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spk04: Good morning or good afternoon all and welcome to AvantGrid's first quarter 2023 earnings conference call. If you'd like to ask a question on today's call, please press star followed by one on your telephone keypad to enter the queue. I'll now turn the call over to Alvaro Ortega, Vice President of Finance, Investor Relations and Treasury.
spk07: Over to you. Thank you, Adam, and good morning to everyone. Thank you for joining us today to discuss AvantGrid's first quarter 2023 earnings results. Presenting on the call today are Pedro Asagra, our Chief Executive Officer, and Patricia Joskel, our Chief Financial Officer. Also joining us today for the question and answer part of the call will be Catherine Esten, PM, President and Chief Executive Officer of Avangrid Networks, and Jose Antonio Miranda, Chief Executive Officer and President of Avangrid Renewables. Other members of the executive team are also joining us today, and my big call happened to assist with the Q&A part of the call. If you do not have a copy of our press release or presentation for today's call, they are available on our website at avangrid.com. During today's call, we will make various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on current expectations and assumptions, which are subject to risk and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from our forward-looking statements if any of our key assumptions are incorrect or because of other factors discussed in Avangrid's earnings news release in the comments made during this conference call, in the risk factor section of the accompanying presentation, or in our latest reports on filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, each of which can be found on our website, avangrid.com. We do not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements. Today's presentation also includes references to non-GAAP financial measures. You should refer to the information contained in the slide accompanying today's presentation for definition of information and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to the closest GAAP financial measures. I will now turn the call over to Pedro.
spk08: Thank you, Alvaro, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for our first quarter results presentation. Let's get started on slide five. Overall, AvantGrid had a solid start for the year. with many important operational achievements, and our team remains highly focused on the successful delivery of our strategic initiatives. For the first quarter, our earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share were 63 and 64 cents per share, respectively. On a year-over-year basis, the comparison is driven by the absence of the 40-cent offshore wind restructuring gain recorded in the first quarter of last year. Most importantly, we are taking meaningful steps forward on the strategic initiatives that will drive future growth across both businesses. In networks, we are advancing on our rate cases in New York, Maine, and Connecticut, and we continue to anticipate having new rates in effect across all jurisdictions this year. In addition, in February, we received approval from the New York Public Service Commission for our CLCPA Phase II portfolio. A $2.25 billion investment that will reduce grid congestion, create a pathway for nearly two-year water renewable energy resources, and play an integral role in achieving New York's nation-leading climate goals. Together with CLCPA Phase 1, the transmission investment opportunities in New York beyond 2025 will reach over $3 billion. For our New England Clean Energy Connect project, The jury trial in Maine's Business and Consumer Court concluded last week and unanimously found that the project can legally proceed. This is another major success for NECC, following positive rulings over the last month from the Maine Law Court and FERC. We're also progressing on PNM resources merger, and in recent weeks, we have taken several key steps forward. Last month, I've agreed PNM Resources and the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission file a joint motion with the new Supreme Court in New Mexico to dismiss the merger appeal and remand the case back to the PRC. Additionally, we extended our merger agreement through July 20th, reinforcing our continued commitment to PNM as we work through the legal and regulatory review process. In renewables, we signed or renegotiated PPAs for 524 megawatts of solar capacity projects and commissioned 205 megawatts in Oregon. Additionally, we are advancing the construction of approximately one gigawatt of new onshore capacity for COD over the next two years. Construction on our Binger Wind 1 offshore project is progressing as planned, keeping the project on track to deliver its first power later this year and reach full commercial operations next year. We expect to install the first monopile during the second quarter, which will mark a major milestone for the construction works. Throughout the year, we will continue working to close these core initiatives, which create a strong value proposition for Avangrid and positions as well to deliver on our annual obligations and estimations. Slide six illustrates one of our most essential priorities. developing trust and collaboration with our key stakeholders, as well as accomplishments and constructive outcomes that have resulted from our efforts. As discussed on the previous slide, during the first quarter, we delivered several significant accomplishments, including the positive core ruling on HNCEC and progress from our PNM resources merger. We have resumed collections in mid-April, while continuously advocating on behalf of our customers to reduce build impact in response to the pandemic and supply cost challenges. In addition to over $50 million in assistance secured in 2022, this year New York approved the second phase of its utility assistance program, which provides another $34 million to NYSEX and Energy NE customers to help reduce substantial arrears that accumulated during and after the pandemic. On the renewable side of the business, we are engaging with officials and regulators in New England on the solutions needed to ensure a healthy and competitive offshore wind market and economically viable projects. Last week, we announced a new partnership with the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority to explore opportunities to develop up to one gigawatt of renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and storage within the Navajo Nation in New Mexico and Arizona. This partnership is a great example of how the IRA is unlocking innovative investment opportunities and how we are committed to engaging our communities in the transition by delivering jobs and fostering economic growth and development. Additionally, we have fully funded DAX equity for our 194-megawatt land-heel solar project and our focus on maintaining solid credit ratings. Recently, FITS affirmed its rating for avant-garde and improved its outlook to stable. We look forward to seeing more green checkmarks on this slide in the months to come. Our focus on engagement and strong relationship building will continue to be essential. As we work towards successful conclusions for our rate cases, New England offshore wind projects, NECC, and PNM Resources merger, we are encouraged by the strong coalitions of support we have already built, which include businesses and labor groups, environmental organizations, policy leaders, and others. Let's turn now to our network business on slide seven. Across the business, we are focused on providing safe, reliable, and affordable service and investing to create the stronger, more resilient grid that will be the backbone of a cleaner energy future. We're making good progress on our rate cases. Starting with New York, we continue to advance on our settlement negotiation and expect rates to be effective as of April 22nd with a make-hold provision recently approved by the Commission. In Maine, we reached an agreement with Parted to enter into settlement negotiations in March. We expect CMP's new rates to be effective in August. In Connecticut, we completed evidentiary hearings and briefings are currently ongoing. For UI, we expect new rates will be effective in September. And in Massachusetts, new rates are already authorized and came into effect at the start of the year. While we work to bring new rate plans into effect across our remaining states, we continue to drive a focus on operational excellence. We have planned or launched several transformative multi-year investments that will modernize our operations and provide improved service to our customers. This includes $2.25 billion in approved Phase II CLCPA transmission investments, bringing the total transmission opportunities in New York beyond 2025 to over $3 billion, plus the deployment of 1.9 million smart meters across our New York service territories. These meters will be essential to provide our customers with better access to data and insights to help manage costs. Additionally, we are accelerating the digitalization of our customer experience. Today, more than 42% of our customers utilize e-bills, compared with under 30% in 2020. Over the same time, we increase use of our mobile app by a factor of 15, and outage alerts by a factor of six. All of these help us to reduce cost to customers. improve cash flow, and reduce call volumes while improving customer satisfaction. We have had some issues with customer service, and that is important to recognize. But we are taking action to address those issues, and in the last four months, we're getting back on track. We have worked to overcome pandemic-related staffing challenges, and since October, have hired nearly 250 new customer service representatives and billing specialists. At our New York companies, customer escalation rates have fallen considerably and calls are being answered more quickly. And in Maine, we continue to meet or exceed every customer metric. I'm very proud of our team's commitment to our customers and to continuous improvement and the results we have delivered so far. Let's turn to our renewable business on slide eight. We have increased our stone capacity to 8.6 gigawatts, including 205 megawatts from our MONTAX solar project recently commissioned. In total, we have an additional 1.7 gigawatts of capacity under construction, supporting the delivery of our long-term plan. This includes around 800 megawatts of solar, 106 megawatts of onshore wind, and 806 megawatts of offshore wind. Panel supply for all solar projects under construction has been secured. Additionally, we are focused on building relationships that support our continued growth and drive operational excellence. In the first quarter, we executed a new PPA for our 321 MW True North Solar project and successfully renegotiated an existing 203 MW PPA for Powell Creek. In total, we have renegotiated nearly 1 GW of PPAs over the last year, which has helped to address a challenging macroeconomic environment and keep plant growth on track. Furthermore, we have recently joined the California ISOS, KISOS, Western Energy Imbalance Market as its first generation-only entity. Our participation in the market will create operational efficiencies by supporting more cost-effective resource balancing and enabling sales of excess power. Turning to our offshore business, our team continues to make excellent progress on the construction of our landmark Vinger Wind 1 project. This month, we received the type certificate for our turbines, initiating the 60-day period for BOEM approval to begin the installation campaign. We plan to install the project's first monopile during the second quarter. Regarding our New England projects, we are progressing development to achieve the record of decision and recently completed the geotech survey. In parallel, we're continuing PPA discussions with the stakeholders in Massachusetts and Connecticut seeking the best way forward for these projects to help deliver the ambitious climate goals in both states. Above all else, the future of U.S. clean energy looks bright. The Inflation Reduction Act unlocks transformative incentives and significant untapped value for renewable development. While we are awaiting guidance on its implementation, we believe the IRA provides a long and visible runway for investment. In response to this historic opportunity, we are planning to accelerate growth across renewable technologies and hydrogen and beyond our long-term outlook. Turning now to Slate 9, At Avangrid, we believe being a true sustainable leader requires transparent disclosures, consistent reporting, and science-based targets. Last week, we released our 2022 sustainability report, which demonstrates the strong progress we have made toward achieving our key environmental, social, governance, and financial goals. On this slide, we have highlighted several of our key metrics. As you can see, we are performing very well in our major environmental and social commitments, and we remain well on track to reach our 2025 goals. We are also proud that our leadership has been consistently recognized and validated by external parties. In 2023, Avangrid was named one of the Ethisphere's world's most ethical companies for the first consecutive year, one of just nine utilities and energy companies to receive the honor. We are also listed as one of the just 100 for the third time consecutive year, number one in the environment category, and we joined Bloomberg's Gender Equality Index. As part of Iberdrola Group, our ESG plus F commitments are a fundamental part of our company's strategy and vision. For more than two decades, Eventrola and AvantGrid have anticipated the transition to a more sustainable energy model and have invested substantially to accelerate that transition. We're raising the bar with clear and ambitious goals, including achieving a Scopes 1 and 2 carbon neutrality by 2030, and we continue to build on these commitments to create value for customers, community shareholders, and all stakeholders. Now, I'd like to hand the call to Patricia to provide more details on our financial results.
spk01: Thank you, Pedro. Good morning, everyone. Turning to our earnings performance. For the first quarter of 2023, our EPS was 63 cents compared to $1.15 in the first quarter of 2022, and our adjusted EPS was 64 cents compared to $1.16 in the first quarter of 2022. Our year-over-year performance largely reflects the absence of the 47-cent gain recorded in 2022, which was related to the restructuring our offshore wind leases in New England, giving us 100% control over the Park City Wind and Commonwealth Wind projects. Absent this gain, our operating performance in the renewables business was strong, supported by increases in renewables production in our Klamath thermal plant. You can see this in our renewables adjusted EBITDA with tax credits, which improved 182 million, a 15% increase compared to the same period last year. While our network business was impacted by higher costs in various areas, we anticipate improvement later in the year with the implementation of our pending rate cases that will capture the cost of the businesses and investments that have supported safety, reliability, and resiliency. The next slide summarizes the results and the key drivers for our business segment. For the first quarter, networked results were 51 cents, lower by 15 cents quarter over quarter compared to the first quarter of 2022. In the first quarter of this year, we benefited from rate changes mainly due to the implementation of our rate plans in New York. The joint utility arrearages order in New York resulted in about a 5-cent benefit to adjusted EPS, which was offset by higher uncollectibles, mainly in New York. Although with the winter moratorium now concluded, we have commenced collections. Additionally, we had higher costs year over year to implement our investment plans and operate the businesses, including O&M, depreciation, interest costs, and taxes. O&M includes the absence of a two-cent benefit from the true-up of carrying charges at one of our utilities in the first quarter of 2022. And in 2023, the remaining four cents includes a penny for overtime related to additional storm activity in the quarter, and $0.03 for normal costs of the business. The higher depreciation of $0.02 reflects assets placed in service, and taxes reflect $0.03 related to the previously discussed first quarter 2022 benefit of one-time adjustments in utility valuation allowances, with the other half related to normal tax expense and timing. Finally, finance costs are higher year-over-year, reflecting higher interest rates and short-term debt balances that are in line with our expectations year-to-date. Importantly, and not unexpectedly, our cost and investment needs supports the pending rate case proposals for our utilities in the three states, which will update these costs of the businesses. In our renewable segments, we reported 13 cents a share, lower by 41 cents quarter over quarter. This primarily reflected the absence of the 47 cent gain recorded in 2022 from the offshore wind restructuring in that quarter. Excluding that, renewables have solid earnings performance period over period. Improved wind and solar operating performance, which includes the impacts of pricing, production, and tax benefits, explained two cents of the quarter-over-the-quarter improvement, and we also had higher earnings from our equipment, thermal operations, and asset management that increased by 10 cents. This was due to wider spark spreads quarter-over-quarter compared to the first quarter of 2022 as a result of the demand and supply factors of cold weather and scarcity in the Pacific Northwest. More specifically, the scarcity is due to the retirement of dispatchable generation and an increase in variable generation in the region. Klamath is strategically positioned on the California-Oregon border with the ability to source gas from both the south and the north, making it less prone to pipeline disruptions versus other plants in the area. Klamath also has long-term transmission contracts to move the power through the Pacific Northwest economically. Finally, we also wanted to point out that we have planned maintenance the second quarter for our Klamath thermal plant which is scheduled to conclude by mid-July. These positive renewable performance and thermal impacts were reduced by higher O&M costs of four cents explained by growth in the business primarily for offshore development and as well as maintenance costs and higher personnel related costs. Corporate costs reflected an increase of four cents quarter over quarter primarily due to timing as we balance to our annual expected tax rates. Moving now to the next slide, we are affirming our 2023 outlook ranges for EPS of $1.90 to $2.10 and adjusted EPS of $2.20 to $2.35. Our ongoing focus remains on achieving these targets as we execute our investment plans with discipline and a risk management focus. We also provide our expectations of opportunities and risks for the remainder of 2023 versus our outlook expectations. This includes the implement of new rates in New York, Connecticut, and Maine as a result of our pending rate cases and the merger with P&L, which we had previously indicated was approximately $0.30 a share, along with approximately $4.3 billion of debt at the parent level to close the merger transaction. Recall this transaction was financed primarily in 2021 with $4 billion of equity. Additionally, the opportunities and risks include renewables production and pricing, Other regulatory adjustments, NECC, thermal and asset management results, taxes, interest, O&M, uncollectibles, and our asset rotation program. And finally, today we're also reaffirming our 6% to 7% CAGR in our adjusted EPS through 2025, off a base that is the midpoint of our 2022 guidance. Moving on to updates to our financing, liquidity, dividends, and credit ratings on the next slide. As we noted on our investor day, organic capital expenditures for 2023 are expected to be $3 billion, inclusive of approximately $0.4 billion for PNM resources. In the first quarter, we have invested approximately $836 million of those investments. Cash and liquidity are key priorities, supported by our ongoing cash from operations, debt at the utility level, and tax equity financing and tax credit transferability to finance the PNM merger closing, which we have, and we have used, we have used, we issued equity, just to remind everyone, we issued the equity in 2021 to finance the PNM resource merger closing, which we have used to fund the capital investments in our networks and renewables business, relieving our need to raise capital at the parent level. At the end of the first quarter, we have $7.2 billion of liquidity, covering 13 months, and this includes the $4.3 billion commitment letter from Ipudrola that backs up the merger. During the quarter, we closed on the funding of tax equity for our Lundhill Solar project, and we are evaluating our options for tax credit transferability, pending IRS guidance, which provides an additional source of cash for the PTCs that we have retained in lieu of tax equity for certain operating projects. We are also evaluating all options potentially available from the IRA, again, pending guidance, We're using PTCs versus ITCs, additional credits related to domestic content for specific energy and specific energy communities, and hydrogen investments, as well as potential federal funding available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the IRA. Maintaining our solid credit ratings is a key objective. At the oven grid level, all of our ratings are unstable outlook. And finally, our dividend policy remains unchanged, targeting a payout of 65 to 75% Our board recently declared a quarterly dividend of 44 cents a share, payable on July 3rd. In summary, we have started the year focused on continuing to execute our long-term financial plan. We remain targeted on improving execution and maximizing our earnings growth opportunities, demonstrating successes through our businesses that are not only short-term achievements, but will have long-term positive impacts. Thank you for joining us today for our financial update. I will now hand the call back to our operator, Adam, for questions, followed by closing remarks from Pedro.
spk04: Thank you. As a reminder, if you'd like to ask a question today, please press star followed by 1 on your telephone keypad now. When preparing to ask your question, please ensure your headset is fully plugged in and unmuted locally. That's star followed by 1 on your telephone keypad. And our first question today comes from Richard Sunderland from JP Morgan. Richard, please go ahead. Your line is open.
spk11: Hi, good morning, and thank you for the time today. I appreciate the updates across the business and wanted to start with any CEC given the recent court success. What are the remaining hurdles here to restarting construction and when will you have clarity both on the start timing and the in-service date?
spk08: I think, you know, let me start and I will allow Kathleen to comment on the construction angle. I think let's all keep in mind that still, you know, we have, you know, a decision that has just happened. So we are evaluating right now the next legal steps, if any, you know, which I think, you know, we need to conclude in the upcoming, you know, weeks. And I think, you know, there will be a much better position, I think, to give a definitive answer. But I think, Catherine, perhaps you want to comment on that.
spk02: Sure. Thanks, Pedro. And thanks for that question, Richard. To reiterate what Pedro said, we're really pleased and excited about the results of the unanimous decision by the jury. Now, if you remember, we haven't been constructing for quite a long time. So while we work through the remaining legal issues, which include a potential appeal period, we also have permits at issue that we're looking at. We've also been keeping our partners, meaning our contractors, the EDCs in Massachusetts, our partner Hydro Quebec, all up to speed and talking with them about what needs to happen next in order to restart construction on this project. So we'll be working over that over the next few weeks and months. And I expect that we'll have more information in mid-year about what the new construction timeline will be. But as I said, we're excited about the project. We still think it's the best project to build for New England in order to help Massachusetts, Maine, and all of New England meet its clean energy future. And we're excited to restart construction.
spk11: Got it. Thank you. Very, very helpful details there. Maybe turning to Park City and Commonwealth and offshore overall, how are you thinking about the progress there in your discussions around improving returns? Is the outlook for Kitty Hawk in terms of monetization, is that still screening as an attractive opportunity? back again on Park City Commonwealth, you know, any idea on when you might have a more detailed update there?
spk08: I think on the Kitty Hawk, we continue to seek, you know, asset rotation alternatives. So from that point of view, yes, we continue to work on that. I think on the Park City and Commonwealth, you know, we've always been very transparent, you know, on going to the public, you know, saying that The numbers, you know, were well beyond, you know, where it's acceptable. I think, as you know, in the case of Massachusetts, we already defaulted, you know, in one of the steps that in the contract had. I think we're working with, you know, both the states and the different parties involved, you know, to see, you know, a final resolution to this matter. And I think we will also be able to clarify these in the upcoming, you know, weeks and months.
spk11: Got it. Got it. Thank you for the time today. I'll leave it there.
spk04: The next question comes from Michael Sullivan from Wolf Research. Michael, please go ahead. Your line is open.
spk03: Hey, everyone. Good morning. Just wanted to check in on the PNM process and how realistic is reaching conclusion by the extended date of July at this point. And maybe if we could get a sense, I think it's been alluded to in the past, like a modified merger stipulation being put forth relative to the original one you had a couple of years ago? If maybe at a high level you could just talk to how that may have changed.
spk08: I think at this stage also, as you know, we are at the Supreme Court and we have requested the Supreme Court to rule to remand it to the public commission. I think what we need to do right now is just wait for the Supreme Court to take its decision. And if the decision is to remand it to the public commission, then, you know, a schedule, a timetable will be requested to the public commission, and they will take the decision by the schedule. I think that will give us all clarity on that timetable. I think right now we need to be prudent and silent and just let, you know, the Supreme Court to do, to take a decision they deem appropriate to take. And then once it's back in the public commission, I think we'll be able to have clarity on the timetable.
spk03: Okay, and what are the options in terms of extending beyond that July date if the court or commission timeline extends beyond that?
spk08: I think we don't think it's the right time to comment on that. You know, let's wait to see what timetable the public commission approves, and I think we will have to react to that. Let's go step by step. I think, you know, we are on the right track in our opinion just to put back on the public commission the topic. and then discuss, you know, our case. So, let's just wait for the public commission to, you know, to take it for this recall first and the public commission afterwards in terms of timetable. I think that's the moment to react.
spk03: Okay. Understood. And then, just shifting to New York, you talked about these CLCPA approvals and the transmission opportunity. Does any of that factor into the pending rate case at all? And if so, how?
spk08: I think in the rate case, it's only CLCPA1, so we don't have CLCPA2, and that's part of the discussions we're having right now. I think let's keep in mind that in New York, I'd like everybody to understand we have the rate case, but we have other discussions as well. So I think there are going to be many things. We're working with the public commission to improve cash availability for the companies, to have certainty on when the returns are going to happen on those assets, but it's only CLCPA1, which is in the rate case, not CLCPA2.
spk03: Okay, so should we think of that as like that's kind of a known thing within the case and then there's other items contributing to the rate request outside of that?
spk02: Yeah, so let's take a step back. We've got a total of under CLCPA about $3.4 billion worth of investment to be made through 2030. That split up into two phases, phase one, which is in the rate case, and phase two, which is outside of the rate case. The rate case encompasses both phase one investments and it covers additional investments that we need to make for the resiliency and the performance of our system. So all of that together, phase one and those resiliency investments are being considered in the rate case and in a hopeful settlement.
spk03: Okay. Thank you.
spk04: The next question comes from David Alcaro from Morgan Stanley. David, please go ahead. Your line is open.
spk05: Hi. Thanks so much for taking my question. I was wondering if you could give your latest views on the demand backdrop for new PPA signings. It was encouraging to see the new contracts that you got in place this quarter. What are you seeing in terms of renewables demand? And do you have a target in mind for what we might expect in terms of additions to the backlog this year?
spk08: I'll let you know, Jose Antonio, to answer the question. I'm very pleased with the work we've been doing in the last nine months, you know, with the team, cleaning up a lot of things, fixing some issues that we had. That's why those 500 milliwatt plus that we have announced in terms of PPAs, I'm very pleased about that. We are back, you know, on the table to do profitable and long-term investments in renewables. I'm also pleased about renegotiations and leases. So we're doing a lot of things. I think we'll come back in the upcoming months with a revised business plan, you know, going forward for the business, renewable business. And I think we are, you know, back on the table with, you know, nice growth ahead of us. So please, Antonio.
spk06: Thank you, Pedro. And good morning, David. Yes, as Pedro is saying, we see quite important traction in terms of demand of renewable power. And we're very glad to have been able to sign this PPA with Meta. It's a... a great contract, 320 megawatts direct current in Texas in ERCOT. And also we have successfully renegotiated a power creek and recognizing that prices are different and the time of COD has to be adjusted to the new supply chain situation. So I think that we are making progress on that sense. About the backlog and what could be the evolution, what I can say is that we have a healthy pipeline, and we have projects that we are working now very intensively to be able to push them through our FID process, always with a lot of rigor, always very prudent, as Pedro was commented before. And we are in the good track so far to accomplish and to deliver what we promised in the capital market day for 23 and 24.
spk05: Okay, great. Thanks for that color. And I was wondering if you could give an update on the solar supply chain and your ability to secure panels to execute on the construction plan for this year, and also just how you're thinking about domestic supply of solar panels, too.
spk06: Yes. So first of all, all our contracts that are under construction, they have already the panels secured. So this is something that is a must for us. We always say we're very prudent and we don't enter into PPAs and contracts if we don't have the supply chain secured. So all the panels are secured. Yes, in terms of the difficulty of getting panels, it's true that the market is struggling with that. We are lucky because we are fortunate to be part of Iberdola Group and to have the possibilities to lever our position with the suppliers. and about the situation with the Uyghur forced labor act. Still, we see that the CDP and the suppliers, the panel suppliers, they are discussing about exactly what are the documents and papers that they need in order to be sure that there is Of course, no labor force used in the panels, but I think that in the last weeks, in the last months, we have seen a lot of progress on the understanding of what the documents must be and what information has to be delivered. So hopefully we will see possible in the next months how in the industry these panels are starting to be released and cross the border.
spk08: I think if we can comment on the supply chain in general. I think probably being part of Iberdrola has allowed us in the transformers side to benefit from our presence and connections in Brazil to help that to us here in the US business. I think the presence that we have right now doing projects in Germany, in the UK, and in France in offshore wind, it's allowing us also to have the right conversations for our construction project being built right now. I think that's a benefit and something that allows us to be comfortable for the future. There may be issues in the supply chain, yes, but I think we're very well positioned to try to be ahead of almost anybody on getting advantage of the opportunities that we have there.
spk05: Got it. I appreciate it. Thanks so much.
spk04: The next question is from Julian DeMoyne-Smith from Bank of America. Julian, your line is open. Please go ahead.
spk10: Hey, good morning, team. Thank you guys very much. Appreciate it. So just first on Calamus there in the West, nicely done on the outperformance there with the 10 cents. Just wanted to understand, is that contemplated in your guidance here, or is that actually upside when you think about your FY23 guidance range, or are there other offsets like the planned maintenance that you described in the second quarter here?
spk01: So the maintenance is scheduled, is known and planned, so that's not unexpected. The Klamath is within the guidance range. That's why they give a range for plus or minus, you know, and it could be, we'll see what happens for the rest of the year.
spk10: Got it. Okay. Fair enough. So at least that's incorporated within your guidance as it stands today. All right. And then related here on the utility side, Obviously, some O&M pressures here in the first quarter. Just want to come back to full year expectations on the network side. When you think about the pressures that you've seen year to date, do you still see earnings increasing on a year-over-year basis versus 22 here? And what are some of the other offsets to the extent to which that you see that still materializing?
spk08: If I can comment on both, and then Catherine and Patricia, you can also complement. I think on networks and in renewables, I'm very pleased on the first quarter how we have been basically delivering according to our internal expectations. So I'm very pleased there. I think you mentioned O&M. I think Patricia mentioned interest costs. I think I'm very pleased we don't have any material deviations from where we would like to be. And we have taken actions to compensate some things that were deviating. So I'm very pleased there. I think on the guidance, right now, as you can see, we have several items And we had that last year as well. There are going to be critical array cases. You know, we're going to have PNM. We're going to have the offshore wind, the offshore projects. I think we're going to have the transmission line NECC. I think that's going to clarify in the next two, three months, most of them. So that's why we're very close to having a clear path in those items that will allow us to narrow, you know, that range that we gave to you last year and be more accurate. I don't know, Catherine, if you want to comment.
spk02: No, thank you, Pedro. Just to add a little bit onto that, you know, if you listen to Patricia go through the quarter over quarter performance, there were some non-recurring issues in last year, those carrying charges as well as the tax benefit. So those were unrecurring. When you look at the core business of networks, We do have some increased costs, but that's the exact reason why we're in rate cases. So all of those increased cost depreciation, O&M, storm costs, we anticipate that those will be resolved through our rate cases. And the performance of the system continues to be very strong despite increased storms. So we are flat to increasing our performance on safety metrics and KD metrics despite the fact that quarter to quarter, 13% increased number in storms. Again, those storm costs are going to be reflected in the rate cases as we resolve them throughout the year. So we're pleased with the performance of networks, and we're anticipating the results of the rate cases to impact our earnings through the rest of the year.
spk08: And if I can give an example on how pleased I am with the work the teams are doing is customer service. And let's focus on New York. I think we have more than 20% attrition. And, you know, many reasons why, you know, people either, you know, they prefer not to continue working or they prefer to move to other companies during the pandemic and right after that. I think we had still, unfortunately, in parts of New York, you know, meter readers, you know, so we have to go and read the meters, you know, at home. And, you know, for a period of time, we were not given the access. And, you know, there has been a huge increase in the supply part of the bill, totally unrelated to us. When you see those factors, and I see the actions we have taken in two, three, four months, I'm very pleased. This is exactly what we're supposed to be doing. So those are examples that I think we need to continue doing, not reacting, anticipating issues, not fixing them very quickly. So I'm very happy for those efforts.
spk10: Got it. So it sounds like if you get offshore clarity, NECC – oh, sorry, go for it.
spk01: Sorry, Julian. I just wanted to add a couple additional points because I mentioned, for example, that we had rising uncollectibles. But we had a benefit of an arrearages order that offset that in the period. And it's also important to note that we've completed the moratorium, the winter moratorium in New York. So we have started the collections process. So that kind of helps us going forward as we move into the pending rate cases outgoing. I also mentioned on renewables because, you know, we had rising O&M. But I think this is to Pedro's point that, you know, the businesses are operating well. And we will expect to see additional costs as we grow the business. So a lot of this is development. It's origination costs as we grow the business. It's also rewards for strong origination in the business that are reflected in the O&M.
spk10: Got it. If it sounds like an update, maybe in the next two, three months by second quarter, you guys are in a position to narrow that guidance. Yes. Based on those three points. Awesome. And just if I can, super quickly, just to clarify the prior question here, it looks like the solar pipeline moderated a little bit here, especially on the solar side, quarter over quarter. Can you comment about why that might be? Is that a function of forward curves pulling back here and just the opportunity, or just what are you seeing out there? I'm very curious.
spk08: Let me ask a little bit more going forward, and I think, for some time, you can answer specifically right now. Going forward, I think it's the other way around, Julian. I think we are actually, you know, putting the right team right now to continue the focus on growth. And our expectation is, you know, as you know, in renewables, there is not that much you can do in the next, you know, one or two years, because that's already something you have. I'm very comfortable we're going to deliver in those one or two years. But our expectation is when you go beyond that, you know, to increase, you know, the pipeline, the actual we're going to be developing. I think just to comment on those specific items, I think probably we avoided 40, 50 million from penalties when we were building assets in the last 12 months by renegotiating the contracts. I think we're extending the leases and signing additional leases that allow us to be positioned for the future. So it seems to me that we have done things that probably are not in the public domain, but allows us to be in a much better position than we were a year ago. And I think the growth, you know, more than happy to update in upcoming months because we're going to have, you know, further growth in the future, and especially, you know, three years from now. But I think Jose Antonio, you're going to comment on the current one.
spk06: Thank you, Pedro. And, yes, Julian, our solar pipeline now stands at about 13,000 megawatts, 13 gigawatts of solar. And we have put in place something that is important when you are developing because the figures are important, but the most important thing is the health of the pipeline. So we want to have a pipeline that is really healthy, and we put in place recently a program of what we call early detection of fatal flow. So we want to be sure that the pipeline that is here is healthy, and when we see something that in a very early stage is leading us to think that the project could not be profitable in the future, then we prefer to just get it out of the pipeline. So the reflection of this small drop is because we are putting this system in place to be sure that only we invest in growing the pipeline that we have certainty that will be profitable
spk08: And in the last 12 months, we were asked several times if we were exiting the business or we were stopping the development. I think we made it clear, no, we're fixing some things that we had and strengthening the team and the projections going forward. And you know that we like to deliver. I think we have delivered now with more than 500 megawatts. I think more to come, but I think the idea right now is to focus on being very, very clear on the next few years of exactly what assets we have where and when, and then working already in two, three years from now, because that's what we can focus on right now.
spk09: All right, guys. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
spk04: The next question comes from Angie Starosinski. from Seaport Research Partners. Angie, your line is open. Please go ahead.
spk12: Thank you. So I wanted to ask about the Connecticut rate piece. We've heard some public comments from the poor president or chairman, that sounded really scary and highly punitive for utilities in the state of Connecticut. So, you know, you are in the midst of your rate case on the electric side, the first one when she can demonstrate her stance. So that is concerning. And on top of that, we have, POR has just issued a decision in its performance-based rate making. And I'm not sure, actually, if it will impact the current rate case. But just talk to us, please, you know, how you feel about this pending rate case.
spk08: Let me perhaps answer first, and Catherine, you can complement. The first one is, you know, we said this, you know, nine months ago when we started this team, you know, working on everything. Our first obligation is to have relationships, to be on top of things, to know everybody. I think I'm very pleased, you know, we're working very well with the governor and his team. We're working very well with the Department of Energy. You know, we're working very well, you know, with, you know, the AG. And from that point of view, that's what we have to continue, okay, building relationships. I think the legislature, you know, we've been with them working on a proposed legislation that is being put on the table right now. We just need to continue. I don't think we have, you know, results in a month, you know, but I think, you know, once we have, you know, reinitiated or started, you know, many of those relationships, I think now after six, nine months, I'm very pleased that we have, you know, the right access to everybody. Second, I think we're very committed to Connecticut. You know, we don't like to comment on other rate cases. We don't like to comment on public commission commissioners. I think we are very pleased on our case. We believe, you know, we have a strong case, and we can defend that. The governor was helping already for two years working on this incentive-based, you know, performance. You know, nothing new. I think, you know, we are happy if he moves in that direction as other places in the U.S. And I think in our case, we like to focus on presenting things with no mistakes, making sure that we don't make any mistake, you know, to be blamed, you know, to us And I think we're working now on this rate case, and we're also working on many other things. We have offshore projects going on. We have many other matters that we're working with the administration. So we just need to continue working with them. Catherine?
spk02: Yeah, I'll just add, Angie, just a little bit of context around the Connecticut rate case. So as Patricia said, we don't anticipate rates are going into effect until later in kind of fourth quarter. So they don't have a material impact on this year's results. But in terms of an update, we have briefs going in this week from all parties. As you may recall, we had our hearings that took place last month, about 17 days worth of hearings, and I believe our team performed really well in those hearings, and we'll be following that up with briefing, reply briefing, and then it will go to the authority. So we believe we put on a strong case, and we look forward to working through the results.
spk12: Okay. Okay. And then separately on the P&M transaction, I understand that we're waiting for the Supreme Court to respond to the request to remand the case back to the Commission. I mean, the timeline of the merger has been extended quite considerably. We're in a completely different interest rate environment right now, also different valuations of utility stocks. How do you see this pending merger? You know, it's potential accretion. How are you going to finance it? And yes, I know you pre-issued equity for it, but just talk to us about the appeal of this transaction given this different financing backdrop.
spk08: First of all, I can remember that, you know, as we did at the group level, you know, in a couple of other big transactions, we were very prudent and that's why we did a capital increase, you know, a year and a half ago. So from that point of view, from an accretion point of view, the calculation has to be done based on that capital increase being done. Now it's true that because of the additional capital expenditure we have done in the last 18 months, part of that has been used. But I think for purposes of that capital increase, the main reason was P&M. So I think that was how we were calculating the accretion. I think in terms of the interest, we remain committed. I think one of the important things for us We're not a speculative financial investor that buys and sells in a second. We are long-term, and the value of a utility is long-term. I think to have just one year of interest rates going up or one year of interest rates going down, I think that has changed the appetite. We believe we did a transaction with a very good presentation from a value point of view. I think P&M has been delivering earnings actually better than they were expecting. So there is no change, you know, in the appetite. And remember, I think, you know, utilities and networks is a very scarce resource, you know, that everybody would love to own. We have a great partnership, great relationships in New Mexico. And do we need to be patient? Yes. You know, the people, they have failed three, four, five times doing deals. I think in our case, we have a good track record of getting it done. And especially because we deliver what we promised. And we have spent, you know, a lot of time and effort in the local communities and with the local decision makers. So from that point of view, I would love this to have been differently, but, you know, this is what it is, and we just need to be patient.
spk04: Okay. Thank you.
spk09: As a final reminder, that's star one on your telephone keypad to ask a question. As we have no further questions, I'll hand the call back to Pedro Azagro for final remarks.
spk08: Thank you again for joining us for our first quarter earnings call. As we close the quarter, our team is focused on the path forward and on delivering our commitments to execution, growth, and value creation. Our clean, connected, and growing regulated business represents an attractive investment opportunity at the center of the energy transition. Here, we're working toward the constructive resolution of our rate cases, balancing cash flow, earnings, and customer affordability, progress on ACGCC following the positive core ruling and the successful completion of our PNM resources merger. On top of that, our renewables business provides additional opportunity for the continued expansion of our onshore footprint and the delivery of our offshore projects, including first power from Binger Wind One later this year. As we pursue each of these objectives, our efforts are guided by a core commitment to financial sustainability, including solid credit ratings and health liquidity. In summary, we believe that AvantGrid has exceptional growth prospects in both the near and long-term perspectives. Our planned investments of $21.5 billion through 2025 are strengthened by an environment that provides long-term and stable support for the expansion of renewable energy resources and clean infrastructure. By leveraging additional long-term growth opportunities, like New York CLCPA and the IRA, we're confident Avangrid will continue to drive value for our customers and shareholders. We look forward to sharing our progress with you over the coming months and appreciate your continued support. If you have any other questions, please follow up with Alvaro and the AR team. Have a great day and thank you very much.
spk04: This concludes today's call. Thank you very much for your attendance. You may now disconnect your lines.
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