Additions have been valued at acquisition cost, net of the related accumulated depreciation. Depreciation has been calculated by applying the straight-line method over the remaining useful life of the assets, which was determined on the basis of engineering studies.
In accordance with the provisions of IAS 23, borrowing costs in relation to any given asset are to be capitalized when such asset is in the process of production, construction, assembly or completion, and such processes, due to their nature, take long periods of time; those processes are not interrupted; the period of production, construction, assembly or completion does not exceed the technically required period; the necessary activities to put the asset in condition to be used or sold are not substantially complete; and the asset is not in condition so as to be used in the production or startup of other assets, depending on the purpose pursued with its production, construction, assembly or completion.
Subsequent costs (major maintenance and reconstruction costs) are either included in the value of the assets or recognized as a separate asset, only if it is probable that the future benefits associated with the assets will flow to the Company, being it possible as well that the costs of the assets may be measured reliably and the investment will improve the condition of the asset beyond its original state. The other maintenance and repair expenses are recognized in profit or loss in the year in which they are incurred.
In accordance with the Concession Agreement, the Company may not pledge the assets used in the provision of the public service nor grant any other security interest thereon in favor of third parties, without prejudice to the Company’s right to freely dispose of those assets which in the future may become inadequate or unnecessary for such purpose. This prohibition does not apply in the case of security interests granted over an asset at the time of its acquisition and/or construction as collateral for payment of the purchase and/or installation price. At December 31, 2017, the Company does not have pledged assets or rights in favor of third parties.
The residual value and the remaining useful lives of the assets are reviewed and adjusted, if appropriate, at the end of each fiscal year (reporting period).
Land is not depreciated.
Facilities in service: between 30 and 50 years
Furniture, tools and equipment: between 5 and 20 years
Construction in process is valued based on the degree of completion and is recorded at cost less any impairment loss, if applicable. Cost includes expenses attributable to the construction, including capitalized borrowing costs in accordance with IFRS and the Company’s accounting policies, when they are part of the cost incurred for the purposes of acquisition, construction or production of property, plant and equipment which require considerable time until they are in condition to be used. Borrowing costs are no longer capitalized when the asset has been substantially finished or its development has been suspended. These assets begin to be depreciated when they are in economic condition to be used.
Gains and losses from the sale of Property, plant and equipment are calculated by comparing the price collected with the carrying amount of the asset, and are recognized within Other operating expense or Other operating income in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
The valuation of property, plant and equipment, taken as a whole, does not exceed its recoverable value. At the date of issuance of these financial statements, the Company has not tested its fixed assets since there have been no impairment indicators. (Note 6.c).