HispanicBusiness

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of the Corporation's interim unaudited consolidated financial statements in accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Estimates and judgments are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Certain amounts are recorded at estimated values until these amounts are finalized pursuant to regulatory decisions or other regulatory proceedings. In April 2013 Newfoundland Power received a decision related to the utility's cost of capital for rate-making purposes for 2013 through 2015, the cumulative impacts of which will be recorded in the second quarter of 2013, when the decision was received, with the impact related to the first quarter of 2013 determined to be immaterial. Due to changes in facts and circumstances, and the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results may differ significantly from current estimates. Estimates and judgments are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary, are recognized in earnings in the period in which they become known.

Interim financial statements may also employ a greater use of estimates than the annual financial statements. There were no material changes in the nature of the Corporation's critical accounting estimates year-to-date 2013 from those disclosed in the 2012 Annual MD&A.

Contingencies: The Corporation and its subsidiaries are subject to various legal proceedings and claims associated with the ordinary course of business operations. Management believes that the amount of liability, if any, from these actions would not have a material effect on the Corporation's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

The following describes the nature of the Corporation's contingent liabilities.

Fortis

In May 2012 CH Energy Group and Fortis entered into a proposed settlement agreement with counsel to plaintiff shareholders pertaining to several complaints, which named Fortis and other defendants, which were filed in, or transferred to, the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, relating to the proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group by Fortis. The complaints generally alleged that the directors of CH Energy Group breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the proposed acquisition and that CH Energy Group, Fortis, FortisUS Inc. and Cascade Acquisition Sub Inc. aided and abetted that breach. The settlement agreement is subject to court approval.

FHI

During 2007 and 2008, a non-regulated subsidiary of FHI received Notices of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency for additional taxes related to the taxation years 1999 through 2003. The exposure has been fully provided for in the consolidated financial statements. FHI is appealing these assessments.

In April 2013 FHI and Fortis were named as defendants in an action in the British Columbia Supreme Court by the Coldwater Indian Band ("Band"). The claim is in regard to interests in a pipeline right of way on reserve lands. The pipeline on the right of way was transferred by FHI (then Terasen Inc.) to Kinder Morgan Inc. in April 2007. The Band seeks orders cancelling the right of way and claims damages for wrongful interference with the Band's use and enjoyment of reserve lands. The outcome cannot be reasonably determined and estimated at this time and, accordingly, no amount has been accrued in the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements.