IFRS
Parent
guarantor |
Issuer of notes |
Subsidiary
guarantor |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
National
£m |
Niagara
Mohawk Power Corporation £m |
British
£m |
National
plc £m |
Other
subsidiaries £m |
Consolidation
adjustments £m |
National
Grid consolidated £m |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
| 701 | | | 4,075 | | 4,776 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other intangible assets |
| 9 | | 229 | 308 | | 546 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
| 4,038 | | 11,650 | 18,013 | | 33,701 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
1 | | | | | (1 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other non-current assets |
| 2 | | 11 | 82 | | 95 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings |
537 | | | 5,611 | | (6,148 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension assets |
| 155 | | | | | 155 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Financial and other investments |
10,811 | 22 | | 37 | 9,838 | (20,116 | ) | 592 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial assets |
624 | | | 856 | 339 | | 1,819 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total non-current assets |
11,973 | 4,927 | | 18,394 | 32,655 | (26,265 | ) | 41,684 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Inventories and current intangible assets |
| 36 | | 25 | 315 | | 376 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
4 | 405 | | 282 | 1,280 | | 1,971 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings |
9,346 | 32 | 191 | 173 | 9,740 | (19,482 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Financial and other investments |
830 | 22 | | 432 | 1,107 | | 2,391 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial assets |
207 | | | 85 | 135 | (110 | ) | 317 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
26 | 1 | | | 305 | | 332 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total current assets |
10,413 | 496 | 191 | 997 | 12,882 | (19,592 | ) | 5,387 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets of businesses held for sale |
| | | | 264 | | 264 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
22,386 | 5,423 | 191 | 19,391 | 45,801 | (45,857 | ) | 47,335 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
(897) | (12 | ) | (4 | ) | (832) | (747 | ) | | (2,492 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities |
(202) | | | (52) | (18 | ) | 110 | (162 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(37) | (258 | ) | | (573) | (1,817 | ) | | (2,685 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings |
(8,429) | (260 | ) | | (1,051) | (9,742 | ) | 19,482 | | |||||||||||||||||||
Current tax liabilities |
| (173 | ) | | (21) | (189 | ) | | (383 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Provisions |
| (22 | ) | | (57) | (203 | ) | | (282 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
(9,565) | (725 | ) | (4 | ) | (2,586) | (12,716 | ) | 19,592 | (6,004 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
(3,119) | (1,309 | ) | (187 | ) | (6,568) | (9,350 | ) | | (20,533 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities |
(463) | | | (391) | (415 | ) | | (1,269 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
| (235 | ) | | (1,079) | (607 | ) | | (1,921 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings |
| | | | (6,148 | ) | 6,148 | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| (400 | ) | | (1,824) | (1,515 | ) | 1 | (3,738 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Pensions and other post-retirement benefit obligations |
| (913 | ) | | | (2,175 | ) | | (3,088 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Provisions |
| (248 | ) | | (102) | (1,099 | ) | | (1,449 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total non-current liabilities |
(3,582) | (3,105 | ) | (187 | ) | (9,964) | (21,309 | ) | 6,149 | (31,998 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Liabilities of businesses held for sale |
| | | | (87 | ) | | (87 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
(13,147) | (3,830 | ) | (191 | ) | (12,550) | (34,112 | ) | 25,741 | (38,089 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net assets |
9,239 | 1,593 | | 6,841 | 11,689 | (20,116 | ) | 9,246 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Called up share capital |
422 | 117 | | 45 | 182 | (344 | ) | 422 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Share premium account |
1,355 | 1,835 | | 204 | 7,426 | (9,465 | ) | 1,355 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Retained earnings |
12,297 | (363 | ) | | 5,287 | 4,303 | (9,227 | ) | 12,297 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other equity reserves |
(4,835) | 4 | | 1,305 | (229 | ) | (1,080 | ) | (4,835 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders equity |
9,239 | 1,593 | | 6,841 | 11,682 | (20,116 | ) | 9,239 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
| | | | 7 | | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total equity |
9,239 | 1,593 | | 6,841 | 11,689 | (20,116 | ) | 9,246 |
174 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
37. National Grid Gas plc and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation additional disclosures continued
Balance sheets as at 31 March 2011 IFRS
Parent
guarantor |
Issuer of notes |
Subsidiary
guarantor |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
National
£m |
Niagara
Mohawk Power Corporation £m |
British
£m |
National
plc £m |
Other
subsidiaries £m |
Consolidation
adjustments £m |
National
Grid consolidated £m |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill |
| 697 | | | 4,079 | | 4,776 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other intangible assets |
| 4 | | 185 | 312 | | 501 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
| 3,876 | | 11,290 | 16,790 | | 31,956 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
4 | | | | | (4 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other non-current assets |
| 64 | | 10 | 61 | | 135 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings |
311 | | | 5,611 | | (5,922 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pension assets |
| 154 | | | 402 | | 556 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Financial and other investments |
9,504 | 20 | | 30 | 9,841 | (18,802 | ) | 593 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial assets |
576 | | | 535 | 159 | | 1,270 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total non-current assets |
10,395 | 4,815 | | 17,661 | 31,644 | (24,728 | ) | 39,787 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Inventories and current intangible assets |
| 24 | | 40 | 256 | | 320 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
3 | 498 | | 217 | 1,494 | | 2,212 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings |
9,985 | 16 | 190 | 107 | 9,552 | (19,850 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Financial and other investments |
1,424 | 12 | | 223 | 1,280 | | 2,939 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial assets |
244 | | | 80 | 198 | (54 | ) | 468 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
200 | 2 | | 83 | 99 | | 384 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total current assets |
11,856 | 552 | 190 | 750 | 12,879 | (19,904 | ) | 6,323 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Assets of businesses held for sale |
| | | | 290 | | 290 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
22,251 | 5,367 | 190 | 18,411 | 44,813 | (44,632 | ) | 46,400 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
(1,125) | (11 | ) | (4 | ) | (410) | (1,402 | ) | | (2,952 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities |
(194) | | | (22) | (28 | ) | 54 | (190 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
(34) | (259 | ) | | (654) | (1,881 | ) | | (2,828 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings |
(7,957) | (422 | ) | | (1,171) | (10,300 | ) | 19,850 | | |||||||||||||||||||
Current tax liabilities |
| (222 | ) | | (23) | (258 | ) | | (503 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Provisions |
| (22 | ) | | (79) | (252 | ) | | (353 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total current liabilities |
(9,310) | (936 | ) | (4 | ) | (2,359) | (14,121 | ) | 19,904 | (6,826 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
(3,628) | (1,293 | ) | (186 | ) | (6,535) | (8,604 | ) | | (20,246 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Derivative financial liabilities |
(253) | | | (85) | (66 | ) | | (404 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other non-current liabilities |
| (291 | ) | | (1,097) | (556 | ) | | (1,944 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings |
| | | | (5,922 | ) | 5,922 | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
| (286 | ) | | (1,873) | (1,611 | ) | 4 | (3,766 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Pensions and other post-retirement benefit obligations |
| (967 | ) | | | (1,607 | ) | | (2,574 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Provisions |
| (243 | ) | | (121) | (1,097 | ) | | (1,461 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total non-current liabilities |
(3,881) | (3,080 | ) | (186 | ) | (9,711) | (19,463 | ) | 5,926 | (30,395 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Liabilities of businesses held for sale |
| | | | (110 | ) | | (110 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
(13,191) | (4,016 | ) | (190 | ) | (12,070) | (33,694 | ) | 25,830 | (37,331 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net assets |
9,060 | 1,351 | | 6,341 | 11,119 | (18,802 | ) | 9,069 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Called up share capital |
416 | 116 | | 45 | 183 | (344 | ) | 416 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Share premium account |
1,361 | 1,825 | | 204 | 7,183 | (9,212 | ) | 1,361 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Retained earnings |
12,153 | (591 | ) | | 4,796 | 3,962 | (8,167 | ) | 12,153 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other equity reserves |
(4,870) | 1 | | 1,296 | (218 | ) | (1,079 | ) | (4,870 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders equity |
9,060 | 1,351 | | 6,341 | 11,110 | (18,802 | ) | 9,060 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
| | | | 9 | | 9 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total equity |
9,060 | 1,351 | | 6,341 | 11,119 | (18,802 | ) | 9,069 |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 175
Financial Statements
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued
37. National Grid Gas plc and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation additional disclosures continued
Cash flow statements
Parent
guarantor |
Issuer of notes |
Subsidiary
guarantor |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
National
£m |
Niagara
Mohawk Power Corporation £m |
British
Transco Finance Inc. £m |
National
£m |
Other
subsidiaries £m |
Consolidation
adjustments £m |
National
Grid consolidated £m |
||||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended 31 March 2012 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
75 | 441 | | 1,596 | 2,116 | | 4,228 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities |
559 | (287 | ) | | (1,171) | (1,166 | ) | (306 | ) | (2,371 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities |
(808) | (155 | ) | | (502) | (741 | ) | 306 | (1,900 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year |
(174) | (1 | ) | | (77) | 209 | | (43 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Year ended 31 March 2011 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
55 | 742 | | 1,596 | 2,465 | | 4,858 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities |
2,127 | (377 | ) | | (909) | (1,850 | ) | (3,765 | ) | (4,774 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities |
(2,180) | (365 | ) | | (621) | (1,029 | ) | 3,765 | (430 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the year |
2 | | | 66 | (414 | ) | | (346 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Year ended 31 March 2010 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
| 527 | | 1,449 | 2,540 | | 4,516 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities |
600 | (307 | ) | | (367) | (1,451 | ) | (807 | ) | (2,332 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities |
(637) | (222 | ) | | (1,088) | (1,072 | ) | 807 | (2,212 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year |
(37) | (2 | ) | | (6) | 17 | | (28 | ) |
Cash dividends were received by National Grid plc from subsidiary undertakings amounting to £200m during the year ended 31 March 2012 (2011: £150m; 2010: £504m).
176 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
A. Basis of preparation of individual financial statements under UK GAAP
These individual financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with applicable UK accounting and financial reporting standards and the Companies Act 2006. They have been prepared on an historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of financial instruments, and are presented in pounds sterling, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Company operates.
The Company has not presented its own profit and loss account as permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.
The Company has taken advantage of the exemptions in FRS 8 Related Party Disclosures from disclosing transactions with other members of the National Grid plc group of companies.
In accordance with exemptions under FRS 29 Financial Instruments: Disclosures, the Company has not presented the financial instruments disclosures required by the standard, as disclosures which comply with the standard are included in the consolidated financial statements.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
B. Fixed asset investments
Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost less any provisions for impairment. Investments are reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairments are calculated such that the carrying value of the fixed asset investment is the lower of its cost or recoverable amount. Recoverable amount is the higher of its net realisable value and its value-in-use.
C. Taxation
Current tax for the current and prior periods is provided at the amount expected to be paid or recovered using the tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is provided in full on timing differences which result in an obligation at the balance sheet date to pay more tax, or the right to pay less tax, at a future date, at tax rates expected to apply when the timing differences reverse based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Timing differences arise from the inclusion of items of income and expenditure in taxation computations in periods different from those in which they are included in the financial statements.
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they will be recovered. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.
D. Foreign currencies
Transactions in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at closing exchange rates.
Gains and losses arising on retranslation of monetary assets and liabilities are included in the profit and loss account.
E. Financial instruments
Financial assets, liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after deducting all of its liabilities and is recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs, with an amount equal to the nominal amount of the shares issued included in the share capital account and the balance recorded in the share premium account.
Loans receivable are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method less any allowance for estimated impairments. A provision is established for impairments when there is objective evidence that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due under the original terms of the loan. Interest income, together with losses when the loans are impaired are recognised using the effective interest method in the profit and loss account.
Current asset financial investments are recognised at fair value plus directly related incremental transaction costs and are subsequently carried at fair value on the balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of investments classified as available-for-sale are recognised directly in equity, until the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired. At this time, the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is included in net profit or loss for the period. Investment income on investments classified as available-for-sale is recognised in the profit and loss account as it accrues.
Borrowings, which include interest-bearing loans and overdrafts are recorded at their initial fair value which normally reflects the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs less any repayments. Subsequently, these are stated at amortised cost, using the effective interest method.
Any difference between proceeds and the redemption value is recognised over the term of the borrowing in the profit and loss account using the effective interest method.
Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value. Where the fair value of a derivative is positive, it is carried as a derivative asset, and where negative as a liability. Assets and liabilities on different transactions are only netted if the transactions are with the same counterparty, a legal right of set off exists and the cash flows are intended to be settled on a net basis. Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value are included in the profit and loss account in the period they arise.
Where derivatives are embedded in other financial instruments that are closely related to those instruments, no adjustment is made with respect to such derivative clauses. Otherwise the derivative is recorded separately at fair value on the balance sheet.
The fair values of financial instruments measured at fair value that are quoted in active markets are based on bid prices for assets held and offer prices for issued liabilities. When independent prices are not available, fair values are determined by using valuation techniques which are consistent with techniques commonly used by the relevant market. The techniques use observable market data.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 177 |
Financial Statements
Company accounting policies continued
F. Hedge accounting
The Company enters into derivatives and non-derivative financial instruments in order to manage its interest rate and foreign currency exposures, with a view to managing these risks associated with the Companys underlying business activities and the financing of those activities. The principal derivatives used include interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements, currency swaps, forward foreign currency contracts and interest rate swaptions.
Hedge accounting allows derivatives to be designated as a hedge of another (non-derivative) financial instrument, to mitigate the impact of potential volatility in the profit and loss account. The Company uses two hedge accounting methods.
Firstly, changes in the carrying value of financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows (cash flow hedges) are recognised directly in equity and any ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the profit and loss account. Amounts deferred in equity in respect of cash flow hedges are subsequently recognised in the profit and loss account in the same period in which the hedged item affects net profit or loss.
Secondly, changes in the carrying value of financial instruments that are designated as hedges of the changes in the fair value of assets or liabilities (fair value hedges) are recognised in the profit and loss account. An offsetting amount is recorded as an adjustment to the carrying value of hedged items, with a corresponding entry in the profit and loss account, to the extent that the change is attributable to the risk being hedged and that the fair value hedge is effective.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the profit and loss account as they arise.
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gains or losses relating to cash flow hedges recognised in equity are initially retained in equity and subsequently recognised in the profit and loss account in the same periods in which the previously hedged item affects net profit or loss. For fair value hedges the cumulative adjustment recorded to its carrying value at the date hedge accounting is discontinued is amortised to the profit and loss account using the effective interest method.
If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to the profit and loss account immediately.
G. Parent Company guarantees
The Company has guaranteed the repayment of the principal sum, any associated premium and interest on specific loans due by certain subsidiary undertakings primarily to third parties. In the event of default or non performance by the subsidiary, the Company recognises such guarantees as insurance contracts, at fair value with a corresponding increase in the carrying value of the investment.
H. Share awards to employees of subsidiary undertakings
The Company issues equity-settled, share-based payments to certain employees of subsidiary undertakings, detailed in the Directors Report, including the Remuneration Report and in note 35 to the consolidated financial statements.
Equity-settled, share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The Company has no employees. Equity-settled, share-based payments that are made available to employees of the Companys subsidiaries are treated as increases in equity over the vesting period of the award, with a corresponding increase in the Companys investments in subsidiaries, based on an estimate of the number of shares that will eventually vest. Where payments are subsequently received from subsidiaries, these are accounted for as a return of a capital contribution and credited against the Companys investments in subsidiaries.
I. Dividends
Interim dividends are recognised when they are paid to the Companys shareholders. Final dividends are recognised when they are approved by shareholders.
178 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
at 31 March
Notes |
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
||||||||||||
Fixed assets |
||||||||||||||
Investments |
1 | 8,157 | 7,890 | |||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||||
Debtors (amounts falling due within one year) |
2 | 9,350 | 9,988 | |||||||||||
Debtors (amounts falling due after more than one year) |
2 | 538 | 315 | |||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments (amounts falling due within one year) |
4 | 207 | 244 | |||||||||||
Derivative financial instruments (amounts falling due after more than one year) |
4 | 624 | 576 | |||||||||||
Current asset investments |
5 | 855 | 1,624 | |||||||||||
Cash at bank and in hand |
1 | | ||||||||||||
11,575 | 12,747 | |||||||||||||
Creditors (amounts falling due within one year) |
3 | (9,565 | ) | (9,310 | ) | |||||||||
Net current assets |
2,010 | 3,437 | ||||||||||||
Total assets less current liabilities |
10,167 | 11,327 | ||||||||||||
Creditors (amounts falling due after more than one year) |
||||||||||||||
Borrowings |
6 | (3,119 | ) | (3,628 | ) | |||||||||
Derivative financial instruments |
4 | (463 | ) | (253 | ) | |||||||||
(3,582 | ) | (3,881 | ) | |||||||||||
Net assets |
6,585 | 7,446 | ||||||||||||
Capital and reserves |
||||||||||||||
Called up share capital |
7 | 422 | 416 | |||||||||||
Share premium account |
8 | 1,355 | 1,361 | |||||||||||
Cash flow hedge reserve |
8 | 9 | 2 | |||||||||||
Other equity reserves |
8 | 220 | 196 | |||||||||||
Profit and loss account |
8 | 4,579 | 5,471 | |||||||||||
Total shareholders funds |
9 | 6,585 | 7,446 |
Parent Company guarantees are shown in note 10 to the Company financial statements on page 183.
The notes on pages 180 to 183 form part of the individual financial statements of the Company, which were approved by the Board of Directors on 16 May 2012 and were signed on its behalf by:
Sir Peter Gershon Chairman
Andrew Bonfield Finance Director
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 179
Financial Statements
Notes to the Company financial statements
Shares
in
subsidiary undertakings £m |
||
At 1 April 2010 |
7,865 | |
Additions |
25 | |
At 31 March 2011 |
7,890 | |
Additions |
267 | |
At 31 March 2012 |
8,157 |
During the year there was a capital contribution of £24m (2011: £25m) which represents the fair value of equity instruments granted to subsidiaries employees arising from equity-settled employee share schemes. Furthermore on 22 August 2011, the Company acquired a further 69,242 ordinary shares of £1 each in National Grid (US) Holdings Limited for a total consideration of £243m.
The names of the principal subsidiary undertakings, joint ventures and associates are included in note 36 in the consolidated financial statements. The Directors believe that the carrying value of the investments is supported by the fair value of their underlying net assets.
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||
Amounts falling due within one year: |
||||||
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings |
9,346 | 9,985 | ||||
Prepayments and accrued income |
4 | 3 | ||||
9,350 | 9,988 | |||||
Amounts falling due after more than one year: |
||||||
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings |
537 | 311 | ||||
Deferred taxation |
1 | 4 | ||||
538 | 315 | |||||
Deferred
£m |
||||||
At 1 April 2010 |
2 | |||||
Charged to the profit and loss account |
(2) | |||||
Credited to equity |
4 | |||||
At 31 March 2011 |
4 | |||||
Charged to the profit and loss account |
(1) | |||||
Charged to equity |
(2) | |||||
At 31 March 2012 |
1 |
3. Creditors (amounts falling due within one year)
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||
Borrowings (note 6) |
897 | 1,125 | ||||
Derivative financial instruments (note 4) |
202 | 194 | ||||
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings |
8,429 | 7,957 | ||||
Other creditors |
37 | 34 | ||||
9,565 | 9,310 |
180 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
4. Derivative financial instruments
The fair values of derivative financial instruments are:
2012 | 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets
£m |
Liabilities
£m |
Total
£m |
Assets
£m |
Liabilities
£m |
Total
£m |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts falling due within one year |
207 | (202 | ) | 5 | 244 | (194 | ) | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||
Amounts falling due after more than one year |
624 | (463 | ) | 161 | 576 | (253 | ) | 323 | ||||||||||||||||||
831 | (665 | ) | 166 | 820 | (447 | ) | 373 |
For each class of derivative the notional contract* amounts are as follows:
000000 | 000000 | |||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Interest rate swaps |
(8,624 | ) | (9,328 | ) | ||||
Cross-currency interest rate swaps |
(3,829 | ) | (4,886 | ) | ||||
Foreign exchange forward contracts |
(9,801 | ) | (9,334 | ) | ||||
Forward rate agreements |
| (10,670 | ) | |||||
Total |
(22,254 | ) | (34,218 | ) |
*The notional contract amounts of derivatives indicate the gross nominal value of transactions outstanding at the balance sheet date
000000 | 000000 | |||||||
2012
£m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Investments in short-term money funds |
705 | 1,375 | ||||||
Short-term deposits |
34 | 200 | ||||||
Restricted cash balances collateral |
116 | 49 | ||||||
855 | 1,624 |
The following table analyses the Companys total borrowings:
000000 | 000000 | |||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Amounts falling due within one year: |
||||||||
Bank loans |
134 | 172 | ||||||
Bonds |
763 | 953 | ||||||
897 | 1,125 | |||||||
Amounts falling due after more than one year: |
||||||||
Bank loans |
125 | 133 | ||||||
Bonds |
2,994 | 3,495 | ||||||
3,119 | 3,628 | |||||||
Total borrowings |
4,016 | 4,753 | ||||||
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Total borrowings are repayable as follows: |
||||||||
Less than 1 year |
897 | 1,125 | ||||||
In 1-2 years |
373 | 714 | ||||||
In 2-3 years |
826 | 381 | ||||||
In 3-4 years |
48 | 851 | ||||||
In 4-5 years |
654 | 48 | ||||||
More than 5 years, other than by instalments |
1,218 | 1,634 | ||||||
4,016 | 4,753 |
The notional amount of borrowings outstanding as at 31 March 2012 was £3,878m (2011: £4,608m). For further information on significant borrowings, refer to note 34 in the consolidated financial statements.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 181
Financial Statements
Notes to the Company financial statements continued
Allotted, called up and fully paid |
||||||||
Ordinary shares | millions | £m | ||||||
At 1 April 2010 |
2,617 | 298 | ||||||
Rights issue |
990 | 113 | ||||||
Issued during the year in lieu of dividends (i) |
41 | 5 | ||||||
At 31 March 2011 |
3,648 | 416 | ||||||
Issued during the year in lieu of dividends (i) |
53 | 6 | ||||||
At 31 March 2012 |
3,701 | 422 |
(i) | The issue of shares in lieu of dividends is considered to be a bonus issue under the terms of the Companies Act 2006 and the nominal value of the shares is charged to the share premium account. |
During the year ended 31 March 2011, the Company completed a rights issue. The structure of the rights issue initially gave rise to a merger reserve (included within other equity reserves below) under section 612 of the Companies Act 2006. Following the receipt of the cash proceeds through the structure, the excess of the net proceeds over the nominal value of the share capital issued was transferred from the merger reserve to the profit and loss account.
For further information on share capital, refer to note 25 in the consolidated financial statements.
Share
premium account £m |
Cash flow
hedge reserve £m |
Other equity
reserves £m |
Profit and
loss account £m |
|||||||||||||
At 1 April 2010 |
1,366 | 14 | 171 | 3,261 | ||||||||||||
Transferred from equity in respect of cash flow hedges (net of tax) |
| (12 | ) | | | |||||||||||
Merger reserve created on rights issue |
| | 3,101 | | ||||||||||||
Transfer to distributable reserves |
| | (3,101 | ) | 3,101 | |||||||||||
Shares issued in lieu of dividends |
(5 | ) | | | | |||||||||||
Purchase of own shares |
| | | (3 | ) | |||||||||||
Issue of treasury shares |
| | | 18 | ||||||||||||
Share awards to employees of subsidiary undertakings |
| | 25 | | ||||||||||||
Loss for the year |
| | | (906 | ) | |||||||||||
At 31 March 2011 |
1,361 | 2 | 196 | 5,471 | ||||||||||||
Transferred from equity in respect of cash flow hedges (net of tax) |
| 7 | | | ||||||||||||
Shares issued in lieu of dividends |
(6 | ) | | | | |||||||||||
Purchase of own shares |
| | | (4 | ) | |||||||||||
Issue of treasury shares |
| | | 13 | ||||||||||||
Share awards to employees of subsidiary undertakings |
| | 24 | | ||||||||||||
Loss for the year |
| | | (901 | ) | |||||||||||
At 31 March 2012 |
1,355 | 9 | 220 | 4,579 |
There were no gains and losses, other than losses for the years stated above; therefore no separate statement of total recognised gains and losses has been presented. At 31 March 2012, £273m (2011: £623m) of the profit and loss account reserve relating to gains on intra-group transactions was not distributable to shareholders.
182 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
9. Reconciliation of movements in shareholders funds
2012 £m |
2011 £m |
|||||||
Profit /(loss)for the year after taxation |
105 | (48 | ) | |||||
Dividends (i) |
(1,006 | ) | (858 | ) | ||||
Loss for the financial year |
(901 | ) | (906 | ) | ||||
Proceeds of issue of treasury shares |
13 | 18 | ||||||
Purchase of own shares |
(4 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||
Movement on cash flow hedge reserve (net of tax) |
7 | (12 | ) | |||||
Share awards to employees of subsidiary undertakings |
24 | 25 | ||||||
Rights issue |
| 3,214 | ||||||
Net (decrease)/increase in shareholders funds |
(861 | ) | 2,336 | |||||
Opening shareholders funds |
7,446 | 5,110 | ||||||
Closing shareholders funds |
6,585 | 7,446 |
(i) | For further details of dividends paid and payable to shareholders, refer to note 7 in the consolidated financial statements. |
The Company has guaranteed the repayment of the principal sum, any associated premium and interest on specific loans due by certain subsidiary undertakings primarily to third parties. At 31 March 2012, the sterling equivalent amounted to £703m (2011: £1,874m). The guarantees are for varying terms from less than one year to open-ended.
The audit fee in respect of the parent Company was £25,000 (2011: £25,000). Fees payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for non-audit services to the Company are not required to be disclosed as they are included within note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 183
Additional Information
No compensation would be paid for loss of office of Directors on a change of control of the Company. As at 31 March 2012, the Company had undrawn borrowing facilities with a number of its banks of £0.8 billion available to it and a further £1.3 billion of drawn bank loans which, on a change of control of the Company following a takeover bid, may alter or terminate. All the Companys share plans contain provisions relating to a change of control. Outstanding awards and options would normally vest and become exercisable on a change of control, subject to the satisfaction of any performance conditions at that time. In the event of a change of control of the Company a number of governmental and regulatory consents or approvals are likely to be required arising from laws or regulations of the UK, US or the EU.
No other agreements that take effect, alter or terminate upon a change of control of the Company following a takeover bid are considered to be significant in terms of their potential impact on the business as a whole.
During 2011/12, approximately £16 million (2010/11: £13 million; 2009/10: £11 million) was invested in support of community initiatives and relationships focusing on education and skills (£7 million), environment and energy (£5 million), community development (£3 million) and various other areas (less than £1 million). The London Benchmarking Group model was used to assess this overall community investment. Direct donations to charitable organisations amounted to £4 million (2010/11: £0.8 million; 2009/10: £1.1 million), a proportion of which was donated via our employee community grant schemes which support and encourage employee fundraising and volunteering. In addition to our donations, financial support was provided for our affordable warmth programme, education programme, university research and our young offenders programme.
In accordance with US legal requirements, the Board has adopted a Code of Ethics for senior financial professionals. This code is available on our website at www.nationalgrid.com (where any amendments or waivers will also be posted). There were no amendments to, or waivers of, our Code of Ethics during the year.
The Board continues to monitor and note possible conflicts of interest that each Director may have and Directors are reminded of their continuing obligations in relation to conflicts at each Board meeting. Potential conflicts are considered and, if appropriate, approved and noted, with the conflicted Director not voting on the matter. During the year ended 31 March 2012, the Board has been advised by the Directors of a number of situations in relation to which no actual conflict of interest was identified and has therefore authorised such situations in accordance with its powers as set out in the Articles of Association.
Corporate governance practices: differences from New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listing standards
The Company is listed on the NYSE and is therefore required to disclose differences in its corporate governance practices adopted as a UK listed company, compared with those of a US company.
The corporate governance practices of the Company are primarily based on the requirements of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) but substantially conform to those required of US companies listed on the NYSE. The following is a summary of the significant ways in which the Companys corporate governance practices differ from those followed by US companies under the Section 303A Corporate Governance Standards of the NYSE.
|
The NYSE rules and the Code apply different tests for the independence of Board members. |
|
The NYSE rules require a separate nominating/corporate governance committee composed entirely of independent directors. There is, however, no requirement for a separate corporate governance committee in the UK. Under the Companys corporate governance policies, all Directors on the Board discuss and decide upon governance issues and the Nominations Committee makes recommendations to the Board with regard to certain of the responsibilities of a corporate governance committee. |
|
The NYSE rules require listed companies to adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. While the Company reports compliance with the Code in each Annual Report and Accounts, the UK requirements do not require the Company to adopt and disclose separate corporate governance guidelines. |
|
The NYSE rules require a separate audit committee composed of at least three independent members. While the Companys Audit Committee, having a membership of five independent Non-executive Directors, exceeds the NYSEs minimum membership requirements, it should be noted that the quorum for a meeting of the Audit Committee, of two independent Non-executive Directors, is less than the minimum membership requirements under the NYSE rules. |
The Company has arranged, in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the Articles of Association, qualifying third party indemnities against financial exposure that Directors may incur in the course of their professional duties. Equivalent qualifying third party indemnities were, and remain, in force for the benefit of those Directors who stood down from the Board during the year ended 31 March 2012. Alongside these indemnities, the Company places Directors and Officers liability insurance cover for each Director.
As at 31 March 2012, National Grid had been notified of the following holdings in voting rights of 3% or more in the issued share capital of the Company:
Number
of
shares |
% of voting
rights* |
|||||
Capital Group Companies, Inc |
357,303,376 | 10.02 | ||||
Black Rock Inc |
182,630,798 | 5.21 | ||||
Crescent Holding GmbH |
149,414,285 | 4.25 | ||||
Legal and General Group plc |
138,503,443 | 3.99 |
*This number is calculated in relation to the issued share capital at the time the holding was disclosed
As at 16 May 2012, no further notifications had been received.
The rights attached to ordinary shares are detailed on page 107. All ordinary shares carry the same voting rights.
184 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
www.nationalgrid.com
Policy and practice on payment of creditors
It is National Grids policy to include in contracts or other agreements terms of payment with suppliers. Once agreed, National Grid aims to abide by these payment terms. The average creditor payment period at 31 March 2012 for National Grids principal operations in the UK was 22 days (20 days at 31 March 2011).
Political donations and expenditure
National Grid made no donations in the UK or EU during the year, including donations as defined for the purposes of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. National Grid USA and certain of its subsidiaries made political donations in the US of $99,900 (£62,500) (2010/11: $151,000; 2009/10: $177,000) during the year to affiliated Federal and New York and New Hampshire state political action committees (PACs). National Grid USAs affiliated New York PACs were funded partly by contributions from National Grid USA and certain of its subsidiaries and partly by voluntary employee contributions. National Grid USAs affiliated New Hampshire PAC, which was terminated in July 2011, was funded wholly by contributions from National Grid USA and certain of its subsidiaries. National Grid USAs affiliated federal PACs were funded wholly by voluntary employee contributions.
Post balance sheet events
There have been no material post balance sheet events.
Expenditure on research and development during the year was £15 million (2010/11: £16 million; 2009/10: £19 million). This included development of new materials for use in the electricity transmission business and research into low carbon energy such as carbon capture and storage.
The following table includes a brief analysis of shareholder numbers and shareholdings as at 31 March 2012.
Size of shareholding |
Number of share- holders |
% of
holders |
Number of
shares |
% of
shares |
||||
150 |
183,517 | 17.4198 | 5,401,533 | 0.1549 | ||||
51100 |
292,984 | 27.8106 | 20,759,355 | 0.5609 | ||||
101500 |
455,820 | 43.2673 | 95,147,582 | 2.5709 | ||||
5011,000 |
60,760 | 5.7675 | 42,480,072 | 1.1478 | ||||
1,00110,000 |
57,254 | 5.4347 | 140,298,337 | 3.7909 | ||||
10,00150,000 |
2,079 | 0.1973 | 37,747,023 | 1.0199 | ||||
50,001100,000 |
226 | 0.0215 | 16,031,738 | 0.4332 | ||||
100,001500,000 |
434 | 0.0412 | 104,092,811 | 2.8126 | ||||
500,0011,000,000 |
135 | 0.0128 | 96,698,260 | 2.6128 | ||||
1,000,001+ |
289 | 0.0274 | 3,142,292,831 | 84.905 | ||||
Total |
1,053,498 | 100 | 3,700,949,542 | 100 |
Some of the key dates and actions in the history of National Grid are listed below. The full history goes back much further.
1986 |
British Gas incorporated as a public limited company | |||
1990 |
|
Electricity transmission network in England and Wales transferred to National Grid on electricity privatisation | ||
1995 |
National Grid listed on the London Stock Exchange | |||
1997 |
Centrica demerged from British Gas (BG) | |||
1997 |
Energis demerged from National Grid | |||
2000 |
Lattice Group demerged from BG and listed separately | |||
2000 |
|
New England Electric System and Eastern Utilities Associates acquired | ||
2002 |
|
Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation merged with National Grid in US | ||
2002 |
|
National Grid and Lattice Group merged to form National Grid Transco | ||
2004 |
|
UK wireless infrastructure network acquired from Crown Castle International Corp | ||
2005 |
|
Four UK regional gas distribution networks sold and National Grid adopted as our name | ||
2006 |
Rhode Island gas distribution network acquired | |||
2007 |
|
UK and US wireless infrastructure operations and the Basslink electricity interconnector in Australia sold | ||
2007 |
KeySpan Corporation acquired | |||
2008 |
Ravenswood generation station sold | |||
2010 |
Rights issue raised £3.2 billion |
CGT information relating to National Grid shares for UK resident shareholders can be found on our website under Investors. Share prices on specific dates can also be found on our website.
This information can be found under the heading note 10 property, plant and equipment on page 137, operating across two geographies on page 15 and principal operations on pages 64 to 71.
We negotiate with recognised unions. It is our policy to maintain well developed communications and consultation programmes and there have been no material disruptions to our operations from labour disputes during the past five years. National Grid believes that it can conduct its relationships with trade unions and employees in a satisfactory manner.
There are no unresolved staff comments required to be reported.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 185
Additional Information
Additional disclosures continued
Price history
The following table shows the highest and lowest intraday market prices for our ordinary shares and ADSs for the periods indicated.
Ordinary share (pence) |
ADS ($) |
|||||||||
High | Low | High | Low | |||||||
|
||||||||||
2011/12 |
|
660.50 | 545.50 | 52.18 | 45.80 | |||||
2010/11* |
|
666.00 | 474.80 | 51.00 | 36.72 | |||||
2009/10 |
|
685.50 | 511.00 | 56.59 | 38.25 | |||||
2008/09 |
|
754.00 | 515.00 | 74.89 | 36.64 | |||||
2007/08 |
|
863.00 | 686.00 | 86.58 | 69.22 | |||||
2011/12 Q4 |
|
660.50 | 605.50 | 51.86 | 46.85 | |||||
Q3 |
|
653.50 | 590.00 | 51.53 | 46.49 | |||||
Q2 |
|
650.59 | 545.50 | 51.00 | 45.80 | |||||
Q1 |
|
639.00 | 581.50 | 52.18 | 46.93 | |||||
2010/11 Q4 |
|
598.31 | 521.50 | 48.41 | 42.29 | |||||
Q3 |
|
600.50 | 536.50 | 48.88 | 42.76 | |||||
Q2 |
|
565.00 | 480.30 | 44.17 | 36.72 | |||||
Q1 |
|
666.00 | 474.80 | 51.00 | 36.77 | |||||
April 2012 |
|
674.50 | 627.00 | 54.18 | 49.85 | |||||
March 2012 |
|
660.50 | 622.50 | 51.86 | 49.78 | |||||
February 2012 |
|
651.50 | 620.00 | 51.37 | 49.38 | |||||
January 2012 |
|
639.00 | 605.50 | 49.99 | 46.85 | |||||
December 2011 |
|
634.00 | 590.00 | 49.87 | 46.49 | |||||
|
*On 20 May 2010, we announced a 2 for 5 rights issue of 990,439,017 ordinary shares at 355 pence per share
The following description is a summary of the material terms of our Articles of Association (the Articles) and applicable English law. The following description is a summary only and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Articles.
The Company is proposing at the 2012 AGM to update its Articles to take account of the implementation of the Shareholder Rights Directive in the UK and the last parts of the Companies Act 2006 (the Companies Act), and also to provide the Company with the maximum flexibility possible. The Notice of Meeting for the 2012 AGM, available online, sets out in full the proposed amendments to the Articles for consideration by shareholders together with explanatory notes and further information.
Summary
The Articles set out the internal regulations of the Company and cover such matters as the rights of shareholders and the conduct of the Board and general meetings. Copies are available upon request and are displayed on the Companys website. Amendments to the Articles have to be approved by at least 75% of those voting in person or by proxy at a general meeting of the Company. Subject to company law and the Articles, the Directors may exercise all the powers of the Company, and may delegate authorities to Committees and day-to-day management and decision-making to individual Executive Directors. The Committee structure is set out on pages 84 and 85.
General
The Company is incorporated under the name National Grid plc and is registered in England and Wales with registered number 4031152. Under the Companies Act, the Companys objects are unrestricted.
Directors
Under the Articles, a Director must disclose any personal interest in a matter and may not vote in respect of that matter, subject to certain limited exceptions. As permitted under the Companies Act, the Articles provide that the non conflicted Directors of the Company may authorise a conflict or potential conflict for a particular matter. In doing so, the non conflicted Directors must act in a way they consider, in good faith, will be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of the shareholders as a whole.
The Directors (other than a Director acting in an executive capacity) are paid fees for their services, which in total must not exceed £2,000,000 a year or any higher sum as decided by an ordinary resolution at a general meeting of shareholders. In addition, special pay may be awarded to a Director who acts in an executive capacity, serves on a committee, performs services which the Directors consider to extend beyond the ordinary duties of a Director, devotes special attention to the business of National Grid or goes or lives abroad on the Companys behalf. Directors may also receive reimbursement for expenses properly incurred, and may be awarded pensions and other benefits. The compensation awarded to the Executive Directors is determined by the Remuneration Committee (see page 90) and further details of Directors remuneration are set out in the Remuneration Report (see pages 90 to 106).
The Directors are empowered to exercise all the powers of National Grid to borrow money, subject to the limitation that the aggregate principal amount of all borrowings of its group outstanding at any time must not exceed £35 billion or any other amount approved by shareholders by an ordinary resolution at a general meeting.
Directors can be appointed or removed by the Board or shareholders in a general meeting. Directors must stand for election at the first AGM following their appointment to the Board. Each Director must retire at least every three years but will be eligible for re-election. In accordance with best practice introduced by the UK Corporate Governance Code, all Directors wishing to continue in office currently offer themselves for re-election annually.
No person is disqualified from being a Director or is required to vacate that office by reason of attaining a maximum age.
A Director is not required to hold shares in National Grid in order to qualify as a Director.
Rights, preferences and restrictions
(i) Dividend rights
National Grid may not pay any dividend otherwise than out of profits available for distribution under the Companies Act and other applicable provisions of English law. In addition, as a public company, National Grid may only make a distribution if, at the time of the distribution, the amount of its net assets is not less than the aggregate of its called up share capital and undistributable reserves (as defined in the Companies Act) and to the extent that the distribution does not reduce the amount of those assets to less than that aggregate. Subject to the foregoing, shareholders may, by ordinary resolution, declare dividends in accordance with the respective rights of the shareholders but not exceeding the amount recommended by the Board. The Board may pay interim dividends if it considers that National Grids financial position justifies the payment. Except insofar as the rights attaching to any share otherwise provide, all dividends will be apportioned and paid proportionately to the amounts paid up (otherwise than in advance of calls) on the shares. Any dividend or interest unclaimed for 12 years from the date when it was declared or became due for payment will be forfeited and revert to National Grid.
186 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
www.nationalgrid.com
(ii) Voting rights
Subject to any rights or restrictions attached to any shares and to any other provisions of the Articles, at any general meeting on a show of hands, every shareholder who is present in person will have one vote and on a poll, every shareholder will have one vote for every share which they hold. On a show of hands or poll, shareholders may cast votes either personally or by proxy and a proxy need not be a shareholder. Under the Articles, all substantive resolutions at a general meeting must be decided on a poll and resolutions, of a procedural nature are decided by a show of hands, unless a poll is demanded in accordance with the Articles.
(iii) Liquidation rights
In a winding up, a liquidator may, in each case with the sanction of a special resolution passed by the shareholders and any other sanction required under English law, (a) divide among the shareholders the whole or any part of National Grids assets (whether the assets are of the same kind or not) and may, for this purpose, value any assets and determine how the division should be carried out as between shareholders or different classes of shareholders, or (b) transfer any part of the assets to trustees on trust for the benefit of the shareholders as the liquidator determines, but in neither case will a shareholder be compelled to accept assets upon which there is a liability.
Variation of rights
Subject to applicable provisions of English law, the rights attached to any class of shares of National Grid may be varied or cancelled with the written consent of the holders of three quarters in nominal value of the issued shares of that class, or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.
General meetings
AGMs must be convened each year within six months of the Companys accounting reference date upon advance written notice of 21 clear days. Any other general meeting may be convened provided at least 14 clear days written notice is given, subject to annual approval of shareholders. In certain limited circumstances, the Company can convene a general meeting by shorter notice. The notice must specify, among other things, the nature of the business to be transacted, the place, the date and the time of the meeting.
Rights of non residents
There are no restrictions under National Grids Articles that would limit the rights of persons not resident in the UK to vote in relation to ordinary shares.
Disclosure of interests
Under the Companies Act, National Grid may by written notice require a person whom it has reasonable cause to believe to be or to have been in the last three years interested in its shares to provide additional information relating to that interest. Under the Articles, failure to provide such information may result in a shareholder losing their rights to attend, vote or exercise any other right in relation to shareholders meetings.
Under the UK Disclosure and Transparency Rules, there is also an obligation on a person who acquires or ceases to have a notifiable interest in shares in National Grid to notify the Company of that fact. The disclosure threshold is 3% and disclosure is required each time the persons direct and indirect holdings reach, exceed or fall below each 1% threshold thereafter.
The UK City Code on Takeovers and Mergers imposes strict disclosure requirements with regard to dealings in the securities of an offeror or offeree company, and also on their respective associates, during the course of an offer period. Other regulators in the UK, US and elsewhere may have, or assert, notification or approval rights over acquisitions or transfers of shares.
Each of our Executive Directors has a service agreement and each Non-executive Director has a letter of appointment. No contract (other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business) has been entered into by National Grid within the two years immediately preceding the date of this report which is, or may be, material; or which contains any provision under which any member of National Grid has any obligation or entitlement which is material to National Grid at the date of this report.
There are currently no UK laws, decrees or regulations that restrict the export or import of capital, including, but not limited to, foreign exchange control restrictions, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non UK resident holders of ordinary shares except as otherwise set out in Taxation below and except in respect of the governments of and/or certain citizens, residents or bodies of certain countries (described in applicable Bank of England Notices or European Union Council Regulations in force as at the date of this document).
This section discusses certain US federal income tax and UK tax consequences of the ownership of ADSs and ordinary shares by certain beneficial holders thereof. This discussion applies to holders who qualify for benefits under the income tax convention between the US and the UK (the Tax Convention) and are a resident of the US for the purposes of the Tax Convention and are not resident or ordinarily resident in the UK for UK tax purposes at any material time (a US Holder).
US Holders generally will be entitled to benefits under the Tax Convention if they are:
|
the beneficial owner of the ADSs or ordinary shares, as applicable, and of any dividends that they receive; |
|
an individual resident or citizen of the US, a US corporation, or a US partnership, estate, or trust (but only to the extent the income of the partnership, estate, or trust is subject to US taxation in the hands of a US resident person); and |
|
not also a resident of the UK for UK tax purposes. |
If a US Holder holds ADSs or ordinary shares in connection with the conduct of business or the performance of personal services in the UK or otherwise in connection with a branch, agency or permanent establishment in the UK, then the US Holder will not be entitled to benefits under the Tax Convention. Special rules, including a limitation of benefits provision, apply in limited circumstances to ADSs or ordinary shares owned by an investment or holding company. This section does not discuss the treatment of holders described in the preceding two sentences. This section does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to any particular investor. National Grid has assumed that shareholders, including US Holders, are familiar with the tax rules applicable to investments in securities generally and with any special rules to which they may be subject. In particular, the discussion deals only with investors that will beneficially hold ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets and does not address the tax treatment of investors that are subject to special rules, such as banks, insurance companies, dealers in securities or currencies, partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for US federal income tax purposes, persons that control (directly or indirectly) 10% or more of our voting stock, persons that elect mark-to-market treatment, persons that hold ADSs or ordinary shares as a position in a straddle, conversion transaction, synthetic security, or other integrated financial transaction, persons who are liable for the alternative minimum tax, and persons whose functional currency is not the dollar.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 187
Additional Information
Additional disclosures continued |
The statements regarding US and UK tax laws and administrative practices set forth below are based on laws, treaties, judicial decisions and regulatory interpretations in effect on the date of this document. These laws and practices are subject to change without notice, possibly with retrospective effect. In addition, the US statements set forth below are based on the representations of The Bank of New York Mellon as depositary (the Depositary). These statements assume that each obligation provided for in, or otherwise contemplated by, the deposit agreement entered into between National Grid Transco plc (now National Grid plc), the Depositary and the registered holders of ADRs, pursuant to which ADSs have been issued, dated as of 21 November 1995 and amended and restated as of 1 August 2005, and any related agreement, will be performed in accordance with its terms. Beneficial owners of ADSs who are residents or citizens of the US will be treated as the owners of the underlying ordinary shares for the purposes of the US Internal Revenue Code.
For the purposes of the Tax Convention, the Estate Tax Convention and UK tax considerations, we have assumed that a holder of ADRs will be treated as the owner of the ordinary shares represented by those ADSs and this section is based on that assumption. Despite a recent ruling by the First-Tier Tax Tribunal in the UK that has cast doubt on this view, HM Revenue & Customs have stated that they will continue to apply their longstanding practice of treating such an ADR holder as holding the beneficial interest in the underlying shares. As such, this is an area of some uncertainty that may be subject to further developments.
A US Holder should consult their own advisor as to the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares in light of their particular circumstances, including the effect of any state, local or other national laws.
Taxation of dividends
Under the Tax Convention, the UK is allowed to impose a 15% withholding tax on dividends paid to US shareholders controlling less than 10% of the voting capital of National Grid. The UK does not, however, currently impose a withholding tax on such dividends.
Cash distributions received by a US Holder with respect to their ADSs or ordinary shares generally will be treated as foreign source dividend income subject to US federal income taxation as ordinary income, to the extent paid out of National Grids current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under US federal income tax principles. The dollar amount of dividends received by certain non corporate US Holders with respect to ADSs or ordinary shares before 1 January 2013 will generally be subject to taxation at a maximum rate of 15% if National Grid (i) is eligible for the benefits of the Tax Convention and (ii) was not, in the year prior to the year in which the dividend was paid, and is not, in the year in which the dividend is paid, a passive foreign investment company (PFIC). Based on National Grids audited financial statements and relevant market and shareholder data, National Grid believes that it was not treated as a PFIC for US federal income tax purposes with respect to its taxable years ending 31 March 2011 and 2012. In addition, based on its current expectations regarding the value and nature of its assets, the sources and nature of its income, and relevant market and shareholder data, National Grid does not anticipate becoming a PFIC in the foreseeable future. Dividends paid by National Grid to corporate US Holders will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporations.
Taxation of capital gains
US Holders will not be liable for UK taxation on any capital gain realised on the disposal of ADSs or ordinary shares.
Sales or other taxable dispositions of ADSs or ordinary shares by a US Holder generally will give rise to US source capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the dollar value of the amount realised on the disposition and the US Holders dollar basis in the shares or ADSs. Any such capital gain or loss generally will be long-term capital gain or loss, currently subject to taxation at reduced rates for non corporate taxpayers, if the ordinary shares or ADSs were held for more than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.
UK stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT)
Transfers of ordinary shares SDRT at the rate of 0.5% of the amount of value of the consideration will generally be payable on any agreement to transfer ordinary shares that is not completed by the execution of a duly stamped instrument of transfer to the transferee. Where an instrument of transfer is executed and duly stamped before the expiry of the period of six years beginning with the date on which the agreement is made, the SDRT liability will be cancelled, and, if a claim is made within the specified period, any SDRT which has been paid will be refunded. SDRT is due whether or not the agreement or transfer of such chargeable securities is made or carried out in the UK and whether or not any party to that agreement or transfer is a UK resident. Purchases of ordinary shares completed by execution of a stock transfer form will generally give rise to a liability to UK stamp duty at the rate of 0.5% (rounded up to the nearest £5) of the amount or value of the consideration. Paperless transfers under the CREST paperless settlement system will generally be liable to SDRT at the rate of 0.5%, and not stamp duty. SDRT is generally the liability of the purchaser and UK stamp duty is usually paid by the purchaser or transferee.
Transfers of ADSs No UK stamp duty will be payable on the acquisition or transfer of existing ADSs or beneficial ownership of ADSs, provided that any instrument of transfer or written agreement to transfer is executed outside the UK and remains at all times outside the UK. An agreement for the transfer of ADSs in the form of ADRs will not give rise to a liability for SDRT. A charge to stamp duty or SDRT may arise on the transfer of ordinary shares to the Depositary or The Bank of New York Mellon as agent of the Depositary (the Custodian). The rate of stamp duty or SDRT will generally be 1.5% of the value of the consideration or, in some circumstances, the value of the ordinary shares concerned. However, following a recent ruling by the First-Tier Tax Tribunal in the UK, there is no 1.5% SDRT charge on the issue of ordinary shares (or, where it is integral to the raising of new capital, the transfer of ordinary shares) to the Depositary or the Custodian. The Depositary will generally be liable for the stamp duty or SDRT. In accordance with the terms of the Depositary Agreement, the Depositary will charge any tax payable by the Depositary or the Custodian (or their nominees) on the deposit of ordinary shares to the party to whom the ADSs are delivered against such deposits. If the stamp duty is not a multiple of £5, the duty will be rounded up to the nearest multiple of £5.
US information reporting and backup withholding
Dividend payments made to US Holders and proceeds paid from the sale, exchange, redemption or disposal of ADSs or ordinary shares to US Holders may be subject to information reporting to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Such payments may be subject to backup withholding taxes unless the holder (i) is a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) provides a taxpayer identification number on a properly completed IRS Form W-9 and certifies that no loss of exemption from backup withholding has occurred.
US Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding these rules and any other reporting obligations that may apply to the ownership
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or disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares, including reporting requirements related to the holding of certain foreign financial assets.
UK inheritance tax
An individual who is domiciled in the US for the purposes of the Estate Tax Convention and who is not a national of the UK for the purposes of the Estate Tax Convention will generally not be subject to UK inheritance tax in respect of the ADSs or ordinary shares on the individuals death or on a gift of the ADSs or ordinary shares during the individuals lifetime, unless the ADSs or ordinary shares are part of the business property of a permanent establishment of the individual in the UK or pertain to a fixed base in the UK of an individual who performs independent personal services. Special rules apply to ADSs or ordinary shares held in trust. In the exceptional case where the ADSs or shares are subject both to UK inheritance tax and to US federal gift or estate tax, the Estate Tax Convention generally provides for the tax paid in the UK to be credited against tax paid in the US.
Documents on display
National Grid is subject to the filing requirements of the Exchange Act, as amended. In accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this document, may be inspected during normal business hours at our registered office 1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5EH or at the SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. For further information about the Public Reference Room, please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Some of our filings are also available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov.
Description of securities other than equity securities depositary fees and charges
The Bank of New York Mellon, as Depositary, collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal or from intermediaries acting for them. The Depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The Depositary may generally refuse to provide fee attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.
Persons depositing or withdrawing shares must pay: |
For: | |
$5.00 per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)
|
Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property; cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates; distribution of securities distributed to holders of deposited securities which are distributed by the Depositary to ADS registered holders.
|
|
$0.02 or less per ADS (or a portion thereof)
|
Cash distributions to holders, except for distributions of cash dividends. |
|
Registration or transfer fees
|
Transfer and registration of shares on our share register to or from the name of the Depositary or its agent when they deposit or withdraw shares.
|
|
Expenses of the Depositary
|
Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement); converting foreign currency to dollars.
|
|
Taxes and other governmental charges the Depositary or the Custodian has to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes
|
As necessary.
|
Depositary payments to the Company
The Depositary has agreed to reimburse the Company for expenses it incurs that are related maintenance expenses of the ADS programme. The Depositary has also agreed to pay the standard out of pocket maintenance costs for the ADSs, which consist of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend cheques, electronic filing of US Federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile and telephone calls. It has also agreed to reimburse the Company annually for certain investor relationship programmes or special investor relations promotional activities. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the Depositary will reimburse the Company, but the amount of reimbursement available to the Company is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the Depositary collects from investors. For the period 1 April 2011 to 9 May 2012, the Company received $450,000.00 in reimbursements from the Depositary.
Any questions from ADS holders should be directed to The Bank of New York Mellon:
The Bank of New York Mellon
Shareholder Correspondence
PO Box 358516
Pittsburgh, PA 15252-8516
Telephone: 1-800-466-7215 (International +1-201-680-6825)
Email: shrrelations@bnymellon.com
The following table shows the history of the exchange rates of one pound sterling to dollars for the periods indicated.
Dollar equivalent of £1 sterling | ||||||||
High | Low | |||||||
April 2012 |
1.6239 | 1.5830 | ||||||
March 2012 |
1.5981 | 1.5615 | ||||||
February 2012 |
1.5977 | 1.5668 | ||||||
January 2012 |
1.5780 | 1.5285 | ||||||
December 2011 |
1.5709 | 1.5391 | ||||||
|
Average |
* |
||||||
2011/12 |
1.60 | |||||||
2010/11 |
1.57 | |||||||
2009/10 |
1.58 | |||||||
2008/09 |
1.54 | |||||||
2007/08 |
2.01 |
* | The average for each period is calculated by using the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 189
Additional Information
Definitions and glossary of terms
Our aim is to use plain English in this Annual Report and Accounts. However, where necessary, we do use a number of technical terms and/or abbreviations and we summarise the principal ones below, together with an explanation of their meanings. The descriptions below are not formal legal definitions.
A
American Depositary Shares (ADSs)
Securities of National Grid listed on the New York Stock Exchange, each of which represents five ordinary shares. They are evidenced by American Depositary Receipts or ADRs.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Meeting of shareholders of the Company held each year to consider ordinary and special business as provided in the Notice of AGM.
appreciative inquiry summit
An organisational development method which focuses on increasing what an organisation does well rather than on eliminating what it does badly.
B
bar
A unit of pressure, approximately equivalent to 14.5 pounds per square inch.
Board
The Board of Directors of the Company (for more information see pages 8 and 9).
BritNed
BritNed Development Limited.
C
consolidated financial statements
Financial statements that include the results and financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries together as if they were a single entity.
called up share capital
Shares (common stock) that have been issued and have been fully paid for.
carrying value
The amount at which an asset or a liability is recorded in the balance sheet.
circuit
See route length.
the Company, National Grid, we, our or us
We use terms the Company, National Grid, we, our or us to refer to either National Grid plc itself or to National Grid plc and its subsidiaries collectively, depending on context.
contingent liabilities
Possible obligations or potential liabilities arising from past events for which no provision has been recorded, but for which disclosure in the financial statements is made.
D
DECC
The Department of Energy & Climate Change, the UK Government ministry responsible for energy and climate change.
decoupling
See revenue decoupling.
deferred tax
For most assets and liabilities, deferred tax is the amount of tax that will be payable or receivable in respect of that asset or liability in future tax returns as a result of a difference between the carrying value for accounting purposes in the balance sheet and the value for tax purposes of the same asset or liability.
derivative
A financial instrument or other contract where the value is linked to an underlying index, such as exchange rates, interest rates or commodity prices. In most cases, contracts for the sale or purchase of commodities that are used to supply customers or for our own needs are excluded from this definition.
dollars or $
Except as otherwise noted all references to dollars or $ in this Report are to the US currency.
190 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
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E
earnings per share (EPS)
Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders of the parent allocated to each share of common stock.
employee engagement index
A key performance indicator, based on the percentage of favourable responses to certain indicator questions repeated in each employee survey, which provides a measure of how employees think, feel and act in relation to National Grid. Research shows that a highly engaged workforce leads to increased productivity and staff retention, therefore we use employee engagement as a measure of organisational health in relation to business performance.
equity
In financial statements, the amount of net assets attributable to shareholders.
Estate Tax Convention
The Estate Tax Convention is the convention between the US and the UK for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to estate and gift taxes.
EU
The European Union, being the economic and political union of 27 member states located in Europe.
Exchange Act
The Securities Exchange Act 1934, as amended.
F
FERC
The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
finance lease
A lease where the asset is treated as if it was owned for the period of the lease and the obligation to pay future rentals is treated as if they were borrowings. Also known as a capital lease.
financial year
For National Grid this is an accounting year ending on 31 March. Also known as a fiscal year.
FRS
A UK Financial Reporting Standard as issued by the UK Accounting Standards Board. These apply to the Companys individual financial statements on pages 177 to 183, which are prepared in accordance with UK GAAP.
G
Grain LNG
National Grid Grain LNG Limited.
Great Britain
England, Wales and Scotland.
GW
Gigawatt, being an amount of power equal to 1 billion watts (10 9 watts).
GWh
Gigawatt hours, being an amount of energy equivalent to delivering 1 billion watts of power for a period of one hour.
I
IAS or IFRS
An International Accounting Standard or International Financial Reporting Standard, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). IFRS is also used as the term to describe international generally accepted accounting principles as a whole.
individual financial statements
Financial statements of a company on its own, not including its subsidiaries or joint ventures.
ISO 9001
ISO 9001 specifies requirements for quality management systems and processes where an organisation needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.
J
joint venture
A company or other entity which is controlled jointly with other parties.
K
KeySpan
KeySpan Corporation and its subsidiaries, acquired by National Grid on 24 August 2007.
kV
Kilovolt, being an amount of electric force equal to 1,000 volts.
kWh
Kilowatt hours, being an amount of energy equivalent to delivering 1,000 watts of power for a period of one hour.
L
Lifetime Allowance
The Lifetime Allowance is an overall ceiling on the amount of UK tax privileged pension savings that any one individual can draw.
LIPA
The Long Island Power Authority.
LNG
Liquefied natural gas, being natural gas that has been condensed into a liquid form, typically at temperatures at or below -161°C (-258°F).
lost time injury
An incident arising out of National Grids operations which leads to an injury where the employee or contractor normally has time off the following day or shift following the incident. It relates to one specific (acute) identifiable incident which arises as a result of National Grids premises, plant or activities, which was reported to the supervisor at the time and was subject to appropriate investigation.
lost time injury frequency rate
The number of lost time injuries per 100,000 hours worked in a 12 month period.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 191 |
Additional Information
Definitions and glossary of terms continued
M
MW
Megawatts, being an amount of power equal to 1 million watts.
MWh
Megawatt hours, being an amount of energy equivalent to delivering 1 million watts of power for a period of one hour.
mbar
A unit of pressure equal to 1/1,000 bar, or approximately 0.0145 pounds per square inch.
N
National Grid Metering
National Grid Metering Limited, National Grids UK regulated metering business.
New England
The term refers to a region within the northeastern US that includes the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. National Grids New England operations are primarily in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
northeastern US
The northeastern region of the US, comprising the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.
O
Ofgem
The UK Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, part of the UK Gas and Electricity Markets Authority (GEMA), which regulates the energy markets in the UK.
OnStream
Utility Metering Services Limited, an unregulated UK metering business, sold by National Grid on 24 October 2011.
ordinary shares
Voting shares entitling the holder to part ownership of a company. Also known as common stock. National Grids ordinary shares have a nominal value of 11 17 / 43 pence.
P
PAS 55
PAS (Publicly Available Specification) 55 is a universal benchmark published by the British Standards Institution for the optimal management of physical assets.
Personal Lifetime Allowance
The lifetime allowance applicable to individuals who registered their pre 6 April 2006 UK pension benefits for protection.
price control
The mechanism by which Ofgem sets restrictions on the amounts of revenue we are allowed to collect from customers in our UK businesses. The allowed revenues are intended to cover efficiently incurred operational expenditure, capital expenditure and financing costs, including a return on equity invested.
R
rate base
The base investment on which the utility is authorised to earn a cash return. It includes the original cost of facilities, minus depreciation, an allowance for working capital and other accounts.
rate plan
The term given to the mechanism by which a US utility regulator sets terms and conditions for utility service including, in particular, tariffs and rate schedules. The term can mean a multi-year plan that is approved for a specified period, or an order approving tariffs and rate schedules that remain in effect until changed as a result of a future regulatory proceeding. Such proceedings can be commenced through a filing by the utility or on the regulators own initiative.
regulated controllable operating costs
Total operating costs under IFRS less depreciation and certain regulatory costs where, under our regulatory agreements, mechanisms are in place to recover such costs in current or future periods.
regulatory asset value (RAV)
The value ascribed by Ofgem to the capital employed in the relevant licensed business. It is an estimate of the initial market value of the regulated asset base at privatisation, plus subsequent allowed additions at historical cost, less the deduction of annual regulatory depreciation. Deductions are also made to reflect the value realised from the disposal of certain assets that formed part of the regulatory asset base. It is also indexed to the RPI to allow for the effects of inflation.
revenue decoupling
Revenue decoupling is the term given to the elimination of the dependency of a utilitys revenue on the volume of gas or electricity transported. The purpose of decoupling is to eliminate the disincentive a utility otherwise has to encourage energy efficiency programmes.
return on equity (ROE)
A performance metric measuring returns from the investment of shareholders funds. It is a financial ratio of a measure of earnings divided by an equity base.
RIIO
The revised regulatory framework issued by Ofgem which will be implemented in the next round of price controls planned to start in April 2013.
RIIO-T1
The first RIIO price control for UK Transmission, planned to take effect for a period of eight years from 1 April 2013.
RIIO-GD1
The first RIIO price control for UK Gas Distribution, planned to take effect for a period of eight years from 1 April 2013.
return on capital employed (RoCE)
Financial metric expressing a measure of post-tax operating profit as a percentage of capital (debt and equity) invested in the business.
route length
The route length of an electricity transmission line is the geographical distance from the start tower to the end tower. In most cases in the UK, and in many cases in the US, the transmission line consists of a double circuit for additional reliability. In such cases, the circuit length is twice the route length.
RPI
The UK retail price index as published by the Office for National Statistics.
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S
Scope 1 emissions
Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that occur from sources that are owned or controlled by the Company, for example, emissions from combustion in owned or controlled boilers, furnaces, vehicles, etc.
Scope 2 emissions
Scope 2 accounts for GHG emissions from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by the Company. Purchased electricity is defined as electricity that is purchased or otherwise brought into the organisational boundary of the Company. Scope 2 emissions physically occur at the facility where electricity is generated.
SEC
The US Securities and Exchange Commission, the financial regulator for companies with registered securities in the US, including National Grid and certain of its subsidiaries.
SF 6
Sulphur hexafluoride, an inorganic, colourless, odourless and non-flammable greenhouse gas. SF 6 is used in the electrical industry as a gaseous dielectric medium for high voltage circuit breakers, switchgear, and other electrical equipment.
share premium
The difference between the amounts shares are issued for and the nominal value of those shares.
standard cubic metre
A quantity of gas which at 15°C and atmospheric pressure (1.013 bar) occupies the volume of 1m 3 .
stranded cost recoveries
The recovery of historical generation-related costs in the US, related to generation assets that are no longer owned by us.
swaptions
A swaption gives the buyer, in exchange for an option premium, the right but not the obligation, to enter into an interest rate swap at some specified date in the future. The terms of the swap are specified on the trade date of the swaption.
subsidiary
A company or other entity that is controlled by National Grid.
T
TPCR4
The current UK Transmission price control, which was extended for the period from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013.
treasury shares
Shares that have been repurchased but not cancelled.
tonne
A unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilogrammes, equivalent to approximately 2,205 pounds.
tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 e)
A measure of GHG emissions in terms of the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide.
TWh
Terawatt hours, being an amount of energy equivalent to delivering 1 billion watts of power for a period of 1,000 hours.
U
UK
The United Kingdom, comprising England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
UK Corporate Governance Code
Guidance, issued by the Financial Reporting Council, on how companies should be governed, applicable to UK listed companies including National Grid. It replaces the Combined Code.
UK GAAP
Generally accepted accounting principles in the UK. These differ from IFRS and from US GAAP.
US
The United States of America, its territories and possessions, any state of the United States, and the District of Columbia.
US GAAP
Generally accepted accounting principles in the US. These differ from IFRS and from UK GAAP.
US state regulators (state utility commissions)
In the US, public utilities retail transactions are regulated by state utility commissions, including the New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC), the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (MADPU), the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) and the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC).
V
vanilla return
Metric used by Ofgem to define the allowed rate of return within the price control reviews for our UK regulated businesses. Our calculation uses IFRS business performance operating profit adjusted for various items to reflect the replacement of certain IFRS based accounting treatments with a regulatory based treatment. Primarily these items are depreciation, capital costs, pensions and taxation. The adjusted IFRS operating profit is divided by the regulatory asset value inflated to mid year to generate a percentage rate of return.
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 193 |
Additional Information
Summary consolidated financial information
Financial summary (unaudited)
The financial summary set out below has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of National Grid for the five financial years ended 31 March 2012. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes, together with the Business Review. The information presented below for the years ended 31 March 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 has been prepared under IFRS issued by the IASB and as adopted by the EU.
31 March
£m |
31 March
£m |
31 March
£m |
31 March
£m |
31 March
£m |
||||||||||||||||
Summary income statement |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue (ii) |
13,832 | 14,343 | 14,007 | 15,687 | 11,498 | |||||||||||||||
Operating profit |
||||||||||||||||||||
Before exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
3,495 | 3,600 | 3,121 | 2,915 | 2,595 | |||||||||||||||
Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
44 | 145 | 172 | (292 | ) | 369 | ||||||||||||||
3,539 | 3,745 | 3,293 | 2,623 | 2,964 | ||||||||||||||||
Profit before tax |
||||||||||||||||||||
Before exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
2,585 | 2,473 | 1,974 | 1,770 | 1,829 | |||||||||||||||
Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
(26 | ) | 151 | 219 | (376 | ) | 353 | |||||||||||||
2,559 | 2,624 | 2,193 | 1,394 | 2,182 | ||||||||||||||||
Profit for the year from continuing operations |
2,038 | 2,163 | 1,389 | 922 | 1,575 | |||||||||||||||
Profit for the year |
2,038 | 2,163 | 1,389 | 947 | 3,193 | |||||||||||||||
Profit for the year attributable to equity shareholders |
||||||||||||||||||||
Before exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
1,828 | 1,747 | 1,418 | 1,259 | 1,275 | |||||||||||||||
Exceptional items, remeasurements and stranded cost recoveries |
208 | 412 | (32 | ) | (315 | ) | 1,915 | |||||||||||||
2,036 | 2,159 | 1,386 | 944 | 3,190 | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share |
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic continuing operations (pence) (iii) |
57.1 | 62.9 | 47.5 | 31.2 | 50.4 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted continuing operations (pence) (iii) |
56.8 | 62.5 | 47.3 | 31.1 | 50.2 | |||||||||||||||
Basic (pence) (iii) |
57.1 | 62.9 | 47.5 | 32.0 | 102.4 | |||||||||||||||
Diluted (pence) (iii) |
56.8 | 62.5 | 47.3 | 31.8 | 101.9 | |||||||||||||||
Number of shares basic (millions) (iv) |
3,565 | 3,431 | 2,917 | 2,939 | 3,115 | |||||||||||||||
Number of shares diluted (millions) (iv) |
3,584 | 3,450 | 2,930 | 2,956 | 3,130 | |||||||||||||||
Dividends per ordinary share |
||||||||||||||||||||
Paid during the year (pence) |
37.40 | 37.74 | 36.65 | 33.94 | 29.50 | |||||||||||||||
Approved or proposed during the year (pence) |
39.28 | 36.37 | 38.49 | 35.64 | 33.00 | |||||||||||||||
Paid during the year ($) |
0.599 | 0.592 | 0.579 | 0.523 | 0.593 | |||||||||||||||
Approved or proposed during the year ($) |
0.623 | 0.571 | 0.608 | 0.549 | 0.663 |
194 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12
www.nationalgrid.com
31 March
£m |
31 March
£m |
31 March
£m |
31 March
£m |
31 March
£m |
||||||||||||||||
Summary statement of net assets |
||||||||||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
41,684 | 39,787 | 38,488 | 37,712 | 30,830 | |||||||||||||||
Current assets |
5,387 | 6,323 | 5,065 | 6,755 | 5,435 | |||||||||||||||
Assets of businesses held for sale |
264 | 290 | | | 1,506 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets |
47,335 | 46,400 | 43,553 | 44,467 | 37,771 | |||||||||||||||
Current liabilities |
(6,004 | ) | (6,826 | ) | (6,559 | ) | (7,026 | ) | (7,146 | ) | ||||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
(31,998 | ) | (30,395 | ) | (32,783 | ) | (33,457 | ) | (25,188 | ) | ||||||||||
Liabilities of businesses held for sale |
(87 | ) | (110 | ) | | | (63 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
(38,089 | ) | (37,331 | ) | (39,342 | ) | (40,483 | ) | (32,397 | ) | ||||||||||
Net assets |
9,246 | 9,069 | 4,211 | 3,984 | 5,374 | |||||||||||||||
Shareholders equity
|
|
9,239
|
|
|
9,060
|
|
|
4,199
|
|
|
3,970
|
|
|
5,356
|
|
|||||
Summary cash flow statement |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash generated from operations |
||||||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations |
4,487 | 4,854 | 4,372 | 3,564 | 3,265 | |||||||||||||||
Discontinued operations |
| | | (8 | ) | 10 | ||||||||||||||
4,487 | 4,854 | 4,372 | 3,556 | 3,275 | ||||||||||||||||
Tax (paid)/received |
(259 | ) | 4 | 144 | (143 | ) | (110 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash inflow from operating activities |
4,228 | 4,858 | 4,516 | 3,413 | 3,165 | |||||||||||||||
Net cash flows used in investing activities |
(2,371 | ) | (4,774 | ) | (2,332 | ) | (1,998 | ) | (3,023 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash flows used in financing activities |
(1,900 | ) | (430 | ) | (2,212 | ) | (877 | ) | (1,592 | ) | ||||||||||
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents |
(43 | ) | (346 | ) | (28 | ) | 538 | (1,450 | ) |
(i) | Since the implementation of IFRS by the Company, there have been no significant changes in accounting standards, interpretations or policies that have a material financial impact on the selected financial data. Comparatives for 2008 have been restated for the finalisation of the fair value exercise on the completion of the acquisition of KeySpan. |
(ii) | Items previously reported for 2008-2010 separately as other operating income have been included within revenue. |
(iii) | Items previously reported for 2008-2011 have been restated to reflect the impact of the bonus element of the rights issue and the additional shares issued as scrip dividends. |
(iv) | Number of shares has been restated to reflect the impact of the additional shares issued as scrip dividends. |
Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 National Grid plc 195
Additional Information
Financial calendar
The following dates have been announced or are indicative:
30 May 2012 |
|
Ordinary shares go ex-dividend for 2011/12 | ||
1 June 2012 |
|
Record date for 2011/12 final dividend | ||
8 June 2012 |
Scrip reference price announced | |||
18 July 2012 |
Scrip election date | |||
30 July 2012 |
|
2012 Annual General Meeting and interim management statement | ||
15 August 2012 |
|
2011/12 final dividend paid to qualifying ordinary shareholders | ||
15 November 2012 |
2012/13 half year results | |||
28 November 2012 |
Ordinary go ex-dividend shares | |||
30 November 2012 |
|
Record date for 2012/13 interim dividend | ||
16 January 2013 |
|
2012/13 interim dividend paid to qualifying ordinary Shareholders | ||
January/February 2013 |
Interim management statement | |||
May 2013 |
2012/13 preliminary results |
Dividends
The Directors are recommending a final dividend of 25.35 pence per ordinary share ($2.0166 per ADS) to be paid on 15 August 2012 to shareholders on the register as at 1 June 2012. Further details in respect of dividend payments can be found on page 58.
If you live outside the UK, you may be able to request that your dividend payments are converted into your local currency.
Have your dividends paid directly into your bank or building society account:
|
Your dividend reaches your account on the payment day |
|
It is more secure cheques do sometimes get lost in the post |
|
No more trips to the bank |
Elect to receive your dividends as additional shares:
|
Join our scrip dividend scheme |
|
No stamp duty or commission to pay |
Electronic communications help save paper
To receive an email notifying you as soon as there is new shareholder information for you to view online, sign up for electronic communications via the National Grid Share Portal www.nationalgridshareholders.com and follow the on screen instructions on the Ecommunications link. It only takes a few minutes to register, just have your 11 digit Investor Code (IVC) to hand.
The National Grid Share Portal is a secure online site where you can:
|
View your holdings and get an indicative value |
|
View your dividend payment history |
|
Get copies of your dividend tax vouchers |
|
Update your address details |
|
Buy and sell shares |
|
Register your AGM proxy votes |
|
Sign up for electronic communications |
Share price
The share capital of the Company consists of ordinary shares of 11 17 / 43 pence nominal value each and ADSs, which represent five ordinary shares. The following graph represents the movement of National Grids share price during 2011/12. A graph showing the total shareholder return over the last five years is available on page 1.
National Grid ordinary shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol NG and the ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NGG.
Share dealing
Capita Share Dealing Services offer our European Economic Area resident shareholders a range of quick and easy share dealing services:
|
Buy more shares £20 flat fee (plus stamp duty) |
|
Sell all your shares by post 1 to 150 shares 10p per share (maximum £10); 151 shares or more £15 flat fee |
|
Donate all your shares free of charge to ShareGift |
Visit www.capitadeal.com/nationalgrid or call Capita Share Dealing free on 0800 022 3374 for details and terms and conditions. This is not a recommendation to take any action . High street banks may also offer share dealing services. If you have any doubt as to what action you should take, please contact an authorised financial advisor.
ShareGift
If you have only a small number of shares which would cost more for you to sell than they are worth, you may wish to consider donating them to the charity. ShareGift is a registered charity (no. 1052686) which specialises in accepting such shares as donations. For more information visit www.sharegift.org or contact Capita Registrars.
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs)
Corporate ISAs for National Grid shares are available from Stocktrade. For more information, call Stocktrade on 0131 240 0443, email isa@stocktrade.co.uk or write to Stocktrade, 81 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3ES.
National Grid plc was incorporated on 11 July 2000. The Company is registered in England and Wales No. 4031152, with its registered office at 1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5EH.
The Companys agent in the United States is National Grid USA, Attn: General Counsel, 40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA 02451.
196 National Grid plc Annual Report and Accounts 2011/12 |
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Cautionary Statement
This document comprises the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2012 for National Grid and its subsidiaries. It contains the Directors Report and Financial Statements, together with the Independent Auditors Report thereon, as required by the Companies Act 2006. The Directors Report, comprising pages 8 to 107 and 184 to 189, has been drawn up in accordance with the requirements of English law, and liability in respect thereof is also governed by English law. In particular, the liability of the Directors for these reports is solely to National Grid.
This document contains certain statements that are neither reported financial results nor other historical information. These statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include information with respect to our financial condition, our results of
operations and businesses, strategy, plans and objectives. Words such as anticipates, expects, should, intends, plans, believes, outlook, seeks, estimates, targets, may, will, continue, project and similar expressions, as well as statements in the future tense, identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance and are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in or
implied by such forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions, risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond our ability to control or estimate precisely, such as changes in laws or regulations and decisions by governmental bodies or regulators (including the new RIIO approach in the UK); breaches of, or changes in, environmental, climate change and health and safety laws or regulations, including breaches arising from the potentially harmful nature of our activities; network failure or interruption, the inability to carry out critical non network operations and damage to infrastructure, due to adverse weather conditions including the result of climate change or due to unauthorised access to or deliberate breaches of our IT systems or otherwise; performance against regulatory targets and standards and against our peers with the aim of delivering stakeholder expectations regarding costs and efficiency savings, including those related to investment programmes and internal transformation projects; and customers and counterparties failing to perform their obligations to the Company. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in this document include fluctuations in exchange rates, interest rates and commodity price indices; restrictions in our borrowing and debt arrangements, funding costs and access to financing; regulatory requirements for us to maintain financial resources in certain parts of our business and restrictions on some subsidiaries transactions such as paying
dividends, lending or levying charges; inflation; the funding requirements of our pension schemes and other post-retirement benefit schemes; the loss of key personnel or the ability to attract, train or retain qualified personnel and any disputes arising with our employees or the breach of laws or regulations by our employees; and incorrect or unforeseen assumptions or conclusions (including financial and tax impacts and other unanticipated effects) relating to business development activity, including assumptions in connection with joint ventures.
The effects of these factors on National Grid are difficult to predict. For further details regarding these and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties that may impact National Grid, please read the Business Review section including the Risk factors on pages 41 to 43 of this document. In addition, new factors emerge from time to time and we cannot assess the potential impact of any such factor on our activities or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual future results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Except as may be required by law or regulation, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of its forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this document.
The contents of any website references in this document do not form part of this document.
Further Information
Exchange Rates
The following table sets forth the history of the exchange rates of one pound sterling to US dollars for the periods indicated and as at the latest practicable date, 8 June 2012.
As at 8 June 2012 1.5416
High | Low | |||||
June 2012* |
1.5536 | 1.5407 | ||||
May 2012 |
1.6220 | 1.5392 |
* | For the period to 8 June 2012, the latest practicable date. |
Share ownership
At 8 June 2012, the latest practicable date, none of the directors had an individual beneficial interest amounting to greater than 1% of the Companys shares.
Material interests in shares
As at 9 June 2011, Capital Group Companies, Inc. held 5.04% of our outstanding share capital. As noted on page 184 of the 2011/2012 Annual Report and Accounts, we have been notified that Capital Group Companies, Inc. held 10.02% of our outstanding share capital as at 31 March 2012. Since 31 March 2012, we have not been notified of any subsequent significant change in the percentage of shares held by the shareholders listed on page 184 of the 2011/2012 Annual Report and Accounts.
Price history
The following table sets forth the highest and lowest intraday market prices for our ordinary shares and ADSs for the periods indicated.
Ordinary Share
(Pence) |
ADS ($) | |||||||
High | Low | High | Low | |||||
June 2012* |
664.50 | 646.50 | 51.64 | 50.03 | ||||
May 2012 |
689.50 | 647.50 | 55.00 | 49.93 |
* | For the period to 8 June 2012, the latest practicable date. |
Subsequent Events
None applicable.
Exhibits
Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC, National Grid has filed certain agreements as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 20-F. These agreements may contain representations and warranties by the parties to them. These representations and warranties have been made solely for the benefit of the other party or parties to such agreement and (i) may be intended not as statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating the risk to one of the parties to such agreements if those statements turn out to be inaccurate, (ii) may have been qualified by disclosures that were made to such other party or parties and that either have been reflected in the companys filings or are not required to be disclosed in those filings, (iii) may apply materiality standards different from what may be viewed as material to investors and (iv) were made only as of the date of such agreements or such other date or dates as may be specified in such agreements.
In accordance with the instructions to Item 2(b)(i) of the Instructions to Exhibits to the Form 20-F, National Grid agrees to furnish to the SEC, upon request, a copy of any instrument relating to long-term debt that does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of National Grid and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
Description | ||||||||
1.1 |
Articles of Association of National Grid plc adopted by Special Resolution passed on 27 July 2009, effective 1 October 2009. |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
2(a) |
Amended and restated Deposit Agreement dated as of 1 August 2005 among National Grid plc and The Bank of New York. (Exhibit 2 (a) to National Grid plc Form 20-F dated 17 June 2008 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated By Reference | ||||||
2(b).1 |
Amended and Restated Trust Deed dated 26 July 2010 among National Grid plc, National Grid Electricity Transmission plc and the Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. relating to a 15,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme. (Exhibit 2(b).1 to National Grid plc Form 20-F dated 13 June 2011 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated By Reference | ||||||
2(b).2 |
Amended and Restated Trust Deed dated 18 February 2011 among National Grid Gas plc, National Grid Gas Finance (NO 1) plc and the Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c relating to a 10,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme. (Exhibit 2(b).2 to National Grid plc Form 20-F dated 13 June 2011 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated By Reference | ||||||
2(b).3 |
Amended and Restated Trust Deed dated 22 February 2012 among National Grid Gas plc, National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) plc and the Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. relating to a 10,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme. |
Filed herewith | ||||||
2(b).4 |
Amended and Restated Trust Deed dated 21 December 2011 among National Grid USA and the Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c relating to a 4,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme. |
Filed herewith | ||||||
2(b).5 |
Amended and Restated Trust Deed dated 2 August 2011 among National Grid plc, National Grid Electricity Transmission plc and the Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. relating to a 15,000,000,000 Euro Medium Term Note Programme. |
Filed herewith | ||||||
4(c).1 |
Service Agreement among National Grid plc and Mark Fairbairn 23 January 2007. (Exhibit 4 (c).2 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 19 June 2007 File No. 1-14958). |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).2 |
Service Agreement among The National Grid plc and Steven Holliday dated 1 April 2006. (Exhibit 4.(c).3 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 19 June 2007 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).3 |
Service Agreement among National Grid Group plc, National Grid Company plc and Steve Lucas dated 13 June 2002. (Exhibit 4.5 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 16 June 2004 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).4 |
Service Agreement among National Grid Transco plc, National Grid Company plc and Nicholas Winser dated 28 April 2003. (Exhibit 4.8 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 16 June 2004 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).5 |
Employment Agreement among National Grid plc, National Grid USA and Thomas King dated 11 July 2007. (Exhibit 4 (c).9 to National Grid plc Form 20-F dated 17 June 2008 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).6 |
Letter of Appointment Linda Adamany. (Exhibit 4 (c).9 to National Grid plc Form 20-F dated 19 June 2007 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).7 |
Letter of Appointment Philip Aiken. (Exhibit 4 (c).11 to National Grid plc Form 20-F dated 17 June 2008 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).8 |
Letter of Appointment John Allan (Exhibit 4.10 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 15 June 2005 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).9 |
Letter dated 7 March 2006 to John Allan relating to appointment as chairman of Remuneration Committee. (Exhibit 4 (c).8.2 to National Grid plc Form 20-F dated 20 June 2006 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference |
4(c).10 |
Letter of Appointment Sir Peter Gershon. |
Filed herewith | ||||||
4(c).11 |
Letter of Appointment Paul Golby. |
Filed herewith | ||||||
4(c).12 |
Letter of Appointment Ken Harvey. (Exhibit 4.10 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 16 June 2004 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).13 |
Letter of Appointment Sir John Parker (Exhibit 4.12 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 16 June 2004 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).14 |
Letter of Appointment Ruth Kelly. |
Filed herewith | ||||||
4(c).15 |
Letter of Appointment Stephen Pettit. (Exhibit 4.13 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 16 June 2004 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).16 |
Letter of Appointment Maria Richter. (Exhibit 4.14 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 16 June 2004 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).17 |
Letter of Appointment George Rose. (Exhibit 4.15 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 16 June 2004 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).18 |
National Grid plc Deferred Share Plan. (Exhibit 4.2 to National Grid plc S-8 dated 28 July 2011 File No. 333-175852) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).18 |
National Grid Executive Share Option Plan 2002. (Exhibit 4 (c) to National Grid Group Form 20-F dated 21 June 2002 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).19 |
National Grid Group Share Matching Plan 2002. (Exhibit 4 (c) to National Grid Group Form 20-F dated 21 June 2002 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).20 |
National Grid Transco Performance Share Plan 2002 (as approved 23 July 2002 by a resolution of the shareholders of National Grid Group plc, adopted 17 October 2002 by a resolution of the Board of National Grid Group plc, amended 26 June 2003 by the Share Schemes Sub-Committee of National Grid Transco plc, and amended 5 May 2004 by the Share Schemes Sub-Committee of National Grid Transco plc). (Exhibit 4.19 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 16 June 2004 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).21 |
National Grid Executive Share Option Scheme. (Exhibit 4D to National Grid Group S-8 dated 26 July 2001 File No. 333-65968) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).22 |
Lattice Group Short Term Incentive Scheme (approved by a resolution of the shareholders of BG Group plc effective 23 October 2000; approved by a resolution of the Board of National Grid Transco plc on 30 April 2004; amended by resolutions of the Board of Lattice Group plc effective on 21 October 2002 and 13 May 2004). (Exhibit 4.23 to National Grid Transco Form 20-F dated 16 June 2004 File No. 1-14958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
4(c).23 |
Service Agreement among The National Grid plc and Andrew Bonfield dated 1 November 2010. (Exhibit 4(c).20 to National Grid plc Form 20-F dated 13 June 2011 File No 1-148958) |
Incorporated by reference | ||||||
8 |
List of subsidiaries. |
Filed herewith | ||||||
12.1 |
Certification of Steve Holliday pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act. |
Filed herewith | ||||||
12.2 |
Certification of Andrew Bonfield pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act. |
Filed herewith | ||||||
13.1 |
Certifications of Steve Holliday and Andrew Bonfield furnished pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Exchange Act (such certifications are not deemed filed for purpose of Section 18 of the Exchange Act and not incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act). |
Filed herewith |
15 |
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm to National Grid plc |
Filed herewith |
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorised the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
NATIONAL GRID PLC | ||||||
By: | /s/ Andrew Bonfield | |||||
Andrew Bonfield | ||||||
Finance Director |
London, England
12 June 2012
EXHIBIT 2(b).3
EXECUTION COPY
Dated 22 February 2012
NATIONAL GRID GAS plc
as Issuer and Guarantor
and
NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc
as Issuer
and
THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c.
as Trustee
arranged by
HSBC BANK plc
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST DEED
relating to a
Euro 10,000,000,000
Euro Medium Term Note Programme
Linklaters
Ref: JALB/RR
Linklaters LLP
Table of Contents
Contents |
Page | |||
1 Interpretation |
1 | |||
2 Issue of Instruments and Covenant to Pay |
6 | |||
3 Form of the Instruments |
8 | |||
4 Stamp Duties and Taxes |
9 | |||
4A Guarantee and Indemnity |
10 | |||
5 Application of Moneys Received by the Trustee |
12 | |||
6 Covenants |
13 | |||
7 Remuneration and Indemnification of the Trustee |
15 | |||
8 Provisions Supplemental to the Trustee Acts |
17 | |||
9 Trustee Liable for Negligence |
20 | |||
10 Waiver and Proof of Default |
21 | |||
11 Trustee not Precluded from Entering into Contracts |
21 | |||
12 Modification and Substitution |
21 | |||
13 Appointment, Retirement and Removal of The Trustee |
23 | |||
14 Instruments Held in Clearing Systems and Couponholders |
24 | |||
15 Currency Indemnity |
25 | |||
16 Enforcement |
26 | |||
17 Communications |
27 | |||
18 Governing Law and Jurisdiction |
27 | |||
Schedule 1 Part A Form of CGN Temporary Global Instrument |
28 | |||
Schedule 1 Part B Form of CGN Permanent Global Instrument |
35 | |||
Schedule 1 Part C Form of NGN Temporary Global Instrument |
45 | |||
Schedule 1 Part D Form of NGN Permanent Global Instrument |
51 | |||
Schedule 2 Part A Form of Definitive Instrument |
59 | |||
Schedule 2 Part B Terms and Conditions of the Instruments |
63 |
A14555674
i
Schedule 2 Part C Form of Coupon |
97 | |||
Schedule 2 Part D Form of Talon |
99 | |||
Schedule 2 Part E Form of Receipt |
101 | |||
Schedule 3 Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders |
102 |
A14555674
ii
This Trust Deed is made on 22 February 2012 between :
(1) |
NATIONAL GRID GAS plc ( National Grid Gas ) and NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc ( National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) ), each an Issuer and together, the Issuers ); |
(2) |
NATIONAL GRID GAS plc as guarantor in respect of Instruments issued by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) (the Guarantor ); and |
(3) |
THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c. (the Trustee , which expression, where the meaning so admits, includes any other trustee for the time being of this Trust Deed). |
Whereas :
(A) |
The Issuers propose to issue from time to time bearer debt instruments (the Instruments ) in an aggregate nominal amount outstanding at any one time, including Instruments previously issued under the Programme, not exceeding the Programme Limit in accordance with the Dealer Agreement (the Programme ) and to be constituted under this Trust Deed. |
(B) |
The Trustee has agreed to act as trustee of this Trust Deed on the following terms and conditions. |
(C) |
For the purposes of the Programme National Grid Gas, National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) and the Trustee entered into an amended and restated trust deed dated 18 February 2011 (the Prior Trust Deed ). |
This Trust Deed witnesses and it is declared as follows:
1 |
Interpretation |
1.1 |
Definitions |
In this Trust Deed:
Agency Agreement means the amended and restated agency agreement (as amended, supplemented and/or restated from time to time) relating to the Programme dated 18 February 2011 between the Issuers, the Guarantor, the Trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon as Issuing and Paying Agent and the other agents mentioned in it.
Agents has the meaning given to it in the Agency Agreement.
Calculation Agent means any person named as such in the Conditions or any Successor Calculation Agent.
CGN means a temporary Global Instrument in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 1 or a permanent Global Instrument in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 1.
Clearstream, Luxembourg means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme .
Common Safekeeper means, in relation to a Series, the common safekeeper for Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg appointed in respect of such Instruments.
Conditions means in respect of the Instruments of each Series the terms and conditions applicable to them which shall be substantially in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Instruments ) as modified, with respect to any Instruments
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represented by a Global Instrument, by the provisions of such Global Instrument, and shall incorporate any additional provisions forming part of such terms and conditions set out in Part A of the Final Terms relating to the Instruments of that Series and shall be endorsed on the Definitive Instruments subject to amendment and completion as referred to in the first paragraph of Part A of Schedule 2 ( Form of Definitive Instrument ) and any reference to a particularly numbered Condition shall be construed accordingly.
Contractual Currency means, in relation to any payment obligation of any Instrument, the currency in which that payment obligation is expressed and, in relation to Clause 7 ( Remuneration and Indemnification of the Trustee ), pounds sterling or such other currency as may be agreed between the Issuers, the Guarantor and the Trustee from time to time.
Coupons means the coupons relating to interest bearing Instruments or, as the context may require, a specific number of them and includes any replacement Coupons issued pursuant to the Conditions.
Dealer Agreement means the amended and restated dealer agreement (as amended, supplemented and/or restated from time to time) relating to the Programme dated 22 February 2012 between the Issuers, the Guarantor, the Arranger, and the dealers named in it.
Definitive Instrument means an Instrument in definitive form having, where appropriate, Coupons, Receipt(s) and/or a Talon attached on issue and, unless the context requires otherwise, includes any replacement Instrument issued pursuant to the Conditions.
Euroclear means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.
Event of Default means an event described in Condition 9 and that, if so required by that Condition, has been certified by the Trustee to be, in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders.
Extraordinary Resolution has the meaning set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders ).
Final Terms means, in relation to a Tranche, the final terms document substantially in the form set out in the Prospectus which will be completed at or around the time of the agreement to issue each Tranche of Instruments and which will constitute final terms for the purposes of Article 5.4 of the Prospectus Directive.
Global Instrument means a temporary Global Instrument and/or, as the context may require, a permanent Global Instrument, a CGN or a NGN, as the context may require.
Guarantee means the guarantee and indemnity of the Guarantor in Clause 4A.
holder in relation to an Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon, and Couponholder and Instrumentholder have the meanings given to them in the Conditions.
Instruments means the bearer debt instruments to be issued by each of the Issuers pursuant to the Dealer Agreement, constituted by this Trust Deed and for the time being outstanding or, as the context may require, a specific number of them.
Issuing and Paying Agent means the person named as such in the Conditions or any Successor Issuing and Paying Agent in each case at its specified office.
month means a calendar month.
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NGN means a temporary Global Instrument in the form set out in Part C of Schedule 1 or a permanent Global Instrument in the form set out in Part D of Schedule 1.
outstanding means, in relation to the Instruments, all the Instruments issued except (a) those that have been redeemed in accordance with the Conditions, (b) those in respect of which the date for redemption has occurred and the redemption moneys (including all interest accrued on such Instruments to the date for such redemption and any interest payable after such date) have been duly paid to the Trustee or to the Issuing and Paying Agent as provided in Clause 2 ( Issue of Instruments and Covenant to Pay ) and remain available for payment against presentation and surrender of Instruments, Receipts and/or Coupons, as the case may be, (c) those which have become void or in respect of which claims have become prescribed, (d) those which have been purchased and cancelled as provided in the Conditions, (e) those mutilated or defaced Instruments which have been surrendered in exchange for replacement Instruments, (f) (for the purpose only of determining how many Instruments are outstanding and without prejudice to their status for any other purpose) those Instruments alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed and in respect of which replacement Instruments have been issued, and (g) any temporary Global Instrument to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for a permanent Global Instrument and any Global Instrument to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for one or more Definitive Instruments, in either case pursuant to its provisions provided that for the purposes of (i) ascertaining the right to attend and vote at any meeting of the Instrumentholders, (ii) the determination of how many Instruments are outstanding for the purposes of Conditions 9 and 11 and Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders ), (iii) the exercise of any discretion, power or authority that the Trustee is required, expressly or impliedly, to exercise in or by reference to the interests of the Instrumentholders and (iv) the certification (where relevant) by the Trustee as to whether a Potential Event of Default is in its opinion materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders, those Instruments which are beneficially held by or on behalf of the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) or any of its respective subsidiary undertakings and not cancelled shall (unless no longer so held) be deemed not to remain outstanding. Save for the purposes of the proviso herein, in the case of each NGN, the Trustee shall rely on the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg in relation to any determination of the nominal amount outstanding of each NGN.
Paying Agents means the persons (including the Issuing and Paying Agent) referred to as such in the Conditions or any Successor Paying Agents in each case at their respective specified offices.
permanent Global Instrument means a Global Instrument representing Instruments of one or more Tranches of the same Series, either on issue or upon exchange of a temporary Global Instrument, or part of it, and which shall be substantially in the form set out in Part B or Part D of Schedule 1, as the case may be ( Form of Permanent Global Instrument ).
Potential Event of Default means an event or circumstance that could with the giving of notice, lapse of time, issue of a certificate and/or fulfilment of any other requirement provided for in Condition 9 become an Event of Default.
Programme Limit means the maximum aggregate nominal amount of Instruments which may be issued and outstanding at any time under the Programme, as such limit may be increased pursuant to the Dealer Agreement.
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Prospectus means the prospectus prepared in connection with the Programme and constituting a base prospectus in respect of each Issuer for the purposes of Article 5.4 of the Prospectus Directive, as revised, supplemented or amended from time to time by the Issuers and the Guarantor (if applicable) including any documents which are from time to time incorporated in the Prospectus by reference except that in relation to each Tranche of Instruments only the applicable Final Terms shall be deemed to be included in the Prospectus.
Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Receipts means the receipts for the payment of instalments of principal in respect of Instruments of which the principal is repayable in instalments or, as the context may require, a specific number of them and includes any replacement Receipts issued pursuant to the Conditions.
Redemption Amount means the Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount, as the case may be, all as defined in the Conditions.
Series means a series of Instruments comprising one or more Tranches, whether or not issued on the same date, that (except in respect of the first payment of interest and their issue price) have identical terms on issue and are expressed to have the same series number.
specified office means, in relation to a Paying Agent, the office identified with its name at the end of the Conditions or any other office approved by the Trustee and notified to Instrumentholders pursuant to Clause 6.6 ( Notices to Instrumentholders ).
Successor means, in relation to an Agent such other or further person as may from time to time be appointed by any of the Issuers or the Guarantor (if applicable) as such Agent with the written approval of, and on terms approved in writing by, the Trustee and notice of whose appointment is given to Instrumentholders pursuant to Clause 6.6 ( Notices to Instrumentholders ).
Successor in Business means (a) an entity which acquires all or substantially all of the undertaking and/or assets of the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor or of a Successor in Business of such Issuer or the Guarantor; or (b) any entity into which any of the previously referred to entity is amalgamated, merged or reconstructed and is itself not the continuing company.
Talons mean talons for further Coupons or, as the context may require, a specific number of them and includes any replacement Talons issued pursuant to the Conditions.
TARGET System means the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (known as TARGET2) System which was launched on 19 November 2007 or any successor thereto.
temporary Global Instrument means a Global Instrument representing Instruments of one or more Tranches of the same Series on issue and which shall be substantially in the form set out in Part A or Part C of Schedule 1, as the case may be ( Form of Temporary Global Instrument ).
Tranche means, in relation to a Series, those Instruments of that Series which are issued on the same date at the same issue price and in respect of which the first payment of interest is identical.
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trust corporation means a trust corporation (as defined in the Law of Property Act 1925) or a corporation entitled to act as a trustee pursuant to applicable foreign legislation relating to trustees.
Trustee Acts means both the Trustee Act 1925 and the Trustee Act 2000 of England and Wales.
1.2 |
Construction of Certain References |
Unless the context otherwise requires all references in this Trust Deed to:
1.2.1 |
the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be to the records that each of Euroclear and
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1.2.2 |
costs, charges, remuneration or expenses include any value added, turnover or similar tax charged in respect of them; |
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1.2.3 |
an action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings for the enforcement of creditors rights include references to the action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings in jurisdictions other than England as shall most nearly approximate to it; |
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1.2.4 |
the Trustees approval or consent shall, unless expressed otherwise, be subject to the requirement that any such approval or consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, such reasonableness to be determined by reference to acting in the interests of Instrumentholders as a whole; and |
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1.2.5 |
the appointment or employment of or delegation to any person by the Trustee shall be deemed to include a reference to, if in the opinion of the Trustee it is reasonably practicable, the prior notification of and consultation with the Issuers and the Guarantor and, in any event, the notification forthwith of such appointment, employment or delegation, as the case may be. |
1.3 |
Headings |
Headings shall be ignored in construing this Trust Deed.
1.4 |
Contracts |
References in this Trust Deed to this Trust Deed or any other document are to this Trust Deed or those documents as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time in relation to the Programme and include any document that amends, supplements or replaces them.
1.5 |
Schedules |
The Schedules are part of this Trust Deed and have effect accordingly.
1.6 |
Alternative Clearing System |
References in this Trust Deed to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall, wherever the context so permits, be deemed to include reference to any additional or alternative clearing system approved by the relevant Issuer and the Guarantor (if
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applicable), the Trustee and the Issuing and Paying Agent. In the case of NGNs, such alternative clearing system must also be authorised to hold Instruments as eligible collateral for Eurosystem monetary policy and intra-day credit operations.
1.7 |
Other terms |
Other terms defined in the Dealer Agreement or the Conditions have the same meaning in this Trust Deed.
1.8 |
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 |
A person who is not a party to this Trust Deed has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Trust Deed.
1.9 |
Amendment and Restatement |
The Prior Trust Deed shall be amended and restated on the terms of this Trust Deed, such amendment and restatement to take effect from the date of this Trust Deed. Any Instruments issued on or after the date of this Trust Deed shall be constituted by, and issued pursuant to, this Trust Deed. This does not affect any Instruments issued prior to the date of this Trust Deed or any other Instrument issued on or after the date of this Trust Deed to be consolidated and form a single series with the Instruments of any series issued prior to the date of this Trust Deed. Subject to such amendment and restatement, the Prior Trust Deed shall continue in full force and effect.
2 |
Issue of Instruments and Covenant to Pay |
2.1 |
Issue of Instruments |
Each of the Issuers may from time to time issue Instruments in Tranches of one or more Series on a continuous basis with no minimum issue size in accordance with the Dealer Agreement. Before issuing any Tranche and not later than 3.00 p.m. (London time) on the second business day in London which for this purpose shall be a day on which commercial banks are open for general business in London preceding each proposed issue date, the relevant Issuer shall give written notice or procure that it is given to the Trustee of the proposed issue of such Tranche, specifying the details to be included in the relevant Final Terms. Upon the issue by any of the Issuers of any Instruments expressed to be constituted by this Trust Deed, such Instruments shall forthwith be constituted by this Trust Deed without any further formality and irrespective of whether or not the issue of such debt securities contravenes any covenant or other restriction in this Trust Deed or the Programme Limit.
2.2 |
Separate Series |
The provisions of Clauses 2.3 ( Covenant to Pay ), 2.4 ( Discharge ), 2.5 ( Payment after a Default ) and 2.6 ( Rate of Interest after a Default ) and of Clauses 3 ( Form of the Instruments ) to 15 ( Currency Indemnity ) and Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders ) (all inclusive) shall apply mutatis mutandis separately and independently to the Instruments of each Series and in such Clauses and Schedule the expressions Instrumentholders , Receipts , Coupons , Couponholders and
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Talons , together with all other terms that relate to Instruments or their Conditions, shall be construed as referring to those of the particular Series in question and not of all Series unless expressly so provided, so that each Series shall be constituted by a separate trust pursuant to Clause 2.3 ( Covenant to Pay ) and that, unless expressly provided, events affecting one Series shall not affect any other.
2.3 |
Covenant to Pay |
The relevant Issuer shall on any date when any Instruments become due to be redeemed, in whole or in part, unconditionally pay to or to the order of the Trustee in the Contractual Currency, in the case of any Contractual Currency other than euro, in the principal financial centre for the Contractual Currency and, in the case of euro, in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System, in same day funds the Redemption Amount of the Instruments becoming due for redemption on that date together with any applicable premium and shall (subject to the Conditions and other than in respect of the Zero Coupon Instruments) until such payment (both before and after judgment) unconditionally so pay to or to the order of the Trustee interest in respect of the nominal amount of the Instruments outstanding as set out in the Conditions (subject to Clause 2.6 ( Rate of Interest after a Default )) provided that (a) payment of any sum due in respect of the Instruments made to the Issuing and Paying Agent as provided in the Agency Agreement shall, to that extent, satisfy such obligation except to the extent that there is failure in its subsequent payment to the relevant Instrumentholders or Couponholders under the Conditions and (b) a payment made after the due date or as a result of the Instrument becoming repayable following an Event of Default shall be deemed to have been made when the full amount due has been received by the Issuing and Paying Agent or the Trustee and notice to that effect has been given to the Instrumentholders (if required under Clause 6.8 ( Notice of Late Payment )), except to the extent that there is failure in its subsequent payment to the relevant Instrumentholders or Couponholders under the Conditions. This covenant shall only have effect each time Instruments are issued and outstanding, when the Trustee shall hold the benefit of this covenant on trust for the Instrumentholders and Couponholders of the relevant Series.
2.4 |
Discharge |
Subject to Clause 2.5 ( Payment after a Default ), any payment to be made in respect of the Instruments, Receipts or the Coupons by the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor or the Trustee may be made as provided in the Conditions and any payment so made shall (subject to Clause 2.5 ( Payment after a Default )) to that extent be a good discharge to such Issuer, the Guarantor or the Trustee, as the case may be (including, in the case of Instruments represented by a NGN, whether or not the corresponding entries have been made in the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg), except to the extent that there is failure in its subsequent payment to the relevant Instrumentholders or Couponholders under the Conditions.
2.5 |
Payment after a Default |
At any time after an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default has occurred the Trustee may:
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2.5.1 |
by notice in writing to the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) and the Paying Agents, require the Paying Agents, until notified by the Trustee to the contrary, so far as permitted by applicable law: |
(i) |
to act as Paying Agents of the Trustee under this Trust Deed and the Instruments on the terms of the Agency Agreement (with consequential amendments as necessary and except that the Trustees liability for the indemnification, remuneration and expenses of the Paying Agents shall be limited to the amounts for the time being held by the Trustee in respect of the Instruments on the terms of this Trust Deed) and thereafter to hold all Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons and all moneys, documents and records held by them in respect of Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons to the order of the Trustee; or |
(ii) |
to deliver all Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons and all moneys, documents and records held by them in respect of the Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons to the Trustee or as the Trustee directs in such notice and, |
2.5.2 |
by notice in writing to the relevant Issuer and the Guarantor (if applicable), require such Issuer failing whom, the Guarantor (if applicable) to make all subsequent payments in respect of the Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons to or to the order of the Trustee and not to the Issuing and Paying Agent and with effect from the receipt of any such notice by such Issuer and the Guarantor (if applicable), until such notice is withdrawn, the first proviso to Clause 2.3 ( Covenant to Pay ) shall cease to have effect. |
2.6 |
Rate of Interest after a Default |
If the Instruments bear interest at a floating or other variable rate and they become immediately payable under the Conditions following an Event of Default, the rate of interest payable in respect of them shall continue to be calculated by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the Conditions (with consequential amendments as necessary) except that the rates of interest need not be notified to Instrumentholders. The first period in respect of which interest shall be so calculable shall commence on the expiry of the Interest Period during which the Instruments become so repayable.
3 |
Form of the Instruments |
3.1 |
The Global Instruments |
The Instruments shall initially be represented by a temporary Global Instrument or a permanent Global Instrument in the nominal amount of the Tranche being issued. Interests in temporary Global Instruments shall be exchangeable for Definitive Instruments or interests in permanent Global Instruments as set out in each temporary Global Instrument. Interests in permanent Global Instruments shall be exchangeable for Definitive Instruments as set out in each permanent Global Instrument.
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3.2 |
The Definitive Instruments |
The Definitive Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be security printed in accordance with applicable legal and stock exchange requirements substantially in the forms set out in Schedule 2. The Instruments shall be endorsed with the Conditions.
3.3 |
Signature |
The Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be signed manually or in facsimile by an authorised signatory of the relevant Issuer and the Instruments shall be authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent. The relevant Issuer may use the facsimile signature of any person who at the date of this Trust Deed is such an authorised signatory even if at the time of issue of any Instruments, Receipts, Coupons or Talons he no longer holds that office. In the case of a Global Instrument which is a NGN, the Issuing and Paying Agent shall also instruct the Common Safekeeper to effectuate the same. Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons so executed and authenticated (and effectuated, if applicable) shall be binding and valid obligations of the relevant Issuer. Execution in facsimile of any Instruments and any photostatic copying or other duplication of any Global Instruments (in unauthenticated form, but executed manually on behalf of the relevant Issuer as stated above) shall be binding upon such Issuer in the same manner as if such Instruments were signed manually by such signatories.
3.4 |
Title |
The holder of any Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon shall (save as otherwise required by law) be treated as its absolute owner for all purposes (whether or not it is overdue and regardless of any notice of ownership, trust or any interest in it, any writing on it or its theft or loss) and no person will be liable for so treating the holder.
4 |
Stamp Duties and Taxes |
4.1 |
Stamp Duties |
Each of the Issuers shall pay any stamp, issue, documentary or other taxes and duties payable in the United Kingdom in respect of the creation, issue and offering of the Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons by it and the execution or delivery by it of this Trust Deed. Each Issuer shall also indemnify the Trustee, the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders from and against all stamp, issue, documentary or other taxes paid by any of them in any jurisdiction in connection with any action taken by or on behalf of the Trustee or, as the case may be (where entitled to do so), the Instrumentholders or the Couponholders to enforce the relevant Issuers or (if applicable) the Guarantors obligations under this Trust Deed or the Instruments, Receipts, Coupons or Talons.
4.2 |
Change of Taxing Jurisdiction |
If an Issuer or the Guarantor becomes subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of a territory or a taxing authority of or in that territory with power to tax other than or in addition to the United Kingdom or any such authority of or in such territory then such Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantor shall (unless the Trustee otherwise agrees) give the Trustee an undertaking satisfactory to the Trustee in terms corresponding to the terms of
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Condition 7 with the substitution for, or (as the case may require) the addition to, the references in that Condition to the United Kingdom of references to that other or additional territory or authority to whose taxing jurisdiction such Issuer or the Guarantor has become so subject. In such event this Trust Deed and the Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be read accordingly.
4A |
Guarantee and Indemnity |
4A.1 |
Guarantee |
The Guarantor unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees that if National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) does not pay any sum payable by it under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts or the Coupons by the time and on the date specified for such payment (whether on the normal due date, on acceleration or otherwise), the Guarantor shall pay that sum to or to the order of the Trustee, in the manner provided in Clause 2.3 ( Covenant to Pay ) (or if in respect of sums due under Clause 7 ( Remuneration and Indemnification of the Trustee ), in pounds sterling (or such other currency as may be agreed between the Issuers, the Guarantor and the Trustee from time to time) in London in immediately available funds) before close of business on that date in the city to which payment is so to be made. Clauses 2.3(a) and 2.3(b) shall apply (with consequential amendments as necessary) to such payments other than those in respect of sums due under Clause 7 ( Remuneration and Indemnification of the Trustee ). All payments under the Guarantee by the Guarantor shall be made subject to Condition 6 and Clause 4.2 ( Change of Taxing Jurisdiction ).
4A.2 |
Guarantor as Principal Debtor |
As between the Guarantor and the Trustee, the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders but without affecting National Grid Gas Finance (No 1)s obligations, the Guarantor shall be liable under this Clause as if it were the sole principal debtor and not merely a surety. Accordingly, it shall not be discharged, nor shall its liability be affected, by anything that would not discharge it or affect its liability if it were the sole principal debtor (including (1) any time, indulgence, waiver or consent at any time given to National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) or any other person, (2) any amendment to any other provisions of this Trust Deed or to the Conditions or to any security or other guarantee or indemnity, (3) the making or absence of any demand on National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) or any other person for payment, (4) the enforcement or absence of enforcement of this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts or the Coupons or of any security or other guarantee or indemnity, (5) the taking, existence or release of any security, guarantee or indemnity, (6) the dissolution, amalgamation, reconstruction or reorganisation of National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) or any other person or (7) the illegality, invalidity or unenforceability of or any defect in any provision of this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts or the Coupons or any of National Grid Gas Finance (No 1)s obligations under any of them).
4A.3 |
Guarantors Obligations Continuing |
The Guarantors obligations under this Trust Deed are and shall remain in full force and effect by way of continuing security until no sum remains payable under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts or the Coupons. Furthermore, those obligations of the Guarantor are additional to, and not instead of, any security or other guarantee or
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indemnity at any time existing in favour of any person, whether from the Guarantor or otherwise and may be enforced without first taking proceedings against National Grid Gas Finance (No 1), any other person, any security or any other guarantee or indemnity.
4A.4 |
Exercise of Guarantors Rights |
So long as any sum remains payable by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts or the Coupons:
4A.4.1 |
any right of the Guarantor, by reason of the performance of any of its obligations under this Clause, to be indemnified by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) or to take the benefit of or to enforce any security or other guarantee or indemnity shall be exercised and enforced by the Guarantor only in such manner and on such terms as the Trustee may require or approve and |
4A.4.2 |
any amount received or recovered by the Guarantor (a) as a result of any exercise of any such right or (b) in the liquidation, dissolution, amalgamation, reconstruction, reorganisation, insolvency, winding-up or analogous proceedings relating to National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) shall be held in trust for the Trustee and immediately paid to the Trustee and the Trustee shall hold it on the trusts set out in Clause 5.1 ( Declaration of Trust ). |
4A.5 |
Suspense Accounts |
Any amount received or recovered by the Trustee (otherwise than as a result of a payment by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) to the Trustee in accordance with Clause 2 ( Issue of Instruments and Covenant to Pay )) in respect of any sum payable by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts or the Coupons may be placed in a suspense account and kept there for so long as the Trustee thinks fit.
4A.6 |
Avoidance of Payments |
The Guarantor shall within 5 business days of demand indemnify the Trustee, each Instrumentholder and each Couponholder against any cost, loss, expense or liability sustained or incurred by it as a result of it being required for any reason (including any bankruptcy, insolvency, winding-up, dissolution, or similar law of any jurisdiction) to refund all or part of any amount received or recovered by it in respect of any sum payable by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) under this Trust Deed, any Instrument or the Receipts or Coupons relating to that Instrument and shall in any event pay to it on demand the amount as refunded by it.
4A.7 |
Debts of National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) |
If any moneys become payable by the Guarantor under this Guarantee, National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) shall not (except in the event of the liquidation of National Grid Gas Finance (No 1)) so long as any such moneys remain unpaid, pay any moneys for the time being due from National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) to the Guarantor.
4A.8 |
Indemnity |
As separate, independent and alternative stipulations, the Guarantor unconditionally and irrevocably agrees (1) that any sum that, although expressed to be payable by National
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Grid Gas Finance (No 1) under this Trust Deed, the Instruments or the Receipts or Coupons, is for any reason (whether or not now existing and whether or not now known or becoming known to National Grid Gas Finance (No 1), the Guarantor, the Trustee or any Instrumentholder or Couponholder) not recoverable from the Guarantor on the basis of a guarantee shall nevertheless be recoverable from it as if it were the sole principal debtor and shall be paid by it to the Trustee within 5 business days of demand and (2) as a primary obligation to indemnify the Trustee, each Instrumentholder and each Couponholder against any loss suffered by it as a result of any sum expressed to be payable by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) under this Trust Deed, the Instruments or the Receipts or Coupons not being paid on the date and otherwise in the manner specified in this Trust Deed or any payment obligation of National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts or the Coupons being or becoming void, voidable or unenforceable for any reason (whether or not now existing and whether or not now known or becoming known to the Trustee, any Instrumentholder or any Couponholder), the amount of that loss being the amount expressed to be payable by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) in respect of the relevant sum.
5 |
Application of Moneys Received by the Trustee |
5.1 |
Declaration of Trust |
All moneys received by the Trustee in respect of the Instruments or amounts payable under this Trust Deed shall, despite any appropriation of all or part of them by the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor (if applicable), be held by the Trustee on trust to apply them (subject to Clause 5.2 ( Accumulation )):
5.1.1 |
first, in payment of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by the Trustee (including remuneration payable to it) in carrying out its functions under this Trust Deed; |
5.1.2 |
secondly, in payment of any amounts owing in respect of the Instruments, Receipts or Coupons pari passu and rateably; and |
5.1.3 |
thirdly, in payment of any balance to such Issuer for itself or, if any moneys were received from the Guarantor and to the extent of such moneys, the Guarantor. |
If the Trustee holds any moneys which represent principal, premium or interest in respect of Instruments, Receipts or Coupons which have become void in accordance with the Conditions, the Trustee shall hold them on these trusts.
5.2 |
Accumulation |
If the amount of the moneys at any time available for payment in respect of the Instruments under Clause 5.1 ( Declaration of Trust ) is less than 10 per cent. of the nominal amount of the Instruments then outstanding, the Trustee may, at its discretion, invest such moneys as provided in Clause 5.3 ( Investment ). The Trustee may retain such investments and accumulate the resulting income until the investments and the accumulations, together with any other funds for the time being under its control and available for such payment, amount to at least 10 per cent. of the nominal amount of the Instruments then outstanding and then such investments, accumulations and funds (after deduction of, or provision for, any applicable taxes) shall be applied as specified in Clause 5.1 ( Declaration of Trust ).
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5.3 |
Investment |
Moneys held by the Trustee may be invested in its name or under its control in any investments or other assets anywhere, whether or not they produce income, or deposited in its name or under its control at such bank or other financial institution in such currency as the Trustee may, in its absolute discretion, think fit. If that bank or institution is the Trustee or a subsidiary, parent or associated undertaking of the Trustee, it need only account for an amount of interest equal to the largest amount of interest payable by it on such a deposit to an independent customer. The Trustee may at any time vary or transpose any such investments or assets or convert any moneys so deposited into any other currency, and shall not be responsible for any resulting loss, whether by depreciation in value, change in exchange rates or otherwise.
6 |
Covenants |
So long as any Instrument is outstanding, each of the Issuers (in respect of itself only) and the Guarantor shall each:
6.1 |
Books of Account |
Keep, and procure that each of its subsidiary undertakings keeps, proper books of account and, at any time after an Event of Default has occurred or if the Trustee reasonably believes that such an event has occurred, so far as permitted by applicable law, allow, and procure that each such subsidiary undertaking shall allow, the Trustee and anyone appointed by it to whom the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) and/or the relevant subsidiary undertaking has no reasonable objection, access to its books of account at all reasonable times during normal business hours.
6.2 |
Notice of Events of Default |
Notify the Trustee in writing immediately on becoming aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default.
6.3 |
Information |
So far as permitted by applicable law, give the Trustee such information as it reasonably requires to perform its functions.
6.4 |
Financial Statements etc |
Send to the Trustee at the time of their issue and in the case of annual financial statements in any event within 180 days of the end of each financial year three copies in English of every balance sheet, profit and loss account, report or other notice, statement or circular issued, or that legally or contractually should be issued, to the members or creditors (or any class of them) of the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) or any parent undertaking of it generally in their capacity as such.
6.5 |
Certificate of Directors |
Send to the Trustee, within 14 days of its annual audited financial statements being made available to its members, and also within 21 days of any request by the Trustee a
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certificate of the relevant Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantor signed by a Director or the Company Secretary that, having made all reasonable enquiries, to the best of the knowledge, information and belief of such Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantor as at a date (the Certification Date ) not more than five days before the date of the certificate no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default had occurred (and in the case of a Potential Event of Default was continuing) since the Certification Date of the last such certificate or (if none) the date of this Trust Deed or, if such an event had occurred (and in the case of a Potential Event of Default was continuing), giving details of it and certifying that it has complied with its obligations under this Trust Deed or, to the extent that it has failed so to comply, stating such.
6.6 |
Notices to Instrumentholders |
Obtain the prior written approval of the Trustee to, and promptly give to the Trustee two copies of, the form of every notice given to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 (such approval, unless so expressed, not to constitute approval for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 any such notice which is a communication within the meaning of that section).
6.7 |
Further Acts |
So far as permitted by applicable law, do such further things as may be necessary in the reasonable opinion of the Trustee to give effect to this Trust Deed.
6.8 |
Notice of Late Payment |
Forthwith upon request by the Trustee (if the Trustee determines such notice is necessary) give notice to the Instrumentholders of any unconditional payment to the Issuing and Paying Agent or the Trustee of any sum due in respect of the Instruments, the Receipts or Coupons made after the due date for such payment.
6.9 |
Listing |
If the Instruments are so listed, use all reasonable endeavours to maintain the listing of the Instruments but, if it is unable to do so, having used such endeavours, or if the maintenance of such listing is agreed by the Trustee to be unduly onerous and the Trustee is satisfied that the interests of the Instrumentholders would not by such action be materially prejudiced, instead use all reasonable endeavours to obtain and maintain a listing of the Instruments on another stock exchange approved in writing by the Trustee and subject to the requirements of the Dealer Agreement.
6.10 |
Change in Agents |
Give at least 14 days prior notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with the Conditions of any future appointment, resignation or removal of an Agent or of any change by an Agent of its specified office.
6.11 |
Provision of Legal Opinions |
Procure the delivery of legal opinions addressed to the Trustee dated the date of such delivery, in form and content acceptable to the Trustee:
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6.11.1 |
from Allen & Overy LLP (or such other firm of legal advisers as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) and the Trustee) as to the laws of England before the first issue of Instruments occurring after each anniversary of this Trust Deed or, if later, 12 months after the date of delivery of the latest such legal opinion and on the date of any amendment to this Trust Deed; |
6.11.2 |
unless the relevant Issuer has notified the Dealers and the Trustee in writing that it does not intend to issue Instruments under the Programme for the time being, from legal advisers, reasonably acceptable to the Trustee as to such law as may reasonably be requested by the Trustee and in such form and with such content as the Trustee may require, on such occasions as the Trustee so requests on the basis that the Trustee considers it prudent in view of a change (or proposed change) in (or in the interpretation or application of) any applicable law, regulation or circumstance materially affecting the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable), the Trustee, the Instruments, the Certificates, the Receipts, the Coupons, the Talons, this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement; and |
6.11.3 |
on each occasion on which a legal opinion is given to any Dealer pursuant to the Dealer Agreement from the legal adviser giving such opinion. |
6.12 |
Instruments Held by an Issuer or Guarantor etc. |
Send to the Trustee as soon as practicable after being so requested by the Trustee a certificate of the relevant Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantor signed by any Director or the Company Secretary stating the number of Instruments held at the date of such certificate by or on behalf of such Issuer or, as the case may be, the Guarantor or their respective subsidiary undertakings.
6.13 |
Obligations of Agents |
Comply with and perform all its obligations under the Agency Agreement and use all reasonable endeavours to procure that the Agents comply with and perform all their respective obligations thereunder and not make any amendment or modification to the Agency Agreement without the prior written approval of the Trustee.
6.14 |
Copies of Dealer Agreement |
Provide the Trustee promptly with copies of all supplements and/or amendments to, and/or restatements of, the Dealer Agreement.
7 |
Remuneration and Indemnification of the Trustee |
7.1 |
Normal Remuneration |
So long as any Instrument is outstanding each of the Issuers (failing whom, the Guarantor, in the case of Instruments issued by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1)) shall pay the Trustee as remuneration for its services as Trustee such sum on such dates in each case as they may from time to time agree. Such remuneration shall accrue from day to day from the date of this Trust Deed. However, if any payment to an Instrumentholder or Couponholder of moneys due in respect of any Instrument, Receipts or Coupon is improperly withheld or refused, such remuneration shall again accrue as from the date of
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such withholding or refusal until payment to such Instrumentholder or Couponholder is duly made.
7.2 |
Extra Remuneration |
In the event of the occurrence of an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default the Issuer (failing whom the Guarantor) hereby agrees that the Trustee shall be entitled to be paid additional remuneration, which may be calculated using its normal hourly rates in force from time to time. In any other case if the Trustee finds it expedient or necessary or is requested by an Issuer to undertake duties that they both agree to be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the Trustees normal duties under this Trust Deed, such Issuer (failing whom, the Guarantor, in the case of Instruments issued by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1)) shall pay such additional remuneration as they may agree or, failing agreement as to any of the matters in this Clause 7 (or as to such sums referred to in Clause 7.1 ( Normal Remuneration )), as determined by an investment bank (acting as an expert) selected by the Trustee and approved by such Issuer or, failing such approval, nominated by the President for the time being of The Law Society of England and Wales. The expenses involved in such nomination and such investment banks fee shall be shared equally between the Trustee and the relevant Issuer. The determination of such investment bank shall be conclusive and binding on the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor, the Trustee, the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders.
7.3 |
Expenses |
Each of the Issuers, in respect of Instruments issued by it, (failing whom, the Guarantor, in the case of Instruments issued by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1)) shall also on demand by the Trustee pay or discharge all costs, charges, liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred by the Trustee in the preparation and execution of this Trust Deed and the performance of its functions under this Trust Deed including, but not limited to, legal and travelling expenses and any United Kingdom stamp, documentary or other taxes or duties paid by the Trustee in connection with any legal proceedings reasonably brought or contemplated by the Trustee against an Issuer or the Guarantor to enforce any provision of this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons or the Talons and in addition shall pay to the Trustee (if required) an amount equal to the amount of any value added tax or similar tax chargeable in respect of the Trustees remuneration under this Trust Deed. Such costs, charges, liabilities and expenses shall:
7.3.1 |
in the case of payments made by the Trustee before such demand, carry interest from the date specified in the demand at the rate of the Trustees cost of funding on the date on which the Trustee made such payments; and |
7.3.2 |
in other cases, carry interest at such rate from 30 days after the date of the demand or (where the demand specifies that payment is to be made on an earlier date) from such earlier date provided that in such event no such interest shall accrue unless payment is actually made on such earlier date. |
7.4 |
Notice of Costs |
The Trustee shall wherever practicable give prior notice to the Issuers and the Guarantor of any costs, charges and expenses properly to be incurred and of payments to be made by the Trustee in the lawful exercise of its powers under this Trust Deed so as to afford
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each of the Issuers and the Guarantor a reasonable opportunity to meet such costs, charges and expenses itself or to put the Trustee in funds to make payment of such costs, charges and expenses. However, failure of the Trustee to give any such prior notice shall not prejudice its rights to reimbursement of such costs, charges and expenses under this Clause 7.
7.5 |
Indemnity |
Each of the Issuers (failing whom, the Guarantor, in the case of Instruments issued by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1)) shall indemnify the Trustee in respect of all liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred by it or by anyone appointed by it or to whom any of its functions may be delegated by it in the carrying out of its functions and against any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand or expense (including, but not limited to, all reasonable costs, charges and expenses paid or incurred in disputing or defending any of the foregoing) which any of them may incur or that may be made against any of them arising out of or in relation to or in connection with, its appointment or the exercise of its functions.
7.6 |
Continuing Effect |
Clauses 7.3 ( Expenses ) and 7.5 ( Indemnity ) shall continue in full force and effect as regards the Trustee even if it no longer is Trustee.
7.7 |
Determination of Series |
The Trustee shall be entitled in its absolute discretion to determine in respect of which Series of Instruments any costs, charge, liabilities and expenses incurred under this Trust Deed have been incurred or to allocate any such costs, charges, liabilities and expenses between the Instruments of any two or more Series.
8 |
Provisions Supplemental to the Trustee Acts |
8.1 |
Advice |
The Trustee may act on the opinion or advice of, or information obtained from, any expert and shall not be responsible to anyone for any loss occasioned by so acting. Any such opinion, advice or information may be sent or obtained by letter or fax and the Trustee shall not be liable to anyone for acting in good faith on any opinion, advice or information purporting to be conveyed by such means even if it contains some error or is not authentic.
8.2 |
Trustee to Assume Performance |
The Trustee need not notify anyone of the execution of this Trust Deed or do anything to find out if an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred. Until it has actual knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no such event has occurred and that each Issuer and the Guarantor is performing all of its obligations under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Talons provided that the Trustee shall not be treated for any purposes as having any notice or knowledge which has been obtained by it or any officer or employee of it in some capacity other than as Trustee under this Trust Deed or in a private or confidential capacity such that it would not be proper to disclose to third parties.
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8.3 |
Resolutions of Instrumentholders |
The Trustee shall not be responsible for having acted in good faith on a resolution purporting to have been passed at a meeting of Instrumentholders in respect of which minutes have been made and signed even if it is later found that there was a defect in the constitution of the meeting or the passing of the resolution or that the resolution was not valid or binding on the Instrumentholders or Couponholders.
8.4 |
Certificate Signed by a Director, etc. |
If the Trustee, in the exercise of its functions, requires to be satisfied or to have information as to any fact or the expediency of any act, it may call for and accept as sufficient evidence of that fact or the expediency of that act a certificate signed by any Director or the Company Secretary of the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor (if applicable) as to that fact or to the effect that, in their opinion, that act is expedient and the Trustee need not call for further evidence and shall not be responsible for any loss occasioned by acting on such a certificate.
8.5 |
Deposit of Documents |
The Trustee may deposit this Trust Deed and any other documents with any bank or entity whose business includes the safe custody of documents or with any lawyer or firm of lawyers believed by it to be of good repute and may pay all sums due in respect of them.
8.6 |
Discretion |
The Trustee shall have absolute and uncontrolled discretion as to the exercise of its functions and shall not be responsible for any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand, expense or inconvenience which may result from their exercise or non-exercise.
8.7 |
Agents |
Whenever it considers it expedient in the interests of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee may, in the conduct of its trust business, instead of acting personally, employ and pay an agent selected by it, whether or not a lawyer or other professional person, to transact or conduct, or concur in transacting or conducting, any business and to do or concur in doing all acts required to be done by the Trustee (including the receipt and payment of money). The Trustee shall not be responsible to anyone for any misconduct or omission by any such agent so employed by it or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any such agent.
8.8 |
Delegation |
Whenever it considers it expedient in the interests of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee may delegate to any person on any terms (including power to sub-delegate) all or any of its functions. If the Trustee exercises reasonable care in selecting such delegate, it shall not have any obligation to supervise such delegate or be responsible for any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand or expense incurred by reason of any misconduct or default by any such delegate or sub-delegate.
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8.9 |
Nominees |
In relation to any asset held by it under this Trust Deed, the Trustee may appoint any person to act as its nominee on any terms.
8.10 |
Forged Instruments |
The Trustee shall not be liable to the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) or any Instrumentholder or Couponholder by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any Instrument, Certificate, Receipt, Coupon or Talon purporting to be such and later found to be forged or not authentic.
8.11 |
Confidentiality |
Unless ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Trustee shall not be required to disclose to any Instrumentholder or Couponholder any confidential financial or other information made available to the Trustee by the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor (if applicable).
8.12 |
Determinations Conclusive |
As between itself and the Instrumentholders and Couponholders, the Trustee may determine all questions and doubts arising in relation to any of the provisions of this Trust Deed. Such determinations, whether made upon such a question actually raised or implied in the acts or proceedings of the Trustee, shall be conclusive and shall bind the Trustee, the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders.
8.13 |
Currency Conversion |
Where it is necessary or desirable to convert any sum from one currency to another, it shall (unless otherwise provided hereby or required by law) be converted at such rate or rates, in accordance with such method and as at such date as may reasonably be specified by the Trustee but having regard to current rates of exchange, if available. Any rate, method and date so specified shall be binding on the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable), the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders.
8.14 |
Payment for and Delivery of Instruments |
The Trustee shall not be responsible for the receipt or application by the relevant Issuer of the proceeds of the issue of the Instruments, any exchange of Instruments or the delivery of Instruments to the persons entitled to them.
8.15 |
Trustees consent |
Any consent given by the Trustee for the purposes of this Trust Deed may be given on such terms as the Trustee thinks fit. In giving such consent the Trustee may require the Issuers to agree to such modifications or additions to this Trust Deed as the Trustee may deem expedient in the interest of the Instrumentholders.
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8.16 |
Instruments Held by an Issuer etc. |
In the absence of knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee may assume without enquiry (other than requesting a certificate under Clause 6.12 ( Instruments Held by an Issuer or Guarantor etc .)) that no Instruments are for the time being held by or on behalf of the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) or their respective subsidiary undertakings.
8.17 |
Legal Opinions |
The Trustee shall not be responsible to any person for failing to request, require or receive any legal opinion relating to any Instruments or for checking or commenting upon the content of any such legal opinion.
8.18 |
Programme Limit |
The Trustee shall not be concerned, and need not enquire, as to whether or not any Instruments are issued in breach of the Programme Limit.
8.19 |
Events of Default |
The Trustee may determine whether or not an Event of Default is in its opinion capable of remedy or (in relation to Condition 9) materially prejudicial to the interests of Instrumentholders. Any such determination shall be conclusive and binding on the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable), the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders.
9 |
Trustee Liable for Negligence |
9.1 |
Disapplication |
Section 1 of the Trustee Act 2000 shall not apply to the duties of the Trustee in relation to the trusts constituted by this Trust Deed. Where there are any inconsistencies between the Trustee Acts and the provisions of this Trust Deed, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall, to the extent allowed by law, prevail and, in the case of any such inconsistency with the Trustee Act 2000, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall constitute a restriction or exclusion for the purposes of that Act.
9.2 |
Trustee Liability |
Subject to Sections 750 and 751 of the Companies Act 2006 (if applicable) and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Trust Deed, the Instruments or the Paying Agency Agreement, the Trustee shall not be liable to any person for any matter or thing done or omitted in any way in connection with or in relation to this Trust Deed, the Instruments or the Agency Agreement save in relation to its own gross negligence, wilful default or fraud.
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10 |
Waiver and Proof of Default |
10.1 |
Waiver |
The Trustee may, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders and without prejudice to its rights in respect of any subsequent breach, from time to time and at any time, if in its opinion the interests of the Instrumentholders will not be materially prejudiced thereby, waive or authorise, on such terms as seem expedient to it, any breach or proposed breach by an Issuer or the Guarantor of this Trust Deed or the Conditions or determine that an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default shall not be treated as such provided that the Trustee shall not do so in contravention of an express direction given by an Extraordinary Resolution or a request made pursuant to Condition 9. No such direction or request shall affect a previous waiver, authorisation or determination. Any such waiver, authorisation or determination shall be binding on the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders and, if the Trustee so requires, shall be notified to the Instrumentholders as soon as practicable.
10.2 |
Proof of Default |
Proof that the relevant Issuer has failed to pay a sum due to the holder of any one Instrument, Receipt or Coupon shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that it has made the same default as regards all other Instruments, Receipts or Coupons which are then payable.
11 |
Trustee not Precluded from Entering into Contracts |
The Trustee and any other person, whether or not acting for itself, may acquire, hold or dispose of any Instrument, Receipt, Coupon, Talon or other security (or any interest therein) of any of the Issuers, the Guarantor or any other person, may enter into or be interested in any contract or transaction with any such person and may act on, or as depositary or agent for, any committee or body of holders of any securities of any such person in each case with the same rights as it would have had if the Trustee were not acting as Trustee and need not account for any profit.
12 |
Modification and Substitution |
12.1 |
Modification |
The Trustee may agree without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders to any modification to this Trust Deed of a formal, minor or technical nature or to correct a manifest error. The Trustee may also so agree to any modification to this Trust Deed which is in its opinion not materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders, but such power does not extend to any such modification as is mentioned in the proviso to paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders ). Any such modification, authorisation or waiver shall be binding on the relevant Instrumentholders and Couponholders and if the Trustee so requires, such modification shall be notified to the relevant Instrumentholders as soon as practicable.
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12.2 |
Substitution |
12.2.1 |
The Trustee may, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders, agree to (a) the substitution of National Grid Gass Successor in Business or any subsidiary of National Grid Gas (the Substituted Obligor ) in place of National Grid Gas, as the case may be (or of any previous substitute under this Clause 12) as the principal debtor under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Talons; (b) the substitution of any other company (the Substituted Obligor ) in place of National Grid Finance (No 1) (or of any previous substitute under this Clause 12) as the principal debtor under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Talons; and (c) the substitution of the Guarantors Successor in Business or any subsidiary of the Guarantor (also a Substituted Obligor ) in place of the Guarantor as the guarantor of Instruments issued by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1), provided that: |
(i) |
a deed is executed or undertaking given by the Substituted Obligor to the Trustee, in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee, agreeing to be bound by this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Talons (with consequential amendments as the Trustee may deem appropriate) as if the Substituted Obligor had been named in this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Talons as the principal debtor in place of such Issuer or as the guarantor in place of the Guarantor, as the case may be; |
(ii) |
if the Substituted Obligor is subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of a territory or any authority of or in that territory with power to tax (the Substituted Territory ) other than the territory to the taxing jurisdiction of which (or to any such authority of or in which) such Issuer is subject generally (the Issuers Territory ) or to which the Guarantor is subject generally (the Guarantors Territory ), the Substituted Obligor shall (unless the Trustee otherwise agrees) give to the Trustee an undertaking satisfactory to the Trustee in terms corresponding to Condition 7 with the substitution for the references in that Condition to such Issuers Territory or the Guarantors Territory, as the case may be, of references to the Substituted Territory whereupon the Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Talons shall be read accordingly; |
(iii) |
if any two Directors of the Substituted Obligor certify that it will be solvent immediately after such substitution, the Trustee need not have regard to the Substituted Obligors financial condition, profits or prospects or compare them with those of such Issuer or the Guarantor; |
(iv) |
such Issuer, the Guarantor and the Substituted Obligor comply with such other requirements as the Trustee may direct in the interests of the Instrumentholders; |
(v) |
the Trustee is satisfied that (i) the Substituted Obligor has obtained all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals and consents necessary for its assumption of liability as principal debtor or guarantor, as the case may be, in respect of the Instruments in place of such Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be (or a previous substitute), (ii) all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals and consents necessary for or in |
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connection with the assumption by the Substituted Obligor of its obligations under the Instruments and the Coupons and (iii) such approvals and consents are at the time of substitution in full force and effect; and
(vi) |
a guarantee is provided in respect of the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Talons by the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be (or the Successor in Business) unless the Substituted Obligor is the Successor in Business. |
12.2.2 |
Release of Substituted Issuer : An agreement by the Trustee pursuant to this Clause 12.2 ( Substitution ) shall, if so expressed, release the relevant Issuer (or a previous substitute) from any or all of its obligations under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Talons. Notice of the substitution shall be given to the Instrumentholders within 14 days of the execution of such documents and compliance with such requirements. |
12.2.3 |
Completion of Substitution : On completion of the formalities set out in this Clause 12.2 ( Substitution ), the Substituted Obligor shall be deemed to be named in this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Talons as the principal debtor in place of the relevant Issuer (or of any previous substitute) and this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Talons shall be deemed to be amended as necessary to give effect to the substitution. |
13 |
Appointment, Retirement and Removal of The Trustee |
13.1 |
Appointment |
Each of the Issuers has the power of appointing new trustees but no one may be so appointed unless previously approved by an Extraordinary Resolution. A trust corporation shall at all times be a Trustee and may be the sole Trustee. Any appointment of a new Trustee shall be notified by the relevant Issuer to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 as soon as practicable.
13.2 |
Retirement and Removal |
Any Trustee may retire at any time on giving at least three months written notice to each of the Issuers and the Guarantor without giving any reason or being responsible for any costs occasioned by such retirement and the Instrumentholders may by Extraordinary Resolution remove any Trustee provided that the retirement or removal of a sole trust corporation shall not be effective until a trust corporation is appointed as successor Trustee. If a sole trust corporation gives notice of retirement or an Extraordinary Resolution is passed for its removal, it shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure that another trust corporation is appointed as Trustee.
13.3 |
Co-Trustees |
The Trustee may, despite Clause 13.1 ( Appointment ), by written notice to each of the Issuers and the Guarantor appoint anyone to act either as a separate Trustee in respect of any Issue or as an additional Trustee jointly with the Trustee:
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13.3.1 |
if the Trustee considers the appointment to be in the interests of the Instrumentholders and/or the Couponholders; |
13.3.2 |
to conform with a legal requirement, restriction or condition in a jurisdiction in which a particular act is to be performed; or |
13.3.3 |
to obtain a judgment or to enforce a judgment or any provision of this Trust Deed in any jurisdiction. |
Subject to the provisions of this Trust Deed the Trustee may, in the instrument of appointment, confer on any person so appointed such functions as it thinks fit. The Trustee may by written notice to each of the Issuers, the Guarantor and that person remove that person. At the Trustees request, each Issuer and the Guarantor shall forthwith do all things as may be required to perfect such appointment or removal and it irrevocably appoints the Trustee as its attorney in its name and on its behalf to do so.
Before appointing such person to act as separate Trustee or additional Trustee the Trustee shall (unless it is not, in the opinion of the Trustee, reasonably practicable to do so) give notice to each of the Issuers and the Guarantor of its intention to make such appointment (and the reason for that) and shall give due consideration to representations made by each of the Issuers and the Guarantor concerning such appointment. Where, as a result of this provision, not all the Instruments have the same Trustee, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall apply in respect of each such Trustee as if each were named as a party to this Trust Deed.
13.4 |
Competence of a Majority of Trustees |
If there are more than two Trustees the majority of them shall be competent to perform the Trustees functions provided the majority includes a trust corporation.
14 |
Instruments Held in Clearing Systems and Couponholders |
14.1 |
Instruments Held in Clearing Systems |
So long as any Global Instrument is held on behalf of a clearing system, in considering the interests of Instrumentholders, the Trustee may have regard to any information provided to it by such clearing system or its operator as to the identity (either individually or by category) of its accountholders or participants with entitlements to any such Global Instrument and may consider such interests on the basis that such accountholders or participants were the holder(s) of such Global Instrument.
14.2 |
Reliance on Instruments Held in Clearing Systems |
The Trustee and any Issuer may call for and, except in the case of manifest error, shall be at liberty to accept and place full reliance on as sufficient evidence thereof any certificate, letter of confirmation or other document issued on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any form of record made by any of them or such other evidence and/or information and/or certification as it shall, in its absolute discretion, think fit to the effect that at any particular time or throughout any particular period any particular person is, was, or will be, shown in its records as the holder of a particular nominal amount of Instruments represented by a Global Instrument and if the Trustee or any Issuer does so rely, such letter of confirmation, form of record, evidence, information or certification shall be
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conclusive and binding on all concerned for all purposes. Any such certificate may comprise any form of statement or print out of electronic records provided by the relevant clearing system (including Euroclears EUCLID or Clearstream, Luxembourgs Creation Online system) in accordance with its usual procedures and in which the holder of a particular nominal amount of Instruments is clearly identified together with the amount of such holding. Neither an Issuer nor the Trustee shall be liable to any person by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any certificate or other document to such effect purporting to be issued by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg and subsequently found to be forged or not authentic.
14.3 |
Couponholders |
No notices need be given to Couponholders. They shall be deemed to have notice of the contents of any notice given to Instrumentholders. Even if it has express notice to the contrary, in exercising any of its functions by reference to the interests of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee shall assume that the holder of each Instrument is the holder of all Receipts, Coupons and Talons relating to it.
15 |
Currency Indemnity |
15.1 |
Currency of Account and Payment |
The Contractual Currency is the sole currency of account and payment for all sums payable by each of the Issuers or the Guarantor under or in connection with this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts and the Coupons, including damages.
15.2 |
Extent of Discharge |
An amount received or recovered in a currency other than the Contractual Currency (whether as a result of, or of the enforcement of, a judgment or order of a court of any jurisdiction, in the insolvency, winding-up or dissolution of any of the Issuers or the Guarantor or otherwise), by the Trustee or any Instrumentholder or Couponholder in respect of any sum expressed to be due to it from the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, shall only discharge such Issuer or the Guarantor to the extent of the Contractual Currency amount which the recipient is able to purchase with the amount so received or recovered in that other currency on the date of that receipt or recovery (or, if it is not practicable to make that purchase on that date, on the first date on which it is practicable to do so).
15.3 |
Indemnity |
If that Contractual Currency amount is less than the Contractual Currency amount expressed to be due to the recipient under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts or the Coupons, the relevant Issuer shall indemnify it against any loss sustained by it as a result. In any event, the relevant Issuer shall indemnify the recipient against the cost of making any such purchase.
15.4 |
Indemnity Separate |
The indemnities in this Clause 15 and in Clause 7.5 ( Indemnity ) constitute separate and independent obligations from the other obligations in this Trust Deed, shall give rise to a separate and independent course of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence
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granted by the Trustee and/or any Instrumentholder or Couponholder and shall continue in full force and effect despite any judgment, order, claim or proof for a liquidated amount in respect of any sum due under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts and/or the Coupons or any other judgment or order.
16 |
Enforcement |
16.1 |
Trustee to enforce |
Only the Trustee may enforce the rights of the Instrumentholders and Couponholders against the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor, whether the same arise under the general law, this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Coupons or otherwise, and no Instrumentholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to proceed directly against the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor unless the Trustee, having become bound to proceed, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
16.2 |
Trustees Indemnity |
The Trustee shall not be bound to take any steps to enforce the performance of any provisions of this Trust Deed, the Instruments or the Coupons unless it shall be indemnified and/or secured and/or prefunded by the Instrumentholders and/or Couponholders to its satisfaction against all proceedings, claims and demands to which it may be liable and against all costs, charges, liabilities and expenses which may be incurred by it in connection with such enforcement, including the cost of its managements time and/or other internal resources, calculated using its normal hourly rates in force from time to time.
16.3 |
Legal proceedings |
If the Trustee (or any Instrumentholder or Couponholder where entitled in accordance with this Trust Deed so to do) institutes legal proceedings against any of the Issuers or the Guarantor to enforce any obligations under this Trust Deed:
16.3.1 |
proof in such proceedings that as regards any specified Instrument such Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, has made default in paying any principal or interest due to the relevant Instrumentholder shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that such Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, has made the same default as regards all other Instruments which are then repayable or, as the case may be, in respect of which interest is then payable; and |
16.3.2 |
proof in such proceedings that as regards any specified Coupon such Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, has made default in paying any sum due to the relevant Couponholder shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that such Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, has made the same default as regards all other Coupons which are then payable. |
16.4 |
Powers additional to general powers |
The powers conferred on the Trustee by this Clause 16 shall be in addition to any powers which may from time to time be vested in the Trustee by general law or as the holder of any Instruments or Coupons.
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17 |
Communications |
17.1 |
Method |
Each communication under this Trust Deed shall be made by fax or otherwise in writing. Each communication or document to be delivered to any party under this Trust Deed shall be sent to that party at the fax number or address, and marked for the attention of the person (if any), from time to time designated by that party to each other party for the purpose of this Trust Deed. The initial telephone number, fax number, address and person so designated by the parties under this Trust Deed are set out in the Procedures Memorandum.
17.2 |
Deemed Receipt |
Any communication from any party to any other under this Trust Deed shall be effective, (if by fax) when good receipt is confirmed by the recipient following enquiry by the sender and (if in writing) when delivered, except that a communication received outside normal business hours shall be deemed to be received on the next business day in the city in which the recipient is located.
18 |
Governing Law and Jurisdiction |
18.1 |
Governing Law |
This Trust Deed and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
18.2 |
Jurisdiction |
The courts of England are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes that may arise out of or in connection with this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons or the Talons and accordingly any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons or the Talons ( Proceedings ) may be brought in such courts. Each of the Issuers and the Guarantor irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and waives any objections to Proceedings in such courts on the ground of venue or on the ground that the Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. Each such submission is for the benefit of each of the Trustee, the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders and shall not limit the right of any of them to take Proceedings in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not).
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Schedule 1
Part A
Form of CGN Temporary Global Instrument
[NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc]*
(Incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales
under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number [2006000/5895068]*)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
[unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by
NATIONAL GRID GAS plc]*
TEMPORARY GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Temporary Global Instrument No. []
This temporary Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche and Series specified in the Second Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument of [National Grid Gas plc/National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) plc]* (the Issuer ) [and guaranteed by National Grid Gas plc (the Guarantor )] **.
Interpretation and Definitions
References in this temporary Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Instruments ) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 18 February 2011 between, inter alios , the Issuer, [the Guarantor] and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this temporary Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in the Second Schedule hereto), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this temporary Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed. If the Second Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument specifies that the applicable TEFRA exemption is either C Rules or not applicable, this temporary Global Instrument is a C Rules Instrument, otherwise this temporary Global Instrument is a D Rules Instrument.
Aggregate Nominal Amount
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this temporary Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments as shall be shown by the latest entry in the fourth column of the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, which shall be completed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent upon (a) the issue of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument, (b) the exchange of the whole or a part of this
* |
Delete as applicable |
** |
Only applicable where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer. |
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temporary Global Instrument for a corresponding interest in a permanent Global Instrument or, as the case may be, for Definitive Instruments, (c) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and/or (d) in the case of Partly Paid Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
Promise to Pay
Subject as provided in this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer of this temporary Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this temporary Global Instrument) surrender of this temporary Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual, on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions) the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and (unless this temporary Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
Exchange
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, on or after the first day following the expiry of 40 days after the Issue Date (the Exchange Date ), this temporary Global Instrument may be exchanged (free of charge to the holder) in whole or (in the case of a D Rules Instrument only) from time to time in part by its presentation and, on exchange in full, surrender to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for interests in a permanent Global Instrument or, if so specified in the Second Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, for Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument submitted for exchange provided that, in the case of any part of a D Rules Instrument submitted for exchange for a permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments, there shall have been Certification with respect to such nominal amount submitted for such exchange dated no earlier than the Exchange Date.
Certification means the presentation to the Issuing and Paying Agent of a certificate or certificates with respect to one or more interests in this temporary Global Instrument, signed by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders ) to the Trust Deed to the effect that it has received a certificate or certificates substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 2 to the Agency Agreement with respect to it and that no contrary advice as to the contents of the certificate has been received by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be.
Upon the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument being exchanged for a permanent Global Instrument, such permanent Global Instrument shall be exchangeable in accordance with its terms for Definitive Instruments.
The Definitive Instruments, for which this temporary Global Instrument or a permanent Global Instrument may be exchangeable, shall be duly executed and authenticated, shall, in the case of Definitive Instruments, have attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this temporary Global Instrument or the permanent Global Instrument, as the case may be,
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shall be security printed and shall be substantially in the form set out in the relevant Schedules to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of the Second Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this temporary Global Instrument for an equivalent interest in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the portion of the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument so exchanged shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent in Part 1 of the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, whereupon the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so exchanged and endorsed.
Benefit of Conditions
Except as otherwise specified in this temporary Global Instrument, this temporary Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this temporary Global Instrument is exchanged for equivalent interests in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the holder of this temporary Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the permanent Global Instrument (or the relevant part of it) or the Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, for which it may be exchanged as if such permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
Payments
No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument which falls due on or after the Exchange Date unless, upon due presentation of this temporary Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of (or, in the case of a subsequent exchange, due endorsement of) a permanent Global Instrument or delivery of Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer.
Payments due in respect of a D Rules Instrument before the Exchange Date shall only be made in relation to such nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument with respect to which there shall have been Certification dated no earlier than such due date for payment.
Any payments which are made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions. If any payment in full of principal is made in respect of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument, the portion of this temporary Global Instrument representing such Instrument shall be cancelled and the amount so cancelled shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent in the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument (such endorsement being prima facie evidence that the payment in question has been made) upon which the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so cancelled and endorsed. If any other payments are made in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument, a record of each such payment shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent on an additional schedule to this temporary Global Instrument (such endorsement being prima facie evidence that the payment in question has been made). Condition 6.4(v) and Condition 7(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
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For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 6.6 (Non-business days).
Cancellation
Cancellation of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption) shall be effected by reduction in the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument representing such Instrument on its presentation to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for endorsement in the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, upon which the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so cancelled and endorsed.
Notices
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this temporary Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such other clearing system, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this temporary Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
No provision of this temporary Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer [and the Guarantor] + to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions [and the Guarantee] + .
This temporary Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
This temporary Global Instrument and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
+ Only applicable where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer.
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this temporary Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
[ NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc ]*
By:
Authorised Signatory
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This temporary Global Instrument is authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
* |
Delete as applicable |
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The First Schedule
Nominal amount of Instruments represented by this
temporary Global Instrument
The following (i) issue of Instruments initially represented by this temporary Global Instrument, (ii) exchanges of the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument for interests in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments and/or (iii) cancellations or forfeitures of interests in this temporary Global Instrument have been made, resulting in the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument specified in the latest entry in the fourth column below:
Date |
Amount of decrease in nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument |
Reason for decrease in nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument (exchange, cancellation or forfeiture) |
Nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument on issue or following such decrease |
Notation made by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
||||
Issue Date |
not applicable | not applicable | ||||||
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The Second Schedule
[Insert the provisions of Part A of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Second Schedule]
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Schedule 1
Part B
Form of CGN Permanent Global Instrument
[NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc]*
(Incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales
under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number [2006000/5895068]*)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
[unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by
NATIONAL GRID GAS plc]*
PERMANENT GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Permanent Global Instrument No. []
This permanent Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche(s) and Series specified in the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument of [National Grid Gas plc/National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) plc]* (the Issuer ) [and guaranteed by National Grid Gas plc (the Guarantor )] **.
Interpretation and Definitions
References in this permanent Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Instruments ) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 18 February 2011 between, inter alios , the Issuer, [the Guarantor] and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this permanent Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this permanent Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed.
Aggregate Nominal Amount
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this permanent Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments as shall be shown by the latest entry in the fourth column of the First Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, which shall be completed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent upon (a) the exchange of the whole or a part of the temporary Global Instrument initially representing the Instruments for a corresponding interest in this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by a temporary Global Instrument upon issue), (b) the issue of the Instruments
* |
Delete as applicable |
** |
Only applicable where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer. |
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represented by this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument upon issue), (c) the exchange of the whole or, where the limited circumstances so permit, a part of this permanent Global Instrument for Definitive Instruments, (d) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and/or (e) in the case of Partly Paid Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
Promise to Pay
Subject as provided in this permanent Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received, by this permanent Global Instrument promises to pay to the bearer of this permanent Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this permanent Global Instrument) surrender of this permanent Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions), the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and (unless this permanent Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment, and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
Exchange
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable (free of charge to the holder) on or after the Exchange Date in whole but not, except as provided in the next paragraph, in part for the Definitive Instruments if this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system (an Alternative Clearing System ) and any such clearing system is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in fact do so.
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable in part (provided, however, that if this permanent Global Instrument is held by or on behalf of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg, the rules of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or Alternative Clearing System, as the case may be, so permit) if so provided, and in accordance with, the Conditions relating to Partly Paid Instruments.
Exchange Date means a day falling not less than 60 days, or in the case of failure to pay principal when due, 30 days after that on which the notice requiring exchange is given and on which banks are open for business in the city in which the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent is located and, except in the case of exchange pursuant to the first paragraph of this section above, in the cities in which Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or, if relevant, the Alternative Clearing System, are located.
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, any such exchange may be effected on or after an Exchange Date by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument surrendering this permanent Global Instrument or, in the case of a partial exchange, presenting it for endorsement to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent. In exchange for this permanent Global Instrument, or part of this permanent Global Instrument to be exchanged, the Issuer shall
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deliver, or procure the delivery of, duly executed and authenticated Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument submitted for exchange (if appropriate, having attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this permanent Global Instrument), security printed and substantially in the form set out in Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this permanent Global Instrument the portion of the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument so exchanged shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent in the First Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, whereupon the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so exchanged and endorsed.
Benefit of Conditions
Except as otherwise specified in this permanent Global Instrument, this permanent Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this permanent Global Instrument is exchanged for Definitive Instruments, the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the Definitive Instruments for which it may be exchanged and as if such Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
Payments
No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument that falls due after an Exchange Date for such Instruments, unless upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of Definitive Instruments is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer or the Issuer does not perform or comply with any one or more of what are expressed to be its obligations under any Definitive Instruments.
Payments in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions. A record of each such payment shall be endorsed on the First or Second Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, as appropriate, by the Issuing and Paying Agent or by the relevant Paying Agent, for and on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent, which endorsement shall (until the contrary is proved) be prima facie evidence that the payment in question has been made. Condition 6.4(v) and Condition 7(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this permanent Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 6.6 (Non-business days).
Prescription
Claims in respect of principal and interest (as each is defined in the Conditions) in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall become void unless it is presented for payment within a period of 10 years (in the case of principal) and 5 years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date.
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Meetings
For the purposes of any meeting of Instrumentholders the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall (unless this permanent Global Instrument represents only one Instrument) be treated as two persons for the purposes of any quorum requirements of a meeting of Instrumentholders and, at any such meeting, as having one vote in respect of each integral currency unit of the specified currency of the Instruments.
Cancellation
Cancellation of any Instrument represented by this permanent Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption) shall be effected by reduction in the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument representing such Instrument on its presentation to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for endorsement in the First Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, upon which the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so cancelled and endorsed.
Purchase
Instruments may only be purchased by the Issuer, [the Guarantor] + or any of [its/their respective] subsidiary undertakings if they are purchased together with the right to receive all future payments of interest and Instalment Amounts (if any) on the Instruments being purchased.
Issuers Options
Any option of the Issuer provided for in the Conditions shall be exercised by the Issuer giving notice to the Instrumentholders within the time limits set out in and containing the information required by the Conditions, except that the notice shall not be required to contain the serial numbers of Instruments drawn in the case of a partial exercise of an option and accordingly no drawing of Instruments shall be required.
Instrumentholders Options
Any option of the Instrumentholders provided for in the Conditions may be exercised by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument giving notice to the Issuing and Paying Agent within the time limits relating to the deposit of Instruments with a Paying Agent set out in the Conditions substantially in the form of the notice available from any Paying Agent, except that the notice shall not be required to contain the certificate numbers of the Instruments in respect of which the option has been exercised, and stating the nominal amount of Instruments in respect of which the option is exercised and at the same time presenting this permanent Global Instrument to the Issuing and Paying Agent, or to a Paying Agent acting on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent, for notation accordingly in the Fourth Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument.
Notices
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such Alternative Clearing System, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this permanent Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
+ |
Only applicable where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer. |
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Negotiability
This permanent Global Instrument is a bearer document and negotiable and accordingly:
(a) |
is freely transferable by delivery and such transfer shall operate to confer upon the transferee all rights and benefits appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument and to bind the transferee with all obligations appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument pursuant to the Conditions; |
(b) |
the holder of this permanent Global Instrument is and shall be absolutely entitled as against all previous holders to receive all amounts by way of amounts payable upon redemption, interest or otherwise payable in respect of this permanent Global Instrument and the Issuer has waived against such holder and any previous holder of this permanent Global Instrument all rights of set-off or counterclaim which would or might otherwise be available to it in respect of the obligations evidenced by this permanent Global Instrument; and |
(c) |
payment upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument as provided in this permanent Global Instrument shall operate as a good discharge against such holder and all previous holders of this permanent Global Instrument. |
No provisions of this permanent Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer [and the Guarantor] + to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions [and the Guarantee] + .
This permanent Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
This permanent Global Instrument and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
+ |
Only applicable where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer. |
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this permanent Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
[ NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc ]*
By:
Authorised Signatory
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This permanent Global Instrument is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
* |
Delete as applicable |
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40
The First Schedule
Nominal amount of Instruments represented by
this permanent Global Instrument
The following (i) issue of Instruments initially represented by this permanent Global Instrument, (ii) exchanges of the whole or a part of a temporary Global Instrument for interests in this permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments and/or (iii) cancellations or forfeitures of interests in this permanent Global Instrument have been made, resulting in the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument specified in the latest entry in the fourth column below:
Date |
Amount of increase/decrease in nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument |
Reason for
increase/decrease in nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument (initial issue, exchange, cancellation, forfeiture or payment, stating amount of payment made) |
Nominal amount
of this permanent Global Instrument on issue or following such increase/decrease |
Notation
made by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
||||
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The Second Schedule
Payments of Interest
The following payments of interest or Interest Amount in respect of this permanent Global Instrument have been made:
Due date of payment | Date of payment | Amount of interest |
Notation made by or
on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
|||
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The Third Schedule
[Insert the provisions of Part A of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Third Schedule.]
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43
The Fourth Schedule
Exercise of Instrumentholders Option
The following exercises of the option of the Instrumentholders provided for in the Conditions have been made in respect of the stated nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument:
Date of exercise |
Nominal amount of
this permanent Global Instrument in respect of which exercise is made |
Date on which
exercise of such option is effective |
Notation made by or
on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
|||
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Schedule 1
Part C
Form of NGN Temporary Global Instrument
[NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc]*
(Incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales
under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number [2006000/5895068]*)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
[unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by
NATIONAL GRID GAS plc]*
TEMPORARY GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Temporary Global Instrument No. []
This temporary Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche and Series specified in Part A of the Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument of [National Grid Gas plc/National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) plc]* (the Issuer ) [and guaranteed by National Grid Gas plc (the Guarantor )]**.
Interpretation and Definitions
References in this temporary Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Instruments ) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 18 February 2011 between, inter alios , the Issuer, [the Guarantor]** and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this temporary Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in Part A of the Schedule hereto), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this temporary Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed. If the Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument specifies that the applicable TEFRA exemption is either C Rules or not applicable, this temporary Global Instrument is a C Rules Instrument, otherwise this temporary Global Instrument is a D Rules Instrument.
Aggregate Nominal Amount
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this temporary Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments from time to time entered in the records of both Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg (together the relevant Clearing Systems ), which shall be completed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent upon (a) the issue of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument, (b) the exchange of the
* |
Delete as applicable |
** |
Only applicable where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer. |
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45
whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument for a corresponding interest recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or, as the case may be, for Definitive Instruments, (c) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and/or (d) in the case of Partly Paid Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this temporary Global Instrument means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interests in the Instruments) shall be conclusive evidence of the nominal amount of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and, for these purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the nominal amount of Instruments represented by the temporary Global Instrument at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing Systems at that time.
Promise to Pay
Subject as provided in this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer of this temporary Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this temporary Global Instrument) surrender of this temporary Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual, on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions) the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and (unless this temporary Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
Exchange
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, on or after the first day following the expiry of 40 days after the Issue Date (the Exchange Date ), this temporary Global Instrument may be exchanged (free of charge to the holder) in whole or (in the case of a D Rules Instrument only) from time to time in part by its presentation and, on exchange in full, surrender to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or, if so specified in Part A of the Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, for Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument submitted for exchange provided that, in the case of any part of a D Rules Instrument submitted for exchange for interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments, there shall have been Certification with respect to such nominal amount submitted for such exchange dated no earlier than the Exchange Date.
Certification means the presentation to the Issuing and Paying Agent of a certificate or certificates with respect to one or more interests in this temporary Global Instrument, signed by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 3 ( Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders ) to the Trust Deed to the effect that it has received a certificate or certificates substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed with
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46
respect to it and that no contrary advice as to the contents of the certificate has been received by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be.
Upon the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument being exchanged for a permanent Global Instrument, such permanent Global Instrument shall be exchangeable in accordance with its terms for Definitive Instruments.
The Definitive Instruments, for which this temporary Global Instrument or a permanent Global Instrument may be exchangeable, shall be duly executed and authenticated, shall, in the case of Definitive Instruments, have attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this temporary Global Instrument or the permanent Global Instrument, as the case may be, shall be security printed and shall be substantially in the form set out in the relevant Schedules to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of Part A of the Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this temporary Global Instrument for an equivalent interest recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the Issuer shall procure that details of the portion of the nominal amount hereof so exchanged shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by an amount equal to such portion so exchanged.
Benefit of Conditions
Except as otherwise specified in this temporary Global Instrument, this temporary Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this temporary Global Instrument is exchanged for equivalent interests in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the holder of this temporary Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the permanent Global Instrument (or the relevant part of it) or the Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, for which it may be exchanged as if such permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
Payments
No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument which falls due on or after the Exchange Date unless, upon due presentation of this temporary Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of (or, in the case of a subsequent exchange, a corresponding entry being recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems) a permanent Global Instrument or delivery of Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer.
Payments due in respect of a D Rules Instrument before the Exchange Date shall only be made in relation to such nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument with respect to which there shall have been Certification dated no earlier than such due date for payment.
Any payments which are made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions and each payment so made will discharge the Issuers obligations in respect thereof. Any failure to make the entries in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems referred to herein shall not affect such discharge. If any payment in full or in part of principal or in the case of
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Instalment Notes, payment of an Instalment Amount is made in respect of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer shall procure that details of such payment shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and, upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so redeemed or by the aggregate amount of the Instalment Amount so paid. If any other payments are made in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer shall procure that a record of each such payment shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems). Condition 6.4(v) and Condition 7(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 6.6 (Non-business days).
Cancellation
On cancellation of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption), the Issuer shall procure that details of such cancellation shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and, upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instrument recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so cancelled.
Notices
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this temporary Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such other clearing system, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this temporary Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
No provision of this temporary Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer [and the Guarantor] + to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions [and the Guarantee] + .
This temporary Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as Common Safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
This temporary Global Instrument and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
In witness of which the Issuer has caused this temporary Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
[ NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc ]*
+ |
Only applicable where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer. |
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By:
Authorised Signatory
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This temporary Global Instrument is authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
Effectuation
This temporary Global Instrument
Is effectuated by
[ COMMON SAFEKEEPER ]
As Common Safekeeper
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of effectuation only
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
* |
Delete as applicable |
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The Schedule
[Insert the provisions of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Schedule]
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Schedule 1
Part D
Form of NGN Permanent Global Instrument
[NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc]*
(Incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number [2006000/5895068]*)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
[unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by
NATIONAL GRID GAS plc]*
PERMANENT GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Permanent Global Instrument No. []
This permanent Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche(s) and Series specified in Part A of the Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument of [National Grid Gas plc/National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) plc]* (the Issuer ) [and guaranteed by National Grid Gas plc (the Guarantor )] + + .
Interpretation and Definitions
References in this permanent Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Instruments ) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 18 February 2011 between, inter alios , the Issuer, [the Guarantor]* and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this permanent Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this permanent Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed.
Aggregate Nominal Amount
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this permanent Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments from time to time entered in the records of both Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg (together, the relevant Clearing Systems ), which shall be completed and/or amended as the case may be upon (a) the exchange of the whole or a part of the interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in the temporary Global Instrument initially representing the Instruments for a corresponding interest
* |
Delete as applicable |
++ |
Only applicable where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer. |
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in this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by a temporary Global Instrument upon issue), (b) the issue of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument upon issue), (c) the exchange of the whole or, where the limited circumstances so permit, a part of this permanent Global Instrument for Definitive Instruments, (d) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and/or (e) in the case of Partly Paid Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this permanent Global Instrument means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interests in the Instruments) shall be conclusive evidence of the nominal amount of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and, for these purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the nominal amount of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing System at that time.
Promise to Pay
Subject as provided in this permanent Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received, by this permanent Global Instrument promises to pay to the bearer of this permanent Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this permanent Global Instrument) surrender of this permanent Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions), the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and (unless this permanent Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment, and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
Exchange
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable (free of charge to the holder) on or after the Exchange Date in whole but not, except as provided in the next paragraph, in part for the Definitive Instruments if this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system (an Alternative Clearing System ) and any such clearing system is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in fact do so.
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable in part (provided, however, that if this permanent Global Instrument is held by or on behalf of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg, the rules of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or Alternative Clearing System, as the case may be, so permit) if so provided, and in accordance with, the Conditions relating to Partly Paid Instruments.
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Exchange Date means a day falling not less than 60 days, or in the case of failure to pay principal when due, 30 days after that on which the notice requiring exchange is given and on which banks are open for business in the city in which the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent is located and, except in the case of exchange pursuant to the first paragraph of this section above, in the cities in which Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or, if relevant, the Alternative Clearing System, are located.
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, any such exchange may be effected on or after an Exchange Date by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument surrendering this permanent Global Instrument or, in the case of a partial exchange, presenting it for endorsement to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent. In exchange for this permanent Global Instrument, or part of this permanent Global Instrument to be exchanged, the Issuer shall deliver, or procure the delivery of, duly executed and authenticated Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument submitted for exchange (if appropriate, having attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this permanent Global Instrument), security printed and substantially in the form set out in Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of the Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this permanent Global Instrument the Issuer shall procure that the portion of the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument so exchanged shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by an amount equal to such portion so exchanged.
Benefit of Conditions
Except as otherwise specified in this permanent Global Instrument, the Issuer shall procure that this permanent Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this permanent Global Instrument is exchanged for Definitive Instruments, the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the Definitive Instruments for which it may be exchanged and as if such Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
Payments
No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument that falls due after an Exchange Date for such Instruments, unless upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of Definitive Instruments is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer or the Issuer does not perform or comply with any one or more of what are expressed to be its obligations under any Definitive Instruments.
Payments in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions and each payment so made will discharge the Issuers obligations in respect thereof. Any failure to make the entries in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems referred to herein shall not affect such discharge. The Issuer shall procure that details of each such payment shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and in the case of any payment of principal, or in the case of Instalment Instruments, payment of an Instalment Amount, and upon any such entry
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being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so redeemed or by the aggregate amount of the Instalment Amount so paid. Condition 6.4(v) and Condition 7(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this permanent Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 6.6 (Non-business days).
Prescription
Claims in respect of principal and interest (as each is defined in the Conditions) in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall become void unless it is presented for payment within a period of 10 years (in the case of principal) and 5 years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date.
Meetings
For the purposes of any meeting of Instrumentholders the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall (unless this permanent Global Instrument represents only one Instrument) be treated as two persons for the purposes of any quorum requirements of a meeting of Instrumentholders and, at any such meeting, as having one vote in respect of each integral currency unit of the specified currency of the Instruments.
Cancellation
On cancellation of any Instrument represented by this permanent Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption) the Issuer shall procure that details of such cancellation shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and, upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so cancelled.
Purchase
Instruments may only be purchased by the Issuer, [the Guarantor] + or any of [its/their respective] subsidiary undertakings if they are purchased together with the right to receive all future payments of interest and Instalment Amounts (if any) on the Instruments being purchased.
Issuers Options
Any option of the Issuer provided for in the Conditions shall be exercised by the Issuer giving notice to the Instrumentholders and the relevant Clearing Systems (or procuring that such notice is given on its behalf) within the time limits set out in and containing the information required by the Conditions, except that the notice shall not be required to contain the serial numbers of Instruments drawn in the case of a partial exercise of an option and accordingly no drawing of Instruments shall be required. In the case of a partial exercise of an option, the rights of accountholders with a clearing system in respect of the Notes will be governed by the standard procedures of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and shall be reflected in the records of
+ |
Only applicable where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer. |
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Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg as either a pool factor or a reduction in nominal amount, at their discretion. Following the exercise of any such option, the Issuer shall procure that the nominal amount of the Notes recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced accordingly.
Instrumentholders Options
Any option of the Instrumentholders provided for in the Conditions may be exercised by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument giving notice to the Issuing and Paying Agent within the time limits relating to the deposit of Instruments with a Paying Agent set out in the Conditions substantially in the form of the notice available from any Paying Agent, except that the notice shall not be required to contain the certificate numbers of the Instruments in respect of which the option has been exercised, following the exercise of any such option, the Issuer shall procure that the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount stated in the relevant exercise notice.
Notices
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such Alternative Clearing System, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this permanent Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
Negotiability
This permanent Global Instrument is a bearer document and negotiable and accordingly:
(a) |
is freely transferable by delivery and such transfer shall operate to confer upon the transferee all rights and benefits appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument and to bind the transferee with all obligations appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument pursuant to the Conditions; |
(b) |
the holder of this permanent Global Instrument is and shall be absolutely entitled as against all previous holders to receive all amounts by way of amounts payable upon redemption, interest or otherwise payable in respect of this permanent Global Instrument and the Issuer has waived against such holder and any previous holder of this permanent Global Instrument all rights of set-off or counterclaim which would or might otherwise be available to it in respect of the obligations evidenced by this permanent Global Instrument; and |
(c) |
payment upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument as provided in this permanent Global Instrument shall operate as a good discharge against such holder and all previous holders of this permanent Global Instrument. |
No provisions of this permanent Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer [and the Guarantor] + to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions [and the Guarantee] + .
+ |
Only applicable where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer. |
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This permanent Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as common safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
This permanent Global Instrument and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
In witness of which the Issuer has caused this permanent Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
[ NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc ]*
By:
Authorised Signatory
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This permanent Global Instrument is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory For the purposes of authentication only
Effectuation
This permanent Global Instrument
is effectuated by
[ COMMON SAFEKEEPER ]
As Common Safekeeper
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of effectuation only.
* |
Delete as applicable |
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ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
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The Schedule
[Insert the provisions Part A of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Third Schedule.]
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Schedule 2
Part A
Form of Definitive Instrument
On the front:
[Denomination] |
[ISIN] | [Series] | [Certif. No.] |
[Currency and denomination]
[NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc]*
(Incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales
under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number [2006000/5895068]*)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
[Title of issue]
[unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by
NATIONAL GRID GAS plc]*
This Instrument forms one of the Series of Instruments referred to above (the Instruments ) of [National Grid Gas plc/National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) plc]* (the Issuer ) [guaranteed by National Grid Gas plc (the Guarantor )] + designated as specified in the title of this Instrument. The Instruments are subject to the Terms and Conditions (the Conditions ) endorsed on this Instrument and are issued subject to, and with the benefit of, the Trust Deed referred to in the Conditions. Expressions defined in the Conditions have the same meanings in this Instrument.
The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer of this Instrument, on presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this Instrument) surrender of this Instrument on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual, on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions) the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions and (unless this Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, in the amounts and on the dates for payment provided for in the Conditions together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
This Instrument shall not become valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
* |
Delete as applicable |
+ |
Only applicable where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer. |
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this Instrument to be signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
[ NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc ]*
By:
Authorised Signatory
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This Definitive Instrument is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
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On the back:
Terms and Conditions of the Instruments
[The Terms and Conditions which are set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Instruments ) to the Trust Deed, as amended by and incorporating any additional provisions forming part of such Terms and Conditions, and set out in Part A of the relevant Final Terms shall be set out here.]
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ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
KBL EUROPEAN PRIVATE BANKERS S.A.
43 Boulevard Royal
L-2955 Luxembourg
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Schedule 2
Part B
Terms and Conditions of the Instruments
The following is the text of the terms and conditions which, save for the text in italics and subject to completion and amendment and as supplemented or varied in accordance with the provisions of Part A of the relevant Final Terms, will be endorsed on the Instruments in definitive form (if any) issued in exchange for the Global Instrument(s) representing each Series. Either (a) the full text of these terms and conditions together with the relevant provisions of Part A of the Final Terms or (b) these terms and conditions as so completed, amended, supplemented or varied (and subject to simplification by the deletion of non-applicable provisions), shall be endorsed on such Instruments. All capitalised terms which are not defined in these Conditions will have the meanings given to them in the Trust Deed or Part A of the relevant Final Terms. Those definitions will be endorsed on the Definitive Instruments. References in these terms and conditions to Instruments are to the Instruments of one Series only of the relevant Issuer (as defined below), not to all Instruments that may be issued under the Programme. Provisions which are marked with * only apply where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer.
National Grid Gas plc ( National Grid Gas ) and National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) plc ( National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) ) (each an Issuer and together, the Issuers ) and National Grid Gas plc as guarantor of Instruments issued by National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) (the Guarantor ) have established a Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the Programme ) for the issuance of up to 10,000,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of debt instruments (the Instruments ).
The Instruments are constituted by an Amended and Restated Trust Deed (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) dated 22 February 2012 between the Issuers, the Guarantor and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. (the Trustee , which expression shall include all persons for the time being the trustee or trustees under the Trust Deed) as trustee for the Instrumentholders (as defined below). These terms and conditions include summaries of, and are subject to, the detailed provisions of the Trust Deed, which includes the form of the Definitive Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons referred to below. An Amended and Restated Agency Agreement (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) dated 18 February 2011 has been entered into in relation to the Instruments between the Issuers, the Guarantor, the Trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon as initial issuing and paying agent and the other agent(s) named in it. The issuing and paying agent, the paying agent(s) and the calculation agent(s) for the time being (if any) are referred to below respectively as the Issuing and Paying Agent , the Paying Agents (which expression shall include the Issuing and Paying Agent) and the Calculation Agent(s) . Copies of the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement are available for inspection during usual business hours at the registered office of the Trustee (as at 22 February 2012 at Fifth Floor, 100 Wood Street, London EC2V 7EX) and at the specified offices of the Paying Agents.
The Instrumentholders, the holders of the interest coupons (the Coupons ) appertaining to interest bearing Instruments and, where applicable in the case of such Instruments, talons for further Coupons (the Talons ) (the Couponholders ) and the holders of the receipts for the payment of instalments of principal (the Receipts ) relating to Instruments of which the principal is payable in instalments are entitled to the benefit of, are bound by, and are deemed to have notice of, all the provisions of the Trust Deed (including the Guarantee) and are deemed to have notice of those provisions of the Agency Agreement applicable to them.
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1 |
Form, Denomination and Title |
The Instruments are issued in bearer form in the Specified Denomination(s) specified in the relevant Final Terms and are serially numbered. Instruments of one Specified Denomination are not exchangeable for Instruments of another Specified Denomination.
In the case of Instruments which are to be admitted to trading on a regulated market within the European Economic Area or offered to the public in a Member State of the European Economic Area in circumstances which require the publication of a prospectus under Directive 2003/71/EC (the Prospectus Directive ), the minimum Specified Denomination shall be 100,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency as at the date of issue of the relevant Instruments).
This Instrument is a Fixed Rate Instrument, a Floating Rate Instrument, a Zero Coupon Instrument, a Perpetual Instrument, an Index Linked Interest Instrument, an Index Linked Redemption Instrument, an Instalment Instrument, a Dual Currency Instrument or a Partly Paid Instrument, a combination of any of the preceding or any other kind of Instrument, depending upon the Interest and Redemption/Payment Basis specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Instruments are issued with Coupons (and, where appropriate, a Talon) attached, save in the case of Zero Coupon Instruments in which case references to interest (other than in relation to interest due after the Maturity Date), Coupons and Talons in these Conditions are not applicable.
Instalment Instruments are issued with one or more Receipts attached. Title to the Instruments and the Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall pass by delivery and except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by law, the Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) and the Paying Agents shall be entitled to treat the bearer of any Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon as the absolute owner of that Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon, as the case may be, and shall not be required to obtain any proof of ownership as to the identity of the bearer.
In these Conditions, Instrumentholder means the bearer of any Instrument of one Series only of an Issuer and the Receipts relating to it, holder (in relation to an Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon) means the bearer of any Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon and capitalised terms have the meanings given to them herein, the absence of any such meaning indicating that such term is not applicable to this Instrument.
2 |
Status [and Guarantee]* |
2.1 |
Status |
The Instruments and the Receipts and Coupons relating to them constitute direct, unconditional and unsecured obligations of the Issuer and rank pari passu without any preference or priority among themselves. The payment obligations of the Issuer under the Instruments, Receipts and Coupons [and of the Guarantor under the Guarantee]* shall, subject to such exceptions as are from time to time applicable under the laws of England, rank equally with all other present and future unsecured obligations (other than subordinated obligations, if any) of the Issuer [and the Guarantor respectively]*.
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2.2 |
[Guarantee |
The Guarantor has unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed the due payment of all sums expressed to be payable by the Issuer under the Trust Deed, the Instruments, Receipts and Coupons. Its obligations in that respect (the Guarantee ) are contained in the Trust Deed.]*
3 |
Interest |
3.1 |
Interest on Fixed Rate Instruments |
Each Fixed Rate Instrument bears interest on its outstanding nominal amount from the Interest Commencement Date at the rate per annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Rate of Interest, payable in arrear on each Interest Payment Date. The amount of interest payable shall be determined in accordance with Condition 3.2.4(f).
3.2 |
Interest on Floating Rate Instruments and Index Linked Interest Instruments |
3.2.1 |
Interest Payment Dates |
Each Floating Rate Instrument and Index Linked Interest Instrument bears interest on its outstanding nominal amount from the Interest Commencement Date at the rate per annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Rate of Interest, such interest being payable in arrear on each Interest Payment Date. The amount of interest payable shall be determined in accordance with Condition 3.2.4(f). Such Interest Payment Date(s) is/are either specified in the relevant Final Terms as Specified Interest Payment Dates or, if no Specified Interest Payment Date(s) is/are specified in the relevant Final Terms, Interest Payment Date shall mean each date which falls the number of months or other period shown on this Instrument as the Interest Period after the preceding Interest Payment Date or, in the case of the first Interest Payment Date, after the Interest Commencement Date.
3.2. 2 |
Business Day Convention |
If any date which is specified to be subject to adjustment in accordance with a Business Day Convention would otherwise fall on a day which is not a Business Day, then, if the Business Day Convention specified is (A) the Floating Rate Convention, such date shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day unless it would then fall into the next calendar month, in which event (x) such date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day and (y) each subsequent such date shall be the last Business Day of the month in which such date would have fallen had it not been subject to adjustment, (B) the Following Business Day Convention, such date shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day; (C) the Modified Following Business Day Convention, such date shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day unless it would then fall into the next calendar month, in that event such date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day or (D) the Preceding Business Day Convention, such date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day.
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3.2.3 |
Rate of Interest for Floating Rate Instruments |
The Rate of Interest in respect of Floating Rate Instruments for each Interest Accrual Period shall be determined in the manner specified in the relevant Final Terms and the provisions below relating to either ISDA Determination or Screen Rate Determination shall apply, depending upon which is specified in the relevant Final Terms.
(A) |
ISDA Determination for Floating Rate Instruments: Where ISDA Determination is specified in the relevant Final Terms as the manner in which the Rate of Interest is to be determined, the Rate of Interest for each Interest Accrual Period shall be determined by the Calculation Agent as a rate equal to the relevant ISDA Rate. For the purposes of this sub-paragraph (A), ISDA Rate for an Interest Accrual Period means a rate equal to the Floating Rate which would be determined by the Calculation Agent under a Swap Transaction under the terms of an agreement incorporating the ISDA Definitions and under which: |
(x) |
the Floating Rate Option is as specified in the relevant Final Terms; |
(y) |
the Designated Maturity is a period specified in the relevant Final Terms; and |
(z) |
the relevant Reset Date is the first day of that Interest Accrual Period unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms. |
For the purposes of this sub-paragraph (A), Floating Rate , Calculation Agent , Floating Rate Option , Designated Maturity , Reset Date and Swap Transaction have the meanings given to those terms in the ISDA Definitions.
(B) |
Screen Rate Determination for Floating Rate Instruments: Where Screen Rate Determination is specified in the relevant Final Terms as the manner in which the Rate of Interest is to be determined, the Rate of Interest for each Interest Accrual Period shall be determined by the Calculation Agent at or about the Relevant Time on the Interest Determination Date in respect of such Interest Accrual Period in accordance with the following: |
(x) |
if the Primary Source for Floating Rate is a Page, subject as provided below, the Rate of Interest shall be: |
(a) |
the Relevant Rate (where such Relevant Rate on such Page is a composite quotation or is customarily supplied by one entity); or |
(b) |
the arithmetic mean of the Relevant Rates of the persons whose Relevant Rates appear on that Page, |
in each case appearing on such Page at the Relevant Time on the Interest Determination Date;
(y) |
if the Primary Source for the Floating Rate is Reference Banks or if subparagraph (x) (a) applies and no Relevant Rate appears on the Page at the Relevant Time on the Interest Determination Date or if sub-paragraph (x) (b) above applies and fewer than two Relevant Rates appear on the Page at the Relevant Time on the Interest |
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Determination Date, subject as provided below, the Rate of Interest shall be the arithmetic mean of the Relevant Rates that each of the Reference Banks is quoting to leading banks in the Relevant Financial Centre at the Relevant Time on the Interest Determination Date, as determined by the Calculation Agent; and
(z) |
if paragraph (y) above applies and the Calculation Agent determines that fewer than two Reference Banks are so quoting Relevant Rates, subject as provided below, the Rate of Interest shall be the arithmetic mean of the rates per annum (expressed as a percentage) that the Calculation Agent determines to be the rates (being the nearest equivalent to the Benchmark) in respect of a Representative Amount of the Specified Currency that at least two out of five leading banks selected by the Calculation Agent in the principal financial centre of the country of the Specified Currency or, if the Specified Currency is euro in those Member States of the European Union which are participating in European economic and monetary union as selected by the Calculation Agent (the Principal Financial Centre ) are quoting at or about the Relevant Time on the date on which such banks would customarily quote such rates for a period commencing on the Effective Date for a period equivalent to the Specified Duration (I) to leading banks carrying on business in Europe, or (if the Calculation Agent determines that fewer than two of such banks are so quoting to leading banks in Europe) (II) to leading banks carrying on business in the Principal Financial Centre; except that, if fewer than two of such banks are so quoting to leading banks in the Principal Financial Centre, the Rate of Interest shall be the Rate of Interest determined on the previous Interest Determination Date (after readjustment for any difference between any Margin, Rate Multiplier or Maximum or Minimum Rate of Interest applicable to the preceding Interest Accrual Period and to the relevant Interest Accrual Period). |
3.2.4 |
Rate of Interest for Index Linked Interest Instruments |
The Rate of Interest in respect of Index Linked Interest Instruments for each Interest Accrual Period shall be determined in the manner specified in the relevant Final Terms and interest will accrue by reference to an Index or Formula as specified in the relevant Final Terms.
(a) |
Zero Coupon Instruments |
Where an Instrument, the Interest Basis of which is specified to be Zero Coupon, is repayable prior to the Maturity Date and is not paid when due, the amount due and payable prior to the Maturity Date shall be the Early Redemption Amount of such Instrument. As from the Maturity Date, the Rate of Interest for any overdue principal of such an Instrument shall be a rate per annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Amortisation Yield (as defined in Condition 5.4.1(b)).
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(b) |
Dual Currency Instruments |
In the case of Dual Currency Instruments, if the rate or amount of interest falls to be determined by reference to a Rate of Exchange or a method of calculating a Rate of Exchange, the rate or amount of interest payable shall be determined in the manner specified in the relevant Final Terms.
(c) |
Partly Paid Instruments |
In the case of Partly Paid Instruments (other than Partly Paid Instruments which are Zero Coupon Instruments), interest will accrue as previously stated on the paid-up nominal amount of such Instruments and otherwise as specified in the relevant Final Terms.
(d) |
Accrual of Interest |
Interest shall cease to accrue on each Instrument on the due date for redemption unless, upon due presentation, payment is improperly withheld or refused, in which event interest shall continue to accrue (as well after as before judgment) at the Rate of Interest in the manner provided in this Condition 3 to the Relevant Date (as defined in Condition 7).
(e) |
Margin, Maximum/Minimum Rates of Interest, Instalment Amounts and Redemption Amounts, Rate Multipliers and Rounding |
(i) |
If any Margin or Rate Multiplier is specified in the relevant Final Terms (either (x) generally, or (y) in relation to one or more Interest Accrual Periods), an adjustment shall be made to all Rates of Interest, in the case of (x), or the Rates of Interest for the specified Interest Accrual Periods, in the case of (y), calculated in accordance with Condition 3.2 above, by adding (if a positive number) or subtracting (if a negative number) the absolute value of such Margin or multiplying by such Rate Multiplier, subject always to the next paragraph. |
(ii) |
If any Maximum or Minimum Rate of Interest, Instalment Amount or Redemption Amount is specified in the relevant Final Terms, then any Rate of Interest, Instalment Amount or Redemption Amount shall be subject to such maximum or minimum, as the case may be. |
(iii) |
For the purposes of any calculations required pursuant to these Conditions (unless otherwise specified), (x) all percentages resulting from such calculations shall be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point (with halves being rounded up), (y) all figures shall be rounded to seven significant figures (with halves being rounded up) and (z) all currency amounts that fall due and payable shall be rounded to the nearest unit of such currency (with halves being rounded up), save in the case of yen, which shall be rounded down to the nearest yen. For these purposes unit means the lowest amount of such currency which is available as legal tender in the country of such currency. |
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(f) |
Calculations |
The amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount in respect of any Instrument for any Interest Accrual Period shall be equal to the product of the Rate of Interest, the Calculation Amount specified thereon, and the Day Count Fraction for such Interest Accrual Period, unless an Interest Amount (or a formula for its calculation) is applicable to such Interest Accrual Period, in which case the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount in respect of such Instrument for such Interest Accrual Period shall equal such Interest Amount (or be calculated in accordance with such formula). Where any Interest Period comprises two or more Interest Accrual Periods, the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount in respect of such Interest Period shall be the sum of the Interest Amounts payable in respect of each of those Interest Accrual Periods. In respect of any other period for which interest is required to be calculated, the provisions above shall apply save that the Day Count Fraction shall be for the period for which interest is required to be calculated.
(g) |
Determination and Publication of Rates of Interest, Interest Amounts, Final Redemption Amounts, Early Redemption Amounts, Optional Redemption Amounts and Instalment Amounts |
As soon as practicable after the Relevant Time on each Interest Determination Date, or such other time on such date as the Calculation Agent may be required to calculate any rate or amount, obtain any quotation or make any determination or calculation, it shall determine such rate and calculate the Interest Amounts in respect of each Specified Denomination of the Instruments for the relevant Interest Accrual Period, calculate the Redemption Amount or Instalment Amount, obtain such quote or make such determination or calculation, as the case may be, and cause the Rate of Interest and the Interest Amounts for each Interest Period and the relevant Interest Payment Date and, if required to be calculated, the Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount, Optional Redemption Amount or any Instalment Amount to be notified to the Trustee, the Issuer,[ the Guarantor,]* each of the Paying Agents, the Instrumentholders, any other Calculation Agent appointed in respect of the Instruments that is to make a further calculation upon receipt of such information and, if the Instruments are listed on a stock exchange and the rules of such exchange so require, such exchange as soon as possible after their determination but in no event later than (i) the commencement of the relevant Interest Period, if determined prior to such time, in the case of notification to such exchange of a Rate of Interest and Interest Amount, or (ii) in all other cases, the fourth Business Day after such determination. Where any Interest Payment Date or Interest Period Date is subject to adjustment pursuant to Condition 3.2.2, the Interest Amounts and the Interest Payment Date so published may subsequently be amended (or appropriate alternative arrangements made with the consent of the Trustee by way of adjustment) without notice in the event of an extension or shortening of the Interest Period. If the Instruments become due and payable under Condition 9, the accrued interest and the Rate of Interest payable in respect of the Instruments shall nevertheless continue to be
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calculated as previously in accordance with this Condition but no publication of the Rate of Interest or the Interest Amount so calculated need be made unless the Trustee otherwise requires. The determination of any rate or amount, the obtaining of each quotation and the making of each determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent(s) shall (in the absence of manifest error) be final and binding upon all parties.
(h) |
Determination or Calculation by Trustee |
If the Calculation Agent does not at any time for any reason determine or calculate the Rate of Interest for an Interest Period or any Interest Amount, Instalment Amount, Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount the Trustee shall do so (or shall appoint an agent on its behalf to do so) and such determination or calculation shall be deemed to have been made by the Calculation Agent. In doing so, the Trustee shall apply the preceding provisions of this Condition, with any necessary consequential amendments, to the extent that, in its opinion, it can do so, and, in all other respects it shall do so in such manner as it shall deem fair and reasonable in all the circumstances.
(i) |
Definitions |
In these Conditions, unless the context otherwise requires, the following defined terms shall have the meanings set out below:
Benchmark means LIBOR, LIBID, LIMEAN, EURIBOR or such other Benchmark as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Business Day means:
(i) |
in the case of a currency other than euro, a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments in the principal financial centre for such currency; and/or |
(ii) |
in the case of euro, a day on which the TARGET System is operating (a TARGET Business Day ); and/or |
(iii) |
in the case of a currency and/or one or more Business Centres as specified in the relevant Final Terms, a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments in such currency or, if no currency is indicated, generally in each of the Business Centres. |
Calculation Amount means the amount specified as such in the relevant Final Terms.
Day Count Fraction means, in respect of the calculation of an amount of interest on any Instrument for any period of time (from and including the first day of such period to but excluding the last) (whether or not constituting an Interest Period, the Calculation Period ):
(i) |
if Actual/Actual or Actual/Actual-ISDA is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 365 (or, if any portion of that Calculation Period falls in a |
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leap year, the sum of (i) the actual number of days in that portion of the Calculation Period falling in a leap year divided by 366 and (ii) the actual number of days in that portion of the Calculation Period falling in a non-leap year divided by 365);
(ii) |
if Actual/365 (Fixed) is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 365; |
(iii) |
if Actual/360 is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360; |
(iv) |
if 30/360, 360/360 or Bond Basis is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360, calculated on a formula basis as follows: |
where:
Y 1 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
Y 2 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
M 1 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
M 2 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
D 1 is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D 1 will be 30; and
D 2 is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31 and D 1 is greater than 29, in which case D 2 will be 30 ;
(v) |
if 30E/360 or Eurobond Basis is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360, calculated on a formula basis as follows: |
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where:
Y 1 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
Y 2 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
M 1 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
M 2 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
D 1 is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D 1 will be 30; and
D 2 is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D 2 will be 30;
(vi) |
if 30E/360 (ISDA) is specified hereon, the number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360, calculated on a formula basis as follows: |
where:
Y 1 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
Y 2 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
M 1 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
M 2 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
D 1 is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period, unless (i) that day is the last day of February or (ii) such number would be 31, in which case D 1 will be 30; and
D 2 is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period, unless (i) that day is the last day of February but not the Maturity Date or (ii) such number would be 31, in which case D 2 will be 30; and
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(vii) |
if Actual/Actual-ICMA is specified in the relevant Final Terms, |
(a) |
if the Calculation Period is equal to or shorter than the Determination Period during which it falls, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by the product of (x) the actual number of days in such Determination Period and (y) the number of Determination Periods in any year; and |
(b) |
if the Calculation Period is longer than one Determination Period, the sum of: |
(x) |
the actual number of days in such Calculation Period falling in the Determination Period in which it begins divided by the product of (1) the actual number of days in such Determination Period and (2) the number of Determination Periods in any year; and |
(y) |
the actual number of days in such Calculation Period falling in the next Determination Period divided by the product of (1) the actual number of days in such Determination Period and (2) the number of Determination Periods in any year, |
where:
Determination Period means the period from and including a Determination Date in any year to but excluding the next Determination Date; and
Determination Date means the date specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is so specified, the Interest Payment Date.
Effective Date means, with respect to any Floating Rate to be determined on an Interest Determination Date, the date specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is so specified, the first day of the Interest Accrual Period to which such Interest Determination Date relates.
Euro-zone means the region comprising of Member States of the European Union that adopt the single currency in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community as amended.
Interest Accrual Period means the period beginning on (and including) the Interest Commencement Date and ending on (but excluding) the first Interest Period Date and each successive period beginning on (and including) an Interest Period Date and ending on (but excluding) the next succeeding Interest Period Date.
Interest Amount means:
(i) |
in respect of an Interest Accrual Period, the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount for that Interest Accrual Period and which, in the case of Fixed Rate Instruments, and unless otherwise specified hereon, shall mean the Fixed Coupon Amount or Broken Amount specified hereon as being payable on the Interest Payment |
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Date ending the Interest Period of which such Interest Accrual Period forms part; and |
(ii) |
in respect of any other period, the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount for that period. |
Interest Commencement Date means the Issue Date or such other date as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Interest Determination Date means, with respect to a Rate of Interest and Interest Accrual Period, the date specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is so specified, (i) the first day of such Interest Accrual Period if the Specified Currency is Sterling or (ii) the day falling two Business Days in London prior to the first day of such Interest Accrual Period if the Specified Currency is neither Sterling nor euro or (iii) the day falling two TARGET Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Accrual Period if the Specified Currency is euro.
Interest Payment Date means the date or dates specified as such in, or determined in accordance with the provisions of, the relevant Final Terms and, if a Business Day Convention is specified in the relevant Final Terms, as the same may be adjusted in accordance with the relevant Business Day Convention.
Interest Period means the period beginning on (and including) the Interest Commencement Date and ending on (but excluding) the first Interest Payment Date and each successive period beginning on (and including) an Interest Payment Date and ending on (but excluding) the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.
Interest Period Date means each Interest Payment Date unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms.
ISDA Definitions means the 2006 ISDA Definitions as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Page means such page, section, caption, column or other part of a particular information service (including, but not limited to, the Reuters Market 3000 ( Reuters )) as may be specified for the purpose of providing a Relevant Rate, or such other page, section, caption, column or other part as may replace it on that information service or on such other information service, in each case as may be nominated by the person or organisation providing or sponsoring the information appearing there for the purpose of displaying rates or prices comparable to that Relevant Rate.
Rate of Interest means the rate of interest payable from time to time in respect of this Instrument and that is either specified, or calculated in accordance with the provisions, in the relevant Final Terms.
Redemption Amount means, as appropriate, the Final Redemption Amount, the Early Redemption Amount (Tax), the Optional Redemption Amount (Call), the Optional Redemption Amount (Put), the Early Termination Amount or such other amount in the nature of a redemption
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amount as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Final Terms.
Reference Banks means the institutions specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none, five leading banks selected by the Calculation Agent in the interbank market (or, if appropriate, money, swap or over-the-counter index options market) that is most closely connected with the Benchmark (which, if EURIBOR is the relevant Benchmark, shall be Europe).
Relevant Financial Centre means, with respect to any Floating Rate to be determined in accordance with a Screen Rate Determination on an Interest Determination Date, the financial centre as may be specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is so specified, the financial centre with which the relevant Benchmark is most closely connected (which, in the case of EURIBOR, shall be Europe) or, if none is so connected, London.
Relevant Rate means the Benchmark for a Representative Amount of the Specified Currency for a period (if applicable or appropriate to the Benchmark) equal to the Specified Duration commencing on the Effective Date.
Relevant Time means, with respect to any Interest Determination Date, the local time in the Relevant Financial Centre specified in the relevant Final Terms or, if no time is specified, the local time in the Relevant Financial Centre at which it is customary to determine bid and offered rates in respect of deposits in the Specified Currency in the interbank market in the Relevant Financial Centre or, if no such customary local time exists, 11.00 hours in the Relevant Financial Centre and, for the purpose of this definition local time means, with respect to Europe as a Relevant Financial Centre, Brussels time.
Representative Amount means, with respect to any Floating Rate to be determined in accordance with a Screen Rate Determination on an Interest Determination Date, the amount specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is specified, an amount that is representative for a single transaction in the relevant market at the time.
Specified Currency means the currency specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is specified, the currency in which the Instruments are denominated.
Specified Duration means, with respect to any Floating Rate to be determined in accordance with a Screen Rate Determination on an Interest Determination Date, the duration specified in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is specified, a period of time equal to the relevant Interest Accrual Period, ignoring any adjustment pursuant to Condition 3.2.2.
TARGET System means the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (known as TARGET2) System which was launched on 19 November 2007 or any successor to it.
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(j) |
Calculation Agent and Reference Banks |
The Issuer[, failing whom the Guarantor,]* shall procure that there shall at all times be four Reference Banks (or such other number as may be required) with offices in the Relevant Financial Centre and one or more Calculation Agents if provision is made for them in the relevant Final Terms and for so long as any Instrument is outstanding. If any Reference Bank (acting through its relevant office) is unable or unwilling to continue to act as a Reference Bank, then the Issuer[ or the Guarantor]* shall (with the prior approval of the Trustee) appoint another Reference Bank with an office in the Relevant Financial Centre to act as such in its place. Where more than one Calculation Agent is appointed in respect of the Instruments, references in these Conditions to the Calculation Agent shall be construed as each Calculation Agent performing its respective duties under these Conditions. If the Calculation Agent is unable or unwilling to act as such or if the Calculation Agent fails duly to establish the Rate of Interest for an Interest Period or Interest Accrual Period or to calculate any Interest Amount, Instalment Amount, Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount, as the case may be, or to comply with any other requirement, the Issuer [or the Guarantor]* shall (with the prior approval of the Trustee) appoint a leading bank or investment banking firm engaged in the interbank market (or, if appropriate, money, swap or over-thecounter index options market) which is most closely connected with the calculation or determination to be made by the Calculation Agent (acting through its principal London office or any other office actively involved in such market) to act as such in its place. The Calculation Agent may not resign its duties without a successor having been appointed as specified in this paragraph.
4 |
Indexation |
This Condition 4 is applicable only if the relevant Final Terms specifies the Instruments as Index Linked Instruments.
Where the RPI (as defined below) is specified as the Index or Index Figure (each as defined below) in the relevant Final Terms, the following Conditions 4.1 to 4.6 will apply:
4.1 |
Definitions |
Base Index Figure means (subject to Condition 4.3(i)) the base index figure as specified in the relevant Final Terms;
Index or Index Figure means, subject as provided in Condition 4.3(i), the UK Retail Price Index ( RPI ) (for all items) published by the Office for National Statistics (January 1987 = 100) or any comparable index which may replace the RPI for the purpose of calculating the amount payable on repayment of the Reference Gilt. Any reference to the Index Figure which is specified in the relevant Final Terms as:
(i) |
applicable to a particular month, shall, subject as provided in Conditions 4.3 and 4.5, be construed as a reference to the Index Figure published in the seventh month prior to that particular month and relating to the month before that of publication; or |
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(ii) |
applicable to the first calendar day of any month shall, subject as provided in Conditions 4.3 and 4.5, be construed as a reference to the Index Figure published in the second month prior to that particular month and relating to the month before that of publication; or |
(iii) |
applicable to any other day in any month shall, subject as provided in Conditions 4.3 and 4.5, be calculated by linear interpolation between (x) the Index Figure applicable to the first calendar day of the month in which the day falls, calculated as specified in sub-paragraph (ii) above and (y) the Index Figure applicable to the first calendar day of the month following, calculated as specified in sub-paragraph (ii) above and rounded to the nearest fifth decimal place. |
If the Index is replaced, the Issuer will describe the replacement Index in a supplement to the Prospectus;
Index Ratio applicable to any month or date, as the case may be, means the Index Figure applicable to such month or date, as the case may be, divided by the Base Index Figure and rounded to the nearest fifth decimal place;
Limited Index Ratio means (a) in respect of any month or date, as the case may be, prior to the relevant Issue Date, the Index Ratio for that month or date, as the case may be, (b) in respect of any Limited Indexation Date after the relevant Issue Date, the product of the Limited Indexation Factor for that month or date, as the case may be, and the Limited Index Ratio as previously calculated in respect of the month or date, as the case may be, twelve months prior thereto; and (c) in respect of any other month, the Limited Index Ratio as previously calculated in respect of the most recent Limited Indexation Month;
Limited Indexation Date means any date falling during the period specified in the relevant Final Terms for which a Limited Indexation Factor is to be calculated;
Limited Indexation Factor means, in respect of a Limited Indexation Month or Limited Indexation Date, as the case may be, the ratio of the Index Figure applicable to that month or date, as the case may be, divided by the Index Figure applicable to the month or date, as the case may be, twelve months prior thereto, provided that (a) if such ratio is greater than the Maximum Indexation Factor specified in the relevant Final Terms, it shall be deemed to be equal to such Maximum Indexation Factor and (b) if such ratio is less than the Minimum Indexation Factor specified in the relevant Final Terms, it shall be deemed to be equal to such Minimum Indexation Factor;
Limited Indexation Month means any month specified in the relevant Final Terms for which a Limited Indexation Factor is to be calculated;
Limited Index Linked Instruments means Index Linked Instruments to which a Maximum Indexation Factor and/or a Minimum Indexation Factor (as specified in the relevant Final Terms) applies; and
Reference Gilt means the Treasury Stock specified as such in the relevant Final Terms for so long as such stock is in issue, and thereafter such issue of index-linked Treasury Stock determined to be appropriate by a gilt-edged market maker or other adviser selected by the Issuer[ or the Guarantor]* (an Indexation Adviser ).
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4.2 |
Application of the Index Ratio |
Each payment of interest and principal in respect of the Instruments shall be the amount provided in, or determined in accordance with, these Conditions, multiplied by the Index Ratio or Limited Index Ratio in the case of Limited Index Linked Instruments applicable to the month or date, as the case may be, on which such payment falls to be made and rounded in accordance with Condition 3.2.4(e).
4.3 |
Changes in Circumstances Affecting the Index |
(i) |
Change in base: If at any time and from time to time the Index is changed by the substitution of a new base therefor, then with effect from the month from and including that in which such substitution takes effect or the first date from and including that on which such substitution takes effect, as the case may be, (1) the definition of Index and Index Figure in Condition 4.1 shall be deemed to refer to the new date or month in substitution for January 1987 (or, as the case may be, to such other date or month as may have been substituted therefor), and (2) the new Base Index Figure shall be the product of the existing Base Index Figure and the Index Figure for the date on which such substitution takes effect, divided by the Index Figure for the date immediately preceding the date on which such substitution takes effect. |
(ii) |
Delay in publication of Index if sub-paragraph (i) of the definition of Index Figure is applicable: If the Index Figure which is normally published in the seventh month and which relates to the eighth month (the relevant month ) before the month in which a payment is due to be made is not published on or before the fourteenth business day before the date on which such payment is due (the date for payment ), the Index Figure applicable to the month in which the date for payment falls shall be (1) such substitute index figure (if any) as the Trustee considers (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) to have been published by the United Kingdom Debt Management Office or the Bank of England, as the case may be, for the purposes of indexation of payments on the Reference Gilt or, failing such publication, on any one or more issues of index-linked Treasury Stock selected by an Indexation Adviser (and approved by the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser)) or (2) if no such determination is made by such Indexation Adviser within seven days, the Index Figure last published (or, if later, the substitute index figure last determined pursuant to Condition 4.3(i)) before the date for payment. |
(iii) |
Delay in publication of Index if sub-paragraph (ii) and/or (iii) of the definition of Index Figure is applicable: If the Index Figure relating to any month (the calculation month ) which is required to be taken into account for the purposes of the determination of the Index Figure for any date is not published on or before the fourteenth business day before the date on which such payment is due (the date for payment ), the Index Figure applicable for the relevant calculation month shall be (1) such substitute index figure (if any) as the Trustee considers (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) to have been published by the United Kingdom Debt Management Office or the Bank of England, as the case may be, for the purposes of indexation of payments on the Reference Gilt or, failing such publication, on any one or more issues of index-linked Treasury Stock selected by an Indexation Adviser (and approved by the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of |
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the Indexation Adviser)) or (2) if no such determination is made by such Indexation Adviser within seven days, the Index Figure last published (or, if later, the substitute index figure last determined pursuant to Condition 4.3(i)) before the date for payment.
4.4 |
Application of Changes |
Where the provisions of Condition 4.3(ii) or Condition 4.3(iii) apply, the determination of the Indexation Adviser as to the Index Figure applicable to the month in which the date for payment falls or the date for payment, as the case may be, shall be conclusive and binding. If, an Index Figure having been applied pursuant to Condition 4.3(ii)(2) or Condition 4.3(iii)(2), the Index Figure relating to the relevant month or relevant calculation month, as the case may be, is subsequently published while an Instrument is still outstanding, then:
(i) |
in relation to a payment of principal or interest in respect of such Instrument other than upon final redemption of such Instrument, the principal or interest (as the case may be) next payable after the date of such subsequent publication shall be increased or reduced, as the case may be, by an amount equal to the shortfall or excess, as the case may be, of the amount of the relevant payment made on the basis of the Index Figure applicable by virtue of Condition 4.3(ii)(2) or Condition 4.3(iii)(2) below or above the amount of the relevant payment that would have been due if the Index Figure subsequently published had been published on or before the fourteenth business day before the date for payment; and |
(ii) |
in relation to a payment of principal or interest upon final redemption, no subsequent adjustment to amounts paid will be made. |
4.5 |
Cessation of or Fundamental Changes to the Index |
(i) |
If (1) the Trustee and the Issuer [and the Guarantor]* have been notified by the Calculation Agent that the Index has ceased to be published or (2) any change is made to the coverage or the basic calculation of the Index which constitutes a fundamental change which would, in the opinion of (A) the Issuer be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Issuer,[ or the Guarantor]* or (B) the Trustee acting solely on the advice of an Indexation Adviser, be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee will give written notice of such occurrence to the Issuer in the case of (B), and the Issuer[, the Guarantor]* and the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) together shall seek to agree for the purpose of the Instruments one or more adjustments to the Index or a substitute index (with or without adjustments) with the intention that the same should leave the Issuer[, the Guarantor]* and the Instrumentholders in no better and no worse position than they would have been had the Index not ceased to be published or the relevant fundamental change not been made. |
(ii) |
If the Issuer[, the Guarantor]* and the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) fail to reach agreement as mentioned above within 20 business days following the giving of notice as mentioned in paragraph (i), a bank or other person in London shall be appointed by the Issuer[, the Guarantor]* and the Trustee or, failing agreement on and the making of such appointment within 20 business days following the expiry of the 20 day period referred to above, by the |
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Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) (in each case, such bank or other person so appointed being referred to as the Expert ), to determine for the purpose of the Instruments one or more adjustments to the Index or a substitute index (with or without adjustments) with the intention that the same should leave the Issuer[, the Guarantor]* and the Instrumentholders in no better and no worse position than they would have been had the Index not ceased to be published or the relevant fundamental change not been made. Any Expert so appointed shall act as an expert and not as an arbitrator and all fees, costs and expenses of the Expert and of any Indexation Adviser and of any of the Issuer[, the Guarantor]* and the Trustee in connection with such appointment shall be borne by the Issuer[ or the Guarantor]*.
(iii) |
The Index shall be adjusted or replaced by a substitute index as agreed by the Issuer[, the Guarantor]* and the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) or as determined by the Expert pursuant to the foregoing paragraphs, as the case may be, and references in these Conditions to the Index and to any Index Figure shall be deemed amended in such manner as the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser)[, the Guarantor]* and the Issuer agree are appropriate to give effect to such adjustment or replacement. Such amendments shall be effective from the date of such notification and binding upon the Issuer,[ the Guarantor and]* the Trustee and the Instrumentholders, and the Issuer [and the Guarantor]* shall give notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 of such amendments as promptly as practicable following such notification. |
4.6 |
Redemption for Index Reasons |
If either (i) the Index Figure for three consecutive months is required to be determined on the basis of an Index Figure previously published as provided in Condition 4.3(ii)(2) and the Trustee has been notified by the Calculation Agent that publication of the Index has ceased or (ii) notice is published by Her Majestys Treasury, or on its behalf, following a change in relation to the Index, offering a right of redemption to the holders of the Reference Gilt, and (in either case) no amendment or substitution of the Index shall have been advised by the Indexation Adviser to the Issuer [and the Guarantor]* and such circumstances are continuing, the Issuer may, upon giving not more than 60 nor less than 30 days notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14, redeem all, but not some only, of the Instruments at their principal amount together with interest accrued but unpaid up to and including the date of redemption (in each case adjusted in accordance with Condition 4.2).
Where HICP (as defined below) is specified as the Index or Index Level (each as defined below) in the relevant Final Terms, the following Conditions 4.7 to 4.10 will apply:
4.7 |
Definitions |
Base Index Level means the base index level as specified in the relevant Final Terms;
Index or Index Level means (subject as provided in Condition 4.9) the Non-revised Index of Consumer Prices excluding tobacco or relevant Successor Index (as defined in Condition 4.9(i)), measuring the rate of inflation in the European Monetary Union excluding tobacco, expressed as an index and published by Eurostat (the HICP ). The first
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publication or announcement of a level of such index for a calculation month (as defined in Condition 4.9(i)) shall be final and conclusive and later revisions to the level for such calculation month will not be used in any calculations. Any reference to the Index Level which is specified in these Conditions as applicable to any day ( d ) in any month ( m ) shall, subject as provided in Condition 4.9, be calculated as follows:
where:
I d is the Index Level for the day d
HICP m-2 is HICP for month m-2
HICP m-3 is HICP for month m-3
nbd is the actual number of days from and excluding the first day of month m to but including day d; and
q m is the actual number of days in month m,
provided that if Condition 4.9 applies, the Index Level shall be the Substitute Index Level determined in accordance with such Condition.
If the Index is replaced, the Issuer will describe the replacement Index in a supplement to the Prospectus;
Index Business Day means a day on which the TARGET System is operating;
Index Determination Date means in respect of any date for which the Index Level is required to be determined, the fifth Index Business Day prior to such date;
Index Ratio applicable to any date means the Index Level applicable to the relevant Index Determination Date divided by the Base Index Level and rounded to the nearest fifth decimal place, 0.000005 being rounded upwards; and
Related Instrument means an inflation-linked bond selected by the Calculation Agent that is a debt obligation of one of the governments (but not any government agency) of France, Italy, Germany or Spain and which pays a coupon or redemption amount which is calculated by reference to the level of inflation in the European Monetary Union with a maturity date which falls on (a) the same day as the Maturity Date, (b) the next longest maturity date after the Maturity Date if there is no such bond maturing on the Maturity Date, or (c) the next shortest maturity before the Maturity Date if no bond defined in (a) or (b) is selected by the Calculation Agent. The Calculation Agent will select the Related Instrument from such of those inflation-linked bonds issued on or before the relevant Issue Date and, if there is more than one such inflation-linked bond maturing on the same date, the Related Instrument shall be selected by the Calculation Agent from such of those bonds. If the Related Instrument is redeemed, the Calculation Agent will select a new Related Instrument on the same basis, but selected from all eligible bonds in issue at the time the originally selected Related Instrument is redeemed (including any bond for which the redeemed originally selected Related Instrument is exchanged).
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4.8 |
Application of the Index Ratio |
Each payment of interest and principal in respect of the Instruments shall be the amount provided in, or determined in accordance with, these Conditions, multiplied by the Index Ratio applicable to the date on which such payment falls to be made and rounded in accordance with Condition 3.2.4(e).
4.9 |
Changes in Circumstances Affecting the Index |
(i) |
Delay in publication of Index |
(a) |
If the Index Level relating to any month (the calculation month ) which is required to be taken into account for the purposes of the determination of the Index Level for any date (the Relevant Level ) has not been published or announced by the day that is five Business Days before the date on which such payment is due (the Affected Payment Date ), the Calculation Agent shall determine a Substitute Index Level (as defined below) (in place of such Relevant Level) by using the following methodology: |
(1) |
if applicable, the Calculation Agent will take the same action to determine the Substitute Index Level for the Affected Payment Date as that taken by the calculation agent (or any other party performing the function of a calculation agent (whatever such partys title)) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Related Instrument; |
(2) |
if (1) above does not result in a Substitute Index Level for the Affected Payment Date for any reason, then the Calculation Agent shall determine the Substitute Index Level as follows: |
Substitute Index Level = Base Level x (Latest Level / Reference Level)
where:
Base Level means the level of the Index (excluding any flash estimates) published or announced by Eurostat (or any successor entity which publishes such index) in respect of the month which is 12 calendar months prior to the month for which the Substitute Index Level is being determined;
Latest Level means the latest level of the Index (excluding any flash estimates) published or announced by Eurostat (or any successor entity which publishes such index) prior to the month in respect of which the Substitute Index Level is being calculated; and
Reference Level means the level of the Index (excluding any flash estimates) published or announced by Eurostat (or any successor entity which publishes such index) in respect of the month that is 12 calendar months prior to the month referred to in Latest Level above.
(b) |
If a Relevant Level is published or announced at any time after the day that is five Business Days prior to the next Interest Payment Date, such Relevant Level will not be used in any calculations. The Substitute Index |
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Level so determined pursuant to this Condition 4.9(i) will be the definitive level for that calculation month.
(ii) |
Cessation of publication: If the Index Level has not been published or announced for two consecutive months or Eurostat announces that it will no longer continue to publish or announce the Index, then the Calculation Agent shall determine a successor index in lieu of any previously applicable Index (the Successor Index ) by using the following methodology: |
(a) |
if at any time (other than after an Early Termination Event (as defined below) has been designated by the Calculation Agent pursuant to paragraph (e) below) a successor index has been designated by the calculation agent (or any other party performing the function of a calculation agent (whatever such partys title)) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Related Instrument, such successor index shall be designated the Successor Index for the purposes of all subsequent Interest Payment Dates, notwithstanding that any other Successor Index may previously have been determined under paragraphs (b), (c) or (d) below; or |
(b) |
if a Successor Index has not been determined under paragraph (a) above (and there has been no designation of an Early Termination Event pursuant to paragraph (e) below), and a notice has been given or an announcement has been made by Eurostat (or any successor entity which publishes such index) specifying that the Index will be superseded by a replacement index specified by Eurostat (or any such successor), and the Calculation Agent determines that such replacement index is calculated using the same or substantially similar formula or method of calculation as used in the calculation of the previously applicable Index, such replacement index shall be the Index from the date that such replacement index comes into effect; or |
(c) |
if a Successor Index has not been determined under paragraphs (a) or (b) above (and there has been no designation of an Early Termination Event pursuant to paragraph (e) below), the Calculation Agent shall ask five leading independent dealers to state what the replacement index for the Index should be. If between four and five responses are received, and of those four or five responses, three or more leading independent dealers state the same index, this index will be deemed the Successor Index . If three responses are received, and two or more leading independent dealers state the same index, this index will be deemed the Successor Index . If fewer than three responses are received, the Calculation Agent will proceed to paragraph (d) below; |
(d) |
if no Successor Index has been determined under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) above on or before the fifth Index Business Day prior to the next Affected Payment Date the Calculation Agent will determine an appropriate alternative index for such Affected Payment Date, and such index will be deemed the Successor Index ; |
(e) |
if the Calculation Agent determines that there is no appropriate alternative index, the Issuer and the Instrumentholders shall, in conjunction with the Calculation Agent, determine an appropriate alternative index. If the Issuer |
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and the Instrumentholders, in conjunction with the Calculation Agent, do not reach agreement on an appropriate alternative index within a period of ten Business Days, then an Early Termination Event will be deemed to have occurred and the Issuer will redeem the Instruments pursuant to Condition 4.10.
(iii) |
Rebasing of the Index: If the Calculation Agent determines that the Index has been or will be rebased at any time, the Index as so rebased (the Rebased Index ) will be used for the purposes of determining each relevant Index Level from the date of such rebasing; provided, however, that the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustments as are made by the calculation agent (or any other party performing the function of a calculation agent (whatever such partys title)) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Related Instrument to the levels of the Rebased Index so that the Rebased Index levels reflect the same rate of inflation as the Index before it was rebased. Any such rebasing shall not affect any prior payments made. |
(iv) |
Material Modification Prior to Interest Payment Date: If, on or prior to the day that is five Business Days before an Interest Payment Date, Eurostat announces that it will make a material change to the Index then the Calculation Agent shall make any such adjustments to the Index consistent with adjustments made to the Related Instrument . |
(v) |
Manifest Error in Publication: If, within thirty days of publication, the Calculation Agent determines that Eurostat (or any successor entity which publishes such index) has corrected the level of the Index to remedy a manifest error in its original publication, the Calculation Agent will notify the parties of (A) that correction, (B) the amount that is payable as a result of that correction and (C) take such other action as it may deem necessary to give effect to such correction. |
4.10 |
Redemption for Index Reasons |
If an Early Termination Event as described under Condition 4.9(ii)(e) is deemed to have occurred, the Issuer will, upon giving not more than 60 nor less than 30 days notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14, redeem all, but not some only, of the Instruments at their principal amount together with interest accrued but unpaid up to and including the date of redemption (in each case adjusted in accordance with Condition 4.8).
5 |
Redemption, Purchase and Options |
5.1 |
Final Redemption |
Unless previously redeemed, purchased and cancelled as provided below, this Instrument will be redeemed at its Final Redemption Amount (which, unless otherwise provided, is its nominal amount) on the Maturity Date specified in the relevant Final Terms provided, however, that if this Instrument is a Perpetual Instrument it will only be redeemable and repayable in accordance with the following provisions of this Condition 5.
5.2 |
Redemption for Taxation Reasons |
If, on the occasion of the next payment in respect of the Instruments, the Issuer [(or, if the Guarantee were called, the Guarantor)]* satisfies the Trustee immediately before the giving
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of the notice referred to below that it would be unable to make such payment without having to pay additional amounts as described in Condition 7, and such requirement to pay such additional amounts arises by reason of a change in the laws of the United Kingdom or any political sub-division of the United Kingdom or taxing authority in the United Kingdom or any political sub-division of the United Kingdom or in the official interpretation or application of the laws of the United Kingdom or any political sub-division of the United Kingdom or in any applicable double taxation treaty or convention, which change becomes effective on or after the date on which agreement is reached to issue the first Tranche of the Instruments, and such requirement cannot be avoided by the Issuer [(or the Guarantor, as the case may be)]* taking reasonable measures (such measures not involving any material additional payments by, or expense for, the Issuer [(or the Guarantor, as the case may be)]*), the Issuer may, at its option, on any Interest Payment Date or, if so specified in the relevant Final Terms, at any time, having given not less than 30 nor more than 45 days notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14, redeem all, but not some only, of the Instruments at their Early Redemption Amount together with interest accrued to the date of redemption, provided that the date fixed for redemption shall not be earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer [(or the Guarantor, as the case may be)]* would be obliged to pay such additional amounts or make such withholding or deduction, as the case may be, were a payment in respect of the Instruments [(or the Guarantee, as the case may be)]* then due. Prior to the publication of any notice of redemption pursuant to this Condition 5.2, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee a certificate signed by two Directors of the Issuer [(or the Guarantor, as the case may be)]* stating that the requirement referred to above cannot be avoided by the Issuer [(or the Guarantor, as the case may be)]* taking reasonable measures available to it and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such certificate as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the condition precedent set out above in which event it shall be conclusive and binding on Instrumentholders and Couponholders.
5.3 |
Purchases |
The Issuer[, the Guarantor]* and any of [its/their] subsidiary undertakings may at any time purchase Instruments (provided that all unmatured Receipts and Coupons and unexchanged Talons appertaining to them are attached or surrendered with them) in the open market or otherwise at any price.
5.4 |
Early Redemption |
5.4.1 |
Zero Coupon Instruments |
(a) |
The Early Redemption Amount payable in respect of any Zero Coupon Instrument, the Early Redemption Amount of which is not linked to an index and/or a formula, upon redemption of such Instrument pursuant to Condition 5.2 or upon it becoming due and payable as provided in Condition 9 shall be the Amortised Face Amount (calculated as provided below) of such Instrument unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms. |
(b) |
Subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (c) below, the Amortised Face Amount of any such Instrument shall be the scheduled Final Redemption Amount of such Instrument on the Maturity Date discounted at a rate per |
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annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Amortisation Yield (which, if none is specified in the relevant Final Terms, shall be such rate as would produce an Amortised Face Amount equal to the issue price of the Instruments if they were discounted back to their issue price on the Issue Date) compounded annually.
(c) |
If the Early Redemption Amount payable in respect of any such Instrument, upon its redemption pursuant to Condition 5.2 or, if applicable, Condition 5.5 or 5.6 or upon it becoming due and payable as provided in Condition 9, is not paid when due, the Early Redemption Amount due and payable in respect of such Instrument shall be the Amortised Face Amount of such Instrument as defined in sub-paragraph (b) above, except that such sub-paragraph shall have effect as though the reference in that subparagraph to the date on which the Instrument becomes due and payable was replaced by a reference to the Relevant Date as defined in Condition 7. The calculation of the Amortised Face Amount in accordance with this sub-paragraph shall continue to be made (as well after as before judgment) until the Relevant Date, unless the Relevant Date falls on or after the Maturity Date, in which case the amount due and payable shall be the scheduled Final Redemption Amount of such Instrument on the Maturity Date together with any interest that may accrue in accordance with Condition 3.2. |
Where such calculation is to be made for a period of less than one year, it shall be made on the basis of the Day Count Fraction specified in the relevant Final Terms.
5.4.2 |
Other Instruments |
The Early Redemption Amount payable in respect of any Instrument (other than Instruments described in Condition 5.4.1 above), upon redemption of such Instrument pursuant to this Condition 5.4 or upon it becoming due and payable as provided in Condition 9, shall be the Final Redemption Amount unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms.
5.5 |
Redemption at the Option of the Issuer and Exercise of Issuers Options |
5.5.1 |
Residual Holding Call Option |
If (i) Residual Holding Call Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms as applicable, and (ii) if at any time the Residual Holding Percentage or more of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments originally issued shall have been redeemed or purchased and cancelled, the Issuer shall have the option to redeem such outstanding Instruments in whole, but not in part, at their Residual Holding Redemption Amount. Unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms, the Residual Holding Redemption Amount will be calculated by the Calculation Agent by discounting the outstanding nominal amount of the Instruments and the remaining interest payments (if applicable) to the Maturity Date by a rate per annum (expressed as a percentage to the nearest one hundred thousandth of a percentage point (with halves being rounded up)) equal to the Benchmark Yield, being the yield on the Benchmark Security at the close of business on the third Business Day prior to the date fixed for such redemption, plus the Benchmark Spread. Where the specified calculation is to be made for a period of less than one
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year, it shall be calculated using the Benchmark Day Count Fraction. The Issuer will give not less than 15 nor more than 30 days irrevocable notice to the Instrumentholders and the Trustee of any such redemption pursuant to this Condition 5.5.1.
5.5.2 |
Call Option |
If Call Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms as applicable, the Issuer may, on giving not less than 15 nor more than 30 days irrevocable notice to the Instrumentholders (or such other notice period as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms), redeem, or exercise any Issuers option in relation to, all or, if so provided, some of such Instruments on any Optional Redemption Date or Option Exercise Date, as the case may be. Any such redemption of Instruments shall be at their Optional Redemption Amount together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption. Any such redemption or exercise must relate to Instruments of a nominal amount at least equal to the minimum nominal amount (if any) to be redeemed specified hereon and no greater than the maximum nominal amount (if any) to be redeemed specified on this Instrument.
All Instruments in respect of which any such notice is given shall be redeemed, or the Issuers option shall be exercised, on the date specified in such notice in accordance with this Condition.
In the case of a partial redemption or a partial exercise of an Issuers option, the notice to Instrumentholders shall also contain the serial numbers of the Instruments to be redeemed, which shall have been drawn in such place as the Trustee may approve and in such manner as it deems appropriate, subject to compliance with any applicable laws, listing authority and stock exchange requirements.
5.6 |
Redemption at the Option of Instrumentholders and Exercise of Instrumentholders Options |
If Put Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms as applicable, the Issuer shall, at the option of the holder of any such Instrument, upon the holder of such Instrument giving not less than 15 nor more than 30 days notice to the Issuer (or such other notice period as may be specified on this Instrument) redeem such Instrument on the Optional Redemption Date(s) at its Optional Redemption Amount together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption.
To exercise such option or any other Instrumentholders option which may be set out on this Instrument (which must be exercised on an Option Exercise Date) the holder must deposit such Instrument with any Paying Agent at its specified office, together with a duly completed option exercise notice ( Exercise Notice ) in the form obtainable from any Paying Agent within the Instrumentholders Option Period (as specified in the relevant Final Terms). No Instrument so deposited and option exercised may be withdrawn (except as provided in the Agency Agreement) without the prior consent of the Issuer.
5.7 |
Partly Paid Instruments |
Partly Paid Instruments will be redeemed, whether at maturity, early redemption or otherwise, in accordance with the provisions of this Condition and the provisions specified in the relevant Final Terms.
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5.8 |
Redemption by Instalments |
Unless previously redeemed, purchased and cancelled as provided in this Condition 5, each Instrument which provides for Instalment Dates and Instalment Amounts will be partially redeemed on each Instalment Date at the Instalment Amount specified in the relevant Final Terms. The outstanding nominal amount of each such Instrument shall be reduced by the Instalment Amount (or, if such Instalment Amount is calculated by reference to a proportion of the nominal amount of such Instrument, such proportion) for all purposes with effect from the related Instalment Date, unless payment of the Instalment Amount is improperly withheld or refused on presentation of the related Receipt, in which case, such amount shall remain outstanding until the Relevant Date relating to such Instalment Amount.
5.9 |
Cancellation |
All Instruments redeemed pursuant to any of the foregoing provisions will be cancelled forthwith (together with all unmatured Receipts and Coupons and unexchanged Talons attached thereto). All Instruments purchased by or on behalf of the Issuer [, the Guarantor]* or any of [its/their] subsidiary undertakings may, at the option of the Issuer, be held, resold or surrendered together with all unmatured Receipts and Coupons and all unexchanged Talons attached to them to a Paying Agent for cancellation. Any Instruments so purchased or otherwise acquired, for so long as they are held by the Issuer [, the Guarantor]* or any of [its/their] respective subsidiary undertakings, shall not entitle the holder to vote at any meeting of Instrumentholders and shall not be deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of calculating quorums at meetings of Instrumentholders or for the purposes of Condition 11.
6 |
Payments and Talons |
6.1 |
Payments |
Payments of principal and interest in respect of Instruments will, subject as mentioned below, be made against presentation and surrender of the relevant Receipts (in the case of payments of Instalment Amounts other than on the due date for redemption and provided that the Receipt is presented for payment together with its relative Instrument), Instruments (in the case of all other payments of principal and, in the case of interest, as specified in Condition 6.5.6) or Coupons (in the case of interest, save as specified in Condition 6.5.6), as the case may be, at the specified office of any Paying Agent outside the United States by a cheque payable in the currency in which such payment is due drawn on, or, at the option of the holder, by transfer to an account denominated in that currency with, a bank in the principal financial centre for that currency; provided that in the case of euro, the transfer shall be in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System.
6.2 |
Payments in the United States |
Notwithstanding the above, if any Instruments are denominated in U.S. dollars, payments in respect of them may be made at the specified office of any Paying Agent in New York City in the same manner as specified above if (a) the Issuer shall have appointed Paying Agents with specified offices outside the United States with the reasonable expectation that such Paying Agents would be able to make payment of the amounts on the Instruments in
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the manner provided above when due, (b) payment in full of such amounts at all such offices is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange controls or other similar restrictions on payment or receipt of such amounts and (c) such payment is then permitted by United States law, without involving, in the opinion of the Issuer, any adverse tax consequence to the Issuer.
6.3 |
Payments subject to Fiscal Laws etc. |
All payments are subject in all cases to any applicable fiscal or other laws, regulations and directives, but without prejudice to the provisions of Condition 7. No commission or expenses shall be charged to the Instrumentholders or Couponholders in respect of such payments.
6.4 |
Appointment of Agents |
The Issuing and Paying Agent, the Paying Agents and the Calculation Agent initially appointed by the Issuer [and the Guarantor]* and their respective specified offices are listed below. The Issuing and Paying Agent, the Paying Agents and the Calculation Agent act solely as agents of the Issuer [and the Guarantor]* and do not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holder. The Issuer [and the Guarantor]* reserve[s] the right at any time with the approval of the Trustee to vary or terminate the appointment of the Issuing and Paying Agent, any other Paying Agent or the Calculation Agent and to appoint additional or other Paying Agents, provided that the Issuer shall at all times maintain (i) an Issuing and Paying Agent, (ii) a Paying Agent having a specified office in a continental European city, (iii) a Calculation Agent where the Conditions so require one, (iv) so long as the Instruments are listed on any stock exchange or admitted to listing by any other relevant authority, a Paying Agent having a specified office in such place as may be required by the rules and regulations of the relevant stock exchange or other relevant authority and (v) to the extent that the Issuer is able to do so and not provided for by the foregoing provisions of this Condition 6.4, a Paying Agent with a specified office in a European Union Member State that will not be obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any other Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN Council meeting of 26-27 November 2000 or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive. As used in these Conditions, the terms Issuing and Paying Agent , Calculation Agent , and Paying Agent include any additional or replacement Issuing and Paying Agent, Calculation Agent or Paying Agent appointed under this Condition.
In addition, the Issuer [and the Guarantor]* shall forthwith appoint a Paying Agent in New York City in respect of any Instruments denominated in U.S. dollars in the circumstances described in Condition 6.2.
Notice of any such change or any change of any specified office shall promptly be given to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14.
6.5 |
Unmatured Coupons and Receipts and unexchanged Talons |
6.5.1 |
Unless the Instrument provides that the relevant Coupons are to become void upon the due date for redemption of those Instruments, Instruments should be surrendered for payment together with all unmatured Coupons (if any) appertaining to them, failing which an amount equal to the face value of each missing |
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unmatured Coupon (or, in the case of payment not being made in full, that proportion of the amount of such missing unmatured Coupon that the sum of principal so paid bears to the total principal due) will be deducted from the Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount, as the case may be, due for payment. Any amount so deducted shall be paid in the manner mentioned above against surrender of such missing Coupon within a period of 10 years from the Relevant Date for the payment of such principal (whether or not such Coupon has become void pursuant to Condition 8).
6.5.2 |
If the relevant Instrument so provides, upon the due date for redemption of any Instrument, unmatured Coupons relating to such Instrument (whether or not attached) shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of them. |
6.5.3 |
If the relevant Instrument so provides, upon the due date for redemption of any Instrument, any unexchanged Talon relating to such Instrument (whether or not attached) shall become void and no Coupon shall be delivered in respect of such Talon. |
6.5.4 |
Upon the due date for redemption of any Instrument which is redeemable in instalments, all Receipts relating to such Instrument having an Instalment Date falling on or after such due date (whether or not attached) shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of them. |
6.5.5 |
Where any Instrument which provides that the relevant Coupons are to become void upon the due date for redemption of those Instruments is presented for redemption without all unmatured Coupons and any unexchanged Talon relating to it, and where any Instrument is presented for redemption without any unexchanged Talon relating to it, redemption shall be made only against the provision of such indemnity as the Issuer may require. |
6.5.6 |
If the due date for redemption of any Instrument is not a due date for payment of interest, interest accrued from the preceding due date for payment of interest or the Interest Commencement Date, as the case may be, shall only be payable against presentation (and surrender if appropriate) of the relevant Instrument. Interest accrued on an Instrument that only bears interest after its Maturity Date shall be payable on redemption of that Instrument against presentation of that Instrument. |
6.6 |
Non-business days |
If any date for payment in respect of any Instrument, Receipt or Coupon is not a business day, the holder shall not be entitled to payment until the next following business day nor to any interest or other sum in respect of such postponed payment. In this paragraph, business day means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks and foreign exchange markets are open for business in the relevant place of presentation, in such jurisdictions as shall be specified as Financial Centres in the relevant Final Terms and:
(i) |
(in the case of a payment in a currency other than euro) where payment is to be made by transfer to an account maintained with a bank in the relevant currency, on which foreign exchange transactions may be carried on in the relevant currency in the principal financial centre of the country of such currency; or |
(ii) |
(in the case of a payment in euro), which is a TARGET Business Day. |
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6.7 |
Talons |
On or after the Interest Payment Date for the final Coupon forming part of a Coupon sheet issued in respect of any Instrument, the Talon forming part of such Coupon sheet may be surrendered at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent in exchange for a further Coupon sheet (but excluding any Coupons which may have become void pursuant to Condition 8).
7 |
Taxation |
All payments of principal and interest by or on behalf of the Issuer [or the Guarantor]* in respect of the Instruments, the Receipts and the Coupons [or under the Guarantee]* will be made without withholding or deduction for or on account of, any present or future taxes or duties of whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of the United Kingdom or any political sub-division of the United Kingdom or any authority in or of the United Kingdom having power to tax, unless such withholding or deduction is compelled by law. In that event, the Issuer [or, as the case may be, the Guarantor]* will pay such additional amounts of principal and interest as will result in the payment to the Instrumentholders, Receiptholders or, as the case may be, the Couponholders of the amounts which would otherwise have been receivable in respect of the Instruments, Receipts or Coupons had no withholding or deduction been made, except that no such additional amounts shall be payable in respect of any Instrument, Receipt or Coupon presented for payment:
(a) |
by or on behalf of a person who is liable to such taxes or duties in respect of such Instrument, Receipt or Coupon by reason of his having some connection with the United Kingdom other than the mere holding of such Instrument, Receipt or Coupon; or |
(b) |
by or on behalf of a person who would not be liable or subject to such deduction or withholding by making a declaration of non-residence or other claim for exemption to a tax authority; or |
(c) |
more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that the holder would have been entitled to such additional amounts on presenting the same for payment on such thirtieth day; or |
(d) |
where such withholding or deduction is imposed on a payment to an individual and is required to be made pursuant to European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any other Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN Council meeting of 26-27 November 2000 or any law implementing or complying with, or introduced in order to conform to, such Directive; or |
(e) |
by or on behalf of a holder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction (i) by presenting the relevant Instrument, Receipt or Coupon to another Paying Agent in a Member State of the European Union; or (ii) by satisfying any statutory or procedural requirements (including, without limitation, the provision of information). |
As used in these Conditions, Relevant Date in respect of any Instrument, Receipt or Coupon means the date on which payment in respect of it first becomes due or (if any amount of the money payable is improperly withheld or refused) the date on which payment in full of the amount outstanding is made or (if earlier) the date on which notice is duly given to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 that, upon further
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presentation of the Instrument, Receipt or Coupon being made in accordance with the Conditions, such payment will be made, provided that payment is in fact made upon such presentation. References in these Conditions to (i) principal shall be deemed to include any premium payable in respect of the Instruments, all Instalment Amounts, Final Redemption Amounts, Early Redemption Amounts, Optional Redemption Amounts, Amortised Face Amounts and all other amounts in the nature of principal payable pursuant to Condition 5 or any amendment or supplement to it, (ii) interest shall be deemed to include all Interest Amounts and all other amounts payable pursuant to Condition 3 or any amendment or supplement to it or pursuant to Condition 6 or any amendment or supplement to it and (iii) principal and/or interest shall be deemed to include any additional amounts which may be payable under this Condition or any undertaking given in addition to or in substitution for it under the Trust Deed.
8 |
Prescription |
Instruments, Receipts and Coupons (which, for this purpose, shall not include Talons) shall be prescribed and become void unless presented for payment within 10 years (in the case of principal) or five years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date in respect of them.
9 |
Events of Default |
If any of the following events (each an Event of Default ) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee at its discretion may, and if so requested by the holders of at least one-quarter in nominal amount of the Instruments then outstanding or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution shall, give notice to the Issuer at its registered office that the Instruments are, and they shall accordingly immediately become due and repayable at their Redemption Amount together with accrued interest (if any) to the date of payment:
(a) |
Non-Payment : there is default for more than 30 days in the payment of any principal or interest due in respect of the Instruments; or |
(b) |
Breach of Other Obligations : there is default in the performance or observance by the Issuer [or the Guarantor]* of any other obligation or provision under the Trust Deed or the Instruments (other than any obligation for the payment of any principal or interest in respect of the Instruments) which default is incapable of remedy or, if in the opinion of the Trustee capable of remedy, is not remedied within 90 days after notice of such default shall have been given to the Issuer [or the Guarantor]* by the Trustee; or |
(c) |
Winding-up : a resolution is passed, or a final order of a court in the United Kingdom is made and, where possible, not discharged or stayed within a period of 90 days, that the Issuer [or the Guarantor]* be wound up or dissolved; or |
(d) |
Enforcement Proceedings : attachment is made of the whole or substantially the whole of the assets or undertaking of the Issuer [or the Guarantor]* and such attachment is not released or cancelled within 90 days or an encumbrancer takes possession or an administrative or other receiver or similar officer is appointed of the whole or substantially the whole of the assets or undertaking of the Issuer [or the Guarantor]* or an administration or similar order is made in relation to the |
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Issuer [or the Guarantor]* and such taking of possession, appointment or order is not released, discharged or cancelled within 90 days; or
(e) |
Insolvency : the Issuer [or the Guarantor]* ceases to carry on all or substantially all of its business or is unable to pay its debts within the meaning of Section 123(1)(e) or Section 123(2) of the Insolvency Act 1986; or |
(f) |
Bankruptcy : the Issuer [or the Guarantor]* is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent by a court of competent jurisdiction in its country of incorporation, |
provided that in the case of paragraph (b) the Trustee shall have certified that in its opinion such event is materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders.
Any such notice by the Trustee to the Issuer shall specify the serial number(s) of the Instrument(s) concerned.
10 |
Enforcement |
The Trustee may, at its discretion and without further notice, institute such proceedings against the Issuer as it may think fit to enforce any obligation, condition or provision binding on the Issuer under the Instruments or under the Trust Deed, but shall not be bound to do so unless:
(a) |
it has been so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution or in writing by the holders of at least one quarter of the principal amount of the Instruments outstanding; and |
(b) |
it has been indemnified to its satisfaction. |
No Instrumentholder, Receiptholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to institute proceedings directly against the Issuer unless the Trustee, having become bound to proceed as specified above, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
11 |
Meetings of Instrumentholders, Modifications and Substitution |
11.1 |
Meetings of Instrumentholders |
The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening meetings of Instrumentholders to consider any matter affecting their interests, including the sanctioning by Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed) of a modification of any of these Conditions or any provisions of the Trust Deed. An Extraordinary Resolution duly passed at any such meeting shall be binding on Instrumentholders (whether or not they were present at the meeting at which such resolution was passed) and on all Couponholders, except that any Extraordinary Resolution proposed, inter alia , (i) to amend the dates of maturity or redemption of the Instruments, any Instalment Date or any date for payment of interest on the Instruments, (ii) to reduce or cancel the nominal amount of, or any Instalment Amount of, or any premium payable on redemption of, the Instruments, (iii) to reduce the rate or rates of interest in respect of the Instruments or to vary the method or basis of calculating the rate or rates or amount of interest or the basis for calculating any Interest Amount in respect of the Instruments, (iv) if a Minimum and/or a Maximum Rate of Interest is shown on the face of the Instrument, to reduce any such Minimum and/or Maximum Rate of Interest, (v) to vary any method of calculating the Final Redemption Amount, the Early
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Redemption Amount or the Optional Redemption Amount, (vi) to take any steps that as specified in this Instrument may only be taken following approval by an Extraordinary Resolution to which the special quorum provisions apply [,or] (vii) to modify the provisions concerning the quorum required at any meeting of Instrumentholders or the majority required to pass the Extraordinary Resolution [or (viii) to modify or cancel the Guarantee]* will only be binding if passed at a meeting of the Instrumentholders (or at any adjournment of that meeting) at which a special quorum (as defined in the Trust Deed) is present. A resolution in writing signed by the holders of not less than 95 per cent. in nominal amount of the Instruments will be binding on all Instrumentholders and Couponholders. The Issuer may convene a meeting of Instrumentholders jointly with the holders of all other instruments issued pursuant to the Agency Agreement and not forming a single series with the Instruments to which meeting the provisions referred to above apply as if all such instruments formed part of the same series, provided that the proposals to be considered at such meeting affect the rights of the holders of the instruments of each series attending the meeting in identical respects (save insofar as the Conditions applicable to each such series are not identical).
11.2 |
Modification of the Trust Deed |
The Trustee may agree, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders, to (i) any modification of any of the provisions of the Trust Deed that is of a formal, minor or technical nature or is made to correct a manifest error, and (ii) any other modification (except as mentioned in the Trust Deed), and any waiver or authorisation of any breach or proposed breach, of any of the provisions of the Trust Deed that is in the opinion of the Trustee not materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders. Any such modification, authorisation or waiver shall be binding on the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders and, if the Trustee so requires, such modification shall be notified to the Instrumentholders as soon as practicable.
11.3 |
Substitution |
The Trust Deed contains provisions permitting the Trustee to agree, subject to such amendment of the Trust Deed and such other conditions as the Trustee may require, but without the consent of the Instrumentholders or the Couponholders, to the substitution of [a Successor in Business (as defined in the Trust Deed) or any subsidiary/any other company] ± in place of the Issuer or of any previous substituted company, as principal debtor under the Trust Deed and the Instruments [and the substitution of the Guarantors Successor in Business (as defined in the Trust Deed) or any subsidiary of the Guarantor in place of the Guarantor]*. In the case of such a substitution the Trustee may agree, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or the Couponholders, to a change of the law governing the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons, the Talons and/or the Trust Deed provided that such change would not in the opinion of the Trustee be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders.
± |
Where National Grid Gas plc is the Issuer, delete the text any other company. Where National Grid Gas Finance (No 1) is the Issuer, delete the text a Successor in Business (as defined in the Trust Deed) or any subsidiary. |
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11.4 |
Entitlement of the Trustee |
In connection with the exercise of its functions (including but not limited to those referred to in this Condition) the Trustee shall have regard to the interests of the Instrumentholders as a class and shall not have regard to the consequences of such exercise for individual Instrumentholders or Couponholders and the Trustee shall not be entitled to require, nor shall any Instrumentholder or Couponholder be entitled to claim, from the Issuer [or the Guarantor]* any indemnification or payment in respect of any tax consequence of any such exercise upon individual Instrumentholders or Couponholders.
12 |
Replacement of Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons |
If an Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon is lost, stolen, mutilated, defaced or destroyed, it may be replaced, subject to applicable laws, listing authority and stock exchange regulations, at the specified office of such other Paying Agent as may from time to time be designated by the Issuer[ or the Guarantor]* for the purpose and notice of whose designation is given to Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 on payment by the claimant of the fees and costs incurred in connection with that replacement and on such terms as to evidence, security and indemnity (which may provide, inter alia , that if the allegedly lost, stolen or destroyed Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon is subsequently presented for payment or, as the case may be, for exchange for further Coupons, there shall be paid to the Issuer[ or the Guarantor]* on demand the amount payable by the Issuer[ or the Guarantor]* in respect of such Instruments, Receipts, Coupons or further Coupons) and otherwise as the Issuer[ or the Guarantor]* may require. Mutilated or defaced Instruments, Receipts, Coupons or Talons must be surrendered before replacements will be issued.
13 |
Further Issues |
The Issuer may from time to time without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders create and issue further instruments having the same terms and conditions as the Instruments and so that such further issue shall be consolidated and form a single series with such Instruments. References in these Conditions to the Instruments include (unless the context requires otherwise) any other instruments issued pursuant to this Condition and forming a single series with the Instruments. Any such further instruments forming a single series with Instruments constituted by the Trust Deed or any deed supplemental to it shall, and any other instruments may (with the consent of the Trustee), be constituted by the Trust Deed.
The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening a single meeting of the Instrumentholders and the holders of instruments of other series if the Trustee so decides.
14 |
Notices |
All notices to the Instrumentholders will be valid if published in a daily English language newspaper of general circulation in the United Kingdom (which is expected to be the Financial Times). If in the opinion of the Trustee any such publication is not practicable, notice shall be validly given if published in another leading daily English language newspaper with general circulation in Europe. Any such notice shall be deemed to have
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been given on the date of such publication or, if published more than once or on different dates, on the first date on which publication is made, as provided above.
Couponholders shall be deemed for all purposes to have notice of the contents of any notice given to the holders of Instruments in accordance with this Condition.
15 |
Indemnification of Trustee |
The Trust Deed contains provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee and for its relief from responsibility, including provisions relieving it from any obligation to take proceedings to enforce repayment unless indemnified to its satisfaction. The Trustee is entitled to enter into business transactions with the Issuer[, the Guarantor]* or any of [its/their] subsidiary undertakings, parent undertakings, joint ventures or associated undertakings without accounting for any profit resulting from these transactions and to act as trustee for the holders of any other securities issued by the Issuer or any of its subsidiary undertakings, parent undertakings, joint ventures or associated undertakings.
16 |
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 |
No person shall have any right to enforce any term or condition of the Instruments under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
17 |
Governing Law and Jurisdiction |
(a) |
The Instruments and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with them shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law. |
(b) |
The courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute (a Dispute ), arising from or connected with the Instruments. |
(c) |
[Each of the]* /[The] Issuer[, and the Guarantor]* agrees that the courts of England are the most appropriate and convenient courts to settle any Dispute and, accordingly, that it will not argue to the contrary. |
(d) |
Nothing in this Condition 17 prevents the Trustee or any Instrumentholder from taking proceedings relating to a Dispute ( Proceedings ) in any other courts with jurisdiction. To the extent allowed by law, the Trustee or Instrumentholders may take concurrent Proceedings in any number of jurisdictions. |
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Schedule 2
Part C
Form of Coupon
On the front:
[NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc]*
Euro Medium Term Note Programme
Series No. []
[Title of issue]
[unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by
NATIONAL GRID GAS plc]*
Coupon for [[set out amount due, if known]/the amount] due on [the Interest Payment Date falling in]** [], [].
[Coupon relating to the Instrument in the nominal amount of []]***
This Coupon is payable to bearer (subject to the Conditions endorsed on the Instrument to which this Coupon relates, which shall be binding upon the holder of this Coupon whether or not it is for the time being attached to such Instrument) at the specified offices of the Issuing and Paying Agent and the Paying Agents set out on the reverse of this Coupon (or any other Issuing and Paying Agent or further or other Paying Agents or specified offices duly appointed or nominated and notified to the Instrumentholders).
[If the Instrument to which this Coupon relates shall have become due and payable before the maturity date of this Coupon, this Coupon shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of it.]****
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
[ NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc ]*
By:
Authorised Signatory
[Cp. No.] | [Denomination] | [ISIN] | [Series] | [Certif. No.] | ||||
* |
Delete as applicable |
** |
[Only necessary where Interest Payment Dates are subject to adjustment in accordance with a Business Day Convention, otherwise the particular Interest Payment Date should be specified.] |
*** |
[Only required for Coupons relating to Floating Rate or Index Linked Interest Instruments that are issued in more than one denomination.] |
**** |
[Delete if Coupons are not to become void upon early redemption of Instrument.] |
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On the back:
ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
KBL European Private Bankers S.A.
43 Boulevard Royal
L-2955 Luxembourg
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Schedule 2
Part D
Form of Talon
On the front:
[NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc]*
Euro Medium Term Note Programme
Series No. []
[Title of issue]
[unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by
NATIONAL GRID GAS plc]*
Talon for further Coupons falling due on [the Interest Payment Dates falling in]** [] [].
[Talon relating to the Instrument in the nominal amount of []]***
After all the Coupons relating to the Instrument to which this Talon relates have matured, further Coupons (including if appropriate a Talon for further Coupons) shall be issued at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent set out on the reverse of this Talon (or any other Issuing and Paying Agent or specified office duly appointed or nominated and notified to the Instrumentholders) upon production and surrender of this Talon.
If the Instrument to which this Talon relates shall have become due and payable before the original due date for exchange of this Talon, this Talon shall become void and no exchange shall be made in respect of it.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
[ NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc ]*
By:
Authorised Signatory
[Talon No.] | [ISIN] | [Series] | [Certif. No.] | |||
* |
Delete as applicable |
** |
[The maturity dates of the relevant Coupons should be set out if known, otherwise reference should be made to the months and years in which the Interest Payment Dates fall due.] |
*** |
[Only required where the Series comprises Instruments of more than one denomination.] |
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On the back:
ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
KBL European Private Bankers S.A.
43 Boulevard Royal
L-2955 Luxembourg
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Schedule 2
Part E
Form of Receipt
[NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc]*
Euro Medium Term Note Programme
Series No. []
[Title of issue]
[unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by
NATIONAL GRID GAS plc]*
Receipt for the sum of [ ] being the instalment of principal payable in accordance with the Terms and Conditions endorsed on the Instrument to which this Receipt relates (the Conditions ) on [ ].
This Receipt is issued subject to and in accordance with the Conditions which shall be binding upon the holder of this Receipt (whether or not it is for the time being attached to such Instrument) and is payable at the specified office of any of the Paying Agents set out on the reverse of the Instrument to which this Receipt relates (and/or any other or further Paying Agents and/or specified offices as may from time to time be duly appointed and notified to the Instrumentholders).
This Receipt must be presented for payment together with the Instrument to which it relates. If the Instrument to which this Receipt appertains shall have become due and payable on or before the maturity date of this Receipt, this Receipt shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of it. The Issuer shall have no obligation in respect of this Receipt if it is presented without the Instrument to which it relates.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
[ NATIONAL GRID GAS plc/NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc ]*
By:
Authorised Signatory
* |
Delete as applicable |
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Schedule 3
Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders
Interpretation
1 |
In this Schedule: |
1.1 |
references to a meeting are to a meeting of Instrumentholders of a single series of Instruments and include, unless the context otherwise requires, any adjournment; |
1.2 |
references to Instruments and Instrumentholders are only to the Instruments of the Series in respect of which a meeting has been, or is to be, called, and to the holders of these Instruments, respectively; |
1.3 |
agent means a holder of a voting certificate or a proxy for, or representative of, an Instrumentholder; |
1.4 |
block voting instruction means an instruction issued in accordance with paragraphs 8 to 14; |
1.5 |
Extraordinary Resolution means a resolution passed at a meeting duly convened and held in accordance with this Trust Deed by a majority of at least 75 per cent. of the votes cast; |
1.6 |
voting certificate means a certificate issued in accordance with paragraphs 5, 6, 7 and 14; and |
1.7 |
references to persons representing a proportion of the Instruments are to Instrumentholders or agents holding or representing in the aggregate at least that proportion in nominal amount of the Instruments for the time being outstanding. |
Powers of meetings
2 |
A meeting shall, subject to the Conditions and without prejudice to any powers conferred on other persons by this Trust Deed, have power by Extraordinary Resolution: |
2.1 |
to sanction any proposal by the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) or the Trustee for any modification, abrogation, variation or compromise of, or arrangement in respect of, the rights of the Instrumentholders and/or the Couponholders against such Issuer or the Guarantor, as the case may be, whether or not those rights arise under this Trust Deed; |
2.2 |
to sanction the exchange or substitution for the Instruments of, or the conversion of the Instruments into, shares, bonds or other obligations or securities of the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor (if applicable) or any other entity; |
2.3 |
to assent to any modification of this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Talons or the Coupons proposed by the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) or the Trustee; |
2.4 |
to authorise anyone to concur in and do anything necessary to carry out and give effect to an Extraordinary Resolution; |
2.5 |
to give any authority, direction or sanction required to be given by Extraordinary Resolution; |
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2.6 |
to appoint any persons (whether Instrumentholders or not) as a committee or committees to represent the Instrumentholders interests and to confer on them any powers or discretions which the Instrumentholders could themselves exercise by Extraordinary Resolution; |
2.7 |
to approve a proposed new Trustee and to remove a Trustee; |
2.8 |
to approve the substitution of any entity for the relevant Issuer or the Guarantor (or any previous substitute) as principal debtor or guarantor under this Trust Deed; and |
2.9 |
to discharge or exonerate the Trustee from any liability in respect of any act or omission for which it may become responsible under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Talons or the Coupons, |
provided that the special quorum provisions in paragraph 19 shall apply to any Extraordinary Resolution (a special quorum resolution ) for the purpose of sub-paragraph 2.2 or 2.7, any of the proposals listed in Condition 11.1 or any amendment to this proviso.
Convening a meeting
3 |
The relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable), or the Trustee may at any time convene a meeting. If it receives a written request by Instrumentholders holding at least 10 per cent. in nominal amount of the Instruments of any Series for the time being outstanding and is indemnified to its satisfaction against all costs and expenses, the Trustee shall convene a meeting of the Instrumentholders of that Series. Every meeting shall be held at a time and place approved by the Trustee. |
4 |
At least 21 days notice (exclusive of the day on which the notice is given and of the day of the meeting) shall be given to the Instrumentholders. A copy of the notice shall be given by the party convening the meeting to the other parties. The notice shall specify the day, time and place of meeting and, unless the Trustee otherwise agrees, the nature of the resolutions to be proposed and shall explain how Instrumentholders may appoint proxies or representatives, obtain voting certificates and use block voting instructions and the details of the time limits applicable. |
Arrangements for voting
5 |
If a holder of an Instrument wishes to obtain a voting certificate in respect of it for a meeting, he must deposit it for that purpose at least 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting with a Paying Agent or to the order of a Paying Agent with a bank or other depositary nominated by the Paying Agent for the purpose. The Paying Agent shall then issue a voting certificate in respect of it. |
6 |
A voting certificate shall: |
6.1 |
be a document in the English language; |
6.2 |
be dated; |
6.3 |
specify the meeting concerned and the serial numbers of the Instruments deposited; and |
6.4 |
entitle, and state that it entitles, its bearer to attend and vote at that meeting in respect of those Instruments. |
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7 |
Once a Paying Agent has issued a voting certificate for a meeting in respect of an Instrument, it shall not release the Instrument until either: |
7.1 |
the meeting has been concluded; or |
7.2 |
the voting certificate has been surrendered to the Paying Agent. |
8 |
If a holder of an Instrument wishes the votes attributable to it to be included in a block voting instruction for a meeting, then, at least 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting, (i) he must deposit the Instrument for that purpose with a Paying Agent or to the order of a Paying Agent with a bank or other depositary nominated by the Paying Agent for the purpose and (ii) he or a duly authorised person on his behalf must direct the Paying Agent how those votes are to be cast. The Paying Agent shall issue a block voting instruction in respect of the votes attributable to all Instruments so deposited. |
9 |
A block voting instruction shall: |
9.1 |
be a document in the English language; |
9.2 |
be dated; |
9.3 |
specify the meeting concerned; |
9.4 |
list the total number and serial numbers of the Instruments deposited, distinguishing with regard to each resolution between those voting for and those voting against it; |
9.5 |
certify that such list is in accordance with Instruments deposited and directions received as provided in paragraphs 8, 11 and 14; and |
9.6 |
appoint a named person (a proxy ) to vote at that meeting in respect of those Instruments and in accordance with that list. |
A proxy need not be an Instrumentholder.
10 |
Once a Paying Agent has issued a block voting instruction for a meeting in respect of the votes attributable to any Instruments: |
10.1 |
it shall not release the Instruments, except as provided in paragraph 11, until the meeting has been concluded; and |
10.2 |
the directions to which it gives effect may not be revoked or altered during the 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting. |
11 |
If the receipt for an Instrument deposited with a Paying Agent in accordance with paragraph 8 is surrendered to the Paying Agent at least 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting, the Paying Agent shall release the Instrument and exclude the votes attributable to it from the block voting instruction. |
12 |
Each block voting instruction shall be deposited at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the meeting at such place as the Trustee shall designate or approve, and in default it shall not be valid unless the chairman of the meeting decides otherwise before the meeting proceeds to business. If the Trustee requires, a notarially certified copy of each block voting instruction shall be produced by the proxy at the meeting but the Trustee need not investigate or be concerned with the validity of the proxys appointment. |
13 |
A vote cast in accordance with a block voting instruction shall be valid even if it or any of the Instrumentholders instructions pursuant to which it was executed has previously been |
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revoked or amended, unless written intimation of such revocation or amendment is received from the relevant Paying Agent by the relevant Issuer or the Trustee at its registered office or by the chairman of the meeting in each case at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the meeting.
14 |
No Instrument may be deposited with or to the order of a Paying Agent at the same time for the purposes of both paragraph 5 and paragraph 8 for the same meeting. |
Chairman
15 |
The chairman of a meeting shall be such person as the Trustee may nominate in writing, but if no such nomination is made or if the person nominated is not present within 15 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting the Instrumentholders or agents present shall choose one of their number to be chairman, failing which the relevant Issuer may appoint a chairman. The chairman need not be an Instrumentholder or agent. The chairman of an adjourned meeting need not be the same person as the chairman of the original meeting. |
Attendance
16 |
The following may attend and speak at a meeting: |
16.1 |
Instrumentholders and agents; |
16.2 |
the chairman; |
16.3 |
the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) and the Trustee (through their respective representatives) and their respective financial and legal advisers; and |
16.4 |
the Dealers and their advisers. |
No one else may attend or speak.
Quorum and Adjournment
17 |
No business (except choosing a chairman) shall be transacted at a meeting unless a quorum is present at the commencement of business. If a quorum is not present within 15 minutes from the time initially fixed for the meeting, it shall, if convened on the requisition of Instrumentholders or if the relevant Issuer and the Trustee agree, be dissolved. In any other case it shall be adjourned until such date, not less than 14 nor more than 42 days later, and time and place as the chairman may decide. If a quorum is not present within 15 minutes from the time fixed for a meeting so adjourned, the meeting shall be dissolved. |
18 |
Two or more Instrumentholders or agents present in person shall be a quorum: |
18.1 |
in the cases marked No minimum proportion in the table below, whatever the proportion of the Instruments which they represent; |
18.2 |
in any other case, only if they represent the proportion of the Instruments shown by the table below. |
COLUMN 1 |
COLUMN 2 |
COLUMN 3 |
||
Purpose of meeting
|
Any meeting except one referred to in column 3
|
Meeting previously adjourned through want of a quorum
|
||
Required proportion
|
Required proportion
|
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COLUMN 1 |
COLUMN 2 |
COLUMN 3 |
||
To pass a special quorum resolution
|
Two thirds |
One third |
||
To pass any other Extraordinary Resolution
|
A clear majority
|
No minimum proportion
|
||
Any other purpose
|
10 per cent.
|
No minimum proportion
|
19 |
The chairman, may with the consent of (and shall if directed by) a meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place. Only business which could have been transacted at the original meeting may be transacted at a meeting adjourned in accordance with this paragraph or paragraph 18. |
20 |
At least 10 days notice of a meeting adjourned through want of a quorum shall be given in the same manner as for an original meeting and that notice shall state the quorum required at the adjourned meeting. However, no notice need otherwise be given of an adjourned meeting. |
Voting
21 |
Each question submitted to a meeting shall be decided by a show of hands unless a poll is (before, or on the declaration of the result of, the show of hands) demanded by the chairman, the relevant Issuer, the Guarantor (if applicable) the Trustee or one or more persons holding one or more Instruments or voting certificates, in each case, representing two per cent. of the Instruments. |
22 |
Unless a poll is demanded a declaration by the chairman that a resolution has or has not been passed shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes cast in favour of or against it. |
23 |
If a poll is demanded, it shall be taken in such manner and (subject as provided below) either at once or after such adjournment as the chairman directs. The result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which it was demanded as at the date it was taken. A demand for a poll shall not prevent the meeting continuing for the transaction of business other than the question on which it has been demanded. |
24 |
A poll demanded on the election of a chairman or on a question of adjournment shall be taken at once. |
25 |
On a show of hands every person who is present in person and who produces an Instrument or a voting certificate or is a proxy or representative has one vote. On a poll every such person has one vote in respect of each nominal amount integral currency unit of the specified currency of such Series of Instruments so produced or represented by the voting certificate so produced or for which he is a proxy or representative. Without prejudice to the obligations of proxies, a person entitled to more than one vote need not use them all or cast them all in the same way. |
26 |
In case of equality of votes the chairman shall both on a show of hands and on a poll have a casting vote in addition to any other votes which he may have. |
Effect and Publication of an Extraordinary Resolution
27 |
An Extraordinary Resolution shall be binding on all the Instrumentholders, whether or not present at the meeting, and on all the Couponholders and each of them shall be bound to |
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give effect to it accordingly. The passing of such a resolution shall be conclusive evidence that the circumstances justify its being passed. The relevant Issuer shall give notice of the passing of an Extraordinary Resolution to Instrumentholders within 14 days but failure to do so shall not invalidate the resolution.
28 |
A resolution in writing signed by or on behalf of the holders of not less than 95 per cent. in nominal amount of the Instruments who for the time being are entitled to receive notice of a meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule shall for all purposes be as valid and effectual as an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a meeting of such Instrumentholders duly convened and held in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule. Such resolution in writing may be contained in one document or several documents in similar form each signed by or on behalf of one or more of the Instrumentholders. |
Minutes
29 |
Minutes shall be made of all resolutions and proceedings at every meeting and, if purporting to be signed by the chairman of that meeting or of the next succeeding meeting, shall be conclusive evidence of the matters in them. Until the contrary is proved every meeting for which minutes have been so made and signed shall be deemed to have been duly convened and held and all resolutions passed or proceedings transacted at it to have been duly passed and transacted. |
Trustees Power to Prescribe Regulations
30 |
Subject to all other provisions in this Trust Deed the Trustee may without the consent of the Instrumentholders prescribe such further regulations regarding the holding of meetings and attendance and voting at them as it in its sole discretion determines including (without limitation) such requirements as the Trustee thinks reasonable to satisfy itself that the persons who purport to make any requisition in accordance with this Trust Deed are entitled to do so and as to the form of voting certificates or block voting instructions so as to satisfy itself that persons who purport to attend or vote at a meeting are entitled to do so. |
31 |
The holder of a Global Instrument shall (unless such Global Instrument represents only one Instrument) be treated as two persons for the purposes of any quorum requirements of a meeting of Instrumentholders. |
32 |
The above provisions of this Schedule shall have effect subject to the following provisions: |
32.1 |
Meetings of Instrumentholders of separate Series will normally be held separately. However, the Trustee may from time to time determine that meetings of Instrumentholders of separate Series shall be held together. |
32.2 |
A resolution that in the opinion of the Trustee affects one Series alone shall be deemed to have been duly passed if passed at a separate meeting of the Instrumentholders of the Series concerned. |
32.3 |
A resolution that in the opinion of the Trustee affects the Instrumentholders of more than one Series but does not give rise to a conflict of interest between the Instrumentholders of the different Series concerned shall be deemed to have been duly passed if passed at a single meeting of the Instrumentholders of the relevant Series provided that for the purposes of determining the votes an Instrumentholder is entitled to cast pursuant to paragraph 25, each Instrumentholder shall have one vote in respect of each euro 1.00 |
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nominal amount of Instruments held, converted, if such Instruments are not denominated in euro, in accordance with Clause 8.13 ( Currency Conversion ).
32.4 |
A resolution that in the opinion of the Trustee affects the Instrumentholders of more than one Series and gives or may give rise to a conflict of interest between the Instrumentholders of the different Series concerned shall be deemed to have been duly passed only if it shall be duly passed at separate meetings of the Instrumentholders of the relevant Series. |
32.5 |
To all such meetings as previously set out all the preceding provisions of this Schedule shall mutatis mutandis apply as though references therein to Instruments and to Instrumentholders were references to the Instruments and Instrumentholders of the Series concerned. |
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This Trust Deed is delivered on the date stated at the beginning.
EXECUTED AS A DEED BY AFFIXING THE COMMON SEAL of NATIONAL GRID GAS plc AS ISSUER AND GUARANTOR
in the presence of: /s/ Malcolm Cooper Malcolm Cooper
/s/ David Forward David Forward |
|
|||
EXECUTED AS A DEED BY AFFIXING THE COMMON SEAL of NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) plc AS ISSUER
in the presence of: /s/ Malcolm Cooper Malcolm Cooper
/s/ David Forward David Forward |
|
|||
EXECUTED AS A DEED BY AFFIXING THE COMMON SEAL of THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c. AS TRUSTEE
in the presence of: /s/ Julian Mason - Jebb Julian Mason - Jebb
/s/ Carol Morris Carol Morris |
|
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EXHIBIT 2(b).4
EXECUTION COPY
Dated 21 December 2011
NATIONAL GRID USA
as Issuer
and
THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c.
as Trustee
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST DEED
relating to
National Grid USA
Euro 4,000,000,000
Euro Medium Term Note Programme
arranged by
HSBC Bank plc
Linklaters
Ref: JALB/RR/VGS
Linklaters LLP
Table of Contents
Contents |
Page | |||
1 Interpretation |
1 | |||
2 Issue of Instruments and Covenant to Pay |
7 | |||
3 Form of the Instruments |
9 | |||
4 Stamp Duties and Taxes |
9 | |||
5 Application of Moneys Received by the Trustee |
10 | |||
6 Covenants |
11 | |||
7 Remuneration and Indemnification of the Trustee |
13 | |||
8 Provisions Supplemental to the Trustee Acts |
15 | |||
9 Disapplication and Trustee Liability |
18 | |||
10 Waiver and Proof of Default |
18 | |||
11 Trustee not Precluded from Entering into Contracts |
19 | |||
12 Modification and Substitution |
19 | |||
13 Appointment, Retirement and Removal of the Trustee |
21 | |||
14 Instruments held in Clearing Systems and Couponholders |
22 | |||
15 Currency Indemnity |
23 | |||
16 Enforcement |
23 | |||
17 Communications |
24 | |||
18 Governing Law and Jurisdiction |
25 | |||
Schedule 1 Part A Form of CGN Temporary Global Instrument |
26 | |||
Schedule 1 Part B Form of CGN Permanent Global Instrument |
33 | |||
Schedule 1 Part C Form of NGN Temporary Global Instrument |
43 | |||
Schedule 1 Part D Form of NGN Permanent Global Instrument |
50 | |||
Schedule 1 Part E Form of Global Certificate |
58 | |||
Schedule 2 Part A Form of Definitive Instrument |
63 | |||
Schedule 2 Part B Terms and Conditions of the Instruments |
66 | |||
Schedule 2 Part C Form of Coupon |
93 | |||
Schedule 2 Part D Form of Talon |
96 |
i
Schedule 2 Part E Form of Receipt |
98 | |||
Schedule 2 Part F Form of Certificate |
99 | |||
Schedule 3 Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders |
103 |
ii
This Trust Deed is made on 21 December 2011 between :
(1) |
NATIONAL GRID USA , (the Issuer ); and |
(2) |
THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c. , (the Trustee , which expression, where the meaning so admits, includes any other trustee for the time being of this Trust Deed). |
Whereas :
(A) |
The Issuer proposes to issue from time to time debt instruments in bearer or registered form (the Instruments ) in an aggregate nominal amount outstanding at any one time, not exceeding the Programme Limit in accordance with the Dealer Agreement (the Programme ) and to be constituted by this Trust Deed. |
(B) |
This Trust Deed amends and restates the amended and restated trust deed dated 20 December 2010 between the Issuer and the Trustee (the Original Trust Deed ) in respect of all Instruments issued pursuant to the Programme on or after the date of this Trust Deed. The Original Trust Deed will continue in full force and effect in respect of all Instruments issued prior to the date of this Trust Deed and any Instruments issued on or after the date of this Trust Deed which are to be consolidated and form a single series with any Instruments issued prior to the date hereof. |
(C) |
The Trustee has agreed to act as trustee of this Trust Deed on the following terms and conditions. |
This Deed witnessesand it is declared as follows:
1 |
Interpretation |
1.1 |
Definitions |
In this Trust Deed:
Agency Agreement means the amended and restated agency agreement (as amended, supplemented and/or restated from time to time) relating to the Programme dated 21 December 2011, between the Issuer, the Trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon as Issuing and Paying Agent, The Bank of New York Mellon (Luxembourg) S.A. as Registrar and the other agent(s) mentioned in it;
Agents has the meaning given to it in the Agency Agreement;
Bearer Instrument means anInstrument that is in bearer form, and includes any replacement Bearer Instrument issued pursuant to the Conditions and any temporary Global Instrument or permanent Global Instrument;
Calculation Agent means any person named as such in the Conditions or any Successor Calculation Agent;
Certificate means a registered certificate representing one or more Registered Instruments of the same Series and, save as provided in the Conditions, comprising the entire holding by an Instrumentholder of his Registered Instruments of that Series and, save in the case of Global Certificates, being substantially in the form set out in Schedule 2;
CGN means a temporary Global Instrument in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 1 or a permanent Global Instrument in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 1;
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Common Safekeeper means, in relation to a Series where the relevant Global Instrument is a NGN or the relevant Global Certificate is held under the NSS, the common safekeeper for Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg appointed in respect of such Instruments;
Clearstream, Luxembourg means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ;
Conditions means in respect of the Instruments of each Series the terms and conditions applicable to them which shall be substantially in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) as modified, with respect to any Instruments represented by a Global Instrument or a Global Certificate, by the provisions of such Global Instrument or Global Certificate, and shall incorporate any additional provisions forming part of such terms and conditions set out in Part A of the Final Terms relating to the Instruments of that Series and shall be endorsed on the Definitive Instruments subject to amendment and completion as referred to in the first paragraph of Part A of Schedule 2 (Form of Definitive Instrument) and any reference to a particularly numbered Condition shall be construed accordingly;
Contractual Currency means, in relation to any payment obligation of any Instrument, the currency in which that payment obligation is expressed and, in relation to Clause 7 (Provisions Supplemental to the Trustee Acts), such currency as may be agreed between the Issuer and the Trustee from time to time;
Coupons means the bearer coupons relating to interest bearing Bearer Instruments or, as the context may require, a specific number of them and includes any replacement Coupons issued pursuant to the Conditions;
Dealer Agreement means the amended and restated dealer agreement (as amended, supplemented and/or restated from time to time) relating to the Programme dated 21 December 2011 between the Issuer, the Arranger and the dealers named in it;
Definitive Instrument means a Bearer Instrument in definitive form having, where appropriate, Coupons, Receipt(s) and/or a Talon attached on issue and, unless the context requires otherwise, means a Certificate other than a Global Certificate and includes any replacement Instrument or Certificate issued pursuant to the Conditions;
Effective Date means the date on which the Arranger, has received, on behalf of the Dealers, each of the condition precedent documents listed in Schedule 2 to the Dealer Agreement and that each is, in form and substance, satisfactory to it;
Euroclear means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.;
Event of Default means an event described in Condition 8 and that, if so required by that Condition, has been certified by the Trustee to be, in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders;
Extraordinary Resolution has the meaning set out in Schedule 3 (Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders);
Final Terms means, in relation to a Tranche, the final terms document substantially in the form set out in the Prospectus which will be completed at or around the time of the agreement to issue each Tranche of Instruments and which will constitute final terms for the purposes of Article 5.4 of the Prospectus Directive;
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Global Certificate means a Certificate substantially in the form set out in Part E of Schedule 1 representing Registered Instruments of one or more Tranches of the same Series;
Global Instrument means a temporary Global Instrument and/or, as the context may require, a permanent Global Instrument, a CGN or a NGN, as the context may require;
holder in relation to an Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon, and Couponholder and Instrumentholder have the meanings given to them in the Conditions;
Instruments means the debt instruments to be issued by the Issuer pursuant to the Dealer Agreement, constituted by this Trust Deed and for the time being outstanding or, as the context may require, a specific number of them;
Issuing and Paying Agent means the person named as such in the Conditions or any Successor Issuing and Paying Agent in each case at its specified office;
month means a calendar month;
NGN means a temporary Global Instrument in the form set out in Part C of Schedule 1 or a permanent Global Instrument in the form set out in Part D of Schedule 1;
NSS means the new safekeeping structure which applies to Registered Instruments held in global form by a Common Safekeeper for Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg and which is required for such Registered Instruments to be recognised as eligible collateral for Eurosystem monetary policy and intra-day credit operations;
outstanding means, in relation to the Instruments, all the Instruments issued except (a) those that have been redeemed in accordance with the Conditions, (b) those in respect of which the date for redemption has occurred and the redemption moneys (including all interest accrued on such Instruments to the date for such redemption and any interest payable after such date) have been duly paid to the Trustee or to the Issuing and Paying Agent as provided in Clause 2 (Issue of Instruments and Covenant to Pay) and remain available for payment against presentation and surrender of Instruments, Receipts and/or Coupons, as the case may be, (c) those which have become void or in respect of which claims have become prescribed, (d) those which have been purchased and cancelled as provided in the Conditions, (e) those mutilated or defaced Bearer Instruments which have been surrendered in exchange for replacement Bearer Instruments, (f) (for the purpose only of determining how many Instruments are outstanding and without prejudice to their status for any other purpose) those Bearer Instruments alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed and in respect of which replacement Instruments have been issued, and (g) any temporary Global Instrument to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for a permanent Global Instrument and any Global Instrument to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for one or more Definitive Instruments, in either case pursuant to its provisions provided that for the purposes of (i) ascertaining the right to attend and vote at any meeting of the Instrumentholders, (ii) the determination of how many Instruments are outstanding for the purposes of Conditions 8 and 10 and Schedule 3 (Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders), (iii) the exercise of any discretion, power or authority that the Trustee is required, expressly or impliedly, to exercise in or by reference to the interests of the Instrumentholders and (iv) the certification (where relevant) by the Trustee as to whether a Potential Event of Default is in its opinion materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders, those Instruments which are beneficially held by or on behalf of the Issuer or any of its subsidiary undertakings and not cancelled shall (unless no
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longer so held) be deemed not to remain outstanding. Save for the purposes of the proviso herein, in the case of each NGN, the Trustee shall rely on the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg in relation to any determination of the nominal amount outstanding of each NGN.
Paying Agents means the persons (including the Issuing and Paying Agent) referred to as such in the Conditions or any Successor Paying Agents in each case at their respective specified offices;
permanent Global Instrument means a Global Instrument representing Bearer Instruments of one or more Tranches of the same Series, either on issue or upon exchange of a temporary Global Instrument, or part of it, and which shall be substantially in the form set out in Part B or Part D of Schedule 1, as the case may be (Form of Permanent Global Instrument);
Potential Event of Default means an event or circumstance that could with the giving of notice, lapse of time, issue of a certificate and/or fulfilment of any other requirement provided for in Condition 8 become an Event of Default;
Programme Limit means the maximum aggregate nominal amount of Instruments which may be issued and outstanding at any time under the Programme, as such limit may be increased pursuant to the Dealer Agreement;
Prospectus means the prospectus prepared in connection with the Programme and constituting (i) a base prospectus in respect of the Issuer for the purposes of Article 5.4 of the Prospectus Directive and (ii) listing particulars in respect of the Issuer for the purposes of Listing Rule 2.2.11 of the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority, as revised, supplemented or amended from time to time by the Issuer including any documents which are from time to time incorporated in the Prospectus by reference except that in relation to each Tranche of Instruments only the applicable Final Terms shall be deemed to be included in the Prospectus;
Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council;
Receipts means the receipts for the payment of instalments of principal in respect of Bearer Instruments of which the principal is repayable in instalments or, as the context may require, a specific number of them and includes any replacement Receipts issued pursuant to the Conditions;
Redemption Amount means the Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount, as the case may be, all as defined in the Conditions;
Register means the register maintained by the Registrar;
Registered Instrument means an Instrument in registered form;
Registrar means the person named as such in the Conditions or any Successor Registrar in each case at its specified office;
Series means a series of Instruments comprising one or more Tranches, whether or not issued on the same date, that (except in respect of the first payment of interest and their issue price) have identical terms on issue and are expressed to have the same series number;
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specified office means, in relation to a Paying Agent, the Registrar or a Transfer Agent the office identified with its name at the end of the Conditions or any other office approved by the Trustee and notified to Instrumentholders pursuant to Clause 6.6 (Notices to Instrumentholders);
Successor means, in relation to an Agent such other or further person as may from time to time be appointed by the Issuer as such Agent with the written approval of, and on terms approved in writing by, the Trustee and notice of whose appointment is given to Instrumentholders pursuant to Clause 6.6 (Notices to Instrumentholders);
successor in business means (a) an entity which acquires all or substantially all of the undertaking and/or assets of the Issuer or of a successor in business of the Issuer; or (b) any entity into which any of the previously referred to entity is amalgamated, merged or reconstructed and is itself not the continuing company;
Talons mean talons for further Coupons or, as the context may require, a specific number of them and includes any replacement Talons issued pursuant to the Conditions;
TARGET System means the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (known as TARGET2) System which was launched on 19 November 2007 or any successor thereto;
temporary Global Instrument means a Global Instrument representing Bearer Instruments of one or more Tranches of the same Series on issue and which shall be substantially in the form set out in Part A or Part C of Schedule 1, as the case may be (Form of Temporary Global Instrument);
Tranche means, in relation to a Series, those Instruments of that Series which are issued on the same date at the same issue price and in respect of which the first payment of interest is identical;
Transfer Agents means the persons (including the Registrar) referred to as such in the Conditions or any Successor Transfer Agents in each case at their specified offices;
trust corporation means a trust corporation (as defined in the Law of Property Act 1925) or a corporation entitled to act as a trustee pursuant to applicable foreign legislation relating to trustees; and
Trustee Acts means both the Trustee Act 1925 and the Trustee Act 2000 of England and Wales.
1.2 |
Construction of Certain References |
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Trust Deed to:
1.2.1 |
the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be to the records that each of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interests in the Instruments; |
1.2.2 |
costs, charges, remuneration or expenses include any value added, turnover or similar tax charged in respect of them; |
1.2.3 |
an action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings for the enforcement of creditors rights include references to the action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings in jurisdictions other than England as shall most nearly approximate to it; |
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1.2.4 |
the Trustees approval or consent shall, unless expressed otherwise, be subject to the requirement that any such approval or consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, such reasonableness to be determined by reference to acting in the interests of Instrumentholders as a whole; and |
1.2.5 |
the appointment or employment of or delegation to any person by the Trustee shall be deemed to include a reference to, if in the opinion of the Trustee it is reasonably practicable, the prior notification of and consultation with the Issuer and, in any event, the notification forthwith of such appointment, employment or delegation, as the case may be. |
1.3 |
Headings |
Headings shall be ignored in construing this Trust Deed.
1.4 |
Contracts |
References in this Trust Deed to this Trust Deed or any other document are to this Trust Deed or those documents as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time in relation to the Programme and include any document that amends, supplements or replaces them.
1.5 |
Schedules |
The Schedules are part of this Trust Deed and have effect accordingly.
1.6 |
Alternative Clearing System |
References in this Trust Deed to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall, wherever the context so permits, be deemed to include reference to any additional or alternative clearing system approved by the Issuer, the Trustee and the Issuing and Paying Agent. In the case of NGNs or Global Certificates held under the NSS, such alternative clearing system must also be authorised to hold Instruments as eligible collateral for Eurosystem monetary policy and intra-day credit operations.
1.7 |
Other Terms |
Other terms defined in the Dealer Agreement or the Conditions have the same meaning in this Trust Deed.
1.8 |
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 |
A person who is not a party to this Trust Deed has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Trust Deed.
1.9 |
Effectiveness |
Upon execution of this Trust Deed by all the parties hereto, the Original Trust Deed shall be replaced by this Trust Deed and the Original Trust Deed shall be of no further force and effect, except in respect of Instruments issued prior to the date of this Trust Deed.
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2 |
Issue of Instruments and Covenant to Pay |
2.1 |
Issue of Instruments |
The Issuer may from time to time issue Instruments in Tranches of one or more Series on a continuous basis with no minimum issue size in accordance with the Dealer Agreement. Before issuing any Tranche and not later than 3.00 p.m. (London time) on the second business day in London which for this purpose shall be a day on which commercial banks are open for general business in London preceding each proposed issue date, the Issuer shall give written notice or procure that it is given to the Trustee of the proposed issue of such Tranche, specifying the details to be included in the relevant Final Terms. Upon the issue by the Issuer of any Instruments expressed to be constituted by this Trust Deed, such Instruments shall forthwith be constituted by this Trust Deed without any further formality and irrespective of whether or not the issue of such debt securities contravenes any covenant or other restriction in this Trust Deed or the Programme Limit.
2.2 |
Separate Series |
The provisions of Clauses 2.3 (Covenant to Pay), 2.4 (Discharge), 2.5 (Payment after a Default) and 2.6 (Rate of Interest after a Default) and of Clauses 3 (Form of the Instruments) to 15 (Currency Indemnity) and Schedule 3 (Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders) (all inclusive) shall apply mutatis mutandis separately and independently to the Instruments of each Series and in such Clauses and Schedule the expressions Instrumentholders , Certificates , Receipts , Coupons , Couponholders and Talons , together with all other terms that relate to Instruments or their Conditions, shall be construed as referring to those of the particular Series in question and not of all Series unless expressly so provided, so that each Series shall be constituted by a separate trust pursuant to Clause 2.3 (Covenant to Pay) and that, unless expressly provided, events affecting one Series shall not affect any other.
2.3 |
Covenant to Pay |
The Issuer shall on any date when any Instruments become due to be redeemed, in whole or in part, unconditionally pay to or to the order of the Trustee in the Contractual Currency, in the case of any Contractual Currency other than Euro, in the principal financial centre for the Contractual Currency and, in the case of Euro, in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System, in same day funds the Redemption Amount of the Instruments becoming due for redemption on that date together with any applicable premium and shall (subject to the Conditions and other than in respect of Zero Coupon Instruments) until such payment (both before and after judgment) unconditionally so pay to or to the order of the Trustee interest in respect of the nominal amount of the Instruments outstanding as set out in the Conditions (subject to Clause 2.6 (Rate of Interest after a Default)) provided that (a) payment of any sum due in respect of the Instruments made to the Issuing and Paying Agent as provided in the Agency Agreement shall, to that extent, satisfy such obligation except to the extent that there is failure in its subsequent payment to the relevant Instrumentholders or Couponholders under the Conditions and (b) a payment made after the due date or as a result of the Instrument becoming repayable following an Event of Default shall be deemed to have been made when the full amount due has been received by the Issuing and Paying Agent or the Trustee and notice to that effect has been given to the Instrumentholders (if required under Clause 6.8 (Notice of Late Payment)), except to the extent that there is failure in its subsequent payment to the relevant Instrumentholders or Couponholders under the Conditions. This covenant shall only have effect each time
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Instruments are issued and outstanding, when the Trustee shall hold the benefit of this covenant on trust for the Instrumentholders and Couponholders of the relevant Series.
2.4 |
Discharge |
Subject to Clause 2.5 (Payment after a Default), any payment to be made in respect of the Instruments, Receipts or the Coupons by the Issuer or the Trustee may be made as provided in the Conditions and any payment so made shall (subject to Clause 2.5 (Payment after a Default)) to that extent be a good discharge to the Issuer or the Trustee, as the case may be (including, in the case of Instruments represented by a NGN, whether or not the corresponding entries have been made in the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg), except to the extent that there is failure in its subsequent payment to the relevant Instrumentholders or Couponholders under the Conditions.
2.5 |
Payment after a Default |
At any time after an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default has occurred the Trustee may:
2.5.1 |
by notice in writing to the Issuer and the Paying Agents, require the Paying Agents, until notified by the Trustee to the contrary, so far as permitted by applicable law: |
(i) |
to act as Paying Agents and the Transfer Agents of the Trustee under this Trust Deed and the Instruments on the terms of the Agency Agreement (with consequential amendments as necessary and except that the Trustees liability for the indemnification, remuneration and expenses of the Paying Agents shall be limited to the amounts for the time being held by the Trustee in respect of the Instruments on the terms of this Trust Deed) and thereafter to hold all Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons and all moneys, documents and records held by them in respect of Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons to the order of the Trustee; or |
(ii) |
to deliver all Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons and all moneys, documents and records held by them in respect of the Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons to the Trustee or as the Trustee directs in such notice; and |
2.5.2 |
by notice in writing to the Issuer, require the Issuer to make all subsequent payments in respect of the Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons to or to the order of the Trustee and not to the Issuing and Paying Agent and with effect from the receipt of any such notice by the Issuer, until such notice is withdrawn, the first proviso to Clause 2.3 (Covenant to Pay) shall cease to have effect. |
2.6 |
Rate of Interest after a Default |
If the Instruments bear interest at a floating or other variable rate and they become immediately payable under the Conditions following an Event of Default, the rate of interest payable in respect of them shall continue to be calculated by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the Conditions (with consequential amendments as necessary) except that the rates of interest need not be notified to Instrumentholders. The first period in respect of which interest shall be so calculable shall commence on the expiry of the Interest Period during which the Instruments become so repayable.
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3 |
Form of the Instruments |
3.1 |
The Global Instruments |
The Instruments shall initially be represented by a temporary Global Instrument or a permanent Global Instrument or one or more Certificates in the nominal amount of the Tranche being issued. Interests in a temporary Global Instrument shall be exchangeable for Definitive Instruments or interests in a permanent Global Instrument as set out in each temporary Global Instrument. Interests in a permanent Global Instrument shall be exchangeable for Definitive Instruments as set out in such permanent Global Instrument.
3.2 |
The Definitive Instruments |
The Definitive Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be security printed and the Certificates shall be printed, in each case in accordance with applicable legal and stock exchange requirements substantially in the forms set out in Schedule 2. The Instruments and the Certificates (other than the Global Certificates) shall be endorsed with the Conditions.
3.3 |
Signature |
The Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be signed manually or in facsimile by an authorised signatory of the Issuer and the Instruments shall be authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent and the Certificates shall be authenticated by or on behalf of the Registrar. The Issuer may use the facsimile signature of any person who at the date of this Trust Deed is such an authorised signatory even if at the time of issue of any Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons or Talons he no longer holds that office. In the case of a Global Instrument which is a NGN or a Global Certificate which is held under the NSS, the Issuing and Paying Agent or the Registrar shall also instruct the Common Safekeeper to effectuate the same. Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons so executed and authenticated (and effectuated, if applicable) shall be or, in the case of Certificates, represent binding and valid obligations of the Issuer. Execution in facsimile of any Instruments and any photostatic copying or other duplication of any Global Instruments or Certificates (in unauthenticated form, but executed manually on behalf of the Issuer as stated above) shall be or, in the case of Certificates, represent binding upon the Issuer in the same manner as if such Instruments were signed manually by such signatories.
3.4 |
Title |
The holder of any Instrument or whose name is entered in the Register as being entitled to any Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon shall (save as otherwise required by law) be treated as its absolute owner for all purposes (whether or not it is overdue and regardless of any notice of ownership, trust or any interest in it, any writing on it or its theft or loss) and no person will be liable for so treating the holder.
4 |
Stamp Duties and Taxes |
4.1 |
Stamp Duties |
The Issuer shall pay any stamp, issue, documentary or other taxes and duties payable in the United States of America in respect of the creation, issue and offering of the Instruments and/or Certificates issued by it and the related Receipts, Coupons and Talons
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and the execution or delivery of this Trust Deed. The Issuer shall also indemnify the Trustee, the relevant Instrumentholders and the Couponholders from and against all stamp, issue, documentary or other taxes paid by any of them in any jurisdiction in connection with any action taken by or on behalf of the Trustee or, as the case may be (where entitled to do so), the relevant Instrumentholders or the Couponholders to enforce the Issuers obligations under this Trust Deed or the relevant Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons or Talons.
4.2 |
Change of Taxing Jurisdiction |
If the Issuer becomes subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of a territory or a taxing authority of or in that territory with power to tax other than, or in addition to, the United States of America or any political sub-division of the United States of America then the Issuer shall (unless the Trustee otherwise agrees) give the Trustee an undertaking satisfactory to the Trustee in terms corresponding to the terms of Condition 6 with the substitution for, or (as the case may require) the addition to, the references in that Condition to the United States of America of references to that other or additional territory or authority to whose taxing jurisdiction the Issuer has become so subject. In such event this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be read accordingly.
5 |
Application of Moneys Received by the Trustee |
5.1 |
Declaration of Trust |
All moneys received by the Trustee in respect of the Instruments or amounts payable under this Trust Deed shall, despite any appropriation of all or part of them by the Issuer, be held by the Trustee on trust to apply them (subject to Clause 5.2 (Accumulation)):
5.1.1 |
first, in payment of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by the Trustee (including remuneration payable to it) in carrying out its functions under this Trust Deed; |
5.1.2 |
secondly, in payment of any amounts owing in respect of the relevant Instruments, Receipts or Coupons pari passu and rateably; and |
5.1.3 |
thirdly, in payment of any balance to the Issuer. |
If the Trustee holds any moneys which represent principal, premium or interest in respect of Instruments, Receipts or Coupons which have become void in accordance with the Conditions the Trustee shall hold them on these trusts.
5.2 |
Accumulation |
If the amount of the moneys at any time available for payment in respect of the Instruments under Clause 5.1 (Declaration of Trust) is less than 10 per cent. of the nominal amount of the Instruments then outstanding, the Trustee may, at its discretion, invest such moneys as provided in Clause 5.3 (Investment). The Trustee may retain such investments and accumulate the resulting income until the investments and the accumulations, together with any other funds for the time being under its control and available for such payment, amount to at least 10 per cent of the nominal amount of the Instruments then outstanding and then such investments, accumulations and funds (after deduction of, or provision for, any applicable taxes) shall be applied as specified in Clause 5.1 (Declaration of Trust).
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5.3 |
Investment |
Moneys held by the Trustee may be invested in its name or under its control in any investments or other assets anywhere, whether or not they produce income, or deposited in its name or under its control at such bank or other financial institution in such currency as the Trustee may, in its absolute discretion, think fit. If that bank or institution is the Trustee or a subsidiary, parent or associated undertaking of the Trustee, it need only account for an amount of interest equal to the standard amount of interest payable by it on such a deposit to an independent customer. The Trustee may at any time vary or transpose any such investments or assets or convert any moneys so deposited into any other currency, and shall not be responsible for any resulting loss, whether by depreciation in value, change in exchange rates or otherwise.
6 |
Covenants |
So long as any Instrument issued by it is outstanding, the Issuer shall:
6.1 |
Books of Account |
Keep, and procure that each of its subsidiary undertakings keeps, proper books of account and, at any time after an Event of Default has occurred or if the Trustee reasonably believes that such an event has occurred, so far as permitted by applicable law, allow, and procure that each such subsidiary undertaking shall allow, the Trustee and anyone appointed by it to whom the Issuer and/or the relevant subsidiary undertaking has no reasonable objection, access to its books of account at all reasonable times during normal business hours.
6.2 |
Notice of Events of Default |
Notify the Trustee in writing immediately on becoming aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default.
6.3 |
Information |
So far as permitted by applicable law, give the Trustee such information as it reasonably requires to perform its functions.
6.4 |
Financial Statements etc. |
Send to the Trustee at the time of their issue and, in the case of annual financial statements, in any event within 180 days of the end of each financial year, three copies in English of every balance sheet, profit and loss account, report or other notice, statement or circular issued, or that legally or contractually should be issued, to the members or creditors (or any class of them) of the Issuer or any parent undertaking of it generally in their capacity as such.
6.5 |
Certificate of a Director, etc. |
6.5.1 |
Send to the Trustee, within 14 days of its annual audited financial statements being made available to its members, and also within 21 days of any request by the Trustee a certificate of the Issuer signed by a director that, having made all reasonable enquiries, to the best of the knowledge, information and belief of the Issuer as at a date (the Certification Date ) not more than five days before the date of the certificate no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default had |
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occurred (and, in the case of a Potential Event of Default, was continuing) since the Certification Date of the last such certificate or (if none) the date of this Trust Deed or, if such an event had occurred (and, in the case of a Potential Event of Default, was continuing), giving details of it and certifying that it has complied with its obligations under this Trust Deed or, to the extent that it has failed so to comply, stating such. |
6.5.2 |
Give to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the acquisition of any company which thereby becomes a Principal Subsidiary or after any transfer is made to any member of the Group (as defined in Condition 8) which thereby becomes a Principal Subsidiary, a certificate by the auditors of the Issuer at that time (the Auditors ) addressed to the Trustee to such effect. |
6.6 |
Notices to Instrumentholders |
Obtain the prior written approval of the Trustee to, and promptly give to the Trustee two copies of, the form of every notice given to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 13 (such approval, unless so expressed, not to constitute approval for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 any such notice which is a communication within the meaning of that section).
6.7 |
Further Acts |
So far as permitted by applicable law, do such further things as may be necessary in the reasonable opinion of the Trustee to give effect to this Trust Deed.
6.8 |
Notice of Late Payment |
Forthwith upon request by the Trustee (if the Trustee determines such notice is necessary) give notice to the Instrumentholders of any unconditional payment to the Issuing and Paying Agent or the Trustee of any sum due in respect of the Instruments, the Receipts or Coupons made after the due date for such payment.
6.9 |
Listing |
If the Instruments are so listed, use all reasonable endeavours to maintain the listing of the Instruments but, if it is unable to do so, having used such endeavours, or if the maintenance of such listing is agreed by the Trustee to be unduly onerous and the Trustee is satisfied that the interests of the Instrumentholders would not by such action be materially prejudiced, instead use all reasonable endeavours to obtain and maintain a listing of the Instruments on another stock exchange approved in writing by the Trustee.
6.10 |
Change in Agents |
Give at least 14 days prior notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with the Conditions of any future appointment, resignation or removal of an Agent or of any change by an Agent of its specified office.
6.11 |
Provision of Legal Opinions |
Procure the delivery of legal opinions addressed to the Trustee dated the date of such delivery, in form and content acceptable to the Trustee:
6.11.1 |
from Allen & Overy LLP as to the laws of England and the laws of New York and the Issuers internal counsel as to the laws of the United States (or such other legal |
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advisers as may be agreed between the Issuer and the Trustee) before the first issue of Instruments occurring after each anniversary of this Trust Deed or, if later, 12 months after the date of delivery of the latest such legal opinion and on the date of any amendment to this Trust Deed; |
6.11.2 |
unless the Issuer has notified the Dealers and the Trustee in writing that it does not intend to issue Instruments under the Programme for the time being, from legal advisers reasonably acceptable to the Trustee as to such law as may reasonably be requested by the Trustee and in such form and with such content as the Trustee may require, on such occasions as the Trustee so requests on the basis that the Trustee considers it prudent in view of a change (or proposed change) in (or in the interpretation or application of) any applicable law, regulation or circumstance materially affecting the Issuer, the Trustee, the relevant Instruments, the Certificates, the Receipts, the Coupons, the Talons, this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement; and |
6.11.3 |
on each occasion on which a legal opinion is given to any Dealer pursuant to the Dealer Agreement from the legal adviser giving such opinion; |
6.12 |
Instruments Held by the Issuer |
Send to the Trustee as soon as practicable after being so requested by the Trustee a certificate of the Issuer signed by any director or the Company Secretary stating the number of Instruments held at the date of such certificate by or on behalf of the Issuer or its subsidiary undertakings.
6.13 |
Obligations of Agents |
Comply with and perform all its obligations under the Agency Agreement and use all reasonable endeavours to procure that the Agents comply with and perform all their respective obligations thereunder and not make any amendment or modification to the Agency Agreement without the prior written approval of the Trustee.
6.14 |
Copies of Dealer Agreement |
Provide the Trustee promptly with copies of all supplements and/or amendments to, and/or restatements of, the Dealer Agreement.
7 |
Remuneration and Indemnification of the Trustee |
7.1 |
Normal Remuneration |
So long as any Instrument is outstanding the Issuer shall pay the Trustee as remuneration for its services as Trustee such sum on such dates in each case as they may from time to time agree. Such remuneration shall accrue from day to day from the date of this Trust Deed. However, if any payment to an Instrumentholder or Couponholder of moneys due in respect of any Instrument, Receipts or Coupon is improperly withheld or refused, such remuneration shall again accrue as from the date of such withholding or refusal until payment to such Instrumentholder or Couponholder is duly made.
7.2 |
Extra Remuneration |
If an Event of Default shall have occurred or if the Trustee finds it expedient or necessary or is requested by the Issuer to undertake duties that they both agree to be of an
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exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the Trustees normal duties under this Trust Deed, the Issuer shall pay such additional remuneration as they may agree (and which may be calculated by reference to the Trustees normal hourly rates in force from time to time) or, failing agreement as to any of the matters in this Clause 7 (or as to such sums referred to in Clause 7.1 (Normal Remuneration)), as determined by a person (acting as an expert) selected by the Trustee and approved by the Issuer or, failing such approval, nominated by the President for the time being of The Law Society of England and Wales. The expenses involved in such nomination and such persons fee shall be shared equally between the Trustee and the Issuer. The determination of the relevant person shall be conclusive and binding on the Issuer, the Trustee, the relevant Instrumentholders and the relevant Couponholders.
7.3 |
Expenses |
The Issuer shall also, on demand by the Trustee, pay or discharge all costs, charges, liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred by the Trustee in the preparation and execution of this Trust Deed and the performance of its functions under this Trust Deed including, but not limited to, legal and travelling expenses and any United Kingdom stamp, documentary or other taxes or duties paid by the Trustee in connection with any legal proceedings reasonably brought or contemplated by the Trustee against the Issuer to enforce any provision of this Trust Deed, the relevant Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons or the Talons and in addition shall pay to the Trustee (if required) an amount equal to the amount of any value added tax or similar tax chargeable in respect of the Trustees remuneration under this Trust Deed. Such costs, charges, liabilities and expenses shall:
7.3.1 |
in the case of payments made by the Trustee before such demand, carry interest from the date of the demand at the rate of one per cent. per annum over the base rate of The Royal Bank of Scotland plc on the date on which the Trustee made such payments; and |
7.3.2 |
in other cases, carry interest at such rate from 30 days after the date of the demand or (where the demand specifies that payment is to be made on an earlier date) from such earlier date provided that in such event no such interest shall accrue unless payment is actually made on such earlier date. |
7.4 |
Notice of Costs |
The Trustee shall wherever practicable give prior notice to the Issuer of any costs, charges and expenses properly to be incurred and of payments to be made by the Trustee in the lawful exercise of its powers under this Trust Deed so as to afford the Issuer a reasonable opportunity to meet such costs, charges and expenses itself or to put the Trustee in funds to make payment of such costs, charges and expenses. However, failure of the Trustee to give any such prior notice shall not prejudice its rights to reimbursement of such costs, charges and expenses under this Clause 7.
7.5 |
Indemnity |
The Issuer shall indemnify the Trustee in respect of all liabilities and expenses properly incurred by it or by anyone appointed by it or to whom any of its functions may be delegated by it in the carrying out of its functions and against any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand or expense (including, but not limited to, all costs, charges and expenses properly paid or incurred in disputing or defending any of the foregoing) which any of them
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may incur in relation to the Issuer or that may be made against any of them arising out of or in relation to or in connection with, its appointment or the exercise of its functions in relation to that Issuer.
7.6 |
Continuing Effect |
Clauses 7.3 (Expenses) and 7.5 (Indemnity) shall continue in full force and effect as regards the Trustee even if it no longer is Trustee.
7.7 |
Determination of Series |
The Trustee shall be entitled in its absolute discretion to determine in respect of which Series of Instruments any costs, charge, liabilities and expenses incurred under this Trust Deed have been incurred or to allocate any such costs, charges, liabilities and expenses between the Instruments of any two or more Series.
8 |
Provisions Supplemental to the Trustee Acts |
8.1 |
Advice |
The Trustee may act on the opinion or advice of, or information obtained from, any expert (including, without limitation, any report or advice received from an independent financial adviser or from any accountant pursuant to the Conditions), whether or not (1) such opinion, advice or information is addressed to the Trustee or any other person, and (2) such experts liability in respect of the same is limited by reference to a monetary cap or otherwise and shall not be responsible to anyone for any loss occasioned by so acting. Any such opinion, advice or information may be sent or obtained by letter or fax and the Trustee shall not be liable to anyone for acting in good faith on any opinion, advice or information purporting to be conveyed by such means even if it contains some error or is not authentic.
8.2 |
Trustee to Assume Performance |
The Trustee need not notify anyone of the execution of this Trust Deed or do anything to find out if an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred. Until it has actual knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no such event has occurred and that the Issuer is performing all of its obligations under this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons provided that the Trustee shall not be treated for any purposes as having any notice or knowledge which has been obtained by it or any officer or employee of it in some capacity other than as Trustee under this Trust Deed or in a private or confidential capacity such that it would not be proper to disclose to third parties.
8.3 |
Resolutions of Instrumentholders |
The Trustee shall not be responsible for having acted in good faith on a resolution purporting to have been passed at a meeting of Instrumentholders in respect of which minutes have been made and signed even if it is later found that there was a defect in the constitution of the meeting or the passing of the resolution or that the resolution was not valid or binding on the Instrumentholders or Couponholders.
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8.4 |
Certificate Signed by Directors, etc. |
If the Trustee, in the exercise of its functions, requires to be satisfied or to have information as to any fact or the expediency of any act, it may call for and accept as sufficient evidence of that fact or the expediency of that act a certificate signed by any two directors of the Issuer as to that fact or to the effect that, in their opinion, that act is expedient and the Trustee need not call for further evidence and shall not be responsible for any loss occasioned by acting on such a certificate.
8.5 |
Deposit of Documents |
The Trustee may deposit this Trust Deed and any other documents with any bank or entity whose business includes the safe custody of documents or with any lawyer or firm of lawyers believed by it to be of good repute and may pay all sums due in respect of them.
8.6 |
Discretion |
The Trustee shall have absolute and uncontrolled discretion as to the exercise of its functions and shall not be responsible for any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand, expense or inconvenience which may result from their exercise or non-exercise.
8.7 |
Agents |
Whenever it considers it expedient in the interests of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee may, in the conduct of its trust business, instead of acting personally, employ and pay an agent selected by it, whether or not a lawyer or other professional person, to transact or conduct, or concur in transacting or conducting, any business and to do or concur in doing all acts required to be done by the Trustee (including the receipt and payment of money). The Trustee shall not be responsible to anyone for any misconduct or omission by any such agent so employed by it or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any such agent.
8.8 |
Delegation |
Whenever it considers it expedient in the interests of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee may delegate to any person on any terms (including power to sub-delegate) all or any of its functions. If the Trustee exercises reasonable care in selecting such delegate, it shall not have any obligation to supervise such delegate or be responsible for any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand or expense incurred by reason of any misconduct or default by any such delegate or sub-delegate.
8.9 |
Nominees |
In relation to any asset held by it under this Trust Deed, the Trustee may appoint any person to act as its nominee on any terms.
8.10 |
Forged Instruments |
The Trustee shall not be liable to the Issuer or any relevant Instrumentholder or Couponholder by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any relevant Instrument, Certificate, Receipt, Coupon or Talon purporting to be such and later found to be forged or not authentic.
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8.11 |
Confidentiality |
Unless ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Trustee shall not be required to disclose to any Instrumentholder or Couponholder any confidential financial or other information made available to the Trustee by the Issuer.
8.12 |
Determinations Conclusive |
As between itself and the Instrumentholders and Couponholders, the Trustee may determine all questions and doubts arising in relation to any of the provisions of this Trust Deed. Such determinations, whether made upon such a question actually raised or implied in the acts or proceedings of the Trustee, shall be conclusive and shall bind the Trustee, the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders.
8.13 |
Currency Conversion |
Where it is necessary or desirable to convert any sum from one currency to another, it shall (unless otherwise provided hereby or required by law) be converted at such rate or rates, in accordance with such method and as at such date as may reasonably be specified by the Trustee but having regard to current rates of exchange, if available. Any rate, method and date so specified shall be binding on the Issuer and the relevant Instrumentholders and Couponholders.
8.14 |
Payment for and Delivery of Instruments |
The Trustee shall not be responsible for the receipt or application by the Issuer of the proceeds of the issue of any relevant Instruments, any exchange of relevant Instruments or the delivery of relevant Instruments to the persons entitled to them.
8.15 |
Trustees consent |
Any consent given by the Trustee for the purposes of this Trust Deed may be given on such terms as the Trustee thinks fit. In giving such consent the Trustee may require the Issuer to agree to such modifications or additions to this Trust Deed as the Trustee may deem expedient in the interest of the Instrumentholders.
8.16 |
Instruments Held by the Issuer etc. |
In the absence of knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee may assume without enquiry (other than requesting a certificate under Clause 6.12 (Instruments Held by the Issuer)) that no Instruments are for the time being held by or on behalf of the Issuer or its subsidiary undertakings.
8.17 |
Legal Opinions |
The Trustee shall not be responsible to any person for failing to request, require or receive any legal opinion relating to any Instruments or for checking or commenting upon the content of any such legal opinion.
8.18 |
Programme Limit |
The Trustee shall not be concerned, and need not enquire, as to whether or not any Instruments are issued in breach of the Programme Limit.
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8.19 |
Events of Default |
The Trustee may determine whether or not an Event of Default is in its opinion capable of remedy or (in relation to Condition 8(b)) materially prejudicial to the interests of relevant Instrumentholders. Any such determination shall be conclusive and binding on the Issuer and the relevant Instrumentholders.
8.20 |
Appointment of Independent Financial Adviser |
In connection with the Trustees right to appoint an independent financial adviser pursuant to Clause 8.1 (if applicable), the Trustee:
8.20.1 |
shall use its reasonable endeavours to identify and appoint the independent financial adviser but shall have no liability to any person if, having used its reasonable endeavours, it is unable to identify and appoint a suitable independent financial adviser; |
8.20.2 |
shall not be responsible for carrying on the role of independent financial adviser itself during the time it is attempting to identify such independent financial adviser or thereafter if it is unable to find such independent financial adviser; and |
8.20.3 |
shall not be required to take any action to find an independent financial adviser unless it has been previously indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction or expend any of its own funds in the appointment of such an independent financial adviser. |
9 |
Disapplication and Trustee Liability |
9.1 |
Disapplication |
Section 1 of the Trustee Act 2000 shall not apply to the duties of the Trustee in relation to the trusts constituted by this Trust Deed. Where there are any inconsistencies between the Trustee Acts and the provisions of this Trust Deed, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall, to the extent allowed by law, prevail and, in the case of any such inconsistency with the Trustee Act 2000, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall constitute a restriction or exclusion for the purposes of that Act.
9.2 |
Trustee Liability |
Subject to Sections 750 and 751 of the Companies Act 2006 (if applicable) and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Trust Deed, the Instruments or the Paying Agency Agreement, the Trustee shall not be liable to any person for any matter or thing done or omitted in any way in connection with or in relation to this Trust Deed, the Instruments or the Agency Agreement save in relation to its own gross negligence, wilful default or fraud.
10 |
Waiver and Proof of Default |
10.1 |
Waiver |
The Trustee may, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders and without prejudice to its rights in respect of any subsequent breach, from time to time and at any time, if in its opinion the interests of the Instrumentholders will not be materially prejudiced thereby, waive or authorise, on such terms as seem expedient to it, any breach
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or proposed breach by the Issuer of this Trust Deed or the Conditions or determine that an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default shall not be treated as such provided that the Trustee shall not do so in contravention of an express direction given by an Extraordinary Resolution or a request made pursuant to Condition 8. No such direction or request shall affect a previous waiver, authorisation or determination. Any such waiver, authorisation or determination shall be binding on the relevant Instrumentholders and the Couponholders and, if the Trustee so requires, shall be notified to the Instrumentholders as soon as practicable.
10.2 |
Proof of Default |
Proof that the Issuer has failed to pay a sum due to the holder of any one Instrument, Receipt or Coupon shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that it has made the same default as regards all other Instruments, Receipts or Coupons which are then payable.
11 |
Trustee not Precluded from Entering into Contracts |
The Trustee and any other person, whether or not acting for itself, may acquire, hold or dispose of any Instrument, Certificate, Receipt, Coupon, Talon or other security (or any interest therein) of the Issuer or any other person, may enter into or be interested in any contract or transaction with any such person and may act on, or as depositary or agent for, any committee or body of holders of any securities of any such person in each case with the same rights as it would have had if the Trustee were not acting as Trustee and need not account for any profit.
12 |
Modification and Substitution |
12.1 |
Modification |
The Trustee may agree without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders to any modification to this Trust Deed of a formal, minor or technical nature or to correct a manifest error. The Trustee may also so agree to any other modification to this Trust Deed which is in its opinion not materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders of the relevant Series, but such power does not extend to any such modification as is mentioned in the proviso to paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 (Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders). Any such modification, authorisation or waiver shall be binding on the relevant Instrumentholders and Couponholders and if the Trustee so requires, such modification shall be notified to the relevant Instrumentholders as soon as practicable.
12.2 Substitution
12.2.1 |
The Trustee may, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders, agree to the substitution of any other company (the Substituted Obligor ) in place of the Issuer (or of any previous substitute under this Clause 12) as the principal debtor under this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons provided that such substitution would not, in the opinion of the Trustee, be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders, and further provided that : |
(i) |
a deed is executed or undertaking given by the Substituted Obligor to the Trustee, in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee, agreeing to be |
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bound by this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons (with consequential amendments as the Trustee may deem appropriate) as if the Substituted Obligor had been named in this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons as the principal debtor in place of the Issuer; |
(ii) |
if the Substituted Obligor is subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of a territory or any authority of or in that territory with power to tax (the Substituted Territory ) other than the territory to the taxing jurisdiction of which (or to any such authority of or in which) the Issuer is subject generally (the Issuers Territory ), the Substituted Obligor shall (unless the Trustee otherwise agrees) give to the Trustee an undertaking satisfactory to the Trustee in terms corresponding to Condition 6 with the substitution for the references in that Condition to the Issuers Territory of references to the Substituted Territory whereupon the Trust Deed, and the relevant Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be read accordingly; |
(iii) |
if any two directors of the Substituted Obligor certify that it will be solvent immediately after such substitution, the Trustee need not have regard to the Substituted Obligors financial condition, profits or prospects or compare them with those of the Issuer; |
(iv) |
the Issuer and the Substituted Obligor comply with such other requirements as the Trustee may direct in the interests of the relevant Instrumentholders; and |
(v) |
the Trustee is satisfied that (i) the Substituted Obligor has obtained all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals and consents necessary for its assumption of liability as principal debtor in respect of the relevant Instruments in place of the Issuer (or a previous substitute), (ii) all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals and consents necessary for or in connection with the assumption by the Substituted Obligor of its obligations under the relevant Instruments and Coupons and (iii) such approvals and consents are at the time of substitution in full force and effect. |
12.2.2 |
Release of Substituted Issuer |
An agreement by the Trustee pursuant to Clause 12.2 (Substitution) shall, if so expressed, release the Issuer (or a previous substitute) from any or all of its obligations under this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons. Notice of the substitution shall be given to the Instrumentholders within 14 days of the execution of such documents and compliance with such requirements.
12.2.3 |
Completion of Substitution |
On completion of the formalities set out in Clause 12.2 (Substitution), the Substituted Obligor shall be deemed to be named in this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons as the principal debtor in place of the Issuer (or of any previous substitute) and this Trust Deed and
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the relevant Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be deemed to be amended as necessary to give effect to the substitution.
13 |
Appointment, Retirement and Removal of the Trustee |
13.1 |
Appointment |
The Issuer has the power of appointing new trustees but no one may be so appointed unless previously approved by an Extraordinary Resolution. The Trustee shall at all times be a trust corporation and such trust corporation may be the sole Trustee. Any appointment of a new Trustee shall be notified by the Issuer to its Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 13 as soon as practicable.
13.2 |
Retirement and Removal |
Any Trustee may retire at any time on giving at least three months written notice to the Issuer without giving any reason or being responsible for any costs occasioned by such retirement and the Instrumentholders may by Extraordinary Resolution remove any Trustee provided that the retirement or removal of a sole trust corporation shall not be effective until a trust corporation is appointed as successor Trustee. If a sole trust corporation gives notice of retirement or an Extraordinary Resolution is passed for its removal, it shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure that another trust corporation is appointed as Trustee.
13.3 |
Co-Trustees |
The Trustee may, despite Clause 13.1 (Appointment), by written notice to the Issuer, appoint anyone to act either as a separate Trustee in respect of any Issue or as an additional Trustee jointly with the Trustee:
13.3.1 |
if the Trustee considers the appointment to be in the interests of the Instrumentholders and/or the Couponholders; or |
13.3.2 |
to conform with a legal requirement, restriction or condition in a jurisdiction in which a particular act is to be performed; or |
13.3.3 |
to obtain a judgment or to enforce a judgment or any provision of this Trust Deed in any jurisdiction. |
Subject to the provisions of this Trust Deed the Trustee may, in the instrument of appointment, confer on any person so appointed such functions as it thinks fit. The Trustee may by written notice to the Issuer and that person remove that person. At the Trustees request, the Issuer shall forthwith do all things as may be required to perfect such appointment or removal and the Issuer irrevocably appoints the Trustee as its attorney in its name and on its behalf to do so.
Before appointing such person to act as separate Trustee or additional Trustee the Trustee shall (unless it is not, in the opinion of the Trustee, reasonably practicable to do so) give notice to the Issuer of its intention to make such appointment (and the reason for that) and shall give due consideration to representations made by the Issuer concerning such appointment. Where, as a result of this provision, not all the Instruments have the same Trustee, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall apply in respect of each such Trustee as if each were named as a party to this Trust Deed.
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13.4 |
Competence of a Majority of Trustees |
If there are more than two Trustees the majority of them shall be competent to perform the Trustees functions provided the majority includes a trust corporation.
14 |
Instruments held in Clearing Systems and Couponholders |
14.1 |
Instruments Held in Clearing Systems |
So long as any Global Instrument is, or any Instruments represented by a Global Certificate are, held on behalf of a clearing system, in considering the interests of Instrumentholders, the Trustee may have regard to any information provided to it by such clearing system or its operator as to the identity (either individually or by category) of its accountholders or participants with entitlements to any such Global Instrument or the Registered Instruments and may consider such interests on the basis that such accountholders or participants were the holder(s) of such Global Instrument or Registered Instruments.
14.2 |
Couponholders |
No notices need be given to Couponholders. They shall be deemed to have notice of the contents of any notice given to Instrumentholders. Even if it has express notice to the contrary, in exercising any of its functions by reference to the interests of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee shall assume that the holder of each Instrument is the holder of all Receipts, Coupons and Talons relating to it.
14.3 |
Evidence of Holdings |
The Trustee and the Issuer may call for and, except in the case of manifest error, shall be at liberty to accept and place full reliance on as sufficient evidence thereof any certificate, letter of confirmation or other document issued on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any form of record made by any of them or such other evidence and/or information and/or certification as it shall, in its absolute discretion, think fit to the effect that at any particular time or throughout any particular period any particular person is, was, or will be, shown in its records as the holder of a particular nominal amount of Instruments represented by a Global Instrument and if the Trustee or the Issuer does so rely, such letter of confirmation, form of record, evidence, information or certification shall be conclusive and binding on all concerned for all purposes. Any such certificate may comprise any form of statement or print out of electronic records provided by the relevant clearing system (including Euroclears EUCLID or Clearstream, Luxembourgs Creation Online system) in accordance with its usual procedures and in which the holder of a particular nominal amount of Instruments is clearly identified together with the amount of such holding. Neither the Issuer nor the Trustee shall be liable to any person by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any certificate or other document to such effect purporting to be issued by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg and subsequently found to be forged or not authentic.
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15 |
Currency Indemnity |
15.1 |
Currency of Account and Payment |
The Contractual Currency is the sole currency of account and payment for all sums payable by the Issuer under or in connection with this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts and the Coupons, including damages.
15.2 |
Extent of Discharge |
An amount received or recovered in a currency other than the Contractual Currency (whether as a result of, or of the enforcement of, a judgment or order of a court of any jurisdiction, in the insolvency, winding-up or dissolution of the Issuer or otherwise), by the Trustee or any Instrumentholder or Couponholder in respect of any sum expressed to be due to it from the Issuer, shall only discharge the Issuer to the extent of the Contractual Currency amount which the recipient is able to purchase with the amount so received or recovered in that other currency on the date of that receipt or recovery (or, if it is not practicable to make that purchase on that date, on the first date on which it is practicable to do so).
15.3 |
Indemnity |
If that Contractual Currency amount is less than the Contractual Currency amount expressed to be due to the recipient under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts or the Coupons, the Issuer shall indemnify the recipient against any loss sustained by it as a result. In any event, the Issuer shall indemnify the recipient against the cost of making any such purchase.
15.4 |
Indemnity Separate |
The indemnities in this Clause 15 and in Clause 7.5 (Indemnity) constitute separate and independent obligations from the other obligations in this Trust Deed, shall give rise to a separate and independent course of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Trustee and/or any Instrumentholder or Couponholder and shall continue in full force and effect despite any judgment, order, claim or proof for a liquidated amount in respect of any sum due under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts and/or the Coupons or any other judgment or order.
16 |
Enforcement |
16.1 |
Trustee to enforce |
Only the Trustee may enforce the rights of the Instrumentholders and Couponholders against the Issuer, whether the same arise under the general law, this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Coupons or otherwise, and no Instrumentholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to proceed directly against the Issuer unless the Trustee, having become bound to proceed, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
16.2 |
Trustees Indemnity |
The Trustee shall not be bound to take any steps to enforce the performance of any provisions of this Trust Deed, the Instruments or the Coupons or to appoint an independent financial advisor pursuant to the Conditions of the Instruments unless it shall be indemnified and/or secured and/or prefunded by the relevant Instrumentholders and/or
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Couponholders to its satisfaction against all proceedings, claims and demands to which it may be liable and against all costs, charges, liabilities and expenses which may be incurred by it in connection with such enforcement or appointment, including the cost of its managements time and/or other internal resources, calculated using its normal hourly rates in force from time to time.
16.3 |
Legal proceedings |
If the Trustee (or any Instrumentholder or Couponholder where entitled in accordance with this Trust Deed so to do) institutes legal proceedings against the Issuer to enforce any obligations under this Trust Deed:
16.3.1 |
proof in such proceedings that as regards any specified Instrument the Issuer has made default in paying any principal or interest due to the relevant Instrumentholder shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that the Issuer has made the same default as regards all other Instruments which are then repayable or, as the case may be, in respect of which interest is then payable; and |
16.3.2 |
proof in such proceedings that as regards any specified Coupon the Issuer has made default in paying any sum due to the relevant Couponholder shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that the Issuer has made the same default as regards all other Coupons which are then payable. |
16.4 |
Powers additional to general powers |
The powers conferred on the Trustee by this Clause 16 shall be in addition to any powers which may from time to time be vested in the Trustee by general law or as the holder of any Instruments or Coupons.
17 |
Communications |
17.1 |
Method |
Each communication under this Trust Deed shall be made by fax or otherwise in writing. Each communication or document to be delivered to any party under this Trust Deed shall be sent to that party at the fax number or address, and marked for the attention of the person (if any), from time to time designated by that party to each other party for the purpose of this Trust Deed. The initial telephone number, fax number, address and person so designated by the parties under this Trust Deed are set out in the Procedures Memorandum.
17.2 |
Deemed Receipt |
Any communication from any party to any other under this Trust Deed shall be effective, (if by fax) when good receipt is confirmed by the recipient following enquiry by the sender and (if in writing) when received, except that a communication received outside normal business hours shall be deemed to be received on the next business day in the city in which the recipient is located.
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18 |
Governing Law and Jurisdiction |
18.1 |
Governing Law |
This Trust Deed and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
18.2 |
Jurisdiction |
The courts of England are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes that may arise out of or in connection with this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons or the Talons and accordingly any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons or the Talons ( Proceedings ) may be brought in such courts. The Issuer irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and waives any objection to Proceedings in such courts on the ground of venue or on the ground that the Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. This Clause is for the benefit of each of the Trustee and the relevant Instrumentholders and Couponholders and shall not limit the right of any of them to take Proceedings in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not).
18.3 |
Service of Process |
The Issuer irrevocably appoints National Grid plc of 1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5EH to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in England. Such service shall be deemed completed on delivery to such process agent (whether or not it is forwarded to and received by the Issuer). If for any reason such process agent ceases to be able to act as such or no longer has an address in England the Issuer irrevocably agrees to appoint a substitute process agent acceptable to the Trustee and shall immediately notify the Trustee of such appointment. Nothing shall affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
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Schedule 1
Part A
Form of CGN Temporary Global Instrument
THIS TEMPORARY GLOBAL INSTRUMENT HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE SECURITIES ACT ). NEITHER THIS TEMPORARY GLOBAL INSTRUMENT NOR ANY PORTION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, ANY US PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
[BY ACCEPTING THIS OBLIGATION, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT IS NOT A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER) AND THAT IT IS NOT ACTING FOR OR ON BEHALF OF A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND THE REGULATIONS THEREUNDER.] *
NATIONAL GRID USA
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States of America)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
TEMPORARY GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Temporary Global Instrument No. []
This temporary Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche and Series specified in the Second Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument of National Grid USA (the Issuer ).
1 |
Interpretation and Definitions |
References in this temporary Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 21 December 2011 between the Issuer and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this temporary Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in the Second Schedule hereto), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this temporary Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed.
* |
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of more than 183 days. |
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2 |
Aggregate Nominal Amount |
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this temporary Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments as shall be shown by the latest entry in the fourth column of the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, which shall be completed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent upon (a) the issue of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument, (b) the exchange of the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument for a corresponding interest in a permanent Global Instrument or, as the case may be, for Definitive Instruments, (c) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and/or (d) in the case of Partly Paid Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
3 |
Promise to Pay |
Subject as provided in this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received, by this temporary Global Instrument promises to pay to the bearer of this temporary Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this temporary Global Instrument) surrender of this temporary Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual, on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions) the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and (unless this temporary Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment, and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments, together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
4 |
Exchange |
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, on or after the first day following the expiry of 40 days after the Issue Date (the Exchange Date ), this temporary Global Instrument may be exchanged (free of charge to the holder) in whole or (in the case where the Instrument is issued in compliance with U.S. Treas. Reg. §1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D) (the D Rules )) from time to time in part by its presentation and, on exchange in full, surrender to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for interests in a permanent Global Instrument or, if so specified in the Second Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, for Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument submitted for exchange provided that , in the case of any part of an Instrument issued in compliance with the D Rules and submitted for exchange for a permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments, there shall have been Certification with respect to such nominal amount submitted for such exchange dated no earlier than the Exchange Date.
Certification means the presentation to the Issuing and Paying Agent of a certificate or certificates with respect to one or more interests in this temporary Global Instrument,
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signed by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 4 to the Agency Agreement to the effect that it has received a certificate or certificates substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 3 to the Agency Agreement with respect to it and that no contrary advice as to the contents of the certificate has been received by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be.
Upon the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument being exchanged for a permanent Global Instrument, such permanent Global Instrument shall be exchangeable in accordance with its terms for Definitive Instruments.
The Definitive Instruments, for which this temporary Global Instrument or a permanent Global Instrument may be exchangeable, shall be duly executed and authenticated, shall, in the case of Definitive Instruments, have attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this temporary Global Instrument or the permanent Global Instrument, as the case may be, shall be security printed and shall be substantially in the form set out in the relevant Schedules to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of the Second Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this temporary Global Instrument for an equivalent interest in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the portion of the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument so exchanged shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent in Part 1 of the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, whereupon the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so exchanged and endorsed.
5 |
Benefit of Conditions |
Except as otherwise specified in this temporary Global Instrument, this temporary Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this temporary Global Instrument is exchanged for equivalent interests in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the holder of this temporary Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the permanent Global Instrument (or the relevant part of it) or the Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, for which it may be exchanged as if such permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
6 |
Payments |
No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument which falls due on or after the Exchange Date unless, upon due presentation of this temporary Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of (or, in the case of a subsequent exchange, due endorsement of) a permanent Global Instrument or delivery of Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer.
Payments due in respect of an Instrument issued in compliance with the D Rules before the Exchange Date shall only be made in relation to such nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument with respect to which there shall have been Certification dated no earlier than such due date for payment.
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Any payments which are made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions. If any payment in full of principal is made in respect of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument, the portion of this temporary Global Instrument representing such Instrument shall be cancelled and the amount so cancelled shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent in the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument (such endorsement being prima facie evidence that the payment in question has been made) upon which the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so cancelled and endorsed. If any other payments are made in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument, a record of each such payment shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent on an additional schedule to this temporary Global Instrument (such endorsement being prima facie evidence that the payment in question has been made). Condition 5.4(e) and Condition 6(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation, shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 5.6 (Non-Business Days).
7 |
Cancellation |
Cancellation of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption) shall be effected by reduction in the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument representing such Instrument on its presentation to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for endorsement in the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, upon which the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so cancelled and endorsed.
8 |
Notices |
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this temporary Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such other clearing system, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this temporary Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
No provision of this temporary Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions.
This temporary Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
This temporary Global Instrument and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this temporary Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
NATIONAL GRID USA
By:
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This temporary Global Instrument is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
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The First Schedule
Nominal amount of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument
The following (i) issue of Instruments initially represented by this temporary Global Instrument, (ii) exchanges of the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument for interests in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments and/or (iii) cancellations or forfeitures of interests in this temporary Global Instrument have been made, resulting in the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument specified in the latest entry in the fourth column below:
Date |
Amount of decrease in nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument |
Reason for decrease in nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument (exchange, cancellation or forfeiture) |
Nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument on issue or following such decrease |
Notation made by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
||||
Issue Date |
not applicable |
not applicable |
||||||
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The Second Schedule
[Insert the provisions of Part A of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Second Schedule]
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Schedule 1
Part B
Form of CGN Permanent Global Instrument
THIS PERMANENT GLOBAL INSTRUMENT HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE SECURITIES ACT). NEITHER THIS PERMANENT GLOBAL INSTRUMENT NOR ANY PORTION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, ANY US PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
[ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.] *
[BY ACCEPTING THIS OBLIGATION, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT IS NOT A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER) AND THAT IT IS NOT ACTING FOR OR ON BEHALF OF A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND THE REGULATIONS THEREUNDER.]
NATIONAL GRID USA
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States of America)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. [] Tranche No. []
PERMANENT GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Permanent Global Instrument No. []
This permanent Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche(s) and Series specified in the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument of National Grid USA (the Issuer ).
1 |
Interpretation and Definitions |
References in this permanent Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 21 December 2011 between the Issuer and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this permanent Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this permanent Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed.
* |
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of 183 days or less. |
|
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of more than 183 days. |
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2 |
Aggregate Nominal Amount |
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this permanent Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments as shall be shown by the latest entry in the fourth column of the First Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, which shall be completed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent upon (a) the exchange of the whole or a part of the temporary Global Instrument initially representing the Instruments for a corresponding interest in this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by a temporary Global Instrument upon issue), (b) the issue of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument upon issue), (c) the exchange of the whole or, where the limited circumstances so permit, a part of this permanent Global Instrument for Definitive Instruments, (d) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and/or (e) in the case of Partly Paid Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
3 |
Promise to Pay |
Subject as provided in this permanent Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received, by this permanent Global Instrument promises to pay to the bearer of this permanent Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this permanent Global Instrument) surrender of this permanent Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions), the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and (unless this permanent Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment, and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments, together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
4 |
Exchange |
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable (free of charge to the holder) on or after the Exchange Date in whole but not, except as provided in the next paragraph, in part for the Definitive Instruments if (i) the holder of an Instrument gives notice to the Issuing and Paying Agent of its election for such exchange and (ii) otherwise, if this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system (an Alternative Clearing System ) and any such clearing system is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in fact do so.
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable in part (provided, however, that if this permanent Global Instrument is held by or on behalf of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or any Alternative Clearing System, the rules of Euroclear and/or
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Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or such Alternative Clearing System as the case may be, so permit) if so provided, and in accordance with, the Conditions relating to Partly Paid Instruments.
Exchange Date means a day falling not less than 60 days, or in the case of failure to pay principal when due 30 days, after that on which the notice requiring exchange is given and on which banks are open for business in the city in which the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent is located and, except in the case of exchange pursuant to the first paragraph of this section above, in the cities in which Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or, if relevant, the Alternative Clearing System, are located.
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, any such exchange may be effected on or after an Exchange Date by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument surrendering this permanent Global Instrument or, in the case of a partial exchange, presenting it for endorsement to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent. In exchange for this permanent Global Instrument, or part of this permanent Global Instrument to be exchanged, the Issuer shall deliver, or procure the delivery of, duly executed and authenticated Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument submitted for exchange (if appropriate, having attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this permanent Global Instrument), security printed and substantially in the form set out in Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this permanent Global Instrument the portion of the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument so exchanged shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent in the First Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, whereupon the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so exchanged and endorsed.
5 |
Benefit of Conditions |
Except as otherwise specified in this permanent Global Instrument, this permanent Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this permanent Global Instrument is exchanged for Definitive Instruments, the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the Definitive Instruments for which it may be exchanged and as if such Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
6 |
Payments |
No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument that falls due after an Exchange Date for such Instruments, unless upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of Definitive Instruments is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer or the Issuer does not perform or comply with any one or more of what are expressed to be its obligations under any Definitive Instruments.
Payments in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the
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specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions. A record of each such payment shall be endorsed on the First or Second Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, as appropriate, by the Issuing and Paying Agent or by the relevant Paying Agent, for and on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent, which endorsement shall (until the contrary is proved) be prima facie evidence that the payment in question has been made. Condition 5.4(e) and Condition 6(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this permanent Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation, shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 5.6 (Non-Business Days).
7 |
Prescription |
Claims in respect of principal and interest (as each such term is defined in the Conditions) in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall become void unless it is presented for payment within a period of 10 years (in the case of principal) and five years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date.
8 |
Meetings |
For the purposes of any meeting of Instrumentholders, the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall (unless this permanent Global Instrument represents only one Instrument) be treated as two persons for the purposes of any quorum requirements of a meeting of Instrumentholders and, at any such meeting, as having one vote in respect of each integral currency unit of the Specified Currency of the Instruments.
9 |
Cancellation |
Cancellation of any Instrument represented by this permanent Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption) shall be effected by reduction in the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument representing such Instrument on its presentation to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for endorsement in the First Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, upon which the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so cancelled and endorsed.
10 |
Purchase |
Instruments may only be purchased by the Issuer, or any of its subsidiary undertakings if they are purchased together with the right to receive all future payments of interest and Instalment Amounts (if any) on the Instruments being purchased.
11 |
Issuers Options |
Any option of the Issuer provided for in the Conditions shall be exercised by the Issuer giving notice to the Instrumentholders within the time limits set out in and containing the information required by the Conditions, except that the notice shall not be required to contain the serial numbers of Instruments drawn in the case of a partial exercise of an option and accordingly no drawing of Instruments shall be required.
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12 |
Instrumentholders Redemption Option |
Any option of the Instrumentholders provided for in the Conditions may be exercised by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument giving notice to the Issuing and Paying Agent within the time limits relating to the deposit of Instruments with a Paying Agent set out in the Conditions substantially in the form of the relevant notice available from any Paying Agent and stating the nominal amount of Instruments in respect of which the option is exercised and at the same time presenting this permanent Global Instrument to the Issuing and Paying Agent, or to a Paying Agent acting on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent, for notation accordingly in the Fourth Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument.
13 |
Notices |
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any Alternative Clearing System) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such Alternative Clearing System, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this permanent Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
14 |
Negotiability |
This permanent Global Instrument is a bearer document and negotiable and accordingly:
(a) |
is freely transferable by delivery and such transfer shall operate to confer upon the transferee all rights and benefits appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument and to bind the transferee with all obligations appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument pursuant to the Conditions; |
(b) |
the holder of this permanent Global Instrument is and shall be absolutely entitled as against all previous holders to receive all amounts by way of amounts payable upon redemption, interest or otherwise payable in respect of this permanent Global Instrument and the Issuer has waived against such holder and any previous holder of this permanent Global Instrument all rights of set-off or counterclaim which would or might otherwise be available to it in respect of the obligations evidenced by this permanent Global Instrument; and |
(c) |
payment upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument as provided in this permanent Global Instrument shall operate as a good discharge against such holder and all previous holders of this permanent Global Instrument. |
No provisions of this permanent Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions.
This permanent Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
This permanent Global Instrument and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this permanent Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
NATIONAL GRID USA
By:
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This permanent Global Instrument is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
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The First Schedule
Nominal amount of Instruments
represented by this permanent Global Instrument
The following (i) issue of Instruments initially represented by this permanent Global Instrument, (ii) exchanges of interests in a temporary Global Instrument for interests in this permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments and/or (iii) cancellations or forfeitures of interests in this permanent Global Instrument have been made, resulting in the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument specified in the latest entry in the fourth column below:
Date |
Amount of increase/decrease in nominal
amount of this
|
Reason for increase/decrease in nominal amount
of this permanent
forfeiture or
payment,
stating
|
Nominal amount
of this permanent
on issue or
following such
|
Notation made by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
||||
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The Second Schedule
Payments of Interest
The following payments of interest or Interest Amount in respect of this permanent Global Instrument have been made:
Due date of payment |
Date of payment |
Amount of interest |
Notation made by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
|||
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The Third Schedule
[Insert the provisions of Part A of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Third Schedule.]
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The Fourth Schedule
Exercise of Instrumentholders Redemption Option
The following exercises of the option of the Instrumentholders provided for in the Conditions have been made in respect of the stated nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument:
Date of exercise |
Nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument in respect of which exercise is made |
Date on which exercise of such option is effective |
Notation made by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
|||
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Schedule 1
Part C
Form of NGN Temporary Global Instrument
THIS TEMPORARY GLOBAL INSTRUMENT HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE SECURITIES ACT ). NEITHER THIS TEMPORARY GLOBAL INSTRUMENT NOR ANY PORTION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, ANY US PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
[BY ACCEPTING THIS OBLIGATION, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT IS NOT A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER) AND THAT IT IS NOT ACTING FOR OR ON BEHALF OF A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND THE REGULATIONS THEREUNDER.] *
NATIONAL GRID USA
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States of America)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
TEMPORARY GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Temporary Global Instrument No. []
This temporary Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche and Series specified in Part A of the Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument of National GridUSA (the Issuer ).
1 |
Interpretation and Definitions |
References in this temporary Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 21 December 2011 between the Issuer and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this temporary Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in Part A of the Schedule hereto), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this temporary Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed.
2 |
Aggregate Nominal Amount |
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this temporary Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments from time to time entered in the records of both Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg (together the relevant Clearing Systems ), which shall be completed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent upon (a) the issue of Instruments represented by this temporary Global
* |
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of more than 183 days. |
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Instrument, (b) the exchange of the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument for a corresponding interest recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or, as the case may be, for Definitive Instruments, (c) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and/or (d) in the case of Partly Paid Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this temporary Global Instrument means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interests in the Instruments) shall be conclusive evidence of the nominal amount of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and, for these purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the nominal amount of Instruments represented by the temporary Global Instrument at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing Systems at that time.
3 |
Promise to Pay |
Subject as provided in this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received by this temporary Global Instrument, promises to pay to the bearer of this temporary Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this temporary Global Instrument) surrender of this temporary Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual, on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions) the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and (unless this temporary Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment, and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments, together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
4 |
Exchange |
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, on or after the first day following the expiry of 40 days after the Issue Date (the Exchange Date ), this temporary Global Instrument may be exchanged (free of charge to the holder) in whole or (in the case where the Instrument is issued in compliance with U.S. Treas. Reg. §1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D) (the D Rules ) only) from time to time in part by its presentation and, on exchange in full, surrender to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or, if so specified in Part A of the Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, for Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument submitted for exchange provided that, in the case of any part of an Instrument issued in compliance with the D Rules submitted for exchange for interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments, there shall have been Certification with respect to
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such nominal amount submitted for such exchange dated no earlier than the Exchange Date.
Certification means the presentation to the Issuing and Paying Agent of a certificate or certificates with respect to one or more interests in this temporary Global Instrument, signed by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 4 to the Agency Agreement to the effect that it has received a certificate or certificates substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 3 to the Agency Agreement with respect to it and that no contrary advice as to the contents of the certificate has been received by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be.
Upon the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument being exchanged for a permanent Global Instrument, such permanent Global Instrument shall be exchangeable in accordance with its terms for Definitive Instruments.
The Definitive Instruments, for which this temporary Global Instrument or a permanent Global Instrument may be exchangeable, shall be duly executed and authenticated, shall, in the case of Definitive Instruments, have attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this temporary Global Instrument or the permanent Global Instrument, as the case may be, shall be security printed and shall be substantially in the form set out in the relevant Schedules to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of Part A of the Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this temporary Global Instrument for an equivalent interest recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the Issuer shall procure that details of the portion of the nominal amount hereof so exchanged shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by an amount equal to such portion so exchanged.
5 |
Benefit of Conditions |
Except as otherwise specified in this temporary Global Instrument, this temporary Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this temporary Global Instrument is exchanged for equivalent interests in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the holder of this temporary Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the permanent Global Instrument (or the relevant part of it) or the Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, for which it may be exchanged as if such permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
6 |
Payments |
No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument which falls due on or after the Exchange Date unless, upon due presentation of this temporary Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of (or, in the case of a subsequent exchange, a corresponding entry being recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems) a permanent Global Instrument
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or delivery of Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer.
Payments due in respect of an Instrument issued in compliance with the D Rules before the Exchange Date shall only be made in relation to such nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument with respect to which there shall have been Certification dated no earlier than such due date for payment.
Any payments which are made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions and each payment so made will discharge the Issuers obligations in respect thereof. Any failure to make the entries in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems referred to herein shall not affect such discharge. If any payment in full or in part of principal or in the case of Instalment Instruments, payment of an Instalment Amount is made in respect of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer shall procure that details of such payment shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and, upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so redeemed or by the aggregate amount of the Instalment Amount so paid. If any other payments are made in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer shall procure that a record of each such payment shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems). Condition 5.4(e) and Condition 6(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation, shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 5.6 (Non-Business Days).
7 |
Cancellation |
On cancellation of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption), the Issuer shall procure that details of such cancellation shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and, upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instrument recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so cancelled.
8 |
Notices |
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this temporary Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such other clearing system, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this temporary Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
No provision of this temporary Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions.
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This temporary Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as Common Safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
This temporary Global Instrument and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this temporary Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
NATIONAL GRID USA
By:
Authorised Signatory
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This temporary Global Instrument is authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
Effectuation
This temporary Global Instrument
Is effectuated by
CLEARSTREAM BANKING, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME
As Common Safekeeper
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of effectuation only
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The Schedule
[Insert the provisions of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Schedule]
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Schedule 1
Part D
Form of NGN Permanent Global Instrument
THIS PERMANENT GLOBAL INSTRUMENT HAS NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE SECURITIES ACT). NEITHER THIS PERMANENT GLOBAL INSTRUMENT NOR ANY PORTION HEREOF MAY BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF, ANY US PERSON UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE.
[ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.] *
[BY ACCEPTING THIS OBLIGATION, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT IS NOT A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER) AND THAT IT IS NOT ACTING FOR OR ON BEHALF OF A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND THE REGULATIONS THEREUNDER.]
NATIONAL GRID USA
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States of America)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
PERMANENT GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Permanent Global Instrument No. []
This permanent Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche(s) and Series specified in Part A of the Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument of National GridUSA (the Issuer ).
1 |
Interpretation and Definitions |
References in this permanent Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 21 December 2011 between the Issuer and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this permanent Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this permanent Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed.
* |
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of 183 days or less. |
|
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of more than 183 days. |
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2 |
Aggregate Nominal Amount |
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this permanent Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments from time to time entered in the records of both Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg (together, the relevant Clearing Systems ), which shall be completed and/or amended as the case may be upon (a) the exchange of the whole or a part of the interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in the temporary Global Instrument initially representing the Instruments for a corresponding interest in this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by a temporary Global Instrument upon issue), (b) the issue of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument upon issue), (c) the exchange of the whole or, where the limited circumstances so permit, a part of this permanent Global Instrument for Definitive Instruments, (d) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and/or (e) in the case of Partly Paid Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this permanent Global Instrument means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interests in the Instruments) shall be conclusive evidence of the nominal amount of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and, for these purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the nominal amount of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing System at that time.
3 |
Promise to Pay |
Subject as provided in this permanent Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received, by this permanent Global Instrument promises to pay to the bearer of this permanent Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this permanent Global Instrument) surrender of this permanent Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions), the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and (unless this permanent Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment, and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments, together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
4 |
Exchange |
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable (free of charge to the holder) on or after the Exchange Date in whole but not, except as provided in the next paragraph, in part for the Definitive Instruments if (i) the holder of an Instrument gives notice to the Issuing
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and Paying Agent of its election for such exchange and (ii) otherwise, if this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system (an Alternative Clearing System ) and any such clearing system is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in fact do so.
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable in part (provided, however, that if this permanent Global Instrument is held by or on behalf of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg, the rules of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or Alternative Clearing System, as the case may be, so permit) if so provided, and in accordance with, the Conditions relating to Partly Paid Instruments.
Exchange Date means a day falling not less than 60 days, or in the case of failure to pay principal when due, 30 days after that on which the notice requiring exchange is given and on which banks are open for business in the city in which the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent is located and, except in the case of exchange pursuant to the first paragraph of this section above, in the cities in which Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or, if relevant, the Alternative Clearing System, are located.
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, any such exchange may be effected on or after an Exchange Date by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument surrendering this permanent Global Instrument or, in the case of a partial exchange, presenting it for endorsement to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent. In exchange for this permanent Global Instrument, or part of this permanent Global Instrument to be exchanged, the Issuer shall deliver, or procure the delivery of, duly executed and authenticated Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument submitted for exchange (if appropriate, having attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this permanent Global Instrument), security printed and substantially in the form set out in Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of Part A of the Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this permanent Global Instrument the Issuer shall procure that the portion of the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument so exchanged shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by an amount equal to such portion so exchanged.
5 |
Benefit of Conditions |
Except as otherwise specified in this permanent Global Instrument, the Issuer shall procure that this permanent Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this permanent Global Instrument is exchanged for Definitive Instruments, the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the Definitive Instruments for which it may be exchanged and as if such Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
6 |
Payments |
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No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument that falls due after an Exchange Date for such Instruments, unless upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of Definitive Instruments is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer or the Issuer does not perform or comply with any one or more of what are expressed to be its obligations under any Definitive Instruments.
Payments in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions and each payment so made will discharge the Issuers obligations in respect thereof. Any failure to make the entries in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems referred to herein shall not affect such discharge. The Issuer shall procure that details of each such payment shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and in the case of any payment of principal, or in the case of Instalment Instruments, payment of an Instalment Amount, and upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so redeemed or by the aggregate amount of the Instalment Amount so paid. Condition 5.4(e) and Condition 6(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this permanent Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation, shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 5.6 (Non-Business Days).
7 |
Prescription |
Claims in respect of principal and interest (as each is defined in the Conditions) in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall become void unless it is presented for payment within a period of 10 years (in the case of principal) and 5 years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date.
8 |
Meetings |
For the purposes of any meeting of Instrumentholders the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall (unless this permanent Global Instrument represents only one Instrument) be treated as two persons for the purposes of any quorum requirements of a meeting of Instrumentholders and, at any such meeting, as having one vote in respect of each integral currency unit of the specified currency of the Instruments.
9 |
Cancellation |
On cancellation of any Instrument represented by this permanent Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption) the Issuer shall procure that details of such cancellation shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and, upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so cancelled.
10 |
Purchase |
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Instruments may only be purchased by the Issuer or any of its subsidiary undertakings if they are purchased together with the right to receive all future payments of interest and Instalment Amounts (if any) on the Instruments being purchased.
11 |
Issuers Options |
Any option of the Issuer provided for in the Conditions shall be exercised by the Issuer giving notice to the Instrumentholders and the relevant Clearing Systems (or procuring that such notice is given on its behalf) within the time limits set out in and containing the information required by the Conditions, except that the notice shall not be required to contain the serial numbers of Instruments drawn in the case of a partial exercise of an option and accordingly no drawing of Instruments shall be required. In the case of a partial exercise of an option, the rights of accountholders with a clearing system in respect of the Instruments will be governed by the standard procedures of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and shall be reflected in the records of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg as either a pool factor or a reduction in nominal amount, at their discretion. Following the exercise of any such option, the Issuer shall procure that the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced accordingly.
12 |
Instrumentholders Redemption Options |
Any option of the Instrumentholders provided for in the Conditions may be exercised by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument giving notice to the Issuing and Paying Agent within the time limits relating to the deposit of Instruments with a Paying Agent set out in the Conditions substantially in the form of the notice available from any Paying Agent, except that the notice shall not be required to contain the certificate numbers of the Instruments in respect of which the option has been exercised, following the exercise of any such option, the Issuer shall procure that the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount stated in the relevant exercise notice.
13 |
Notices |
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such Alternative Clearing System, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this permanent Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
14 |
Negotiability |
This permanent Global Instrument is a bearer document and negotiable and accordingly:
(a) |
is freely transferable by delivery and such transfer shall operate to confer upon the transferee all rights and benefits appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument and to bind the transferee with all obligations appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument pursuant to the Conditions; |
(b) |
the holder of this permanent Global Instrument is and shall be absolutely entitled as against all previous holders to receive all amounts by way of amounts payable upon redemption, interest or otherwise payable in respect of this permanent Global |
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Instrument and the Issuer has waived against such holder and any previous holder of this permanent Global Instrument all rights of set-off or counterclaim which would or might otherwise be available to it in respect of the obligations evidenced by this permanent Global Instrument; and |
(c) |
payment upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument as provided in this permanent Global Instrument shall operate as a good discharge against such holder and all previous holders of this permanent Global Instrument. |
No provisions of this permanent Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions.
This permanent Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as common safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
This permanent Global Instrument and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this permanent Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
NATIONAL GRID USA
By:
Authorised Signatory
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This permanent Global Instrument is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
Effectuation
This permanent Global Instrument
is effectuated by
CLEARSTREAM BANKING, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME
As Common Safekeeper
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of effectuation only.
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The Schedule
[Insert the provisions of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Schedule.]
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Schedule 1
Part E
Form of Global Certificate
NATIONAL GRID US A
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States of America)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
GLOBAL CERTIFICATE
Global Certificate No. []
This Global Certificate is issued in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche and Series specified in Part A of the Schedule hereto of National Grid USA (the Issuer ). This Global Certificate certifies that the person whose name is entered in the Register (the Registered Holder ) is registered as the holder of an issue of Instruments of the nominal amount, specified currency and specified denomination set out in Part A of the Schedule hereto.
Interpretation and Definitions
References in this Global Certificate to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 ( Terms and Conditions of the Instruments ) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 21 December 2011 between the Issuer and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this Global Certificate (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in Part A of the Schedule hereto), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this Global Certificate shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed.
Promise to Pay
The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the holder of the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate (subject to surrender of this Global Certificate if no further payment falls to be made in respect of such Instruments) on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions) the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate and (unless the Instruments represented by this Certificate do not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of such Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment, and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate, together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions. Each payment will be made to, or to the order of, the person whose name is entered on the Register at the close of business on the Clearing System Business Day immediately prior to the date for payment, where Clearing System Business Day means Monday to Friday inclusive except 25 December and 1 January.
For the purposes of this Global Certificate, (a) the holder of the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate is bound by the provisions of the Agency Agreement, (b) the Issuer certifies that the Registered Holder is, at the date hereof, entered in the Register as the holder of the
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Instruments represented by this Global Certificate, (c) this Global Certificate is evidence of entitlement only, (d) title to the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate passes only on due registration on the Register, and (e) only the holder of the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate is entitled to payments in respect of the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate.
Transfer of Instruments represented by permanent Global Certificates
If the Schedule hereto states that the Instruments are to be represented by a permanent Global Certificate on issue, transfers of the holding of Instruments represented by this Global Certificate pursuant to Condition 17(b) may only be made in part:
(i) |
if the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate are held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system (an Alternative Clearing System ) and any such clearing system is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in fact do so or |
(ii) |
with the consent of the Issuer |
provided that, in the case of the first transfer of part of a holding pursuant to (i) above, the holder of the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate has given the Registrar not less than 30 days notice at its specified office of such holders intention to effect such transfer. Where the holding of Instruments represented by this Global Certificate is only transferable in its entirety, the Certificate issued to the transferee upon transfer of such holding shall be a Global Certificate. Where transfers are permitted in part, Certificates issued to transferees shall not be Global Certificates unless the transferee so requests and certifies to the Registrar that it is, or is acting as a nominee for, Clearstream, Luxembourg, Euroclear and/or an Alternative Clearing System.
Meetings
For the purposes of any meeting of Instrumentholders, the holder of the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate shall (unless this Global Certificate represents only one Instrument) be treated as two persons for the purposes of any quorum requirements of a meeting of Instrumentholders and as being entitled to one vote in respect of each integral currency unit of the Specified Currency of the Instruments.
This Global Certificate shall not become valid for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Registrar and in the case of Registered Instruments held under the NSS only, effectuated by the entity appointed as Common Safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
This Global Certificate and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.
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In witness whereof the Issuer has caused this Global Certificate to be signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
NATIONAL GRID USA
By:
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This Global Certificate is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Registrar.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (LUXEMBOURG) S.A.
as Registrar
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only.
Effectuation
This Global Certificate is effectuated by or on behalf of the Common Safekeeper
CLEARSTREAM BANKING, SOCIÉTÉ ANONYME
as Common Safekeeper
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of effectuation of Registered Instruments held through the NSS only
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Form of Transfer
For value received the undersigned transfers to
.....................................................
.....................................................
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS OF TRANSFEREE)
[] nominal amount of the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate, and all rights under them.
Dated |
............................................. |
Signed |
........................................... Certifying Signature |
Notes:
(i) |
The signature of the person effecting a transfer shall conform to a list of duly authorised specimen signatures supplied by the holder of the Instruments represented by this Global Certificate or (if such signature corresponds with the name as it appears on the face of this Global Certificate) be certified by a notary public or a recognised bank or be supported by such other evidence as a Transfer Agent or the Registrar may reasonably require. |
(ii) |
A representative of the Instrumentholder should state the capacity in which he signs e.g. executor. |
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Schedule
[Insert the provisions of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Certificate as the Schedule.]
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Schedule 2
Part A
Form of Definitive Instrument
On the front:
[Denomination] |
[ISIN] |
[Series] |
[Certif. No.] |
[Currency and denomination]
[ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.] *
[BY ACCEPTING THIS OBLIGATION, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT IS NOT A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER) AND THAT IT IS NOT ACTING FOR OR ON BEHALF OF A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND THE REGULATIONS THEREUNDER.]
NATIONAL GRID USA
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States of America)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
[Title of issue]
This Instrument forms one of the Series of Instruments referred to above (the Instruments ) of National Grid USA (the Issuer ) designated as specified in the title of this Instrument. The Instruments are subject to the Terms and Conditions (the Conditions ) endorsed on this Instrument and are issued subject to, and with the benefit of, the Trust Deed referred to in the Conditions. Expressions defined in the Conditions have the same meanings in this Instrument.
The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer of this Instrument, on presentation, and (when no further payment is due in respect of this Instrument) surrender, of this Instrument on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual, on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions) the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions and (unless this Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, in the amounts and on the dates for payment provided for in the Conditions together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
This Instrument shall not become valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
* |
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of 183 days or less. |
|
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of more than 183 days. |
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this Instrument to be signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
NATIONAL GRID USA
By:
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This Instrument is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
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On the back:
Terms and Conditions of the Instruments
[The Terms and Conditions which are set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) to the Trust Deed, as amended by and incorporating any additional provisions forming part of such Terms and Conditions, and set out in Part A of the relevant Final Terms shall be set out here.]
ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
KBL European Private Bankers S.A.
43 Boulevard Royal
L-2955 Luxembourg
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Schedule 2
Part B
Terms and Conditions of the Instruments
The following is the text of the terms and conditions which, save for the text in italics and subject to completion and amendment and as supplemented or varied in accordance with the provisions of Part A of the relevant Final Terms, will be endorsed on the Instruments in definitive form (if any) issued in exchange for the Global Instrument(s) representing each Series. Either (a) the full text of these terms and conditions together with the relevant provisions of Part A of the Final Terms or (b) these terms and conditions as so completed, amended, supplemented or varied (and subject to simplification by the deletion of non-applicable provisions), shall be endorsed on the relevant Bearer Instruments or on the Certificates relating to the relevant Registered Instruments. All capitalised terms which are not defined in these terms and conditions will have the meanings given to them in the Trust Deed or Part A of the relevant Final Terms. Those definitions will be endorsed on the Definitive Instruments or Certificates, as the case may be. References in these terms and conditions to Instruments (as defined below) are to the Instruments of one Series only of the Issuer (as defined below), not to all Instruments that may be issued under the Programme.
National Grid USA (the Issuer ) has established a Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the Programme ) for the issuance of up to Euro 4,000,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of debt instruments (the Instruments ). The Instruments are constituted by an amended and restated Trust Deed (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) dated 21 December 2011 between the Issuer and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. (the Trustee , which expression shall include all persons for the time being the trustee or trustees under the Trust Deed) as trustee for the Instrumentholders (as defined below). These terms and conditions (the Conditions ) include summaries of, and are subject to, the detailed provisions of the Trust Deed, which includes the form of the Instruments in bearer form, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons referred to below. An amended and restated Agency Agreement (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) dated 21 December 2011 has been entered into in relation to the Instruments between the Issuer, the Trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon as initial issuing and paying agent, The Bank of New York Mellon (Luxembourg) S.A. as the registrar and the other agent(s) named in it. The issuing and paying agent, the paying agent(s),the registrar, the transfer agents and the calculation agent(s) for the time being (if any) are referred to below respectively as the Issuing and Paying Agent , the Paying Agents (which expression shall include the Issuing and Paying Agent), the Registrar , the Transfer Agents (which expression shall include the Registrar) and the Calculation Agent(s) . Copies of the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement are available for inspection by prior appointment during usual business hours at the registered office of the Trustee (as at 21 December 2011 at Fifth Floor, 100 Wood Street, London EC2V 7EX) and at the specified offices of the Paying Agents.
The Instrumentholders, the holders of the interest coupons (the Coupons ) appertaining to interest bearing Instruments in bearer form and, where applicable in the case of such Instruments, talons for further Coupons (the Talons ) (the Couponholders ) and the holders of the receipts for the payment of instalments of principal (the Receipts ) relating to Instruments in bearer form of which the principal is payable in instalments are entitled to the benefit of, are bound by, and are deemed to have notice of, all the provisions of the Trust Deed and are deemed to have notice of those provisions of the Agency Agreement applicable to them.
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1 |
Form, Denomination and Title |
The Instruments are issued in bearer form ( Bearer Instruments ) or in registered form ( Registered Instruments ), in each case in the Specified Denomination(s) specified in the relevant Final Terms and are serially numbered. Instruments of one Specified Denomination are not exchangeable for Instruments of another Specified Denomination provided that in the case of any Instruments which are to be admitted to trading on a regulated market within the European Economic Area or offered to the public in a Member State of the European Economic Area in circumstances which require the publication of a prospectus under the Prospectus Directive, the minimum Specified Denomination shall be 100,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency as at the date of issue of the relevant Instruments).
This Instrument is a Fixed Rate Instrument, a Floating Rate Instrument, a Zero Coupon Instrument, a Perpetual Instrument, an Instalment Instrument, a Dual Currency Instrument or a Partly Paid Instrument, a combination of any of the preceding or any other kind of Instrument, depending upon the Interest and Redemption/Payment Basis specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Bearer Instruments are serially numbered and are issued with Coupons (and, where appropriate, a Talon) attached, save in the case of Zero Coupon Instruments in which case references to interest (other than in relation to interest due after the Maturity Date), Coupons and Talons in these Conditions are not applicable.Instalment Instruments are issued with one or more Receipts attached.
Registered Instruments are represented by registered certificates ( Certificates ) and, save as provided in Condition 17(c), each Certificate shall represent the entire holding of Registered Instruments by the same holder.
Title to the Bearer Instruments and the Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall pass by delivery. Title to the Registered Instruments shall pass by registration in the register(the Register ) that the Issuer shall procure to be kept by the Registrar in accordance with the provisions of the Agency Agreement.Except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by law, the Issuer and the Paying Agents shall be entitled to treat the holder (as defined below) of any Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon as the absolute owner of that Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon, as the case may be, whether or not it is overdue and regardless of any notice of ownership, trust or an interest in it, any writing on it (or on the Certificate representing it) or its theft or loss (or that of the related Certificate)and shall not be required to obtain any proof of ownership as to the identity of the holder.
In these Conditions, Instrumentholder means the bearer of any Bearer Instrument of one Series only of the Issuer and the Receipts relating to it, or the person in whose name a Registered Instrument is registered (as the case may be), holder (in relation to an Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon) means the bearer of any Bearer Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon or the person in whose name the Registered Instrument is registered (as the case may be) and capitalised terms have the meanings given to them herein, the absence of any such meaning indicating that such term is not applicable to the Instruments.
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2 |
Status and Negative Pledge |
2.1 |
Status |
The Instruments and the Receipts and Coupons relating to them constitute direct, unconditional and unsecured obligations of the Issuer and rank pari passu without any preference or priority among themselves. The payment obligations of the Issuer under the Instruments, Receipts and Coupons shall, subject to such exceptions as are from time to time applicable under the laws of England, rank equally with all other present and future unsecured obligations (other than subordinated obligations, if any) of the Issuer.
2.2 |
Negative Pledge |
So long as any Instrument, Receipt or Coupon remains outstanding (as defined in the Trust Deed) the Issuer will not create or permit to subsist any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien or other form of encumbrance or security interest ( Security ) upon the whole or any part of its undertaking, assets or revenues present or future to secure any Relevant Indebtedness, or any guarantee of or indemnity in respect of any Relevant Indebtedness unless, at the same time or prior thereto, the Issuers obligations under the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Trust Deed (a) are secured equally and rateably therewith or benefit from a guarantee or indemnity in substantially identical terms thereto, as the case may be, in each case to the satisfaction of the Trustee, or (b) have the benefit of such other security, guarantee, indemnity or other arrangement as the Trustee in its absolute discretion shall deem to be not materially less beneficial to the Instrumentholders or as shall be approved by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Instrumentholders.
For the purposes of these Conditions, Relevant Indebtedness means any present or future indebtedness in the form of, or represented by, bonds, notes, debentures, loan stock or other securities which are for the time being, or are intended, with the agreement of the Issuer, to be quoted, listed or ordinarily dealt in on any stock exchange.
3 |
Interest |
3.1 |
Interest on Fixed Rate Instruments |
Each Fixed Rate Instrument bears interest on its outstanding nominal amount from the Interest Commencement Date at the rate per annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Rate of Interest, payable in arrear on each Interest Payment Date. The amount of Interest payable shall be determined in accordance with Condition 3.8.
If a Fixed Coupon Amount or a Broken Amount is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the amount of interest payable on each Interest Payment Date will amount to the Fixed Coupon Amount, or, if applicable, the Broken Amount so specified and in the case of a Broken Amount will be payable on the particular Interest Payment Date(s) specified in the relevant Final Terms.
3.2 |
Interest on Floating Rate Instruments |
3.2.1 |
Interest Payment Dates |
Each Floating Rate Instrument bears interest on its outstanding nominal amount from the Interest Commencement Date at the rate per annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Rate of Interest, such interest being payable in arrear on each Interest Payment Date. The amount of Interest payable shall be determined in accordance with Condition 3.8. Such Interest Payment Date(s) is/are either
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specified in the relevant Final Terms as Specified Interest Payment Dates or, if no Specified Interest Payment Date(s) is/are specified in the relevant Final Terms, Interest Payment Date shall mean each date which falls the number of months or other period shown on this Instrument as the Interest Period after the preceding Interest Payment Date or, in the case of the first Interest Payment Date, after the Interest Commencement Date.
3.2.2 |
Business Day Convention |
If any date which is specified to be subject to adjustment in accordance with a Business Day Convention would otherwise fall on a day which is not a Business Day, then, if the Business Day Convention specified is (a) the Floating Rate Convention, such date shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day unless it would then fall into the next calendar month, in which event (x) such date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day and (y) each subsequent such date shall be the last Business Day of the month in which such date would have fallen had it not been subject to adjustment, (b) the Following Business Day Convention, such date shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day, (c) the Modified Following Business Day Convention, such date shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day unless it would then fall into the next calendar month, in that event such date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day or (d) the Preceding Business Day Convention, such date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day.
3.2.3 |
Rate of Interest for Floating Rate Instruments |
The Rate of Interest in respect of Floating Rate Instruments for each Interest Accrual Period shall be determined in the manner specified in the relevant Final Terms and the provisions below relating to either ISDA Determination or Screen Rate Determination shall apply, depending upon which is specified on this Instrument.
(a) |
ISDA Determination for Floating Rate Instruments: Where ISDA Determination is specified in the relevant Final Terms as the manner in which the Rate of Interest is to be determined, the Rate of Interest for each Interest Accrual Period shall be determined by the Calculation Agent as a rate equal to the relevant ISDA Rate. For the purposes of this sub-paragraph (a), ISDA Rate for an Interest Accrual Period means a rate equal to the Floating Rate which would be determined by the Calculation Agent under a Swap Transaction under the terms of an agreement incorporating the ISDA Definitions and under which: |
(i) |
the Floating Rate Option is as specified in the relevant Final Terms; |
(ii) |
the Designated Maturity is a period specified in the relevant Final Terms; and |
(iii) |
the relevant Reset Date is the first day of that Interest Accrual Period unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms. |
For the purposes of this sub-paragraph (a), Floating Rate , Calculation Agent , Floating Rate Option , Designated Maturity , Reset Date and
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Swap Transaction have the meanings given to those terms in the ISDA Definitions.
(b) |
Screen Rate Determination for Floating Rate Instruments: |
(i) |
Where Screen Rate Determination is specified in the relevant Final Terms as the manner in which the Rate of Interest is to be determined, the Rate of Interest for each Interest Accrual Period will, subject as provided below, be either: |
(x) |
the offered quotation; or |
(y) |
the arithmetic mean of the offered quotations, |
(expressed as a percentage rate per annum) for the Reference Rate which appears or appear, as the case may be, on the Relevant Screen Page as at either 11.00 a.m. (London time in the case of LIBOR or Brussels time in the case of EURIBOR) on the Interest Determination Date in question as determined by the Calculation Agent. If five or more of such offered quotations are available on the Relevant Screen Page, the highest (or, if there is more than one such highest quotation, one only of such quotations) and the lowest (or, if there is more than one such lowest quotation, one only of such quotations) shall be disregarded by the Calculation Agent for the purpose of determining the arithmetic mean of such offered quotations.
If the Reference Rate from time to time in respect of Floating Rate Instruments is specified hereon as being other than LIBOR or EURIBOR, the Rate of Interest in respect of such Instruments will be determined as provided hereon.
(ii) |
if the Relevant Screen Page is not available or if, sub-paragraph (i)(x) applies and no such offered quotation appears on the Relevant Screen Page or if sub-paragraph (i)(y) above applies and fewer than three such offered quotations appear on the Relevant Screen Page in each case as at the time specified above, subject as provided below, the Calculation Agent shall request, if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, the principal London office of each of the Reference Banks or, if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, the principal Euro-zone office of each of the Reference Banks, to provide the Calculation Agent with its offered quotation (expressed as a percentage rate per annum) for the Reference Rate if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (London time), or if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time) on the Interest Determination Date in question. If two or more of the Reference Banks provide the Calculation Agent with such offered quotations, the Rate of Interest for such Interest Period shall be the arithmetic mean of such offered quotations as determined by the Calculation Agent; and |
(iii) |
if paragraph (ii) above applies and the Calculation Agent determines that fewer than two Reference Banks are providing offered |
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quotations, subject as provided below, the Rate of Interest shall be the arithmetic mean of the rates per annum (expressed as a percentage) as communicated to (and at the request of) the Calculation Agent by the Reference Banks or any two or more of them, at which such banks were offered, if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (London time) or, if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time) on the relevant Interest Determination Date, deposits in the Specified Currency for a period equal to that which would have been used for the Reference Rate by leading banks in, if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, the London inter-bank market or, if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, the Euro-zone inter-bank market, as the case may be, or, if fewer than two of the Reference Banks provide the Calculation Agent with such offered rates, the offered rate for deposits in the Specified Currency for a period equal to that which would have been used for the Reference Rate, or the arithmetic mean of the offered rates for deposits in the Specified Currency for a period equal to that which would have been used for the Reference Rate, at which, if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (London time) or, if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time), on the relevant Interest Determination Date, any one or more banks (which bank or banks is or are in the opinion of the Trustee and the Issuer suitable for such purpose) informs the Calculation Agent it is quoting to leading banks in, if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, the London inter-bank market or, if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, the Euro-zone inter-bank market, as the case may be, provided that, if the Rate of Interest cannot be determined in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, the Rate of Interest shall be determined as at the last preceding Interest Determination Date (though substituting, where a different Margin or Maximum or Minimum Rate of Interest is to be applied to the relevant Interest Accrual Period from that which applied to the last preceding Interest Accrual Period, the Margin or Maximum or Minimum Rate of Interest relating to the relevant Interest Accrual Period, in place of the Margin or Maximum or Minimum Rate of Interest relating to that last preceding Interest Accrual Period).
3.3 |
Zero Coupon Instruments |
Where an Instrument, the Interest Basis of which is specified to be Zero Coupon, is repayable prior to the Maturity Date and is not paid when due, the amount due and payable prior to the Maturity Date shall be the Early Redemption Amount of such Instrument. As from the Maturity Date, the Rate of Interest for any overdue principal of such an Instrument shall be a rate per annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Amortisation Yield (as defined in Condition 4.4.1(b)).
3.4 |
Dual Currency Instruments |
In the case of Dual Currency Instruments, if the rate or amount of interest falls to be determined by reference to a Rate of Exchange or a method of calculating a Rate of
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Exchange, the rate or amount of interest payable shall be determined in the manner specified in the relevant Final Terms.
3.5 |
Partly Paid Instruments |
In the case of Partly Paid Instruments (other than Partly Paid Instruments which are Zero Coupon Instruments), interest will accrue as previously stated on the paid-up nominal amount of such Instruments and otherwise as specified in the relevant Final Terms.
3.6 |
Accrual of Interest |
Interest shall cease to accrue on each Instrument on the due date for redemption unless, upon due presentation, payment is improperly withheld or refused, in which event interest shall continue to accrue (as well after as before judgment) at the Rate of Interest in the manner provided in this Condition 3 to the Relevant Date (as defined in Condition 6).
3.7 |
Margin, Maximum/Minimum Rates of Interest, Instalment Amounts and Redemption Amounts and Rounding |
(i) |
If any Margin is specified in the relevant Final Terms (either (x) generally, or (y) in relation to one or more Interest Accrual Periods), an adjustment shall be made to all Rates of Interest, in the case of (x), or the Rates of Interest for the specified Interest Accrual Periods, in the case of (y), calculated in accordance with Condition 3.2.3(b) above, by adding (if a positive number) or subtracting (if a negative number) the absolute value of such Margin, subject always to the next paragraph. |
(ii) |
If any Maximum or Minimum Rate of Interest, Instalment Amount or Redemption Amount is specified in the relevant Final Terms, then any Rate of Interest, Instalment Amount or Redemption Amount shall be subject to such maximum or minimum, as the case may be. |
(iii) |
For the purposes of any calculations required pursuant to these Conditions (unless otherwise specified), (x) all percentages resulting from such calculations shall be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred thousandth of a percentage point (with halves being rounded up), (y) all figures shall be rounded to seven significant figures (with halves being rounded up) and (z) all currency amounts that fall due and payable shall be rounded to the nearest unit of such currency (with halves being rounded up), save in the case of yen, which shall be rounded down to the nearest yen. For these purposes unit means the lowest amount of such currency which is available as legal tender in the country of such currency. |
3.8 |
Calculations |
The amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount in respect of any Instrument for any Interest Accrual Period shall be equal to the product of the Rate of Interest, the Calculation Amount as specified in the relevant Final Terms, and the Day Count Fraction for such Interest Accrual Period, unless an Interest Amount (or a formula for its calculation) is applicable to such Interest Accrual Period, in which case the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount in respect of such Instrument for such Interest Accrual Period shall equal such Interest Amount (or be calculated in accordance with such formula). Where any Interest Period comprises two or more Interest Accrual Periods, the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount in respect of such Interest Period shall be the sum of the Interest Amounts payable in respect of each of those Interest Accrual Periods. In respect of any other period for which interest is required to be calculated, the provisions above shall
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apply save that the Day Count Fraction shall be for the period for which interest is required to be calculated.
3.9 |
Determination and Publication of Rates of Interest, Interest Amounts, Final Redemption Amounts, Early Redemption Amounts, Optional Redemption Amounts and Instalment Amounts |
The Calculation Agent shall as soon as practicable on each Interest Determination Date or such other time on such date as the Calculation Agent may be required to calculate any rate or amount, obtain any quotation or make any determination or calculation, determine such rate and calculate the Interest Amounts for the relevant Interest Accrual Period, calculate the Redemption Amount or Instalment Amount, obtain such quote or make such determination or calculation, as the case may be, and cause the Rate of Interest and the Interest Amounts for each Interest Accrual Period and the relevant Interest Payment Date and, if required to be calculated, the Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount, Optional Redemption Amount or any Instalment Amount to be notified to the Trustee, the Issuer, each of the Paying Agents, the Instrumentholders, any other Calculation Agent appointed in respect of the Instruments that is to make a further calculation upon receipt of such information and, if the Instruments are listed on a stock exchange and the rules of such exchange so require, such exchange as soon as possible after their determination but in no event later than (i) the commencement of the relevant Interest Period, if determined prior to such time, in the case of notification to such exchange of a Rate of Interest and Interest Amount, or (ii) in all other cases, the fourth Business Day after such determination. Where any Interest Payment Date or Interest Period Date is subject to adjustment pursuant to Condition 3.2.3(b)(ii), the Interest Amounts and the Interest Payment Date so published may subsequently be amended (or appropriate alternative arrangements made with the consent of the Trustee by way of adjustment) without notice in the event of an extension or shortening of the Interest Period. If the Instruments become due and payable under Condition 8, the accrued interest and the Rate of Interest payable in respect of the Instruments shall nevertheless continue to be calculated as previously in accordance with this Condition but no publication of the Rate of Interest or the Interest Amount so calculated need be made unless the Trustee otherwise requires. The determination of any rate or amount, the obtaining of each quotation and the making of each determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent(s) shall (in the absence of manifest error) be final and binding upon all parties.
3.10 |
Determination or Calculation by Trustee |
If the Calculation Agent does not at any time for any reason determine or calculate the Rate of Interest for an Interest Accrual Period or any Interest Amount, Instalment Amount, Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount the Trustee shall do so (or shall appoint an agent on its behalf to do so) and such determination or calculation shall be deemed to have been made by the Calculation Agent. In doing so, the Trustee shall apply the preceding provisions of this Condition, with any necessary consequential amendments, to the extent that, in its opinion, it can do so, and, in all other respects it shall do so in such manner as it shall deem fair and reasonable in all the circumstances.
3.11 |
Definitions |
In these Conditions, unless the context otherwise requires, the following defined terms shall have the meanings set out below:
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Business Day means:
(a) |
in the case of a currency other than Euro, a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments in the principal financial centre for such currency; and/or |
(b) |
in the case of Euro, a day on which the TARGET System is operating (a TARGET Business Day ); and/or |
(c) |
in the case of a currency and/or one or more Business Centres as specified in the relevant Final Terms, a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments in such currency or, if no currency is indicated, generally in each of the Business Centres. |
Day Count Fraction means, in respect of the calculation of an amount of interest on any Instrument for any period of time (from and including the first day of such period to but excluding the last) (whether or not constituting an Interest Period or Interest Accrual Period, the Calculation Period ):
(a) |
if Actual/Actual or Actual/Actual-ISDA is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 365 (or, if any portion of that Calculation Period falls in a leap year, the sum of (i) the actual number of days in that portion of the Calculation Period falling in a leap year divided by 366 and (ii) the actual number of days in that portion of the Calculation Period falling in a non-leap year divided by 365); |
(b) |
if Actual/365 (Fixed) is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 365; |
(c) |
if Actual/360 is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360; |
(d) |
if 30/360 , 360/360 or Bond Basis is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360 calculated on a formula basis as follows: |
where:
Y1 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
Y2 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
M1 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
M2 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
D 1 is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D 1 will be 30; and
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D 2 is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31 and D 1 is greater than 29, in which case D 2 will be 30;
(e) |
if 30E/360 or Eurobond Basis is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360 calculated on a formula basis as follows: |
where:
Y1 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
Y2 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
M1 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
M2 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
D1 is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D1 will be 30; and
D2 is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D2 will be 30;
(f) |
if 30E/360 (ISDA) is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360, calculated on a formula basis as follows: |
where:
Y1 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
Y2 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
M1 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
M2 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
D1 is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period, unless (i) that day is the last day of February or (ii) such number would be 31, in which case D1 will be 30; and
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D2 is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period, unless (i) that day is the last day of February but not the Maturity Date or (ii) such number would be 31, in which case D 2 will be 30; and
(g) |
if Actual/Actual-ICMA is specified in the relevant Final Terms: |
(i) |
if the Calculation Period is equal to or shorter than the Determination Period during which it falls, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by the product of (x) the actual number of days in such Determination Period and (y) the number of Determination Periods in any year; and |
(ii) |
if the Calculation Period is longer than one Determination Period, the sum of: |
(A) |
the actual number of days in such Calculation Period falling in the Determination Period in which it begins divided by the product of (a) the actual number of days in such Determination Period and (b) the number of Determination Periods in any year; and |
(B) |
the actual number of days in such Calculation Period falling in the next Determination Period divided by the product of (a) the actual number of days in such Determination Period and (b) the number of Determination Periods in any year, |
where:
Determination Period means the period from and including a Determination Date in any year to but excluding the next Determination Date; and
Determination Date means the date specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is so specified, the Interest Payment Date.
Euro-zone means the region comprising of member states of the European Union that adopt the single currency in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community as amended.
Interest Accrual Period means the period beginning on (and including) the Interest Commencement Date and ending on (but excluding) the first Interest Period Date and each successive period beginning on (and including) an Interest Period Date and ending on (but excluding) the next succeeding Interest Period Date.
Interest Amount means:
(a) |
in respect of an Interest Accrual Period, the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount for that Interest Accrual Period and which, in the case of Fixed Rate Instruments, and unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms, shall mean the Fixed Coupon Amount or Broken Amount specified in the relevant Final Terms as being payable on the Interest Payment Date ending the Interest Period of which such Interest Accrual Period forms part; and |
(b) |
in respect of any other period, the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount for that period. |
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Interest Commencement Date means the Issue Date or such other date as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Interest Determination Date means, with respect to a Rate of Interest and Interest Accrual Period, the date specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is so specified, (a) the first day of such Interest Accrual Period if the Specified Currency is Sterling or (b) the day falling two Business Days in London prior to the first day of such Interest Accrual Period if the Specified Currency is neither Sterling nor Euro or (c) the day falling two TARGET Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Accrual Period if the Specified Currency is Euro.
Interest Payment Date means the date or dates specified as such in, or determined in accordance with the provisions of, the relevant Final Terms and, if a Business Day Convention is specified in the relevant Final Terms, as the same may be adjusted in accordance with the relevant Business Day Convention.
Interest Period means the period beginning on (and including) the Interest Commencement Date and ending on (but excluding) the first Interest Payment Date and each successive period beginning on (and including) an Interest Payment Date and ending on (but excluding) the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.
Interest Period Date means each Interest Payment Date unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms.
ISDA Definitions means the 2006 ISDA Definitions as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Rate of Interest means the rate of interest payable from time to time in respect of this Instrument and that is either specified on, or calculated in accordance with the provisions of, the relevant Final Terms.
Redemption Amount means, as appropriate, the Final Redemption Amount, the Early Redemption Amount (Tax), the Optional Redemption Amount (Call), the Optional Redemption Amount (Put), the Early Termination Amount or such other amount in the nature of a redemption amount as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Final Terms.
Reference Banks means, in the case of a determination of LIBOR, the principal London office of four major banks in the London inter-bank market and, in the case of a determination of EURIBOR, the principal Euro-zone office of four major banks in the Euro-zone inter-bank market, in each case selected by the Calculation Agent or as specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Reference Rate means the rate specified as such in the relevant Final Terms.
Relevant Screen Page means such page, section, caption, column or other part of a particular information service as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Specified Currency means the currency specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is specified, the currency in which the Instruments are denominated.
TARGET System means the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (known as TARGET2) System which was launched on 19 November 2007 or any successor to it.
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3.12 |
Calculation Agent |
The Issuer shall procure that there shall at all times be one or more Calculation Agents if provision is made for them in the relevant Final Terms and for so long as any Instrument is outstanding. Where more than one Calculation Agent is appointed in respect of the Instruments, references in these Conditions to the Calculation Agent shall be construed as each Calculation Agent performing its respective duties under these Conditions. If the Calculation Agent is unable or unwilling to act as such or if the Calculation Agent fails duly to establish the Rate of Interest for an Interest Period or Interest Accrual Period or to calculate any Interest Amount, Instalment Amount, Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount, as the case may be, or to comply with any other requirement, the Issuer shall (with the prior approval of the Trustee) appoint a leading bank or financial institution engaged in the interbank market (or, if appropriate, money, swap or over-the-counter index options market) which is most closely connected with the calculation or determination to be made by the Calculation Agent (acting through its principal London office or any other office actively involved in such market) to act as such in its place. The Calculation Agent may not resign its duties without a successor having been appointed as specified in this paragraph.
4 |
Redemption, Purchase and Options |
4.1 |
Final Redemption |
Unless previously redeemed, purchased and cancelled as provided below, this Instrument will be redeemed at its Final Redemption Amount (which, unless otherwise provided, is its nominal amount) on the Maturity Date specified in the relevant Final Terms provided, however, that if this Instrument is a Perpetual Instrument it will only be redeemable and repayable in accordance with the following provisions of this Condition 4.
4.2 |
Redemption for Taxation Reasons |
If, on the occasion of the next payment in respect of the Instruments the Issuer satisfies the Trustee immediately before the giving of the notice referred to below that it would be unable to make such payment without having to pay additional amounts as described in Condition 6, and such requirement to pay such additional amounts arises by reason of a change in the laws of the United States of America or any political sub-division of the United States of America or any authority in or of the United States of America having power to tax or in the interpretation or application of the laws of the United States of America or any political sub-division of the United States of America or any authority in or of the United States of America having power to tax or in any applicable double taxation treaty or convention, which change becomes effective on or after the date on which agreement is reached to issue the first Tranche of the Instruments, and such requirement cannot be avoided by the Issuer taking reasonable measures (such measures not involving any material additional payments by, or expense for, the Issuer), the Issuer may, at its option, at any time, having given not less than 30 nor more than 45 days notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 13, redeem all, but not some only, of the Instruments at their Early Redemption Amount together with interest accrued to the date of redemption provided that the date fixed for redemption shall not be earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer would be obliged to pay such additional amounts or make such withholding or deduction, as the case may be, were a payment in respect of the Instruments then due. Prior to the publication of any notice of redemption pursuant to this Condition 4.2, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee a certificate signed by
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two directors of the Issuer stating that the requirement referred to above cannot be avoided by the Issuer taking reasonable measures available to it and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such certificate as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the condition precedent set out above in which event it shall be conclusive and binding on Instrumentholders and Couponholders.
4.3 |
Purchases |
The Issuer and any of its Subsidiaries may at any time purchase Instruments (provided that all unmatured Receipts and Coupons and unexchanged Talons appertaining to them are attached or surrendered with them) in the open market or otherwise at any price.
Subsidiary means any corporation a majority of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Issuer.
4.4 |
Early Redemption |
4.4.1 |
Zero Coupon Instruments |
(a) |
The Early Redemption Amount payable in respect of any Zero Coupon Instrument, the Early Redemption Amount of which is not linked to a formula, upon redemption of such Instrument pursuant to Condition 4.2 or upon it becoming due and payable as provided in Condition 8 shall be the Amortised Face Amount (calculated as provided below) of such Instrument unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms. |
(b) |
Subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (c) below, the Amortised Face Amount of any such Instrument shall be the scheduled Final Redemption Amount of such Instrument on the Maturity Date discounted at a rate per annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Amortisation Yield (which, if none is specified in the relevant Final Terms, shall be such rate as would produce an Amortised Face Amount equal to the issue price of the Instruments if they were discounted back to their issue price on the Issue Date) compounded annually. |
(c) |
If the Early Redemption Amount payable in respect of any such Instrument upon its redemption pursuant to Condition 4.2 or, if applicable, Condition 4.5 or upon it becoming due and payable as provided in Condition 8, is not paid when due, the Early Redemption Amount due and payable in respect of such Instrument shall be the Amortised Face Amount of such Instrument as defined in sub-paragraph (b) above, except that such sub-paragraph shall have effect as though the reference in that sub-paragraph to the date on which the Instrument becomes due and payable was replaced by a reference to the Relevant Date as defined in Condition 6. The calculation of the Amortised Face Amount in accordance with this sub-paragraph shall continue to be made (as well after as before judgment) until the Relevant Date, unless the Relevant Date falls on or after the Maturity Date, in which case the amount due and payable shall be the scheduled Final Redemption Amount of such Instrument on the Maturity Date together with any interest that may accrue in accordance with Condition 3.2. |
Where such calculation is to be made for a period of less than one year, it shall be made on the basis of the Day Count Fraction specified in the relevant Final Terms.
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4.4.2 |
Other Instruments |
The Early Redemption Amount payable in respect of any Instrument (other than Instruments described in Condition 4.4.1), upon redemption of such Instrument pursuant to this Condition 4.4 or upon it becoming due and payable as provided in Condition 8, shall be the Final Redemption Amount unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms.
4.5 |
Redemption at the Option of the Issuer and Exercise of Issuers Options |
4.5.1 |
If (i) Residual Holding Call Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms, and (ii) if at any time the Residual Holding Percentage or more of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments originally issued shall have been redeemed or purchased and cancelled, the Issuer shall have the option to redeem such outstanding Instruments in whole, but not in part, at their Residual Holding Redemption Amount. Unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms, the Residual Holding Redemption Amount will be calculated by the Calculation Agent by discounting the outstanding nominal amount of the Instruments and the remaining interest payments (if applicable) to the Maturity Date by a rate per annum (expressed as a percentage to the nearest one hundred thousandth of a percentage point (with halves being rounded up)) equal to the Benchmark Yield, being the yield on the Benchmark Security at the close of business on the third Business Day prior to the date fixed for such redemption, plus the Benchmark Spread. Where the specified calculation is to be made for a period of less than one year, it shall be calculated using the Benchmark Day Count Fraction. The Issuer will give not less than 15 nor more than 30 days irrevocable notice to the Instrumentholders and the Trustee of any such redemption pursuant to this Condition 4.5.1. |
4.5.2 |
If Call Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the Issuer may, on giving not less than 15 nor more than 30 days irrevocable notice to the Instrumentholders (or such other notice period as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms), redeem, or exercise any Issuers option in relation to, all or, if so provided, some of such Instruments on any Optional Redemption Date or Option Exercise Date, as the case may be. Any such redemption of Instruments shall be at their Optional Redemption Amount together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption. Any such redemption or exercise must relate to Instruments of a nominal amount at least equal to the minimum nominal amount (if any) permitted to be redeemed specified hereon and no greater than the maximum nominal amount (if any) permitted to be redeemed specified on this Instrument. |
All Instruments in respect of which any such notice is given shall be redeemed, or the Issuers option shall be exercised, on the date specified in such notice in accordance with this Condition.
In the case of a partial redemption or a partial exercise of the Issuers option, the notice to Instrumentholders shall also contain the serial numbers of the Bearer Instruments, or, in the case of Registered Instruments, shall specify the nominal amount of Registered Instruments drawn and the holder(s) of such Registered Instruments, to be redeemed, which shall have been drawn in such place as the Trustee may approve and in such manner as it deems appropriate, subject to compliance with any applicable laws, listing authority and stock exchange requirements.
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4.6 |
Redemption at the Option of Instrumentholders |
If Put Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the Issuer shall, at the option of any Instrumentholder, upon such Instrumentholder giving not less than 15 nor more than 30 days notice to the Issuer (or such other notice period as may be specified on this Instrument) redeem such Instrument on the Optional Redemption Date(s) (as specified in the Final Terms) at its Optional Redemption Amount (as specified in the Final Terms) together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption.
To exercise such option (which must be exercised on an Option Exercise Date) the holder must deposit, in the case of Bearer Instruments, such Instrument with any Paying Agent at its specified office or, in the case of Registered Instruments, the Certificate representing such Instrument(s) with the Registrar or any Transfer Agent at its specified office, together with a duly completed option exercise notice ( Exercise Notice ) in the form obtainable from any Paying Agent,the Registrar or any Transfer Agent (as applicable) within the Instrumentholders Option Period (as specified in the Final Terms). No Instrument so deposited and option exercised may be withdrawn (except as provided in the Agency Agreement) without the prior consent of the Issuer.
4.7 |
Partly Paid Instruments |
Partly Paid Instruments will be redeemed, whether at maturity, early redemption or otherwise, in accordance with the provisions of this Condition and the provisions specified in the relevant Final Terms.
4.8 |
Redemption by Instalments |
Unless previously redeemed, purchased and cancelled as provided in this Condition 4, each Instrument which provides for Instalment Dates and Instalment Amounts will be partially redeemed on each Instalment Date at the Instalment Amount specified in the relevant Final Terms. The outstanding nominal amount of each such Instrument shall be reduced by the Instalment Amount (or, if such Instalment Amount is calculated by reference to a proportion of the nominal amount of such Instrument, such proportion) for all purposes with effect from the related Instalment Date, unless payment of the Instalment Amount is improperly withheld or refused on presentation of the related Receipt, in which case, such amount shall remain outstanding until the Relevant Date relating to such Instalment Amount.
4.9 |
Cancellation |
All Instruments redeemed pursuant to any of the foregoing provisions will be cancelled forthwith together with all unmatured Receipts and Coupons and unexchanged Talons attached thereto. All Instruments purchased by or on behalf of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may, at the option of the Issuer be held by or may be surrendered for cancellation, but may not be resold and when held by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries shall not entitle the holder to vote at any meeting of Instrumentholders and shall not be deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of calculating quorums at meetings of Instrumentholders or for the purposes of Condition 10. Instruments may be surrendered for cancellation, in the case of Bearer Instruments, by surrendering each such Instrument together with all unmatured Receipts and Coupons and all unexchanged Talons to a Paying Agent and, in the case of Registered Instruments, by surrendering the Certificate representing such Instruments to the Registrar and, in each case, if so surrendered, shall, together with all Instruments redeemed by the Issuer, be cancelled forthwith (together with
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all unmatured Receipts and Coupons and unexchanged Talons attached thereto or surrendered therewith).
5 |
Payments and Talons |
5.1 |
Payments |
(a) |
Bearer Instruments |
Payments of principal and interest in respect of Bearer Instruments will, subject as mentioned below, be made against presentation and surrender of the relevant Receipts (in the case of payments of Instalment Amounts other than on the due date for redemption and provided that the Receipt is presented for payment together with its relative Instrument), Instruments (in the case of all other payments of principal and, in the case of interest, as specified in Condition 5.5.6) or Coupons (in the case of interest, save as specified in Condition 5.5.6), as the case may be, at the specified office of any Paying Agent outside the United States by a cheque payable in the currency in which such payment is due drawn on, or, at the option of the holder, by transfer to an account denominated in that currency with, a Bank. For the purposes of these terms and conditions, Bank means a bank in the principal financial centre for the relevant currency; provided that in the case of Euro, the transfer shall be in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no payment in respect of Bearer Instruments will be made at any office of a Paying Agent in the United States, nor will any payment be made by transfer to an account maintained by the payee in, or by mail to an address in, the United States. As used in these conditions the term United States means the United States of America and its possessions.
(b) |
Registered Instruments |
(i) |
Payments of principal (which for the purposes of this Condition 5.1(b) shall include final Instalment Amounts but not other Instalment Amounts) in respect of Registered Instruments shall be made against presentation and surrender of the relevant Certificates at the specified office of any of the Transfer Agents or of the Registrar and in the manner provided in paragraph (ii) below. |
(ii) |
Interest (which for the purpose of this Condition 5.1(b) shall include all Instalment Amounts other than final Instalment Amounts) on Registered Instruments shall be paid to the person shown on the Register at the close of business on the fifteenth day before the due date for payment thereof (the Record Date ). Payments of interest on each Registered Instrument shall be made in the relevant currency by cheque drawn on a Bank and mailed to the holder (or to the first named of joint holders) of such Instrument at its address appearing in the Register. Upon application by the holder to the specified office of the Registrar or any Transfer Agent before the Record Date, such payment of interest may be made by transfer to an account in the relevant currency maintained by the payee with a Bank. |
5.2 |
Payments in the United States |
Notwithstanding the above, if any Bearer Instruments are denominated in U.S. dollars, payments in respect of them may be made at the specified office of any Paying Agent in New York City in the same manner as specified above if (a) the Issuer shall have
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appointed Paying Agents with specified offices outside the United States with the reasonable expectation that such Paying Agents would be able to make payment of the amounts on the Instruments in the manner provided above when due, (b) payment in full of such amounts at all such offices is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange controls or other similar restrictions on payment or receipt of such amounts and (c) such payment is then permitted by United States law, without involving, in the opinion of the Issuer, any adverse tax consequence to the Issuer.
5.3 |
Payments subject to Fiscal Laws etc. |
All payments are subject in all cases to any applicable fiscal or other laws, regulations and directives, but without prejudice to the provisions of Condition 6. No commission or expenses shall be charged to the Instrumentholders or Couponholders in respect of such payments.
5.4 |
Appointment of Agents |
The Issuing and Paying Agent, the Paying Agents and the Calculation Agent initially appointed by the Issuer and their respective specified offices are listed below. The Issuing and Paying Agent, the Paying Agents,the Registrar, the Transfer Agents and the Calculation Agent act solely as agents of the Issuer and do not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holder. The Issuer reserves the right at any time with the approval of the Trustee to vary or terminate the appointment of the Issuing and Paying Agent, any other Paying Agent,the Registrar, any Transfer Agent or the Calculation Agent and to appoint additional or other Paying Agents or Transfer Agents, provided that the Issuer shall at all times maintain (a) an Issuing and Paying Agent, (b) a Paying Agent having its specified office in a major European city, (c) a Calculation Agent where the Conditions so require one, (d) so long as the Instruments are listed on any stock exchange or admitted to listing by any other relevant authority, a Paying Agent having a specified office in such place as may be required by the rules and regulations of any other relevant stock exchange or other relevant authority, (e) to the extent that the Issuer is able to do so and not provided for by the foregoing provisions of this Condition 5.4, a Paying Agent with a specified office in a European Union member state that will not be obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to any law implementing European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any other Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN Council meeting of 26-27 November 2000 and (f) a Registrar and a Transfer Agent. As used in these Conditions, the terms Issuing and Paying Agent , Calculation Agent , Registrar , Transfer Agent and Paying Agent include any additional or replacement Issuing and Paying Agent, Calculation Agent,Registrar, Transfer Agent or Paying Agent appointed under this Condition.
In addition, the Issuer shall forthwith appoint a Paying Agent in New York City in respect of any Bearer Instruments denominated in U.S. dollars in the circumstances described in Condition 5.2.
Notice of any such change or any change of any specified office shall promptly be given to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 13.
5.5 |
Unmatured Coupons and Receipts and unexchanged Talons |
5.5.1 |
Unless the relevantBearer Instrument provides that the relevant Coupons are to become void upon the due date for redemption of suchBearer Instrument, each Bearer Instrument should be surrendered for payment together with all unmatured |
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Coupons (if any) appertaining to it, failing which an amount equal to the face value of each missing unmatured Coupon (or, in the case of payment not being made in full, that proportion of the amount of such missing unmatured Coupon that the sum of principal so paid bears to the total principal due) will be deducted from the Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount, as the case may be, due for payment. Any amount so deducted shall be paid in the manner mentioned above against surrender of such missing Coupon within a period of 10 years from the Relevant Date for the payment of such principal (whether or not such Coupon has become void pursuant to Condition 7).
5.5.2 |
If the relevant Bearer Instrument so provides, upon the due date for redemption of suchBearer Instrument, unmatured Coupons relating to such Instrument (whether or not attached) shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of them. |
5.5.3 |
If the relevantBearerInstrument so provides, upon the due date for redemption of such Bearer Instrument, any unexchanged Talon relating to such Instrument (whether or not attached) shall become void and no Coupon shall be delivered in respect of such Talon. |
5.5.4 |
Upon the due date for redemption of any Bearer Instrument which is redeemable in instalments, all Receipts relating to such Bearer Instrument having an Instalment Date falling on or after such due date (whether or not attached) shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of them. |
5.5.5 |
Where any Bearer Instrument which provides that the relevant Coupons are to become void upon the due date for redemption of such Bearer Instrument is presented for redemption without all unmatured Coupons and any unexchanged Talon relating to it, and where any Bearer Instrument is presented for redemption without any unexchanged Talon relating to it, redemption shall be made only against the provision of such indemnity as the Issuer may require. |
5.5.6 |
If the due date for redemption of any Instrument is not a due date for payment of interest, interest accrued from the preceding due date for payment of interest or the Interest Commencement Date, as the case may be, shall only be payable against presentation (and surrender if appropriate) of the relevant Bearer Instrument or Certificate representing it, as the case may be. Interest accrued on an Instrument that only bears interest after its Maturity Date shall be payable on redemption of that relevant Instrument against presentation of that Instrumentor Certificate representing it, as the case may be. |
5.6 |
Non-business days |
If any date for payment in respect of any Instrument, Receipt or Coupon is not a business day, the holder shall not be entitled to payment until the next following business day nor to any interest or other sum in respect of such postponed payment. In this paragraph, business day means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks and foreign exchange markets are open for business in the relevant place of presentation, in such jurisdictions as shall be specified as Financial Centres in the relevant Final Terms and:
5.6.1 |
(in the case of a payment in a currency other than Euro) where payment is to be made by transfer to an account maintained with a bank in the relevant currency, on |
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which foreign exchange transactions may be carried on in the relevant currency in the principal financial centre of the country of such currency; or
5.6.2 |
(in the case of a payment in Euro) which is a TARGET Business Day. |
5.7 |
Talons |
On or after the Interest Payment Date for the final Coupon forming part of a Coupon sheet issued in respect of any Bearer Instrument, the Talon forming part of such Coupon sheet may be surrendered at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent in exchange for a further Coupon sheet (but excluding any Coupons which may have become void pursuant to Condition 7).
6 |
Taxation |
All payments of principal and interest by or on behalf of the Issuer in respect of the Instruments, the Receipts and the Coupons will be made without withholding or deduction for or on account of, any present or future taxes or duties of whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of the United States of America or any political sub-division of the United States of America or any authority in or of the United States of America having power to tax, unless such withholding or deduction is compelled by law. In that event, the Issuer will pay such additional amounts of principal and interest as will result in the payment to the Instrumentholders, Receiptholders or, as the case may be, the Couponholders of the amounts which would otherwise have been receivable in respect of the Instruments, Receipts or Coupons had no withholding or deduction been made, except that no such additional amounts shall be payable in respect of any Instrument (or the Certificate representing it), Receipt or Coupon presented for payment:
(a) |
by or on behalf of, a person who is liable to such taxes or duties in respect of such Instrument (or the Certificate representing such Instrument), Receipt or Coupon by reason of his having some connection with the United States of America other than the mere holding of such Instrument (or the Certificate representing such Instrument), Receipt or Coupon; or |
(b) |
by or on behalf of a person who would not be liable or subject to such deduction or withholding by making a declaration of non-residence or other claim for exemption to a tax authority; or |
(c) |
more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that the holder would have been entitled to such additional amounts on presenting the same (or in respect of which the Certificate representing it is presented) for payment on such 30th day; or |
(d) |
by a holder which is or was a controlled foreign corporation, personal holding company or passive foreign investment company with respect to the United States or a corporation that accumulates earnings to avoid United States federal income tax; or |
(e) |
if such tax is an estate, inheritance, gift, sales, transfer or personal property tax or any similar tax, assessment, or governance charge; or |
(f) |
by or on behalf of a holder which is or has been a 10 per cent. shareholder of the obligor of the Instruments as defined in Section 871(h)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code )or any successor provisions; or |
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(g) |
by or on behalf of a holder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction by satisfying any statutory or procedural requirements (including, without limitation, the provision of informationor a United States Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 or Form W-9 (or a successor form)) including any requirements imposed by Sections 1471 to 1474 (inclusive) of the Code, any United States Treasury Regulations or other guidance thereunder, or any successor, substitute or similar legislation or law; or |
(h) |
in the case of any combination of items (a) to (g) above. |
As used in these Conditions, Relevant Date in respect of any Instrument (or the Certificate representing any Instrument), Receipt or Coupon means the date on which payment in respect of it first becomes due or (if any amount of the money payable is improperly withheld or refused) the date on which payment in full of the amount outstanding is made or (if earlier) the date on which notice is duly given to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 13 that, upon further presentation of the Instrument (or Certificate representing it, as the case may be), Receipt or Coupon being made in accordance with the Conditions, such payment will be made, provided that payment is in fact made upon such presentation. References in these Conditions to (a) principal shall be deemed to include any premium payable in respect of the Instruments, all Instalment Amounts, Final Redemption Amounts, Early Redemption Amounts, Optional Redemption Amounts, Amortised Face Amounts and all other amounts in the nature of principal payable pursuant to Condition 4 or any amendment or supplement to it, (b) interest shall be deemed to include all Interest Amounts and all other amounts payable pursuant to Condition 3 or any amendment or supplement to it and (c) principal and/or interest shall be deemed to include any additional amounts which may be payable under this Condition or any undertaking given in addition to or in substitution for it under the Trust Deed.
7 |
Prescription |
Claims against the Issuer for payment in respect of the Instruments, Receipts and Coupons (which, for this purpose, shall not include Talons) shall be prescribed and become void unless made within 10 years (in the case of principal) or five years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date in respect of them.
8 |
Events of Default |
If any of the following events (each an Event of Default ) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee at its discretion may, and if so requested by the holders of at least one-quarter in nominal amount of the Instruments then outstanding or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution shall, give notice to the Issuer at its registered office that the Instruments are, and they shall accordingly immediately become due and repayable at their Redemption Amount together with accrued interest (if any) to the date of payment:
(a) |
Non-Payment : there is default for more than 30 days in the payment of any principal or interest due in respect of the Instruments; or |
(b) |
Breach of Other Obligations : there is default in the performance or observance by the Issuer of any other obligation or provision under the Trust Deed or the Instruments (other than any obligation for the payment of any principal or interest in respect of the Instruments) which default is incapable of remedy or, if in the opinion |
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of the Trustee capable of remedy, is not remedied within 90 days after notice of such default shall have been given to the Issuer by the Trustee; or
(c) |
Cross-Acceleration : if (i) any other present or future Relevant Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Principal Subsidiary becomes due and payable prior to its stated maturity by reason of any actual event of default or (ii) any amount in respect of such Relevant Indebtedness is not paid when due or, as the case may be, within any applicable grace period, provided that the aggregate amount of the Relevant Indebtedness in respect of which one or more of the events mentioned above in this paragraph (c) have occurred equals or exceeds U.S.$100,000,000 for the period up to and including 31 March 2017 and, thereafter, U.S.$200,000,000 or |
(d) |
Winding-up : a resolution is passed, or a final order of a court in the United States of America is made and, where possible, not discharged or stayed within a period of 90 days, that the Issuer be wound up or dissolved; or |
(e) |
Enforcement Proceedings : attachment is made of the whole or substantially the whole of the assets or undertakings of the Issuer and such attachment is not released or cancelled within 90 days or an encumbrancer takes possession or an administrative or other receiver or similar officer is appointed of the whole or substantially the whole of the assets or undertaking of the Issuer or an administration or similar order is made in relation to the Issuer and such taking of possession, appointment or order is not released, discharged or cancelled within 90 days; or |
(f) |
Insolvency : the Issuer ceases to carry on all or substantially all of its business or is unable to pay its debts; or |
(g) |
Bankruptcy : the Issuer is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent by a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States of America, |
provided that in the case of paragraph (b) the Trustee shall have certified that in its opinion such event is materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders.
For the purposes of this Condition 8, Principal Subsidiary means KeySpan Corporation, KeySpan Energy Delivery New York, KeySpan Energy Delivery Long Island, Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation and New England Power Company, and includes any successor entity thereto or any member of the group of companies comprising National Grid USA and each of its subsidiaries (the Group ) which the Auditors have certified to the Trustee as being a company to which all or substantially all of the assets of a Principal Subsidiary are transferred. In the event that all or substantially all of the assets of a Principal Subsidiary are transferred to a member of the Group as described above, the transferor of such assets shall cease to be deemed to be a Principal Subsidiary for the purposes of this Condition.
9 |
Enforcement |
The Trustee may, at its discretion and without further notice, institute such proceedings against the Issuer as it may think fit to enforce any obligation, condition or provision binding on the Issuer under the Instruments or under the Trust Deed, but shall not be bound to do so unless:
(a) |
it has been so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution or in writing by the holders of at least one-quarter of the principal amount of the Instruments outstanding; and |
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(b) |
it has been indemnified to its satisfaction. |
No Instrumentholder, Receiptholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to institute proceedings directly against the Issuer unless the Trustee, having become bound to proceed as specified above, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
10 |
Meetings of Instrumentholders, Modifications and Substitution |
10.1 |
Meetings of Instrumentholders |
The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening meetings of Instrumentholders to consider any matter affecting their interests, including the sanctioning by Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed) of a modification of any of these Conditions or any provisions of the Trust Deed. An Extraordinary Resolution duly passed at any such meeting shall be binding on Instrumentholders (whether or not they were present at the meeting at which such resolution was passed) and on all Couponholders, except that any Extraordinary Resolution proposed, inter alia , (a) to amend the dates of maturity or redemption of the Instruments, any Instalment Date or any date for payment of interest on the Instruments, (b) to reduce or cancel the nominal amount of, or any Instalment Amount of, or any premium payable on redemption of, the Instruments, (c) to reduce the rate or rates of interest in respect of the Instruments or to vary the method or basis of calculating the rate or rates or amount of interest or the basis for calculating any Interest Amount in respect of the Instruments, (d) if a Minimum and/or a Maximum Rate of Interest is shown on the face of the Instrument, to reduce any such Minimum and/or Maximum Rate of Interest, (e) to vary any method of calculating the Final Redemption Amount, the Early Redemption Amount or the Optional Redemption Amount, (f) to take any steps that as specified in this Instrument may only be taken following approval by an Extraordinary Resolution to which the special quorum provisions apply, and (g) to modify the provisions concerning the quorum required at any meeting of Instrumentholders or the majority required to pass the Extraordinary Resolution will only be binding if passed at a meeting of the Instrumentholders (or at any adjournment of that meeting) at which a special quorum (as defined in the Trust Deed) is present. A resolution in writing signed by the holders of not less than 95 per cent. in nominal amount of the Instruments will be binding on all Instrumentholders and Couponholders. The Issuer may convene a meeting of Instrumentholders jointly with the holders of all other instruments issued pursuant to the Agency Agreement and not forming a single series with the Instruments to which meeting the provisions referred to above apply as if all such instruments formed part of the same series, provided that the proposals to be considered at such meeting affect the rights of the holders of the instruments of each series attending the meeting in identical respects (save insofar as the Conditions applicable to each such series are not identical).
10.2 |
Modification of the Trust Deed |
The Trustee may agree, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders, to (a) any modification of any of the provisions of the Trust Deed that is of a formal, minor or technical nature or is made to correct a manifest error, and (b) any other modification (except as mentioned in the Trust Deed), and any waiver or authorisation of any breach or proposed breach, of any of the provisions of the Trust Deed that is in the opinion of the Trustee not materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders. Any such modification, authorisation or waiver shall be binding on the Instrumentholders and the
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Couponholders and, if the Trustee so requires, such modification shall be notified to the Instrumentholders as soon as practicable.
10.3 |
Substitution |
The Trust Deed contains provisions permitting the Trustee to agree, subject to such amendment of the Trust Deed and such other conditions as the Trustee may require, but without the consent of the Instrumentholders or the Couponholders, to the substitution of any other company in place of the Issuer or of any previous substituted company, as principal debtor under the Trust Deed and the Instruments. In the case of such a substitution the Trustee may agree, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or the Couponholders, to a change of the law governing the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons, the Talons and/or the Trust Deed provided that such change would not in the opinion of the Trustee be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders.
10.4 |
Entitlement of the Trustee |
In connection with the exercise of its functions (including but not limited to those referred to in this Condition) the Trustee shall have regard to the interests of the Instrumentholders as a class and shall not have regard to the consequences of such exercise for individual Instrumentholders or Couponholders and the Trustee shall not be entitled to require, nor shall any Instrumentholder or Couponholder be entitled to claim, from the Issuer any indemnification or payment in respect of any tax consequence of any such exercise upon individual Instrumentholders or Couponholders.
11 |
Replacement of Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons and Talons |
If an Instrument, Certificate, Receipt, Coupon or Talon is lost, stolen, mutilated, defaced or destroyed, it may be replaced, subject to applicable laws, listing authority and stock exchange regulations, at the specified office of such other Paying Agent (in the case of Bearer Instruments, Receipts, Coupons or Talons), as may from time to time be designated by the Issuer for the purpose and notice of whose designation is given to Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 13 and of the Registrar (in the case of Certificates), in each case on payment by the claimant of the fees and costs incurred in connection with that replacement and on such terms as to evidence, security and indemnity (which may provide, inter alia , that if the allegedly lost, stolen or destroyed Instrument, Certificate Receipt, Coupon or Talon is subsequently presented for payment or, as the case may be, for exchange for further Coupons, there shall be paid to the Issuer on demand the amount payable by the Issuer in respect of such Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons or further Coupons) and otherwise as the Issuer may require. Mutilated or defaced Instruments, Certificates, Receipts, Coupons or Talons must be surrendered before replacements will be issued.
12 |
Further Issues |
The Issuer may from time to time without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders create and issue further instruments having the same terms and conditions as the Instruments and so that such further issue shall be consolidated and form a single series with such Instruments.
References in these Conditions to the Instruments include (unless the context requires otherwise) any other instruments issued pursuant to this Condition and forming a single series with the Instruments. Any such further instruments forming a single series with
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Instruments constituted by the Trust Deed or any deed supplemental to it shall, and any other instruments may (with the consent of the Trustee), be constituted by the Trust Deed.
The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening a single meeting of the Instrumentholders and the holders of instruments of other series if the Trustee so decides.
13 |
Notices |
Notices to the holders of Registered Instruments shall be mailed to them at their respective addresses shown in the Register and shall be deemed to have been given on the fourth weekday (being a day other than a Saturday or a Sunday) after the date of mailing. All notices to the Instrumentholders of Bearer Instruments will be valid if published in a daily English language newspaper of general circulation in the United Kingdom (which is expected to be the Financial Times ). If in the opinion of the Trustee any such publication is not practicable, notice shall be validly given if published in another leading daily English language newspaper with general circulation in Europe. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date of such publication or, if published more than once or on different dates, on the first date on which publication is made, as provided above.
Couponholders shall be deemed for all purposes to have notice of the contents of any notice given to Instrumentholders in accordance with this Condition.
14 |
Indemnification of Trustee |
The Trust Deed contains provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee and for its relief from responsibility, including but not limited to provisions relieving it from any obligation to (a) appoint an independent financial adviser and (b) take proceedings to enforce repayment unless indemnified to its satisfaction. The Trustee is entitled to enter into business transactions with the Issuer or any of its subsidiary undertakings, parent undertakings, joint ventures or associated undertakings without accounting for any profit resulting from these transactions and to act as trustee for the holders of any other securities issued by the Issuer or any of its subsidiary undertakings, parent undertakings, joint ventures or associated undertakings.
15 |
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 |
No person shall have any right to enforce any term or condition of the Instruments under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
16 |
Governing Law and Jurisdiction |
16.1 |
Governing Law |
The Instruments and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with the Instruments are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law.
16.2 |
Jurisdiction |
The courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute (a Dispute ), arising from or connected with the Instruments. The Issuer agrees that the courts of England are the most appropriate and convenient courts to settle any Dispute and, accordingly, that it will not argue to the contrary.Nothing in this Condition 16 prevents the Trustee or any Instrumentholder from taking proceedings relating to a Dispute ( Proceedings ) in any other courts with jurisdiction. To the extent allowed by law, the
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Trustee or Instrumentholders may take concurrent Proceedings in any number of jurisdictions.
16.3 |
Process Agent |
The Issuer has irrevocably appointed National Grid plc at its registered office for the time being, currently at 1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5EH as its agent in England to receive, for it and on its behalf, service of process in any Proceedings in England. Nothing herein or in the Trust Deed shall affect the right to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
17 |
No Exchange of Instruments and Transfers of Registered Instruments |
(a) |
No Exchange of Instruments: Registered Instrumentsmay not be exchanged for Bearer Instruments. Bearer Instrumentsof one Specified Denomination may not be exchanged for Bearer Instrumentsof another Specified Denomination. Bearer Instrumentsmay not be exchanged for Registered Instruments. |
(b) |
Transfer of Registered Instruments: One or more Registered Instrumentsmay be transferred upon the surrender (at the specified office of the Registrar or any Transfer Agent) of the Certificate representing such Registered Instrumentsto be transferred, together with the form of transfer endorsed on such Certificate (or another form of transfer substantially in the same form and containing the same representations and certifications (if any), unless otherwise agreed by the Issuer), duly completed and executed and any other evidence as the Registrar or such Transfer Agent may reasonably require. In the case of a transfer of part only of a holding of Registered Instrumentsrepresented by one Certificate, a new Certificate shall be issued to the transferee in respect of the part transferred and a further new Certificate in respect of the balance of the holding not transferred shall be issued to the transferor. All transfers of Instrumentsand entries on the Register will be made subject to the detailed regulations concerning transfers of Instruments scheduled to the Agency Agreement. The regulations may be changed by the Issuer with the prior written approval of the Registrar and the Trustee. A copy of the current regulations will be made available by the Registrar to any Instrumentholder upon request. |
(c) |
Exercise of Options or Partial Redemption in Respect of Registered Instruments: In the case of an exercise of an Issuers or Instrumentholders option in respect of, or a partial redemption of, a holding of Registered Instrumentsrepresented by a single Certificate, a new Certificate shall be issued to the holder to reflect the exercise of such option or in respect of the balance of the holding not redeemed. In the case of a partial exercise of an option resulting in Registered Instrumentsof the same holding having different terms, separate Certificates shall be issued in respect of those Instrumentsof that holding that have the same terms. New Certificates shall only be issued against surrender of the existing Certificates to the Registrar or any Transfer Agent. In the case of a transfer of Registered Instrumentsto a person who is already a holder of Registered Instruments, a new Certificate representing the enlarged holding shall only be issued against surrender of the Certificate representing the existing holding. |
(d) |
Delivery of New Certificates: Each new Certificate to be issued pursuant to Conditions 17(b) or (c) shall be available for delivery within three business days of receipt of the form of transfer or Exercise Notice and surrender of the Certificate for exchange. Delivery of the new Certificate(s) shall be made at the specified office of |
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the Transfer Agent or of the Registrar (as the case may be) to whom delivery or surrender of such form of transfer, Exercise Notice or Certificate shall have been made or, at the option of the holder making such delivery or surrender as aforesaid and as specified in the relevant form of transfer, Exercise Notice or otherwise in writing, be mailed by uninsured post at the risk of the holder entitled to the new Certificate to such address as may be so specified, unless such holder requests otherwise and pays in advance to the relevant Transfer Agent the costs of such other method of delivery and/or such insurance as it may specify. In this Condition 17(d), business day means a day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which banks are open for business in the place of the specified office of the relevant Transfer Agent or the Registrar (as the case may be).
(e) |
Transfers Free of Charge: Transfers of Instrumentsand Certificates on registration, transfer, exercise of an option or partial redemption shall be effected without charge by or on behalf of the Issuer, the Registrar or any Transfer Agent, but upon payment of any tax or other governmental charges that may be imposed in relation to it (or the giving of such indemnity as the Registrar or the relevant Transfer Agent may require). |
(f) |
Closed Periods: No Instrumentholder may require the transfer of a Registered Instrumentsto be registered (i) during the period of 15 days ending on the due date for redemption of, or payment of any Instalment Amount in respect of, that Instrument, (ii) during the period of 15 days prior to any date on which Instruments may be called for redemption by the Issuer at its option pursuant to Condition 4.5, (iii) after any such Instrument has been called for redemption or (iv) during the period of seven days ending on (and including) any Record Date. |
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Schedule 2
Part C
Form of Coupon
On the front:
NATIONAL GRID USA
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States of America)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
[Title of issue]
Coupon for [[set out amount due, if known]/the amount] due on [the Interest Payment Date falling in] [], [].
[Coupon relating to the Instrument in the nominal amount of []]
This Coupon is payable to bearer (subject to the Conditions endorsed on the Instrument to which this Coupon relates, which shall be binding upon the holder of this Coupon whether or not it is for the time being attached to such Instrument) at the specified offices of the Issuing and Paying Agent and the Paying Agents set out on the reverse of this Coupon (or any other Issuing and Paying Agent or further or other Paying Agents or specified offices duly appointed or nominated and notified to the Instrumentholders).
[If the Instrument to which this Coupon relates shall have become due and payable before the maturity date of this Coupon, this Coupon shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of it.]
[ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.]*
[BY ACCEPTING THIS OBLIGATION, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT IS NOT A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER) AND THAT IT IS NOT ACTING FOR OR ON BEHALF OF A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND THE REGULATIONS THEREUNDER.]
NATIONAL GRID USA
* |
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of 183 days or less. |
|
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of more than 183 days. |
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By:
[Cp. No.] |
[Denomination] |
[ISIN] |
[Series] |
[Certif. No.] |
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On the back:
ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
KBL European Private Bankers S.A.
43 Boulevard Royal
L-2955 Luxembourg
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Schedule 2
Part D
Form of Talon
On the front:
NATIONAL GRID USA
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States of America)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
[Title of issue]
Talon for further Coupons falling due on [the Interest Payment Dates falling in] [] [].
[Talon relating to the Instrument in the nominal amount of []]
After all the Coupons relating to the Instrument to which this Talon relates have matured, further Coupons (including if appropriate a Talon for further Coupons) shall be issued at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent set out on the reverse of this Talon (or any other Issuing and Paying Agent or specified office duly appointed or nominated and notified to the Instrumentholders) upon production and surrender of this Talon.
[If the Instrument to which this Talon relates shall have become due and payable before the original due date for exchange of this Talon, this Talon shall become void and no exchange shall be made in respect of it.]
[ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.]*
[BY ACCEPTING THIS OBLIGATION, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT IS NOT A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER) AND THAT IT IS NOT ACTING FOR OR ON BEHALF OF A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND THE REGULATIONS THEREUNDER.]
NATIONAL GRID USA
By:
[Talon No.] |
[ISIN] |
[Series] |
[Certif. No.] |
* |
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of 183 days or less. |
|
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of more than 183 days. |
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On the back:
ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
KBL European Private Bankers S.A.
43 Boulevard Royal
L-2955 Luxembourg
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Schedule 2
Part E
Form of Receipt
NATIONAL GRID USA
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States of America)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
[Title of issue]
Receipt for the sum of [] being the instalment of principal payable in accordance with the Terms and Conditions endorsed on the Instrument to which this Receipt relates (the Conditions ) on [].
This Receipt is issued subject to and in accordance with the Conditions which shall be binding upon the holder of this Receipt (whether or not it is for the time being attached to such Instrument) and is payable at the specified office of any of the Paying Agents set out on the reverse of the Instrument to which this Receipt relates (and/or any other or further Paying Agents and/or specified offices as may from time to time be duly appointed and notified to the Instrumentholders).
This Receipt must be presented for payment together with the Instrument to which it relates. If the Instrument to which this Receipt relates shall have become due and payable on or before the maturity date of this Receipt, this Receipt shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of it. The Issuer shall have no obligation in respect of this Receipt if it is presented without the Instrument to which it relates.
[ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.]*
[BY ACCEPTING THIS OBLIGATION, THE HOLDER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT IS NOT A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND REGULATIONS THEREUNDER) AND THAT IT IS NOT ACTING FOR OR ON BEHALF OF A UNITED STATES PERSON (OTHER THAN AN EXEMPT RECIPIENT DESCRIBED IN SECTION 6049(b)(4) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE AND THE REGULATIONS THEREUNDER.]
NATIONAL GRID USA
* |
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of 183 days or less. |
|
To be deleted for Instruments with an original maturity of more than 183 days. |
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Schedule 2
Part F
Form of Certificate
NATIONAL GRID USA
(Incorporated in the State of Delaware, United States of America)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
[Title of issue]
This Certificate certifies that [] of [] (the Registered Holder ) is, as at the date hereof, registered as the holder of [nominal amount] of Instruments of the Series of Instruments referred to above (the Instruments ) of National Grid USA (the Issuer ), designated as specified in the title hereof. The Instruments are subject to the Terms and Conditions (the Conditions ) endorsed hereon and are issued subject to, and with the benefit of, the Trust Deed referred to in the Conditions. Expressions defined in the Conditions have the same meanings in this Certificate.
The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the holder of the Instrument(s) represented by this Certificate (subject to surrender of this Certificate if no further payment falls to be made in respect of such Instruments) on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions) the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the Instruments represented by this Certificate and (unless the Instrument(s) represented by this Certificate do not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of such Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, in the amounts and on the dates for payment provided for in the Conditions together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
For the purposes of this Certificate, (a) the holder of the Instrument(s) represented by this Certificate is bound by the provisions of the Agency Agreement, (b) the Issuer certifies that the Registered Holder is, at the date hereof, entered in the Register as the holder of the Instrument(s) represented by this Certificate, (c) this Certificate is evidence of entitlement only, (d) title to the Instrument(s) represented by this Certificate passes only on due registration on the Register, and (e) only the holder of the Instrument(s) represented by this Certificate is entitled to payments in respect of the Instrument(s) represented by this Certificate.
This Certificate shall not become valid for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Registrar.
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In witness whereof the Issuer has caused this Certificate to be signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
NATIONAL GRID USA
By:
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION
This Certificate is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Registrar.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON (LUXEMBOURG) S.A.
as Registrar
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only.
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On the back:
Terms and Conditions of the Instruments
[The Terms and Conditions that are set out in Schedule 2 Part B to the Trust Deed as amended by and incorporating any additional provisions forming part of such Terms and Conditions and set out in Part A of the relevant Final Terms shall be set out here.]
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Form of Transfer
For value received the undersigned transfers to
............................................................................
............................................................................
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS OF TRANSFEREE)
[] nominal amount of the Instruments represented by this Certificate, and all rights under them.
Dated |
............................................. |
Signed |
........................................... Certifying Signature |
Notes:
(i) |
The signature of the person effecting a transfer shall conform to a list of duly authorised specimen signatures supplied by the holder of the Instruments represented by this Certificate or (if such signature corresponds with the name as it appears on the face of this Certificate) be certified by a notary public or a recognised bank or be supported by such other evidence as a Transfer Agent or the Registrar may reasonably require. |
(iv) |
A representative of the Instrumentholder should state the capacity in which he signs. |
Unless the context otherwise requires capitalised terms used in this Form of Transfer have the same meaning as in the Trust Deed dated [] between the Issuer and the Trustee, [OTHER].
[TO BE COMPLETED BY TRANSFEREE:
[INSERT ANY REQUIRED TRANSFEREE REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, ETC.]]
ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
REGISTRAR
The Bank of New York Mellon (Luxembourg) S.A.
Vertigo Building - Polaris
2-4 rue Eugène Ruppert
L-2453 Luxembourg
PAYING AGENTS AND TRANSFER AGENTS
KBL European Private Bankers S.A.
43 Boulevard Royal
L-2955 Luxembourg
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Schedule 3
Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders
Interpretation
1 |
In this Schedule: |
17.1 |
references to a meeting are to a meeting of Instrumentholders of a single Series of Instruments issued by the Issuer and include, unless the context otherwise requires, any adjournment; |
17.2 |
references to Instruments and Instrumentholders are only to the Instruments of the Series in respect of which a meeting has been, or is to be, called, and to the holders of these Instruments, respectively; |
17.3 |
agent means a holder of a voting certificate or a proxy for, or representative of, an Instrumentholder; |
17.4 |
block voting instruction means an instruction issued in accordance with paragraphs 8 to 14; |
17.5 |
Extraordinary Resolution means a resolution passed at a meeting duly convened and held in accordance with this Trust Deed by a majority of at least 75 per cent. of the votes cast; |
17.6 |
voting certificate means a certificate issued in accordance with paragraphs 5, 6, 7 and 14; and |
17.7 |
references to persons representing a proportion of the Instruments are to Instrumentholders or agents holding or representing in the aggregate at least that proportion in nominal amount of the Instruments for the time being outstanding. |
Powers of meetings
18 |
A meeting shall, subject to the Conditions and without prejudice to any powers conferred on other persons by this Trust Deed, have power by Extraordinary Resolution: |
18.1 |
to sanction any proposal by the Issuer or the Trustee for any modification, abrogation, variation or compromise of, or arrangement in respect of, the rights of the Instrumentholders and/or the Couponholders against the Issuer whether or not those rights arise under this Trust Deed; |
18.2 |
to sanction the exchange or substitution for the Instruments of, or the conversion of the Instruments into, shares, bonds or other obligations or securities of the Issuer or any other entity; |
18.3 |
to assent to any modification of this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Talons or the Coupons proposed by the Issuer or the Trustee; |
18.4 |
to authorise anyone to concur in and do anything necessary to carry out and give effect to an Extraordinary Resolution; |
18.5 |
to give any authority, direction or sanction required to be given by Extraordinary Resolution; |
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18.6 |
to appoint any persons (whether Instrumentholders or not) as a committee or committees to represent the Instrumentholders interests and to confer on them any powers or discretions which the Instrumentholders could themselves exercise by Extraordinary Resolution; |
18.7 |
to approve a proposed new Trustee and to remove a Trustee; |
18.8 |
to approve the substitution of any entity for the Issuer (or any previous substitute) as principal debtor under this Trust Deed; and |
18.9 |
to discharge or exonerate the Trustee from any liability in respect of any act or omission for which it may become responsible under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Talons or the Coupons, |
provided that the special quorum provisions in paragraph 18 shall apply to any Extraordinary Resolution (a special quorum resolution ) for the purpose of sub-paragraph 2.2 or 2.8, any of the proposals listed in Condition 10.1 or any amendment to this proviso.
Convening a meeting
19 |
The Issuer or the Trustee may at any time convene a meeting. If it receives a written request by Instrumentholders holding at least 10 per cent. in nominal amount of the Instruments of any Series for the time being outstanding and is indemnified to its satisfaction against all costs and expenses, the Trustee shall convene a meeting of the Instrumentholders of that Series. Every meeting shall be held at a time and place approved by the Trustee. |
20 |
At least 21 days notice (exclusive of the day on which the notice is given and of the day of the meeting) shall be given to the Instrumentholders. A copy of the notice shall be given by the party convening the meeting to the other parties. The notice shall specify the day, time and place of meeting and, unless the Trustee otherwise agrees, the nature of the resolutions to be proposed and shall explain how Instrumentholders may appoint proxies or representatives, obtain voting certificates and use block voting instructions and the details of the time limits applicable. |
Arrangements for voting
21 |
If a holder of an Instrument wishes to obtain a voting certificate in respect of it for a meeting, he must deposit it for that purpose at least 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting with a Paying Agent or to the order of a Paying Agent with a bank or other depositary nominated by the Paying Agent for the purpose. The Paying Agent shall then issue a voting certificate in respect of it. |
22 |
A voting certificate shall: |
22.1 |
be a document in the English language; |
22.2 |
be dated; |
22.3 |
specify the meeting concerned and the serial numbers of the Instruments deposited; and |
22.4 |
entitle, and state that it entitles, its bearer to attend and vote at that meeting in respect of those Instruments. |
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23 |
Once a Paying Agent has issued a voting certificate for a meeting in respect of an Instrument, it shall not release the Instrument until either: |
23 .1 |
the meeting has been concluded; or |
23.2 |
the voting certificate has been surrendered to the Paying Agent. |
24 |
If a holder of a Bearer Instrument wishes the votes attributable to it to be included in a block voting instruction for a meeting, then, at least 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting, (i) he must deposit the Instrument for that purpose with a Paying Agent or to the order of a Paying Agent with a bank or other depositary nominated by the Paying Agent for the purpose and (ii) he or a duly authorised person on his behalf must direct the Paying Agent how those votes are to be cast. The Paying Agent shall issue a block voting instruction in respect of the votes attributable to all Instruments so deposited. |
25 |
A block voting instruction shall: |
25.1 |
be a document in the English language; |
25.2 |
be dated; |
25.3 |
specify the meeting concerned; |
25.4 |
list the total number and serial numbers of the Instruments deposited, distinguishing with regard to each resolution between those voting for and those voting against it; |
25.5 |
certify that such list is in accordance with Instruments deposited and directions received as provided in paragraphs 8, 11 and 14; and |
25.6 |
appoint a named person (a proxy ) to vote at that meeting in respect of those Instruments and in accordance with that list. |
A proxy need not be an Instrumentholder.
26 |
Once a Paying Agent has issued a block voting instruction for a meeting in respect of the votes attributable to any Instruments: |
26.1 |
it shall not release the Instruments, except as provided in paragraph 11, until the meeting has been concluded; and |
26.2 |
the directions to which it gives effect may not be revoked or altered during the 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting. |
27 |
If the receipt for an Instrument deposited with a Paying Agent in accordance with paragraph 8 is surrendered to the Paying Agent at least 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting, the Paying Agent shall release the Instrument and exclude the votes attributable to it from the block voting instruction. |
28 |
Each block voting instruction shall be deposited at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the meeting at such place as the Trustee shall designate or approve, and in default it shall not be valid unless the chairman of the meeting decides otherwise before the meeting proceeds to business. If the Trustee requires, a notarially certified copy of each block voting instruction shall be produced by the proxy at the meeting but the Trustee need not investigate or be concerned with the validity of the proxys appointment. |
29 |
A vote cast in accordance with a block voting instruction shall be valid even if it or any of the Instrumentholders instructions pursuant to which it was executed has previously been |
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revoked or amended, unless written intimation of such revocation or amendment is received from the relevant Paying Agent by the Issuer or the Trustee at its registered office or by the chairman of the meeting in each case at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the meeting.
30 |
No Instrument may be deposited with or to the order of a Paying Agent at the same time for the purposes of both paragraph 5 and paragraph 8 for the same meeting. |
31 |
|
31.1 |
A Holder of a Registered Instrument may, by an Instrument in writing in the form available from the specified office of a Transfer Agent in the English language executed by or on behalf of the holder and delivered to the Transfer Agent at least 24 hours before the time fixed for a meeting, appoint any person (a proxy ) to act on his behalf in connection with that meeting. A proxy need not be an Instrumentholder. |
31.2 |
A corporation which holds a Registered Instrument may,by delivering to a Transfer Agent at least 24 hours before the time fixed for a meeting a certified copy of a resolution of its directors or other governing body (with, if it is not in English, a certified translation into English), authorise any person to act as its representative (a representative ) in connection with that meeting. |
Chairman
32 |
The chairman of a meeting shall be such person as the Trustee may nominate in writing, but if no such nomination is made or if the person nominated is not present within 15 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting the Instrumentholders or agents present shall choose one of their number to be chairman, failing which the Issuer may appoint a chairman. The chairman need not be an Instrumentholder or agent. The chairman of an adjourned meeting need not be the same person as the chairman of the original meeting. |
Attendance
33 |
The following may attend and speak at a meeting: |
33.1 |
Instrumentholders and agents; |
33.2 |
the chairman; |
33.3 |
the Issuer and the Trustee (through their respective representatives) and their respective financial and legal advisers; and |
33.4 |
the Dealers and their advisers. |
No one else may attend or speak.
Quorum and Adjournment
34 |
No business (except choosing a chairman) shall be transacted at a meeting unless a quorum is present at the commencement of business. If a quorum is not present within 15 minutes from the time initially fixed for the meeting, it shall, if convened on the requisition of Instrumentholders or if the Issuer and the Trustee agree, be dissolved. In any other case it shall be adjourned until such date, not less than 14 nor more than 42 days later, and time |
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and place as the chairman may decide. If a quorum is not present within 15 minutes from the time fixed for a meeting so adjourned, the meeting shall be dissolved.
35 |
Two or more Instrumentholders or agents present in person shall be a quorum: |
35.1 |
in the cases marked No minimum proportion in the table below, whatever the proportion of the Instruments which they represent; and |
35.2 |
in any other case, only if they represent the proportion of the Instruments shown by the table below. |
Column 1
|
Column 2
|
Column 3
|
||
Purpose of meeting |
Any meeting except one referred to in column 3 |
Meeting previously adjourned through want of a quorum
|
||
Required proportion
|
Required proportion
|
|||
To pass a special quorum resolution
|
Two thirds |
One third |
||
To pass any other Extraordinary Resolution
|
A clear majority |
No minimum proportion |
||
Any other purpose
|
10 per cent. |
No minimum proportion |
36 |
The chairman, may with the consent of (and shall if directed by) a meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place. Only business which could have been transacted at the original meeting may be transacted at a meeting adjourned in accordance with this paragraph or paragraph 18. |
37 |
At least 10 days notice of a meeting adjourned through want of a quorum shall be given in the same manner as for an original meeting and that notice shall state the quorum required at the adjourned meeting. However, no notice need otherwise be given of an adjourned meeting. |
Voting
38 |
Each question submitted to a meeting shall be decided by a show of hands unless a poll is (before, or on the declaration of the result of, the show of hands) demanded by the chairman, the Issuer, the Trustee or one or more persons holding one or more Instruments or voting certificates or representing 2 per cent. of the Instruments. |
39 |
Unless a poll is demanded a declaration by the chairman that a resolution has or has not been passed shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes cast in favour of or against it. |
40 |
If a poll is demanded, it shall be taken in such manner and (subject as provided below) either at once or after such adjournment as the chairman directs. The result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which it was demanded as at the date it |
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was taken. A demand for a poll shall not prevent the meeting continuing for the transaction of business other than the question on which it has been demanded. |
41 |
A poll demanded on the election of a chairman or on a question of adjournment shall be taken at once. |
42 |
On a show of hands every person who is present in person and who produces a BearerInstrument, a Certificate of which he is the registered holder or a voting certificate or is a proxy or representative has one vote. On a poll every such person has one vote in respect of each integral currency unit of the Specified Currency of such Series of Instruments so produced or represented by the voting certificate so produced or for which he is a proxy or representative. Without prejudice to the obligations of proxies, a person entitled to more than one vote need not use them all or cast them all in the same way. |
43 |
In case of equality of votes the chairman shall both on a show of hands and on a poll have a casting vote in addition to any other votes which he may have. |
Effect and Publication of an Extraordinary Resolution
44 |
An Extraordinary Resolution shall be binding on all the Instrumentholders, whether or not present at the meeting, and on all the Couponholders and each of them shall be bound to give effect to it accordingly. The passing of such a resolution shall be conclusive evidence that the circumstances justify its being passed. The Issuer shall give notice of the passing of an Extraordinary Resolution to Instrumentholders within 14 days but failure to do so shall not invalidate the resolution. |
45 |
A resolution in writing signed by or on behalf of the holders of not less than 95 per cent. in nominal amount of the Instruments who for the time being are entitled to receive notice of a meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule shall for all purposes be as valid and effectual as an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a meeting of such Instrumentholders duly convened and held in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule. Such resolution in writing may be contained in one document or several documents in similar form each signed by or on behalf of one or more of the Instrumentholders. |
Minutes
46 |
Minutes shall be made of all resolutions and proceedings at every meeting and, if purporting to be signed by the chairman of that meeting or of the next succeeding meeting, shall be conclusive evidence of the matters in them. Until the contrary is proved every meeting for which minutes have been so made and signed shall be deemed to have been duly convened and held and all resolutions passed or proceedings transacted at it to have been duly passed and transacted. |
Trustees Power to Prescribe Regulations
47 |
Subject to all other provisions in this Trust Deed the Trustee may without the consent of the Instrumentholders prescribe such further regulations regarding the holding of meetings and attendance and voting at them as it in its sole discretion determines including (without limitation) such requirements as the Trustee thinks reasonable to satisfy itself that the persons who purport to make any requisition in accordance with this Trust Deed are |
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entitled to do so and as to the form of voting certificates or block voting instructions so as to satisfy itself that persons who purport to attend or vote at a meeting are entitled to do so.
48 |
The holder of a Global Instrument or Global Certificate shall (unless such Global Instrument or Global Certificate represents only one Instrument) be treated as two persons for the purposes of any quorum requirements of a meeting of Instrumentholders. |
49 |
The above provisions of this Schedule shall have effect subject to the following provisions: |
49.1 |
Meetings of Instrumentholders of separate Series will normally be held separately. However, the Trustee may from time to time determine that meetings of Instrumentholders of separate Series shall be held together. |
49.2 |
A resolution that in the opinion of the Trustee affects one Series alone shall be deemed to have been duly passed if passed at a separate meeting of the Instrumentholders of the Series concerned. |
49.3 |
A resolution that in the opinion of the Trustee affects the Instrumentholders of more than one Series but does not give rise to a conflict of interest between the Instrumentholders of the different Series concerned shall be deemed to have been duly passed if passed at a single meeting of the Instrumentholders of the relevant Series provided that for the purposes of determining the votes an Instrumentholder is entitled to cast pursuant to paragraph 26, each Instrumentholder shall have one vote in respect of each whole Euro 1.00 nominal amount of Instruments held, converted, if such Instruments are not denominated in Euro, in accordance with Clause 8.13 (Currency Conversion). |
49.4 |
A resolution that in the opinion of the Trustee affects the Instrumentholders of more than one Series and gives or may give rise to a conflict of interest between the Instrumentholders of the different Series concerned shall be deemed to have been duly passed only if it shall be duly passed at separate meetings of the Instrumentholders of the relevant Series. |
49.5 |
To all such meetings as previously set out all the preceding provisions of this Schedule shall mutatis mutandis apply as though references therein to Instruments and to Instrumentholders were references to the Instruments and Instrumentholders of the Series concerned. |
A14297257
109
In witness of which this Trust Deed is delivered on the date stated at the beginning.
NATIONAL GRID USA
By: /s/ Malcolm Cooper
Malcolm Cooper
EXECUTED AS A DEED BY
AFFIXING THE COMMON SEAL OF
THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST
CORPORATION p.l.c.
acting by:
Director /s/ Denyse Anderson
Denyse Anderson
Authorised Signatory: /s/ Carol Morris
Carol Morris
A14297257
110
EXHIBIT 2(b).5
EXECUTION COPY
Dated 2 August 2011
NATIONAL GRID plc
and
NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc
as Issuers
and
THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c.
as Trustee
AMENDED AND RESTATED TRUST DEED
relating to
National Grid plc and National Grid Electricity Transmission plc
Euro 15,000,000,000
Euro Medium Term Note Programme
arranged by
HSBC Bank plc
Linklaters
Ref: JALB/RR
Linklaters LLP
Table of Contents
Contents |
Page | |||
1 Interpretation |
1 | |||
2 Issue of Instruments and Covenant to Pay |
6 | |||
3 Form of the Instruments |
8 | |||
4 Stamp Duties and Taxes |
9 | |||
5 Application of Moneys Received by the Trustee |
9 | |||
6 Covenants |
10 | |||
7 Remuneration and Indemnification of the Trustee |
13 | |||
8 Provisions Supplemental to the Trustee Acts |
14 | |||
9 Disapplication and Trustee Liability |
18 | |||
10 Waiver and Proof of Default |
18 | |||
11 Trustee not Precluded from Entering into Contracts |
18 | |||
12 Modification and Substitution |
19 | |||
13 Appointment, Retirement and Removal of the Trustee |
20 | |||
14 Instruments held in Clearing Systems and Couponholders |
21 | |||
15 Currency Indemnity |
22 | |||
16 Enforcement |
23 | |||
17 Communications |
23 | |||
18 Governing Law and Jurisdiction |
24 | |||
Schedule 1 Part A Form of CGN Temporary Global Instrument |
25 | |||
Schedule 1 Part B Form of CGN Permanent Global Instrument |
32 | |||
Schedule 1 Part C Form of NGN Temporary Global Instrument |
42 | |||
Schedule 1 Part D Form of NGN Permanent Global Instrument |
48 | |||
Schedule 2 Part A Form of Definitive Instrument |
55 |
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Schedule 2 Part B Terms and Conditions of the Instruments |
58 | |||
Schedule 2 Part C Form of Coupon |
99 | |||
Schedule 2 Part D Form of Talon |
101 | |||
Schedule 2 Part E Form of Receipt |
103 | |||
Schedule 3 Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders |
104 |
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This Amended and Restated Trust Deed is made on 2 August 2011 between:
(1) |
NATIONAL GRID plc ( National Grid ) AND NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc (NGET) , (each an Issuer and together, the Issuers ); and |
(2) |
THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c. , (the Trustee , which expression, where the meaning so admits, includes any other trustee for the time being of this Trust Deed). |
Whereas :
(A) |
The Issuers propose to issue from time to time bearer debt instruments (the Instruments ) in an aggregate nominal amount outstanding at any one time, including Instruments previously issued under the Programme, not exceeding the Programme Limit in accordance with the Dealer Agreement (the Programme ) and to be constituted by this Trust Deed. |
(B) |
The Trustee has agreed to act as trustee of this Trust Deed on the following terms and conditions. |
(C) |
For the purposes of the Programme, the Issuers and the Trustee entered into an amended and restated trust deed dated 26 July 2010 (the Original Trust Deed) and have agreed to make certain amendments to the Original Trust Deed. |
This Deed witnesses and it is declared as follows:
1 |
Interpretation |
1.1 |
Definitions |
In this Trust Deed:
Agency Agreement means the amended and restated agency agreement (as amended, supplemented and/or restated from time to time) relating to the Programme dated 2 August 2011, between the Issuers, the Trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon as Issuing and Paying Agent and the other agent(s) mentioned in it;
Agents has the meaning given to it in the Agency Agreement;
Calculation Agent means any person named as such in the Conditions or any Successor Calculation Agent;
CGN means a temporary Global Instrument in the form set out in Part A of Schedule 1 or a permanent Global Instrument in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 1.
Common Safekeeper means, in relation to a Series, the common safekeeper for Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg appointed in respect of such Instruments.
Clearstream, Luxembourg means Clearstream Banking, société anonyme ;
Conditions means in respect of the Instruments of each Series the terms and conditions applicable to them which shall be substantially in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) as modified, with respect to any Instruments represented by a Global Instrument, by the provisions of such Global Instrument, and shall incorporate any additional provisions forming part of such terms and conditions set out in Part A of the Final Terms relating to the Instruments of that Series and shall be endorsed on the Definitive Instruments subject to amendment and completion as referred to in the
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1 |
first paragraph of Part A of Schedule 2 (Form of Definitive Instrument) and any reference to a particularly numbered Condition shall be construed accordingly;
Contractual Currency means, in relation to any payment obligation of any Instrument, the currency in which that payment obligation is expressed and, in relation to Clause 8 (Provisions supplemental to the Trustee Acts), pounds sterling or such other currency as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer and the Trustee from time to time;
Coupons means the coupons relating to interest bearing Instruments or, as the context may require, a specific number of them and includes any replacement Coupons issued pursuant to the Conditions;
Dealer Agreement means the amended and restated dealer agreement (as amended, supplemented and/or restated from time to time) relating to the Programme dated 2 August 2011 between the Issuers, the Arranger and the dealers named in it;
Definitive Instrument means an Instrument in definitive form having, where appropriate, Coupons, Receipt(s) and/or a Talon attached on issue and, unless the context requires otherwise, includes any replacement Instrument issued pursuant to the Conditions;
Effective Date means the date on which the Arranger, has received, on behalf of the Dealers, each of the condition precedent documents listed in Schedule 2 to the Dealer Agreement and that each is, in form and substance, satisfactory to it;
Euroclear means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.;
Event of Default means an event described in Condition 9 and that, if so required by that Condition, has been certified by the Trustee to be, in its opinion, materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders;
Extraordinary Resolution has the meaning set out in Schedule 3 (Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders);
Final Terms means, in relation to a Tranche, the final terms document substantially in the form set out in the Prospectus which will be completed at or around the time of the agreement to issue each Tranche of Instruments and which will constitute final terms for the purposes of Article 5.4 of the Prospectus Directive;
Global Instrument means a temporary Global Instrument and/or, as the context may require, a permanent Global Instrument, a CGN or a NGN, as the context may require;
holder in relation to an Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon, and Couponholder and Instrumentholder have the meanings given to them in the Conditions;
Instruments means the bearer debt instruments to be issued by each of the Issuers pursuant to the Dealer Agreement, constituted by this Trust Deed and for the time being outstanding or, as the context may require, a specific number of them;
Issuing and Paying Agent means the person named as such in the Conditions or any Successor Issuing and Paying Agent in each case at its specified office;
month means a calendar month;
NGN means a temporary Global Instrument in the form set out in Part C of Schedule 1 or a permanent Global Instrument in the form set out in Part D of Schedule 1.
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outstanding means, in relation to the Instruments, all the Instruments issued except (a) those that have been redeemed in accordance with the Conditions, (b) those in respect of which the date for redemption has occurred and the redemption moneys (including all interest accrued on such Instruments to the date for such redemption and any interest payable after such date) have been duly paid to the Trustee or to the Issuing and Paying Agent as provided in Clause 2 (Issue of Instruments and Covenant to Pay) and remain available for payment against presentation and surrender of Instruments, Receipts and/or Coupons, as the case may be, (c) those which have become void or in respect of which claims have become prescribed, (d) those which have been purchased and cancelled as provided in the Conditions, (e) those mutilated or defaced Instruments which have been surrendered in exchange for replacement Instruments, (f) (for the purpose only of determining how many Instruments are outstanding and without prejudice to their status for any other purpose) those Instruments alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed and in respect of which replacement Instruments have been issued, and (g) any temporary Global Instrument to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for a permanent Global Instrument and any Global Instrument to the extent that it shall have been exchanged for one or more Definitive Instruments, in either case pursuant to its provisions provided that for the purposes of (i) ascertaining the right to attend and vote at any meeting of the Instrumentholders, (ii) the determination of how many Instruments are outstanding for the purposes of Conditions 9 and 11 and Schedule 3 (Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders), (iii) the exercise of any discretion, power or authority that the Trustee is required, expressly or impliedly, to exercise in or by reference to the interests of the Instrumentholders and (iv) the certification (where relevant) by the Trustee as to whether a Potential Event of Default is in its opinion materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders, those Instruments which are beneficially held by or on behalf of the relevant Issuer or any of its subsidiary undertakings and not cancelled shall (unless no longer so held) be deemed not to remain outstanding. Save for the purposes of the proviso herein, in the case of each NGN, the Trustee shall rely on the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg in relation to any determination of the nominal amount outstanding of each NGN.
Paying Agents means the persons (including the Issuing and Paying Agent) referred to as such in the Conditions or any Successor Paying Agents in each case at their respective specified offices;
permanent Global Instrument means a Global Instrument representing Instruments of one or more Tranches of the same Series, either on issue or upon exchange of a temporary Global Instrument, or part of it, and which shall be substantially in the form set out in Part B or Part D of Schedule 1, as the case may be (Form of Permanent Global Instrument);
Potential Event of Default means an event or circumstance that could with the giving of notice, lapse of time, issue of a certificate and/or fulfilment of any other requirement provided for in Condition 9 become an Event of Default;
Programme Limit means the maximum aggregate nominal amount of Instruments which may be issued and outstanding at any time under the Programme, as such limit may be increased pursuant to the Dealer Agreement;
Prospectus means the prospectus prepared in connection with the Programme and constituting (i) a base prospectus in respect of each Issuer for the purposes of Article 5.4 of the Prospectus Directive and (ii) listing particulars in respect of each Issuer for the
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3 |
purposes of Listing Rule 2.2.11 of the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority, as revised, supplemented or amended from time to time by the Issuers including any documents which are from time to time incorporated in the Prospectus by reference except that in relation to each Tranche of Instruments only the applicable Final Terms shall be deemed to be included in the Prospectus;
Prospectus Directive means Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council;
Receipts means the receipts for the payment of instalments of principal in respect of Instruments of which the principal is repayable in instalments or, as the context may require, a specific number of them and includes any replacement Receipts issued pursuant to the Conditions;
Redemption Amount means the Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount, as the case may be, all as defined in the Conditions;
Series means a series of Instruments comprising one or more Tranches, whether or not issued on the same date, that (except in respect of the first payment of interest and their issue price) have identical terms on issue and are expressed to have the same series number;
specified office means, in relation to a Paying Agent, the office identified with its name at the end of the Conditions or any other office approved by the Trustee and notified to Instrumentholders pursuant to Clause 6.63 (Notices to Instrumentholders);
Successor means, in relation to an Agent such other or further person as may from time to time be appointed by either of the Issuers as such Agent with the written approval of, and on terms approved in writing by, the Trustee and notice of whose appointment is given to Instrumentholders pursuant to Clause 6.6 (Notices to Instrumentholders);
successor in business means (a) an entity which acquires all or substantially all of the undertaking and/or assets of either Issuer or of a successor in business of either Issuer; or (b) any entity into which any of the previously referred to entity is amalgamated, merged or reconstructed and is itself not the continuing company;
Talons mean talons for further Coupons or, as the context may require, a specific number of them and includes any replacement Talons issued pursuant to the Conditions;
TARGET System means the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (known as TARGET2) System which was launched on 19 November 2007 or any successor thereto;
temporary Global Instrument means a Global Instrument representing Instruments of one or more Tranches of the same Series on issue and which shall be substantially in the form set out in Part A or Part C of Schedule 1, as the case may be (Form of Temporary Global Instrument);
Tranche means, in relation to a Series, those Instruments of that Series which are issued on the same date at the same issue price and in respect of which the first payment of interest is identical;
trust corporation means a trust corporation (as defined in the Law of Property Act 1925) or a corporation entitled to act as a trustee pursuant to applicable foreign legislation relating to trustees; and
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Trustee |
Acts means both the Trustee Act 1925 and the Trustee Act 2000 of England and Wales. |
1.2 |
Construction of Certain References |
Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Trust Deed to:
1.2.1 |
the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg shall be to the records that each of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interests in the Instruments; |
1.2.2 |
costs, charges, remuneration or expenses include any value added, turnover or similar tax charged in respect of them; |
1.2.3 |
an action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings for the enforcement of creditors rights include references to the action, remedy or method of judicial proceedings in jurisdictions other than England as shall most nearly approximate to it; |
1.2.4 |
the Trustees approval or consent shall, unless expressed otherwise, be subject to the requirement that any such approval or consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, such reasonableness to be determined by reference to acting in the interests of Instrumentholders as a whole; and |
1.2.5 |
the appointment or employment of or delegation to any person by the Trustee shall be deemed to include a reference to, if in the opinion of the Trustee it is reasonably practicable, the prior notification of and consultation with the Issuers and, in any event, the notification forthwith of such appointment, employment or delegation, as the case may be. |
1.3 |
Amendment and Restatement |
The Original Trust Deed shall be amended and restated on the terms of this Trust Deed, such amendment and restatement to take effect from the Effective Date. Any Instruments issued on or after the Effective Date shall be issued pursuant to this Trust Deed. Save for Clause 6.5.1, this does not affect any Instruments issued prior to the Effective Date or any Instruments issued on or after the Effective Date so as to be consolidated and form a single Series with the Instruments of any Series issued prior to the Effective Date. Subject to such amendment and restatement, the Original Trust Deed shall continue in full force and effect.
1.4 |
Headings |
Headings shall be ignored in construing this Trust Deed.
1.5 |
Contracts |
References in this Amended and Restated Trust Deed to this Trust Deed or any other document are to this Amended and Restated Trust Deed or those documents as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time in relation to the Programme and include any document that amends, supplements or replaces them.
1.6 |
Schedules |
The Schedules are part of this Trust Deed and have effect accordingly.
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5 |
1.7 |
Alternative Clearing System |
References in this Trust Deed to Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg shall, wherever the context so permits, be deemed to include reference to any additional or alternative clearing system approved by the relevant Issuer, the Trustee and the Issuing and Paying Agent. In the case of NGNs, such alternative clearing system must also be authorised to hold Instruments as eligible collateral for Eurosystem monetary policy and intra-day credit operations.
1.8 |
Other Terms |
Other terms defined in the Dealer Agreement or the Conditions have the same meaning in this Trust Deed.
1.9 |
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 |
A person who is not a party to this Trust Deed has no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Trust Deed.
2 |
Issue of Instruments and Covenant to Pay |
2.1 |
Issue of Instruments |
Each of the Issuers may from time to time issue Instruments in Tranches of one or more Series on a continuous basis with no minimum issue size in accordance with the Dealer Agreement. Before issuing any Tranche and not later than 3.00 p.m. (London time) on the second business day in London which for this purpose shall be a day on which commercial banks are open for general business in London preceding each proposed issue date, the relevant Issuer shall give written notice or procure that it is given to the Trustee of the proposed issue of such Tranche, specifying the details to be included in the relevant Final Terms. Upon the issue by either of the Issuers of any Instruments expressed to be constituted by this Trust Deed, such Instruments shall forthwith be constituted by this Trust Deed without any further formality and irrespective of whether or not the issue of such debt securities contravenes any covenant or other restriction in this Trust Deed or the Programme Limit.
2.2 |
Separate Series |
The provisions of Clauses 2.3 (Covenant to Pay), 2.4 (Discharge), 2.5 (Payment after a Default) and 2.6 (Rate of Interest after a Default) and of Clauses 3 (Form of the Instruments) to 15 (Currency Indemnity) and Schedule 3 (Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders) (all inclusive) shall apply mutatis mutandis separately and independently to the Instruments of each Series and in such Clauses and Schedule the expressions Instrumentholders , Receipts , Coupons , Couponholders and Talons , together with all other terms that relate to Instruments or their Conditions, shall be construed as referring to those of the particular Series in question and not of all Series unless expressly so provided, so that each Series shall be constituted by a separate trust pursuant to Clause 2.3 (Covenant to Pay) and that, unless expressly provided, events affecting one Series shall not affect any other.
2.3 |
Covenant to Pay |
The relevant Issuer shall on any date when any Instruments become due to be redeemed, in whole or in part, unconditionally pay to or to the order of the Trustee in the Contractual
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Currency, in the case of any Contractual Currency other than Euro, in the principal financial centre for the Contractual Currency and, in the case of Euro, in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System, in same day funds the Redemption Amount of the Instruments becoming due for redemption on that date together with any applicable premium and shall (subject to the Conditions and other than in respect of Zero Coupon Instruments) until such payment (both before and after judgment) unconditionally so pay to or to the order of the Trustee interest in respect of the nominal amount of the Instruments outstanding as set out in the Conditions (subject to Clause 2.6 (Rate of Interest after a Default)) provided that (a) payment of any sum due in respect of the Instruments made to the Issuing and Paying Agent as provided in the Agency Agreement shall, to that extent, satisfy such obligation except to the extent that there is failure in its subsequent payment to the relevant Instrumentholders or Couponholders under the Conditions and (b) a payment made after the due date or as a result of the Instrument becoming repayable following an Event of Default shall be deemed to have been made when the full amount due has been received by the Issuing and Paying Agent or the Trustee and notice to that effect has been given to the Instrumentholders (if required under Clause 6.8 (Notice of Late Payment)), except to the extent that there is failure in its subsequent payment to the relevant Instrumentholders or Couponholders under the Conditions. This covenant shall only have effect each time Instruments are issued and outstanding, when the Trustee shall hold the benefit of this covenant on trust for the Instrumentholders and Couponholders of the relevant Series.
2.4 |
Discharge |
Subject to Clause 2.5 (Payment after a Default), any payment to be made in respect of the Instruments, Receipts or the Coupons by the relevant Issuer or the Trustee may be made as provided in the Conditions and any payment so made shall (subject to Clause 2.5 (Payment after a Default)) to that extent be a good discharge to such Issuer or the Trustee, as the case may be (including, in the case of Instruments represented by a NGN, whether or not the corresponding entries have been made in the records of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg), except to the extent that there is failure in its subsequent payment to the relevant Instrumentholders or Couponholders under the Conditions.
2.5 |
Payment after a Default |
At any time after an Event of Default or a Potential Event of Default has occurred the Trustee may:
2.5.1 |
by notice in writing to the relevant Issuer and the Paying Agents, require the Paying Agents, until notified by the Trustee to the contrary, so far as permitted by applicable law: |
(i) |
to act as Paying Agents of the Trustee under this Trust Deed and the Instruments on the terms of the Agency Agreement (with consequential amendments as necessary and except that the Trustees liability for the indemnification, remuneration and expenses of the Paying Agents shall be limited to the amounts for the time being held by the Trustee in respect of the Instruments on the terms of this Trust Deed) and thereafter to hold all Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons and all moneys, documents and records held by them in respect of Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons to the order of the Trustee; or |
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(ii) |
to deliver all Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons and all moneys, documents and records held by them in respect of the Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons to the Trustee or as the Trustee directs in such notice; and |
2.5.2 |
by notice in writing to the relevant Issuer, require such Issuer to make all subsequent payments in respect of the Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons to or to the order of the Trustee and not to the Issuing and Paying Agent and with effect from the receipt of any such notice by such Issuer, until such notice is withdrawn, the first proviso to Clause 2.3 (Covenant to Pay) shall cease to have effect. |
2.6 |
Rate of Interest after a Default |
If the Instruments bear interest at a floating or other variable rate and they become immediately payable under the Conditions following an Event of Default, the rate of interest payable in respect of them shall continue to be calculated by the Calculation Agent in accordance with the Conditions (with consequential amendments as necessary) except that the rates of interest need not be notified to Instrumentholders. The first period in respect of which interest shall be so calculable shall commence on the expiry of the Interest Period during which the Instruments become so repayable.
3 |
Form of the Instruments |
3.1 |
The Global Instruments |
The Instruments shall initially be represented by a temporary Global Instrument or a permanent Global Instrument in the nominal amount of the Tranche being issued. Interests in a temporary Global Instrument shall be exchangeable for Definitive Instruments or interests in a permanent Global Instrument as set out in each temporary Global Instrument. Interests in a permanent Global Instrument shall be exchangeable for Definitive Instruments as set out in such permanent Global Instrument.
3.2 |
The Definitive Instruments |
The Definitive Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be security printed in accordance with applicable legal and stock exchange requirements substantially in the forms set out in Schedule 2. The Instruments shall be endorsed with the Conditions.
3.3 |
Signature |
The Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be signed manually or in facsimile by an authorised signatory of the relevant Issuer and the Instruments shall be authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent. The relevant Issuer may use the facsimile signature of any person who at the date of this Trust Deed is such an authorised signatory even if at the time of issue of any Instruments, Receipts, Coupons or Talons he no longer holds that office. In the case of a Global Instrument which is a NGN, the Issuing and Paying Agent shall also instruct the Common Safekeeper to effectuate the same. Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons so executed and authenticated (and effectuated, if applicable) shall be binding and valid obligations of the relevant Issuer. Execution in facsimile of any Instruments and any photostatic copying or other duplication of any Global Instruments (in unauthenticated form, but executed manually on behalf of the
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relevant Issuer as stated above) shall be binding upon such Issuer in the same manner as if such Instruments were signed manually by such signatories.
3.4 |
Title |
The holder of any Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon shall (save as otherwise required by law) be treated as its absolute owner for all purposes (whether or not it is overdue and regardless of any notice of ownership, trust or any interest in it, any writing on it or its theft or loss) and no person will be liable for so treating the holder.
4 |
Stamp Duties and Taxes |
4.1 |
Stamp Duties |
Each Issuer shall pay any stamp, issue, documentary or other taxes and duties payable in the United Kingdom in respect of the creation, issue and offering of the Instruments issued by it and the related Receipts, Coupons and Talons and the execution or delivery of this Trust Deed. Each Issuer shall also indemnify the Trustee, the relevant Instrumentholders and the Couponholders from and against all stamp, issue, documentary or other taxes paid by any of them in any jurisdiction in connection with any action taken by or on behalf of the Trustee or, as the case may be (where entitled to do so), the relevant Instrumentholders or the Couponholders to enforce the relevant Issuers obligations under this Trust Deed or the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons or Talons.
4.2 |
Change of Taxing Jurisdiction |
If an Issuer becomes subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of a territory or a taxing authority of or in that territory with power to tax other than or in addition to the United Kingdom or any such authority of or in such territory then such Issuer shall (unless the Trustee otherwise agrees) give the Trustee an undertaking satisfactory to the Trustee in terms corresponding to the terms of Condition 7 with the substitution for, or (as the case may require) the addition to, the references in that Condition to the United Kingdom of references to that other or additional territory or authority to whose taxing jurisdiction such Issuer has become so subject. In such event this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be read accordingly.
5 |
Application of Moneys Received by the Trustee |
5.1 |
Declaration of Trust |
All moneys received by the Trustee in respect of the Instruments or amounts payable under this Trust Deed shall, despite any appropriation of all or part of them by the relevant Issuer, be held by the Trustee on trust to apply them (subject to Clause 5.2 (Accumulation)):
5.1.1 |
first, in payment of all costs, charges, expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by the Trustee (including remuneration payable to it) in carrying out its functions under this Trust Deed; |
5.1.2 |
secondly, in payment of any amounts owing in respect of the relevant Instruments, Receipts or Coupons pari passu and rateably; and |
5.1.3 |
thirdly, in payment of any balance to such Issuer for itself. |
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If the Trustee holds any moneys which represent principal, premium or interest in respect of Instruments, Receipts or Coupons which have become void in accordance with the Conditions the Trustee shall hold them on these trusts.
5.2 |
Accumulation |
If the amount of the moneys at any time available for payment in respect of the Instruments under Clause 5.1 (Declaration of Trust) is less than 10 per cent of the nominal amount of the Instruments then outstanding, the Trustee may, at its discretion, invest such moneys as provided in Clause 5.3 (Investment). The Trustee may retain such investments and accumulate the resulting income until the investments and the accumulations, together with any other funds for the time being under its control and available for such payment, amount to at least 10 per cent of the nominal amount of the Instruments then outstanding and then such investments, accumulations and funds (after deduction of, or provision for, any applicable taxes) shall be applied as specified in Clause 5.1 (Declaration of Trust).
5.3 |
Investment |
Moneys held by the Trustee may be invested in its name or under its control in any investments or other assets anywhere, whether or not they produce income, or deposited in its name or under its control at such bank or other financial institution in such currency as the Trustee may, in its absolute discretion, think fit. If that bank or institution is the Trustee or a subsidiary, parent or associated undertaking of the Trustee, it need only account for an amount of interest equal to the standard amount of interest payable by it on such a deposit to an independent customer. The Trustee may at any time vary or transpose any such investments or assets or convert any moneys so deposited into any other currency, and shall not be responsible for any resulting loss, whether by depreciation in value, change in exchange rates or otherwise.
6 |
Covenants |
So long as any Instrument issued by it is outstanding, each of the Issuers shall:
6.1 |
Books of Account |
Keep, and procure that each of its subsidiary undertakings keeps, proper books of account and, at any time after an Event of Default has occurred or if the Trustee reasonably believes that such an event has occurred, so far as permitted by applicable law, allow, and procure that each such subsidiary undertaking shall allow, the Trustee and anyone appointed by it to whom the relevant Issuer and/or the relevant subsidiary undertaking has no reasonable objection, access to its books of account at all reasonable times during normal business hours.
6.2 |
Notice of Events of Default |
Notify the Trustee in writing immediately on becoming aware of the occurrence of any Event of Default or Potential Event of Default.
6.3 |
Information |
So far as permitted by applicable law, give the Trustee such information as it reasonably requires to perform its functions.
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6.4 |
Financial Statements etc. |
6.4.1 |
send to the Trustee at the time of their issue and, in the case of annual financial statements, in any event within 180 days of the end of each financial year, three copies in English of every balance sheet, profit and loss account, report or other notice, statement or circular issued, or that legally or contractually should be issued, to the members or creditors (or any class of them) of the relevant Issuer or any parent undertaking of it generally in their capacity as such; and |
6.4.2 |
National Grid shall, forthwith upon becoming aware of the occurrence of a National Grid Restructuring Event, provide or procure that the Reporting Accountants provide the Trustee with the Accountants Report; |
6.5 |
Certificate of Director, etc. |
6.5.1 |
send to the Trustee, within 14 days of its annual audited financial statements being made available to its members, and also within 21 days of any request by the Trustee a certificate of the relevant Issuer signed by a Director that, having made all reasonable enquiries, to the best of the knowledge, information and belief of such Issuer as at a date (the Certification Date ) not more than five days before the date of the certificate no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default had occurred (and, in the case of a Potential Event of Default, was continuing) since the Certification Date of the last such certificate or (if none) the date of this Trust Deed or, if such an event had occurred (and, in the case of a Potential Event of Default, was continuing), giving details of it and certifying that it has complied with its obligations under this Trust Deed or, to the extent that it has failed so to comply, stating such; |
6.5.2 |
National Grid shall, forthwith upon becoming aware of the occurrence of a National Grid Restructuring Event, notify the Trustee in writing of the occurrence of an National Grid Restructuring Event and provide the Trustee with the Directors Report; and |
6.5.3 |
in relation to Instruments issued by it, National Grid shall give to the Trustee, as soon as reasonably practicable after the acquisition or disposal of any company which thereby becomes a Principal Subsidiary or after any transfer is made to any member of the National Grid Group (as defined in Condition 9(c)) which thereby becomes a Principal Subsidiary, a certificate by the auditors of National Grid at that time (the Auditors ) addressed to the Trustee to such effect; |
6.6 |
Notices to Instrumentholders |
Obtain the prior written approval of the Trustee to, and promptly give to the Trustee two copies of, the form of every notice given to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 (such approval, unless so expressed, not to constitute approval for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 any such notice which is a communication within the meaning of that section).
6.7 |
Further Acts |
So far as permitted by applicable law, do such further things as may be necessary in the reasonable opinion of the Trustee to give effect to this Trust Deed.
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6.8 |
Notice of Late Payment |
Forthwith upon request by the Trustee (if the Trustee determines such notice is necessary) give notice to the Instrumentholders of any unconditional payment to the Issuing and Paying Agent or the Trustee of any sum due in respect of the Instruments, the Receipts or Coupons made after the due date for such payment.
6.9 |
Listing |
If the Instruments are so listed, use all reasonable endeavours to maintain the listing of the Instruments but, if it is unable to do so, having used such endeavours, or if the maintenance of such listing is agreed by the Trustee to be unduly onerous and the Trustee is satisfied that the interests of the Instrumentholders would not by such action be materially prejudiced, instead use all reasonable endeavours to obtain and maintain a listing of the Instruments on another stock exchange approved in writing by the Trustee.
6.10 |
Change in Agents |
Give at least 14 days prior notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with the Conditions of any future appointment, resignation or removal of an Agent or of any change by an Agent of its specified office.
6.11 |
Provision of Legal Opinions |
Procure the delivery of legal opinions addressed to the Trustee dated the date of such delivery, in form and content acceptable to the Trustee:
6.11.1 |
from Clifford Chance LLP (or such other firm of legal advisers as may be agreed between the relevant Issuer and the Trustee) as to the laws of England before the first issue of Instruments occurring after each anniversary of this Trust Deed or, if later, 12 months after the date of delivery of the latest such legal opinion and on the date of any amendment to this Trust Deed; |
6.11.2 |
unless the relevant Issuer has notified the Dealers and the Trustee in writing that it does not intend to issue Instruments under the Programme for the time being, from legal advisers reasonably acceptable to the Trustee as to such law as may reasonably be requested by the Trustee and in such form and with such content as the Trustee may require, on such occasions as the Trustee so requests on the basis that the Trustee considers it prudent in view of a change (or proposed change) in (or in the interpretation or application of) any applicable law, regulation or circumstance materially affecting the relevant Issuer, the Trustee, the relevant Instruments, the Certificates, the Receipts, the Coupons, the Talons, this Trust Deed or the Agency Agreement; and |
6.11.3 |
on each occasion on which a legal opinion is given to any Dealer pursuant to the Dealer Agreement from the legal adviser giving such opinion; |
6.12 |
Instruments Held by an Issuer |
Send to the Trustee as soon as practicable after being so requested by the Trustee a certificate of the relevant Issuer signed by any Director or the Company Secretary stating the number of Instruments held at the date of such certificate by or on behalf of such Issuer or its subsidiary undertakings.
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6.13 |
Obligations of Agents |
Comply with and perform all its obligations under the Agency Agreement and use all reasonable endeavours to procure that the Agents comply with and perform all their respective obligations thereunder and not make any amendment or modification to the Agency Agreement without the prior written approval of the Trustee.
6.14 |
Copies of Dealer Agreement |
Provide the Trustee promptly with copies of all supplements and/or amendments to, and/or restatements of, the Dealer Agreement.
7 |
Remuneration and Indemnification of the Trustee |
7.1 |
Normal Remuneration |
So long as any Instrument is outstanding the relevant Issuer shall pay the Trustee as remuneration for its services as Trustee such sum on such dates in each case as they may from time to time agree. Such remuneration shall accrue from day to day from the date of this Trust Deed. However, if any payment to an Instrumentholder or Couponholder of moneys due in respect of any Instrument, Receipts or Coupon is improperly withheld or refused, such remuneration shall again accrue as from the date of such withholding or refusal until payment to such Instrumentholder or Couponholder is duly made.
7.2 |
Extra Remuneration |
If an Event of Default shall have occurred or if the Trustee finds it expedient or necessary or is requested by an Issuer to undertake duties that they both agree to be of an exceptional nature or otherwise outside the scope of the Trustees normal duties under this Trust Deed, such Issuer shall pay such additional remuneration as they may agree or, failing agreement as to any of the matters in this Clause 7 (or as to such sums referred to in Clause 7.1 (Normal Remuneration)), as determined by a financial institution (acting as an expert) selected by the Trustee and approved by such Issuer or, failing such approval, nominated by the President for the time being of The Law Society of England and Wales. The expenses involved in such nomination and such financial institutions fee shall be shared equally between the Trustee and the relevant Issuer. The determination of the relevant financial institution shall be conclusive and binding on the relevant Issuer, the Trustee, the relevant Instrumentholders and the relevant Couponholders.
7.3 |
Expenses |
Each of the Issuers (in respect of itself and, where applicable, Instruments issued by it) shall also, on demand by the Trustee, pay or discharge all costs, charges, liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred by the Trustee in the preparation and execution of this Trust Deed and the performance of its functions under this Trust Deed in relation to that Issuer including, but not limited to, legal and travelling expenses and any United Kingdom stamp, documentary or other taxes or duties paid by the Trustee in connection with any legal proceedings reasonably brought or contemplated by the Trustee against an Issuer (in respect of Instruments issued by it) to enforce any provision of this Trust Deed, the relevant Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons or the Talons and in addition shall pay to the Trustee (if required) an amount equal to the amount of any value added tax or similar tax chargeable in respect of the Trustees remuneration under this Trust Deed. Such costs, charges, liabilities and expenses shall:
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7.3.1 |
in the case of payments made by the Trustee before such demand, carry interest from the date of the demand at the rate of one per cent. per annum over the base rate of The Royal Bank of Scotland plc on the date on which the Trustee made such payments; and |
7.3.2 |
in other cases, carry interest at such rate from 30 days after the date of the demand or (where the demand specifies that payment is to be made on an earlier date) from such earlier date provided that in such event no such interest shall accrue unless payment is actually made on such earlier date. |
7.4 |
Notice of Costs |
The Trustee shall wherever practicable give prior notice to the relevant Issuer of any costs, charges and expenses properly to be incurred and of payments to be made by the Trustee in the lawful exercise of its powers under this Trust Deed so as to afford such Issuer a reasonable opportunity to meet such costs, charges and expenses itself or to put the Trustee in funds to make payment of such costs, charges and expenses. However, failure of the Trustee to give any such prior notice shall not prejudice its rights to reimbursement of such costs, charges and expenses under this Clause 7.
7.5 |
Indemnity |
Each of the Issuers (in respect of itself and, where applicable, any Instruments issued by it) shall indemnify the Trustee in respect of all liabilities and expenses properly incurred by it or by anyone appointed by it or to whom any of its functions may be delegated by it in the carrying out of its functions and against any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand or expense (including, but not limited to, all costs, charges and expenses properly paid or incurred in disputing or defending any of the foregoing) which any of them may incur in relation to the relevant Issuer or that may be made against any of them arising out of or in relation to or in connection with, its appointment or the exercise of its functions in relation to that Issuer.
7.6 |
Continuing Effect |
Clauses 7.3 (Expenses) and 7.5 (Indemnity) shall continue in full force and effect as regards the Trustee even if it no longer is Trustee.
7.7 |
Determination of Series |
The Trustee shall be entitled in its absolute discretion to determine in respect of which Series of Instruments any costs, charge, liabilities and expenses incurred under this Trust Deed have been incurred or to allocate any such costs, charges, liabilities and expenses between the Instruments of any two or more Series.
8 |
Provisions Supplemental to the Trustee Acts |
8.1 |
Advice |
The Trustee may act on the opinion or advice of, or information obtained from, any expert (including, without limitation, any report or advice received from an independent financial adviser or from any accountant pursuant to the Conditions), whether or not (1) such opinion, advice or information is addressed to the Trustee or any other person, and (2) such experts liability in respect of the same is limited by reference to a monetary cap or
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otherwise and shall not be responsible to anyone for any loss occasioned by so acting. Any such opinion, advice or information may be sent or obtained by letter or fax and the Trustee shall not be liable to anyone for acting in good faith on any opinion, advice or information purporting to be conveyed by such means even if it contains some error or is not authentic.
8.2 |
Trustee to Assume Performance |
The Trustee need not notify anyone of the execution of this Trust Deed or do anything to find out if an National Grid Restructuring Event or NGET Restructuring Event, an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred. Until it has actual knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee may assume that no such event has occurred and that each Issuer is performing all of its obligations under this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons provided that the Trustee shall not be treated for any purposes as having any notice or knowledge which has been obtained by it or any officer or employee of it in some capacity other than as Trustee under this Trust Deed or in a private or confidential capacity such that it would not be proper to disclose to third parties.
8.3 |
Resolutions of Instrumentholders |
The Trustee shall not be responsible for having acted in good faith on a resolution purporting to have been passed at a meeting of Instrumentholders in respect of which minutes have been made and signed even if it is later found that there was a defect in the constitution of the meeting or the passing of the resolution or that the resolution was not valid or binding on the Instrumentholders or Couponholders.
8.4 |
Certificate Signed by Directors, etc. |
If the Trustee, in the exercise of its functions, requires to be satisfied or to have information as to any fact or the expediency of any act, it may call for and accept as sufficient evidence of that fact or the expediency of that act a certificate signed by any two Directors of the relevant Issuer as to that fact or to the effect that, in their opinion, that act is expedient and the Trustee need not call for further evidence and shall not be responsible for any loss occasioned by acting on such a certificate.
8.5 |
Deposit of Documents |
The Trustee may deposit this Trust Deed and any other documents with any bank or entity whose business includes the safe custody of documents or with any lawyer or firm of lawyers believed by it to be of good repute and may pay all sums due in respect of them.
8.6 |
Discretion |
The Trustee shall have absolute and uncontrolled discretion as to the exercise of its functions and shall not be responsible for any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand, expense or inconvenience which may result from their exercise or non-exercise.
8.7 |
Agents |
Whenever it considers it expedient in the interests of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee may, in the conduct of its trust business, instead of acting personally, employ and pay an agent selected by it, whether or not a lawyer or other professional person, to transact or conduct, or concur in transacting or conducting, any business and to do or concur in doing
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all acts required to be done by the Trustee (including the receipt and payment of money). The Trustee shall not be responsible to anyone for any misconduct or omission by any such agent so employed by it or be bound to supervise the proceedings or acts of any such agent.
8.8 |
Delegation |
Whenever it considers it expedient in the interests of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee may delegate to any person on any terms (including power to sub-delegate) all or any of its functions. If the Trustee exercises reasonable care in selecting such delegate, it shall not have any obligation to supervise such delegate or be responsible for any loss, liability, cost, claim, action, demand or expense incurred by reason of any misconduct or default by any such delegate or sub-delegate.
8.9 |
Nominees |
In relation to any asset held by it under this Trust Deed, the Trustee may appoint any person to act as its nominee on any terms.
8.10 |
Forged Instruments |
The Trustee shall not be liable to the relevant Issuer or any relevant Instrumentholder or Couponholder by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any relevant Instrument, Certificate, Receipt, Coupon or Talon purporting to be such and later found to be forged or not authentic.
8.11 |
Confidentiality |
Unless ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction, the Trustee shall not be required to disclose to any Instrumentholder or Couponholder any confidential financial or other information made available to the Trustee by the relevant Issuer.
8.12 |
Determinations Conclusive |
As between itself and the Instrumentholders and Couponholders, the Trustee may determine all questions and doubts arising in relation to any of the provisions of this Trust Deed. Such determinations, whether made upon such a question actually raised or implied in the acts or proceedings of the Trustee, shall be conclusive and shall bind the Trustee, the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders.
8.13 |
Currency Conversion |
Where it is necessary or desirable to convert any sum from one currency to another, it shall (unless otherwise provided hereby or required by law) be converted at such rate or rates, in accordance with such method and as at such date as may reasonably be specified by the Trustee but having regard to current rates of exchange, if available. Any rate, method and date so specified shall be binding on the relevant Issuer and the relevant Instrumentholders and Couponholders.
8.14 |
Payment for and Delivery of Instruments |
The Trustee shall not be responsible for the receipt or application by the relevant Issuer of the proceeds of the issue of any relevant Instruments, any exchange of relevant Instruments or the delivery of relevant Instruments to the persons entitled to them.
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8.15 |
Trustees consent |
Any consent given by the Trustee for the purposes of this Trust Deed may be given on such terms as the Trustee thinks fit. In giving such consent the Trustee may require the Issuers to agree to such modifications or additions to this Trust Deed as the Trustee may deem expedient in the interest of the Instrumentholders.
8.16 |
Instruments Held by an Issuer etc. |
In the absence of knowledge or express notice to the contrary, the Trustee may assume without enquiry (other than requesting a certificate under Clause 6.12 (Instruments Held by an Issuer)) that no Instruments are for the time being held by or on behalf of an Issuer or its subsidiary undertakings.
8.17 |
Legal Opinions |
The Trustee shall not be responsible to any person for failing to request, require or receive any legal opinion relating to any Instruments or for checking or commenting upon the content of any such legal opinion.
8.18 |
Programme Limit |
The Trustee shall not be concerned, and need not enquire, as to whether or not any Instruments are issued in breach of the Programme Limit.
8.19 |
Events of Default |
The Trustee may determine whether or not an Event of Default is in its opinion capable of remedy or (in relation to Condition 9(b)) materially prejudicial to the interests of relevant Instrumentholders. Any such determination shall be conclusive and binding on the relevant Issuer and the relevant Instrumentholders.
8.20 |
Appointment of Independent Financial Adviser |
In connection with the Trustees right to appoint an independent financial adviser pursuant to Condition 5.6.2 (if applicable), the Trustee:
8.20.1 |
shall use its reasonable endeavours to identify and appoint the independent financial adviser but shall have no liability to any person if, having used its reasonable endeavours, it is unable to identify and appoint a suitable independent financial adviser; |
8.20.2 |
shall not be responsible for carrying on the role of independent financial adviser itself during the time it is attempting to identify such independent financial adviser or thereafter if it is unable to find such independent financial adviser; and |
8.20.3 |
shall not be required to take any action to find an independent financial adviser unless it has been previously indemnified and/or secured to its satisfaction or expend any of its own funds in the appointment of such an independent financial adviser. |
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9 |
Disapplication and Trustee Liability |
9.1 |
Disapplication |
Section 1 of the Trustee Act 2000 shall not apply to the duties of the Trustee in relation to the trusts constituted by this Trust Deed. Where there are any inconsistencies between the Trustee Acts and the provisions of this Trust Deed, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall, to the extent allowed by law, prevail and, in the case of any such inconsistency with the Trustee Act 2000, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall constitute a restriction or exclusion for the purposes of that Act.
9.2 |
Trustee Liability |
Subject to Sections 750 and 751 of the Companies Act 2006 (if applicable) and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Trust Deed, the Instruments or the Paying Agency Agreement, the Trustee shall not be liable to any person for any matter or thing done or omitted in any way in connection with or in relation to this Trust Deed, the Instruments or the Agency Agreement save in relation to its own gross negligence, wilful default or fraud.
10 |
Waiver and Proof of Default |
10.1 |
Waiver |
The Trustee may, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders and without prejudice to its rights in respect of any subsequent breach, from time to time and at any time, if in its opinion the interests of the Instrumentholders will not be materially prejudiced thereby, waive or authorise, on such terms as seem expedient to it, any breach or proposed breach by an Issuer of this Trust Deed or the Conditions or determine that an Event of Default or Potential Event of Default shall not be treated as such provided that the Trustee shall not do so in contravention of an express direction given by an Extraordinary Resolution or a request made pursuant to Condition 9. No such direction or request shall affect a previous waiver, authorisation or determination. Any such waiver, authorisation or determination shall be binding on the relevant Instrumentholders and the Couponholders and, if the Trustee so requires, shall be notified to the Instrumentholders as soon as practicable.
10.2 |
Proof of Default |
Proof that the relevant Issuer has failed to pay a sum due to the holder of any one Instrument, Receipt or Coupon shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that it has made the same default as regards all other Instruments, Receipts or Coupons which are then payable.
11 |
Trustee not Precluded from Entering into Contracts |
The Trustee and any other person, whether or not acting for itself, may acquire, hold or dispose of any Instrument, Receipt, Coupon, Talon or other security (or any interest therein) of either of the Issuers or any other person, may enter into or be interested in any contract or transaction with any such person and may act on, or as depositary or agent for, any committee or body of holders of any securities of any such person in each case with the same rights as it would have had if the Trustee were not acting as Trustee and need not account for any profit.
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12 |
Modification and Substitution |
12.1 |
Modification |
The Trustee may agree without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders to any modification to this Trust Deed of a formal, minor or technical nature or to correct a manifest error. The Trustee may also so agree to any other modification to this Trust Deed which is in its opinion not materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders of the relevant Series, but such power does not extend to any such modification as is mentioned in the proviso to paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 (Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders). Any such modification, authorisation or waiver shall be binding on the relevant Instrumentholders and Couponholders and if the Trustee so requires, such modification shall be notified to the relevant Instrumentholders as soon as practicable.
12.2 |
Substitution |
12.2.1 |
The Trustee may, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders, agree to the substitution of any other company (the Substituted Obligor ) in place of such Issuer (or of any previous substitute under this Clause 12) as the principal debtor under this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons provided that such substitution would not, in the opinion of the Trustee, be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders, and further provided that : |
(i) |
a deed is executed or undertaking given by the Substituted Obligor to the Trustee, in form and manner satisfactory to the Trustee, agreeing to be bound by this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons (with consequential amendments as the Trustee may deem appropriate) as if the Substituted Obligor had been named in this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons as the principal debtor in place of such Issuer; |
(ii) |
if the Substituted Obligor is subject generally to the taxing jurisdiction of a territory or any authority of or in that territory with power to tax (the Substituted Territory ) other than the territory to the taxing jurisdiction of which (or to any such authority of or in which) such Issuer is subject generally (the Issuers Territory ), the Substituted Obligor shall (unless the Trustee otherwise agrees) give to the Trustee an undertaking satisfactory to the Trustee in terms corresponding to Condition 7 with the substitution for the references in that Condition to such Issuers Territory of references to the Substituted Territory whereupon the Trust Deed, and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be read accordingly; |
(iii) |
if any two Directors of the Substituted Obligor certify that it will be solvent immediately after such substitution, the Trustee need not have regard to the Substituted Obligors financial condition, profits or prospects or compare them with those of such Issuer; |
(iv) |
such Issuer and the Substituted Obligor comply with such other requirements as the Trustee may direct in the interests of the relevant Instrumentholders; and |
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(v) |
the Trustee is satisfied that (i) the Substituted Obligor has obtained all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals and consents necessary for its assumption of liability as principal debtor in respect of the relevant Instruments in place of such Issuer (or a previous substitute), (ii) all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals and consents necessary for or in connection with the assumption by the Substituted Obligor of its obligations under the relevant Instruments and Coupons and (iii) such approvals and consents are at the time of substitution in full force and effect. |
12.2.2 |
Release of Substituted Issuer |
An agreement by the Trustee pursuant to Clause 12.2 (Substitution) shall, if so expressed, release the relevant Issuer (or a previous substitute) from any or all of its obligations under this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons. Notice of the substitution shall be given to the Instrumentholders within 14 days of the execution of such documents and compliance with such requirements.
12.2.3 |
Completion of Substitution |
On completion of the formalities set out in Clause 12.2 (Substitution), the Substituted Obligor shall be deemed to be named in this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons as the principal debtor in place of the relevant Issuer (or of any previous substitute) and this Trust Deed and the relevant Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall be deemed to be amended as necessary to give effect to the substitution.
13 |
Appointment, Retirement and Removal of the Trustee |
13.1 |
Appointment |
Each of the Issuers has the power of appointing new trustees but no one may be so appointed unless previously approved by an Extraordinary Resolution. The Trustee shall at all times be a trust corporation and such trust corporation may be the sole Trustee. Any appointment of a new Trustee shall be notified by each of the Issuers to its Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 as soon as practicable.
13.2 |
Retirement and Removal |
Any Trustee may retire at any time on giving at least three months written notice to each of the Issuers without giving any reason or being responsible for any costs occasioned by such retirement and the Instrumentholders may by Extraordinary Resolution remove any Trustee provided that the retirement or removal of a sole trust corporation shall not be effective until a trust corporation is appointed as successor Trustee. If a sole trust corporation gives notice of retirement or an Extraordinary Resolution is passed for its removal, it shall use all reasonable endeavours to procure that another trust corporation is appointed as Trustee.
13.3 |
Co-Trustees |
The Trustee may, despite Clause 13.1 (Appointment), by written notice to each of the Issuers, appoint anyone to act either as a separate Trustee in respect of any Issue or as an additional Trustee jointly with the Trustee:
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13.3.1 |
if the Trustee considers the appointment to be in the interests of the Instrumentholders and/or the Couponholders; |
13.3.2 |
to conform with a legal requirement, restriction or condition in a jurisdiction in which a particular act is to be performed; or |
13.3.3 |
to obtain a judgment or to enforce a judgment or any provision of this Trust Deed in any jurisdiction. |
Subject to the provisions of this Trust Deed the Trustee may, in the instrument of appointment, confer on any person so appointed such functions as it thinks fit. The Trustee may by written notice to each of the Issuers and that person remove that person. At the Trustees request, each Issuer shall forthwith do all things as may be required to perfect such appointment or removal and each of the Issuers irrevocably appoints the Trustee as its attorney in its name and on its behalf to do so.
Before appointing such person to act as separate Trustee or additional Trustee the Trustee shall (unless it is not, in the opinion of the Trustee, reasonably practicable to do so) give notice to each of the Issuers of its intention to make such appointment (and the reason for that) and shall give due consideration to representations made by each of the Issuers concerning such appointment. Where, as a result of this provision, not all the Instruments have the same Trustee, the provisions of this Trust Deed shall apply in respect of each such Trustee as if each were named as a party to this Trust Deed.
13.4 |
Competence of a Majority of Trustees |
If there are more than two Trustees the majority of them shall be competent to perform the Trustees functions provided the majority includes a trust corporation.
14 |
Instruments held in Clearing Systems and Couponholders |
14.1 |
Instruments Held in Clearing Systems |
So long as any Global Instrument is held on behalf of a clearing system, in considering the interests of Instrumentholders, the Trustee may have regard to any information provided to it by such clearing system or its operator as to the identity (either individually or by category) of its accountholders or participants with entitlements to any such Global Instrument and may consider such interests on the basis that such accountholders or participants were the holder(s) of such Global Instrument.
14.2 |
Reliance on Instruments Held in Clearing Systems |
The Trustee and any Issuer may call for and, except in the case of manifest error, shall be at liberty to accept and place full reliance on as sufficient evidence thereof any certificate, letter of confirmation or other document issued on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any form of record made by any of them or such other evidence and/or information and/or certification as it shall, in its absolute discretion, think fit to the effect that at any particular time or throughout any particular period any particular person is, was, or will be, shown in its records as the holder of a particular nominal amount of Instruments represented by a Global Instrument and if the Trustee or any Issuer does so rely, such letter of confirmation, form of record, evidence, information or certification shall be conclusive and binding on all concerned for all purposes. Any such certificate may comprise any form of statement or print out of electronic records provided by the relevant clearing system (including Euroclears EUCLID or Clearstream, Luxembourgs Creation
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Online system) in accordance with its usual procedures and in which the holder of a particular nominal amount of Instruments is clearly identified together with the amount of such holding. Neither an Issuer nor the Trustee shall be liable to any person by reason of having accepted as valid or not having rejected any certificate or other document to such effect purporting to be issued by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg and subsequently found to be forged or not authentic.
14.3 |
Couponholders |
No notices need be given to Couponholders. They shall be deemed to have notice of the contents of any notice given to Instrumentholders. Even if it has express notice to the contrary, in exercising any of its functions by reference to the interests of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee shall assume that the holder of each Instrument is the holder of all Receipts, Coupons and Talons relating to it.
15 |
Currency Indemnity |
15.1 |
Currency of Account and Payment |
The Contractual Currency is the sole currency of account and payment for all sums payable by each of the Issuers under or in connection with this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts and the Coupons, including damages.
15.2 |
Extent of Discharge |
An amount received or recovered in a currency other than the Contractual Currency (whether as a result of, or of the enforcement of, a judgment or order of a court of any jurisdiction, in the insolvency, winding-up or dissolution of either of the Issuers or otherwise), by the Trustee or any Instrumentholder or Couponholder in respect of any sum expressed to be due to it from the relevant Issuer, shall only discharge such Issuer to the extent of the Contractual Currency amount which the recipient is able to purchase with the amount so received or recovered in that other currency on the date of that receipt or recovery (or, if it is not practicable to make that purchase on that date, on the first date on which it is practicable to do so).
15.3 |
Indemnity |
If that Contractual Currency amount is less than the Contractual Currency amount expressed to be due to the recipient under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts or the Coupons, the relevant Issuer shall indemnify the recipient against any loss sustained by it as a result. In any event, the relevant Issuer shall indemnify the recipient against the cost of making any such purchase.
15.4 |
Indemnity Separate |
The indemnities in this Clause 15 and in Clause 7.5 (Indemnity) constitute separate and independent obligations from the other obligations in this Trust Deed, shall give rise to a separate and independent course of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Trustee and/or any Instrumentholder or Couponholder and shall continue in full force and effect despite any judgment, order, claim or proof for a liquidated amount in respect of any sum due under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts and/or the Coupons or any other judgment or order.
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16 |
Enforcement |
16.1 |
Trustee to enforce |
Only the Trustee may enforce the rights of the Instrumentholders and Couponholders against the relevant Issuer, whether the same arise under the general law, this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Coupons or otherwise, and no Instrumentholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to proceed directly against the relevant Issuer unless the Trustee, having become bound to proceed, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
16.2 |
Trustees Indemnity |
The Trustee shall not be bound to take any steps to enforce the performance of any provisions of this Trust Deed, the Instruments or the Coupons or to appoint an independent financial advisor pursuant to the Conditions of the Instruments unless it shall be indemnified and/or secured and/or prefunded by the relevant Instrumentholders and/or Couponholders to its satisfaction against all proceedings, claims and demands to which it may be liable and against all costs, charges, liabilities and expenses which may be incurred by it in connection with such enforcement or appointment, including the costs of its managements time and/or other internal resources, calculated using its normal hourly rates in force from time to time.
16.3 |
Legal proceedings |
If the Trustee (or any Instrumentholder or Couponholder where entitled in accordance with this Trust Deed so to do) institutes legal proceedings against the relevant Issuer to enforce any obligations under this Trust Deed:
16.3.1 |
proof in such proceedings that as regards any specified Instrument such Issuer has made default in paying any principal or interest due to the relevant Instrumentholder shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that such Issuer has made the same default as regards all other Instruments which are then repayable or, as the case may be, in respect of which interest is then payable; and |
16.3.2 |
proof in such proceedings that as regards any specified Coupon such Issuer has made default in paying any sum due to the relevant Couponholder shall (unless the contrary be proved) be sufficient evidence that such Issuer has made the same default as regards all other Coupons which are then payable. |
16.4 |
Powers additional to general powers |
The powers conferred on the Trustee by this Clause 16 shall be in addition to any powers which may from time to time be vested in the Trustee by general law or as the holder of any Instruments or Coupons.
17 |
Communications |
17.1 |
Method |
Each communication under this Trust Deed shall be made by fax, electronic communication or otherwise in writing. Each communication or document to be delivered to any party under this Trust Deed shall be sent to that party at the fax number, electronic
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address or postal address, and marked for the attention of the person (if any), from time to time designated by that party to each other party for the purpose of this Trust Deed. The initial telephone number, fax number, electronic address, postal address and person so designated by the parties under this Trust Deed are set out in the Procedures Memorandum.
17.2 |
Deemed Receipt |
Any communication from any party to any other under this Trust Deed shall be effective, (if by fax) when good receipt is confirmed by the recipient following enquiry by the sender, (if by electronic communication) when the relevant receipt of such communication being read is given, or where no read receipt is requested by the sender, when good receipt is confirmed by the recipient following enquiry by the sender and (if in writing) when received, except that a communication received outside normal business hours shall be deemed to be received on the next business day in the city in which the recipient is located.
18 |
Governing Law and Jurisdiction |
18.1 |
Governing Law |
This Trust Deed and any non-contractual obligations arising out of in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
18.2 |
Jurisdiction |
The courts of England are to have jurisdiction to settle any disputes that may arise out of or in connection with this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons or the Talons and accordingly any legal action or proceedings arising out of or in connection with this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons or the Talons ( Proceedings ) may be brought in such courts. Each of the Issuers irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts and waives any objection to Proceedings in such courts on the ground of venue or on the ground that the Proceedings have been brought in an inconvenient forum. This Clause is for the benefit of each of the Trustee and the relevant Instrumentholders and Couponholders and shall not limit the right of any of them to take Proceedings in any other court of competent jurisdiction nor shall the taking of Proceedings in any one or more jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction (whether concurrently or not).
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Schedule 1
Part A
Form of CGN Temporary Global Instrument
[NATIONAL GRID plc/
NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc]*
(Incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales
under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number [04031152/02366977] * )
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
TEMPORARY GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Temporary Global Instrument No. []
This temporary Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche and Series specified in the Second Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument of [National Grid plc/National Grid Electricity Transmission plc] * (the Issuer ).
1 |
Interpretation and Definitions |
References in this temporary Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 2 August 2011 between inter alios the Issuer and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this temporary Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in the Second Schedule hereto), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this temporary Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed. If the Second Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument specifies that the applicable TEFRA exemption is either C Rules or not applicable, this temporary Global Instrument is a C Rules Instrument, otherwise this temporary Global Instrument is a D Rules Instrument.
2 |
Aggregate Nominal Amount |
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this temporary Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments as shall be shown by the latest entry in the fourth column of the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, which shall be completed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent upon (a) the issue of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument, (b) the exchange of the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument for a corresponding interest in a permanent Global Instrument or, as the case may be, for Definitive Instruments, (c) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and/or (d) in the case of Partly Paid
* |
Delete as applicable. |
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Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
3 |
Promise to Pay |
Subject as provided in this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received, by this temporary Global Instrument promises to pay to the bearer of this temporary Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this temporary Global Instrument) surrender of this temporary Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual, on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions) the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and (unless this temporary Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment, and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments, together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
4 |
Exchange |
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, on or after the first day following the expiry of 40 days after the Issue Date (the Exchange Date ), this temporary Global Instrument may be exchanged (free of charge to the holder) in whole or (in the case of a D Rules Instrument only) from time to time in part by its presentation and, on exchange in full, surrender to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for interests in a permanent Global Instrument or, if so specified in the Second Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, for Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument submitted for exchange provided that , in the case of any part of a D Rules Instrument submitted for exchange for a permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments, there shall have been Certification with respect to such nominal amount submitted for such exchange dated no earlier than the Exchange Date.
Certification means the presentation to the Issuing and Paying Agent of a certificate or certificates with respect to one or more interests in this temporary Global Instrument, signed by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 3 (Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders) to the Trust Deed to the effect that it has received a certificate or certificates substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 3 to the Agency Agreement with respect to it and that no contrary advice as to the contents of the certificate has been received by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be.
Upon the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument being exchanged for a permanent Global Instrument, such permanent Global Instrument shall be exchangeable in accordance with its terms for Definitive Instruments.
The Definitive Instruments, for which this temporary Global Instrument or a permanent Global Instrument may be exchangeable, shall be duly executed and authenticated, shall,
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in the case of Definitive Instruments, have attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this temporary Global Instrument or the permanent Global Instrument, as the case may be, shall be security printed and shall be substantially in the form set out in the relevant Schedules to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of the Second Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this temporary Global Instrument for an equivalent interest in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the portion of the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument so exchanged shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent in Part 1 of the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, whereupon the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so exchanged and endorsed.
5 |
Benefit of Conditions |
Except as otherwise specified in this temporary Global Instrument, this temporary Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this temporary Global Instrument is exchanged for equivalent interests in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the holder of this temporary Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the permanent Global Instrument (or the relevant part of it) or the Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, for which it may be exchanged as if such permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
6 |
Payments |
No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument which falls due on or after the Exchange Date unless, upon due presentation of this temporary Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of (or, in the case of a subsequent exchange, due endorsement of) a permanent Global Instrument or delivery of Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer.
Payments due in respect of a D Rules Instrument before the Exchange Date shall only be made in relation to such nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument with respect to which there shall have been Certification dated no earlier than such due date for payment.
Any payments which are made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions. If any payment in full of principal is made in respect of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument, the portion of this temporary Global Instrument representing such Instrument shall be cancelled and the amount so cancelled shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent in the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument (such endorsement being prima facie evidence that the payment in question has been made) upon which the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so cancelled and endorsed. If any other payments are made in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument, a record of each such
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payment shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent on an additional schedule to this temporary Global Instrument (such endorsement being prima facie evidence that the payment in question has been made). Condition 6.4(e) and Condition 7(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 6.6 (Non-Business Days).
7 |
Cancellation |
Cancellation of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption) shall be effected by reduction in the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument representing such Instrument on its presentation to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for endorsement in the First Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, upon which the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so cancelled and endorsed.
8 |
Notices |
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this temporary Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such other clearing system, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this temporary Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
No provision of this temporary Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions.
This temporary Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
This temporary Global Instrument and all matters arising from or connected with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this temporary Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
[NATIONAL GRID plc/NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc]*
By:
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This temporary Global Instrument is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
* |
Delete as applicable. |
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29 |
The First Schedule
Nominal amount of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument
The following (i) issue of Instruments initially represented by this temporary Global Instrument, (ii) exchanges of the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument for interests in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments and/or (iii) cancellations or forfeitures of interests in this temporary Global Instrument have been made, resulting in the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument specified in the latest entry in the fourth column below:
Date |
Amount of decrease in nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument |
Reason for decrease in nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument (exchange, cancellation or forfeiture) |
Nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument on issue or following such decrease |
Notation made by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
||||
Issue Date |
not applicable |
not applicable |
||||||
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The Second Schedule
[Insert the provisions of Part A of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Second Schedule]
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Schedule 1
Part B
Form of CGN Permanent Global Instrument
[NATIONAL GRID plc/
NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc]*
(Incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales
under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number [04031152/02366977]*)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. [] Tranche No. []
PERMANENT GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Permanent Global Instrument No. []
This permanent Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche(s) and Series specified in the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument of [National Grid plc/National Grid Electricity Transmission plc]* (the Issuer ).
1 |
Interpretation and Definitions |
References in this permanent Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 2 August 2011 between, inter alios , the Issuer and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this permanent Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this permanent Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed.
2 |
Aggregate Nominal Amount |
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this permanent Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments as shall be shown by the latest entry in the fourth column of the First Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, which shall be completed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent upon (a) the exchange of the whole or a part of the temporary Global Instrument initially representing the Instruments for a corresponding interest in this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by a temporary Global Instrument upon issue), (b) the issue of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument upon issue), (c) the exchange of the whole or, where the limited circumstances so permit, a part of this permanent Global Instrument for Definitive Instruments, (d) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and/or (e) in the case of Partly Paid Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this
* |
Delete as applicable. |
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32 |
permanent Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
3 |
Promise to Pay |
Subject as provided in this permanent Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received, by this permanent Global Instrument promises to pay to the bearer of this permanent Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this permanent Global Instrument) surrender of this permanent Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions), the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and (unless this permanent Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment, and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments, together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
4 |
Exchange |
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable (free of charge to the holder) on or after the Exchange Date in whole but not, except as provided in the next paragraph, in part for the Definitive Instruments if this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system (an Alternative Clearing System ) and any such clearing system is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in fact do so.
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable in part (provided, however, that if this permanent Global Instrument is held by or on behalf of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or any Alternative Clearing System, the rules of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or such Alternative Clearing System as the case may be, so permit) if so provided, and in accordance with, the Conditions relating to Partly Paid Instruments.
Exchange Date means a day falling not less than 60 days, or in the case of failure to pay principal when due 30 days, after that on which the notice requiring exchange is given and on which banks are open for business in the city in which the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent is located and, except in the case of exchange pursuant to the first paragraph of this section above, in the cities in which Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or, if relevant, the Alternative Clearing System, are located.
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, any such exchange may be effected on or after an Exchange Date by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument surrendering this permanent Global Instrument or, in the case of a partial exchange, presenting it for endorsement to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent. In exchange for this permanent Global Instrument, or part of this permanent Global Instrument to be exchanged, the Issuer shall deliver, or procure the delivery of, duly executed and authenticated Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal
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to the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument submitted for exchange (if appropriate, having attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this permanent Global Instrument), security printed and substantially in the form set out in Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this permanent Global Instrument the portion of the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument so exchanged shall be endorsed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent in the First Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, whereupon the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so exchanged and endorsed.
5 |
Benefit of Conditions |
Except as otherwise specified in this permanent Global Instrument, this permanent Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this permanent Global Instrument is exchanged for Definitive Instruments, the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the Definitive Instruments for which it may be exchanged and as if such Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
6 |
Payments |
No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument that falls due after an Exchange Date for such Instruments, unless upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of Definitive Instruments is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer or the Issuer does not perform or comply with any one or more of what are expressed to be its obligations under any Definitive Instruments.
Payments in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions. A record of each such payment shall be endorsed on the First or Second Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, as appropriate, by the Issuing and Paying Agent or by the relevant Paying Agent, for and on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent, which endorsement shall (until the contrary is proved) be prima facie evidence that the payment in question has been made. Condition 6.4(e) and Condition 7(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this permanent Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 6.6 (Non-Business Days).
7 |
Prescription |
Claims in respect of principal and interest (as each such term is defined in the Conditions) in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall become void unless it is presented for payment within a period of 10 years (in the case of principal) and five years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date.
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8 |
Meetings |
For the purposes of any meeting of Instrumentholders, the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall (unless this permanent Global Instrument represents only one Instrument) be treated as two persons for the purposes of any quorum requirements of a meeting of Instrumentholders and, at any such meeting, as having one vote in respect of each integral currency unit of the Specified Currency of the Instruments.
9 |
Cancellation |
Cancellation of any Instrument represented by this permanent Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption) shall be effected by reduction in the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument representing such Instrument on its presentation to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for endorsement in the First Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument, upon which the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by the amount so cancelled and endorsed.
10 |
Purchase |
Instruments may only be purchased by the Issuer, or any of its subsidiary undertakings if they are purchased together with the right to receive all future payments of interest and Instalment Amounts (if any) on the Instruments being purchased.
11 |
Issuers Options |
Any option of the Issuer provided for in the Conditions shall be exercised by the Issuer giving notice to the Instrumentholders within the time limits set out in and containing the information required by the Conditions, except that the notice shall not be required to contain the serial numbers of Instruments drawn in the case of a partial exercise of an option and accordingly no drawing of Instruments shall be required.
12 |
Instrumentholders Redemption Option [and Restructuring Redemption Option] * |
Any option of the Instrumentholders provided for in the Conditions may be exercised by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument giving notice to the Issuing and Paying Agent within the time limits relating to the deposit of Instruments with a Paying Agent set out in the Conditions substantially in the form of the relevant notice available from any Paying Agent and stating the nominal amount of Instruments in respect of which the option is exercised and at the same time presenting this permanent Global Instrument to the Issuing and Paying Agent, or to a Paying Agent acting on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent, for notation accordingly in the Fourth Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument.
13 |
Notices |
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any Alternative Clearing System) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such Alternative Clearing
* |
If applicable. |
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35 |
System, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this permanent Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
14 |
Negotiability |
This permanent Global Instrument is a bearer document and negotiable and accordingly:
(a) |
is freely transferable by delivery and such transfer shall operate to confer upon the transferee all rights and benefits appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument and to bind the transferee with all obligations appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument pursuant to the Conditions; |
(b) |
the holder of this permanent Global Instrument is and shall be absolutely entitled as against all previous holders to receive all amounts by way of amounts payable upon redemption, interest or otherwise payable in respect of this permanent Global Instrument and the Issuer has waived against such holder and any previous holder of this permanent Global Instrument all rights of set-off or counterclaim which would or might otherwise be available to it in respect of the obligations evidenced by this permanent Global Instrument; and |
(c) |
payment upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument as provided in this permanent Global Instrument shall operate as a good discharge against such holder and all previous holders of this permanent Global Instrument. |
No provisions of this permanent Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions.
This permanent Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
This permanent Global Instrument and all matters arising from or connected with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this permanent Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
[NATIONAL GRID plc/NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc]*
By:
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This permanent Global Instrument is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
* |
Delete as applicable. |
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The First Schedule
Nominal amount of Instruments
represented by this permanent Global Instrument
The following (i) issue of Instruments initially represented by this permanent Global Instrument, (ii) exchanges of interests in a temporary Global Instrument for interests in this permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments and/or (iii) cancellations or forfeitures of interests in this permanent Global Instrument have been made, resulting in the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument specified in the latest entry in the fourth column below:
Date |
Amount of increase/decrease in nominal
amount of this
|
Reason for increase/decrease in nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument (initial issue, exchange, cancellation, forfeiture or payment, stating amount of payment made) |
Nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument on issue or following such increase/decrease |
Notation made by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
||||
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The Second Schedule
Payments of Interest
The following payments of interest or Interest Amount in respect of this permanent Global Instrument have been made:
Due date of payment |
Date of payment |
Amount of interest |
Notation made by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
|||
|
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39 |
The Third Schedule
[Insert the provisions of Part A of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Third Schedule.]
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40 |
The Fourth Schedule
Exercise of Instrumentholders Redemption Option
[and Restructuring Redemption Option]*
The following exercises of the option of the Instrumentholders provided for in the Conditions have been made in respect of the stated nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument:
Date of exercise |
Nominal amount of this permanent
Global Instrument in
exercise is made |
Date on which exercise of such option is effective |
Notation made by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent |
|||
* |
If applicable. |
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Schedule 1
Part C
Form of NGN Temporary Global Instrument
[NATIONAL GRID plc/NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc]*
(Incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales
under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number [04031152/02366977]*)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
TEMPORARY GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Temporary Global Instrument No. []
This temporary Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche and Series specified in Part A of the Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument of [National Grid plc/National Grid Electricity Transmission plc]* (the Issuer ).
1 |
Interpretation and Definitions |
References in this temporary Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 2 August 2011 between, inter alios, the Issuer and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this temporary Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in Part A of the Schedule hereto), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this temporary Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed. If the Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument specifies that the applicable TEFRA exemption is either C Rules or not applicable, this temporary Global Instrument is a C Rules Instrument, otherwise this temporary Global Instrument is a D Rules Instrument.
2 |
Aggregate Nominal Amount |
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this temporary Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments from time to time entered in the records of both Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg (together the relevant Clearing Systems ), which shall be completed by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent upon (a) the issue of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument, (b) the exchange of the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument for a corresponding interest recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or, as the case may be, for Definitive Instruments, (c) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and/or (d) in the case of Partly Paid Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this temporary Global Instrument means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which
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reflect the amount of such customers interests in the Instruments) shall be conclusive evidence of the nominal amount of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and, for these purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the nominal amount of Instruments represented by the temporary Global Instrument at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing Systems at that time.
3 |
Promise to Pay |
Subject as provided in this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received by this temporary Global Instrument, promises to pay to the bearer of this temporary Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this temporary Global Instrument) surrender of this temporary Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual, on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions) the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument and (unless this temporary Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment, and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments, together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
4 |
Exchange |
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, on or after the first day following the expiry of 40 days after the Issue Date (the Exchange Date ), this temporary Global Instrument may be exchanged (free of charge to the holder) in whole or (in the case of a D Rules Instrument only) from time to time in part by its presentation and, on exchange in full, surrender to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent for interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or, if so specified in Part A of the Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument, for Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument submitted for exchange provided that, in the case of any part of a D Rules Instrument submitted for exchange for interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments, there shall have been Certification with respect to such nominal amount submitted for such exchange dated no earlier than the Exchange Date.
Certification means the presentation to the Issuing and Paying Agent of a certificate or certificates with respect to one or more interests in this temporary Global Instrument, signed by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 3 (Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders) to the Trust Deed to the effect that it has received a certificate or certificates substantially to the effect set out in Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed with respect to it and that no contrary advice as to the contents of the certificate has been received by Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg, as the case may be.
Upon the whole or a part of this temporary Global Instrument being exchanged for a permanent Global Instrument, such permanent Global Instrument shall be exchangeable in accordance with its terms for Definitive Instruments.
The Definitive Instruments, for which this temporary Global Instrument or a permanent Global Instrument may be exchangeable, shall be duly executed and authenticated, shall, in the case of
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Definitive Instruments, have attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this temporary Global Instrument or the permanent Global Instrument, as the case may be, shall be security printed and shall be substantially in the form set out in the relevant Schedules to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of Part A of the Schedule to this temporary Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this temporary Global Instrument for an equivalent interest recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the Issuer shall procure that details of the portion of the nominal amount hereof so exchanged shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced for all purposes by an amount equal to such portion so exchanged.
5 |
Benefit of Conditions |
Except as otherwise specified in this temporary Global Instrument, this temporary Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this temporary Global Instrument is exchanged for equivalent interests in a permanent Global Instrument or for Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, the holder of this temporary Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the permanent Global Instrument (or the relevant part of it) or the Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, for which it may be exchanged as if such permanent Global Instrument or Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
6 |
Payments |
No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument which falls due on or after the Exchange Date unless, upon due presentation of this temporary Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of (or, in the case of a subsequent exchange, a corresponding entry being recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems) a permanent Global Instrument or delivery of Definitive Instruments, as the case may be, is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer.
Payments due in respect of a D Rules Instrument before the Exchange Date shall only be made in relation to such nominal amount of this temporary Global Instrument with respect to which there shall have been Certification dated no earlier than such due date for payment.
Any payments which are made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions and each payment so made will discharge the Issuers obligations in respect thereof. Any failure to make the entries in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems referred to herein shall not affect such discharge. If any payment in full or in part of principal or in the case of Instalment Instruments, payment of an Instalment Amount is made in respect of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer shall procure that details of such payment shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and, upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so redeemed or by the aggregate amount of the Instalment Amount so paid. If any other payments are made in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument, the Issuer shall procure that a record of each
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such payment shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems). Condition 6.4(e) and Condition 7(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this temporary Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 6.6 (Non-Business Days).
7 |
Cancellation |
On cancellation of any Instrument represented by this temporary Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption), the Issuer shall procure that details of such cancellation shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and, upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instrument recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this temporary Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so cancelled.
8 |
Notices |
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this temporary Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this temporary Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such other clearing system, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this temporary Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
No provision of this temporary Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions.
This temporary Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as Common Safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
This temporary Global Instrument and all matters arising from or connected with it shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this temporary Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
[ NATIONAL GRID plc/NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc ] *
By:
Authorised Signatory
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This temporary Global Instrument is authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
Effectuation
This temporary Global Instrument
Is effectuated by
[ COMMON SAFEKEEPER ]
As Common Safekeeper
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of effectuation only
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
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The Schedule
[Insert the provisions of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Schedule]
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Schedule 1
Part D
Form of NGN Permanent Global Instrument
[NATIONAL GRID plc/NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc]*
(Incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales
under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number [04031152/02366977]*)
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
PERMANENT GLOBAL INSTRUMENT
Permanent Global Instrument No. []
This permanent Global Instrument is issued without Coupons in respect of the Instruments (the Instruments ) of the Tranche(s) and Series specified in Part A of the Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument of [National Grid plc/National Grid Electricity Transmission plc]* (the Issuer ).
1 |
Interpretation and Definitions |
References in this permanent Global Instrument to the Conditions are to the Terms and Conditions applicable to the Instruments (which are in the form set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) to the amended and restated trust deed (as amended or supplemented as at the Issue Date, the Trust Deed ) dated 2 August 2011 between, inter alios, the Issuer and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. as trustee, as such form is supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the provisions of this permanent Global Instrument (including the supplemental definitions and any modifications or additions set out in the Third Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument), which in the event of any conflict shall prevail). Other capitalised terms used in this permanent Global Instrument shall have the meanings given to them in the Conditions or the Trust Deed.
2 |
Aggregate Nominal Amount |
The aggregate nominal amount from time to time of this permanent Global Instrument shall be an amount equal to the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments from time to time entered in the records of both Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg (together, the relevant Clearing Systems ), which shall be completed and/or amended as the case may be upon (a) the exchange of the whole or a part of the interests recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems in the temporary Global Instrument initially representing the Instruments for a corresponding interest in this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by a temporary Global Instrument upon issue), (b) the issue of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument (in the case of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument upon issue), (c) the exchange of the whole or, where the limited circumstances so permit, a part of this permanent Global Instrument for Definitive Instruments, (d) the redemption or purchase and cancellation of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and/or (e) in the case of Partly Paid Instruments, the forfeiture of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument in accordance with the Conditions relating to such Partly Paid Instruments, all as described below.
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The records of the relevant Clearing Systems (which expression in this permanent Global Instrument means the records that each relevant Clearing System holds for its customers which reflect the amount of such customers interests in the Instruments) shall be conclusive evidence of the nominal amount of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and, for these purposes, a statement issued by a relevant Clearing System (which statement shall be made available to the bearer upon request) stating the nominal amount of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument at any time shall be conclusive evidence of the records of the relevant Clearing System at that time.
3 |
Promise to Pay |
Subject as provided in this permanent Global Instrument, the Issuer, for value received, by this permanent Global Instrument promises to pay to the bearer of this permanent Global Instrument, upon presentation and (when no further payment is due in respect of this permanent Global Instrument) surrender of this permanent Global Instrument, on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions), the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions in respect of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument and (unless this permanent Global Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest in respect of the Instruments from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, on the dates for payment, and in accordance with the methods of calculation provided for in the Conditions, save that the calculation is made in respect of the total aggregate amount of the Instruments, together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
4 |
Exchange |
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable (free of charge to the holder) on or after the Exchange Date in whole but not, except as provided in the next paragraph, in part for the Definitive Instruments if this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system (an Alternative Clearing System ) and any such clearing system is closed for business for a continuous period of 14 days (other than by reason of holidays, statutory or otherwise) or announces an intention permanently to cease business or does in fact do so.
This permanent Global Instrument is exchangeable in part (provided, however, that if this permanent Global Instrument is held by or on behalf of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg, the rules of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and/or Alternative Clearing System, as the case may be, so permit) if so provided, and in accordance with, the Conditions relating to Partly Paid Instruments.
Exchange Date means a day falling not less than 60 days, or in the case of failure to pay principal when due, 30 days after that on which the notice requiring exchange is given and on which banks are open for business in the city in which the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent is located and, except in the case of exchange pursuant to the first paragraph of this section above, in the cities in which Euroclear and Clearstream, Luxembourg or, if relevant, the Alternative Clearing System, are located.
Subject as provided in the Conditions applicable to Partly Paid Instruments, any such exchange may be effected on or after an Exchange Date by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument surrendering this permanent Global Instrument or, in the case of a partial exchange, presenting it for endorsement to or to the order of the Issuing and Paying Agent. In exchange for this permanent
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Global Instrument, or part of this permanent Global Instrument to be exchanged, the Issuer shall deliver, or procure the delivery of, duly executed and authenticated Definitive Instruments in an aggregate nominal amount equal to the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument submitted for exchange (if appropriate, having attached to them all Coupons (and, where appropriate, Talons) in respect of interest, and all Receipts in respect of Instalment Amounts, which have not already been paid on this permanent Global Instrument), security printed and substantially in the form set out in Schedule 2 to the Trust Deed as supplemented and/or modified and/or superseded by the terms of Part A of the Schedule to this permanent Global Instrument.
On any exchange of a part of this permanent Global Instrument the Issuer shall procure that the portion of the nominal amount of this permanent Global Instrument so exchanged shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by an amount equal to such portion so exchanged.
5 |
Benefit of Conditions |
Except as otherwise specified in this permanent Global Instrument, the Issuer shall procure that this permanent Global Instrument is subject to the Conditions and the Trust Deed and, until the whole of this permanent Global Instrument is exchanged for Definitive Instruments, the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits as if it were the holder of the Definitive Instruments for which it may be exchanged and as if such Definitive Instruments had been issued on the Issue Date.
6 |
Payments |
No person shall be entitled to receive any payment in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument that falls due after an Exchange Date for such Instruments, unless upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument for exchange, delivery of Definitive Instruments is improperly withheld or refused by or on behalf of the Issuer or the Issuer does not perform or comply with any one or more of what are expressed to be its obligations under any Definitive Instruments.
Payments in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall be made to its holder against presentation and (if no further payment falls to be made on it) surrender of it at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent or of any other Paying Agent provided for in the Conditions and each payment so made will discharge the Issuers obligations in respect thereof. Any failure to make the entries in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems referred to herein shall not affect such discharge. The Issuer shall procure that details of each such payment shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and in the case of any payment of principal, or in the case of Instalment Instruments, payment of an Instalment Amount, and upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so redeemed or by the aggregate amount of the Instalment Amount so paid. Condition 6.4(e) and Condition 7(e)(i) will apply to the Definitive Instruments only.
For the purposes of any payments made in respect of this permanent Global Instrument, the words in the relevant place of presentation shall not apply in the definition of business day in Condition 6.6 (Non-Business Days).
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7 |
Prescription |
Claims in respect of principal and interest (as each is defined in the Conditions) in respect of this permanent Global Instrument shall become void unless it is presented for payment within a period of 10 years (in the case of principal) and 5 years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date.
8 |
Meetings |
For the purposes of any meeting of Instrumentholders the holder of this permanent Global Instrument shall (unless this permanent Global Instrument represents only one Instrument) be treated as two persons for the purposes of any quorum requirements of a meeting of Instrumentholders and, at any such meeting, as having one vote in respect of each integral currency unit of the specified currency of the Instruments.
9 |
Cancellation |
On cancellation of any Instrument represented by this permanent Global Instrument which is required by the Conditions to be cancelled (other than upon its redemption) the Issuer shall procure that details of such cancellation shall be entered pro rata in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and, upon any such entry being made, the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of the Instruments so cancelled.
10 |
Purchase |
Instruments may only be purchased by the Issuer or any of its subsidiary undertakings if they are purchased together with the right to receive all future payments of interest and Instalment Amounts (if any) on the Instruments being purchased.
11 |
Issuers Options |
Any option of the Issuer provided for in the Conditions shall be exercised by the Issuer giving notice to the Instrumentholders and the relevant Clearing Systems (or procuring that such notice is given on its behalf) within the time limits set out in and containing the information required by the Conditions, except that the notice shall not be required to contain the serial numbers of Instruments drawn in the case of a partial exercise of an option and accordingly no drawing of Instruments shall be required. In the case of a partial exercise of an option, the rights of accountholders with a clearing system in respect of the Instruments will be governed by the standard procedures of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg and shall be reflected in the records of Euroclear and/or Clearstream, Luxembourg as either a pool factor or a reduction in nominal amount, at their discretion. Following the exercise of any such option, the Issuer shall procure that the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced accordingly.
12 |
Instrumentholders Options Option [and Restructuring Redemption Option] |
Any option of the Instrumentholders provided for in the Conditions may be exercised by the holder of this permanent Global Instrument giving notice to the Issuing and Paying Agent within the time limits relating to the deposit of Instruments with a Paying Agent set out in the Conditions substantially in the form of the notice available from any Paying Agent, except that the notice shall
|
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not be required to contain the certificate numbers of the Instruments in respect of which the option has been exercised, following the exercise of any such option, the Issuer shall procure that the nominal amount of the Instruments recorded in the records of the relevant Clearing Systems and represented by this permanent Global Instrument shall be reduced by the aggregate nominal amount stated in the relevant exercise notice.
13 |
Notices |
Notices required to be given in respect of the Instruments represented by this permanent Global Instrument may be given by their being delivered (so long as this permanent Global Instrument is held on behalf of Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or any other clearing system) to Euroclear, Clearstream, Luxembourg or such Alternative Clearing System, as the case may be, or otherwise to the holder of this permanent Global Instrument, rather than by publication as required by the Conditions.
14 |
Negotiability |
This permanent Global Instrument is a bearer document and negotiable and accordingly:
(a) |
is freely transferable by delivery and such transfer shall operate to confer upon the transferee all rights and benefits appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument and to bind the transferee with all obligations appertaining to this permanent Global Instrument pursuant to the Conditions; |
(b) |
the holder of this permanent Global Instrument is and shall be absolutely entitled as against all previous holders to receive all amounts by way of amounts payable upon redemption, interest or otherwise payable in respect of this permanent Global Instrument and the Issuer has waived against such holder and any previous holder of this permanent Global Instrument all rights of set-off or counterclaim which would or might otherwise be available to it in respect of the obligations evidenced by this permanent Global Instrument; and |
(c) |
payment upon due presentation of this permanent Global Instrument as provided in this permanent Global Instrument shall operate as a good discharge against such holder and all previous holders of this permanent Global Instrument. |
No provisions of this permanent Global Instrument shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer to pay the principal and premium of and interest on the Instruments when due in accordance with the Conditions.
This permanent Global Instrument shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent and effectuated by the entity appointed as common safekeeper by the relevant Clearing Systems.
This permanent Global Instrument and all matters arising from or connected with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, English law.
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this permanent Global Instrument to be duly signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
[ NATIONAL GRID plc/NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc ]*
By:
Authorised Signatory
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This permanent Global Instrument is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
Effectuation
This permanent Global Instrument
is effectuated by
[ COMMON SAFEKEEPER ]
As Common Safekeeper
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of effectuation only.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
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The Schedule
[Insert the provisions of the relevant Final Terms that relate to the Conditions or the Global Instruments as the Schedule.]
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Schedule 2
Part A
Form of Definitive Instrument
On the front:
[Denomination] |
[ISIN] | [Series] | [Certif. No.] |
[Currency and denomination]
[NATIONAL GRID plc/
NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc]*
(Incorporated with limited liability in England and Wales
under the Companies Act 1985 with registered number [04031152/02366977] * )
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. []
Tranche No. []
[Title of issue]
This Instrument forms one of the Series of Instruments referred to above (the Instruments ) of [National Grid plc/National Grid Electricity Transmission plc] * (the Issuer ) designated as specified in the title of this Instrument. The Instruments are subject to the Terms and Conditions (the Conditions ) endorsed on this Instrument and are issued subject to, and with the benefit of, the Trust Deed referred to in the Conditions. Expressions defined in the Conditions have the same meanings in this Instrument.
The Issuer, for value received, promises to pay to the bearer of this Instrument, on presentation, and (when no further payment is due in respect of this Instrument) surrender, of this Instrument on the Maturity Date (or on such earlier date or, if the Maturity Date is specified to be perpetual, on such date as the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions may become repayable in accordance with the Conditions) the amount payable upon redemption under the Conditions and (unless this Instrument does not bear interest) to pay interest from the Interest Commencement Date in arrear at the rates, in the amounts and on the dates for payment provided for in the Conditions together with such other sums and additional amounts (if any) as may be payable under the Conditions, in accordance with the Conditions.
This Instrument shall not become valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
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In witness of which the Issuer has caused this Instrument to be signed on its behalf.
Dated as of the Issue Date.
[NATIONAL GRID plc/NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc] *
By:
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION OF THE ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
This Instrument is authenticated
by or on behalf of the Issuing and Paying Agent.
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
as Issuing and Paying Agent
By:
Authorised Signatory
For the purposes of authentication only
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
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On the back:
Terms and Conditions of the Instruments
[The Terms and Conditions which are set out in Part B of Schedule 2 (Terms and Conditions of the Instruments) to the Trust Deed, as amended by and incorporating any additional provisions forming part of such Terms and Conditions, and set out in Part A of the relevant Final Terms shall be set out here.]
ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
KBL European Private Bankers S.A.
43 Boulevard Royal
L-2955 Luxembourg
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Schedule 2
Part B
Terms and Conditions of the Instruments
The following is the text of the terms and conditions which, save for the text in italics and subject to completion and amendment and as supplemented or varied in accordance with the provisions of Part A of the relevant Final Terms, will be endorsed on the Instruments in definitive form (if any) issued in exchange for the Global Instrument(s) representing each Series. Either (a) the full text of these terms and conditions together with the relevant provisions of Part A of the Final Terms or (b) these terms and conditions as so completed, amended, supplemented or varied (and subject to simplification by the deletion of non-applicable provisions), shall be endorsed on such Instruments. All capitalised terms which are not defined in these Conditions will have the meanings given to them in the Trust Deed or Part A of the relevant Final Terms. Those definitions will be endorsed on the definitive Instruments.
References in these terms and conditions to Instruments (as defined below) are to the Instruments of one Series only of the relevant Issuer (as defined below), not to all Instruments that may be issued under the Programme.
National Grid plc ( National Grid ) and National Grid Electricity Transmission plc ( NGET ) (each an Issuer and together, the Issuers ) have established a Euro Medium Term Note Programme (the Programme ) for the issuance of up to Euro 15,000,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of debt instruments (the Instruments ). The Instruments are constituted by a Trust Deed (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Trust Deed ) dated 2 August 2011 between the Issuers and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation p.l.c. (the Trustee , which expression shall include all persons for the time being the trustee or trustees under the Trust Deed) as trustee for the Instrumentholders (as defined below). These terms and conditions include summaries of, and are subject to, the detailed provisions of the Trust Deed, which includes the form of the Definitive Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons referred to below. An Agency Agreement (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the Agency Agreement ) dated 2 August 2011 has been entered into in relation to the Instruments between the Issuers, the Trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon as initial issuing and paying agent and the other agent(s) named in it. The issuing and paying agent, the paying agent(s) and the calculation agent(s) for the time being (if any) are referred to below respectively as the Issuing and Paying Agent , the Paying Agents (which expression shall include the Issuing and Paying Agent) and the Calculation Agent(s) . Copies of the Trust Deed and the Agency Agreement are available for inspection during usual business hours at the registered office of the Trustee (as at 2 August 2011 at Fifth Floor, 100 Wood Street, London EC2V 7EX) and at the specified offices of the Paying Agents.
The Instrumentholders, the holders of the interest coupons (the Coupons ) appertaining to interest bearing Instruments and, where applicable in the case of such Instruments, talons for further Coupons (the Talons ) (the Couponholders ) and the holders of the receipts for the payment of instalments of principal (the Receipts ) relating to Instruments of which the principal is payable in instalments are entitled to the benefit of, are bound by, and are deemed to have notice of, all the provisions of the Trust Deed and are deemed to have notice of those provisions of the Agency Agreement applicable to them.
1 |
Form, Denomination and Title |
The Instruments are issued in bearer form in the Specified Denomination(s) specified in the relevant Final Terms and are serially numbered. Instruments of one Specified
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Denomination are not exchangeable for Instruments of another Specified Denomination[ provided that in the case of any Instruments which are to be admitted to trading on a regulated market within the European Economic Area or offered to the public in a Member State of the European Economic Area in circumstances which require the publication of a prospectus under the Prospectus Directive, the minimum Specified Denomination shall be 100,000 (or its equivalent in any other currency as at the date of issue of the relevant Instruments)*].
This Instrument is a Fixed Rate Instrument, a Floating Rate Instrument, a Zero Coupon Instrument, a Perpetual Instrument, an Index Linked Interest Instrument, an Index Linked Redemption Instrument, an Instalment Instrument, a Dual Currency Instrument or a Partly Paid Instrument, a combination of any of the preceding or any other kind of Instrument, depending upon the Interest and Redemption/Payment Basis specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Instruments are issued with Coupons (and, where appropriate, a Talon) attached, save in the case of Zero Coupon Instruments in which case references to interest (other than in relation to interest due after the Maturity Date), Coupons and Talons in these Conditions are not applicable.
Instalment Instruments are issued with one or more Receipts attached. Title to the Instruments and the Receipts, Coupons and Talons shall pass by delivery and except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction or as required by law, the Issuer and the Paying Agents shall be entitled to treat the bearer of any Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon as the absolute owner of that Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon, as the case may be, and shall not be required to obtain any proof of ownership as to the identity of the bearer.
In these Conditions, Instrumentholder means the bearer of any Instrument of one Series only of an Issuer and the Receipts relating to it, holder (in relation to an Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon) means the bearer of any Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon and capitalised terms have the meanings given to them herein, the absence of any such meaning indicating that such term is not applicable to the Instruments.
2 |
Status and Negative Pledge |
2.1 |
Status |
The Instruments and the Receipts and Coupons relating to them constitute direct, unconditional and unsecured obligations of the Issuer and rank pari passu without any preference or priority among themselves. The payment obligations of the Issuer under the Instruments, Receipts and Coupons shall, subject to such exceptions as are from time to time applicable under the laws of England and, in relation to Instruments issued by National Grid, as provided in Condition 2.2, rank equally with all other present and future unsecured obligations (other than subordinated obligations, if any) of the Issuer.
2.2 |
Negative Pledge |
So long as any Instrument, Receipt or Coupon of National Grid remains outstanding (as defined in the Trust Deed) National Grid will not create or permit to subsist any mortgage,
* |
Only applicable where NGET is the Issuer. |
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charge, pledge, lien or other form of encumbrance or security interest ( Security ) upon the whole or any part of its undertaking, assets or revenues present or future to secure any Relevant Indebtedness, or any guarantee of or indemnity in respect of any Relevant Indebtedness unless, at the same time or prior thereto, National Grids obligations under the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons and the Trust Deed (a) are secured equally and rateably therewith or benefit from a guarantee or indemnity in substantially identical terms thereto, as the case may be, in each case to the satisfaction of the Trustee, or (b) have the benefit of such other security, guarantee, indemnity or other arrangement as the Trustee in its absolute discretion shall deem to be not materially less beneficial to the Instrumentholders or as shall be approved by an Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed) of the Instrumentholders.
For the purposes of these Conditions, Relevant Indebtedness means any present or future indebtedness in the form of, or represented by, bonds, notes, debentures, loan stock or other securities which are for the time being, or are intended, with the agreement of the Issuer, to be quoted, listed or ordinarily dealt in on any stock exchange.
3 |
Interest |
3.1 |
Interest on Fixed Rate Instruments |
Each Fixed Rate Instrument bears interest on its outstanding nominal amount from the Interest Commencement Date at the rate per annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Rate of Interest, payable in arrear on each Interest Payment Date. The amount of Interest payable shall be determined in accordance with Condition 3.2.4(f).
If a Fixed Coupon Amount or a Broken Amount is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the amount of interest payable on each Interest Payment Date will amount to the Fixed Coupon Amount, or, if applicable, the Broken Amount so specified and in the case of a Broken Amount will be payable on the particular Interest Payment Date(s) specified in the relevant Final Terms.
3.2 |
Interest on Floating Rate Instruments and Index Linked Interest Instruments |
3.2.1 |
Interest Payment Dates |
Each Floating Rate Instrument and Index Linked Interest Instrument bears interest on its outstanding nominal amount from the Interest Commencement Date at the rate per annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Rate of Interest, such interest being payable in arrear on each Interest Payment Date. The amount of Interest payable shall be determined in accordance with Condition 3.2.4(f). Such Interest Payment Date(s) is/are either specified in the relevant Final Terms as Specified Interest Payment Dates or, if no Specified Interest Payment Date(s) is/are specified in the relevant Final Terms, Interest Payment Date shall mean each date which falls the number of months or other period shown on this Instrument as the Interest Period after the preceding Interest Payment Date or, in the case of the first Interest Payment Date, after the Interest Commencement Date.
3.2.2 |
Business Day Convention |
If any date which is specified to be subject to adjustment in accordance with a Business Day Convention would otherwise fall on a day which is not a Business Day, then, if the Business Day Convention specified is (a) the Floating Rate
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Convention, such date shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day unless it would then fall into the next calendar month, in which event (x) such date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day and (y) each subsequent such date shall be the last Business Day of the month in which such date would have fallen had it not been subject to adjustment, (b) the Following Business Day Convention, such date shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day, (c) the Modified Following Business Day Convention, such date shall be postponed to the next day which is a Business Day unless it would then fall into the next calendar month, in that event such date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day or (d) the Preceding Business Day Convention, such date shall be brought forward to the immediately preceding Business Day.
3.2.3 |
Rate of Interest for Floating Rate Instruments |
The Rate of Interest in respect of Floating Rate Instruments for each Interest Accrual Period shall be determined in the manner specified in the relevant Final Terms and the provisions below relating to either ISDA Determination or Screen Rate Determination shall apply, depending upon which is specified on this Instrument.
(a) |
ISDA Determination for Floating Rate Instruments: Where ISDA Determination is specified in the relevant Final Terms as the manner in which the Rate of Interest is to be determined, the Rate of Interest for each Interest Accrual Period shall be determined by the Calculation Agent as a rate equal to the relevant ISDA Rate. For the purposes of this sub-paragraph (a), ISDA Rate for an Interest Accrual Period means a rate equal to the Floating Rate which would be determined by the Calculation Agent under a Swap Transaction under the terms of an agreement incorporating the ISDA Definitions and under which: |
(i) |
the Floating Rate Option is as specified in the relevant Final Terms; |
(ii) |
the Designated Maturity is a period specified in the relevant Final Terms; and |
(iii) |
the relevant Reset Date is the first day of that Interest Accrual Period unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms. |
For the purposes of this sub-paragraph (a), Floating Rate , Calculation Agent , Floating Rate Option , Designated Maturity , Reset Date and Swap Transaction have the meanings given to those terms in the ISDA Definitions.
(b) |
Screen Rate Determination for Floating Rate Instruments: |
(i) |
Where Screen Rate Determination is specified in the relevant Final Terms as the manner in which the Rate of Interest is to be determined, the Rate of Interest for each Interest Accrual Period will, subject as provided below, be either: |
(x) |
the offered quotation; or |
(y) |
the arithmetic mean of the offered quotations, |
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(expressed as a percentage rate per annum) for the Reference Rate which appears or appear, as the case may be, on the Relevant Screen Page as at either 11.00 a.m. (London time in the case of LIBOR or Brussels time in the case of EURIBOR) on the Interest Determination Date in question as determined by the Calculation Agent. If five or more of such offered quotations are available on the Relevant Screen Page, the highest (or, if there is more than one such highest quotation, one only of such quotations) and the lowest (or, if there is more than one such lowest quotation, one only of such quotations) shall be disregarded by the Calculation Agent for the purpose of determining the arithmetic mean of such offered quotations.
If the Reference Rate from time to time in respect of Floating Rate Instruments is specified hereon as being other than LIBOR or EURIBOR, the Rate of Interest in respect of such Instruments will be determined as provided hereon.
(ii) |
if the Relevant Screen Page is not available or if, sub-paragraph (i)(x) applies and no such offered quotation appears on the Relevant Screen Page or if sub-paragraph (i)(y) above applies and fewer than three such offered quotations appear on the Relevant Screen Page in each case as at the time specified above, subject as provided below, the Calculation Agent shall request, if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, the principal London office of each of the Reference Banks or, if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, the principal Euro-zone office of each of the Reference Banks, to provide the Calculation Agent with its offered quotation (expressed as a percentage rate per annum) for the Reference Rate if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (London time), or if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time) on the Interest Determination Date in question. If two or more of the Reference Banks provide the Calculation Agent with such offered quotations, the Rate of Interest for such Interest Period shall be the arithmetic mean of such offered quotations as determined by the Calculation Agent; and |
(iii) |
if paragraph (ii) above applies and the Calculation Agent determines that fewer than two Reference Banks are providing offered quotations, subject as provided below, the Rate of Interest shall be the arithmetic mean of the rates per annum (expressed as a percentage) as communicated to (and at the request of) the Calculation Agent by the Reference Banks or any two or more of them, at which such banks were offered, if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (London time) or, if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time) on the relevant Interest Determination Date, deposits in the Specified Currency for a period equal to that which would have been used for the Reference Rate by leading banks in, if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, the London inter-bank market or, if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, the Euro-zone inter-bank market, as the case |
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may be, or, if fewer than two of the Reference Banks provide the Calculation Agent with such offered rates, the offered rate for deposits in the Specified Currency for a period equal to that which would have been used for the Reference Rate, or the arithmetic mean of the offered rates for deposits in the Specified Currency for a period equal to that which would have been used for the Reference Rate, at which, if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (London time) or, if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, at approximately 11.00 a.m. (Brussels time), on the relevant Interest Determination Date, any one or more banks (which bank or banks is or are in the opinion of the Trustee and the Issuer suitable for such purpose) informs the Calculation Agent it is quoting to leading banks in, if the Reference Rate is LIBOR, the London inter-bank market or, if the Reference Rate is EURIBOR, the Euro-zone inter-bank market, as the case may be, provided that, if the Rate of Interest cannot be determined in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, the Rate of Interest shall be determined as at the last preceding Interest Determination Date (though substituting, where a different Margin or Maximum or Minimum Rate of Interest is to be applied to the relevant Interest Accrual Period from that which applied to the last preceding Interest Accrual Period, the Margin or Maximum or Minimum Rate of Interest relating to the relevant Interest Accrual Period, in place of the Margin or Maximum or Minimum Rate of Interest relating to that last preceding Interest Accrual Period).
3.2.4 |
Rate of Interest for Index Linked Interest Instruments |
The Rate of Interest in respect of Index Linked Interest Instruments for each Interest Accrual Period shall be determined in the manner specified in the relevant Final Terms and interest will accrue by reference to an Index or Formula as specified in the relevant Final Terms.
(a) |
Zero Coupon Instruments |
Where an Instrument, the Interest Basis of which is specified to be Zero Coupon, is repayable prior to the Maturity Date and is not paid when due, the amount due and payable prior to the Maturity Date shall be the Early Redemption Amount of such Instrument. As from the Maturity Date, the Rate of Interest for any overdue principal of such an Instrument shall be a rate per annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Amortisation Yield (as defined in Condition 5.4.1(b)).
(b) |
Dual Currency Instruments |
In the case of Dual Currency Instruments, if the rate or amount of interest falls to be determined by reference to a Rate of Exchange or a method of calculating a Rate of Exchange, the rate or amount of interest payable shall be determined in the manner specified in the relevant Final Terms.
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(c) |
Partly Paid Instruments |
In the case of Partly Paid Instruments (other than Partly Paid Instruments which are Zero Coupon Instruments), interest will accrue as previously stated on the paid-up nominal amount of such Instruments and otherwise as specified in the relevant Final Terms.
(d) |
Accrual of Interest |
Interest shall cease to accrue on each Instrument on the due date for redemption unless, upon due presentation, payment is improperly withheld or refused, in which event interest shall continue to accrue (as well after as before judgment) at the Rate of Interest in the manner provided in this Condition 3 to the Relevant Date (as defined in Condition 7).
(e) |
Margin, Maximum/Minimum Rates of Interest, Instalment Amounts and Redemption Amounts and Rounding |
(i) |
If any Margin is specified in the relevant Final Terms (either (x) generally, or (y) in relation to one or more Interest Accrual Periods), an adjustment shall be made to all Rates of Interest, in the case of (x), or the Rates of Interest for the specified Interest Accrual Periods, in the case of (y), calculated in accordance with Condition 3.2.3(b) above, by adding (if a positive number) or subtracting (if a negative number) the absolute value of such Margin, subject always to the next paragraph. |
(ii) |
If any Maximum or Minimum Rate of Interest, Instalment Amount or Redemption Amount is specified in the relevant Final Terms, then any Rate of Interest, Instalment Amount or Redemption Amount shall be subject to such maximum or minimum, as the case may be. |
(iii) |
For the purposes of any calculations required pursuant to these Conditions (unless otherwise specified), (x) all percentages resulting from such calculations shall be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred thousandth of a percentage point (with halves being rounded up), (y) all figures shall be rounded to seven significant figures (with halves being rounded up) and (z) all currency amounts that fall due and payable shall be rounded to the nearest unit of such currency (with halves being rounded up), save in the case of yen, which shall be rounded down to the nearest yen. For these purposes unit means the lowest amount of such currency which is available as legal tender in the country of such currency. |
(f) |
Calculations |
The amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount in respect of any Instrument for any Interest Accrual Period shall be equal to the product of the Rate of Interest, the Calculation Amount as specified in the relevant Final Terms, and the Day Count Fraction for such Interest Accrual Period, unless an Interest Amount (or a formula for its calculation) is applicable to such Interest Accrual Period, in which case the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount in respect of such Instrument for such Interest Accrual Period shall equal such Interest Amount (or be calculated in
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accordance with such formula). Where any Interest Period comprises two or more Interest Accrual Periods, the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount in respect of such Interest Period shall be the sum of the Interest Amounts payable in respect of each of those Interest Accrual Periods. In respect of any other period for which interest is required to be calculated, the provisions above shall apply save that the Day Count Fraction shall be for the period for which interest is required to be calculated.
(g) |
Determination and Publication of Rates of Interest, Interest Amounts, Final Redemption Amounts, Early Redemption Amounts, Optional Redemption Amounts and Instalment Amounts |
The Calculation Agent shall as soon as practicable on each Interest Determination Date or such other time on such date as the Calculation Agent may be required to calculate any rate or amount, obtain any quotation or make any determination or calculation, determine such rate and calculate the Interest Amounts for the relevant Interest Accrual Period, calculate the Redemption Amount or Instalment Amount, obtain such quote or make such determination or calculation, as the case may be, and cause the Rate of Interest and the Interest Amounts for each Interest Accrual Period and the relevant Interest Payment Date and, if required to be calculated, the Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount, Optional Redemption Amount or any Instalment Amount to be notified to the Trustee, the Issuer, each of the Paying Agents, the Instrumentholders, any other Calculation Agent appointed in respect of the Instruments that is to make a further calculation upon receipt of such information and, if the Instruments are listed on a stock exchange and the rules of such exchange so require, such exchange as soon as possible after their determination but in no event later than (i) the commencement of the relevant Interest Period, if determined prior to such time, in the case of notification to such exchange of a Rate of Interest and Interest Amount, or (ii) in all other cases, the fourth Business Day after such determination. Where any Interest Payment Date or Interest Period Date is subject to adjustment pursuant to Condition 3.2.3(b)(ii), the Interest Amounts and the Interest Payment Date so published may subsequently be amended (or appropriate alternative arrangements made with the consent of the Trustee by way of adjustment) without notice in the event of an extension or shortening of the Interest Period. If the Instruments become due and payable under Condition 9, the accrued interest and the Rate of Interest payable in respect of the Instruments shall nevertheless continue to be calculated as previously in accordance with this Condition but no publication of the Rate of Interest or the Interest Amount so calculated need be made unless the Trustee otherwise requires. The determination of any rate or amount, the obtaining of each quotation and the making of each determination or calculation by the Calculation Agent(s) shall (in the absence of manifest error) be final and binding upon all parties.
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(h) |
Determination or Calculation by Trustee |
If the Calculation Agent does not at any time for any reason determine or calculate the Rate of Interest for an Interest Accrual Period or any Interest Amount, Instalment Amount, Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount the Trustee shall do so (or shall appoint an agent on its behalf to do so) and such determination or calculation shall be deemed to have been made by the Calculation Agent. In doing so, the Trustee shall apply the preceding provisions of this Condition, with any necessary consequential amendments, to the extent that, in its opinion, it can do so, and, in all other respects it shall do so in such manner as it shall deem fair and reasonable in all the circumstances.
3.2.5 |
Definitions |
In these Conditions, unless the context otherwise requires, the following defined terms shall have the meanings set out below:
Business Day means:
(a) |
in the case of a currency other than Euro, a day (other than a Saturday or Sunday) on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments in the principal financial centre for such currency; and/or |
(b) |
in the case of Euro, a day on which the TARGET System is operating (a TARGET Business Day ); and/or |
(c) |
in the case of a currency and/or one or more Business Centres as specified in the relevant Final Terms, a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which commercial banks and foreign exchange markets settle payments in such currency or, if no currency is indicated, generally in each of the Business Centres. |
Day Count Fraction means, in respect of the calculation of an amount of interest on any Instrument for any period of time (from and including the first day of such period to but excluding the last) (whether or not constituting an Interest Period or Interest Accrual Period, the Calculation Period ):
(a) |
if Actual/Actual or Actual/Actual-ISDA is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 365 (or, if any portion of that Calculation Period falls in a leap year, the sum of (i) the actual number of days in that portion of the Calculation Period falling in a leap year divided by 366 and (ii) the actual number of days in that portion of the Calculation Period falling in a non-leap year divided by 365); |
(b) |
if Actual/365 (Fixed) is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 365; |
(c) |
if Actual/360 is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360; |
(d) |
if 30/360 , 360/360 or Bond Basis is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360 calculated on a formula basis as follows: |
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where:
Y 1 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
Y 2 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
M 1 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
M 2 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
D 1 is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D 1 will be 30; and
D 2 is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31 and D 1 is greater than 29, in which case D 2 will be 30;
(e) |
if 30E/360 or Eurobond Basis is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360 calculated on a formula basis as follows: |
where:
Y 1 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
Y 2 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
M 1 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
M 2 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
D 1 is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D 1 will be 30; and
D 2 is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period, unless such number would be 31, in which case D 2 will be 30;
(f) |
if 30E/360 (ISDA) is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the number of days in the Calculation Period divided by 360, calculated on a formula basis as follows: |
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where:
Y 1 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
Y 2 is the year, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
M 1 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the first day of the Calculation Period falls;
M 2 is the calendar month, expressed as a number, in which the day immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period falls;
D 1 is the first calendar day, expressed as a number, of the Calculation Period, unless (i) that day is the last day of February or (ii) such number would be 31, in which case D 1 will be 30; and
D 2 is the calendar day, expressed as a number, immediately following the last day included in the Calculation Period, unless (i) that day is the last day of February but not the Maturity Date or (ii) such number would be 31, in which case D 2 will be 30; and
(g) |
if Actual/Actual-ICMA is specified in the relevant Final Terms: |
(i) |
if the Calculation Period is equal to or shorter than the Determination Period during which it falls, the actual number of days in the Calculation Period divided by the product of (x) the actual number of days in such Determination Period and (y) the number of Determination Periods in any year; and |
(ii) |
if the Calculation Period is longer than one Determination Period, the sum of: |
(1) |
the actual number of days in such Calculation Period falling in the Determination Period in which it begins divided by the product of (a) the actual number of days in such Determination Period and (b) the number of Determination Periods in any year; and |
(2) |
the actual number of days in such Calculation Period falling in the next Determination Period divided by the product of (a) the actual number of days in such Determination Period and (b) the number of Determination Periods in any year, |
where:
Determination Period means the period from and including a Determination Date in any year to but excluding the next Determination Date; and
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Determination Date means the date specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is so specified, the Interest Payment Date.
Euro-zone means the region comprising of member states of the European Union that adopt the single currency in accordance with the Treaty establishing the European Community as amended.
Interest Accrual Period means the period beginning on (and including) the Interest Commencement Date and ending on (but excluding) the first Interest Period Date and each successive period beginning on (and including) an Interest Period Date and ending on (but excluding) the next succeeding Interest Period Date.
Interest Amount means:
(i) |
in respect of an Interest Accrual Period, the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount for that Interest Accrual Period and which, in the case of Fixed Rate Instruments, and unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms, shall mean the Fixed Coupon Amount or Broken Amount specified in the relevant Final Terms as being payable on the Interest Payment Date ending the Interest Period of which such Interest Accrual Period forms part; and |
(ii) |
in respect of any other period, the amount of interest payable per Calculation Amount for that period. |
Interest Commencement Date means the Issue Date or such other date as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Interest Determination Date means, with respect to a Rate of Interest and Interest Accrual Period, the date specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is so specified, (a) the first day of such Interest Accrual Period if the Specified Currency is Sterling or (b) the day falling two Business Days in London prior to the first day of such Interest Accrual Period if the Specified Currency is neither Sterling nor Euro or (c) the day falling two TARGET Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Accrual Period if the Specified Currency is Euro.
Interest Payment Date means the date or dates specified as such in, or determined in accordance with the provisions of, the relevant Final Terms and, if a Business Day Convention is specified in the relevant Final Terms, as the same may be adjusted in accordance with the relevant Business Day Convention.
Interest Period means the period beginning on (and including) the Interest Commencement Date and ending on (but excluding) the first Interest Payment Date and each successive period beginning on (and including) an Interest Payment Date and ending on (but excluding) the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.
Interest Period Date means each Interest Payment Date unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms.
ISDA Definitions means the 2006 ISDA Definitions as published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms.
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Rate of Interest means the rate of interest payable from time to time in respect of this Instrument and that is either specified on, or calculated in accordance with the provisions of, the relevant Final Terms.
Redemption Amount means, as appropriate, the Final Redemption Amount, the Early Redemption Amount (Tax), the Optional Redemption Amount (Call), the Optional Redemption Amount (Put), the Early Termination Amount or such other amount in the nature of a redemption amount as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with the provisions of the relevant Final Terms.
Reference Banks means, in the case of a determination of LIBOR, the principal London office of four major banks in the London inter-bank market and, in the case of a determination of EURIBOR, the principal Euro-zone office of four major banks in the Euro-zone inter-bank market, in each case selected by the Calculation Agent or as specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Reference Rate means the rate specified as such in the relevant Final Terms.
Relevant Screen Page means such page, section, caption, column or other part of a particular information service as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms.
Specified Currency means the currency specified as such in the relevant Final Terms or, if none is specified, the currency in which the Instruments are denominated.
TARGET System means the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (known as TARGET2) System which was launched on 19 November 2007 or any successor to it.
3.2.6 |
Calculation Agent |
The Issuer shall procure that there shall at all times be one or more Calculation Agents if provision is made for them in the relevant Final Terms and for so long as any Instrument is outstanding. Where more than one Calculation Agent is appointed in respect of the Instruments, references in these Conditions to the Calculation Agent shall be construed as each Calculation Agent performing its respective duties under these Conditions. If the Calculation Agent is unable or unwilling to act as such or if the Calculation Agent fails duly to establish the Rate of Interest for an Interest Period or Interest Accrual Period or to calculate any Interest Amount, Instalment Amount, Final Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount, as the case may be, or to comply with any other requirement, the Issuer shall (with the prior approval of the Trustee) appoint a leading bank or investment banking firm engaged in the interbank market (or, if appropriate, money, swap or over-the-counter index options market) which is most closely connected with the calculation or determination to be made by the Calculation Agent (acting through its principal London office or any other office actively involved in such market) to act as such in its place. The Calculation Agent may not resign its duties without a successor having been appointed as specified in this paragraph.
4 |
Indexation |
This Condition 4 is applicable only if the relevant Final Terms specifies the Instruments as Index Linked Instruments.
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4.1 |
Definitions |
Base Index Figure means (subject to Condition 4.3(i)) the base index figure as specified in the relevant Final Terms;
Index or Index Figure means, subject as provided in Condition 4.3(i), the U.K. Retail Price Index (RPI) (for all items) published by the Office for National Statistics (January 1987 = 100) or any comparable index which may replace the U.K. Retail Price Index for the purpose of calculating the amount payable on repayment of the Reference Gilt. Any reference to the Index Figure which is specified in the relevant Final Terms as:
(i) |
applicable to a particular month, shall, subject as provided in Conditions 4.3 and 4.5, be construed as a reference to the Index Figure published in the seventh month prior to that particular month and relating to the month before that of publication; or |
(ii) |
applicable to the first calendar day of any month shall, subject as provided in Conditions 4.3 and 4.5, be construed as a reference to the Index Figure published in the second month prior to that particular month and relating to the month before that of publication; or |
(iii) |
applicable to any other day in any month shall, subject as provided in Conditions 4.3 and 4.5, be calculated by linear interpolation between (x) the Index Figure applicable to the first calendar day of the month in which the day falls, calculated as specified in sub-paragraph (ii) above and (y) the Index Figure applicable to the first calendar day of the month following, calculated as specified in sub-paragraph (ii) above and rounded to the nearest fifth decimal place. |
If the Index is replaced, the Issuer will describe the replacement Index in a supplement to the Prospectus;
Index Ratio applicable to any month or date, as the case may be, means the Index Figure applicable to such month or date, as the case may be, divided by the Base Index Figure and rounded to the nearest fifth decimal place;
Limited Index Ratio means (a) in respect of any month or date, as the case may be, prior to the relevant Issue Date, the Index Ratio for that month or date, as the case may be, (b) in respect of any Limited Indexation Date after the relevant Issue Date, the product of the Limited Indexation Factor for that month or date, as the case may be, and the Limited Index Ratio as previously calculated in respect of the month or date, as the case may be, twelve months prior thereto; and (c) in respect of any other month, the Limited Index Ratio as previously calculated in respect of the most recent Limited Indexation Month;
Limited Indexation Date means any date falling during the period specified in the relevant Final Terms for which a Limited Indexation Factor is to be calculated;
Limited Indexation Factor means, in respect of a Limited Indexation Month or Limited Indexation Date, as the case may be, the ratio of the Index Figure applicable to that month or date, as the case may be, divided by the Index Figure applicable to the month or date, as the case may be, twelve months prior thereto, provided that (a) if such ratio is greater than the Maximum Indexation Factor specified in the relevant Final Terms, it shall be deemed to be equal to such Maximum Indexation Factor and (b) if such ratio is less than the Minimum Indexation Factor specified in the relevant Final Terms, it shall be deemed to be equal to such Minimum Indexation Factor;
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Limited Indexation Month means any month specified in the relevant Final Terms for which a Limited Indexation Factor is to be calculated;
Limited Index Linked Instruments means Index Linked Instruments to which a Maximum Indexation Factor and/or a Minimum Indexation Factor (as specified in the relevant Final Terms) applies; and
Reference Gilt means the Treasury Stock specified as such in the relevant Final Terms for so long as such stock is in issue, and thereafter such issue of index-linked Treasury Stock determined to be appropriate by a gilt-edged market maker or other adviser selected by the Issuer (an Indexation Adviser ).
4.2 |
Application of the Index Ratio |
Each payment of interest and principal in respect of the Instruments shall be the amount provided in, or determined in accordance with, these Conditions, multiplied by the Index Ratio or Limited Index Ratio in the case of Limited Index Linked Instruments applicable to the month or date, as the case may be, on which such payment falls to be made and rounded in accordance with Condition 3.2.4(e).
4.3 |
Changes in Circumstances Affecting the Index |
(i) |
Change in base: If at any time and from time to time the Index is changed by the substitution of a new base therefor, then with effect from the month from and including that in which such substitution takes effect or the first date from and including that on which such substitution takes effect, as the case may be, (1) the definition of Index and Index Figure in Condition 4.1 shall be deemed to refer to the new date or month in substitution for January 1987 (or, as the case may be, to such other date or month as may have been substituted therefor), and (2) the new Base Index Figure shall be the product of the existing Base Index Figure and the Index Figure for the date on which such substitution takes effect, divided by the Index Figure for the date immediately preceding the date on which such substitution takes effect. |
(ii) |
Delay in publication of Index if sub-paragraph (i) of the definition of Index Figure is applicable: If the Index Figure which is normally published in the seventh month and which relates to the eighth month (the relevant month ) before the month in which a payment is due to be made is not published on or before the fourteenth business day before the date on which such payment is due (the date for payment ), the Index Figure applicable to the month in which the date for payment falls shall be (1) such substitute index figure (if any) as the Trustee considers (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) to have been published by the United Kingdom Debt Management Office or the Bank of England, as the case may be, for the purposes of indexation of payments on the Reference Gilt or, failing such publication, on any one or more issues of index-linked Treasury Stock selected by an Indexation Adviser (and approved by the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser)) or (2) if no such determination is made by such Indexation Adviser within seven days, the Index Figure last published (or, if later, the substitute index figure last determined pursuant to Condition 4.3(i)) before the date for payment. |
(iii) |
Delay in publication of Index if sub-paragraph (ii) and/or (iii) of the definition of Index Figure is applicable: If the Index Figure relating to any month (the |
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calculation month ) which is required to be taken into account for the purposes of the determination of the Index Figure for any date is not published on or before the fourteenth business day before the date on which such payment is due (the date for payment ), the Index Figure applicable for the relevant calculation month shall be (1) such substitute index figure (if any) as the Trustee considers (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) to have been published by the United Kingdom Debt Management Office or the Bank of England, as the case may be, for the purposes of indexation of payments on the Reference Gilt or, failing such publication, on any one or more issues of index-linked Treasury Stock selected by an Indexation Adviser (and approved by the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser)) or (2) if no such determination is made by such Indexation Adviser within seven days, the Index Figure last published (or, if later, the substitute index figure last determined pursuant to Condition 4.3(i)) before the date for payment.
4.4 |
Application of Changes |
Where the provisions of Condition 4.3(ii) or Condition 4.3(iii) apply, the determination of the Indexation Adviser as to the Index Figure applicable to the month in which the date for payment falls or the date for payment, as the case may be, shall be conclusive and binding. If, an Index Figure having been applied pursuant to Condition 4.3(ii)(2) or Condition 4.3(iii)(2), the Index Figure relating to the relevant month or relevant calculation month, as the case may be, is subsequently published while an Instrument is still outstanding, then:
(i) |
in relation to a payment of principal or interest in respect of such Instrument other than upon final redemption of such Instrument, the principal or interest (as the case may be) next payable after the date of such subsequent publication shall be increased or reduced, as the case may be, by an amount equal to the shortfall or excess, as the case may be, of the amount of the relevant payment made on the basis of the Index Figure applicable by virtue of Condition 4.3(ii)(2) or Condition 4.3(iii)(2) below or above the amount of the relevant payment that would have been due if the Index Figure subsequently published had been published on or before the fourteenth business day before the date for payment; and |
(ii) |
in relation to a payment of principal or interest upon final redemption, no subsequent adjustment to amounts paid will be made. |
4.5 |
Cessation of or Fundamental Changes to the Index |
(i) |
If (1) the Trustee has been notified by the Calculation Agent that the Index has ceased to be published or (2) any change is made to the coverage or the basic calculation of the Index which constitutes a fundamental change which would, in the opinion of (A) the Issuer be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Issuer, or (B) the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser), be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee will give written notice of such occurrence to the Issuer in the case of (B), and the Issuer and the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) together shall seek to agree for the purpose of the Instruments one or more adjustments to the Index or a substitute index (with or without adjustments) with the intention that the same should leave the Issuer and the Instrumentholders in no better and no |
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worse position than they would have been had the Index not ceased to be published or the relevant fundamental change not been made. |
(ii) |
If the Issuer and the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) fail to reach agreement as mentioned above within 20 business days following the giving of notice as mentioned in paragraph (i), a bank or other person in London shall be appointed by the Issuer and the Trustee or, failing agreement on and the making of such appointment within 20 business days following the expiry of the 20 day period referred to above, by the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) (in each case, such bank or other person so appointed being referred to as the Expert ), to determine for the purpose of the Instruments one or more adjustments to the Index or a substitute index (with or without adjustments) with the intention that the same should leave the Issuer and the Instrumentholders in no better and no worse position than they would have been had the Index not ceased to be published or the relevant fundamental change not been made. Any Expert so appointed shall act as an expert and not as an arbitrator and all fees, costs and expenses of the Expert and of any Indexation Adviser and of any of the Issuer and the Trustee in connection with such appointment shall be borne by the Issuer. |
(iii) |
The Index shall be adjusted or replaced by a substitute index as agreed by the Issuer and the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) or as determined by the Expert pursuant to the foregoing paragraphs, as the case may be, and references in these Conditions to the Index and to any Index Figure shall be deemed amended in such manner as the Trustee (acting solely on the advice of the Indexation Adviser) and the Issuer agree are appropriate to give effect to such adjustment or replacement. Such amendments shall be effective from the date of such notification and binding upon the Issuer, the Trustee and the Instrumentholders, and the Issuer shall give notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 of such amendments as promptly as practicable following such notification. |
4.6 |
Redemption for Index Reasons |
If either (i) the Index Figure for three consecutive months is required to be determined on the basis of an Index Figure previously published as provided in Condition 4.3(ii)(2) and the Trustee has been notified by the Calculation Agent that publication of the Index has ceased or (ii) notice is published by Her Majestys Treasury, or on its behalf, following a change in relation to the Index, offering a right of redemption to the holders of the Reference Gilt, and (in either case) no amendment or substitution of the Index shall have been advised by the Indexation Adviser to the Issuer and such circumstances are continuing, the Issuer may, upon giving not more than 60 nor less than 30 days notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14, redeem all, but not some only, of the Instruments at their principal amount together with interest accrued but unpaid up to and including the date of redemption (in each case adjusted in accordance with Condition 4.2).
Where HICP (as defined below) is specified as the Index or Index Level (each as defined below) in the relevant Final Terms, the following Conditions 4.7 to 4.10 will apply:
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4.7 |
Definitions |
Base Index Level means the base index level as specified in the relevant Final Terms;
Index or Index Level means (subject as provided in Condition 4.9) the Non-revised Index of Consumer Prices excluding tobacco or relevant Successor Index (as defined in Condition 4.9 (i)), measuring the rate of inflation in the European Monetary Union excluding tobacco, expressed as an index and published by Eurostat (the HICP ). The first publication or announcement of a level of such index for a calculation month (as defined in Condition 4.9 (i)) shall be final and conclusive and later revisions to the level for such calculation month will not be used in any calculations. Any reference to the Index Level which is specified in these Conditions as applicable to any day ( d ) in any month ( m ) shall, subject as provided in Condition 4.9, be calculated as follows:
where:
I d is the Index Level for the day d
HICP m-2 is the level of HICP for month m-2
HICP m-3 is the level of HICP for month m-3
nbd is the actual number of days from and excluding the first day of month m to but including day d; and
q m is the actual number of days in month m,
provided that if Condition 4.9 applies, the Index Level shall be the Substitute Index Level determined in accordance with such Condition.
If the Index is replaced, the Issuer will describe the replacement Index in a supplement to the Prospectus;
Index Business Day means a day on which the TARGET System is operating;
Index Determination Date means in respect of any date for which the Index Level is required to be determined, the fifth Index Business Day prior to such date;
Index Ratio applicable to any date means the Index Level applicable to the relevant Index Determination Date divided by the Base Index Level and rounded to the nearest fifth decimal place, 0.000005 being rounded upwards;
Related Instrument means an inflation-linked bond selected by the Calculation Agent that is a debt obligation of one of the governments (but not any government agency) of France, Italy, Germany or Spain and which pays a coupon or redemption amount which is calculated by reference to the level of inflation in the European Monetary Union with a maturity date which falls on (a) the same day as the Maturity Date, (b) the next longest maturity date after the Maturity Date if there is no such bond maturing on the Maturity Date, or (c) the next shortest maturity before the Maturity Date if no bond defined in (a) or (b) is selected by the Calculation Agent. The Calculation Agent will select the Related Instrument from such of those inflation-linked bonds issued on or before the relevant Issue Date and, if there is more than one such inflation-linked bond maturing on the same date, the Related Instrument shall be selected by the Calculation Agent from such of those bonds. If the Related Instrument is redeemed the Calculation Agent will select a new
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Related Instrument on the same basis, but selected from all eligible bonds in issue at the time the originally selected Related Instrument is redeemed (including any bond for which the redeemed originally selected Related Instrument is exchanged).
4.8 |
Application of the Index Ratio |
Each payment of interest and principal in respect of the Instruments shall be the amount provided in, or determined in accordance with, these Conditions, multiplied by the Index Ratio applicable to the date on which such payment falls to be made and rounded in accordance with Condition 3.2.4(e).
4.9 |
Changes in Circumstances Affecting the Index |
(i) |
Delay in publication of Index |
(a) |
If the Index Level relating to any month (the calculation month ) which is required to be taken into account for the purposes of the determination of the Index Level for any date (the Relevant Level ) has not been published or announced by the day that is five Business Days before the date on which such payment is due (the Affected Payment Date ), the Calculation Agent shall determine a Substitute Index Level (as defined below) (in place of such Relevant Level) by using the following methodology: |
(1) |
if applicable, the Calculation Agent will take the same action to determine the Substitute Index Level for the Affected Payment Date as that taken by the calculation agent (or any other party performing the function of a calculation agent (whatever such partys title)) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Related Instrument; |
(2) |
if (1) above does not result in a Substitute Index Level for the Affected Payment Date for any reason, then the Calculation Agent shall determine the Substitute Index Level as follows: |
Substitute Index Level = Base Level x (Latest Level / Reference Level)
Where:
Base Level means the level of the Index (excluding any flash estimates) published or announced by Eurostat (or any successor entity which publishes such index) in respect of the month which is 12 calendar months prior to the month for which the Substitute Index Level is being determined;
Latest Level means the latest level of the Index (excluding any flash estimates) published or announced by Eurostat (or any successor entity which publishes such index) prior to the month in respect of which the Substitute Index Level is being calculated; and
Reference Level means the level of the Index (excluding any flash estimates) published or announced by Eurostat (or any successor entity which publishes such index) in respect of the month that is 12 calendar months prior to the month referred to in Latest Level above.
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(b) |
If a Relevant Level is published or announced at any time after the day that is five Business Days prior to the next Interest Payment Date, such Relevant Level will not be used in any calculations. The Substitute Index Level so determined pursuant to this Condition 4.9(i) will be the definitive level for that calculation month. |
(ii) |
Cessation of publication: If the Index Level has not been published or announced for two consecutive months or Eurostat announces that it will no longer continue to publish or announce the Index then the Calculation Agent shall determine a successor index in lieu of any previously applicable Index (the Successor Index ) by using the following methodology: |
(a) |
if at any time (other than after an Early Termination Event (as defined below) has been designated by the Calculation Agent pursuant to paragraph (e) below) a successor index has been designated by the calculation agent (or any other party performing the function of a calculation agent (whatever such partys title)) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Related Instrument, such successor index shall be designated the Successor Index for the purposes of all subsequent Interest Payment Dates, notwithstanding that any other Successor Index may previously have been determined under paragraphs (b), (c) or (d) below; or |
(b) |
if a Successor Index has not been determined under paragraph (a) above (and there has been no designation of an Early Termination Event pursuant to paragraph (e) below), and a notice has been given or an announcement has been made by Eurostat (or any successor entity which publishes such index) specifying that the Index will be superseded by a replacement index specified by Eurostat (or any such successor), and the Calculation Agent determines that such replacement index is calculated using the same or substantially similar formula or method of calculation as used in the calculation of the previously applicable Index, such replacement index shall be the Index from the date that such replacement index comes into effect; or |
(c) |
if a Successor Index has not been determined under paragraphs (a) or (b) above (and there has been no designation of an Early Termination Event pursuant to paragraph (e) below), the Calculation Agent shall ask five leading independent dealers to state what the replacement index for the Index should be. If between four and five responses are received, and of those four or five responses, three or more leading independent dealers state the same index, this index will be deemed the Successor Index. If three responses are received, and two or more leading independent dealers state the same index, this index will be deemed the Successor Index. If fewer than three responses are received, the Calculation Agent will proceed to paragraph (d) below; |
(d) |
if no Successor Index has been determined under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) above on or before the fifth Index Business Day prior to the next Affected Payment Date the Calculation Agent will determine an appropriate alternative index for such Affected Payment Date, and such index will be deemed the Successor Index; |
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(e) |
if the Calculation Agent determines that there is no appropriate alternative index, the Issuer and the Instrumentholders shall, in conjunction with the Calculation Agent, determine an appropriate alternative index. If the Issuer and the Instrumentholders, in conjunction with the Calculation Agent, do not reach agreement on an appropriate alternative index within a period of ten Business Days, then an Early Termination Event will be deemed to have occurred and the Issuer will redeem the Instruments pursuant to Condition 4.10. |
(iii) |
Rebasing of the Index: If the Calculation Agent determines that the Index has been or will be rebased at any time, the Index as so rebased (the Rebased Index ) will be used for the purposes of determining each relevant Index Level from the date of such rebasing; provided, however, that the Calculation Agent shall make such adjustments as are made by the calculation agent (or any other party performing the function of a calculation agent (whatever such partys title)) pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Related Instrument to the levels of the Rebased Index so that the Rebased Index levels reflect the same rate of inflation as the Index before it was rebased. Any such rebasing shall not affect any prior payments made. |
(iv) |
Material Modification Prior to Interest Payment Date: If, on or prior to the day that is five Business Days before an Interest Payment Date, Eurostat announces that it will make a material change to the Index then the Calculation Agent shall make any such adjustments to the Index consistent with adjustments made to the Related Instrument. |
(v) |
Manifest Error in Publication: If, within thirty days of publication, the Calculation Agent determines that Eurostat (or any successor entity which publishes such index) has corrected the level of the Index to remedy a manifest error in its original publication, the Calculation Agent will notify the parties of (A) that correction, (B) the amount that is payable as a result of that correction and (C) take such other action as it may deem necessary to give effect to such correction. |
4.10 Redemption for Index Reasons
If an Early Termination Event as described under Condition 4.9(ii)(e) is deemed to have occurred, the Issuer will, upon giving not more than 60 nor less than 30 days notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14, redeem all, but not some only, of the Instruments at their principal amount together with interest accrued but unpaid up to and including the date of redemption (in each case adjusted in accordance with Condition 4.8).
5 |
Redemption, Purchase and Options |
5.1 |
Final Redemption |
Unless previously redeemed, purchased and cancelled as provided below, this Instrument will be redeemed at its Final Redemption Amount (which, unless otherwise provided, is its nominal amount) on the Maturity Date specified in the relevant Final Terms provided, however, that if this Instrument is a Perpetual Instrument it will only be redeemable and repayable in accordance with the following provisions of this Condition 5.
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5.2 |
Redemption for Taxation Reasons |
If, on the occasion of the next payment in respect of the Instruments the Issuer satisfies the Trustee immediately before the giving of the notice referred to below that it would be unable to make such payment without having to pay additional amounts as described in Condition 7, and such requirement to pay such additional amounts arises by reason of a change in the laws of the United Kingdom or any political sub-division of the United Kingdom or taxing authority in the United Kingdom or any political sub-division of the United Kingdom or in the interpretation or application of the laws of the United Kingdom or any political sub-division of the United Kingdom or in any applicable double taxation treaty or convention, which change becomes effective on or after the date on which agreement is reached to issue the first Tranche of the Instruments, and such requirement cannot be avoided by the Issuer taking reasonable measures (such measures not involving any material additional payments by, or expense for, the Issuer), the Issuer may, at its option, at any time, having given not less than 30 nor more than 45 days notice to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14, redeem all, but not some only, of the Instruments at their Early Redemption Amount together with interest accrued to the date of redemption provided that the date fixed for redemption shall not be earlier than 90 days prior to the earliest date on which the Issuer would be obliged to pay such additional amounts or make such withholding or deduction, as the case may be, were a payment in respect of the Instruments then due. Prior to the publication of any notice of redemption pursuant to this Condition 5.2, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee a certificate signed by two Directors of the Issuer stating that the requirement referred to above cannot be avoided by the Issuer taking reasonable measures available to it and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept such certificate as sufficient evidence of the satisfaction of the condition precedent set out above in which event it shall be conclusive and binding on Instrumentholders and Couponholders.
5.3 |
Purchases |
The Issuer and any of its subsidiary undertakings may at any time purchase Instruments (provided that all unmatured Receipts and Coupons and unexchanged Talons appertaining to them are attached or surrendered with them) in the open market or otherwise at any price.
5.4 |
Early Redemption |
5.4.1 |
Zero Coupon Instruments |
(a) |
The Early Redemption Amount payable in respect of any Zero Coupon Instrument, the Early Redemption Amount of which is not linked to an index and/or a formula, upon redemption of such Instrument pursuant to Condition 5.2 or upon it becoming due and payable as provided in Condition 9 shall be the Amortised Face Amount (calculated as provided below) of such Instrument unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms. |
(b) |
Subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (c) below, the Amortised Face Amount of any such Instrument shall be the scheduled Final Redemption Amount of such Instrument on the Maturity Date discounted at a rate per annum (expressed as a percentage) equal to the Amortisation Yield (which, if none is specified in the relevant Final Terms, shall be such rate as would |
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produce an Amortised Face Amount equal to the issue price of the Instruments if they were discounted back to their issue price on the Issue Date) compounded annually. |
(c) |
If the Early Redemption Amount payable in respect of any such Instrument upon its redemption pursuant to Condition 5.2 or, if applicable, Condition 5.5 or 5.6 or upon it becoming due and payable as provided in Condition 9, is not paid when due, the Early Redemption Amount due and payable in respect of such Instrument shall be the Amortised Face Amount of such Instrument as defined in sub-paragraph (b) above, except that such sub-paragraph shall have effect as though the reference in that sub-paragraph to the date on which the Instrument becomes due and payable was replaced by a reference to the Relevant Date as defined in Condition 7. The calculation of the Amortised Face Amount in accordance with this sub-paragraph shall continue to be made (both before and after judgment) until the Relevant Date, unless the Relevant Date falls on or after the Maturity Date, in which case the amount due and payable shall be the scheduled Final Redemption Amount of such Instrument on the Maturity Date together with any interest that may accrue in accordance with Condition 3.2. |
Where such calculation is to be made for a period of less than one year, it shall be made on the basis of the Day Count Fraction specified in the relevant Final Terms.
5.4.2 |
Other Instruments |
The Early Redemption Amount payable in respect of any Instrument (other than Instruments described in Condition 5.4.1), upon redemption of such Instrument pursuant to this Condition 5.4 or upon it becoming due and payable as provided in Condition 9, shall be the Final Redemption Amount unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms.
5.5 |
Redemption at the Option of the Issuer and Exercise of Issuers Options |
5.5.1 |
If (i) Residual Holding Call Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms, and (ii) if at any time the Residual Holding Percentage or more of the aggregate nominal amount of Instruments originally issued shall have been redeemed or purchased and cancelled, the Issuer shall have the option to redeem such outstanding Instruments in whole, but not in part, at their Residual Holding Redemption Amount. Unless otherwise specified in the relevant Final Terms, the Residual Holding Redemption Amount will be calculated by the Calculation Agent by discounting the outstanding nominal amount of the Instruments and the remaining interest payments (if applicable) to the Maturity Date by a rate per annum (expressed as a percentage to the nearest one hundred thousandth of a percentage point (with halves being rounded up)) equal to the Benchmark Yield, being the yield on the Benchmark Security at the close of business on the third Business Day prior to the date fixed for such redemption, plus the Benchmark Spread. Where the specified calculation is to be made for a period of less than one year, it shall be calculated using the Benchmark Day Count Fraction. The Issuer will give not less than 15 nor more than 30 days irrevocable notice to the Instrumentholders and the Trustee of any such redemption pursuant to this Condition 5.5.1. |
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5.5.2 |
If Call Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the Issuer may, on giving not less than 15 nor more than 30 days irrevocable notice to the Instrumentholders (or such other notice period as may be specified in the relevant Final Terms), redeem, or exercise any Issuers option in relation to, all or, if so provided, some of such Instruments on any Optional Redemption Date or Option Exercise Date, as the case may be. Any such redemption of Instruments shall be at their Optional Redemption Amount together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption. Any such redemption or exercise must relate to Instruments of a nominal amount at least equal to the minimum nominal amount (if any) permitted to be redeemed specified hereon and no greater than the maximum nominal amount (if any) permitted to be redeemed specified on this Instrument. |
All Instruments in respect of which any such notice is given shall be redeemed, or the Issuers option shall be exercised, on the date specified in such notice in accordance with this Condition.
In the case of a partial redemption or a partial exercise of an Issuers option, the notice to Instrumentholders shall also contain the serial numbers of the Instruments to be redeemed, which shall have been drawn in such place as the Trustee may approve and in such manner as it deems appropriate, subject to compliance with any applicable laws, listing authority and stock exchange requirements.
5.6 |
Redemption at the Option of Instrumentholders following a Restructuring Event |
5.6.1 |
* [Redemption of Instruments issued by National Grid at the option of Instrumentholders |
If at any time whilst any of the Instruments issued by National Grid remains outstanding, there occurs the National Grid Restructuring Event, a Public Announcement shall be made and if, within the National Grid Restructuring Period, either:
(a) |
(if at the time that the National Grid Restructuring Event occurs there are Rated Securities) a Rating Downgrade in respect of the National Grid Restructuring Event occurs; or |
(b) |
(if at the time that the National Grid Restructuring Event occurs there are no Rated Securities) a Negative Rating Event in respect of the National Grid Restructuring Event occurs, |
(the National Grid Restructuring Event and Rating Downgrade or the National Grid Restructuring Event and Negative Rating Event, as the case may be, occurring within the National Grid Restructuring Period, together called a Put Event ),
then the holder of each Instrument issued by National Grid will have the option upon the giving of a Put Notice (as defined in Condition 5.6.4) to require National Grid to redeem or, at the option of National Grid, purchase (or procure the purchase of) such Instrument on the Put Date (as defined in Condition 5.6.4) at its principal amount together with accrued interest to the Put Date.
Promptly upon National Grid becoming aware that a Put Event has occurred, National Grid shall, or at any time upon the Trustee becoming similarly so aware
* |
Only applicable where National Grid is the Issuer. |
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the Trustee may, and if so requested in writing by the holders of at least one-quarter in principal amount of the Instruments then outstanding or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee shall, give notice (a Put Event Notice ) to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 specifying the nature of the Put Event and the procedure (as set out in Condition 5.6.4) for exercising the option contained in this Condition 5.6.1.
National Grid shall, forthwith upon becoming aware of the occurrence of the National Grid Restructuring Event (a) provide the Trustee with the relevant Directors Report and (b) provide or procure that the Reporting Accountants provide the Trustee with the Accountants Report. The Directors Report and the Accountants Report shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding on all concerned, including the Trustee and the Instrumentholders. The Trustee shall be entitled to act, or not act, and rely on without being expected to verify the accuracy of the same (and shall have no liability to Instrumentholders for doing so) any Directors Report and/or any Accountants Report (whether or not addressed to it).
5.6.2 |
For the purposes of this Condition |
Accountants Report means a report of the Reporting Accountants stating whether the amounts included in the calculation of the Operating Profit and the amount for Consolidated Operating Profit as included in the Directors Report have been accurately extracted from the accounting records of National Grid and its Subsidiaries and whether the Disposal Percentage included in the Directors Report has been correctly calculated which will be prepared pursuant to an engagement letter to be entered into by the Reporting Accountants, National Grid and the Trustee.
National Grid shall use reasonable endeavours to procure that there shall at the relevant time be Reporting Accountants who have (a) entered into an engagement letter with National Grid and the Trustee which shall (i) not limit the liability of the Reporting Accountants to the Trustee by reference to a monetary cap and (ii) be available for inspection by Instrumentholders at the principal office of the Trustee or (b) agreed to provide Accountants Reports on such other terms as National Grid and the Trustee shall approve. If National Grid, having used reasonable endeavours, is unable to procure that there shall at the relevant time be Reporting Accountants who have entered into an engagement letter complying with (i) above, the Trustee may rely on an Accountants Report which contains a limit on the liability of the Reporting Accountants by reference to a monetary cap or otherwise.
Investors should be aware that the engagement letter may contain a limit on the liability of the Reporting Accountants which may impact on the interests of Instrumentholders.
National Grid shall give notice to the Trustee of the identity of the Reporting Accountants;
Consolidated Operating Profit means the consolidated operating profit on ordinary activities before tax and interest and before taking account of depreciation and amortisation of goodwill and regulatory assets (for the avoidance of doubt, exceptional items, as reflected in the Relevant Accounts shall not be included) of National Grid and its subsidiaries (including any share of operating profit of
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associates and joint ventures) determined in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ( IFRS ) by reference to the Relevant Accounts;
Directors Report means a report prepared and signed by two directors of National Grid addressed to the Trustee setting out the Operating Profit, the Consolidated Operating Profit and the Disposal Percentage and stating any assumptions which the Directors of National Grid have employed in determining the Operating Profit;
Disposal Percentage means, in relation to a sale, transfer, lease or other disposal or dispossession of any Disposed Assets, the ratio of (a) the aggregate Operating Profit to (b) the Consolidated Operating Profit, expressed as a percentage;
Disposed Assets means, where National Grid and/or any of its Subsidiaries sells, transfers, leases or otherwise disposes of or is dispossessed by any means (but excluding sales, transfers, leases, disposals or dispossessions which, when taken together with any related lease back or similar arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business, have the result that Operating Profit directly attributable to any such undertaking, property or assets continues to accrue to National Grid or, as the case may be, such Subsidiary), otherwise than to a wholly-owned Subsidiary of National Grid or to National Grid, of the whole or any part (whether by a single transaction or by a number of transactions whether related or not) of its undertaking or (except in the ordinary course of business of National Grid or any such Subsidiary) property or assets, the undertaking, property or assets sold, transferred, leased or otherwise disposed of or of which it is so dispossessed;
Negative Rating Event shall be deemed to have occurred if either (a) National Grid does not, either prior to or not later than 21 days after the relevant National Grid Restructuring Event, seek, and thereupon use all reasonable endeavours to obtain, a rating of the Instruments or any other unsecured and unsubordinated debt of National Grid having an initial maturity of five years or more ( Rateable Debt ) from a Rating Agency or (b) if National Grid does so seek and use such endeavours, it is unable, as a result of such National Grid Restructuring Event, to obtain such a rating of at least investment grade (BBB- or Baa3 or their respective equivalents for the time being), provided that a Negative Rating Event shall not be deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular National Grid Restructuring Event if the Rating Agency declining to assign a rating of at least investment grade (as described above) does not announce or publicly confirm that its declining to assign a rating of at least investment grade was the result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised in or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable National Grid Restructuring Event (whether or not the National Grid Restructuring Event shall have occurred at the time such investment grade rating is declined);
National Grid Restructuring Event shall be deemed to have occurred at any time (whether or not approved by the Board of Directors of National Grid) that the sum of Disposal Percentages for National Grid within any period of 36 months commencing on or after the issue date of the first Tranche of the Instruments is greater than 50 per cent.;
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National Grid Restructuring Period means the period ending 90 days after a Public Announcement (or such longer period in which the Rated Securities or Rateable Debt, as the case may be, is or are under consideration (announced publicly within the first mentioned period) for rating review or, as the case may be, rating by a Rating Agency);
Operating Profit , in relation to any Disposed Assets, means the operating profits on ordinary activities before tax and interest and before taking account of depreciation and amortisation of goodwill and regulatory assets (for the avoidance of doubt, exceptional items, as reflected in the Relevant Accounts, shall not be included) of National Grid and its Subsidiaries directly attributable to such Disposed Assets as determined in accordance with IFRS by reference to the Relevant Accounts and, if Relevant Accounts do not yet exist, determined in a manner consistent with the assumptions upon which the Directors Report is to be based. Where the Directors of National Grid have employed assumptions in determining the Operating Profit, those assumptions should be clearly stated in the Directors Report;
Public Announcement means an announcement by National Grid or the Trustee, of the occurrence of the National Grid Restructuring Event published in a leading national newspaper having general circulation in the United Kingdom (which is expected to be the Financial Times );
Rated Securities means the Instruments, if and for so long as they shall have an effective rating from a Rating Agency and otherwise any Rateable Debt which is rated by a Rating Agency; provided that if there shall be no such Rateable Debt outstanding prior to the maturity of the Instruments, the holders of not less than one-quarter in principal amount of outstanding Instruments may require National Grid to obtain and thereafter update on an annual basis a rating of the Instruments from a Rating Agency. In addition, National Grid may at any time obtain and thereafter update on an annual basis a rating of the Instruments from a Rating Agency, provided that , except as provided above, National Grid shall not have any obligation to obtain such a rating of the Instruments;
Rating Agency means Standard & Poors Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and its successors or Moodys Investors Service, Inc. and its successors or any rating agency substituted for either of them (or any permitted substitute of them) by National Grid from time to time with the prior written approval of the Trustee;
Rating Downgrade shall be deemed to have occurred in respect of the National Grid Restructuring Event if the then current rating whether provided by a Rating Agency at the invitation of National Grid or by its own volition assigned to the Rated Securities by any Rating Agency is withdrawn or reduced from an investment grade rating (BBB- or Baa3 or their respective equivalents for the time being or better) to a non-investment grade rating (BB+ or Ba1 or their respective equivalents for the time being or worse) or, if a Rating Agency shall already have rated the Rated Securities below investment grade (as described above), the rating is lowered one full rating category; provided that a Rating Downgrade otherwise arising by virtue of a particular reduction in rating shall not be deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular National Grid Restructuring Event if the Rating Agency making the reduction in rating to which this definition would otherwise apply does not
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announce or publicly confirm that the reduction was the result, in whole or part, of any event or circumstance comprised in or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable National Grid Restructuring Event (whether or not the applicable National Grid Restructuring Event shall have occurred at the time of the Rating Downgrade);
Relevant Accounts means the most recent annual audited consolidated financial accounts of National Grid and its Subsidiaries preceding the relevant sale, transfer, lease or other disposal or dispossession of any Disposed Asset;
Reporting Accountants means the auditors of National Grid (but not acting in their capacity as auditors) or such other firm of accountants as may be nominated by National Grid and approved in writing by the Trustee for the purpose or, failing which, as may be selected by the Trustee for the purpose; and
Subsidiary means a subsidiary within the meaning of Section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006 and Subsidiaries shall be construed accordingly.
5.6.3 |
The Trustee shall not be responsible for ascertaining or monitoring whether or not the National Grid Restructuring Event, a Negative Rating Event or a Rating Downgrade in relation to National Grid has occurred and, unless and until it has actual knowledge to the contrary, shall be entitled to assume that no such event has occurred. |
5.6.4 |
To exercise the option of redemption of an Instrument under Condition 5.6.1 the Instrumentholder must deliver each Instrument to be redeemed accompanied by a duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying Agent (a Put Notice ) and, in which the Instrumentholder may specify an account to which payment is to be made under this Condition 5.6 to the specified office of any Paying Agent on any business day falling within the period (the Put Period ) of 45 days after a Put Event Notice is given. The Instrument should be delivered together with all Receipts and Coupons (and Talons) appertaining thereto maturing after the date (the Put Date ) falling seven days after the expiry of the Put Period, failing which (unless Condition 6.5.2 applies) the Paying Agent will require payment of an amount equal to the face value of any such missing Receipt, Coupon and/or Talon. Any amount so paid will be reimbursed in the manner provided in Condition 6 against presentation and surrender of the relevant missing Receipt, Coupon and/or Talon, subject to Condition 8. The Paying Agent to which such Instrument and Put Notice are delivered will issue to the Instrumentholder concerned a non-transferable receipt in respect of the Instrument so delivered. Payment in respect of any Instrument so delivered will be made, if the Instrumentholder duly specified a bank account in the Put Notice to which payment is to be made, on the Put Date by transfer to that bank account and, in every other case, on or after the Put Date in the manner provided in Condition 6 against presentation and surrender (or, in the case of part payment, endorsement) of such receipt at the specified office of any Paying Agent. A Put Notice, once given, shall be irrevocable. For the purposes of the Conditions and the Trust Deed, receipts issued pursuant to this Condition 5.6 shall be treated as if they were Instruments. National Grid shall redeem the relevant Instruments on the Put Date unless previously redeemed or purchased.] |
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5.6.5 |
* [Redemption of Instruments issued by NGET at the option of Instrumentholders |
If NGET Restructuring Put Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms and at any time whilst any of the Instruments issued by NGET remains outstanding there occurs an NGET Restructuring Event and in relation to that NGET Restructuring Event, a Negative Certification is made and, within the NGET Restructuring Period either:
(a) |
(if at the time that an NGET Restructuring Event occurs there are Rated Securities) a Rating Downgrade in respect of the relevant NGET Restructuring Event occurs; or |
(b) |
(if at the time that an NGET Restructuring Event occurs there are no Rated Securities) a Negative Rating Event in respect of the relevant NGET Restructuring Event occurs, |
(the NGET Restructuring Event and Rating Downgrade or the NGET Restructuring Event and Negative Rating Event, as the case may be, occurring within the NGET Restructuring Period, together with a Negative Certification, shall be called a Put Event ),
then the holder of each Instrument of NGET will have the option upon the giving of a Put Notice (as defined in Condition 5.6.4) to require NGET to redeem or, at the option of NGET, purchase (or procure the purchase of) such Instrument on the Put Date (as defined in Condition 5.6.4) at its principal amount together with accrued interest to the Put Date.
Promptly upon NGET becoming aware that a Put Event has occurred, and in any event no later than 14 days after the occurrence of a Put Event, NGET shall, or at any time upon the Trustee becoming similarly so aware the Trustee may, and if so requested in writing by the holders of at least one-quarter in principal amount of the Instruments then outstanding or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution of the Instrumentholders, the Trustee shall, give notice (a Put Event Notice ) to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 specifying the nature of the Put Event and the procedure (as set out in Condition 5.6.4) for exercising the option contained in this Condition 5.6.1.
5.6.6 |
For the purposes of this Condition |
Electricity Act means the Electricity Act 1989 as amended or re-enacted from time to time and all subordinate legislation made pursuant thereto;
Electricity Transmission Licence means the transmission licence, as subsequently amended from time to time, originally granted by the Secretary of State for Energy to NGET under the Electricity Act;
Negative Certification means, on the occurrence of an NGET Restructuring Event, such event or events being certified in writing by an independent financial adviser appointed by NGET and approved by the Trustee (or, if NGET shall not have appointed such an adviser within 21 days after becoming aware of the occurrence of such NGET Restructuring Event, appointed by the Trustee (following consultation with NGET)) as being in its opinion materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders. Any Negative Certification by an independent
* |
Only applicable where NGET is the Issuer. |
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financial adviser as to whether or not, in its opinion, any event defined as an NGET Restructuring Event is materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding upon NGET, the Trustee, the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders;
Negative Rating Event shall be deemed to have occurred if NGET is unable as a result of an NGET Restructuring Event to obtain a rating of the Instruments or of any other comparable unsecured and unsubordinated debt of NGET (or of any Subsidiary of NGET and which is guaranteed on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis by NGET) having an initial maturity of five years or more ( Rateable Debt ) from a Rating Agency of at least investment grade (BBB-/Baa3, or their respective equivalents for the time being), which rating NGET shall use all reasonable endeavours to obtain, provided that a Negative Rating Event shall not be deemed to have occurred in respect of a particular NGET Restructuring Event if the Rating Agency making the relevant reduction or declining to assign a rating of at least investment grade (as described above) does not announce or publicly confirm or otherwise inform the Trustee that the reduction or its declining to assign a rating of at least investment grade was the result, in whole or in part, of any event or circumstance comprised in or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable NGET Restructuring Event;
NGET Restructuring Event means the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:
(a) |
the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry or any official succeeding to his functions gives NGET written notice of revocation of the Electricity Transmission Licence in accordance with the terms as to revocation set out in Schedule 2 of the Electricity Transmission Licence, such revocation to become effective not later than the Maturity Date of the Instruments or NGET agrees in writing with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry or any official succeeding to his functions to any revocation or surrender of the Electricity Transmission Licence or any legislation (whether primary or subordinate) is enacted terminating or revoking the Electricity Transmission Licence; or |
(b) |
any modification is made to the terms and conditions of the Electricity Transmission Licence other than such a modification which the Trustee, in its opinion, considers to be not materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders and has so confirmed in writing to NGET; or |
(c) |
any legislation (whether primary or subordinate) is enacted removing, reducing or qualifying the duties or powers of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry or any official succeeding to his functions and/or the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority under Section 3A of the Electricity Act as compared with those in effect on the issue date of the first Tranche of the Instruments other than such legislation which the Trustee, in its opinion, considers to be not materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders and has so confirmed in writing to NGET; |
NGET Restructuring Period means:
(a) |
if at the time at which the NGET Restructuring Event occurs there are Rated Securities, the period of 90 days starting from and including the day |
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on which an NGET Restructuring Event occurs or such longer period in which the Rated Securities are under consideration (announced publicly within such 90 day period) for rating review by a Rating Agency; or
(b) |
if at the time at which an NGET Restructuring Event occurs there are no Rated Securities, the period starting from and including the day on which an NGET Restructuring Event occurs and ending on the day 90 days following the date on which a Negative Certification shall have been given to NGET in respect of that NGET Restructuring Event; |
Rated Securities means (a) the Instruments or (b) such other comparable unsecured and unsubordinated debt of NGET (or of any Subsidiary of NGET and which is guaranteed on an unsecured and unsubordinated basis by NGET) having an initial maturity of five years or more selected by NGET from time to time for the purpose of this definition with the approval of the Trustee and which possesses an investment grade rating (BBB-/Baa3, or their respective equivalents for the time being, or better) by any Rating Agency (whether at the invitation of NGET or by its own volition);
Rating Agency means Standard & Poors Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any of its Subsidiaries and their successors or Moodys Investors Service, Inc., or any of its Subsidiaries and their successors or any rating agency substituted for either of them (or any permitted substitute of them) by NGET from time to time with the prior written approval of the Trustee;
Rating Downgrade shall be deemed to have occurred in respect of an NGET Restructuring Event if the rating assigned to the Rated Securities by any Rating Agency which is current immediately prior to the occurrence of an NGET Restructuring Event (whether provided by a Rating Agency at the invitation of NGET or by its own volition) is withdrawn or reduced from an investment grade rating (BBB-/Baa3, or their respective equivalents for the time being, or better) to a non-investment grade rating (BB+/Ba1, or their respective equivalents for the time being, or worse) or, if the Rating Agency shall have already rated the Rated Securities below investment grade (as described above), the rating is lowered one full rating category (from BB+/Ba1 to BB/Ba2 or such similar lowering) provided that a Rating Downgrade shall not be deemed to have occurred in respect of or as a result of a particular NGET Restructuring Event if the Rating Agency making the relevant reduction in rating or declining to assign a rating of at least investment grade as provided in these Conditions does not announce or publicly confirm, or otherwise inform the Trustee, that the reduction or declining was the result, in whole or part, of any event or circumstance comprised in or arising as a result of, or in respect of, the applicable NGET Restructuring Event;
Subsidiary means a subsidiary within the meaning of Section 1156 of the Companies Act 2006 and Subsidiaries shall be construed accordingly.
5.6.7 |
The Trustee shall not be responsible for ascertaining whether or not an NGET Restructuring Event, a Negative Rating Event or a Rating Downgrade in relation to NGET has occurred and, unless and until it has actual knowledge to the contrary, shall be entitled to assume that no such event has occurred. |
5.6.8 |
To exercise the option of redemption of an Instrument under Condition 5.6.1 the Instrumentholder must deliver each Instrument to be redeemed accompanied by a |
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duly signed and completed notice of exercise in the form (for the time being current) obtainable from the specified office of any Paying Agent (a Put Notice ) and, in which the Instrumentholder may specify an account to which payment is to be made under this Condition 5.6 to the specified office of any Paying Agent on any business day falling within the period (the Put Period ) of 45 days after a Put Event Notice is given. The Instrument should be delivered together with all Receipts and Coupons (and Talons) appertaining thereto maturing after the date (the Put Date ) falling seven days after the expiry of the Put Period, failing which (unless Condition 6.5.2 applies) the Paying Agent will require payment of an amount equal to the face value of any such missing Receipt, Coupon and/or Talon.
Any amount so paid will be reimbursed in the manner provided in Condition 6 against presentation and surrender of the relevant missing Receipt, Coupon and/or Talon, subject to Condition 8. The Paying Agent to which such Instrument and Put Notice are delivered will issue to the Instrumentholder concerned a non-transferable receipt in respect of the Instrument so delivered.
Payment in respect of any Instrument so delivered will be made, if the Instrumentholder duly specified a bank account in the Put Notice to which payment is to be made, on the Put Date by transfer to that bank account and, in every other case, on or after the Put Date in the manner provided in Condition 6 against presentation and surrender (or, in the case of part payment, endorsement) of such receipt at the specified office of any Paying Agent. A Put Notice, once given, shall be irrevocable. For the purposes of the Conditions and the Trust Deed, receipts issued pursuant to this Condition 5.6 shall be treated as if they were Instruments. NGET shall redeem the relevant Instruments on the Put Date unless previously redeemed or purchased.]
5.7 |
Redemption at the Option of Instrumentholders |
If Put Option is specified in the relevant Final Terms, the Issuer shall, at the option of any Instrumentholder, upon such Instrumentholder giving not less than 15 nor more than 30 days notice to the Issuer (or such other notice period as may be specified on this Instrument) redeem such Instrument on the Optional Redemption Date(s) (as specified in the Final Terms) at its Optional Redemption Amount (as specified in the Final Terms) together with interest accrued to the date fixed for redemption.
To exercise such option (which must be exercised on an Option Exercise Date) the holder must deposit such Instrument with any Paying Agent at its specified office, together with a duly completed option exercise notice ( Exercise Notice ) in the form obtainable from any Paying Agent within the Instrumentholders Option Period (as specified in the Final Terms). No Instrument so deposited and option exercised may be withdrawn (except as provided in the Agency Agreement) without the prior consent of the Issuer.
5.8 |
Partly Paid Instruments |
Partly Paid Instruments will be redeemed, whether at maturity, early redemption or otherwise, in accordance with the provisions of this Condition and the provisions specified in the relevant Final Terms.
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5.9 |
Redemption by Instalments |
Unless previously redeemed, purchased and cancelled as provided in this Condition 5, each Instrument which provides for Instalment Dates and Instalment Amounts will be partially redeemed on each Instalment Date at the Instalment Amount specified in the relevant Final Terms. The outstanding nominal amount of each such Instrument shall be reduced by the Instalment Amount (or, if such Instalment Amount is calculated by reference to a proportion of the nominal amount of such Instrument, such proportion) for all purposes with effect from the related Instalment Date, unless payment of the Instalment Amount is improperly withheld or refused on presentation of the related Receipt, in which case, such amount shall remain outstanding until the Relevant Date relating to such Instalment Amount.
5.10 |
Cancellation |
All Instruments redeemed pursuant to any of the foregoing provisions will be cancelled forthwith together with all unmatured Receipts and Coupons and unexchanged Talons attached thereto. All Instruments purchased by or on behalf of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may, at the option of the Issuer be held by or may be surrendered together with all unmatured Receipts and Coupons and all unexchanged Talons attached to them to a Paying Agent for cancellation, but may not be resold and when held by the Issuer or any of its respective Subsidiaries shall not entitle the holder to vote at any meeting of Instrumentholders and shall not be deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of calculating quorums at meetings of Instrumentholders or for the purposes of Condition 11.
6 |
Payments and Talons |
6.1 |
Payments |
Payments of principal and interest in respect of Instruments will, subject as mentioned below, be made against presentation and surrender of the relevant Receipts (in the case of payments of Instalment Amounts other than on the due date for redemption and provided that the Receipt is presented for payment together with its relative Instrument), Instruments (in the case of all other payments of principal and, in the case of interest, as specified in Condition 6.5.6) or Coupons (in the case of interest, save as specified in Condition 6.5.6), as the case may be, at the specified office of any Paying Agent outside the United States by a cheque payable in the currency in which such payment is due drawn on, or, at the option of the holder, by transfer to an account denominated in that currency with, a bank in the principal financial centre for that currency; provided that in the case of Euro, the transfer shall be in a city in which banks have access to the TARGET System.
6.2 |
Payments in the United States |
Notwithstanding the above, if any Instruments are denominated in U.S. dollars, payments in respect of them may be made at the specified office of any Paying Agent in New York City in the same manner as specified above if (a) the Issuer shall have appointed Paying Agents with specified offices outside the United States with the reasonable expectation that such Paying Agents would be able to make payment of the amounts on the Instruments in the manner provided above when due, (b) payment in full of such amounts at all such offices is illegal or effectively precluded by exchange controls or other similar restrictions on payment or receipt of such amounts and (c) such payment is then permitted by United
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States law, without involving, in the opinion of the Issuer, any adverse tax consequence to the Issuer.
6.3 |
Payments subject to Fiscal Laws etc. |
All payments are subject in all cases to any applicable fiscal or other laws, regulations and directives, but without prejudice to the provisions of Condition 7. No commission or expenses shall be charged to the Instrumentholders or Couponholders in respect of such payments.
6.4 |
Appointment of Agents |
The Issuing and Paying Agent, the Paying Agents and the Calculation Agent initially appointed by the Issuer and their respective specified offices are listed below. The Issuing and Paying Agent, the Paying Agents and the Calculation Agent act solely as agents of the Issuer and do not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holder. The Issuer reserves the right at any time with the approval of the Trustee to vary or terminate the appointment of the Issuing and Paying Agent, any other Paying Agent or the Calculation Agent and to appoint additional or other Paying Agents, provided that the Issuer shall at all times maintain (a) an Issuing and Paying Agent, (b) a Paying Agent having its specified office in a major European city, which shall be London so long as the Instruments are admitted to the Official List of the Financial Services Authority in its capacity as competent authority under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchanges Gilt Edged and Fixed Interest Market, (c) a Calculation Agent where the Conditions so require one, (d) so long as the Instruments are listed on any stock exchange or admitted to listing by any other relevant authority, a Paying Agent having a specified office in such place as may be required by the rules and regulations of any other relevant stock exchange or other relevant authority and (e) to the extent that the Issuer is able to do so and not provided for by the foregoing provisions of this Condition 6.4, a Paying Agent with a specified office in a European Union member state that will not be obliged to withhold or deduct tax pursuant to any law implementing European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any other Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN Council meeting of 26-27 November 2000. As used in these Conditions, the terms Issuing and Paying Agent , Calculation Agent , and Paying Agent include any additional or replacement Issuing and Paying Agent, Calculation Agent or Paying Agent appointed under this Condition.
In addition, the Issuer shall forthwith appoint a Paying Agent in New York City in respect of any Instruments denominated in U.S. dollars in the circumstances described in Condition 6.2.
Notice of any such change or any change of any specified office shall promptly be given to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14.
6.5 |
Unmatured Coupons and Receipts and unexchanged Talons |
6.5.1 |
Unless the Instrument provides that the relevant Coupons are to become void upon the due date for redemption of those Instruments, Instruments should be surrendered for payment together with all unmatured Coupons (if any) appertaining to them, failing which an amount equal to the face value of each missing unmatured Coupon (or, in the case of payment not being made in full, that proportion of the amount of such missing unmatured Coupon that the sum of principal so paid bears to the total principal due) will be deducted from the Final |
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Redemption Amount, Early Redemption Amount or Optional Redemption Amount, as the case may be, due for payment. Any amount so deducted shall be paid in the manner mentioned above against surrender of such missing Coupon within a period of 10 years from the Relevant Date for the payment of such principal (whether or not such Coupon has become void pursuant to Condition 8).
6.5.2 |
If the relevant Instrument so provides, upon the due date for redemption of any Instrument, unmatured Coupons relating to such Instrument (whether or not attached) shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of them. |
6.5.3 |
If the relevant Instrument so provides, upon the due date for redemption of any Instrument, any unexchanged Talon relating to such Instrument (whether or not attached) shall become void and no Coupon shall be delivered in respect of such Talon. |
6.5.4 |
Upon the due date for redemption of any Instrument which is redeemable in instalments, all Receipts relating to such Instrument having an Instalment Date falling on or after such due date (whether or not attached) shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of them. |
6.5.5 |
Where any Instrument which provides that the relevant Coupons are to become void upon the due date for redemption of those Instruments is presented for redemption without all unmatured Coupons and any unexchanged Talon relating to it, and where any Instrument is presented for redemption without any unexchanged Talon relating to it, redemption shall be made only against the provision of such indemnity as the Issuer may require. |
6.5.6 |
If the due date for redemption of any Instrument is not a due date for payment of interest, interest accrued from the preceding due date for payment of interest or the Interest Commencement Date, as the case may be, shall only be payable against presentation (and surrender if appropriate) of the relevant Instrument. Interest accrued on an Instrument that only bears interest after its Maturity Date shall be payable on redemption of that Instrument against presentation of that Instrument. |
6.6 |
Non-business Days |
If any date for payment in respect of any Instrument, Receipt or Coupon is not a business day, the holder shall not be entitled to payment until the next following business day nor to any interest or other sum in respect of such postponed payment. In this paragraph, business day means a day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks and foreign exchange markets are open for business in the relevant place of presentation, in such jurisdictions as shall be specified as Financial Centres in the relevant Final Terms and:
6.6.1 |
(in the case of a payment in a currency other than Euro) where payment is to be made by transfer to an account maintained with a bank in the relevant currency, on which foreign exchange transactions may be carried on in the relevant currency in the principal financial centre of the country of such currency; or |
6.6.2 |
(in the case of a payment in Euro) which is a TARGET Business Day. |
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6.7 |
Talons |
On or after the Interest Payment Date for the final Coupon forming part of a Coupon sheet issued in respect of any Instrument, the Talon forming part of such Coupon sheet may be surrendered at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent in exchange for a further Coupon sheet (but excluding any Coupons which may have become void pursuant to Condition 8).
7 |
Taxation |
All payments of principal and interest by or on behalf of the Issuer in respect of the Instruments, the Receipts and the Coupons will be made without withholding or deduction for or on account of, any present or future taxes or duties of whatever nature imposed or levied by or on behalf of the United Kingdom or any political sub-division of the United Kingdom or any authority in or of the United Kingdom having power to tax, unless such withholding or deduction is compelled by law. In that event, the Issuer will pay such additional amounts of principal and interest as will result in the payment to the Instrumentholders, Receiptholders or, as the case may be, the Couponholders of the amounts which would otherwise have been receivable in respect of the Instruments, Receipts or Coupons had no withholding or deduction been made, except that no such additional amounts shall be payable in respect of any Instrument, Receipt or Coupon presented for payment:
(a) |
by or on behalf of, a person who is liable to such taxes or duties in respect of such Instrument, Receipt or Coupon by reason of his having some connection with the United Kingdom other than the mere holding of such Instrument, Receipt or Coupon; or |
(b) |
by or on behalf of a person who would not be liable or subject to such deduction or withholding by making a declaration of non-residence or other claim for exemption to a tax authority; or |
(c) |
more than 30 days after the Relevant Date except to the extent that the holder would have been entitled to such additional amounts on presenting the same for payment on such 30th day; or |
(d) |
where such withholding or deduction is imposed on a payment to an individual and is required to be made pursuant to any law implementing European Council Directive 2003/48/EC or any other Directive implementing the conclusions of the ECOFIN Council meeting of 26-27 November 2000; or |
(e) |
by or on behalf of a holder who would have been able to avoid such withholding or deduction (i) by presenting the relevant Instrument, Receipt or Coupon to another Paying Agent in a Member State of the European Union; or (ii) by satisfying any statutory or procedural requirements (including, without limitation, the provision of information). |
As used in these Conditions, Relevant Date in respect of any Instrument, Receipt or Coupon means the date on which payment in respect of it first becomes due or (if any amount of the money payable is improperly withheld or refused) the date on which payment in full of the amount outstanding is made or (if earlier) the date on which notice is duly given to the Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 that, upon further presentation of the Instrument, Receipt or Coupon being made in accordance with the Conditions, such payment will be made, provided that payment is in fact made upon such
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presentation. References in these Conditions to (a) principal shall be deemed to include any premium payable in respect of the Instruments, all Instalment Amounts, Final Redemption Amounts, Early Redemption Amounts, Optional Redemption Amounts, Amortised Face Amounts and all other amounts in the nature of principal payable pursuant to Condition 5 or any amendment or supplement to it, (b) interest shall be deemed to include all Interest Amounts and all other amounts payable pursuant to Condition 3 or any amendment or supplement to it and (c) principal and/or interest shall be deemed to include any additional amounts which may be payable under this Condition or any undertaking given in addition to or in substitution for it under the Trust Deed.
8 |
Prescription |
Instruments, Receipts and Coupons (which, for this purpose, shall not include Talons) shall be prescribed and become void unless presented for payment within 10 years (in the case of principal) or five years (in the case of interest) from the appropriate Relevant Date in respect of them.
9 |
Events of Default |
If any of the following events (each an Event of Default ) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee at its discretion may, and if so requested by the holders of at least one-quarter in nominal amount of the Instruments then outstanding or if so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution shall, give notice to the Issuer at its registered office that the Instruments are, and they shall accordingly immediately become due and repayable at their Redemption Amount together with accrued interest (if any) to the date of payment:
(a) |
Non-Payment: there is default for more than 30 days in the payment of any principal or interest due in respect of the Instruments; or |
(b) |
Breach of Other Obligations: there is default in the performance or observance by the Issuer of any other obligation or provision under the Trust Deed or the Instruments (other than any obligation for the payment of any principal or interest in respect of the Instruments) which default is incapable of remedy or, if in the opinion of the Trustee capable of remedy, is not remedied within 90 days after notice of such default shall have been given to the Issuer by the Trustee; or |
(c) |
Cross-Acceleration: if (i) any other present or future Relevant Indebtedness of the Issuer [(or a Principal Subsidiary)] * becomes due and payable prior to its stated maturity by reason of any actual event of default or (ii) any amount in respect of such Relevant Indebtedness is not paid when due or, as the case may be, within any applicable grace period, provided that the aggregate amount of the Relevant Indebtedness in respect of which one or more of the events mentioned above in this paragraph (c) have occurred equals or exceeds £50,000,000, for the period up to 31 March 2017, and thereafter, £100,000,000. |
[For the purposes of this Condition 9, Principal Subsidiary means National Grid Gas plc, NGET and National Grid USA, and includes any successor entity thereto or any member of the group of companies comprising National Grid and each of its subsidiary undertakings (the National Grid Group ) which the Auditors have certified to the Trustee as being a company to which all or substantially all of the
* |
Only applicable where National Grid is the Issuer. |
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assets of a Principal Subsidiary are transferred. In the event that all or substantially all of the assets of a Principal Subsidiary are transferred to a member of the National Grid Group as described above, the transferor of such assets shall cease to be deemed to be a Principal Subsidiary for the purposes of this Condition.]*; or
(d) |
Winding-up: a resolution is passed, or a final order of a court in the United Kingdom is made and, where possible, not discharged or stayed within a period of 90 days, that the Issuer be wound up or dissolved; or |
(e) |
Enforcement Proceedings: attachment is made of the whole or substantially the whole of the assets or undertakings of the Issuer and such attachment is not released or cancelled within 90 days or an encumbrancer takes possession or an administrative or other receiver or similar officer is appointed of the whole or substantially the whole of the assets or undertaking of the Issuer or an administration or similar order is made in relation to the Issuer and such taking of possession, appointment or order is not released, discharged or cancelled within 90 days; or |
(f) |
Insolvency: the Issuer ceases to carry on all or substantially all of its business or is unable to pay its debts within the meaning of Section 123(1)(e) or Section 123(2) of the Insolvency Act 1986; or |
(g) |
Bankruptcy: the Issuer is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent by a court of competent jurisdiction in its country of incorporation, |
provided that in the case of paragraph (b) the Trustee shall have certified that in its opinion such event is materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders.
10 |
Enforcement |
The Trustee may, at its discretion and without further notice, institute such proceedings against the Issuer as it may think fit to enforce any obligation, condition or provision binding on the Issuer under the Instruments or under the Trust Deed, but shall not be bound to do so unless:
(a) |
it has been so directed by an Extraordinary Resolution or in writing by the holders of at least one-quarter of the principal amount of the Instruments outstanding; and |
(b) |
it has been indemnified to its satisfaction. |
No Instrumentholder, Receiptholder or Couponholder shall be entitled to institute proceedings directly against the Issuer unless the Trustee, having become bound to proceed as specified above, fails to do so within a reasonable time and such failure is continuing.
11 |
Meetings of Instrumentholders, Modifications and Substitution |
11.1 |
Meetings of Instrumentholders |
The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening meetings of Instrumentholders to consider any matter affecting their interests, including the sanctioning by Extraordinary Resolution (as defined in the Trust Deed) of a modification of any of these Conditions or any provisions of the Trust Deed. An Extraordinary Resolution duly passed at any such meeting shall be binding on Instrumentholders (whether or not they were present at the
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meeting at which such resolution was passed) and on all Couponholders, except that any Extraordinary Resolution proposed, inter alia , (a) to amend the dates of maturity or redemption of the Instruments, any Instalment Date or any date for payment of interest on the Instruments, (b) to reduce or cancel the nominal amount of, or any Instalment Amount of, or any premium payable on redemption of, the Instruments, (c) to reduce the rate or rates of interest in respect of the Instruments or to vary the method or basis of calculating the rate or rates or amount of interest or the basis for calculating any Interest Amount in respect of the Instruments, (d) if a Minimum and/or a Maximum Rate of Interest is shown on the face of the Instrument, to reduce any such Minimum and/or Maximum Rate of Interest, (e) to vary any method of calculating the Final Redemption Amount, the Early Redemption Amount or the Optional Redemption Amount, (f) to take any steps that as specified in this Instrument may only be taken following approval by an Extraordinary Resolution to which the special quorum provisions apply, and (g) to modify the provisions concerning the quorum required at any meeting of Instrumentholders or the majority required to pass the Extraordinary Resolution will only be binding if passed at a meeting of the Instrumentholders (or at any adjournment of that meeting) at which a special quorum (as defined in the Trust Deed) is present. A resolution in writing signed by the holders of not less than 95 per cent. in nominal amount of the Instruments will be binding on all Instrumentholders and Couponholders. The Issuer may convene a meeting of Instrumentholders jointly with the holders of all other instruments issued pursuant to the Agency Agreement and not forming a single series with the Instruments to which meeting the provisions referred to above apply as if all such instruments formed part of the same series, provided that the proposals to be considered at such meeting affect the rights of the holders of the instruments of each series attending the meeting in identical respects (save insofar as the Conditions applicable to each such series are not identical).
11.2 |
Modification of the Trust Deed |
The Trustee may agree, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders, to (a) any modification of any of the provisions of the Trust Deed that is of a formal, minor or technical nature or is made to correct a manifest error, and (b) any other modification (except as mentioned in the Trust Deed), and any waiver or authorisation of any breach or proposed breach, of any of the provisions of the Trust Deed that is in the opinion of the Trustee not materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders. Any such modification, authorisation or waiver shall be binding on the Instrumentholders and the Couponholders and, if the Trustee so requires, such modification shall be notified to the Instrumentholders as soon as practicable.
11.3 |
Substitution |
The Trust Deed contains provisions permitting the Trustee to agree, subject to such amendment of the Trust Deed and such other conditions as the Trustee may require, but without the consent of the Instrumentholders or the Couponholders, to the substitution of any other company in place of the Issuer or of any previous substituted company, as principal debtor under the Trust Deed and the Instruments. In the case of such a substitution the Trustee may agree, without the consent of the Instrumentholders or the Couponholders, to a change of the law governing the Instruments, the Receipts, the Coupons, the Talons and/or the Trust Deed provided that such change would not in the opinion of the Trustee be materially prejudicial to the interests of the Instrumentholders.
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11.4 |
Entitlement of the Trustee |
In connection with the exercise of its functions (including but not limited to those referred to in this Condition) the Trustee shall have regard to the interests of the Instrumentholders as a class and shall not have regard to the consequences of such exercise for individual Instrumentholders or Couponholders and the Trustee shall not be entitled to require, nor shall any Instrumentholder or Couponholder be entitled to claim, from the Issuer any indemnification or payment in respect of any tax consequence of any such exercise upon individual Instrumentholders or Couponholders.
12 |
Replacement of Instruments, Receipts, Coupons and Talons |
If an Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon is lost, stolen, mutilated, defaced or destroyed, it may be replaced, subject to applicable laws, listing authority and stock exchange regulations, at the specified office of such other Paying Agent as may from time to time be designated by the Issuer for the purpose and notice of whose designation is given to Instrumentholders in accordance with Condition 14 on payment by the claimant of the fees and costs incurred in connection with that replacement and on such terms as to evidence, security and indemnity (which may provide, inter alia , that if the allegedly lost, stolen or destroyed Instrument, Receipt, Coupon or Talon is subsequently presented for payment or, as the case may be, for exchange for further Coupons, there shall be paid to the Issuer on demand the amount payable by the Issuer in respect of such Instruments, Receipts, Coupons or further Coupons) and otherwise as the Issuer may require. Mutilated or defaced Instruments, Receipts, Coupons or Talons must be surrendered before replacements will be issued.
13 |
Further Issues |
The Issuer may from time to time without the consent of the Instrumentholders or Couponholders create and issue further instruments having the same terms and conditions as the Instruments and so that such further issue shall be consolidated and form a single series with such Instruments.
References in these Conditions to the Instruments include (unless the context requires otherwise) any other instruments issued pursuant to this Condition and forming a single series with the Instruments. Any such further instruments forming a single series with Instruments constituted by the Trust Deed or any deed supplemental to it shall, and any other instruments may (with the consent of the Trustee), be constituted by the Trust Deed.
The Trust Deed contains provisions for convening a single meeting of the Instrumentholders and the holders of instruments of other series if the Trustee so decides.
14 |
Notices |
All notices to the Instrumentholders will be valid if published in a daily English language newspaper of general circulation in the United Kingdom (which is expected to be the Financial Times ). If in the opinion of the Trustee any such publication is not practicable, notice shall be validly given if published in another leading daily English language newspaper with general circulation in Europe. Any such notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date of such publication or, if published more than once or on different dates, on the first date on which publication is made, as provided above.
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Couponholders shall be deemed for all purposes to have notice of the contents of any notice given to the holders of Instruments in accordance with this Condition.
15 |
Indemnification of Trustee |
The Trust Deed contains provisions for the indemnification of the Trustee and for its relief from responsibility, including but not limited to provisions relieving it from any obligation to (a) appoint an independent financial adviser and (b) take proceedings to enforce repayment unless indemnified to its satisfaction. The Trustee is entitled to enter into business transactions with the Issuer or any of its subsidiary undertakings, parent undertakings, joint ventures or associated undertakings without accounting for any profit resulting from these transactions and to act as trustee for the holders of any other securities issued by the Issuer or any of its subsidiary undertakings, parent undertakings, joint ventures or associated undertakings.
16 |
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 |
No person shall have any right to enforce any term or condition of the Instruments under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
17 |
Governing Law and Jurisdiction |
17.1 |
The Instruments and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or connected with them are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, English law. |
17.2 |
The courts of England have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute (a Dispute ), arising from or connected with the Instruments. |
17.3 |
The Issuer agrees that the courts of England are the most appropriate and convenient courts to settle any Dispute and, accordingly, that it will not argue to the contrary. |
17.4 |
Nothing in this Condition 17 prevents the Trustee or any Instrumentholder from taking proceedings relating to a Dispute ( Proceedings ) in any other courts with jurisdiction. To the extent allowed by law, the Trustee or Instrumentholders may take concurrent Proceedings in any number of jurisdictions. |
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Schedule 2
Part C
Form of Coupon
On the front:
[NATIONAL GRID plc/
NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc] *
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. [ · ]
Tranche No. [ · ]
[Title of issue]
Coupon for [[set out amount due, if known]/the amount] due on [the Interest Payment Date falling in] ** [ · ], [ · ].
[Coupon relating to the Instrument in the nominal amount of [ · ]] ***
This Coupon is payable to bearer (subject to the Conditions endorsed on the Instrument to which this Coupon relates, which shall be binding upon the holder of this Coupon whether or not it is for the time being attached to such Instrument) at the specified offices of the Issuing and Paying Agent and the Paying Agents set out on the reverse of this Coupon (or any other Issuing and Paying Agent or further or other Paying Agents or specified offices duly appointed or nominated and notified to the Instrumentholders).
[If the Instrument to which this Coupon relates shall have become due and payable before the maturity date of this Coupon, this Coupon shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of it.] ****
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j)) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
[NATIONAL GRID plc/
NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc] *
By:
[Cp. No.] |
[Denomination] |
[ISIN] |
[Series] |
[Certif. No.] |
||||
* |
Delete as applicable. |
** |
[Only necessary where Interest Payment Dates are subject to adjustment in accordance with a Business Day Convention, otherwise the particular Interest Payment Date should be specified.] |
*** |
[Only required for Coupons relating to Floating Rate or Index Linked Interest Instruments that are issued in more than one denomination.] |
**** |
[Delete if Coupons are not to become void upon early redemption of Instrument.] |
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On the back:
ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
KBL European Private Bankers S.A.
43 Boulevard Royal
L-2955 Luxembourg
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Schedule 2
Part D
Form of Talon
On the front:
[NATIONAL GRID plc/
NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc] *
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. [ · ]
Tranche No. [ · ]
[Title of issue]
Talon for further Coupons falling due on [the Interest Payment Dates falling in] ** [ · ] [ · ].
[Talon relating to the Instrument in the nominal amount of [ · ]] ***
After all the Coupons relating to the Instrument to which this Talon relates have matured, further Coupons (including if appropriate a Talon for further Coupons) shall be issued at the specified office of the Issuing and Paying Agent set out on the reverse of this Talon (or any other Issuing and Paying Agent or specified office duly appointed or nominated and notified to the Instrumentholders) upon production and surrender of this Talon.
[If the Instrument to which this Talon relates shall have become due and payable before the original due date for exchange of this Talon, this Talon shall become void and no exchange shall be made in respect of it.] ****
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
[NATIONAL GRID plc/
NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc] *
By:
[Talon No.] |
[ISIN] |
[Series] |
[Certif. No.] |
|||
* |
Delete as applicable. |
** |
[The maturity dates of the relevant Coupons should be set out if known, otherwise reference should be made to the months and years in which the Interest Payment Dates fall.] |
*** |
[Only when required where the Series comprises Instruments of more than one denomination.] |
**** |
[Delete if Talon is not to become void upon early redemption of the Instrument.] |
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On the back:
ISSUING AND PAYING AGENT
The Bank of New York Mellon
One Canada Square
London E14 5AL
PAYING AGENT
KBL European Private Bankers S.A.
43 Boulevard Royal
L-2955 Luxembourg
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Schedule 2
Part E
Form of Receipt
[NATIONAL GRID plc/
NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc] *
EURO MEDIUM TERM NOTE PROGRAMME
Series No. [ l ]
Tranche No. [ l ]
[Title of issue]
Receipt for the sum of [] being the instalment of principal payable in accordance with the Terms and Conditions endorsed on the Instrument to which this Receipt relates (the Conditions ) on [ l ].
This Receipt is issued subject to and in accordance with the Conditions which shall be binding upon the holder of this Receipt (whether or not it is for the time being attached to such Instrument) and is payable at the specified office of any of the Paying Agents set out on the reverse of the Instrument to which this Receipt relates (and/or any other or further Paying Agents and/or specified offices as may from time to time be duly appointed and notified to the Instrumentholders).
This Receipt must be presented for payment together with the Instrument to which it relates. If the Instrument to which this Receipt relates shall have become due and payable on or before the maturity date of this Receipt, this Receipt shall become void and no payment shall be made in respect of it. The Issuer shall have no obligation in respect of this Receipt if it is presented without the Instrument to which it relates.
ANY UNITED STATES PERSON WHO HOLDS THIS OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO LIMITATIONS UNDER THE UNITED STATES INCOME TAX LAWS, INCLUDING THE LIMITATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 165(j) AND 1287(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE.
[NATIONAL GRID plc/
NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc]*
* |
Delete as applicable. |
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Schedule 3
Provisions for Meetings of Instrumentholders
Interpretation
1 |
In this Schedule: |
1.1 |
references to a meeting are to a meeting of Instrumentholders of a single Series of Instruments issued by the relevant Issuer and include, unless the context otherwise requires, any adjournment; |
1.2 |
references to Instruments and Instrumentholders are only to the Instruments of the Series in respect of which a meeting has been, or is to be, called, and to the holders of these Instruments, respectively; |
1.3 |
agent means a holder of a voting certificate or a proxy for, or representative of, an Instrumentholder; |
1.4 |
block voting instruction means an instruction issued in accordance with paragraphs 8 to 14; |
1.5 |
Extraordinary Resolution means a resolution passed at a meeting duly convened and held in accordance with this Trust Deed by a majority of at least 75 per cent of the votes cast; |
1.6 |
voting certificate means a certificate issued in accordance with paragraphs 5, 6, 7 and 14; and |
1.7 |
references to persons representing a proportion of the Instruments are to Instrumentholders or agents holding or representing in the aggregate at least that proportion in nominal amount of the Instruments for the time being outstanding. |
Powers of meetings
2 |
A meeting shall, subject to the Conditions and without prejudice to any powers conferred on other persons by this Trust Deed, have power by Extraordinary Resolution: |
2.1 |
to sanction any proposal by the relevant Issuer or the Trustee for any modification, abrogation, variation or compromise of, or arrangement in respect of, the rights of the Instrumentholders and/or the Couponholders against such Issuer whether or not those rights arise under this Trust Deed; |
2.2 |
to sanction the exchange or substitution for the Instruments of, or the conversion of the Instruments into, shares, bonds or other obligations or securities of the relevant Issuer or any other entity; |
2.3 |
to assent to any modification of this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Talons or the Coupons proposed by the relevant Issuer or the Trustee; |
2.4 |
to authorise anyone to concur in and do anything necessary to carry out and give effect to an Extraordinary Resolution; |
2.5 |
to give any authority, direction or sanction required to be given by Extraordinary Resolution; |
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2.6 |
to appoint any persons (whether Instrumentholders or not) as a committee or committees to represent the Instrumentholders interests and to confer on them any powers or discretions which the Instrumentholders could themselves exercise by Extraordinary Resolution; |
2.7 |
to approve a proposed new Trustee and to remove a Trustee; |
2.8 |
to approve the substitution of any entity for the relevant Issuer (or any previous substitute) as principal debtor under this Trust Deed; and |
2.9 |
to discharge or exonerate the Trustee from any liability in respect of any act or omission for which it may become responsible under this Trust Deed, the Instruments, the Receipts, the Talons or the Coupons, |
provided that the special quorum provisions in paragraph 19 shall apply to any Extraordinary Resolution (a special quorum resolution ) for the purpose of sub-paragraph 2.2 or 2.7, any of the proposals listed in Condition 11.1 or any amendment to this proviso.
Convening a meeting
3 |
The relevant Issuer or the Trustee may at any time convene a meeting. If it receives a written request by Instrumentholders holding at least 10 per cent in nominal amount of the Instruments of any Series for the time being outstanding and is indemnified to its satisfaction against all costs and expenses, the Trustee shall convene a meeting of the Instrumentholders of that Series. Every meeting shall be held at a time and place approved by the Trustee. |
4 |
At least 21 days notice (exclusive of the day on which the notice is given and of the day of the meeting) shall be given to the Instrumentholders. A copy of the notice shall be given by the party convening the meeting to the other parties. The notice shall specify the day, time and place of meeting and, unless the Trustee otherwise agrees, the nature of the resolutions to be proposed and shall explain how Instrumentholders may appoint proxies or representatives, obtain voting certificates and use block voting instructions and the details of the time limits applicable. |
Arrangements for voting
5 |
If a holder of an Instrument wishes to obtain a voting certificate in respect of it for a meeting, he must deposit it for that purpose at least 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting with a Paying Agent or to the order of a Paying Agent with a bank or other depositary nominated by the Paying Agent for the purpose. The Paying Agent shall then issue a voting certificate in respect of it. |
6 |
A voting certificate shall: |
6.1 |
be a document in the English language; |
6.2 |
be dated; |
6.3 |
specify the meeting concerned and the serial numbers of the Instruments deposited; and |
6.4 |
entitle, and state that it entitles, its bearer to attend and vote at that meeting in respect of those Instruments. |
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7 |
Once a Paying Agent has issued a voting certificate for a meeting in respect of an Instrument, it shall not release the Instrument until either: |
7.1 |
the meeting has been concluded; or |
7.2 |
the voting certificate has been surrendered to the Paying Agent. |
8 |
If a holder of an Instrument wishes the votes attributable to it to be included in a block voting instruction for a meeting, then, at least 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting, (i) he must deposit the Instrument for that purpose with a Paying Agent or to the order of a Paying Agent with a bank or other depositary nominated by the Paying Agent for the purpose and (ii) he or a duly authorised person on his behalf must direct the Paying Agent how those votes are to be cast. The Paying Agent shall issue a block voting instruction in respect of the votes attributable to all Instruments so deposited. |
9 |
A block voting instruction shall: |
9.1 |
be a document in the English language; |
9.2 |
be dated; |
9.3 |
specify the meeting concerned; |
9.4 |
list the total number and serial numbers of the Instruments deposited, distinguishing with regard to each resolution between those voting for and those voting against it; |
9.5 |
certify that such list is in accordance with Instruments deposited and directions received as provided in paragraphs 8, 11 and 14; and |
9.6 |
appoint a named person (a proxy ) to vote at that meeting in respect of those Instruments and in accordance with that list. |
A proxy need not be an Instrumentholder.
10 |
Once a Paying Agent has issued a block voting instruction for a meeting in respect of the votes attributable to any Instruments: |
10.1 |
it shall not release the Instruments, except as provided in paragraph 11, until the meeting has been concluded; and |
10.2 |
the directions to which it gives effect may not be revoked or altered during the 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting. |
11 |
If the receipt for an Instrument deposited with a Paying Agent in accordance with paragraph 8 is surrendered to the Paying Agent at least 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting, the Paying Agent shall release the Instrument and exclude the votes attributable to it from the block voting instruction. |
12 |
Each block voting instruction shall be deposited at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the meeting at such place as the Trustee shall designate or approve, and in default it shall not be valid unless the chairman of the meeting decides otherwise before the meeting proceeds to business. If the Trustee requires, a notarially certified copy of each block voting instruction shall be produced by the proxy at the meeting but the Trustee need not investigate or be concerned with the validity of the proxys appointment. |
13 |
A vote cast in accordance with a block voting instruction shall be valid even if it or any of the Instrumentholders instructions pursuant to which it was executed has previously been |
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revoked or amended, unless written intimation of such revocation or amendment is received from the relevant Paying Agent by the relevant Issuer or the Trustee at its registered office or by the chairman of the meeting in each case at least 24 hours before the time fixed for the meeting.
14 |
No Instrument may be deposited with or to the order of a Paying Agent at the same time for the purposes of both paragraph 5 and paragraph 8 for the same meeting. |
Chairman
15 |
The chairman of a meeting shall be such person as the Trustee may nominate in writing, but if no such nomination is made or if the person nominated is not present within 15 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting the Instrumentholders or agents present shall choose one of their number to be chairman, failing which the relevant Issuer may appoint a chairman. The chairman need not be an Instrumentholder or agent. The chairman of an adjourned meeting need not be the same person as the chairman of the original meeting. |
Attendance
16 |
The following may attend and speak at a meeting: |
16.1 |
Instrumentholders and agents; |
16.2 |
the chairman; |
16.3 |
the relevant Issuer and the Trustee (through their respective representatives) and their respective financial and legal advisers; and |
16.4 |
the Dealers and their advisers. |
No one else may attend or speak.
Quorum and Adjournment
17 |
No business (except choosing a chairman) shall be transacted at a meeting unless a quorum is present at the commencement of business. If a quorum is not present within 15 minutes from the time initially fixed for the meeting, it shall, if convened on the requisition of Instrumentholders or if the relevant Issuer and the Trustee agree, be dissolved. In any other case it shall be adjourned until such date, not less than 14 nor more than 42 days later, and time and place as the chairman may decide. If a quorum is not present within 15 minutes from the time fixed for a meeting so adjourned, the meeting shall be dissolved. |
18 |
Two or more Instrumentholders or agents present in person shall be a quorum: |
18.1 |
in the cases marked No minimum proportion in the table below, whatever the proportion of the Instruments which they represent; and |
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18.2 |
in any other case, only if they represent the proportion of the Instruments shown by the table below. |
Column 1 |
Column 2 |
Column 3 |
||
Purpose of meeting |
Any meeting except one referred to in column 3 |
Meeting previously adjourned through want of a quorum |
||
Required proportion |
Required proportion |
|||
To pass a special quorum resolution |
Two thirds |
One third |
||
To pass any other Extraordinary Resolution |
A clear majority |
No minimum proportion |
||
Any other purpose |
10 per cent |
No minimum proportion |
19 |
The chairman, may with the consent of (and shall if directed by) a meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place. Only business which could have been transacted at the original meeting may be transacted at a meeting adjourned in accordance with this paragraph or paragraph 18. |
20 |
At least 10 days notice of a meeting adjourned through want of a quorum shall be given in the same manner as for an original meeting and that notice shall state the quorum required at the adjourned meeting. However, no notice need otherwise be given of an adjourned meeting. |
Voting
21 |
Each question submitted to a meeting shall be decided by a show of hands unless a poll is (before, or on the declaration of the result of, the show of hands) demanded by the chairman, the relevant Issuer, the Trustee or one or more persons holding one or more Instruments or voting certificates or representing 2 per cent of the Instruments. |
22 |
Unless a poll is demanded a declaration by the chairman that a resolution has or has not been passed shall be conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number or proportion of the votes cast in favour of or against it. |
23 |
If a poll is demanded, it shall be taken in such manner and (subject as provided below) either at once or after such adjournment as the chairman directs. The result of the poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which it was demanded as at the date it was taken. A demand for a poll shall not prevent the meeting continuing for the transaction of business other than the question on which it has been demanded. |
24 |
A poll demanded on the election of a chairman or on a question of adjournment shall be taken at once. |
25 |
On a show of hands every person who is present in person and who produces an Instrument or a voting certificate or is a proxy or representative has one vote. On a poll every such person has one vote in respect of each integral currency unit of the Specified Currency of such Series of Instruments so produced or represented by the voting certificate so produced or for which he is a proxy or representative. Without prejudice to |
A13584616 |
108 |
the obligations of proxies, a person entitled to more than one vote need not use them all or cast them all in the same way.
26 |
In case of equality of votes the chairman shall both on a show of hands and on a poll have a casting vote in addition to any other votes which he may have. |
Effect and Publication of an Extraordinary Resolution
27 |
An Extraordinary Resolution shall be binding on all the Instrumentholders, whether or not present at the meeting, and on all the Couponholders and each of them shall be bound to give effect to it accordingly. The passing of such a resolution shall be conclusive evidence that the circumstances justify its being passed. The relevant Issuer shall give notice of the passing of an Extraordinary Resolution to Instrumentholders within 14 days but failure to do so shall not invalidate the resolution. |
28 |
A resolution in writing signed by or on behalf of the holders of not less than 95 per cent in nominal amount of the Instruments who for the time being are entitled to receive notice of a meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule shall for all purposes be as valid and effectual as an Extraordinary Resolution passed at a meeting of such Instrumentholders duly convened and held in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule. Such resolution in writing may be contained in one document or several documents in similar form each signed by or on behalf of one or more of the Instrumentholders. |
Minutes
29 |
Minutes shall be made of all resolutions and proceedings at every meeting and, if purporting to be signed by the chairman of that meeting or of the next succeeding meeting, shall be conclusive evidence of the matters in them. Until the contrary is proved every meeting for which minutes have been so made and signed shall be deemed to have been duly convened and held and all resolutions passed or proceedings transacted at it to have been duly passed and transacted. |
Trustees Power to Prescribe Regulations
30 |
Subject to all other provisions in this Trust Deed the Trustee may without the consent of the Instrumentholders prescribe such further regulations regarding the holding of meetings and attendance and voting at them as it in its sole discretion determines including (without limitation) such requirements as the Trustee thinks reasonable to satisfy itself that the persons who purport to make any requisition in accordance with this Trust Deed are entitled to do so and as to the form of voting certificates or block voting instructions so as to satisfy itself that persons who purport to attend or vote at a meeting are entitled to do so. |
31 |
The holder of a Global Instrument shall (unless such Global Instrument represents only one Instrument) be treated as two persons for the purposes of any quorum requirements of a meeting of Instrumentholders. |
32 |
The above provisions of this Schedule shall have effect subject to the following provisions: |
32.1 |
Meetings of Instrumentholders of separate Series will normally be held separately. However, the Trustee may from time to time determine that meetings of Instrumentholders of separate Series shall be held together. |
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109 |
32.2 |
A resolution that in the opinion of the Trustee affects one Series alone shall be deemed to have been duly passed if passed at a separate meeting of the Instrumentholders of the Series concerned. |
32.3 |
A resolution that in the opinion of the Trustee affects the Instrumentholders of more than one Series but does not give rise to a conflict of interest between the Instrumentholders of the different Series concerned shall be deemed to have been duly passed if passed at a single meeting of the Instrumentholders of the relevant Series provided that for the purposes of determining the votes an Instrumentholder is entitled to cast pursuant to paragraph 26, each Instrumentholder shall have one vote in respect of each whole Euro 1.00 nominal amount of Instruments held, converted, if such Instruments are not denominated in Euro, in accordance with Clause 8.13 ( Currency Conversion ). |
32.4 |
A resolution that in the opinion of the Trustee affects the Instrumentholders of more than one Series and gives or may give rise to a conflict of interest between the Instrumentholders of the different Series concerned shall be deemed to have been duly passed only if it shall be duly passed at separate meetings of the Instrumentholders of the relevant Series. |
32.5 |
To all such meetings as previously set out all the preceding provisions of this Schedule shall mutatis mutandis apply as though references therein to Instruments and to Instrumentholders were references to the Instruments and Instrumentholders of the Series concerned. |
A13584616 |
110 |
In witness of which this Trust Deed has been executed as a deed on the date stated at the beginning.
EXECUTED BY AFFIXING THE COMMON SEAL of NATIONAL GRID plc
in the presence of: |
|
/s/ David Forward DAVID FORWARD |
||
EXECUTED BY AFFIXING THE COMMON SEAL of NATIONAL GRID ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION plc
in the presence of: |
|
/s/ Harriet Hill HARRIET HILL |
||
EXECUTED AS A DEED BY AFFIXING THE COMMON SEAL of THE LAW DEBENTURE TRUST CORPORATION p.l.c.
in the presence of: |
|
/s/ Carol Morris CAROL MORRIS
/s/ Julian Mason - Jebb JULIAN MASON - JEBB |
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111 |
EXHIBIT 4(c).10
|
|
Sir Peter Oliver Gershon CBE
Old Rafters,
Magpie Lane,
Coleshill,
Amersham,
Buckinghamshire
HP7 0LU
1 August 2011
Dear Sir Peter,
Appointment as Non-Executive Deputy Chairman and Chairman
I am writing to confirm your appointment as a non-executive director of National Grid plc (the Company ), to serve initially as Deputy Chairman and subsequently as Chairman of the Company. This letter sets out the terms and conditions covering your appointments as follows:
1 |
Appointment |
1.1.1 |
Your appointment is subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, the Listing, Prospectus, Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority, the Articles and any other laws and regulations in any applicable jurisdiction. |
1.1.2 |
Your appointment as a non-executive director will take effect on 1 August 2011, from which date you agree to serve the Company initially as Deputy Chairman for a period of five months ending on 31 December 2011 and then, from 1 January 2012, you agree to serve the Company as Chairman. |
1.1.3 |
Under the Articles you will be obliged to retire at the next AGM following your appointment as a non-executive director (which is expected to be held in July 2012) but will be eligible for re-election by shareholders at that meeting. Thereafter (and despite anything to the contrary in the Articles) in line with the recommendations of the UK Corporate Governance Code, you will be required to retire at each AGM. On your retirement at any such AGM, you will be eligible for re-election unless the Board determines otherwise, typically not later than the date of notice of any such meeting. If the Company chooses not to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code, under the Articles you will be required to retire in the third calendar year following the AGM at which you were first elected, or subsequently re-elected, as a director by the shareholders of the Company. |
1.1.4 |
The Board may require you to resign your roles as non-executive director, Deputy Chairman or Chairman at any time, subject to six months written notice. |
2 |
Committees |
This letter refers to your appointment as a non-executive director and Deputy Chairman and to your appointment as non-executive Chairman of the Company.
Your appointment to committees of the Board entails separate responsibilities as detailed in the terms of reference of the relevant committees. You will, upon appointment as Chairman, join the Nomination Committee, which you will chair and participate in key committees including Audit and Remuneration Committees , as approved by the Board from time to time.
3 |
Time Commitment |
3.1 |
Overall we anticipate a time commitment of approximately one day per week while serving as Deputy Chairman and two days per week while serving as Chairman, but a greater time commitment could be necessary at times, particularly when travelling on Company business or in the case of significant events such as a major transaction or other corporate action. |
3.2 |
This will include attendance at Board meetings, the AGM and other general meetings of shareholders, or any class of shareholders, separate meetings of non-executive directors where required, and chairing or otherwise participating in, as relevant, meetings of any committees of the Board to which you are appointed or otherwise attend. |
3.3 |
In addition, you will be expected to devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each meeting and such other time as is reasonably required to discharge your duties as a director (for example if the Company is involved in increased activity because it is involved in a major transaction). |
3.4 |
You confirm that you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of each role to the satisfaction of the Board. The agreement of the Board should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as Chairman of the Company. |
4 |
Role and Duties |
4.1 |
General Duties |
4.1.1 |
As Deputy Chairman, your duties will be those normally required of a non-executive director, but will also include an active involvement in the hand-over of the duties of the Companys current Chairman. |
4.1.2 |
In particular, you should have regard to the Guidance on Board Effectiveness, issued by the Financial Reporting Council in March 2011, of which an extract is included in Schedule 2 of this letter. |
4.1.3 |
All directors must take decisions objectively in the interests of the Company and in compliance with their statutory and fiduciary duties and not do anything which is harmful to the Company or its business. |
4.1.4 |
All directors are expected to comply with the Companys policies, procedures, rules and regulations from time to time in force, including in particular, the Companys Standards of Ethical Business Conduct and its Share Dealing Code. |
4.2 |
Chairmans Duties |
In your role as Chairman, your duties will be those normally required of a non-executive Chairman as summarised in Schedule 1 in addition to the general non-executive director duties referred to at 4.1.2 to 4.1.4 above and the laws, rules and other requirements in 1.1.1 above.
5 |
Status of Appointment |
You will not be an employee of the Company or any member of the Group and this letter shall not constitute a contract of employment. This letter sets out the only payments you will receive for performing your duties, including any appointments to committees of the Board. Accordingly, no other remuneration or benefits will be provided and, in particular, you will not participate in any of the Companys or Groups remuneration or benefit programmes, arrangements, schemes or plans, save as set out in this letter.
6 |
Fees |
6.1 |
In consideration of your appointment as non-executive Deputy Chairman, the Company will pay you a fee of £250,000 per annum pro-rated for the period of this appointment. |
6.2 |
In consideration of your appointment as non-executive Chairman, the Company will pay you a fee of £475,000 per annum, effective from 1 January 2012. |
6.3 |
Sub-paragraphs 6.3.1 to 6.3.5 below shall apply to your fees payable under this clause except where otherwise provided in the Articles: |
6.3.1 |
Your fee is inclusive of service on or chairmanship, if relevant, of any Board Committee. |
6.3.2 |
Your fee(s) will accrue on a daily basis and will be payable on or around the 15 th day of each month less any tax and national insurance contributions the Company is obliged to deduct. |
6.3.3 |
Your fee(s) will be subject to review by the Board from time to time . |
6.3.4 |
If for a reason related to your illness, disability or injury, you are unable to carry out your duties, payment of any fee(s) during any period of incapacity will be at the discretion of the Board. |
6.3.5 |
Any specific and additional services rendered by you to the Company will be remunerated on the basis to be agreed by the Board at the time such services are commissioned. |
7 |
Other Benefits |
7.1 |
At the Companys discretion you will be eligible to participate in the Companys personal accident scheme and you and your spouse will be eligible to participate in the Companys private medical insurance scheme, in each case on the terms agreed by the Board. The Company may amend, suspend or terminate these schemes, or any part thereof, at any time in its absolute discretion and you shall have no continuing right to any continued participation. Membership is subject to the rules of the relevant schemes as amended from time to time. |
7.2 |
During your appointment as Chairman, the Company will provide with you with a chauffeur, car and, for business use only, reimburse fuel expenses in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed by the Board, from time to time. Provision of this benefit is discretionary and does not form part of your contractual terms and conditions. |
7.3 |
You will be responsible for any income tax assessed on the benefits set out at 7.1 and 7.2 above. |
8 |
Reimbursement of Expenses |
The Company will reimburse you in accordance with the Articles and any expenses procedures from time to time in force for any reasonable expenses properly incurred in performing your duties. All expenses must be properly documented.
9 |
Independent status |
9.1 |
As an independent director it is important that you remain independent in character and judgement. The Board of the Company has determined you to be independent according to the UK Corporate Governance Code. |
9.2 |
You are required to inform the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel of any circumstances which are likely to affect, or could appear to affect, your independence or judgement and therefore your status as an independent director. |
10 |
Outside Interests |
10.1 |
It is accepted and acknowledged that you have business interests other than those of the Company. As a condition to your appointment commencing you are required to declare any such directorships, appointments and interests to the Board in writing. |
10.2 |
If you take on any additional interests or become aware of any potential conflicts of interests, these must be disclosed to the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel as soon as they arise or become known to you. |
10.3 |
If at any time you are considering acquiring any new interest which might give rise to a conflict of interest with the Group you must first discuss the matter with the Board and, if necessary, obtain its consent. Before doing so, you should discuss the matter directly with the Chief Executive, Senior Independent Director and Group Company Secretary and General Counsel. |
11 |
Confidentiality |
11.1 |
You will not use or disclose to any person, firm or organisation (except as required by law or to carry out your duties under this letter) any trade secrets, knowhow, business information or other private or confidential information relating to the business, finances or affairs of the Company, or any customer of the Company, or any other information provided to you on the basis that it is confidential. You will use your best endeavours to prevent the unauthorised use or disclosure of any such information. This restriction will continue to apply after your appointment ends without limit in time but will not apply to information which becomes public, unless through unauthorised disclosure by you. After your appointment ends you will return all documents and information (whether written, visual or electronic) under your control which belong to the Company. |
11.2 |
Paragraph 11.1 will apply (with the necessary amendments) to confidential information of each company in the Group and of any other persons. |
11.3 |
Your attention is drawn to the relevant legislative and regulatory requirements regarding the disclosure of inside or price sensitive information. Any disclosure of such information must be made in accordance with and subject to the requirements set out in the Companys Matters Reserved to the Board and/or the its Policy on the Protection and Disclosure of Price Sensitive Information as appropriate |
12 |
Induction and training |
12.1 |
Immediately after appointment, the Company will provide a comprehensive, formal and tailored induction. We will also arrange for site visits and meetings with senior and middle management and the Companys auditors. We will also arrange meetings with major shareholders. |
You are responsible for assessing your own on-going training needs and in compliance with the Companys obligations under the UK Corporate Governance Code you are responsible for meeting with the other directors regularly to discuss and agree their training and development needs.
13 |
Review process |
The performance of individual directors and the whole Board and its committees is evaluated annually. If, in the interim, there are any matters which cause you concern about your role while Deputy Chairman you should discuss them with the current Chairman, and, after you have become the Chairman, you should discuss such concerns with the Chief Executive, Senior Independent Director and/or the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel as soon as is appropriate.
14 |
Directors Liability Indemnity and Insurance |
14.1 |
In the event that you are made a party or are threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that you are or were a director of the Company, the Company shall indemnify you against expenses (including legal fees) actually and reasonably incurred by you in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and against judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with such action, suit or proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Act 2006 as amended and any other applicable law or regulation, as from time to time in effect. Such right of indemnification shall be without prejudice to any other rights to which you may be entitled. The terms and conditions of this indemnity are set out in a separate deed of indemnity entered into or to be entered into between you and the Company. |
14.2 |
The Company has directors and officers liability insurance and currently intends to maintain such cover for the full term of your appointments. A summary of the cover is included in your Directors Information Pack. |
15 |
Independent professional advice |
Occasions may arise when you consider that you need professional advice in the furtherance of your duties as a director and it will be appropriate for you to consult independent advisers at the Companys expense. The Company will reimburse the full cost of expenditure incurred in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code and any applicable Company policy. You are invited to discuss any proposed engagement with the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel in advance.
16 |
Disclosure and Dealings in Shares |
16.1 |
Under the Companies Act 2006, where a director of a company is in any way, directly or indirectly, interested in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company or one that has been entered into by the Company, he must declare the nature and extent of that interest. You may give any such notice at a meeting of the directors, in writing or by general notice. |
16.2 |
During the continuance of your appointments you will be expected to comply (and to procure that your spouse and dependant children comply) where relevant with any rule of law or regulation of any competent authority or of the Company from time to time in force in relation to dealings in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and unpublished price sensitive information affecting the shares, debentures and other securities of the Company. A copy of the Companys Share Dealing Code is provided in the Directors Information Pack. |
16.3 |
You should also have regard to your duties as a director in light of the UKLA Listing Rules Prospectus, Disclosure and Transparency Rules and UK Corporate Governance Code and obligations arising as a result of the Companys American Depositary Shares ( ADSs ) being listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as set out in the relevant section in the Directors Information Pack. |
16.4 |
The Company currently has no share ownership requirements for its non-executive directors. |
17 |
Companies House formalities |
Form APO1, prescribed by the Companies Act 2006, has to be filed at Companies House. A copy is enclosed for you. Please complete this and return it to the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel at our registered office.
18 |
Termination |
18.1 |
You may resign from your appointment at any time and should you wish to do so are required to serve six months written notice on the Board. |
18.2 |
Continuation of your appointment after retirement from office required under this letter or under the Articles is contingent on satisfactory performance and on your re-election, as and when required, under the Articles. You will not be entitled to compensation if you are not re-elected by shareholders following any such retirement. |
18.3 |
Your appointment may also be terminated in accordance with the provisions of the Articles. |
19 |
Definitions |
In this letter:
19.1 |
AGM means the Companys Annual General Meeting; |
19.2 |
Articles means the Companys Articles of Association from time to time in force; |
19.3 |
Group means the Company and any subsidiary or subsidiary undertaking or holding company (as defined in the Companies Acts 2006) of the Company and any subsidiary or subsidiary undertaking or holding company of any subsidiary or subsidiary undertaking or holding company of the Company; and |
19.4 |
Listing Rules means the listing rules made by the Financial Services Authority in exercise of its functions as competent authority pursuant to Part VI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. |
20 |
Governing Law |
This letter and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it is governed by and will be interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Each of the parties submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales as regards any claim or matter arising under this letter.
Please acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the above terms by signing and returning the enclosed copy of this letter.
Yours sincerely
/s/_Ken Harvey |
Ken Harvey
Senior Independent Director
For and on behalf of National Grid plc
I hereby acknowledge receipt of and accept the terms set out in this letter.
Signed /s/ Sir Peter Oliver Gershon .
Dated 1 August 2011 .
Schedule 1
Role of Chairman (extracted from the March 2011 FRC Guidance on Board Effectiveness)
The Chairmans role includes:
|
demonstrating ethical leadership; |
|
setting a board agenda which is primarily focused on strategy, performance, value creation and accountability and ensuring that issues relevant to these areas are reserved for board decision; |
|
ensuring a timely flow of high quality supporting information; |
|
making certain that the board determines the nature, and extent, of the significant risks the company is willing to embrace in the implementation of its strategy, and that there are no no go areas which prevent directors from operating effective oversight in this area; |
|
regularly considering succession planning and the composition of the board; |
|
making certain that the board has effective decision-making processes and applies sufficient challenge to major proposals; |
|
ensuring the boards committees are properly structured with appropriate terms of reference; |
|
encouraging all board members to engage in board and committee meetings by drawing on their skills, experience, knowledge and, where appropriate, independence; |
|
fostering relationships founded on mutual respect and open communication both in and outside the boardroom between the non-executive directors and the executive team; |
|
developing productive working relationships with all executive directors, and the CEO in particular, providing support and advice while respecting executive Responsibility; |
|
consulting the senior independent director on board matters in accordance with the Code; |
|
taking the lead on issues of director development, including through induction programmes for new directors and regular reviews with all directors; |
|
acting on the results of board evaluation; |
|
being aware of, and responding to, his or her own development needs, including people and other skills, especially when taking on the role for the first time; and |
|
ensuring effective communication with shareholders and other stakeholders and, in particular, that all directors are made aware of the views of those who provide the companys capital. |
Schedule 2
Guidance for Non-Executive Directors
(extracted from the March 2011 FRC Guidance on Board Effectiveness)
A non-executive director should, on appointment, devote time to a comprehensive, formal and tailored induction which should extend beyond the boardroom. Initiatives such as partnering a non-executive director with an executive board member may speed up the process of him or her acquiring an understanding of the main areas of business activity, especially areas involving significant risk. The director should expect to visit, and talk with, senior and middle managers in these areas.
Non-executive directors should devote time to developing and refreshing their knowledge and skills, including those of communication, to ensure that they continue to make a positive contribution to the board. Being well-informed about the company, and having a strong command of the issues relevant to the business, will generate the respect of the other directors.
Non-executive directors need to make sufficient time available to discharge their responsibilities effectively. The letter of appointment should state the minimum time that the non-executive director will be required to spend on the companys business, and seek the individuals confirmation that he or she can devote that amount of time to the role, consistent with other commitments. The letter should also indicate the possibility of additional time commitment when the company is undergoing a period of particularly increased activity, such as an acquisition or takeover, or as a result of some major difficultly with one or more of its operations.
Non-executive directors have a responsibility to uphold high standards of integrity and probity. They should support the chairman and executive directors in instilling the appropriate culture, values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond.
Non-executive directors should insist on receiving high-quality information sufficiently in advance so that there can be thorough consideration of the issues prior to, and informed debate and challenge at, board meetings. High-quality information is that which is appropriate for making decisions on the issue at hand it should be accurate, clear, comprehensive, up-to-date and timely; contain a summary of the contents of any paper; and inform the director of what is expected of him or her on that issue.
Non-executive directors should take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders, because these views may provide different perspectives on the company and its performance.
EXHIBIT 4(c).11
|
|
25 January 2012
Dr Paul Golby
Welford Hill House
Welford on Avon
Stratford upon Avon
CV37 8AE
Dear Paul
Appointment as Non-executive Director
Subject to final approval by the Board of National Grid plc (the Company ) on 30 January 2012, I am delighted to advise your appointment as a Non-executive Director of the Company will be effective from 1 February 2012. This letter sets out the terms of your appointment. It is agreed that this is a contract for services and not a contract of employment.
Appointment
Your appointment, commencing on 1 February 2012, will be subject to your re-election by shareholders at the Companys Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2012, following which it is expected that you will be subject to annual re-election by shareholders in accordance with our commitment to best practice, unless your appointment is otherwise terminated earlier in accordance with the Companys Articles of Association as amended from time to time (the Articles) or by and at the discretion of either the Board or you upon 1 months written notice. Continuation of your contract of appointment is therefore contingent on satisfactory performance and re-election by shareholders at forthcoming AGMs. In the event that shareholders do not support your appointment or other shareholder action terminates your appointment you will not be entitled to receive damages for breach of contract and will not be entitled to any other compensation (or payment in lieu of notice). Non-executive Directors are typically expected to serve two three-year terms, subject to the terms of this letter; any extension to this is subject to review by the Nominations Committee (prior to making recommendations to the Board) having regard to corporate governance best practice from time to time.
Time Commitment
Overall we anticipate a time commitment of approximately 2-2 1 / 2 days on average per month, after the induction phase, taking into account reading and preparation time for Board and Committee meetings. This will include attendance at Board meetings (estimated 10 scheduled meetings per year - including 2 Board strategy sessions - of which currently 3 are held in the US) plus ad hoc and emergency meetings,
1 of 7
Committee meetings, the AGM and any extraordinary general meetings. There will also be site visits on occasions. It is planned that certain Board meetings will be held at the Companys operational sites (in the UK). In addition, you will be expected to devote such other time as is reasonably required to discharge your duties as a Director (for example if the Company is involved in increased activity because it is involved in a major transaction).
Post induction, as a Non-executive Director you will be expected to undertake at least one site visit per year to the business, the location to be agreed with the Chairman or Chief Executive.
If you are unable to attend a meeting, you should notify the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel and prior to the meeting communicate your opinions and comments on the matters to be considered to the Chairman or the relevant Committee Chairman so they can be taken into account at the meeting.
By confirming this appointment, you have agreed that you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role including appropriate preparation time. The agreement of the Chairman should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as a Non-executive Director of the Company.
Role
All Directors, both Non-executive and Executive, have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company. The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for debating and approving the strategic direction of the Company and for promoting the success of the Company for the benefit of its members by directing and supervising the Companys affairs. All Directors must therefore take decisions objectively in the interests of the Company, in compliance with their statutory and fiduciary duties, and not do anything which is harmful to the Company or its business.
All directors are expected to comply with the Companys policies, procedures, rules and regulations from time to time in force, including in particular, the Companys Standards of Ethical Business Conduct and its Share Dealing Code.
The Board:
|
provides effective business leadership of the Company within a framework of prudent and effective controls which enable risk to be assessed and managed; |
|
sets the Companys strategic aims, ensures that the necessary financial and human resources are in place for the Company to meet its objectives, and reviews management performance; and |
|
sets the Companys values and standards and ensures that its obligations to its shareholders and others are understood and met. |
In addition to these requirements of all Directors, the role of the Non-executive Director has the following key elements:
|
Strategy: Non-executive Directors should constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy; |
|
Performance: Non-executive Directors should scrutinise the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance; |
|
Risk: Non-executive Directors should satisfy themselves that the financial function of the Company is professionally managed and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; and |
2 of 7
|
People: Non-executive Directors are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration for Executive Directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, senior management, and in succession planning. |
You should also have regard to the Guidance on Board Effectiveness, issued by the Financial Reporting Council in March 2011, of which an extract summarising the role of a Non-executive Director is included at Schedule 1 of this letter.
Committees
This letter refers to your appointment as a Non-executive Director of the Company. You have also been requested to serve on the Risk and Responsibility and the Remuneration Committees of the Board. Terms of reference of all Board Committees are set out in the Directors Information Pack.
Fees
This letter sets out the only payments you will receive for performing your duties in accordance with this letter. Accordingly, no other remuneration or benefits will be provided and, in particular, you will not participate in any of the Companys remuneration or benefit programmes, arrangements, schemes or plans.
You will be paid a basic fee of £60,000 as a UK-based Director gross per annum which will be paid monthly on or around 15 th day of each month. You will also be entitled to a Committee membership fee of £8,000 per annum per membership. You will not receive any further fees for membership of, or attendance at, any ad hoc Board or Committee meetings. If, for a reason related to illness, disability or injury, you are unable to carry out your duties, payment of any fee(s) during any period of incapacity will be at the discretion of the Board.
The Company will reimburse you, in accordance with the Articles and any expenses procedures from time to time in force, for any reasonable expenses properly incurred in performing your duties. All expenses must be properly documented.
The Executive Committee and Board shall review the above fees from time to time and they are therefore subject to change. All fees and payments will be made subject to any tax or other deductions required to be made by the Company.
Outside interests
It is accepted and acknowledged that you have business interests other than those of the Company. As a condition to your appointment commencing you are required to declare any such directorships, appointments and interests in writing.
In the event that you become aware of any potential conflicts of interest, these should be disclosed to the Chairman and/or Group Company Secretary and General Counsel as soon as apparent. Additionally, if at any time you are considering acquiring any new interest which might give rise to a conflict of interest with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or associate companies, you should raise the matter initially with the Chairman and/or Group Company Secretary and General Counsel. Depending on its nature, the interest may need to be disclosed to the Board and its prior consent obtained.
Independent status
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The Board has determined you to be independent according to the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code. As an independent Director it is important that you remain independent in character and judgement. If you become aware of anything that may affect, or could appear to affect, this determination of independence, this should be disclosed to the Chairman and/or Group Company Secretary and General Counsel as soon as apparent.
Confidentiality
You will, naturally, during your appointment and following its termination not disclose or communicate to any person (except as required by law or in the course of the proper performance of your duties under this letter, or with the consent of the Board) nor use for your own account or advantage any private or confidential information in any form whatsoever relating to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or associate companies (Confidential Information) which you obtained during your appointment or otherwise. Additionally, you will use your best endeavours to prevent the unauthorised use or disclosure of any such Confidential Information.
You will be required to return all papers and other information containing Confidential Information on termination of your appointment.
Your attention is also drawn to the requirements under both legislation and regulation as to the disclosure of inside or price sensitive information. Consequently you should avoid making any statements that might risk a breach of these requirements without prior clearance from the Chairman or Group Company Secretary and General Counsel.
Induction
You will be provided with a comprehensive, formal and tailored induction to the Company and its businesses and detailed information on a variety of areas and in addition will receive a Directors Information Pack. We will also arrange various site visits and meetings with senior and middle management and the Companys auditors. We will also arrange for you to meet major shareholders as appropriate.
Should you feel you require additional information on any area please contact the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel to arrange this.
Review Process
The performance of individual Directors, the Board and Board Committees is evaluated annually. If, in the interim, there are any matters which cause you concern in relation to your role you should discuss them with the Chairman as soon as is appropriate. The Chairman will also regularly review and agree your training and development needs.
Directors Indemnity and Liability Insurance
In the event that you are made a party or are threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that you are or were a director of the Company, the Company shall indemnify you against expenses (including legal fees) actually and reasonably incurred by you in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and against judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with such action, suit or proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Act 2006 as amended and any other applicable law or regulation, as from
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time to time in effect. Such right of indemnification shall be without prejudice to any other rights to which you may be entitled. The terms and conditions of this indemnity
are set out in a separate deed of indemnity entered into or to be entered into between you and the Company.
The Company has Directors and Officers liability insurance and currently intends to maintain such cover for the full term of your appointment. A summary of the cover is included in your Directors Information Pack.
Independent Professional Advice
Occasions may arise when you consider that you need independent professional advice in the furtherance of your duties as a Director. Please advise either the Chairman or the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel should you wish to seek such advice. The Company will reimburse the full cost of expenditure incurred in respect of such advice, in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code and any relevant Company policy.
Disclosure of interests in transactions and Dealings in Shares
Under the Companies Act 2006, where a Director of a company is in any way, directly or indirectly, interested in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company or one that has been entered into by the Company, he must declare the nature and extent of that interest. You may give any such notice at a meeting of the Directors, in writing or by general notice.
During the continuance of your appointments you will be expected to comply (and to procure that your spouse and dependant children comply) where relevant with any rule of law or regulation of any competent authority or of the Company from time to time in force in relation to dealings in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and unpublished price sensitive information affecting the shares, debentures and other securities of the Company. A copy of the Companys Share Dealing Code is provided in the Directors Information Pack.
You should also have regard to, and your appointment is subject to, your duties as a Director in light of the Articles, applicable general law, the Companies Act 2006, the Listing, Prospectus, Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority, the UK Corporate Governance Code and obligations arising as a result of the Companys American Depositary Shares being listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as set out in the relevant section of the Directors Information Pack.
The Company currently has no share ownership requirements for its Non-executive Directors.
Governing Law
The agreement contained in this letter and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with English law and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
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Entire Agreement
This appointment letter represents the entire understanding, and constitutes the whole agreement, in relation to your appointment and supersedes any previous agreement between yourself and the Company with respect thereto.
On a personal level, I am delighted that you have agreed to accept this appointment to the Board of the Company and I look forward to our building a good working relationship.
Please acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the above terms by signing and returning the enclosed copy of this letter.
Yours sincerely
/s/ Sir Peter Gershon
Sir Peter Gershon
Chairman
For and on behalf of National Grid plc
I hereby acknowledge receipt of and accept the terms set out in this letter.
Signed /s/ Dr. Paul Golby .
Dr Paul Golby
Dated 26/01/12 .
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Schedule 1
Guidance for Non-Executive Directors
(extracted from the March 2011 FRC Guidance on Board Effectiveness)
A non-executive director should, on appointment, devote time to a comprehensive, formal and tailored induction which should extend beyond the boardroom. Initiatives such as partnering a non-executive director with an executive board member may speed up the process of him or her acquiring an understanding of the main areas of business activity, especially areas involving significant risk. The director should expect to visit, and talk with, senior and middle managers in these areas.
Non-executive directors should devote time to developing and refreshing their knowledge and skills, including those of communication, to ensure that they continue to make a positive contribution to the board. Being well-informed about the company, and having a strong command of the issues relevant to the business, will generate the respect of the other directors.
Non-executive directors need to make sufficient time available to discharge their responsibilities effectively. The letter of appointment should state the minimum time that the non-executive director will be required to spend on the companys business, and seek the individuals confirmation that he or she can devote that amount of time to the role, consistent with other commitments. The letter should also indicate the possibility of additional time commitment when the company is undergoing a period of particularly increased activity, such as an acquisition or takeover, or as a result of some major difficultly with one or more of its operations.
Non-executive directors have a responsibility to uphold high standards of integrity and probity. They should support the chairman and executive directors in instilling the appropriate culture, values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond.
Non-executive directors should insist on receiving high-quality information sufficiently in advance so that there can be thorough consideration of the issues prior to, and informed debate and challenge at, board meetings. High-quality information is that which is appropriate for making decisions on the issue at hand it should be accurate, clear, comprehensive, up-to-date and timely; contain a summary of the contents of any paper; and inform the director of what is expected of him or her on that issue.
Non-executive directors should take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders, because these views may provide different perspectives on the company and its performance.
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EXHIBIT 4(c).14
12 September 2011
Ms Ruth Kelly
40 Sterndale Road
London
W14 0HS
Dear Ruth
Appointment as Non-executive Director
I am delighted to advise you that the Board of National Grid plc (the Company ) has confirmed your appointment as a Non-executive Director of the Company with effect from 1 October 2011. This letter sets out the terms of your appointment. It is agreed that this is a contract for services and not a contract of employment.
Appointment
Your appointment, commencing on 1 October 2011, will be subject to your re-election by shareholders at the Companys Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 2012, following which it is expected that you will be subject to annual re-election by shareholders in accordance with our commitment to best practice, unless your appointment is otherwise terminated earlier in accordance with the Companys Articles of Association as amended from time to time (the Articles) or by and at the discretion of either the Board or you upon 1 months written notice. Continuation of your contract of appointment is therefore contingent on satisfactory performance and re-election by shareholders at forthcoming AGMs. In the event that shareholders do not support your appointment or other shareholder action terminates your appointment you will not be entitled to receive damages for breach of contract and will not be entitled to any other compensation (or payment in lieu of notice). Non-executive Directors are typically expected to serve two three-year terms, subject to the terms of this letter; any extension to this is subject to review by the Nominations Committee (prior to making recommendations to the Board) having regard to corporate governance best practice from time to time.
Time Commitment
Overall we anticipate a time commitment of approximately 2-2 1 / 2 days on average per month, after the induction phase, taking into account reading and preparation time for Board and Committee meetings. This will include attendance at Board meetings (estimated 10 scheduled meetings per year including 2 Board strategy sessions; currently 3 of these meetings per year are held in the US) plus ad hoc and emergency meetings, Committee meetings, the AGM, any extraordinary general meetings. There will also be site visits on occasions. It is planned that certain Board meetings will be held at the Companys operational sites (in the UK). In addition, you will be expected to devote such other time as is reasonably required to discharge your duties as a Director (for example if the Company is involved in increased activity because it is involved in a major transaction).
If you are unable to attend a meeting, you should notify the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel and prior to the meeting communicate your opinions
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and comments on the matters to be considered to the Chairman or the relevant Committee Chairman so they can be taken into account at the meeting.
By confirming this appointment, you have agreed that you are able to allocate sufficient time to meet the expectations of your role including appropriate preparation time. The agreement of the Chairman should be sought before accepting additional commitments that might affect the time you are able to devote to your role as a Non-executive Director of the Company.
Role
All Directors, both Non-executive and Executive, have the same general legal responsibilities to the Company. The Board as a whole is collectively responsible for debating and approving the strategic direction of the Company and for promoting the success of the Company for the benefit of its members by directing and supervising the Companys affairs. All Directors must therefore take decisions objectively in the interests of the Company, in compliance with their statutory and fiduciary duties, and not do anything which is harmful to the Company or its business.
All directors are expected to comply with the Companys policies, procedures, rules and regulations from time to time in force, including in particular, the Companys Standards of Ethical Business Conduct and its Share Dealing Code.
The Board:
|
provides effective business leadership of the Company within a framework of prudent and effective controls which enable risk to be assessed and managed; |
|
sets the Companys strategic aims, ensures that the necessary financial and human resources are in place for the Company to meet its objectives, and reviews management performance; and |
|
sets the Companys values and standards and ensures that its obligations to its shareholders and others are understood and met. |
In addition to these requirements of all Directors, the role of the Non-executive Director has the following key elements:
|
Strategy: Non-executive Directors should constructively challenge and contribute to the development of strategy; |
|
Performance: Non-executive Directors should scrutinise the performance of management in meeting agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance; |
|
Risk: Non-executive Directors should satisfy themselves that the financial function of the Company is professionally managed and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible; and |
|
People: Non-executive Directors are responsible for determining appropriate levels of remuneration for Executive Directors and have a prime role in appointing, and where necessary removing, senior management, and in succession planning. |
You should also have regard to the Guidance on Board Effectiveness, issued by the Financial Reporting Council in March 2011, of which an extract summarising the role of a Non-executive Director is included at Schedule 1 of this letter.
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Committees
We will revert on Committee membership shortly.
This letter refers to your appointment as a Non-executive Director of the Company. Terms of reference of all Board Committees are set out in the Directors Information Pack.
Fees
This letter sets out the only payments you will receive for performing your duties in accordance with this letter. Accordingly, no other remuneration or benefits will be provided and, in particular, you will not participate in any of the Companys remuneration or benefit programmes, arrangements, schemes or plans.
You will be paid, as a UK based Director, a basic fee of £60,000 gross per annum which will be paid monthly on or around 15 th day of each month. You will also be entitled to a Committee membership fee of £8,000 per annum per membership. You will not receive any further fees for membership of, or attendance at, any ad hoc Board or Committee meetings. If, for a reason related to illness, disability or injury, you are unable to carry out your duties, payment of any fee(s) during any period of incapacity will be at the discretion of the Board.
The Company will reimburse you, in accordance with the Articles and any expenses procedures from time to time in force, for any reasonable expenses properly incurred in performing your duties. All expenses must be properly documented.
The Executive Committee and Board shall review the above fees from time to time and they are therefore subject to change. All fees and payments will be made subject to any tax or other deductions required to be made by the Company.
Outside interests
It is accepted and acknowledged that you have business interests other than those of the Company. As a condition to your appointment commencing you are required to declare any such directorships, appointments and interests in writing.
In the event that you become aware of any potential conflicts of interest, these should be disclosed to the Chairman and/or Group Company Secretary and General Counsel as soon as apparent. Additionally, if at any time you are considering acquiring any new interest which might give rise to a conflict of interest with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or associate companies, you should raise the matter initially with the Chairman and/or Group Company Secretary and General Counsel. Depending on its nature, the interest may need to be disclosed to the Board and its prior consent obtained.
Independent status
The Board has determined you to be independent according to the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code. As an independent Director it is important that you remain independent in character and judgement. If you become aware of anything that may affect, or could appear to affect, this determination of independence, this should be disclosed to the Chairman and/or Group Company Secretary and General Counsel as soon as apparent.
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Confidentiality
You will, naturally, during your appointment and following its termination not disclose or communicate to any person (except as required by law or in the course of the proper performance of your duties under this letter, or with the consent of the Board) nor use for your own account or advantage any private or confidential information in any form whatsoever relating to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or associate companies (Confidential Information) which you obtained during your appointment or otherwise. Additionally, you will use your best endeavours to prevent the unauthorised use or disclosure of any such Confidential Information.
You will be required to return all papers and other information containing Confidential Information on termination of your appointment.
Your attention is also drawn to the requirements under both legislation and regulation as to the disclosure of inside or price sensitive information. Consequently you should avoid making any statements that might risk a breach of these requirements without prior clearance from the Chairman or Group Company Secretary and General Counsel.
Induction
You will be provided with a comprehensive, formal and tailored induction to the Company and its businesses and detailed information on a variety of areas and in addition will receive a Directors Information Pack. We will also arrange various site visits and meetings with senior and middle management and the Companys auditors. We will also arrange for you to meet major shareholders as appropriate.
Should you feel you require additional information on any area please contact the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel to arrange this.
Review Process
The performance of individual Directors, the Board and Board Committees is evaluated annually. If, in the interim, there are any matters which cause you concern in relation to your role you should discuss them with the Chairman as soon as is appropriate. The Chairman will also regularly review and agree your training and development needs.
Directors Indemnity and Liability Insurance
In the event that you are made a party or are threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason of the fact that you are or were a director of the Company, the Company shall indemnify you against expenses (including legal fees) actually and reasonably incurred by you in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and against judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with such action, suit or proceeding to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies Act 2006 as amended and any other applicable law or regulation, as from time to time in effect. Such right of indemnification shall be without prejudice to any other rights to which you may be entitled. The terms and conditions of this indemnity are set out in a separate deed of indemnity entered into or to be entered into between you and the Company.
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The Company has Directors and Officers liability insurance and currently intends to maintain such cover for the full term of your appointment. A summary of the cover will be included in your Directors Information Pack.
Independent Professional Advice
Occasions may arise when you consider that you need independent professional advice in the furtherance of your duties as a Director. Please advise either the Chairman or the Group Company Secretary and General Counsel should you wish to seek such advice. The Company will reimburse the full cost of expenditure incurred in respect of such advice, in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code and any relevant Company policy.
Disclosure of interests in transactions and Dealings in Shares
Under the Companies Act 2006, where a Director of a company is in any way, directly or indirectly, interested in a proposed transaction or arrangement with the Company or one that has been entered into by the Company, he must declare the nature and extent of that interest. You may give any such notice at a meeting of the Directors, in writing or by general notice.
During the continuance of your appointments you will be expected to comply (and to procure that your spouse and dependant children comply) where relevant with any rule of law or regulation of any competent authority or of the Company from time to time in force in relation to dealings in shares, debentures and other securities of the Company and unpublished price sensitive information affecting the shares, debentures and other securities of the Company. A copy of the Companys Share Dealing Code is provided in the Directors Information Pack.
You should also have regard to, and your appointment is subject to, your duties as a Director in light of the Articles, applicable general law, the Companies Act 2006, the Listing, Prospectus, Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority, the UK Corporate Governance Code and obligations arising as a result of the Companys American Depositary Shares being listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as set out in the relevant section of the Directors Information Pack.
The Company currently has no share ownership requirements for its non-executive directors.
Companies House formalities
Form AP01, prescribed by the Companies Act 2006, has to be filed at Companies House. A draft copy is enclosed.
Governing Law
The agreement contained in this letter and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with English law and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
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Entire Agreement
This appointment letter represents the entire understanding, and constitutes the whole agreement, in relation to your appointment and supersedes any previous agreement between yourself and the Company with respect thereto.
On a personal level, I am delighted that you have agreed to accept this appointment to the Board of the Company and I look forward to our building a good working relationship.
Please acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the above terms by signing and returning the enclosed copy of this letter.
Yours sincerely
/s/ Sir John Parker
Sir John Parker
Chairman
For and on behalf of National Grid plc
I hereby acknowledge receipt of and accept the terms set out in this letter.
Signed /s/ Ruth Kelly .
Ruth Kelly
Dated 22.9.11 .
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Schedule 1
Guidance for Non-Executive Directors
(extracted from the March 2011 FRC Guidance on Board Effectiveness)
A non-executive director should, on appointment, devote time to a comprehensive, formal and tailored induction which should extend beyond the boardroom. Initiatives such as partnering a non-executive director with an executive board member may speed up the process of him or her acquiring an understanding of the main areas of business activity, especially areas involving significant risk. The director should expect to visit, and talk with, senior and middle managers in these areas.
Non-executive directors should devote time to developing and refreshing their knowledge and skills, including those of communication, to ensure that they continue to make a positive contribution to the board. Being well-informed about the company, and having a strong command of the issues relevant to the business, will generate the respect of the other directors.
Non-executive directors need to make sufficient time available to discharge their responsibilities effectively. The letter of appointment should state the minimum time that the non-executive director will be required to spend on the companys business, and seek the individuals confirmation that he or she can devote that amount of time to the role, consistent with other commitments. The letter should also indicate the possibility of additional time commitment when the company is undergoing a period of particularly increased activity, such as an acquisition or takeover, or as a result of some major difficultly with one or more of its operations.
Non-executive directors have a responsibility to uphold high standards of integrity and probity. They should support the chairman and executive directors in instilling the appropriate culture, values and behaviours in the boardroom and beyond.
Non-executive directors should insist on receiving high-quality information sufficiently in advance so that there can be thorough consideration of the issues prior to, and informed debate and challenge at, board meetings. High-quality information is that which is appropriate for making decisions on the issue at hand it should be accurate, clear, comprehensive, up-to-date and timely; contain a summary of the contents of any paper; and inform the director of what is expected of him or her on that issue.
Non-executive directors should take into account the views of shareholders and other stakeholders, because these views may provide different perspectives on the company and its performance.
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Exhibit 8
List of Subsidiaries
Name |
Country of Incorporation |
|||
1. |
65 WILLIS LANE, INC. |
USA |
||
2. |
ALBERTA NORTHEAST GAS LTD (35.7%) |
Canada |
||
3. |
ASSETHALL LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
4. |
BEEGAS NOMINEES LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
5. |
BIRCH SITES LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
6. |
BLACKWATER A LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
7. |
BLACKWATER B LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
8. |
BLACKWATER C LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
9. |
BLACKWATER D LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
10. |
BLACKWATER E LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
11. |
BLACKWATER H LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
12. |
BLACKWATER J LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
13. |
BOSTON GAS COMPANY (incl Essex Gas Company) |
USA |
||
14. |
BRITISH TRANSCO CAPITAL INC |
USA |
||
15. |
BRITISH TRANSCO FINANCE (NO 1) LIMITED |
Cayman Islands |
||
16. |
BRITISH TRANSCO FINANCE (NO 2) LIMITED |
Cayman Islands |
||
17. |
BRITISH TRANSCO FINANCE (NO 3) LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
18. |
BRITISH TRANSCO FINANCE (NO 5) LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
19. |
BRITISH TRANSCO FINANCE INC |
USA |
||
20. |
BRITISH TRANSCO INTERNATIONAL FINANCE BV |
The Netherlands |
||
21. |
BRITNED DEVELOPMENT LIMITED (50%) |
England & Wales |
||
22. |
BROKEN BRIDGE CORP. |
USA |
||
23. |
C4GAS SAS (47.5%) |
France |
||
24. |
COLONIAL GAS COMPANY |
USA |
||
25. |
CONNECTICUT YANKEE ATOMIC POWER COMPANY (19.5%) |
USA |
||
26. |
CORESO SA (22.485%%) |
Belgium |
||
27. |
DIRECT GLOBAL POWER, INC. (26%) |
USA |
||
28. |
EASTERN ASSOCIATED SECURITIES CORP. |
USA |
||
29. |
EASTERN RIVERMOOR COMPANY, INC. |
USA |
||
30. |
ELEXON LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
31. |
ENERGIS PLC (33.06%) |
England & Wales |
||
32. |
ENERGYNORTH NATURAL GAS, INC. |
USA |
||
33. |
EUA ENERGY INVESTMENT CORPORATION |
USA |
||
34. |
EUA FRC II ENERGY ASSOCIATES |
USA |
||
35. |
EVIONYX, INC. (16%) |
USA |
||
36. |
GRANITE STATE ELECTRIC COMPANY |
USA |
||
37. |
GRIDAMERICA HOLDINGS INC |
USA |
||
38. |
GRIDCOM LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
39. |
INVERSIONES ABC LTDA (98.84%) |
Chile |
||
40. |
IROQUOIS GAS TRANSMISSION SYSTEM, L.P. (20.4%) |
USA |
||
41. |
IROQUOIS PIPELINE OPERATING COMPANY (effectively 20.4% via Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. 100% ownership) |
USA |
||
42. |
ISLAND ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY, INC. |
USA |
||
43. |
ISLANDER EAST PIPELINE COMPANY, LLC (50%) |
USA |
||
44. |
JOINT RADIO COMPANY LIMITED (50%) |
England & Wales |
||
45. |
KEYSPAN (U.K.) |
England & Wales |
||
46. |
KEYSPAN C.I. II, LTD |
Cayman Islands |
||
47. |
KEYSPAN C.I., LTD |
Cayman Islands |
||
48. |
KEYSPAN CI MIDSTREAM LIMITED |
USA |
||
49. |
KEYSPAN CORPORATION |
USA |
||
50. |
KEYSPAN ENERGY CORPORATION |
USA |
||
51. |
KEYSPAN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CO. |
USA |
||
52. |
KEYSPAN ENERGY SERVICES INC. |
USA |
||
53. |
KEYSPAN ENERGY SERVICES NEW JERSEY, LLC |
USA |
||
54. |
KEYSPAN GAS EAST CORPORATION |
USA |
||
55. |
KEYSPAN INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION |
USA |
||
56. |
KEYSPAN MHK, INC. |
USA |
||
57. |
KEYSPAN MIDSTREAM INC. |
USA |
Name |
Country of Incorporation |
|||
120. |
NATIONAL GRID ENERGY TRADING SERVICES LLC |
USA |
||
121. |
NATIONAL GRID ENGINEERING & SURVEY INC. |
USA |
||
122. |
NATIONAL GRID EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION, LLC |
USA |
||
123. |
NATIONAL GRID FIFTEEN LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
124. |
NATIONAL GRID FINANCE B.V. |
The Netherlands |
||
125. |
NATIONAL GRID FIVE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
126. |
NATIONAL GRID FOUR LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
127. |
NATIONAL GRID FOURTEEN LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
128. |
NATIONAL GRID GAS FINANCE (NO 1) PLC |
England & Wales |
||
129. |
NATIONAL GRID GAS HOLDINGS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
130. |
NATIONAL GRID GAS PLC |
England & Wales |
||
131. |
NATIONAL GRID GENERATION LLC |
USA |
||
132. |
NATIONAL GRID GLENWOOD ENERGY CENTER, LLC |
USA |
||
133. |
NATIONAL GRID GOLD LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
134. |
NATIONAL GRID GRAIN LNG LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
135. |
NATIONAL GRID HOLDINGS B.V. |
The Netherlands |
||
136. |
NATIONAL GRID HOLDINGS INC. |
USA |
||
137. |
NATIONAL GRID HOLDINGS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
138. |
NATIONAL GRID HOLDINGS ONE PLC |
England & Wales |
||
139. |
NATIONAL GRID IGTS CORP. |
USA |
||
140. |
NATIONAL GRID INDIA B.V. |
The Netherlands |
||
141. |
NATIONAL GRID INDUS B.V. |
The Netherlands |
||
142. |
NATIONAL GRID INSURANCE COMPANY (IRELAND) LIMITED |
Republic of Ireland |
||
143. |
NATIONAL GRID INSURANCE COMPANY (ISLE OF MAN) LIMITED |
Isle of Man |
||
144. |
NATIONAL GRID INTERCONNECTORS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
145. |
NATIONAL GRID INTERNATIONAL LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
146. |
NATIONAL GRID ISLANDER EAST PIPELINE LLC |
USA |
||
147. |
NATIONAL GRID JERSEY HOLDINGS FIVE LIMITED |
Jersey |
||
148. |
NATIONAL GRID JERSEY INVESTMENTS LIMITED |
Jersey |
||
149. |
NATIONAL GRID JERSEY INVESTMENTS THREE LIMITED |
Jersey |
||
150. |
NATIONAL GRID LAND AND PROPERTIES LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
151. |
NATIONAL GRID LAND DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
152. |
NATIONAL GRID LAND INVESTMENTS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
153. |
NATIONAL GRID LNG GP LLC |
USA |
||
154. |
NATIONAL GRID LNG LP |
USA |
||
155. |
NATIONAL GRID LNG LP LLC |
USA |
||
156. |
NATIONAL GRID MANQUEHUE B.V. |
The Netherlands |
||
157. |
NATIONAL GRID METERING LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
158. |
NATIONAL GRID MIDDLE EAST FZCO |
United Arab Emirates |
||
159. |
NATIONAL GRID MILLENNIUM LLC |
USA |
||
160. |
NATIONAL GRID NE HOLDINGS 2 LLC |
USA |
||
161. |
NATIONAL GRID NETHERLANDS ONE BV |
The Netherlands |
||
162. |
NATIONAL GRID NETHERLANDS THREE BV |
The Netherlands |
||
163. |
NATIONAL GRID NETHERLANDS TWO BV |
The Netherlands |
||
164. |
NATIONAL GRID NINE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
165. |
NATIONAL GRID NINETEEN LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
166. |
NATIONAL GRID NORTH EAST VENTURES INC |
USA |
||
167. |
NATIONAL GRID OFFSHORE LTD |
England & Wales |
||
168. |
NATIONAL GRID ONE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
169. |
NATIONAL GRID OVERSEAS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
170. |
NATIONAL GRID OVERSEAS TWO LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
171. |
NATIONAL GRID PLC |
England & Wales |
||
172. |
NATIONAL GRID POLAND B.V. |
The Netherlands |
||
173. |
NATIONAL GRID PORT JEFFERSON ENERGY CENTER, LLC |
USA |
||
174. |
NATIONAL GRID PROCUREMENT BV |
The Netherlands |
||
175. |
NATIONAL GRID PROPERTY (HIGH WYCOMBE) LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
176. |
NATIONAL GRID PROPERTY (NORTHAMPTON) LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
177. |
NATIONAL GRID PROPERTY (NORTHFLEET) LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
178. |
NATIONAL GRID PROPERTY (TAUNTON) LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
179. |
NATIONAL GRID PROPERTY (WARWICK) LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
180. |
NATIONAL GRID PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
181. |
NATIONAL GRID PROPERTY HOLDINGS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
Name |
Country of Incorporation |
|||
182. |
NATIONAL GRID PROPERTY LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
183. |
NATIONAL GRID SERVICES, INC. |
USA |
||
184. |
NATIONAL GRID SEVEN LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
185. |
NATIONAL GRID SEVENTEEN LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
186. |
NATIONAL GRID SIX LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
187. |
NATIONAL GRID SIXTEEN LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
188. |
NATIONAL GRID TECHNOLOGIES INC. |
USA |
||
189. |
NATIONAL GRID TELEMETRY SOLUTIONS, LLC |
USA |
||
190. |
NATIONAL GRID TEN |
England & Wales |
||
191. |
NATIONAL GRID THREE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
192. |
NATIONAL GRID TRANSMISSION SERVICES CORPORATION |
USA |
||
193. |
NATIONAL GRID TWELVE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
194. |
NATIONAL GRID TWENTY EIGHT LIMITED
|
England & Wales |
||
195. |
NATIONAL GRID TWENTY FOUR LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
196. |
NATIONAL GRID TWENTY LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
197. |
NATIONAL GRID TWENTY ONE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
198. |
NATIONAL GRID TWENTY SEVEN LIMITED
|
England & Wales |
||
199. |
NATIONAL GRID TWENTY THREE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
200. |
NATIONAL GRID TWENTY-FIVE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
201. |
NATIONAL GRID TWENTY-SIX LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
202. |
NATIONAL GRID TWO LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
203. |
NATIONAL GRID UK LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
204. |
NATIONAL GRID UK PENSION SERVICES LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
205. |
NATIONAL GRID US 6 LLC |
USA |
||
206. |
NATIONAL GRID US 7 INC. |
USA |
||
207. |
NATIONAL GRID US LLC |
USA |
||
208. |
NATIONAL GRID USA |
USA |
||
209. |
NATIONAL GRID USA SERVICE COMPANY, INC. |
USA |
||
210. |
NATIONAL GRID UTILITY SERVICES LLC |
USA |
||
211. |
NATIONAL GRID ZAMBIA LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
212. |
NEES ENERGY, INC. |
USA |
||
213. |
NEW ENGLAND ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION CORPORATION |
USA |
||
214. |
NEW ENGLAND ENERGY INCORPORATED |
USA |
||
215. |
NEW ENGLAND HYDRO FINANCE COMPANY, INC. (53.704%) |
USA |
||
216. |
NEW ENGLAND HYDRO-TRANSMISSION CORPORATION (53.704%) |
USA |
||
217. |
NEW ENGLAND HYDRO-TRANSMISSION ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. (53.704%) |
USA |
||
218. |
NEW ENGLAND POWER COMPANY |
USA |
||
219. |
NEWHC, INC. |
USA |
||
220. |
NEWPORT AMERICA CORPORATION |
USA |
||
221. |
NG CHICAGO I, LLC |
USA |
||
222. |
NG CHICAGO II, LLC |
USA |
||
223. |
NG JERSEY LIMITED |
Jersey |
||
224. |
NG LEASING LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
225. |
NG LUXEMBOURG 3 SARL |
Luxembourg |
||
226. |
NG LUXEMBOURG 4 SARL |
Luxembourg |
||
227. |
NG LUXEMBOURG 5 SARL |
Luxembourg |
||
228. |
NG LUXEMBOURG 6 SARL |
Luxembourg |
||
229. |
NG LUXEMBOURG 7 SARL |
Luxembourg |
||
230. |
NG LUXEMBOURG HOLDINGS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
231. |
NG LUXEMBOURG SA |
Luxembourg |
||
232. |
NG LUXEMBOURG TWO SARL |
Luxembourg |
||
233. |
NG NOMINEES LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
234. |
NG PROCUREMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
235. |
NG VILLIERS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP |
England & Wales |
||
236. |
NGC DO BRASIL PARTICIPACOES LTDA |
Brazil |
||
237. |
NGC EMPLOYEE SHARES TRUSTEE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
238. |
NGC INDUS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
239. |
NGC TWO LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
240. |
NGC ZAMBIA LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
241. |
NGET / SPT UPGRADES LTD (50%) |
England & Wales |
Name |
Country of Incorporation |
|||
242. |
NGG (DELAWARE) LLC |
USA |
||
243. |
NGG FINANCE (NO 1) LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
244. |
NGG FINANCE PLC |
England & Wales |
||
245. |
NGG TELECOMS HOLDINGS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
246. |
NGG TELECOMS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
247. |
NGM1 (GBR) LIMITED |
Gibraltar |
||
248. |
NGNE LLC |
USA |
||
249. |
NGP(IM7S) LIMITED |
Isle of Man |
||
250. |
NGP(IM7S) SUB LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
251. |
NGRID INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
252. |
NGT FIVE LIMITED |
Cayman Islands |
||
253. |
NGT FOUR LIMITED |
Cayman Islands |
||
254. |
NGT HOLDING COMPANY (ISLE OF MAN) LIMITED |
Isle of Man |
||
255. |
NGT LUXEMBOURG ONE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
256. |
NGT ONE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
257. |
NGT TELECOM NO. 1 LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
258. |
NGT TELECOM NO. 2 LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
259. |
NGT THREE |
England & Wales |
||
260. |
NGT TWO LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
261. |
NIAGARA MOHAWK ENERGY, INC. |
USA |
||
262. |
NIAGARA MOHAWK HOLDINGS, INC. |
USA |
||
263. |
NIAGARA MOHAWK POWER CORPORATION |
USA |
||
264. |
NICODAMA BEHEER V B.V. |
The Netherlands |
||
265. |
NM PROPERTIES, INC. |
USA |
||
266. |
NM URANIUM, INC. |
USA |
||
267. |
NMP LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
268. |
NORTH EAST TRANSMISSION CO., INC. |
USA |
||
269. |
NYSEARCH RMLD LLC (22.63%) |
USA |
||
270. |
NYSEARCH ROBOTICS LLC (14.59%) |
USA |
||
271. |
OPINAC NORTH AMERICA, INC. |
USA |
||
272. |
PATIENCE REALTY CORP. |
USA |
||
273. |
PCC LAND COMPANY, INC. |
USA |
||
274. |
PHILADELPHIA COKE CO., INC. |
USA |
||
275. |
PORT GREENWICH LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
276. |
PORT OF THE ISLANDS NORTH LLC |
USA |
||
277. |
PRUDENCE CORPORATION |
USA |
||
278. |
SCC UNO SA |
Chile |
||
279. |
STARGAS NOMINEES LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
280. |
SUPERGRID ELECTRICITY LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
281. |
SUPERGRID ENERGY TRANSMISSION LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
282. |
SUPERGRID LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
283. |
TELECOM INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
284. |
THAMESPORT INTERCHANGE LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
285. |
THE BROOKLYN UNION GAS COMPANY |
USA |
||
286. |
THE NARRAGANSETT ELECTRIC COMPANY |
USA |
||
287. |
THE NATIONAL GRID GROUP QUEST TRUSTEE COMPANY LTD |
England & Wales |
||
288. |
THE NATIONAL GRID INVESTMENTS COMPANY |
England & Wales |
||
289. |
TRANSCO LIMITED |
England & Wales |
||
290. |
TRANSGAS, INC. |
USA |
||
291. |
UNIT 40 SUBLESSOR LLC |
USA |
||
292. |
UPPER HUDSON DEVELOPMENT INC |
USA |
||
293. |
VALLEY APPLIANCE AND MERCHANDISING COMPANY |
USA |
||
294. |
VILLIERS FINANCE SA (44%) |
Luxembourg |
||
295. |
WAYFINDER GROUP, INC. |
USA |
||
296. |
XOSERVE LIMITED (56.5%) |
England & Wales |
||
297. |
YANKEE ATOMIC ELECTRIC COMPANY (34.5%) |
USA |
EXHIBIT 12.1
RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION
I, Steve Holliday, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of National Grid plc; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The companys other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d -15(f)) for the company and have: |
(a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
(b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
(c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the companys disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
(d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the companys internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The companys other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the companys auditors and the audit committee of the companys board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the companys ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
(b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the companys internal control over financial reporting. |
12 June 2012
/s/ Steve Holliday
Steve Holliday
Title: Chief Executive
National Grid plc
EXHIBIT 12.2
RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION
I, Andrew Bonfield, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of National Grid plc; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the company as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; |
4. | The companys other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d -15(f)) for the company and have: |
(a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
(b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
(c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the companys disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
(d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the companys internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | The companys other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the companys auditors and the audit committee of the companys board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
(a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the companys ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
(b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the companys internal control over financial reporting. |
12 June 2012
/s/ Andrew Bonfield
Andrew Bonfield
Title: Finance Director
National Grid plc
EXHIBIT 13.1
RULE 13a-14(b) CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18 of the United States Code ) each of the undersigned officers of National Grid plc, a public limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (the Company), hereby certifies to such officers knowledge, that:
The Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ending March 31, 2012 (the Report) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
12 June 2012
/s/ Steve Holliday
Steve Holliday
Title: Chief Executive
National Grid plc
12 June 2012
/s/ Andrew Bonfield
Andrew Bonfield
Title: Finance Director
National Grid plc
EXHIBIT 15
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 333-33094, 333-65968, 333-97249, 333-103768, 333-107727, 333-149828, 333-155527, 333-170716 and 333-175852) and form F-3 (No. 333-160013) of National Grid plc of our report dated May 16, 2012 relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 20-F.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
London, UK
June 12, 2012