TC Energy announces partial monetisation of Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project

Concurrent with the completion of the sale, TC Energy expects that Coastal GasLink will enter into a secured project financing construction credit facility with a syndicate of banks to fund up to 80% of the Project during construction. Both transactions are expected to close in the first half of 2020, subject to customary regulatory approvals and consents, including the consent of LNG Canada.

“The partial monetisation of Coastal GasLink advances our ongoing efforts to prudently fund our CAN$30 billion secured capital programme while maximising value for our shareholders,” said Russ Girling, TC Energy President and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with KKR and AIMCo as we advance this critical energy infrastructure project. We remain fully committed to the Project and will continue to construct, deliver and operate the pipeline on behalf of the partnership.”

Under the terms of the sale, TC Energy will receive upfront proceeds that include reimbursement of KKR and AIMCo’s proportionate share of the project costs incurred as of the date of close as well as additional payment streams through the Project’s construction and operation. The Company expects to record an after-tax gain of approximately CAN$600 million upon closing of the transaction which includes the gain on sale, required revaluation of residual ownership interest to fair market value and recognition of previously unrecorded tax benefits.

The introduction of high-quality partners, establishment of a dedicated project-level financing facility, the recovery of cash payments through construction for carrying charges on costs incurred, and remuneration for costs to date are expected to substantially satisfy TC Energy’s Coastal GasLink funding requirements through project completion, further solidifying the Company’s financial flexibility.

Coastal GasLink involves the construction of 670 km (416 miles) of pipeline and associated facilities. Once completed, the pipeline will have an initial capacity of 2.1 billion ft³/d and connect abundant Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin natural gas supply from the Dawson Creek, B.C. area to the LNG Canada liquefaction and export facility being constructed in Kitimat, B.C. All necessary regulatory permits have been received for the Project and construction activities have commenced.

Following the close of the transaction, TC Energy will hold a 35% limited partnership equity interest in Coastal GasLink and will be contracted by the limited partnership to construct and operate the pipeline. This transaction was contemplated in the Company’s agreements with LNG Canada.

TC Energy is also committed to working with the 20 First Nations that have executed agreements with Coastal GasLink to provide them with an opportunity to invest in the Project. As a result, in conjunction with this sale, the Company will provide the First Nations with an option to acquire a 10% equity interest in Coastal GasLink on similar terms.

RBC Capital Markets is acting as exclusive financial advisor to TC Energy and as Global Lead Coordinating Arranger on the project finance construction facility.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/02012020/tc-energy-announces-partial-monetisation-of-coastal-gaslink-pipeline-project/