DBRS Releases Report on AltaLink, L.P.

DBRS has today released a report on AltaLink, L.P. (ALP) that provides further detail on the recent confirmation of ALP’s ratings at “A” and R-1 (low), with Stable trends.

DBRS notes that the rating confirmations reflect ALP’s low level of business risk from its regulated electric transmission business and currently strong financial profile, underpinned by its stable capital structure and reasonable credit metrics.

The ratings also incorporate ALP’s potentially significant capital expenditures and the associated increased business risk as well as the continued support from both the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and ALP’s indirect owners, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. (SNC-Lavalin) and Macquarie Transmission Alberta Ltd. (Macquarie).

DBRS notes that SNC-Lavalin recently announced its intention to purchase Macquarie’s current 23.1% indirect ownership interest in AltaLink Investments, L.P. (AILP) and ALP, thereby increasing its indirect interest to 100%. The proposed increase, which is subject to regulatory approval, will not have an impact on AILP’s nor on ALP’s ratings.

Today’s report and the February 9, 2011, press release are available at www.dbrs.com or by contacting us at info@dbrs.com.