Rating Rationale
September 26, 2017 | Mumbai
Torrent Power Limited
Rated amount enhanced
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.12600 Crore (Enhanced from Rs.12000 Crore)
Long Term Rating CRISIL AA-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Short Term Rating CRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
 
Rs.495 Crore Non Convertible Debentures  CRISIL AA-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.300 Crore Non Convertible Debentures  CRISIL AA-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.200 Crore Non Convertible Debentures  CRISIL AA-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.175 Crore Non Convertible Debentures  CRISIL AA-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.175 Crore Non Convertible Debentures  CRISIL AA-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.850 Crore Commercial Paper Programme 
(Enhanced from Rs.150 Crore)
CRISIL A1+(Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its ratings on the bank facilities and debt instruments of Torrent Power Limited (TPL) at 'CRISIL AA-/Stable/CRISIL A1+'. 
 
The ratings continue to reflect the company's stable cash flow from its businesses with a regulated tariff structure at power distribution circles in Gujarat, and its power generation plants in Sabarmati (AMGEN; 422-megawatt [MW] coal-based station) and Surat (SUGEN; 1147.5-MW gas-based plant).  Developments, such as TPL securing gas supply to partly run SUGEN plant through import tender for the period April-December 2017, floating a buy-tender in June 2017 to import Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) between January 2018 and December 2020, and renewed distribution franchise agreement for power distribution in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra for a period of another ten years, should aid profitability during fiscal 2018.
 
TPL is currently expanding renewable capacity segment that will increase its total generation capacity by more than 15%and the segment will account for 15-18% of consolidated EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation), and will help the company meet its renewable power purchase obligation. TPL being a counterparty for existing renewable energy portfolio, partially offsets risks related to offtake and delays in payments by counterparty. Furthermore, the debt refinancing at lower interest rate and interest rate reduction by existing lenders will improve cash accrual. These strengths are partially offset by exposure to risks related to fuel availability and offtake for gas-based generation plants, UNOSUGEN (382.5-MW gas-based plant, expansion of SUGEN) and DGEN (1200 MW gas-based combined cycle power plant). Resolution of tariff adoption for UNOSUGEN and reduction in leverage will remain key rating monitorables.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at its ratings, CRISIL has now taken a standalone approach as the solar energy and wind energy undertaking of its wholly-owned subsidiary Torrent Solargen Limited (TSL) stands transferred and vested with TPL, with effective date of December 1, 2016, by way of slump sale. CRISIL had hitherto combined the business and financial risk profiles of TPL and solar energy and wind energy undertaking of TSL.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths
* Strong operating profile and regulated tariff framework: TPL has robust operational efficiency with lowest transmission and distribution (T&D) losses in India (6.15% for fiscal 2017 as against 6.33% in previous fiscal). CRISIL believes that the aggregate technical and commercial losses will remain stable in its distribution circles, given the extensive experience in the distribution business. Hence, TPL will benefit from stable cash flow, backed by regulated tariff structure, high operating efficiency, and strong operating performance from its distribution and generation businesses (AMGEN and SUGEN plants).
   
* Robust market position in service areas with diverse consumer base: TPL has a strong market position as a sole power distribution licensee for Ahmedabad, Surat, Gandhinagar and Dahej SEZ, and power distribution franchisee for Bhiwandi, Maharashtra; and Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It sells power directly to a consumer base of more than 3.15 million across domestic, industrial and commercial consumers. Urban-centric and diversified customer base enables high collection efficiency of nearly 100% in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat and Dahej SEZ.
 
Weaknesses
* Susceptibility to risks related to fuel availability and offtake for UNOSUGEN and DGEN: The UNOSUGEN and DGEN plants were stranded till May 2015 due to non-availability of gas. They were allocated gas under the Ministry of Power's e-bid RLNG scheme from June 2015 to March 2016, enabling them to generate cash flows to meet part of debt obligation in fiscal 2016. However, fuel availability and offtake risks persist for these plants.
 
For UNOSUGEN, TPL has filed a petition with Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission [GERC] for adoption of tariff based on Central Electricity Regulatory Commission's approval of project capital cost, and fixed cost recovery. The order on this petition is pending with GERC. Furthermore, power purchase agreements (PPAs) of DGEN are yet to be approved by GERC, constraining offtake. Favourable outlook for RLNG prices and an expected gradual increase in natural gas production could enable these plants to produce cost competitive power that will offset offtake risks and will improve long-term viability. However, uncertainties regarding extent and timing of these aspects will keep the plants vulnerable to long-term fuel supply risk.
 
* High leverage due to large capex partly offset by low cost refinancing of debt and better cash management: TPL proposes to expand renewable capacity increasing its total generation capacities over the medium term, funded by a combination of debt and equity. Consolidated gross debt is likely to increase over the medium term, thereby weakening the financial risk profile. However, debt refinancing at lower interest rate and interest rate reduction by existing lenders will improve cash accrual. The company also maintains sufficient liquidity for contingencies.
Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes TPL will maintain its strong business risk profile, driven by its cash flow from regulated businesses and improvement in cash flows will lead to improvement in its financial leverage over the medium term.
 
Upside scenario
* Material improvement in cash flows from DGEN and UNOSUGEN, resulting in better financial leverage
 
Downside scenario
* High offtake risks for DGEN, and/or any delay in tariff adoption for UNOSUGEN
* Larger-than-expected capital expenditure (capex) or debt-funded acquisition, weakening financial risk profile.

About the Company

TPL is in the power generation and distribution business. It is a distribution licensee in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, and Dahej SEZ and is the distribution franchisee for Bhiwandi and Agra. Its power generation plants are in Sabarmati (422-MW coal-based station) in Ahmedabad; Surat (1147.5-MW gas-based SUGEN plant with 382.5-MW expansion); Jamnagar (49.6-MW wind power plant at Lalpur) and Surat (87 MW GENSU solar power plant). TPL is in the process of implementing a 252 MW (out of which 214.2 MW is already implemented) wind power plant at Nakhatrana and Jamanwada in Kutch District and Mahuva in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat.
 
Torrent Cables Ltd (TCL) was a group company that manufactured cables, and Torrent Energy Limited; TEL) was a subsidiary incorporated for setting up a 1200-MW gas-based combined cycle power plant (DGEN) and the associated distribution infrastructure at the Dahej special economic zone in Gujarat. Both companies have been merged with TPL with effective date of October 1, 2015. The 51 MW Charanka solar power plant and 136.8 MW (reduced to 60.8 MW) Mahidad wind power plant of TPL's wholly owned subsidiary TSL were transferred to and vested with TPL, with effective date of December 1, 2016 by way of slump sale.

Key Financial Indicators*
Particulars Unit 2017 2016
Revenue Rs. Cr. 10015 11662
Profit After Tax Rs. Cr. 432 899
PAT Margins % 4.3 7.71
Adjusted Debt/Adjusted Net worth Times 1.25 1.30
Interest coverage Times 2.50 2.95
*The above reflect standalone reported financials

Any other information: Not applicable

Note on complexity levels of the rated instrument:
CRISIL complexity levels are assigned to various types of financial instruments. The CRISIL complexity levels are available on www.crisil.com/complexity-levels. Users are advised to refer to the CRISIL complexity levels for instruments that they consider for investment. Users may also call the Customer Service Helpdesk with queries on specific instruments.
Annexure - Details of Instrument(s)
ISIN Name of Instrument Date of Allotment Coupon Rate (%) Maturity Date Issue Size
(Rs  Crore)
Rating Assigned 
with Outlook
NA Non-Convertible Debentures ## NA NA NA 250 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE813H07085 Non-Convertible Debentures -Series 3A 31-Mar-2017 8.95% 06-Apr-2021 80 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE813H07093 Non-Convertible Debentures -Series 3B 31-Mar-2017 8.95% 06-Apr-2022 85 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE813H07101 Non-Convertible Debentures -Series 3C 31-Mar-2017 8.95% 06-Apr-2023 80 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE813H07051 Non-Convertible Debentures -Series 2A 25-Mar-2013 10.35% 25-Mar-2021 100 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE813H07069 Non-Convertible Debentures -Series 2B 25-Mar-2013 10.35% 25-Mar-2022 100 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE813H07077 Non-Convertible Debentures -Series 2C 25-Mar-2013 10.35% 25-Mar-2023 100 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE813H07010 Non-Convertible Debentures - Series 1 26-Sep-2012 10.35% 26-Sep-2022 200 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE813H07010 Non-Convertible Debentures - Series 1 26-Sep-2012 10.35%
26-Sep-2022
175 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE813H07010 Non-Convertible Debentures - Series 1 26-Sep-2012 10.35%
26-Sep-2022
175 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Commercial Paper NA NA 7-365 days 850 CRISIL A1+
NA Cash Credit NA NA NA 850 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee NA NA NA 2261 CRISIL A1+
NA Proposed Letter of Credit & Bank Guarantee NA NA NA 100 CRISIL A1+
NA Proposed Term Loan NA NA NA 411.34 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 1 14- Mar-2016 NA 30-Sep-2032 498.44 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 2 10- Mar-2016 NA 30-Sep-2032 2373.50 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 3 14- Mar-2016 NA 30-Sep-2032 1632.02 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 4 11- Mar-2016 NA 30-Sep-2032 1779.18 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 5 28- Mar -2017 NA 30- Sep-2032 667.00 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 6 28- Mar -2017 NA 30- Sep -2032 388.35 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 7 16-Jun-2017 NA 31-Dec-2027 415 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 8 16- Jun -2017 NA 31- Dec -2027 250 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 9 16- Jun -2017 NA 31- Dec -2027 165 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 10 # NA 30-Sep-2031 155.5 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 11 # NA 30-Sep-2027 85 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 12 # NA 30-Sep-2027 300 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 13 # NA 30-Sep-2027 40 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 14 # NA 30-Sep-2031 93.22 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 15 31-Mar-2017 NA 31- Dec -2027 135.45 CRISIL AA-/Stable
## Yet to be issued
# Not Disbursed
Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2017 (History) 2016  2015  2014  Start of 2014
Instrument Type Quantum Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Commercial Paper  ST  850  CRISIL A1+    No Rating Change    No Rating Change  11-12-15  CRISIL A1+  21-05-14  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative  CRISIL A1+ 
Non Convertible Debentures  LT  1345  CRISIL AA-/Stable    No Rating Change    No Rating Change  11-12-15  CRISIL AA-/Stable  21-05-14  CRISIL AA/Watch Negative  CRISIL AA/Negative 
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  10239  CRISIL AA-/Stable    No Rating Change    No Rating Change  11-12-15  CRISIL AA-/Stable  21-05-14  CRISIL AA/Watch Negative  CRISIL AA/Negative 
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  2361  CRISIL A1+    No Rating Change    No Rating Change  11-12-15  CRISIL A1+  21-05-14  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative  CRISIL A1+ 
Table reflects instances where rating is changed or freshly assigned. 'No Rating Change' implies that there was no rating change under the release.
Annexure - Details of various bank facilities
Current facilities Previous facilities
Facility Amount (Rs.Crore) Rating Facility Amount (Rs.Crore) Rating
Cash Credit 850 CRISIL AA-/Stable Cash Credit 850 CRISIL AA-/Stable
Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 2261 CRISIL A1+ Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 2261 CRISIL A1+
Proposed Letter of Credit & Bank Guarantee 100 CRISIL A1+ Proposed Letter of Credit & Bank Guarantee 100 CRISIL A1+
Proposed Term Loan 411.34 CRISIL AA-/Stable Proposed Term Loan 859 CRISIL AA-/Stable
Term Loan 8977.66 CRISIL AA-/Stable Term Loan 7930 CRISIL AA-/Stable
Total 12600 -- Total 12000 --
Links to related criteria
CRISILs Approach to Financial Ratios
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings - process, scale and default recognition
Rating Criteria for Power Distribution Utilities
Rating criteria for manufaturing and service sector companies
CRISILs Criteria for Consolidation
Criteria for rating Short-Term Debt (including Commercial Paper)

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