TRIS Rating affirms the company rating on Amata B. Grimm Power 3 Ltd. (ABP3) at ?A-? with a ?stable? rating outlook. The rating reflects the predictable cash flows ABP3 receives through a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) under the Small Power Producer (SPP) scheme. The rating also reflects the use of proven technology in its cogeneration power plant. In addition, its major shareholder, B. Grimm Power PLC (BGRIM) has a strong track record in operation of gas-fired power plants.
KEY RATING CONSIDERATIONS
Predictable cash flow from long-term PPAs with EGAT
ABP3 has a 25-year PPA with EGAT, covering 90 megawatts (MW), under the SPP scheme. Under the terms of a standard PPA for an SPP cogeneration plant, EGAT agrees to dispatch at least 80% of the contracted capacity, based on plant operating hours. The PPA is on a take-or-pay basis, which stabilizes the cash flow ABP3 receives. In addition, the risks of fuel price and exchange rate fluctuations are largely mitigated through the tariff formula specified in the PPA.