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Product | Quantum (Rs. Cr) | Long Term Rating | Short Term Rating |
BOND | 630.00 | ACUITE A- | CE | Stable | Reaffirmed | - |
Total Outstanding | 630.00 | - | - |
Total Withdrawn | 0.00 | - | - |
Rating Rationale |
Acuite has reaffirmed the long term rating of ACUITE A- (CE) (read as ACUITE A minus (Credit Enhancement)) on the existing bonds of 630 Cr. of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited. The outlook is 'Stable'.
Rationale for the rating The rating takes into cognizance an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee by the Government of Meghalaya (GoMe) backed up by a structured payment mechanism, thereby ensuring timely debt servicing for bonds issue (rated instrument). Acuité also derives comfort from the stable fiscal position of the Government of Meghalaya, which is expected to provide timely funding support to MeECL, as and when necessary. Further, the rating on MeECL takes into account a gradual improvement in the business risk profile of the company coupled with a cost plus based tariff mechanism. These strengths are partly offset by the below average financial risk profile of the company and inherently regulated nature of operations in the electricity business. |
About the Company |
The Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited. (MeECL) is a Government Company, wholly owned by the Government of Meghalaya, incorporated in the year 2009 and inherited its business from the erstwhile Meghalaya State Electricity Board (MeSEB) in the year 2010. It has wholly owned three subsidiary Companies namely, Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited. (MePGCL), Meghalaya Power Transmission Corporation Limited. (MePTCL) and Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited. (MePDCL) responsible for Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electricity respectively throughout the State as State Utilities. The erstwhile Meghalaya State Electricity Board (MeSEB) was formed in the year 1975 after the formation of new State of Meghalaya from undivided State of Assam. The first Hydro Electric project in Meghalaya had started its operation in the year 1921, thereafter different Hydro Electric projects are being constructed throughout the State of Meghalaya utilising the natural water resources. The directors of the company are Mr. Ramakrishna Chitturi, Mr. Merilyn Nellie Nampui, Mr. Leadingson Mangsang Sangma, Mr. Sanjay Goyal and Ms. Iadashisha Majaw.
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About the Group |
Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited
Meghalaya - Based, Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited incorporated in 2009. The company is engaged in the business of generation of electricity in the state of Meghalaya. The directors are Mr. Ramakrishna Chitturi, Mr. Sanjay Goyal, Mr. Dipsambor Hynniewta, Mr. Merilyn Nellie Nampui, Mr. Leadingson Mangsang Sangma and Mr. Macarius Rymbai. Meghalaya Power Transmission Corporation Limited Meghalaya – Based, Meghalaya Power Transmission Corporation Limited incorporated in 2009. The company is engaged in distribution of electricity in the state of Meghalaya. The directors are Mr. Ramakrishna Chitturi, Mr. Sanjay Goyal, Mr. Dipsambor Hynniewta, Mr. Merilyn Nellie Nampui, Mr. Leadingson Mangsang Sangma and Mr. Apbor Kharpan. Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited Meghalaya – Based, Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited incorporated in 2009. The company is engaged in the business of distribution of electricity in the state of Meghalaya. The directors are Mr. Ramakrishna Chitturi, Mr. Sanjay Goyal, Mr. Dipsambor Hynniewta, Mr. Merilyn Nellie Nampui, Mr. Leadingson Mangsang Sangma and Mr. Moonstar Shangpliang. |
Unsupported Rating |
ACUITE B/ Stable
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Analytical Approach |
Extent of Consolidation |
•Full Consolidation |
Rationale for Consolidation or Parent / Group / Govt. Support |
To arrive at the rating, Acuité has considered the consolidated business and financial risk profile of MeECL with its wholly owned subsidiaries namely, Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Ltd. (MePGCL), Meghalaya Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. (MePTCL) and Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. (MePDCL) and notched up the rating by factoring in the Credit Enhancement available in the form of guarantee extended by the Government of Meghalaya which is embedded within a well defined Structured Payment Mechanism.
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Key Rating Drivers |
Strengths |
Support from the government of Meghalaya
MeECL is a wholly-owned undertaking of the GoMe and a strategically important entity of the power sector infrastructure for the state of Meghalaya. The ownership structure provides adequate financial flexibility. It is also the nodal agency of the government for undertaking power generation, transmission and distribution activity in the state. Being the power generation, transmission and distribution licensee by MSERC, MeECL is mandated to ensure the generation of power from its installed capacity and for undertaking Rural Electrification (RE) task in the state with the objective of providing access of electricity to all rural households in line with the National Rural Electrification Policy. MeECL's credit profile is also supported by its access to funds at low cost and its ability to mobilise financial resources from several financial institutions and multilateral development institutions. The rating factors in the financial flexibility of MeECL. Acuité believes that MeECL, being a 100 per cent undertaking of GoMe, shall continue to benefit from the financial, operational and management support as and when required. The GoMe has demonstrated financial support by way of loans and grants to MeECL on a regular basis. Any changes in the ownership pattern of MeECL or any event that impinges GoMe's overall credit profile shall remain a key rating sensitivity. Unconditional and irrevocable guarantee backed by a structured payment mechanism The existing listed bonds of Rs. 630.00 Cr has an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee from the GoMe. The guarantee also has a ‘T-7’ structure payment mechanism to ensure the timely debt servicing of the debt issue and redemption. MeECL has to maintain a DSRA of two quarters throughout the tenure of the issue to secure the interest payment and a bond redemption reserve account, wherein the power department of Meghalaya will deposit an amount equivalent to 6.625% of the total outstanding bonds every year in a fixed deposit so that the annual deposits and interest are cumulatively sufficient to meet the redemption amount. The structured payment mechanism, as enshrined in the trust deed, to ensure that the following timelines are followed with 'T' as the due date for payment: The company shall, remit the Bond Payment Amounts to the Bond Servicing Account, such that the Bond Servicing Account is fully funded to the extent of the amounts due on the subsequent Due Date falling at the end of such Payment Period (“Due Amount”) no later than 15 (fifteen) days prior to such relevant Due Date (as defined in the Debenture Trust Deed) ) (T-15 days) (“Funding Date”). The Account Bank shall independently monitor the adequacy of credit in the Bond Servicing Account. In the event the company has not funded the Bond Servicing Account to the extent of the Due Amount, above on or prior to any Funding Date, the Account Bank shall intimate the same to the Debenture Trustee on the day falling 14 days prior to the relevant Due Date (T-14 days) and the Debenture Trustee shall on receipt of such intimation issue a notice to the company and GoMe in writing in the form set out in Schedule II (“Shortfall Intimation Notice”) on the day falling 12 days prior to the relevant Due Date (T-12 days) (“Shortfall Demand Date”) to fund the Bond Servicing Account such that it is funded for no less than the Due Amount no later than 10 days prior to each Due Date (T-10 days) (“Shortfall Payment Date”). The GoMe irrevocably and unconditionally undertakes to fund the Bond Servicing Account. Upon failure of the Government of Meghalaya(GoMe) and the company to ensure that the Due Amount is collected and/or funded in the Bond Servicing Account on or prior to each Shortfall Payment Date, the Debenture Trustee shall call upon the Guarantee given by the GoMe in terms of this Deed by issuing the Demand Notice on the day falling immediately after the relevant Shortfall Payment Date (T-9 days) requiring the GoMe to make good the shortfall in the Bond Servicing Account by such amounts such that the Bond Servicing Account is funded for no less than the Due Amount no later than 7 (seven) days prior to each Due Date (T-7 day) (“Final Funding Date”).
‘Cost plus’ tariff mechanism The billing of MeECL are regulated and required the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) under ‘cost-plus’ based tariff mechanism. The regulator, Meghalaya State Electricity Regulatory Commission (MSERC) allows a post-tax return on equity of 15 per cent and other uncontrollable expenses are allowed to be passed through in tariff through Annual Performance Review (APR) process. Acuité derives comfort from the cost plus based tariff mechanism. |
Weaknesses |
Challenges in servicing non-guaranteed debt in subsidiaries
Acuite has noted that there had been delays by MeECL's subsidiaries in servicing debt obligations to Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) in past, which are not guaranteed by the GoMe. Acuité has constrained the unsupported rating of the entity and believes that timely servicing of their debt obligations would be a key monitorable.The liquidity position of consolidated MeECL will continue to remain a point of concern. However, Acuité derives comfort from the continuous support provided by the Government of Meghalaya (GoMe) and unconditional and irrevocable guarantee given by GoMe along with a structured payment mechanism for the bonds of Rs.630.00 Cr. Below Average financial risk profile The financial risk profile of MeECL is below average, marked by the net worth of Rs.(4121.27) Crores in FY24 and Rs.(4045.63) in FY23. The tangible net worth has been eroded due to continuous accumulated losses but partially supported by equity infusion. Further, the total debt stood at Rs.3212.58 Crore as on 31st March 2024 as against Rs.3142.10 Crore as on 31st March 2023. The capital structure of MeECL is marked by gearing ratio which stood constant at (0.78) times as on 31st March 2024 and 31st March 2023. Further, the coverage indicators are reflected by interest coverage ratio and debt service coverage ratio which stood at 0.45 times and 0.29 times respectively as on 31st March 2024 as against 0.43 times and 0.30 times respectively as on 31st March 2023. Acuite expects that the financial risk profile of MeECL will remain at a similar levels in near to medium term. Regulated nature of operations MeECL continues to be exposed to regulatory uncertainty, given that the revenues are influenced by the regulatory framework governing the power sector. The company operates through a cost-plus return on equity model laid down by MSERC. Any change/ reduction in return on equity or a tightening of the MSERC norms could result in lower operating cash flows. Acuité believes that the delay in finalisation of the tariff could result in cash flow mismatch in the medium term. |
Assessment of Adequacy of Credit Enhancement (Applicable only for CE Ratings) |
Government guarantee for DSRA replenishment
Until the bonds are finally and fully settled, if at any point in time, the amounts lying in the debt service reserve account are lower than the debt service reserve amount, the account bank shall intimate the same to the debenture trustee and the debenture trustee, on receipt of such intimation, shall issue a final notice (“DSRA Final Notice”) on the next working day requiring the GoM and the company to fund the debt service reserve account to the extent of such shortfall (as stated in the DSRA Final Notice) such that the debt service reserve account is funded fully for the debt service reserve amount within 10 (ten) days of the issuance of the DSRA Final Notice. In the event that the debt service reserve account is not funded, up to the required amount, on or prior to 10 (ten) days from the issuance of the DSRA Final Notice, the account bank shall intimate the same to the debenture trustee and the debenture trustee, on receipt of such intimation, shall invoke the guarantee provided by the GoM in terms of this deed, to the extent of the shortfall in the debt service reserve amount, by issuing the demand notice on the immediate next working day or thereafter. The GoM agrees and confirms that to make payments against such demand notice within 7 (seven) days of the date of such demand notice. It is hereby clarified that in case the shortfall in the debt service reserve amount has arisen on account of the utilization of the same towards the due amount and the demand notice issued is outstanding, and on account of aforesaid shortfall a demand notice has also been issued and outstanding, then the GoM shall be liable to make payment under either of such demand notices. Stress case Scenario Acuite believes that, given the adequacy of the structure and unconditional, irrevocable guarantee from the Government of Meghalaya (GoMe) which provides for adequate covenants to safeguard the interest of the investors along with adequate buffers and triggers available to initiate timely corrective action, MeECL will be able to effectively mitigate risk arising out of any funding gap and service its debt on time, even in a stress scenario. |
ESG Factors Relevant for Rating |
Not Applicable
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Rating Sensitivities |
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All Covenants |
The Company declares, represents and covenants as follows:
B. GENERAL COVENANTS
Affirmative Covenants: The Company hereby covenants with the Trustees that the Company will at all times during the continuance of the Guarantee (except as may otherwise be previously agreed in writing by the Trustees):
Nominee Director
The Trustees shall have a right to appoint a Nominee on the Board of Directors of the Company (hereinafter referred to as "the Nominee Director"). The Company hereby agrees to amend the Articles of Association of the Company with the permission of the Government of Meghalaya to permit the Trustees to have a right to appoint a nominee on the Board of Directors in the event of:????
Such Nominee Director shall not be liable to retire by rotation nor required to hold any qualification shares.
Additional Covenants Default in Payment and Other Defaults In case of default in payment of interest and/or principal redemption on the due dates or observance of any other terms, conditions or covenants as per this Deed, Disclosure Document(s) in respect of a relevant tranche/ series of the Debentures, additional interest/ default interest of atleast @ 2% p.a. or such other rate as may be prescribed under the Applicable Law over and above the applicable implicit yield/ Coupon Rate/ Interest Rate will be payable by the Issuer for the defaulting period in respect of such tranche /series of the debentures. Delay in listing In case of delay in listing of the debt securities, wherever applicable, beyond T+4 trading days as specified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) vide its circular dated 5th October, 2020 in respect of the relevant tranche of the Debentures, the Issuer will pay default/ additional interest of atleast 1 % p.a. over the coupon rate or such other rate as may be prescribed under the Applicable Law from the expiry of 30 (thirty) days from the Deemed Date of Allotment till the listing of such debt securities to the investor. |
Liquidity Position |
Stretched |
MeECL’s liquidity is stretched on account of accumulated losses driven by weak operating efficiencies and lack of adequate tariff revision. The current ratio stood below unity at 0.19 times as on March 31, 2024 as against 0.17 times as on March 31, 2023. However, The state government of Meghalaya has given unconditional and irrevocable guarantee for the bonds of Rs.630 Cr and in addition to this, GoMe has given guarantee to some loans borrowed from PFC and REC; which provides financial flexibility to the company. Further, MeECL has unencumbered bank deposits of Rs.194.13 Cr, investment for bond redemption reserve of Rs. 172.78 Cr and cash and bank balances of Rs. 113.71 Cr as on March 31, 2024. Acuité expects that going forward the liquidity position of MeECL may improve backed by the gradually improving business risk profile buoyed by continuously enhancing generation capacity and declining AT&C losses.
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Outlook: Stable |
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Other Factors affecting Rating |
None |
Particulars | Unit | FY 24 (Actual) | FY 23 (Actual) |
Operating Income | Rs. Cr. | 1545.42 | 1340.10 |
PAT | Rs. Cr. | (395.79) | (380.05) |
PAT Margin | (%) | (25.61) | (28.36) |
Total Debt/Tangible Net Worth | Times | (0.78) | (0.78) |
PBDIT/Interest | Times | 0.45 | 0.43 |
Status of non-cooperation with previous CRA (if applicable) |
Not Applicable
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Any Other Information |
Audited figures for FY2023 has been restated by the company, hence the same has been taken into consideration during current rating exercise. |
Applicable Criteria |
• Application Of Financial Ratios And Adjustments: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-53.htm • Consolidation Of Companies: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-60.htm • Default Recognition: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-52.htm • Explicit Credit Enhancements: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-49.htm • Group And Parent Support: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-47.htm • Service Sector: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-50.htm |
Note on complexity levels of the rated instrument |
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*Annexure 2 - List of Entities (applicable for Consolidation or Parent / Group / Govt. Support) | ||||||||||||
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Contacts |
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