Fitch Rates LIPA's (NY) Electric System Revs 2015 GR-2 'F1 '; GR-3 'F1'
KEY RATING DRIVERS:
The 'F1+' rating assigned to the GR-2 notes is based on the support provided by an irrevocable direct- pay letter of credit (LOC) issued by Bank of Montreal (BMO, rated 'AA-/F1+' with a Stable Outlook by Fitch). The 'F1' rating assigned to the GR-3 notes is based on the support provided by a LOC issued by Citibank, N.A. (Citi, rated 'A/F1' with a Stable Outlook). Each LOC provides coverage for the principal amount of the notes and interest due on the notes.
The short- term 'F1+' rating assigned to the GR-2 notes will expire on the earlier of March 30, 2018, the stated expiration date of the BMO LOC or upon any prior termination of the BMO LOC. The short-term 'F1' rating on the GR-3 notes will expire on the earlier of March 30, 2018, the stated expiration date of the Citi LOC, or upon any prior termination of the Citi LOC.
Each series 2015 GR note shall have a maturity date no earlier than 271 days and no later than 275 days from the date of issuance. However, all such notes are subject to redemption on a date selected by LIPA at the time of its issuance ("Noticed Redemption Date") at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of such Series 2015 GR note, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon. The Noticed Redemption Date for any series 2015 GR note shall be no earlier than one day and no later than 270 days from the date of issuance of such Series 2015 GR note.
The Bank of New York Mellon, acting as Issuing and Paying Agent (IPA) for the notes, is directed to request an advance under the respective LOC to pay principal and interest on maturing notes or on a Noticed Redemption Date. Each of the respective LOCs provide sufficient coverage for the principal amount of notes authorized under the related series and 275 days of interest calculated at 10% based on a 360 day year.
Following the occurrence of an event of default under a specified LOC and Reimbursement Agreement, the related bank may direct the IPA to immediately stop the issuance of any additional notes. The related bank will also notify the IPA that the stated amount of the LOC shall be reduced to an amount equal to the principal amount of notes then outstanding plus interest payable on the notes. The related bank may also issue a final drawing notice directing the IPA to draw on its LOC for the principal and interest amount due on all outstanding notes.
The dealer for the GR-2 notes is BMO Capital Markets GK ST Inc. Wells Fargo Securities is the dealer for the GR-3 notes. The notes are expected to be available on or about March 30, 2015.
RATING SENSITIVITIES:
The ratings for the notes are exclusively tied to the short-term rating that Fitch maintains on the bank providing the LOC and will reflect all changes to the rating.
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