Financial results
The economic slowdown in 2023 (GDP grew 0.2% y/y, industrial production fell 1.5% y/y) translated into lower domestic electricity demand (-3.4% y/y).
An increase in renewable and gas-fired energy production in the National Power System and higher energy imports significantly translated into a decrease in production at PGE Group coal units.
Net energy production at PGE Group units overall fell by 14% y/y in 2023, including a 25% y/y decline at lignite units. In 2023, the PGE Group recorded a 5% increase in the volume of distributed energy mainly due to the acquisition of companies in the Railway Energy Services segment. In PGE Distribution, there was a decrease in the volume of distributed energy in total by about 3% y/y. Sales to PGE Group end users in 2023 increased by 1% due to the acquisition of PKP Energetyka (Railway Energy Services segment). Without the effect of the acquisition, volumes were 5% lower, with declines seen in tariffs for business customers. The 4% decline in heat sales was mainly due to 0.7 oC higher average outdoor temperatures in 2023.
Regulatory changes in the energy market had a significant impact on the performance of PGE Group in 2023.
ue to the crisis situation in the electricity market and large increases in energy prices for consumers, the national legislature decided to adopt regulations that temporarily introduced exceptional solutions for electricity prices and electricity tariffs.
According to the Emergency Measures Law, maximum electricity prices were in effect for eligible customers in 2023. Electricity trading companies were entitled to compensation for the application of maximum prices in their settlements with customers. The PGE Group’s financial position was also significantly affected by the obligation to make monthly deductions to the account of the Price Differential Payment Fund resulting from the sale of energy at a price higher than the specified price limits by electricity generators and power companies engaged in the business of electricity trading.
Consolidated statement of profit or loss
In 2023, the PGE Group’s sales revenue increased by 31% y/y due to significant increases in electricity prices, its main product. The net loss reported for 2023 was at PLN 4.9 billion. The loss is the result of the recognition in operating results of impairment charges of more than PLN 8.4 billion, which were made as a result of impairment tests performed on the assets of the Conventional Generation segment. The impairment charges recognized are non-cash items and did not affect operating cash flow, which amounted to PLN 3.3 billion.
PLN 95,964 million
Revenue from sales
PLN 8,403 million
Gross profit on sales
PLN -3,431 million
Operating loss
PLN -4,055 million
Gross loss
Reported EBITDA by segment
In 2023, there was an increase in reported EBITDA up to PLN 10.0 billion. In the Conventional Generation segment, results were positively affected by a significant increase in energy prices and revenues from regulatory system services.
In the Heat segment, results increased due to higher energy and heat prices. In the Distribution segment, results were supported by higher revenues from distribution and the non-cash effect of the reassessment of balance difference costs.
The Trading segment showed a loss at the EBITDA level due to a decrease in the result on sales of energy to end users and provisions made for onerous contracts. In the Renewable Energy segment, EBITDA declined due to significantly lower energy prices on the spot market. In 2023, following the acquisition of PKP Energetyka, the PGE Group created a new business segment Railway Energy Services, which increased the Group’s results by more than PLN 1.2 billion.
Key EBITDA factors
Reported EBITDA was PLN 10.0 billion, up 16% year-on-year.
The main driver of the increase in EBITDA in 2023 was the margin on electricity and heat generation (up PLN 2.5 billion) as a result of the increase in electricity and heat prices, the impact of which was mitigated by lower production volumes, higher fuel costs (coal and gas), emission allowances, and the write-off for the Price Difference Payment Fund.
In addition, EBITDA increased as a result of the inclusion of the new Railway Energy Services business segment from April 2023, following the acquisition of the PKP Energetyka Group. Higher results were also achieved by the Distribution segment, due to an increase in distribution tariffs (electricity distribution). In contrast, the Trading segment (retail electricity sales) saw a year-on-year decline in results. Results were also significantly affected by an increase in personnel costs.
1In the managerial view
2Including prod. materials and electricity for PSP
3PDP Fund
4Excluding additional estimation of balancing difference cost
5Margin on distribution and sales of electricity
6Ancillary Services
One-off events (EBITDA level)
One-off events in 2023 had a negative impact on reported results. The balance of one-off events reduced results by PLN 694 million, and consisted mainly of the creation of a reclamation provision totaling PLN 527 million caused mainly by a decrease in discount rates. This is a non-cash effect resulting from the reclamation reserve valuation model.
Reported EBIT by segment
The loss at the operating profit level in 2023 amounted to PLN -3.4 billion mainly as a result of the recognition of impairment losses of more than PLN 8.4 billion in the operating results of the Conventional Power segment, which were made as a result of asset impairment tests. The impairment charges recognized are non-cash in nature.
One-off items and recurring EBIT
Operating profit adjusted for one-off events at the EBITDA level (mainly the reclamation provision in the Conventional Generation segment) and write-downs of Property, Plant and Equipment, Intangible Assets and Rights to Use Assets and investments (mainly the write-down of assets in the Conventional Generation segment) had a value of PLN 6.0 billion in 2023.
Consolidated balance sheet
Total assets at the end of 2023 amounted to PLN 113.4 billion. The PLM 7.7 billion increase in total assets compared to 2022 was mainly due to an increase in property, plant and equipment as a result of capital expenditures (PLN 9.9 billion) and the acquisitions of the PKP Energetyka Group and wind farms (a total of PLN 7.0 billion), which were reduced by impairment charges of the Conventional Power Generation segment (PLN 8.4 billion) and depreciation and amortization (PLN 4.6 billion).
Debt level
The company’s operations in 2023, due to the scale of investments and the acquisition of PKP Energetyka, were financed both by cash generated from operating activities (PLN 3.3 billion) and an increase in debt. At the end of 2023, the PGE Group’s net debt amounted to PLN 11.1 billion against net cash of about PLN 2.7 billion at the end of 2022. The level of estimated economic net financial debt (including future payments for CO2 emission allowances) amounted to PLN 21.6 billion at the end of 2023. PLN 21.6 billion versus PLN 14.4 billion at the end of 2022.