Investor relations

• Technological and geographical diversification of renewable energy plants (Wind, Solar and Hydroelectric) and of the geographical location of renewable plants (European scale);
   
• Use of highly accurate forecasting systems to draw up a plan for production and short-term operational activities;
   
• Scheduling the plant downtime according to the periods when renewable sources' contribution is lower;
   
• Use of industrial control systems (SCADA) for continual plant status monitoring, which allow us to take immediate action in the event of accidental failure and to reduce machine shutdown time.
   

• Definition of risk exposure limits and their regular monitoring;
   
• Escalation process if the approved limits are exceeded;
   
• Use of financial instruments to cover the price risk, if this exists;
   
• Contractualisation of indexed sales formulas, if possible, to transfer risks to customers.

• Regulatory monitoring through institutional relations, association channels, comparison with operators of the sector, specialised press;
   
• Active participation in the consultations to protect the Group's interests;
   
• Sensitivity Analysis to assess the effect of the main regulatory evolutions on the Group's results;
   
• Periodical reporting to Management.
   

Risk linked to potential downgrading
by the Rating Agency that could limit
the Group's ability to access the capital
market and/or increase the cost of
funding with negative effects on the
Group's operating results, financial
position and cash flows, and on its
reputation.

• The risk mitigation strategy, which is aimed at preventing the occurrence of "crisis" situations (e.g. liquidity; breach of financial covenants) that could lead to a downgrade of the rating, is structured over various levels and involves the pursuit of:
  • A financial structure that is balanced in terms of duration and composition;
  • the continuous monitoring of the final and expected results and of the financial balances;
  • Investment planning consistent with existing financial covenants and the risks associated with them;
  • The search for a business portfolio that ensures stable cash generation from its business activities, including through the geographical and technological diversification of its plants.

5 - New
Investments

• Structured processes for the selection of investments consisting of subsequent project examination and approval activities including, inter alia, internal and external supporting studies, benchmark analysis, legal and regulatory analysis, sustainability models and financial assessment/planning;
   
• Timely analysis for risk-relevant projects which include: (i) Potential impact and strategy/actions to contain/eliminate the risk; (ii) Follow-up items for mitigation process monitoring;
   
• Periodic WACC / HR updating, also through benchmarking, to ensure an adequate return with respect to the expected risk profile.
   

6 - Cyber
attacks
against production
industrial systems

• Security assessment to identify system criticalities and supporting infrastructures;
   
• Definition and implementation of the Security Programme to adapt the processes, systems and infrastructure to best practices;
   
• Development of security awareness plans and training to users;
   
• Use of automatic instruments (e.g. Intrusion Detection Systems) for prevention, detection and accident management purposes;
   
• Cyber Crime insurance coverage.
   

7 - Failure to
protect the
reputational
capital

Internal/external events which may negatively affect the reputation of the ERG Group (amongst the different factors: the financial performance, Ethics and Integrity, Social Responsibility, HSE Policies,
ICT Security, crisis management,
etc.).

• Specific communication and information activities to maintain a high level of the Group's reputation by stakeholders, which also includes a structured process of Corporate Social Responsibility with specific social responsibility initiatives and
  dissemination of Non-Financial Information;
  
  • Active relationships with all the main stakeholder and media and monitoring of the perception by the stakeholders;
  
  • Communication activity through website / social media;
  
  • Structured process of Reputational Crisis Management, which allows to timely manage and limit the effects of the crisis, in order to protect the reputation of the ERG Group.
   

8 - Anti-Corruption
compliance risk

Possible involvement of a Group Company and/or a director, or employee in proceedings for offences committed in breach of anti-corruption regulations,
which may lead to the application
of sanctions against the above
persons (both natural and legal)
and may damage the Group's
reputation.

• Adoption of a system of behavioural rules (Code of the Ethics and Anti- Corruption Policy) valid for all the Group;
   
• Adoption of an «Integrated Anti-Corruption Model», for all Italian and foreign Companies in line with best practices;
   
• Definition of information flows for Anti-Corruption System monitoring;
   
• Training on anti-corruption topics;
   
• Definition and implementation of Compliance Programmes to check compliance with the Anti-Corruption Policy.
   

• Implementation of a Business Continuity Management process guaranteeing the correct maintenance of production assets, by means of specific risk assessment activities, business impact analysis.
   
• Adoption of certified Management systems (ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001) and continuous training for all the staff performing activities inside the plants.
   
• Specific coverage levels for business interruption, property damage and accidents to the personnel.