In Energy, net earnings in 2007 are expected to approximate or be slightly lower than 2006 net earnings due to the non-recurring $23-million future tax benefit in 2006 arising from reductions in federal and provincial income tax rates. Operating income is expected to be relatively consistent with 2006, although this is very dependent on commodity prices in each region as well as other factors such as hydrology and storage spreads. TransCanada's operating income from its investment in Bruce B can be significantly impacted by the effect, on uncontracted output, of changes in spot market prices for power. Excluding any changes in spot market prices for 2007 compared to 2006, Bruce Power's operating income is expected to decline in 2007 compared to 2006, reflecting lower projected generation volumes and higher operating costs resulting from an increase in planned outages in 2007. Western Power Operations' operating income in 2007 is expected to approximate 2006. Although TransCanada has sold forward significant output from its Alberta PPAs and power plants, Western Power Operations' operating income in 2007 can be significantly impacted by changes in the spot market price of power and market heat rates in Alberta. Eastern Power Operations' operating income is expected to increase in 2007 primarily due to a full year of operations for both the Bécancour natural gas-fired cogeneration facility and the first of six wind farms of the Cartier Wind project as well as the positive impact of the NEPOOL forward capacity payments received by OSP and TC Hydro commencing December 1, 2006. Gas Storage's operating income is expected to increase in 2007 over 2006 primarily due to the placing into service of the Edson facility at the end of 2006, partially offset by expected lower storage spreads.
The earnings outlook for Energy may be affected by factors such as fluctuating market prices for power and natural gas, market heat rates, sales of uncontracted power volumes, natural gas storage spreads, plant availability, regulatory changes, weather, currency movements, and overall stability of the energy industry. See "Energy – Business Risks" for a complete discussion of these factors.