Eversource Energy Completes Exit of Offshore Wind Business
Company Closes on the Sale of Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind to Global Infrastructure Partners
Adjusted gross proceeds from the sale were reduced by approximately
“We have reached an important milestone today in our commitment as a pure-play regulated pipes and wires utility that delivers superior service and value to our customers,” said Eversource Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Nolan. “We are proud of the role we have played to advance offshore wind projects, and we will continue to be a leader in employing our transmission expertise to conduct onshore work that supports the clean energy transition and enables the continued development of renewable resources for our region.”
With the completion of this sale and the previously completed sale of the Company’s 50 percent interest in the Sunrise Wind project (Sunrise Wind) to Ørsted announced on July 9, 2024, Eversource expects to record an aggregate net loss on the completion of its offshore wind divesture of approximately
“We have completed an important step in our journey to strengthen our balance sheet and improve our credit metrics, with the closing of this transaction and resulting proceeds,” said Eversource Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer John Moreira. “Our equity issuance plan of up to
The following factors were included in the aggregate net loss of
-
A gain on the sale of Eversource’s 50 percent interest in Sunrise Wind to Ørsted of approximately
.$370 million
Offsets include:
-
Lower proceeds related to final terms of the sale transaction to GIP of approximately
related to non-construction costs for the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind projects.$225 million -
Forecasted higher capital construction costs as a result of a delay in the anticipated commercial operation date related to Revolution Wind of approximately
.$350 million -
Anticipated post-closing adjustments of approximately
as a result of final economics of the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind projects, which include Eversource’s obligations to meet GIP’s requirements until the projects reach commercial operations date, as specified in the definitive transaction agreement with GIP.$315 million
Proceeds related to this sale may be further adjusted due to final construction costs and updated project economics as of the commercial operation date of Revolution Wind. South Fork Wind has achieved commercial operations and, as a result, Eversource does not expect a material financial impact related to this project. With the previously announced sale of Sunrise Wind to Ørsted, Eversource has no ongoing financial obligations associated with Sunrise Wind. With the completion of this sale, Eversource has now divested all its ownership interests in the offshore wind business. Eversource will maintain its previously announced tax equity investment in South Fork Wind. The sale of the offshore wind projects has no impact on Eversource’s regulated entities.
Factors that could cause Eversource’s total net proceeds to be higher or lower at Revolution Wind’s commercial operations date include the following:
- Revolution Wind’s eligibility for federal investment tax credits at other than the anticipated 40 percent level;
-
The ultimate cost of construction for Revolution Wind. Under the purchase and sale agreement, Eversource and GIP will share the difference between a base construction forecast and the aggregate cost of the two projects up to an effective cap of approximately
. Eversource will have responsibility for GIP’s obligations for any additional costs in excess of the cap amount consistent with the existing joint venture terms;$240 million - Further delays in constructing Revolution Wind, that would impact the economics associated with the purchase price adjustment; and
- Lower operation costs or higher availability of the projects. Eversource can benefit, but not be harmed, from lower costs of operations and/or higher availability as compared to a base level assumed in the projects’ financial models through the period that is four years following commercial operation date of the Revolution Wind project.
Under the agreement, Eversource’s existing and certain additional credit support obligations for Revolution Wind are expected to roll off as the project completes construction.
Eversource engaged Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor to assist with the sale. Ropes & Gray LLP served as its legal counsel.
Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is among the top energy companies in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2024 and recognized as a Five-Year Champion, appearing in every edition of the list. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to approximately 4.4 million customers in
This document includes statements concerning Eversource Energy’s expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, assumptions of future events, future financial performance or growth and other statements that are not historical facts, including anticipated third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2025 financial impacts of the now-divested offshore wind investment, the timing of liability settlement, Eversource’s equity issuance plans and the timing thereof, Eversource’s future onshore work, and the development of offshore wind in New England. These statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of
Other risk factors are detailed in Eversource Energy’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They are updated as necessary and available on Eversource Energy’s website at www.eversource.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All such factors are difficult to predict and contain uncertainties that may materially affect Eversource Energy’s actual results, many of which are beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as each speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by federal securities laws, Eversource Energy undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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Kaitlyn Woods (Media)
kaitlyn.woods@eversource.com
603-860-3123
Rima Hyder (Investor Relations)
rima.hyder@eversource.com
781-441-8062
Source: Eversource Energy