Just Energy Announces Update for Closing of Plan of Arrangement

Rhea-AI Summary

Just Energy Group Inc. (TSX:JE; NYSE:JE) announced that it is awaiting approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to close its Plan of Arrangement, which has received all necessary stakeholder approvals. This Plan includes a recapitalization that will enhance financial flexibility with an estimated C$100 million cash injection, while reducing net debt and preferred shares by approximately C$520 million. The company aims to strengthen its position for sustainable growth as a leader in the retail energy market.

Positive

• Recapitalization will enhance financial stability with a C$100 million cash injection.
• Reduction of net debt and preferred shares by approximately C$520 million.

Negative

• None.

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just Energy Group Inc. (“Just Energy” or the “Company”) (TSX:JE; NYSE:JE), a retail energy provider specializing in electricity and natural gas commodities and bringing energy efficient solutions and renewable energy options to customers, today announced that it is only awaiting the approval of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) to be able to close the Company’s previously announced plan of arrangement (the “Plan of Arrangement”).  The FERC application was not subject to any interventions, comments or objections.

As previously announced, Just Energy has obtained all required stakeholder approvals and the final order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice enabling the Plan of Arrangement to proceed.

The Plan of Arrangement includes a recapitalization (the “Recapitalization”) that will strengthen and de-risk the business and position Just Energy for sustainable growth as an independent industry leader.

The Recapitalization significantly improves Just Energy’s financial flexibility with a cash injection of approximately C$100 million from its equity raise and, among other things, reduces net debt and preferred shares by approximately C$520 million.

About Just Energy Group Inc.

Just Energy is a consumer company focused on essential needs, including electricity and natural gas health and well-being, such as water quality and filtration devices; and utility conservation, bringing energy efficient solutions and renewable energy options to consumers. Currently operating in the United States and Canada, Just Energy serves residential and commercial customers. Just Energy is the parent company of Amigo Energy, EdgePower Inc., Filter Group Inc., Hudson Energy, Interactive Energy Group, Tara Energy, and TerraPass. Visit https://investors.justenergy.com/ to learn more. Also, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated. These statements are based on current expectations that involve several risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks with respect to raising new equity capital and the exchange of debt; the proposed recapitalization transaction resulting in a financially stronger Company; reducing the Company’s existing debt and interest expense (including the amounts thereof); proceedings under the CBCA; implementing a Plan of Arrangement; issuing new equity; the allocation of any new equity; addressing certain obligations as part of a proposed recapitalization transaction; risks associated with the proposed recapitalization transaction, including the inability to complete a proposed recapitalization transaction or complete a proposed recapitalization transaction in a timely or efficient manner; the inability to reduce the Company’s debt and/or interest payments, proceedings under the CBCA; issuing and allocating new equity including the dilution of the Company’s outstanding common shares; the value of existing equity following the completion of a recapitalization; the impact of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, operations and sales; reliance on suppliers; uncertainties relating to the ultimate spread, severity and duration of COVID-19 and related adverse effects on the economies and financial markets of countries in which the Company operates; the ability of the Company to successfully implement its business continuity plans with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic; the Company’s ability to access sufficient capital to provide liquidity to manage its cash flow requirements; general economic, business and market conditions; the ability of management to execute its business plan; levels of customer natural gas and electricity consumption; extreme weather conditions; rates of customer additions and renewals; customer credit risk; rates of customer attrition; fluctuations in natural gas and electricity prices; interest and exchange rates; actions taken by governmental authorities including energy marketing regulation; increases in taxes and changes in government regulations and incentive programs; changes in regulatory regimes; results of litigation and decisions by regulatory authorities; competition; the performance of acquired companies and dependence on certain suppliers. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Just Energy’s operations, financial results or dividend levels are included in Just Energy’s annual information form and other reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities which can be accessed through the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov or through Just Energy’s website at www.justenergygroup.com.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the New York Stock Exchange has approved nor disapproved of the information contained herein.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
                       
Jim Brown
Chief Financial Officer
Just Energy
713-544-8191
jbrown@justenergy.com

or

Investors
Michael Cummings
Alpha IR
Phone: (617) 982-0475
JE@alpha-ir.com

Media
Boyd Erman
Longview Communications
Phone: 416-523-5885
berman@longviewcomms.ca

Source: Just Energy Group Inc.

FAQ

What is the latest update from Just Energy Group Inc. regarding their Plan of Arrangement?

Just Energy is awaiting approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to finalize its Plan of Arrangement, which has received all necessary stakeholder approvals.

How much cash injection is Just Energy expecting from its recapitalization plan?

Just Energy expects a cash injection of approximately C$100 million from its recapitalization plan.

What financial improvements are associated with Just Energy's recapitalization?

The recapitalization will reduce Just Energy's net debt and preferred shares by about C$520 million, improving its financial flexibility.

What stock symbols represent Just Energy Group Inc.?

Just Energy Group Inc. is listed under TSX:JE and NYSE:JE.