Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. announces closing of New Hampshire Electricity and Natural Gas Distribution Acquisition

OAKVILLE, ON, July 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. ("APUC") (TSX: AQN) announced that effective today, Liberty Utilities, APUC's regulated distribution utility, has closed the acquisition of the New Hampshire based electricity and natural gas distribution businesses. Total consideration for the transaction is US$285 million, which represents a multiple of aggregate expected regulatory assets of 1.136x.

The regulated electric distribution company provides electric service to over 43,000 customers in 21 communities in New Hampshire and the regulated natural gas distribution utility provides natural gas service to over 87,000 customers in five counties and 30 communities in New Hampshire.

On May 14, 2012, Emera Inc. ("Emera") converted 12 million subscription receipts that were issued to Emera in December 2010, and APUC received $60 million in proceeds from the conversion for use to partially fund the acquisition. In addition, on July 2, 2012, Liberty Utilities closed U.S.$135 million of the previously announced U.S.$225 million private placement debt financing to partially fund the acquisition. The notes are senior unsecured with an average life maturity of over ten years and a weighted average coupon of 4.38%. The notes have been assigned a rating of "BBB high" by DBRS Limited.

"New Hampshire is a great place for business and we are very pleased to have the opportunity to expand our presence in the state," commented Chief Executive Officer Ian Robertson. "This milestone marks the continued growth of our regulated distribution utility in the United States, and extends our customer base allowing Liberty Utilities to provide high quality, local and responsive service to our New Hampshire utility customers."

About Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
Through its distinct operating subsidiaries, APUC owns and operates a diversified portfolio of $1.2 billion of clean renewable electric generation and sustainable utility distribution businesses in North America. Liberty Utilities Co., APUC's regulated distribution utility business, provides regulated water, electricity and natural gas utility services to more than 250,000 customers with a portfolio of 24 distribution utility systems. Pursuant to previously announced agreements, Liberty Utilities Co. is committed to acquiring certain regulated natural gas distribution assets in Missouri, Illinois and Iowa, which together serve approximately 84,000 customers. Algonquin Power Co. (APCo), APUC's electric generation subsidiary, includes 42 renewable energy facilities and 12 thermal energy facilities representing more than 460 MW of installed capacity. APCo will be expanding its wind generating footprint into the United States pursuant to a previously announced agreement to acquire 245 MW of wind generating facilities across four States. APUC and its operating subsidiaries deliver continuing growth through an expanding pipeline of greenfield and expansion renewable power and clean energy projects, organic growth within its regulated utilities and the pursuit of accretive acquisition opportunities. APUC's common shares and convertible debentures are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols AQN and AQN.DB.B. Visit Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. at www.AlgonquinPowerandUtilities.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements included in this news release contain information that is forward-looking within the meaning of certain securities laws, including information and statements regarding prospective results of operations, financial position or cash flows. These statements are based on factors or assumptions that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including assumptions based on historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Since forward-looking statements relate to future events and conditions, by their very nature they require making assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. APUC cautions that although it is believed that the assumptions are reasonable in the circumstances, these risks and uncertainties give rise to the possibility that actual results may differ materially from the expectations set out in the forward-looking statements. Material risk factors include those set out in the management's discussion and analysis section of APUC's most recent annual report and quarterly report, and APUC's Annual Information Form. Given these risks, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of their dates. Other than as specifically required by law, APUC undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise.

For further information:

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.
Kelly Castledine
Investor Relations
[phone]