Rating Rationale
September 29, 2018 | Mumbai
Torrent Power Limited
Rated amount enhanced
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.16600 Crore (Enhanced from Rs.12600 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 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 with a regulated tariff structure from its distribution business and its power generation plants in Sabarmati (AMGEN; 362-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 global import tender for the period January 2018 to December 2020 should continue to aid its profitability.
 
TPL also benefits from the strong EBITDA growth from its distribution franchisee business at both Bhiwandi, Maharashtra and Agra, Uttar Pradesh, driven by steady increase in consumption and tariffs coupled with sharp reduction in distribution losses. The rating also reflects healthy cash flows from its existing renewable portfolio, which enjoy high tariffs from the legacy feed-in-tariff regime and also helps 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. These strengths are partially offset by exposure to risks related to offtake and fuel availability 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). Additionally, the rating is constrained by increasing leverage due to competitively-bid renewable projects which are likely to generate more modest returns.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at its ratings, CRISIL has considered equity and cost overrun support to TPL's SPVs for wind based generation.

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 (5.72% for fiscal 2018 for Ahmedabad & Surat distribution business, as against 6.15% 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 3.25 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. In its franchise businesses, TPL has achieved significant improvement in profitability underpinned by steady growth in consumption and tariffs along with sharp reduction in AT&C losses, which is expected to sustain going forward.

* Healthy cash flows from existing renewable portfolio, although returns to moderate from recent competitively-bid projects: TPL draws healthy cash flows from its existing renewable portfolio, which enjoys high tariffs from the legacy feed-in-tariff regime, and also helps TPL meet its renewable power purchase obligation. CRISIL expects the returns from newer projects such as the 500 MW competitively-bid wind based project would be lower, given low tariffs, though this will be partly offset by higher expected PLFs and low counterparty risk. Nevertheless, risks in the renewable sector are relatively low, and this is expected to be a growth area for the company. Additionally, TPL's track record provides comfort.
 
Weakness
* Susceptibility to risks related to fuel availability and offtake for UNOSUGEN and DGEN: The UNOSUGEN and DGEN plants remain stranded due to lack of approved PPA's and non-availability of domestic gas despite significant capital employed in 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, 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.
 
* Higher leverage due to large capex outlay partly offset by low cost financing and sufficient liquidity: TPL is expanding its renewable capacity, funded by a combination of debt and equity. Gross debt is likely to increase over the medium term owing to its significant capex outlay - however Gross Debt/EBITDA is not expected to exceed 3.5 times. However, debt financing at low interest rates will support cash accruals. The company also maintains sufficient liquidity for contingencies.

Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes TPL will maintain its strong business risk profile, driven by stable cash flows from its regulated businesses which would support a moderate increase in leverage.
 
Upside scenario
* PPAs getting tied up and material cash flows from DGEN and UNOSUGEN, resulting in improvement in TPL's profitability and financial leverage
 
Downside scenario
* Larger-than-expected capital expenditure (capex) or debt-funded acquisition, weakening the 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 (AMGEN, a 362-MW coal-based station) in Ahmedabad; Surat (1147.5-MW gas-based SUGEN plant with 382.5-MW expansion), and Dahej (1200 MW gas based combined cycle DGEN power plant). The company's renewable portfolio includes its 49.6-MW wind power plant (WPP) at Lalpur, 51 MW solar power plant at Charanka, Patan, 201.6 MW Suzlon WPP at Kutch, Gujarat, and 87 MW GENSU solar power plant at Surat. The Company also has 120 MW (60 MW x 2) WPP at Karnataka through wholly owned subsidiaries. TPL is in the process of implementing a 50.4 MW WPP at Mahuva, Gujarat and 60.8 MW WPP at Mahidad, Gujarat.

Key Financial Indicators*
Particulars Unit 2018 2017
Revenue Rs. Cr. 11,527 9,933
Profit After Tax Rs. Cr. 922 432
PAT Margins % 8.0 4.4
Debt/Net worth Times 1.1 1.1
Interest coverage Times 3.96 2.44
*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 short term bank facilities% NA NA NA 3000 CRISIL A1+
NA Proposed Term Loan NA NA NA 2052.60 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 1 14- Mar-2016 NA 30-Sep-2032 456.98 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 2 10- Mar-2016 NA 30-Sep-2032 2176.07 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 3 14- Mar-2016 NA 30-Sep-2032 1496.27 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 4 11- Mar-2016 NA 30-Sep-2032 1631.18 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 5 28- Mar -2017 NA 30- Sep-2032 611.51 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 6 28- Mar -2017 NA 30- Sep -2032 356.05 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 28-Mar-2018 NA 30-Sep-2031 155.5 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 11 28-Nov-2017 NA 30-Sep-2027 82.76 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 12 28-Nov-2017 NA 30-Sep-2027 292.11 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 13 27-Nov-2017 NA 30-Sep-2027 38.95 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 14 03-Apr-2018 NA 30-Sep-2031 93.22 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Term Loan 15 31-Mar-2017 NA 31- Dec -2027 115.80 CRISIL AA-/Stable
##Yet to be issued
% Interchangeable with long term bank facilities
Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2018 (History) 2017  2016  2015  Start of 2015
Instrument Type Outstanding Amount Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Commercial Paper  ST  850.00  CRISIL A1+      26-09-17  CRISIL A1+  15-04-16  CRISIL A1+  11-12-15  CRISIL A1+  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative 
            23-03-17  CRISIL A1+      01-06-15  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative   
                    17-03-15  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative   
                    02-02-15  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative   
Non Convertible Debentures  LT  1345.00
29-09-18 
CRISIL AA-/Stable      26-09-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  15-04-16  CRISIL AA-/Stable  11-12-15  CRISIL AA-/Stable  CRISIL AA/Watch Negative 
            23-03-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable      01-06-15  CRISIL AA/Watch Negative   
                    17-03-15  CRISIL AA/Watch Negative   
                    02-02-15  CRISIL AA/Watch Negative   
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  14239.00  CRISIL AA-/Stable/ CRISIL A1+      26-09-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  15-04-16  CRISIL AA-/Stable  11-12-15  CRISIL AA-/Stable  CRISIL AA/Watch Negative 
            23-03-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable      01-06-15  CRISIL AA/Watch Negative   
                    17-03-15  CRISIL AA/Watch Negative   
                    02-02-15  CRISIL AA/Watch Negative   
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  2361.00  CRISIL A1+      26-09-17  CRISIL A1+  15-04-16  CRISIL A1+  11-12-15  CRISIL A1+  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative 
            23-03-17  CRISIL A1+      01-06-15  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative   
                    17-03-15  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative   
                    02-02-15  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative   
All amounts are in Rs.Cr.
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 Short Term Bank Loan Facility% 3000 CRISIL A1+ Proposed Term Loan 411.34 CRISIL AA-/Stable
Proposed Term Loan 2052.6 CRISIL AA-/Stable Term Loan 8977.66 CRISIL AA-/Stable
Term Loan 8336.4 CRISIL AA-/Stable -- 0 --
Total 16600 -- Total 12600 --
%Interchangeable with long term bank facilities 
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
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt

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