Attached files

file filename
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - US GEOTHERMAL INCexhibit31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - US GEOTHERMAL INCexhibit31-1.htm
EX-21.1 - EXHIBIT 21.1 - US GEOTHERMAL INCexhibit21-1.htm
EX-13.1 - EXHIBIT 13.1 - US GEOTHERMAL INCexhibit13-1.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - US GEOTHERMAL INCexhibit32-2.htm
EX-23.2 - EXHIBIT 23.2 - US GEOTHERMAL INCexhibit23-2.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - US GEOTHERMAL INCexhibit32-1.htm
EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - US GEOTHERMAL INCexhibit23-1.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the year ended December 31, 2015

or

[   ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For transition period _______ to _______

Commission File Number 001-34023

U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 84-1472231
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
   
390 Parkcenter Blvd, Suite 250  
Boise, Idaho 83706
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
   
Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code 208-424-1027

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.001 par value NYSE MKT LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act
[   ] Yes       [X] No


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
[   ] Yes       [X] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.
[X] Yes       [   ] No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
[X] Yes       [   ] No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [   ] Accelerated filer [   ]
Non-accelerated filer [   ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
[   ] Yes       [X] No

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of the end of the registrant’s most recent second quarter based upon the closing sale price of the registrant’s common stock as reported by the NYSE MKT LLC on June 30, 2015, was $57,023,455

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of March 6, 2016 was 110,215,235.


U.S. Geothermal Inc. and Subsidiaries
Form 10-K
INDEX
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

    Page
PART I    
Item 1 Business 6
               General 8
               Development of Business 8
                         History 8
                         Plan of Operations 8
                         Projects in Operation 10
                         Mergers and Acquisitions 12
                         Material Projects Under Development/Exploration 13
                         Employees 22
                         Principal Products 22
                         Sources and Availability of Raw Materials 23
                         Significant Government Permits 24
                         Seasonality of Business 24
                         Industry Practices/Needs for Working Capital 24
                         Dependence on a Few Customers 24
                         Competitive Conditions 25
                         Environmental Compliance 26
               Financial Information about Geographic Areas 28
               Available Information 28
               Governmental Approvals and Regulations 29
                         Environmental Credits 31
Item 1A Risk Factors 33
               Risks Related to Our Business 33
               Risks Related to Our Growth 39
               Risks Related to Our Power Purchase Agreements 44
               Risks Related to Our Liquidity and Capital Resources 46
               Risks Related to Government Regulation 48
               Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock 51
Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments 53
Item 2 Property 54
  Land and Leases 64
Item 3 Legal Proceedings 67
Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures 67
     
PART II    
Item 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 68
Item 6 Selected Financial Data 69


U.S. Geothermal Inc. and Subsidiaries
Form 10-K
INDEX
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015

    Page
Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 70
                     Historical Overview 70
                     Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations 72
                     Operating Results 74
                     Liquidity and Capital Resources 83
                     Potential Acquisitions 84
                     Critical Accounting Policies 84
                     Contractual Obligations 86
                     Off Balance Sheet Arrangements 86
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 86
Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 86
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 87
Item 9A Controls and Procedures 87
Item 9B Other Information 88
PART III    
Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 89
Item 11 Executive Compensation 92
           Summary Compensation Table 99
           Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 100
           Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control 100
           Director Compensation 102
Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 103
                     Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans 103
                   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 103
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 105
Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services 105
     
PART IV    
     
Item 15 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 107


PART I

Item 1. Business

Information Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This document contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. We caution readers that any forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statement. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. You can find many of these statements by looking for words like “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intend,” “estimates,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “could,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” or similar expressions in this document or in documents incorporated by reference in this document. Examples of these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

  • our business and growth strategies;
  • our future results of operations;
  • anticipated trends in our business;
  • the capacity and utilization of our geothermal resources;
  • our ability to successfully and economically explore for and develop geothermal resources;
  • our exploration and development prospects, projects and programs, including construction of new projects and expansion of existing projects;
  • availability and costs of drilling rigs and field services;
  • our liquidity and ability to finance our exploration and development activities;
  • our working capital requirements and availability;
  • our illustrative plant economics;
  • market conditions in the geothermal energy industry; and
  • the impact of environmental and other governmental regulation.

These forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from current expectations and projections. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements:

  • the failure to obtain sufficient capital resources to fund our operations;
  • unsuccessful construction and expansion activities, including delays or cancellations;
  • incorrect estimates of required capital expenditures;
  • increases in the cost of drilling and completion, or other costs of production and operations;
  • the enforceability of the power purchase agreements (“PPAs”) for our projects;
  • impact of environmental and other governmental regulation, including delays in obtaining permits;

-5-


  • hazardous and risky operations relating to the development of geothermal energy;
  • our ability to successfully identify and integrate acquisitions;
  • our dependence on key personnel;
  • the potential for claims arising from geothermal plant operations;
  • general competitive conditions within the geothermal energy industry; and
  • financial market conditions.

All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable U.S. securities law. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

The U.S. dollar is the Company’s functional currency; however some transactions involved the Canadian dollar. All references to “dollars” or “$” are to United States dollars and all references to CDN$ are to Canadian dollars.

U.S. Geothermal Inc. (the “Company,” “we” or “us” or words of similar import) is in the renewable “green” energy business. Through our subsidiary, U.S. Geothermal Inc., an Idaho corporation (“Geo-Idaho,” although our references to the Company include and refer to our operations through Geo-Idaho), we are engaged in the acquisition, development and utilization of geothermal resources in the Western United States and the Republic of Guatemala. Geothermal energy is the natural heat energy stored within the earth’s crust. In some areas of the earth, economic concentrations of heat energy result from a combination of geological conditions that allow water to penetrate into hot rocks at depth, become heated, and then circulate to a near surface environment. In these settings, commercially viable extraction of the geothermal energy and its conversion to electricity become possible and a “geothermal resource” is present.

-6-


Development of Business

U.S. Geothermal Inc. was incorporated on March 10, 2000 in the State of Delaware. Geo-Idaho was formed in February 2002, and is the primary subsidiary through which the Company conducts its operations. The Company constructs, manages and operates power plants that utilize geothermal resources to produce energy. The Company’s operations have been, primarily, focused in the Western United States.

The Company currently owns and operates the following geothermal power plant projects: Raft River, Idaho; San Emidio, Nevada; and Neal Hot Springs, Oregon. The Company also has geothermal property interests in the Republic of Guatemala; the Geysers in California; Vale, Oregon; Crescent Valley, Nevada; Ruby Hot Springs, Nevada; Lee Hot Springs, Nevada; and Gerlach, Nevada, some of which are under development or exploration.

History

Geo-Idaho was formed as an Idaho corporation in February 2002 to conduct geothermal resource development.

U.S. Cobalt Inc. entered into a merger agreement with Geo-Idaho on February 28, 2002, which was amended and restated on November 30, 2003, and closed on the reverse take-over on December 19, 2003. In accordance with the merger agreement, the Company acquired Geo-Idaho through the merger of Geo-Idaho with a subsidiary, EverGreen Power Inc., an Idaho corporation formed for that purpose. Geo-Idaho was the surviving corporation and is the subsidiary through which the Company conducts operations. As part of this acquisition, the Company name was changed to U.S. Geothermal Inc.

Plan of Operations

Our business strategy is to operate, identify, evaluate, acquire, and develop geothermal assets and resources economically, safely and efficiently. Our management evaluates our operating projects based on revenues and expenses, and our projects under development, based on costs attributable to each project. We examine different factors when assessing projects at different stages of development or potential acquisitions, such as the internal rate of return of the investment, technical and geological matters and other relevant business considerations.

We intend to execute this strategy in several steps outlined below:

 

Maximize Our Operations – Our operating power plants and operations team provide revenue to the Company through both power sales and Operations & Maintenance contracts. We strive to optimize plant operations though high safety standards, quality preventative maintenance programs, operator education, equipment selection and by exceeding our annual budgetary goals.

-7-



 

Leverage Management Team Capabilities and Experience – Our strategy is focused on the identification and acquisition of resources that can be developed in a cost-effective manner to produce attractive returns. In particular, we seek to acquire projects that have already undergone geothermal resource discovery. In addition, we intend to operate and manage construction of the projects, while using internal personnel and third-party contractors to efficiently and cost-effectively develop those resources. We believe that we have the strategic personnel in place to determine which resources provide the greatest opportunity for efficient development and operation. We have developed relationships and employed personnel that will allow us to develop and utilize geothermal resources as efficiently as possible.

   

 

 

Develop Our Pipeline of Quality Projects – Our project pipeline currently consists of several projects that we believe are aligned with our growth strategy. We are currently engaged in negotiation for the acquisition of additional pipeline opportunities that are also aligned with our growth strategy. These projects typically have consulting reports from various industry experts supporting our belief in those projects’ potential. We are evaluating the potential of those projects and expect to negotiate Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”) for power deliveries with counterparties for some of these growth opportunities. If realized, our identified project pipeline will greatly expand our renewable power generation capacity as we move forward with the development of those opportunities.

   

 

 

Utilize Production Tax Credits, Investment Tax Credits and Other Incentives – Although geothermal power production can be cost competitive with fossil fuel power generating facilities on a life cycle cost basis, government incentives such as production tax credits (“PTC”) and Investment Tax Credits (“ITC”) available to geothermal power producers enhance the project economics and attract capital investment. For the Raft River Unit I project, we partnered with Goldman Sachs as a tax equity partner to fully utilize production tax credits available to the project. Our strategy going forward is to structure project ownership to be the primary beneficiary of project economics. Under current legislation, a company may elect to take 30% ITC for certain qualified investments provided construction of the project was started prior to the end of 2016. We believe that the second phase of our San Emidio project, our WGP Geysers project, and our Crescent Valley project each qualify for this credit.

   

 

 

Pursue Acquisition Strategy – The geothermal market, particularly in the United States, is fragmented and characterized by a few large players and a number of smaller ones. Geothermal exploration and development is capital intensive, technically challenging and requires long lead times before a project will produce revenue. We believe that geothermal technical and managerial talent is limited in the industry and that access to capital to develop projects will not be equally available to all participants. As a result, we believe that there will be opportunities in the future to pursue acquisitions of geothermal projects and/or geothermal development companies with attractive project pipelines.

   

 

 

Evaluate Other Potential Revenue Streams from Geothermal Resources – In addition to electricity generation, we may evaluate additional applications for our geothermal resources including industrial, agriculture, and aquaculture purposes. These uses generally constitute lower temperature applications where, after driving a turbine generator, residual hot water can be cycled for secondary processes before being returned to the geothermal reservoir by injection wells, which can provide incremental revenue streams. We may evaluate the optimal use for each geothermal resource and determine whether selling heat for industrial purposes or generating and subsequently selling power to a grid will generate the highest return on the asset.

-8-


During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company was focused on these specific items:

 

operating and optimizing the Neal Hot Springs, San Emidio and Raft River power plants;

 

permitting the deepening of temperature gradient wells at San Emidio;

 

completing the interconnection process, optimizing power plant design, working on obtaining the Conditional Use Permit, and pursuing PPA and steam sale opportunities at the WGP Geysers project;

 

flow testing resource wells and planning future drilling at El Ceibillo;

 

supporting the Special Committee of the Board in their process to evaluate strategic alternatives to increase shareholder value;

 

completing the acquisition of additional ownership interest in Raft River Energy I LLC; and

 

evaluating potential new geothermal projects and acquisition opportunities.

Projects in Operation

Although other factors may impact our operations and financial condition, including many that we do not or cannot foresee, we believe that our results of operations and financial condition for the foreseeable future will be affected by the factors discussed below. A summary of the Company’s operations is as follows:

  Projects in Operation  
            Generating       Contract
Project   Location   Ownership   Capacity (megawatts)   Power Purchaser   Expiration
Neal Hot Springs   Oregon   JV(1)   22.0   Idaho Power   2036
San Emidio (Unit I)   Nevada   100%   10.0   Sierra Pacific   2038
Raft River (Unit I)   Idaho   JV(2)   13.0(3)   Idaho Power   2032

  (1)

In September 2010, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary (Oregon USG Holdings LLC) entered into agreements that formulated a strategic partnership with Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. (“Enbridge”). Enbridge contributed approximately $32.8 million to the Neal Hot Springs geothermal project. The Company’s equity interest in the project is 60% and Enbridge’s equity interest is 40%.

  (2)

As part of the financing package for Unit I of the Raft River project, the Company contributed $16.5 million in cash and approximately $1.4 million in property to Raft River Energy I LLC, the Unit I project joint venture company. Goldman Sachs contributed $34 million to finance the construction of the project. Effective December 14, 2015, the Company acquired the majority of the Goldman Sachs interest for $5.1 million.

  (3)

Based on the designed annual average net output. The output of the Raft River Unit I plant currently is approximately 9.4 megawatts annual average.

-9-


Neal Hot Springs, Oregon
Neal Hot Springs is located in Eastern Oregon near the town of Vale, the county seat of Malheur County, and achieved commercial operation on November 16, 2012. The Neal Hot Springs facility is designed as a 22 megawatt net annual average power plant, consisting of three separate 12.2 megawatt (gross) modules, with each module having a design output of 7.33 megawatts (net) annual average based on a specific flow and temperature of geothermal brine.

Generation from the facility during the fourth quarter of 2015 totaled 52,641 megawatt-hours with an average of 24.2 net megawatts per hour of operation. Total generation for 2015 was 176,872 megawatt-hours which was 3.6% lower than the prior year total of 183,394 megawatt hours. Plant availability was 98.7% during the 4th quarter, and 97.9% for the year.

A settlement was reached with Turbine Air Systems under the terms of the ESA, and five of their key equipment suppliers on July 16, 2015. The settlement agreement provided a cash payment to USG Oregon LLC, (the project company) a commitment to finalize certain equipment repairs and upgrades, and an extended warranty for equipment that is repaired or replaced.

Two potential water supply wells were drilled during the year and one was flow tested for a period of six weeks. The test well achieved steady state production at approximately 170 gallons per minute. The minimum amount of water needed for a hybrid cooling system is approximately 200-300 gallons per minute for each unit. Additional studies were conducted to develop new fresh water drilling targets to support continued exploration for a reliable water source. A purchase or long term lease of existing surface water or groundwater rights is also being studied.

The ability to use water cooling during the 5-6 months of summer and fall would increase power generation, when current air cooling results in a dramatic reduction in plant output. An initial engineering evaluation of various hybrid cooling methods was completed by Power Engineers Inc., which confirms the economic viability of hybrid cooling if enough water can be found. Additional water well drilling is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2016.

The PPA for the project was signed on December 11, 2009 with the Idaho Power Company. It has a 25 year term, and a variable percentage annual price escalation. The PPA has a seasonal pricing structure that pays 120% of the average price for four months (July, August, November, December), 100% of the average price for five months (January, February, June, September, October) and 73.3% of the average price for three months (March, April, May). The average price paid under the PPA for 2015 was $106.37 per megawatt-hour.

San Emidio Unit I, Nevada
The Unit I power plant at San Emidio is located approximately 100 miles north-east of Reno, Nevada near the town of Gerlach, and achieved commercial operation on May 25, 2012. The San Emidio facility is a single 14.7 megawatt (gross) module, with a design output of 9 megawatts (net) annual average based on a specific flow and temperature of geothermal brine.

Generation from the facility during the fourth quarter 2015 totaled 20,369 megawatt-hours, with an average of 9.4 net megawatts per hour of operation. Total generation for 2015 was 79,539 megawatt-hours which was a 3.4% increase from the prior year total of 76,894 megawatt-hours. Plant availability was 98.2% during the 4th quarter and 98.6% for the year.

-10-


On June 1, 2011, an amended and restated PPA was signed with Sierra Pacific Power Company d/b/a NV Energy for the sale of up to 19.9 megawatts of electricity on an annual average basis. The PPA has a 25 year term with a base price of $89.75 per megawatt-hour, and an annual escalation rate of 1 percent. The average price paid under the PPA for 2015 is $92.08 per megawatt-hour.

Raft River, Idaho
Raft River Unit I is located in Southern Idaho, near the town of Malta, and achieved commercial operation on January 3, 2008. The Raft River facility is a single 18 megawatt (gross) module, with a design output of 13 megawatts (net) annual average based on a specific flow and temperature of geothermal brine.

Generation from the facility during the fourth quarter 2015 totaled 21,755 megawatt-hours, with an average of 9.9 net megawatts per hour of operation. Total generation for 2015 was 75,596 megawatt-hours which was 4.1% lower than the prior year total of 78,798 megawatt-hours. Plant availability was 99.9% during the 4th quarter and 95.4% for the year.

In October of 2015 the final payment of $415,000 was made under the $1.65 million Repair Services Agreement loan entered into in May of 2011 between the project and the Company. As a result, on a going forward basis, cash flow previously used for loan repayment will now be available for distribution to member partners.

The PPA for the project was signed on September 24, 2007 with the Idaho Power Company and allows for the sale of up to 13 megawatts of electricity on an annual average basis. The PPA has a 25 year term with a starting average price for the year 2007 of $52.50 that escalates at 2.1% per year through 2020 and then at 0.6% per year until the end of the contract in 2034. The Idaho Power PPA has a seasonal pricing structure that pays 120% of the average price for four months (July, August, November, December), 100% of the average price for five months (January, February, June, September, October) and 73.5% of the average price for three months (March, April, May). The average price paid under the PPA for 2015 is $62.00 per megawatt-hour.

In addition to the price paid for energy by Idaho Power, Raft River Unit I currently receives $4.75 per megawatt-hour under a separate contract for the sale of Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”) to Holy Cross Energy, a Colorado electric cooperative. Starting in calendar year 2018, 51% of the RECs produced by the project will be owned by the Idaho Power Company and 49% by the project. For the 49% of RECs owned by the Raft River project, a new, 10 year REC contract with the Public Utility District No. 1 of Clallam County, Washington will replace the current contract, also in 2018.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Raft River, Idaho
In December we closed on the transaction to purchase a majority of Goldman Sachs ownership and cash flow interest in the Raft River geothermal project. Effective on December 16, 2015 we own 95% of the project and will receive 95% of the available cash flow instead of the previous 0% that we were contracted to receive until or if the ownership change would occur under the tax equity structure. In addition to the 95% of the cash flow from the project, we will also receive 100% of any increased cash flow and tax benefits from any project improvements.

-11-


The purchase price under the agreement was $5.1 million for 95% interest, with a Company option to purchase the balance of Goldman Sachs’s interest for Fair Market Value at the end of 2017. The purchase unlocks our ability to consider capital upgrades that may increase output from the facility and potentially reach its design capacity of 13 megawatts. It strengthens our commitment to becoming the North American leader in geothermal energy. Allocations of profits and losses will remain 99% to Goldman Sachs and 1% to the Company until December 31, 2017, after which the Company will receive 95% of the allocation of profits and losses and Goldman Sachs will receive 5%.

Power Plant Equipment
In December, all of the major and long lead equipment for the construction of three binary geothermal power plants was acquired for $1.5 million (approximately 5% of the equipment’s estimated original cost of $28 million). The equipment was part of an order for six power plant units by another geothermal developer, but only three were installed. The components for the three units being purchased are all new and unused, and have been held in storage.

The equipment is from the same manufacturers, and is of a similar size and design, to that installed at the Company’s Neal Hot Springs and San Emidio power plants. The design output of the acquired units totals approximately 35 megawatts (MW). Actual output of each unit will be determined by resource conditions found at the sites at which the equipment is ultimately installed.

The three equipment packages, which represent approximately 70% of the components needed for the complete plants, will meet the major and long lead equipment requirements for the Company’s proposed Crescent Valley I power plant (25 MW) and San Emidio II power plant (10 MW). This equipment gives us the ability to expand our megawatt output at our existing portfolio of advanced stage development projects at significantly lower cost, and in much shorter construction timeframes.

Material Projects Under Development/Exploration

In addition to our projects in operation, we have projects under development and under exploration. Projects under development have at least a geothermal resource discovery or may have wells in place, but require the drilling of new or additional production and injection wells in order to supply enough geothermal fluid sufficient to operate a commercial power plant. Projects under exploration do not have a geothermal resource discovery occurrence yet, but have significant thermal and other physical evidence that warrants the expenditure of capital in search of the discovery of a geothermal resource. Due to inflation and marketplace increases in the costs of labor and construction materials, estimates of property development costs may be low.

-12-


A summary of projects under development and under exploration is as follows:

  Projects Under Development  
          Estimated  
      Target Projected Capital  
      Development Commercial Required Power
Project Location Ownership (Megawatts)   Operation Date ($million) Purchaser
Raft River Idaho 100% 3 3rd Quarter 2016 3 IDPC
Neal Hot Springs Oregon 60% 3 3rd Quarter 2017 10 IDPC
San Emidio Phase II Nevada 100% 10 4th Quarter 2017 60 TBD
WGP Geysers California 100% 30 2nd Quarter 2018 150 TBD
El Ceibillo Phase I Guatemala 100% 25 2nd Quarter 2018 140 TBD
Crescent Valley Phase I Nevada 100% 25 4th Quarter 2018 130 TBD

Properties Under Exploration
            Target Development
Project   Location   Ownership   *(Megawatts)
Gerlach   Nevada   67.4%   10
Vale   Oregon   100%   15
El Ceibillo Phase II   Guatemala   100%   25
Neal Hot Springs II   Oregon   100%   10
Raft River Unit II   Idaho   100%   13
Crescent Valley Phase II   Nevada   100%   25
Crescent Valley Phase III   Nevada   100%   25
Lee Hot Springs   Nevada   100%   20
Ruby Hot Springs Phase I   Nevada   100%   20

  *

Target development sizes are predevelopment estimates of resource potential of unproven resources. The estimates are based on our evaluation of available information regarding temperature, and where available, flow.


Property Details
    Property Size            
    (square            
Property   miles)   Temperature (ºF)   Depth (Ft)   Technology
Neal Hot Springs   9.6   286-311   2,500-3,000   Binary
San Emidio   27.9   289-316   1,500-3,000   Binary
Raft River   10.8   275-302   4,500-6,000   Binary
Gerlach   4.7   338-352   2,000-3,000   Binary
El Ceibillo   38.6   410-526   1,800-TBD   Steam/Flash
WGP Geysers   6.0   380-598   6,000-10,000   Steam
Crescent Valley   33.3   326-351   2,000-3,000   Binary
Lee Hot Springs   4.0   280-320   1,250-5,000   Binary
Ruby Hot Springs   3.3   315-340   1,670-4,500   Binary
Vale   0.6   290-300   2,450-5,000   Binary

Binary Cycle Geothermal Power Plants
In a binary cycle geothermal power plant hot water is produced to a piping and gathering system from wells drilled into the geothermal reservoir. The hot water flows, with to a heat exchanger called a vaporizer where it vaporizes a secondary working fluid, with its heat extracted, causing the original hot water to become cool. All of the cooled water is then pumped to injection wells where it is injected back into the reservoir to help recharge the geothermal reservoir. The vaporized working fluid passes through a turbine which drives an electrical generator that is tied into the electrical transmission grid. Upon discharging the turbine the secondary working fluid is condensed before piping it back to the vaporizer where the process is repeated.

-13-


Dry Steam Geothermal Power Plants
An example of a vapor dominated geothermal system is at The Geysers in central California. Dry super-heated steam is produced from wells through a piping system and run directly through a turbine. The turbine drives an electrical generator that delivers power to the electrical transmission grid. Steam discharges from the turbine into a condenser where it is condensed forming water. The water is pumped to a cooling tower where it can be used as water for the cooling process. The cooled water from the cooling tower is recycled back to the condenser to repeat the process. Any excess water from the cooling tower is pumped through a piping system to injection wells where it is injected back into the reservoir which helps to recharge the geothermal reservoir.

-14-


Flash Geothermal Power Plants
In hot water geothermal systems (temperatures greater than approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit), flash production systems are often used. The hot water is produced from wells drilled into the geothermal reservoir. The hot water from the various production wells is piped to a flash tank where the pressure is reduced. The reduction in pressure in the flash tank causes part of the hot water to flash to form steam and part to remain as water. The flash tank also acts a separator, separating the steam from the water. The hot water separated from the steam is pumped through a pipeline system to injection wells and injected into the reservoir for reservoir recharge. The steam coming off the flash tank/separator is piped directly to a turbine where the process is identical to that used for dry steam geothermal power plants.

El Ceibillo Phase I, Republic of Guatemala
A geothermal energy rights concession, located 14 kilometers southwest of Guatemala City, was awarded to U.S. Geothermal Guatemala S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company in April 2010. The concession has a five year term for the development and construction of a power plant. There are 24,710 acres (100 square kilometers) in the concession which is at the center of the Aqua and Pacaya twin volcano complex.

The modified development schedule was formally approved and signed by the Minister of the Guatemalan Ministry of Energy and Mines on July 21, 2015. A second step required for the change was completed on October 13, 2015 when the modified development schedule was formally incorporated into to the concession agreement. With the schedule modification and updated concession agreement now in place that provides a Commercial Operation Date during the second quarter of 2018, we will reestablish our discussions and negotiations for a Power Purchase Agreement.

Drilling in 2015 began with well EC-2A which tested the high temperature anomaly defined by the 2014 temperature gradient drilling program. EC-2A successfully intersected a zone of high permeability at a depth of 1,300 feet (396 meters). Flow testing indicates that a commercial resource has been discovered with a flowing temperature of 398°F (198.5°C) .

-15-


Based on the discovery at EC-2A, two additional wells were sited to further extend the resource area. Drilling of well EC-3 began on October 29 and was completed on November 11, and drilling of well EC-4 began on November 18 and was completed on December 2. Both EC-3 and EC-4 intersected high permeability zones indicated by total lost circulation of drilling fluid. EC-3 found permeability at a depth of 1,365 feet (416 meters) with a measured preliminary static temperature of 392°F (200°C). Well EC-4 found permeability at a depth of 1,243 feet (379 meters) and is still heating up. Testing of the completed wells is now underway. Depending upon the results of the flow tests, a decision will be made on the location for either another slim hole or a production size well to fully test the resource to determine its size and production characteristics.

San Emidio Phase II, Nevada
The Phase II expansion is dependent on successful development of additional production and injection well capacity. We expect that approximately 75% of the Phase II development may be funded by project loans, with the remainder funded through equity financing. We anticipate the project qualifying for the 30% Federal investment tax credit since construction commenced prior to 2017.

To further define the resource, permitting for an expanded temperature gradient drilling program for an area south west of the current resource was initiated, and permits were received for a five hole temperature gradient drilling program in June. Results from the 2014 OW drilling program combined with 1970s era, shallow temperature gradient data, indicate a high temperature trend into this south-west zone. Geophysical surveys have also identified structural trends in this area. Drilling commenced on July 27 and the five, 1,000 foot deep temperature gradient wells were completed with all of the wells encountering high bottom hole temperatures and anomalously high temperature gradients. Bottom hole temperatures ranged from 224°F to 274°F and temperature gradients in four of the wells ranged from 12.4°F per 100 feet to 14.9°F per 100 feet. These results are considered to be indicative of a nearby, active geothermal system at depth.

A second phase program to deepen the two most prospective wells, which was expected to be completed during the fourth quarter, is being permitted with the Bureau of Land Management. We are unable to predict when those permits will be issued. Additional temperature gradient wells to further expand the anomaly are also under consideration, but will have to be permitted separately after additional cultural surveys are conducted.

The second phase interconnection study, called the Facilities Study, was started in January 2015 and was completed in June pending a decision by NV Energy on funding upgrades to the system. NV Energy decided not to fund the upgrades and completed the Interconnection System Impact Restudy on September 28th. The Restudy determined that the interconnection is feasible, but with an increase in the estimated cost due to a change in cost allocation by NV Energy. A meeting with the NV Energy transmission group to discuss the results and anticipated costs took place in late October resulting in a reduction of $4.1 million to the estimated cost of interconnection. The final stage of the interconnection study process is anticipated to conclude by the second quarter of 2016.

-16-


WGP Geysers, California
The WGP Geysers project is located in the broader Geysers geothermal field located approximately 75 miles north of San Francisco, California. The broader Geysers geothermal field is the largest producing geothermal field in the world generating more than 850 megawatts of power for more than 30 years. Acquisition of the WGP Geysers Project from Ram Power was completed on April 22, 2014 for $6.4 million.

An extended flow test program of the three new wells with the highest production rate was completed in June 2015 confirming that the three wells were still open and ready for production. The fourth production well was used to inject the produced fluid and was not tested. GeothermEx Inc. (a Schlumberger company) designed the isochronal (step rate) flow test program and monitored the testing of the wells. A step rate test is designed such that each well is flowed at different rates through a fixed orifice, and the resulting pressure in the reservoir is measured both before, during and after the test. This data is used to determine the reservoirs potential size and production characteristics.

Flow test results completed in September indicated that the four production wells are capable of delivering an initial capacity of 28.1 MW (gross) or 25.4 MW (net) based on current power plant steam conversion rates from a detailed design for a 28.8 MW (net) power plant. These longer term tests show the wells would initially produce a combined total of 458,000 pounds per hour of steam compared to 462,000 pounds per hour of steam from short term tests performed when the wells were first drilled, demonstrating that the capacity of the wells is virtually unchanged. Using the average steam production rate from these wells and an assumed interference factor of 30%, GeothermEx estimates that an additional two to three production wells would be needed to support the long term operation of a 28.8 MW (net) plant.

Two methods were used to estimate the long term capacity of the WGP project, and both support a high probability that a 28.8 MW (net) plant can be operated for 25 years, given the modern plant design and the available productive area. The first is the p/z method, an established natural gas reservoir engineering calculation that is routinely used at The Geysers. Based on the plant design and the increase in available injection that would result from WGP’s planned hybrid cooling system, GeothermEx estimates that the reservoir could support the 28.8 MW (net) plant for up to 54 years. The second method, which is an empirical approach based on GeothermEx’s extensive experience at The Geysers, was used to estimate the steam production capacity per acre within the productive area of a geothermal leasehold. On this basis, it was determined that the productive acreage within the WGP leasehold has steam reserves sufficient to supply up to 44 MW (net) with a conventional injection level of 25%, and potentially more at the higher injection levels associated with the planned hybrid cooling system.

Engineering optimization of the power plant design is continuing with a focus on an innovative hybrid plant design that includes both water and air cooling. This design will dramatically increase the volume of water available for injection back into the reservoir, providing long term stable steam production, and will result in increased power generation over the life of the project. A new Conditional Use Permit was submitted to Sonoma County in June, reflecting this modified cooling plan. We expect approval during the first quarter of 2016.

-17-


Our transmission interconnection application is proceeding under the Independent Study Process being conducted by the California Independent System Operator. The first phase study, the Interconnection System Impact and Facilities Study Report, was completed on October 8th. The study shows that the interconnection is feasible and the preliminary cost is estimated at $1.9 million. .Subsequent to year end, our interconnection application for a 35 MW interconnection was approved and signed on February 29, 2016.

Discussions with numerous potential off-takers for the power from our power plant continue, with high interest expressed by a number of them for base load, renewable power to replace fossil fuel based power generation that is being phased out of their portfolios. We responded to one Request For Proposal (RFP) mid-year, but were not selected. An additional RFP was submitted in March 2016, and other RFP’s are anticipated in 2016.

Crescent Valley Phase I, Nevada
The Crescent Valley prospect consists of approximately 21,300 acres (33.3 square miles) of private and Federal geothermal leases. It is located in Eureka County, Nevada, approximately 15 miles south of the Beowawe geothermal power plant and about 33 miles southeast of Battle Mountain. The project was acquired as part of the Earth Power Resources merger which was completed in November 2014.

In light of federal legislation that extended the qualification for the 30% Investment Tax Credit to projects that began construction prior to December 31, 2014, drilling of the first production/injection well CVP-001 (67-3) was initiated in December of 2014, following completion of gravity surveys, and analysis of prior temperature gradient drilling data. Well CVP-001 was completed on March 27th to a depth of 2,746 feet. The well exhibited modest permeability with a flowing temperature of 213°F, which makes the well suited for duty as an injection well. The next phase of development work is in the planning stages and will be dependent upon market conditions.

Gerlach, Nevada
The Gerlach Joint Venture, located adjacent to the town of Gerlach in Washoe County, Nevada is made up of both private and BLM geothermal leases. The Peregrine well, a historic exploration slim hole that encountered a lost circulation zone at a depth of 975 feet, was redrilled in 2010 and the hole was opened from a 6.5 inch diameter well to a 12.5 inch diameter well. Lost circulation was confirmed within three zones through the 900 to 1,024 foot interval. The well was stopped at 1,070 feet total depth. Temperature surveys and a short clean out flow test were conducted on the well. The well flowed at an estimated 300-400 gallons per minute and the flowing temperature was 208°F. Geochemistry indicates an average potential source temperature of 374°F for the Gerlach site.

Drilling commenced on observation well 18-10a on October 30, 2014. 18-10a is a twin well to a well originally drilled in 1994 (the 18-10 well). The upper section of the well was drilled to 826 feet deep and an 8 inch liner was cemented in place. Temperature measurements in the well have provided the highest measured temperature in the field to date at 268°F within 160 feet of surface and a temperature gradient of 6.4°F per 100’ in the bottom section of the hole. There are two previously identified lost circulation targets from the original well at 1,600 and 2,800 feet deep that will be targeted when drilling is resumed.

-18-


Drilling resumed on well 18-10a on April 14, 2012 and was stopped on April 18, 2012 at 1,943 feet deep. Circulation was lost in minor zones at 1,530 and 1,595 feet deep. Drilling resumed again on well 18-10a on August 14, 2014, and was completed in late November. The well was drilled to a total depth of 2,889 feet and encountered a maximum temperature of 275°F. Further work is dependent upon additional funding from the partners.

Vale, Oregon
The property consists of 368 acres of geothermal energy and surface rights located in Malheur County, located approximately one-half mile east of the town of Vale, Oregon. The property is within the Vale Butte geothermal resource area and provides the opportunity to evaluate development of a known resource. A prolific, shallow reservoir located along the north edge of the leasehold area has been used for many years in an agricultural drying facility and a mushroom growing operation.

An extensive database of geophysical and geological information from previous geothermal exploration in the Vale Butte area was used in the evaluation of the prospect. Geochemical analysis of samples taken from shallow hot wells results in a calculated geothermometer that indicates a potential reservoir temperature of 311°F to 320°F. Past exploration drilling near the site by Trans Pacific Geothermal and Sandia National Laboratory encountered temperatures in excess of 300°F in the basement rocks. The leases for this project were acquired in January and February 2014.

Raft River Phase II, Idaho
In 2011, the Raft River project was awarded an $11.4 million cost-shared, thermal stimulation program grant from the Department of Energy. The goal of the project is to create an Enhanced Geothermal System (“EGS”) by creating thermal fractures and developing a corresponding increase in permeability in the low permeability rock. Well RRG-9 was made available, and after installing four, 300 foot deep monitoring wells with seismic geophones to allow for seismic monitoring, the first stage of injection into the well began in June 2013. Initially the well was only capable of receiving 20 gallons per minute (“gpm”) of water due to the low permeability of the rock. After several moderate pressure stimulations, injection of cold power plant injectate has continued through the quarter which causes thermal fracturing within the host rock. The flow into the well continues to increase from its initial 20 gpm to 785 gpm at the end of the third quarter, to now over 1,000 gpm, indicating a significant success that has converted a noncommercial well to commercial status.

Well RRG-9 continues to be used temporarily as an injection well for the Raft River power plant as an extension of the DOE EGS program, which is expected to continue through 2016. The Company’s contributions for the thermal stimulation program are made in-kind by the use of the RRG-9 well, well field data, and through ongoing monitoring support.

Lee Hot Springs, Nevada
Lee Hot Springs is in Churchill County, 18 miles south of Fallon. The area was originally explored by Occidental Geothermal Company, a subsidiary of the oil company Occidental Petroleum Corporation. The project is comprised of 2,560 acres (four square miles) of BLM leases. ENEL Green Energy, a subsidiary of ENEL Group, the Italian based, multi-national power company, has completed a 15 megawatt binary plant at Salt Wells, 6 miles to the east of Lee. The project was acquired as part of the Earth Power Resources merger which was completed in November 2014.

-19-


Dating back to 1930, the area has had numerous water wells, thermal gradient holes, and geothermal slim hole tests. From 1977-1982 Occidental Geothermal, Inc. drilled four temperature gradient holes to depths of 500 feet, two stratigraphic test wells’ to 2,000-3,000 feet, and one large-diameter production test to 3,000 feet (well 72-33). The 3,000 foot test well flowed 280°F hot water from a zone at 1,200 ft. The A33-4 well, 1,000 feet southwest of well 72-33, was drilled to 2,400 feet and reportedly had temperatures in excess of 300°F and a steadily increasing temperature gradient.

The Great Basin Research Institute has had the leasehold mapped in detail, showing several large silica deposits. The reservoir temperature has been estimated using geochemistry as ranging from 320°F to 340°F by the US Geological Survey and other sources in the 1970s.

Ruby Hot Springs, Nevada
The property is located 30 miles southwest of Elko. EPR filed a BLM lease application for 2,140 acres in February 2001 and the lease application was rejected by the BLM in December 2005 due to cultural issues. The decision was appealed to the Interior Board of Land Appeals (“IBLA”) and the IBLA remanded the application back to the BLM for further action. No further action has been taken by BLM on issuance of the lease pending the completion of cultural and ethnographic studies that are required for further review. The project was acquired as part of the Earth Power Resources merger which was completed in November 2014.

The area around Ruby was first leased by Union Oil Company (now Chevron) in the late 1970s. A 3,149 foot test well was drilled and reportedly flowed at over 300°F. A second well in the area, Ruby Valley 65-10, was drilled to 1,075 feet deep and encountered lost circulation zones, but no temperature data is available. In the early 1980s, Aminoil drilled twelve 500 foot deep temperature gradient wells and two 1,000 foot stratigraphic test wells. Data from these wells have been incorporated into generalized heat-flow contour maps of the area.

-20-


Employees

At December 31, 2015, the Company had 48 full-time and one part time employees (14 administrative and project development, and 35 field and plant operations). The Company continuously considers acquisition opportunities, and if the Company is successful in making acquisitions, additional management and administrative staff may be added.

The Company did not experience any labor disputes or labor stoppages during the current fiscal year.

Principal Products

The principal product is based upon activities related to the production of electrical power from the utilization of the Company’s geothermal resources. The primary product will be the direct sale of power generated by our interests in our geothermal power plants. Currently, our principal revenues consist of energy sales and energy credit sales. All power plants currently in operation, as well as all sites under exploration or development, are sites located in the Western United States or in the Republic of Guatemala in Central America.

Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

Geothermal energy is natural heat energy stored within the Earth’s crust at economically accessible depth. In some areas of the Earth, economic concentrations of heat energy result from a combination of geological conditions that allow water to penetrate into hot rocks at depth, become heated, and then circulate to a near surface environment. In these settings, commercially viable extraction of the geothermal energy and its conversion to electricity become possible and a “geothermal resource” is present.

There are four major components (or factors) to a geothermal resource:

  1.

Heat source and temperature – The economic viability of a geothermal resource is related to the amount of heat generated. The higher the temperature, the more valuable the geothermal resource.

     
  2.

Fluid – A geothermal resource is commercially viable only when the system contains water and/or steam as a medium to transfer the heat energy to the surface.

     
  3.

Permeability – The fluid present underground must be able to move. In general, significant porosity and permeability within the rock formation are needed to create a viable reservoir.

     
  4.

Depth – The cost of development increases with depth, as do resource temperatures. The proximity of the reservoir to the surface is therefore a key factor in the economic valuation of a geothermal resource.

Electrical power is directly produced through the utilization of geothermal resources; however, these resources are not a direct component of the final product.

-21-


Unless major geological changes occur that impact the geothermal reservoirs, the condition of the existing resources is expected to remain relatively consistent over time.

Significant Government Permits

The Company has obtained all permits necessary for operating its three plants located in Idaho, Nevada and Oregon. In addition, applications for permits and approvals necessary for construction and operation of the WGP Geysers project were initiated in June 2015.

Neal Hot Springs, Oregon. The Neal Hot Springs project has four primary permits governing power plant operations. The permits include:

  1.

Geothermal Well Permits issued by the Department of Geology.

  2.

A Right-of-Way issued by the Bureau of Land Management.

  3.

A Conditional Use Permit issued by the Malheur County Commission.

  4.

Underground Injection Control Permit issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

San Emidio, Nevada. The San Emidio project has five primary permits governing power plant operations. The permits include:

  1.

Geothermal well permits issued by the Nevada Division of Minerals.

  2.

A Special Use Permit issued by the Washoe County Board of Commissioners.

  3.

An Air Quality Permit to Operate from Washoe County.

  4.

A Surface Discharge Permit from Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

  5.

An Underground Injection Permit from Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.

Raft River, Idaho. The Raft River project has four primary permits governing power plant operations. The permits include:

  1.

Geothermal well permits issued by the Idaho Department of Water Resources.

  2.

A Conditional Use Permit issued by the Cassia County Planning and Zoning Commission.

  3.

Air Quality Permit to Construct issued by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

  4.

A Wastewater Reuse Permit issued by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

WGP Geysers, California. Western GeoPower had previously been issued all necessary permits for construction and operation of up to a 38.5 megawatt geothermal power plant. Some of the issued permits administratively expired and have been resubmitted. The primary permits include:

  1.

Geothermal well permits for production and injection wells issued by the California Department of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources and Sonoma County.

-22-



  2.

A Conditional Use Permit issued by the Sonoma County for the power plant and cooling tower system.

  3.

Air Quality Permit to Construct issued by the Northern Sonoma Air Quality Board.

Seasonality of Business

The Company has been producing energy revenues under the terms of three PPAs. Two of these contracts specify favorable rate periods and all three plants experience changes in levels of production through the year. The Raft River Energy I LLC (Raft River, Idaho) and USG Oregon LLC (Neal Hot Springs, Oregon) contracts pay higher rates in the months of July/August and November/December. Energy production can be influenced by the seasonal temperatures. The Company’s binary geothermal plants can operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. Cooler temperatures facilitate the cooling process of the secondary fluid that is used to power the turbines. The Neal Hot Springs plant, since it utilizes air cooling rather than water cooling, is impacted more in the summer (lower generation) than the Raft River or San Emidio plants. Neal Hot Springs produces higher generation in the winter. Drilling and other construction activities can be negatively impacted by inclement weather that can occur, primarily, during the winter months.

Industry Practices/Needs for Working Capital

The Company is heavily involved in exploration and development operations. Once the decision is made to construct a project, high levels of working capital are committed, either directly or indirectly to the construction efforts. After a plant becomes commercially operational and the necessary operating reserves have been funded, the needs for working capital are typically low. The Company is expecting to be significantly involved in exploration and development activities for the next 5 to 10 years.

Dependence on a Few Customers

Ultimately, the market for electrical power is vast; however, the numbers of entities that can physically, logistically and economically purchase the commodity in large quantities are limited. The Company’s primary revenues originate from energy sales and the sale of energy credits. Currently, the Company generates energy revenues and energy credits from three sources. Idaho Power Company purchases energy generated by both Raft River Energy I LLC and USG Oregon LLC. NV Energy purchases energy from USG Nevada LLC. Energy credits earned by Raft River plant are sold to Holy Cross Energy. Under the current PPAs, energy credits that are earned by USG Oregon LLC and USG Nevada LLC plants are bundled with energy sales. Based upon current operations and expected project completions, it is expected that the Company will have a small number of direct customers that may amount to less than 10 over the next 5 to 10 years.

-23-


Competitive Conditions

Although the market for different forms of energy is large and dominated by very powerful players, we perceive our industrial competition to be independent power producers and in particular those producers who provide “green” renewable power. Our definition of green power is electricity derived from a source that does not pollute the air, water or earth. Sources of green power, in addition to geothermal, include wind, solar, biomass and run-of-the river hydroelectric. A number of states have instituted renewable portfolio standards (“RPS”) that require utilities to purchase a minimum percentage of their power from renewable sources. For example, RPS statutes in California require 33% renewable and Nevada require 25% renewable. According to the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy department, approximately 38 states nationwide have established renewable portfolio standards or goals encouraging the procurement of green, renewable power. As a result, we believe green power is an important sub-market in the broader electric market, in which many power purchasers are increasing or committing to increase their investments. Accordingly, the conventional energy producers do not provide direct competition.

In the Pacific Northwest there are currently only two commercial geothermal facilities, both operated by the Company. There are a number of wind farms, as well as biomass and run-of-the river hydroelectric facilities. However, the Company believes that the combination of greater reliability and the baseload generation profile provided by geothermal power, with access to infrastructure for deliverability, and a low "full life" cost of power will allow geothermal to successfully compete for long term PPAs.

Factors that can influence the overall market for our product include some of the following:

  • number of market participants buying and selling electricity;
  • availability and cost of transmission;
  • availability of low cost natural gas as an alternate fuel source
  • amount of electricity normally available in the market;
  • fluctuations in electricity supply due to planned and unplanned outages of competitors’ generators;
  • fluctuations in electricity demand due to weather and other factors;
  • cost of fuel used by generators, which could be impacted by efficiency of generation technology and fluctuations in fuel supply;
  • environmental regulations that impact us and our competitors;
  • availability of production tax credits and other benefits allowed by tax law;
  • relative ease or difficulty of developing and constructing new facilities; and
  • credit worthiness and risk associated with buyers.

-24-


Environmental Compliance

Geothermal drilling, construction and power plant operations are subject to federal, state and local environmental requirements and construction oversight. Applicable laws may include but are not limited to the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, state specific geothermal drilling rules, state and federal injection well requirements and standards and local building codes.

Prior to acquiring an existing geothermal development, USG retains an independent, licensed engineer or geologist to conduct a Site Assessment and evaluate the property and prevent an unrecognized financial liability from being passed to U.S. Geothermal Inc. or our subsidiaries.

Our geothermal operations involve significant quantities of geothermal brine that is returned to the local subsurface, geologic formation. We also use isopentane and R-134A working fluids, and numerous industrial lubricants that are considered contaminants if released or spilled. We are not aware of any mismanagement of these materials and we are required to promptly report any release of specified volumes of oil, lubricants, and chemicals used in our operations.

The requisite approvals and permits for our operations have been independently reviewed and verified prior to obtaining project financing. Independent legal reviews have verified that USG and our subsidiaries are operated in accordance with applicable laws. Existing laws and regulations may be revised or reinterpreted, or new laws and regulations may become applicable to us. Under those circumstances we work with the appropriate agency or entity to ensure that our operations remain in compliance with the applicable rules. As of the date of this memorandum, all of the permits and approvals required to operate our plants have been obtained and are valid.

Neal Hot Springs, Oregon
The Neal Hot Springs project is situated approximately 12 miles west of Vale, Oregon in an area with two nearby residents. There are no unique plants or animal communities in the area and no unique cultural or environmental constraints.

Because the power plant is air-cooled the only environmental reporting required is a monthly production and injection report and an annual water quality summary. Both reports are sent to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Semi-annual water monitoring has been conducted since 2008 and will continue throughout power plant operations. The Neal project files a quarterly energy generation report with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. An independent legal team has reviewed all regulatory requirements, permits and approvals for the project.

Adjoining rangelands are privately and federally managed and there are no rangeland or cropland management obligations.

The Neal project is in compliance with all environmental permitting, monitoring and reporting requirements and has received no formal or informal notices from any local, state, or federal agency.

-25-


San Emidio, Nevada
The San Emidio project is located approximately 14 miles south of Gerlach Nevada. The nearest residence is over four miles from the plant site.

The San Emidio staff files monthly, quarterly and annual water reports with the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Water Resources. Similar to other projects San Emidio’s monthly geothermal production and injection volumes are submitted the Division of Minerals and Division of Environmental Protection. Water quality reporting is also submitted regularly to the Division of Environmental Protection.

San Emidio is in compliance with all environmental permitting, monitoring and reporting requirements and has received no formal or informal notices from any local, state, or federal agency.

Raft River, Idaho
The Raft River project is located approximately 12 miles south of Malta, Idaho in a rural agricultural area with the nearest residence approximately two miles from the plant site. There are no unique plants or animal communities in the area and no unique cultural or environmental constraints.

Wastewater reuse requires a significant level of environmental reporting and data management. Water quality data is collected a minimum of four times annually. Monthly production and injection reports are filed with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, a land application and cooling water quality reports filed with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Idaho Department of Water Resources annually. The Project’s private lands are managed on an ongoing basis for weed control, water management, irrigation, and fencing infrastructure.

The Raft River project is in compliance with all environmental permitting, monitoring and reporting requirements and has received no formal or informal notices from any local, state, or federal agency.

WGP Geysers, California
The Unit 15 property is located approximately 30 minutes north of the city of Healdsburg, CA. The property encompasses a ridgetop and a north facing hillside that has been developed and was used for geothermal operations from l979 to l989. There are no unique plants or animal communities on the project site and no unique cultural or environmental constraints. The North Coast Regional Water Quality Board (NCRWQB) has required WGP to remove soil that was identified as having arsenic levels that exceed 150 parts per million. The NCRWQB accepted WGP’s proposal for the soil removal and we are in compliance the NCRWQB’s requirements. The work was completed in June 2015.

WGP’s ongoing environmental reports include a monthly well report that is filed with the California Department of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources and an annual water quality reports that are filed with the California Regional Water Board.

-26-


The Unit 15 project is in compliance with all environmental permitting, monitoring and reporting requirements and has received no formal or informal notices from any local, state, or federal agency.

Gerlach, El Ceibillo, Crescent Valley, Lee Hot Springs, Ruby Hot Springs, and Vale
No power plant operations are being conducted on these properties at this time. The Company is in compliance with all environmental and regulatory requirements and has received no formal or informal notices from any local, state, or federal agency. There are no monthly, quarterly, or annual reporting requirements associated with these projects.

Financial Information about Geographic Areas

The Company has interests in operational power plants in three locations in the Western United States. The Raft River Energy I LLC power plant is located in the southeastern part of the State of Idaho. Raft River Unit I became operational on January 3, 2008. USG Nevada LLC constructed a new power plant located in the northwestern part of the State of Nevada in the San Emidio Desert. This power plant owned by USG Nevada LLC became commercially operational May 25, 2012. The three units owned by USG Oregon LLC became commercially operational November 16, 2012. These units are located in the Eastern part of the State of Oregon near the Idaho border. A summary of total energy and energy credit sales by location is as follows:

    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
             
USG Oregon LLC located in Eastern Oregon $  18,823,799   $  18,759,248  
USG Nevada LLC located in Northwestern Nevada   7,324,484     7,031,445  
Raft River Energy I LLC located in Southeastern Idaho   5,051,815     5,178,089  
             
            Total energy and energy credits sales $  31,200,098   $  30,968,782  

Financial Information about Business Segments

The Company has two reporting segments: operating plants and corporate and development. For more information about the business segments, please see Note 16 to our consolidated financial statements.

Available Information

We file annual, quarterly and periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may obtain and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580;Washington D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the SEC’s Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an internet website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and other information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. Our SEC filings are accessible via the internet at that website.

-27-


We make available, free of charge through our Internet website at http://www.usgeothermal.com, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information on our website is not incorporated into this report and is not a part of this report.

Governmental Approvals and Regulations

The geothermal energy industry in the United States is regulated by federal, state and local agencies and commissions. Those agencies and commissions regulate geothermal drilling, power generation activities and environmental protection, permitting, licensing and bonding requirements. The following information is a general summary of the electric utility industry and applicable regulations in the United States and is not a full statement of the law or all issues pertaining to electric industry requirements.

Regulatory oversight of the industry can be broadly divided between rules governing geothermal exploration and rules governing actual energy generation, power sales and delivery. Geothermal fluid production is regulated under federal and state rules and regulations that require permits for drilling operations, geothermal fluid production and injection, and well abandonment. Prior to drilling agencies will review plans and ensure that natural resource values such as air, water, wildlife and vegetation are protected. Geothermal energy generation is regulated under federal, state and local rules and regulations. Permits are required for power plant construction and operation and ensure that a project site is suitable and that natural resource values and community concerns, if any, are evaluated and mitigated during the planning and design phase.

Federal Electric Utility Industry Regulation. Electricity production and public utilities are regulated by both the federal government and state utility commissions. State utility commissions traditionally exercise their jurisdiction over an electric utility’s retail operations. There are two primary pieces of federal legislation that have governed public utilities since the 1930s, the Federal Power Act (“FPA”) and Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (“PUHCA”). These statutes have been amended and supplemented by subsequent legislation, including Public Utility Regulatory Protection Act (“PURPA”), the Energy Policy Act of 1992, and Energy Policy Act of 2005 (“EPAct 2005”).

Federal Power Act. Pursuant to the FPA the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) has exclusive jurisdiction over the rates for most wholesale sales of electricity and transmission in interstate commerce. These rates may be based on a cost of service approach or may be determined on a market basis through competitive bidding or negotiation. FERC's regulations under PURPA exempt owners of small power production Qualifying Facilities that use geothermal resources as their primary source and other Qualifying Facilities that are 30 megawatts or under in size from many provisions of the FPA.

-28-


Under the FPA and FERC’s regulations, the wholesale sale of power at market-based or cost-based rates requires that the seller have authorization issued by FERC to sell power at wholesale pursuant to a FERC-accepted rate schedule. FERC grants market-based rate authorization based on several criteria, including a showing that the seller and its affiliates lack market power in generation and transmission, that the seller and its affiliates cannot erect other barriers to market entry and that there is no opportunity for abusive transactions involving regulated affiliates of the seller. All of the Company’s facilities are qualifying facilities and have been granted market-based rate authority to make wholesale sales of electrical energy by FERC. For the Neal Hot Springs power plant, USG Oregon files electronic quarterly reports of the contract and transaction data.

Energy Policy Act of 2005. EPAct 2005 contains provisions to prohibit the manipulation of the electric energy and natural gas markets and increase the ability of FERC to enforce and promote compliance with the statutes, orders, rules, and regulations that FERC administers. To implement the market manipulation provision of EPAct 2005, FERC amended its regulations to prohibit a company, in connection with the purchase or sale of natural gas, electric energy, or transportation or transmission services subject to FERC’s jurisdiction, from (1) using or employing any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud, (2) declaring any untrue statement of a material fact or omitting to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or (3) engaging in any act, practice, or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person. The EPAct 2005 made a number of other changes to laws affecting the regulation of electricity. These include, but are not limited to, giving FERC explicit authority to proscribe and enforce rules governing market transparency, giving FERC authority to oversee and enforce electric reliability standards, requiring FERC to promulgate rules providing for incentive ratemaking to encourage investments that promote transmission reliability and reduce congestion, giving FERC certain siting authority for transmission lines in critical transmission corridors, requiring FERC to promulgate rules granting incentives for transmission owners to join Regional Transmission Organizations, authorizing FERC to require unregulated utilities to provide open access transmission, and ensuring that load serving entities can retain transmission rights necessary to serve native load requirements. EPAct 2005 promulgated PUHCA 2005, which repeals PUHCA 1935, effective as of February 8, 2006.

Public Utility Holding Company Act. Under PUHCA 2005, the books and records of a utility holding company, its affiliates, associate companies, and subsidiaries are subject to FERC and state commission review with respect to transactions that are subject to the jurisdiction of either FERC or the state commission or costs incurred by a jurisdictional utility in the same holding company system. However, if a company is a utility holding company solely with respect to Qualifying Facilities, exempt wholesale generators, or foreign utility companies, it will not be subject to review of books and records by FERC under PUHCA 2005. Qualifying Facilities that make only wholesale sales of electricity are not subject to state commissions’ rate, financial, and organizational regulations and, therefore, would not be subject to any review of their books and records by state commissions pursuant to PUHCA 2005 as long as the Qualifying Facility is not part of a holding company system that includes a utility subject to regulation in that state.

Our power plants are Qualifying Facilities that make only wholesale sales of electricity and are not subject to rate, financial and organizational regulations applicable to electric utilities in those states. The power plants each sell their electrical output under power purchase agreements to electric utilities. The utilities are regulated by their respective state public utilities commissions. Neither USG nor our subsidiaries are considered utility holding companies under FPA, FERC, the EPAct2005, or PUHCA2005 and those regulations have had no direct adverse impact on our ability to develop geothermal resources or deliver power under our contracts.

-29-


Geothermal Development Concession in Guatemala. The following summary of certain aspects of the electric industry in Guatemala should not be considered a full statement of the laws of Guatemala or all of the issues pertaining thereto.

In Guatemala, the General Electricity Law of 1996, Decree 93-96, created a wholesale electricity market and established a new regulatory framework for the electricity sector. The law created a regulatory commission, the CNEE, and a new wholesale power market administrator, the AMM, for the regulation and administration of the sector. The AMM is a private not-for-profit entity. The CNEE functions as an independent agency under the Ministry of Energy and Mines and is in charge of regulating, supervising, and controlling compliance with the electricity law, overseeing the market and setting rates for transmission services, and distribution to medium and small customers. All distribution companies must supply electricity to such customers pursuant to long-term contracts with electricity generators. Large customers can contract directly with the distribution companies, electricity generators or power marketers, or buy energy in the spot market. Guatemala has approved a Law of Incentives for the Development of Renewable Energy Power plants, Decree 52-2003, in order to promote the development of renewable energy power plants. This law provides certain benefits to companies utilizing renewable energy, including a 10-year exemption from corporate income tax and an import tax exemption for generation equipment, transmission lines and substation equipment. In September 2008, CNEE issued a resolution which approved the Technical Norms for the Connection, Operation, Control and Commercialization of the Renewable Distributed Generation and Self-producers Users with exceeding amounts of energy. This technical norm was created to regulate all aspects of generation, connection, operation, control and commercialization of electric energy produced with renewable sources to promote and facilitate the installation of new generation plants, and to promote the connection of existing generation plants which have exceeding amounts of electric energy for commercialization. It is applicable to projects with a capacity of up to 5 megawatts.

Environmental Credits

In the past several years, there has been increased demand for energy generated from geothermal resources in the United States as production costs for electricity generated from geothermal resources have become competitive relative to fossil fuel generation. This is partly due to newly enacted legislative and regulatory incentives, such as production tax credits and state renewable portfolio standards. State renewable portfolio standards laws require that an increasing percentage of the electricity supplied by electric utility companies operating in states with such standards will be derived from renewable energy resources until certain pre-established goals are met. We expect increasing demand for energy generated from geothermal and other renewable resources in the United States as additional states adopt or extend renewable portfolio standards.

-30-


As a “green” power producer, environmental-related credits, such as renewable energy credits or carbon credits, are also available for sale to power companies (to allow them to meet their “green” power requirements) or to businesses which produce carbon based pollution. In all of the Company’s projects, these credits have been sold separately, or bundled with the electricity to provide an additional source of revenue.

We expect the following key incentives to influence our results of operations:

Production Tax Credits and Investment Tax Credits. A PTC provides project owners with a federal tax credit for the first ten years of plant operation. The PTC enhances the annual revenues of the projects by as much as 25 percent per year for the first 10 years. Facilities that begin construction after December 31, 2016 will not be eligible to use this production tax credit. The federal production tax credit available for geothermal energy in 2014 was 2.3 cents per kilowatt-hour. Alternatively, certain projects under construction before the end of 2016, are eligible to elect to take a 30% ITC in lieu of the PTC. The ITC may be taken after the plant has gone into operation and may be monetized. Both PTC and ITC credits require a tax equity partner to monetize.

The WGP Geysers project, San Emidio II project, and the Crescent Valley project all began construction prior to December 31, 2014, and the Company believes all three projects currently qualify for the 30% ITC in lieu of the PTC.

Renewable Energy Credits. Renewable Energy Certificates, or RECs, are tradable environmental commodities that represent proof that one megawatt-hour of electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy resource. A renewable energy provider is credited with one REC for every 1,000 kilowatt-hours or one megawatt-hour of electricity it produces. The electrical energy is fed into the electrical grid and the accompanying REC can either be delivered to the purchaser of the power (“bundled”) or can be sold on the open market providing the renewable energy producer with an additional source of income.

On July 29, 2006, the Company signed a $4.6 million renewable energy credits purchase and sales agreement with Holy Cross Energy, a Colorado cooperative electric association. The agreement is capped at 87,600 RECs (10 megawatt s average over the year). Holy Cross Energy began purchasing the renewable energy credits associated with the RREI power production on October 2007, and is expected to continue purchasing through 2017. Under the revised RREI agreement, Idaho Power keeps all RECs above 87,600 RECs per year. In addition, we retain 49% of the renewable energy credits associated with power production from RREI after 2017 and Idaho Power retains the other 51%. We expect to receive a majority of the annual revenue from the ten-year renewable energy credits sales arrangement with Holy Cross Energy.

On December 10, 2010, a second REC contract was signed with Public Utility District No. 1 of Clallam County, Washington. The term of the agreement is from 2018 to 2034 and includes sales of an estimated 50,000 megawatt hours of RECs annually, representing the 49% ownership in RECs retained by RREI under the Idaho Power PPA.

-31-


The PPAs for the existing San Emidio and Neal Hot Springs power plants require the bundling of power sales and RECs. Therefore, under these contracts all RECs are delivered with the net power sold to the utility.

-32-


Item 1A. Risk Factors

Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as the other information in this 10-K filing and related financial statements, before deciding whether to invest in shares of our common stock. The occurrence of any of the following risks, or other risks that are currently unknown or unforeseen by us, or that we currently believe are not material, could harm our business, financial condition, results of operation or growth prospects. In that case, you may lose all or a portion of your investment.

We have organized the following risk factors into categories to present related risks together. As a consequence of this, it is highly recommended that you read this entire risk factor section completely. The risks we have identified have been grouped into the following categories:

  Risks Related to Our Business;
  Risks Related to Our Growth;
  Risks Related to Our Power Purchase Agreements;
  Risks Related to Our Liquidity and Capital Resources;
  Risks Related to Government Regulation;
  Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our geothermal power plants have numerous pieces of equipment that are subject to breakdown or failure, many beyond our control. Failure of critical equipment could have a material impact on electrical generation and associated revenues. Our financial performance depends on the successful operation of our geothermal power plants, which are subject to numerous operational risks that are outside of our control. The continued operation of our geothermal power plants involves many risks, including breakdown or failure of power generation equipment, transmission lines, pipelines, geothermal pumps or other equipment or processes, and performance below expected levels of output or efficiency. If any of these risks were to materialize, they could have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

A breakdown or failure in our geothermal power plants, our power generation equipment, the transmission lines, pipelines, geothermal pumps or other equipment or processes would also mean lost revenue because such a failure or breakdown could prevent us from selling electricity to our customers. For instance, because we rely on transmission lines owned by third parties to deliver all of the power that we generate to the purchasers of our electricity, any interruption in a transmission line’s service could result in lost revenue. Any such interruption in our ability to provide electricity to our customers on a timely basis could therefore materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

-33-


Our geothermal reserves could decline in the future. Declines greater than those that we expect would reduce our electricity production levels, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating revenues. We currently derive all of our revenue from geothermal energy and anticipate that we will continue to generate substantially all of our revenue from our current geothermal power plants for the next several years. Electricity production from geothermal properties can decline as the water resources in the earth are used, with the rate of water or temperature decline depending on reservoir characteristics and our ability to re-inject water effectively back into the earth. Therefore, we try to minimize the decline in water and temperature of the water in the ground and maximize the resources that we use to generate electricity. For each of our geothermal power plants, we estimate the productivity of the geothermal resource and the expected decline in productivity. We base our operating plans and financial models on these estimates of resources. However, because the development and operation of geothermal energy resources are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, the productivity of a geothermal resource may decline more than anticipated, resulting in insufficient reserves being available for sustained generation of the electrical power capacity desired. Factors that could adversely affect our geothermal reserves and result in decline rates greater than we forecast include, among others:

  significant changes in the characteristic of the geothermal resource;
  drilling in areas in and around our facilities by third parties; and
  the total amount of recoverable reserves.

An unexpected decline in productivity of our geothermal resources would therefore reduce the amount of electricity that we can produce and, therefore, the revenue that we will be able to generate from our geothermal resources.

We cannot assure you that our estimates of future generation resources, production capacity and cash flows are accurate. Estimates of future generation resources and the future net cash flows attributable to those resources are prepared by independent engineers, geologists and geoscientists. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating these resources and the potential future cash flows attributable to such resources. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations that cannot be measured in an exact manner. The accuracy of an estimate of quantities of resources, or of cash flows attributable to such resources, is a function of the available data, assumptions regarding future electricity prices and expenditures for future development and exploitation activities, and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. In order to undertake these estimates and studies, independent third parties must often rely to some extent on our own estimates and data, which we believe are reasonable and accurate but which may ultimately be proved to be incorrect. Actual future production, revenue, taxes, development expenditures, operating and royalty expenses, quantities of recoverable resources and the value of cash flows from such resources may vary significantly from the assumptions and underlying information set forth herein. In addition, different reserve engineers may make different estimates of resources and cash flows based on the same available data. We cannot assure you that we will accurately estimate the quantity or productivity of our geothermal resources.

Our results are subject to quarterly and seasonal fluctuations. Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated in the past and could be negatively impacted in the future as a result of a number of factors, including:

  seasonal variations in ambient weather conditions;
  variations in levels of production; and

-34-



  the completion of exploration and production projects.

Operating hazards, natural disasters or other interruptions of our geothermal power plant operations could result in potential liabilities, which may not be fully covered by our insurance. The geothermal business involves certain operating hazards such as:

  well blowouts;
  casing deformation;
  casing corrosion;
  uncontrollable flows of steam and hot water;
  pollution; and
  induced seismic activity.

The occurrence of any one of the above may result in injury, loss of life, suspension of operations, environmental damage and remediation and/or governmental investigations and penalties.

In addition, all of our operations are susceptible to damage from natural disasters, such as earthquakes and fires, which involve increased risks of personal injury, property damage and service interruptions. Any of these events could cause serious injuries, fatalities or property damage, which could expose us to liabilities. The payment of any of these liabilities could reduce, or even eliminate, the funds available for exploration, development and acquisition, or could result in a loss of our properties. Our insurance policies are subject to deductibles, limits and exclusions that are customary or reasonable given the cost of procuring insurance, current operating conditions and insurance market conditions. There can be no assurance that such insurance coverage will continue to be available to us on an economically feasible basis, nor that all events that could give rise to a loss or liability are insurable, nor that the amounts of insurance will at all times be sufficient to cover each and every loss or claim that may occur involving the operations of our assets. If we incur substantial liability and the damages are not covered by insurance or are in excess of policy limits, or if we incur liability at a time when we do not have liability insurance, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Our geothermal resource leases may terminate if not placed into production, which could require us to enter into new leases or secure rights to alternate geothermal resources, none of which may be available on terms as favorable to us as any such terminated lease, if at all.

Most of our geothermal resource leases are originally for a fixed term but provide for continuation for so long as we extract geothermal resources in “commercial quantities” or pursuant to other terms of extension. Most of the leases have been producing in “commercial quantities” for many years. The land covered by a few of our periphery leases have yet to produce “commercial quantities” of geothermal resources. Leases covering land that remains undeveloped and does not produce geothermal resources in commercial quantities will terminate. In the event that we determine that a terminated lease is subsequently required for a project, we would need to enter into one or more new leases in order to develop and exploit these geothermal resources. It may not be possible to enter into new leases or these new leases could be on less favorable financial terms than the prior leases, which could materially and adversely affect our ability to achieve commercial success on the applicable project.

-35-


Pursuant to the terms of our leases with the BLM, we are required to conduct our operations on BLM-leased land in a workmanlike manner and in accordance with all applicable laws and BLM directives and to take all mitigating actions required by the BLM to protect the surface of and the environment surrounding the relevant land. In the event of a default under any BLM lease, or the failure to comply with such requirements, or any non-compliance with any applicable regulations governing our use of the land, the BLM may, thirty days after notice of default is provided to our relevant project subsidiary, suspend our operations until the requested action is taken or terminate the lease, either of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flow.

Claims have been made that thermal fracturing and well drilling at some geothermal plants cause seismic activity and related property damage. There are approximately two-dozen steam geothermal plants operating within a fifty-square-mile region in the area of Anderson Springs, in Northern California, and there is general agreement that the operation of these plants causes a generally low level of seismic activity. Some residents in the Anderson Springs area have asserted property damage claims against those plant operators. There are significant issues whether the plant operators are liable, and to date no court has found in favor of such claimants. While we do not believe the areas where our current projects are located will present the same geological or seismic risks, there can be no assurance that we would not be subject to similar claims and litigation, which may adversely impact our operations and financial condition.

As an SEC reporting company, failure to achieve and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the rules of the SEC could harm our business and operating results and/or result in a loss of investor confidence in our financial reports, which could in turn have a material and adverse effect on our business and stock price. Under current rules of the SEC, we are required to document and test our internal control over financial reporting so that our management can certify as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We cannot be certain as to the timing of completion of our evaluation, testing and remediation actions, if any, related to internal controls and other SEC rules or the impact of the same on our operations. The assessment of our internal control over financial reporting will require us to expend significant management and employee time and resources and incur significant additional expense.

During the course of our assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, we may identify material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, as well as any other significant deficiencies that may exist or hereafter arise or be identified, which could harm our business and operating results, and could result in adverse publicity, regulatory scrutiny and a loss of investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports. In turn, this could have a materially adverse effect on our stock price, and, if such weaknesses are not properly remediated, could adversely affect our ability to report our financial results on a timely and accurate basis. Although we believe we would be able to take steps to remediate any material weaknesses we may discover, we cannot assure you that this remediation would be successful or that additional deficiencies or weaknesses in our controls and procedures would not be identified. Moreover, we expect to continue to operate at a relatively low staffing level. Our control procedures have been designed with this staffing level in mind; however, they are highly dependent on each individual’s performance of controls in the required manner. The loss of accounting personnel, particularly our chief financial officer, would adversely impact the effectiveness of our control environment and our internal controls, including our internal control over financial reporting.

-36-


Our participation in joint ventures is subject to risks relating to working with a co-venturer. We are subject to risks in working with a co-venturer that could adversely impact our current projects as well as anticipated development of expansion projects. Involving a joint venturer may result in issues related to funding challenges, control issues, and other general disputes. It’s possible that the proposed project expansions may utilize the geothermal resource within the current joint venture boundaries. Our required contribution to the joint venture could also exceed returns from the joint venture.

We are a holding company and our revenues depend substantially on the performance of our subsidiaries and the projects they operate. We are a holding company whose primary assets are our ownership of the equity interests in our subsidiaries. We conduct no other business and, as a result, we depend entirely upon our subsidiaries’ earnings and cash flow. Our subsidiaries and projects may be restricted in their ability to pay dividends, make distributions or otherwise transfer funds to us prior to the satisfaction of other obligations, including the payment of operating expenses or debt service.

Counterparty credit default could have an adverse effect on the Company. Our revenues are generated under contracts with various counterparties. Results of operations would be adversely affected as a result of non-performance by any of these counterparties of their contractual obligations under the various contracts. A counterparty’s default or non-performance could be caused by factors beyond our control. A default could occur as a result of circumstances relating directly to the counterparty, or due to circumstances caused by other market participants having a direct or indirect relationship with such counterparty. We seek to mitigate the risk of default by evaluating the financial strength of potential counterparties and utilizing industry standard credit provisions in our contracts, however, despite our mitigation efforts, defaults by counterparties may occur from time to time, and this could negatively impact our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Environmental liabilities and compliance costs could adversely affect our financial condition. The geothermal business is subject to environmental hazards, such as leaks, ruptures and discharges of geothermal fluids and hazardous substances, emissions of toxic gases and disposal of hazardous substances. These environmental hazards could expose us to material liabilities for property damages, personal injuries or other environmental harm, including costs of investigating and remediating contaminated properties. In addition, we also may be liable for environmental damages caused by the previous owners or operators of properties we have purchased or are currently operating.

A variety of stringent federal, state and local laws and regulations govern the environmental aspects of our business and impose strict requirements for, among other things:

  water extraction from surface streams and lakes;
  well drilling or workover, operation and abandonment;
  waste management;

-37-



  injection well classifications;
  land reclamation;
  financial assurance, such as posting bonds; and
  controlling air, water and waste emissions.

Any noncompliance with these laws and regulations could subject us to material administrative, civil or criminal penalties or other liabilities and could lead to a curtailment or shut down of one or more of our plants. Additionally, our compliance with these laws may result in increased costs to our operations or our exploration, acquisition and development of new plants or may result in decreased production from our existing plants. We are unable to predict the ultimate cost of complying with these regulations. Pollution and similar environmental risks generally are not fully insurable.

We use industrial lubricants and other substances at our projects that are or could become classified as hazardous substances. If any hazardous substances are found to have been released into the environment at or by the projects, we could become liable for the investigation and removal of those substances, regardless of their source or time of release. If we fail to comply with these laws, ordinances or regulations, we could be subject to civil or criminal liability, the imposition of liens or fines, and large expenditures to bring the projects into compliance. Furthermore, we can be held liable for the cleanup of releases of hazardous substances at other locations where we arranged for disposal of those substances, even if we did not cause the release at that location. The cost of any remediation activities in connection with a spill or other release of such substances could be significant.

Our geothermal facilities have been in operation for a substantial length of time, and current or future local, state and federal environmental and other laws and regulations may require substantial expenditures to remediate the properties or to otherwise comply with these laws and regulations.

We depend on our senior management, geothermal resource and other technical employees. The loss of these employees could harm our business. We are dependent upon the services of our Chief Executive Officer, Dennis J. Gilles, our President and Chief Operating Officer, Douglas J. Glaspey, our Chief Financial Officer, Kerry D. Hawkley, and our Treasurer and Executive Vice President, Jonathan Zurkoff. The loss of any of their services could have a material adverse effect upon us. As of the date of this report, the Company has executed employment agreements with these persons, but does not have key-man insurance on any of them.

-38-


Our success depends on the skills, experience and efforts of our people, particularly our senior management, geothermal resource and other technical employees. The geothermal industry is relatively small with a limited number of individuals with the management, technical and operational expertise necessary to run and operate facilities. In addition, many of our workers have significant and unique knowledge on how to manage and operate geothermal facilities. The loss of the services of one or more members of our senior management or of numerous employees with critical skills could have a negative effect on our business.

There are some risks for which we do not or cannot carry insurance. Because our current operations are limited in scope, the Company carries property, public liability insurance and directors’ and officers’ liability coverage, but does not currently insure against other risks. As its operations progress, the Company will acquire additional coverage consistent with its operational needs, but the Company may become subject to liability for pollution or other hazards against which it cannot insure or cannot insure at sufficient levels or against which it may elect not to insure because of high premium costs or other reasons.

Our officers and directors may have conflicts of interests arising out of their relationships with other companies. Several of our directors and officers serve (or may agree to serve) as directors or officers of other companies or have significant shareholdings in other companies. To the extent that such other companies may participate in ventures in which the Company may participate, the directors may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and concluding terms respecting the extent of such participation.

Risks Related to Our Growth

Our growth prospects depend in part on our ability to further develop or acquire geothermal or other renewable energy power generation facilities and resources, which are subject to substantial risks. Because production from geothermal properties generally declines as both water and temperature is depleted, with the rate of decline depending on reservoir characteristics, our geothermal resources will decline as we continue to produce electricity unless we conduct other successful exploration and development activities or supplement the current amounts of water that we inject into the reservoir with sufficient water from other sources, or both. The acquisition and development of geothermal power generation facilities and resources is complex, expensive, time consuming and subject to substantial risks, many of which are outside of our control. In connection with the development of geothermal power generation facilities and resources, we must:

  identify suitable locations and appropriate technology;
  secure rights to exploit the resources;
  obtain sufficient capital and revenue sources;
  obtain appropriate governmental permits;
  maintain cost controls during construction; and
  identify, hire and retain a qualified work force.

We may be unsuccessful in accomplishing any of these matters or in doing so on a timely basis. In our exploration efforts, we may not find commercially productive reservoirs or, if we do, the remote location of the resource may hinder our access to markets or delay our production. In addition, project development is subject to various environmental, engineering and construction risks. Although we may attempt to minimize the financial risks in the development of a power generation facility by obtaining all required governmental permits and approvals and arranging adequate financing prior to the commencement of construction, the development of a power project may require us to expend significant sums for preliminary engineering, permitting, legal and other expenses before we can determine whether a project is feasible, economically attractive or financeable.

-39-


In addition, community opposition could delay or prevent us from obtaining the necessary approvals The process for obtaining initial environmental, siting and other governmental permits and approvals is complicated and lengthy, often taking more than one year, and is subject to significant uncertainties. If we are unable to complete the development of a facility, we would most likely not recover any of our investment in the project. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in the acquisition of additional geothermal resources or development of power generation facilities in the future or that we will be able to successfully complete construction of our facilities currently in development, nor can we assure you that any of these facilities of resources will be profitable or generate consistent and reliable cash flow.

Actual costs of construction or operation of a power plant may exceed estimates used in negotiation of power purchase and power financing agreements. If the actual costs of construction or operations exceed the costs used in our economic model, the Company may not be able to build the contemplated power plants, or if constructed, may not be able to operate profitably. The Company’s financing agreements provide for a priority payback to our partner. If the actual costs of construction or operations exceed the model costs, we may not be able to operate profitably or receive the planned share of cash flow and proceeds from the project. As an example, the actual costs of operating the Raft River power project were higher than the original estimate due to several factors including the need to filter the ground water used for cooling to remove harmful and unanticipated chloride levels in the water, the need to purchase production pump power from a third party to provide maximum plant output, and increased general costs related to labor, maintenance and management.

We may not be able to successfully integrate companies that we may acquire in the future, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, future results and cash flow. Our strategy is to continue to expand in the future, including through acquisitions. Integrating acquisitions is often costly, and we may not be able to successfully integrate our acquired companies with our existing operations without substantial costs, delays or other adverse operational or financial consequences. Integrating our acquired companies involves a number of risks that could materially and adversely affect our business, including:

 

failure of the acquired companies to achieve the results we expect;

 

inability to retain key personnel of the acquired companies;

 

risks associated with unanticipated events or liabilities; and

 

the difficulty of establishing and maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies, including accounting controls and procedures.

-40-


If any of our acquired companies suffers performance problems, the same could adversely affect the reputation of our group of companies and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, future results and cash flow.

Our development activities are inherently very risky. The high risks involved in the development of a geothermal resource must be emphasized. The development of geothermal resources at our projects is such that there cannot be any assurance of success. Exploration costs are high and are not fixed. The geothermal resource cannot be relied upon until substantial development, including drilling and testing, has taken place. The costs of development drilling are subject to numerous variables such as unforeseen geologic conditions underground which could result in substantial cost overruns. Drilling for geothermal resources can result in well depths that are relatively deep with well costs typically proportionate to the depth and geology encountered. Drilling may involve unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells, but also from wells that do not produce sufficient volumes to generate net revenues that provide a profit after drilling, operating and other costs.

Our drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including economic conditions, mechanical problems, title problems, weather conditions, compliance with governmental requirements and shortages or delays of equipment and services. If our drilling activities are not successful, we could experience a material adverse effect on our future results of operations and financial condition.

In addition to the substantial risk that wells drilled will not be productive, or may decline in productivity after commencement of production, hazards such as unusual or unexpected geologic formations, pressures, downhole conditions, mechanical failures, blowouts, cratering, explosions, chemical corrosion, uncontrollable flows of well fluids, pollution and other physical and environmental risks are inherent in geothermal exploration and production. These hazards could result in substantial losses to us due to injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, pollution and other environmental damage and suspension of operations.

Our exploration and development activities may not be commercially successful. Exploration activities involve numerous risks, including the risk that no commercially productive reservoirs will be discovered. In addition, the future cost and timing of drilling, completing and producing wells is often uncertain. Furthermore, drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of a variety of factors, including:

 

unexpected drilling conditions; irregularities in formations; equipment failures or accidents;

  compliance with governmental regulations;
  unavailability or high cost of drilling rigs, equipment or labor;

Our decisions to purchase, explore, develop and exploit prospects or properties depend in part on data obtained through geophysical and geological analyses, production data and engineering studies, the results of which are often uncertain. Because of these factors, we could incur losses as a result of exploratory drilling expenditures. Poor results from exploration activities could have a material adverse effect on our future cash flows, results of operations and financial position.

-41-


Our acquisition strategy could fail or present unanticipated problems for our business in the future, which could adversely affect our ability to make acquisitions or realize anticipated benefits of those acquisitions. Our growth strategy may include acquiring geothermal and other renewable energy businesses and properties. We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition opportunities or finance and complete any particular acquisition successfully.

Furthermore, acquisitions involve a number of risks and challenges, including:

  diversion of management’s attention;
  the need to integrate acquired operations;
  potential loss of key employees of the acquired companies;
  greater geographic dispersion of employees;
  the potential that we may make bad acquisitions;
 

potential lack of operating experience in a geographic market of the acquired business; and

  an increase in our expenses and working capital requirements.

Any of these factors could materially and adversely affect our ability to achieve anticipated levels of cash flows from the acquired businesses or realize other anticipated benefits of those acquisitions.

Development and expansion are dependent on the ability to successfully complete drilling activity. Drilling and exploration are the main methods of establishing new reserves. However, drilling and exploration may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of:

  availability of equipment, particularly drilling rigs and well casing;
  lack of acceptable prospective acreage;
  inadequate capital resources;
  weather;
  compliance with governmental regulations; and
  mechanical difficulties;
  opposition to development.

Natural gas prices are volatile, and a decline in gas prices would affect significantly the electricity prices we are able to obtain in future PPA contracts. Development of our new plants depends on the prices we are able to negotiate in our long term PPAs. The prices of those PPAs in today’s market are substantially associated with the prices and demand for natural gas. The markets for these commodities are volatile, and modest drops in prices can affect significantly our financial results and impede our growth. Prices for natural gas fluctuate widely in response to relatively minor changes in the supply and demand for oil and gas, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors beyond our control, such as:

  domestic and foreign supply of oil and gas;
  price and quantity of foreign imports;

-42-



 

actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and state-controlled oil companies relating to oil price and production controls;

 

domestic and foreign governmental regulations;

 

political conditions in or affecting other oil producing and gas producing countries, including the current conflicts in the Middle East and conditions in South America and Russia;

 

weather conditions, as evidenced by recent hurricanes;

 

technological advances affecting oil and gas consumption;

 

overall U.S. and global economic conditions; and

 

price and availability of alternative fuels.

Further, oil prices and gas prices do not necessarily fluctuate in direct relationship to each other. Because our geothermal reserves are valued similar to gas reserves, our financial results are more sensitive to movements in gas prices. Lower gas prices decrease our potential revenues available from future long term PPAs, but have little impact on the actual proved reserves we can produce economically, unlike typical oil and gas fields that require extensive ongoing drilling to sustain production.

Our foreign projects expose us to risks related to the application of foreign laws, taxes, economic conditions, labor supply and relations, political conditions and policies of foreign governments, any of which risks may delay or reduce our ability to profit from such projects.

We have development projects outside of the United States. For example, the El Ceibillo project is located in Guatemala. Our foreign development is subject to regulation by various foreign governments and regulatory authorities and is subject to the application of foreign laws. Such foreign laws or regulations may not provide for the same type of legal certainty and rights, in connection with our contractual relationships in such countries, as are afforded to our projects in the United States, which may adversely affect our ability to receive revenues or enforce our rights in connection with our foreign operations. In addition, the laws and regulations of some countries may limit our ability to hold a majority interest in some of the projects that we may develop or acquire, thus limiting our ability to control the development, construction and operation of such projects. Our foreign development is also subject to significant political, economic and financial risks, which vary by country, and include:

  Changes in government policies or personnel;
  Changes in general economic conditions;
  Restrictions on currency transfer or convertibility;
  Changes in labor relations;
  Political instability and civil unrest;
  Changes in the local electricity market;
 

Breach or repudiation of important contractual undertakings by governmental entities; and

  Expropriation and confiscation of assets and facilities.

In particular, the Guatemalan electricity sector was partially privatized and it is currently unclear whether further privatization will occur in the future. Such developments may affect our projects and the El Ceibillo project currently under development if, for example, they result in changes to the prevailing tariff regime or in the identity and creditworthiness of our power purchasers.

-43-


We plan to obtain political risk insurance in connection with our foreign project, when appropriate, but note that such political risk insurance does not mitigate all of the above-mentioned risks. In addition, insurance proceeds received pursuant to a political risk insurance policy, where applicable, may not be adequate to cover all losses sustained as a result of any covered risks and may at times be pledged in favor of the lenders to a project as collateral. Also, insurance may not be available in the future with the scope of coverage and in amounts of coverage adequate to insure against such risks and disturbances.

Our foreign project may expose us to risks related to fluctuations in currency rates, which may reduce our profits from such projects and operations. Risks attributable to fluctuations in currency exchange rates can arise when any foreign subsidiary borrows funds or incurs operating or other expenses in one type of currency but receive revenues in another. In such cases, an adverse change in exchange rates can reduce such subsidiary's ability to meet its debt service obligations, reduce the amount of cash and income we receive from such foreign subsidiary or increase such subsidiary's overall expenses. In addition, the imposition by foreign governments of restrictions on the transfer of foreign currency abroad or restrictions on the conversion of local currency into foreign currency would have an adverse effect on the operations of our foreign project and may limit or diminish the amount of cash and income that we receive from such foreign projects.

Changes in costs and technology may significantly impact our business by making our power plants less competitive. A basic premise of our business model is that generating baseload power at central geothermal power plants achieves economies of scale and produces electricity at a competitive price. However, gas-fired systems may under certain economic conditions produce electricity at lower average prices than our geothermal plants. In addition, there are other technologies that can produce electricity, most notably fossil fuel power systems, hydroelectric systems, wind-turbines and photovoltaic (solar) cells. Some of these alternative technologies currently produce electricity at a higher average price than our geothermal plants; however, research and development activities are ongoing to seek improvements in such alternate technologies and their cost of producing electricity is gradually declining. It is possible that advances will further reduce the cost of alternate methods of power generation to a level that is equal to or below that of most geothermal power generation technologies. If this were to happen, the competitive advantage of our projects may be significantly impaired.

Risks Related to Our Power Purchase Agreements

A force majeure event, disruption of existing transmission or a forced outage affecting a project or unexpected operating expenses could reduce our net income and materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, future results and cash flow. If a plant experiences a force majeure event, such as a fire, earthquake or flood, we would be excused from our obligations to deliver electricity under the PPAs to which we are parties. However, the power purchasers under those PPAs may/will not be required to make any and/or energy payments with respect to the affected project or plant so long as the force majeure event continues and, pursuant to certain of our PPAs, will have the right to prematurely terminate the PPA altogether. Additionally, to the extent that a forced outage has occurred, a power purchaser may not be required to make any energy payments to the affected project, and if as a result the project fails to attain certain performance requirements under certain of our PPAs, the purchaser may have the right to prematurely terminate the PPA altogether. As a consequence, we may not receive any net revenues from the affected project or plant other than the proceeds from any business interruption insurance that may apply to the force majeure event or forced outage after the relevant waiting period, and we may incur significant liabilities in respect of past amounts required to be refunded.

-44-


In addition, we rely on transmission lines owned by local utilities to deliver all of the electricity that we generate to the purchasers of our electricity. If the transmission system were to experience a force majeure event or a forced outage which prevented it from transmitting the electricity from our projects to a power purchaser, the power purchaser would not be required to make energy payments for that electricity with respect to the affected project so long as such force majeure event or forced outage continues.

Any of these events could significantly increase the expenses incurred by our projects or reduce the overall generating capacity of our projects and could significantly reduce or entirely eliminate the revenues generated by one or more of our projects, which in turn would reduce our net income and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, future results and cash flow.

Payments under our PPAs may be reduced if we are unable to forecast our production adequately. Under the terms of certain of our PPAs, if we do not deliver electricity output within 90% to 110% of our forecasted amount, payments for the amount delivered will be reduced, possibly significantly. For example if the plant produces more than 110% of the power as forecasted then we would receive reduced revenue for the amount over the forecast figure. If the plant produces less than 90% of the forecast amount for unexcused reasons, such as normal plant breakdowns and maintenance, then we may be subject to a replacement power costs, depending on the prevailing power market conditions. The agreement moves the power price to the market price instead of contracted price, and the reduction in revenue could be perhaps 30 percent of that amount. As a risk mitigation element, we are not subject to this adjustment until year three of the contract and then we are able to submit a new forecast every three months thereby limiting this exposure.

Our failure to supply the contracted capacity under some of our PPAs with investor-owned electric utilities in states that have renewable portfolio standards may result in the imposition of penalties. The terms of certain of our PPAs require that we make payments to the relevant power purchaser in an amount equal to such purchaser's replacement costs for renewable energy that we are required to but do not provide as required under the PPA and which such power purchaser obtains from an alternate source. In addition, we may be required to make payments to the relevant power purchaser in an amount equal to its replacement costs relating to any renewable energy credits we do not provide as required under the relevant PPA. All of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, future results and cash flow.

-45-


Industry competition may impede our growth and ability to enter into PPAs on terms favorable to us, or at all, which would negatively impact our revenue. The electrical power generation industry, of which geothermal power is a sub-component, is highly competitive and we may not be able to compete successfully or grow our business. We compete in areas of pricing, grid access and markets. The industry in the Western United States is complex as it is composed of public utility districts, cooperatives and investor-owned power companies. Many of the participants produce and distribute electricity. Their willingness to purchase electricity from an independent producer may be based on a number of factors and not solely on pricing and surety of supply. If we cannot enter into PPAs on terms favorable to us, or at all, it would negatively impact our revenue and our decisions regarding development of additional properties.

Risks Related to Our Liquidity and Capital Resources

Substantial leverage and debt service obligations may adversely affect our cash flows, liquidity and operations. We will have substantial indebtedness that we may be unable to service and that restricts our activities. Our ability to meet our debt service obligations and repay, extend, or refinance our outstanding indebtedness will depend primarily upon the operational performance of our geothermal power generation, the prices that we receive for the electricity that we generate, risk management activities, as well as general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. In addition, this indebtedness has important consequences, including:

 

limiting our ability to borrow additional amounts for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, entering into other renewable energy businesses, or other purposes;

 

limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business because we must dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to service the debt;

 

increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

limiting our ability to or increasing the costs of refinance indebtedness; and

 

limiting our ability to enter into marketing, hedging, optimization and trading transactions by reducing the number of counterparties with whom we can transact and the volume of those transactions.

We have a need for substantial additional financing and will have to significantly delay, curtail or cease operations if we are unable to secure such financing. The Company requires substantial additional financing to fund the cost of continued expansion of and the development of our projects. Also, the Company requires funds for other operating activities, and to finance the growth of our business, including the construction and commissioning of power generation facilities. We may not be able to obtain the needed funds on terms acceptable to us or at all. Further, if additional funds are raised by issuing equity securities, significant dilution to our current shareholders may occur and new investors may get rights that are preferential to current shareholders. Alternatively, we may have to bring in joint venture partners to fund further development work, which would result in reducing our interests in the projects.

We may be unable to obtain the financing we need to pursue our growth strategy in the geothermal power production segment, which may adversely affect our ability to expand our operations. When we identify a geothermal property that we may seek to acquire or to develop, a substantial capital investment will be required. Our continued access to capital, through project financing or through a partnership or other arrangements with acceptable terms is necessary for the success of our growth strategy. Our attempts to secure the necessary capital may not be successful on favorable terms, or at all.

-46-


Market conditions and other factors may not permit future project and acquisition financings on terms favorable to us. Our ability to arrange for financing on favorable terms, and the costs of such financing, are dependent on numerous factors, including general economic and capital market conditions, investor confidence, the continued success of current projects, the credit quality of the projects being financed, the political situation in the state in which the project is located and the continued existence of tax laws which are conducive to raising capital. If we are unable to secure capital through partnership or other arrangements, we may have to finance the projects using equity financing which will have a dilutive effect on our common stock. Also, in the absence of favorable financing or other capital options, we may decide not to build new plants or acquire facilities from third parties. Any of these alternatives could have a material adverse effect on our growth prospects and financial condition.

It is very costly to place geothermal resources into commercial production. Before the sale of any power can occur, it will be necessary to construct a gathering and disposal system, a power plant, and a transmission line, and considerable administrative costs would be incurred, together with the drilling of production and injection wells. Future expansion of power production and other opportunities may result in significantly increased capital costs related to increased production and injection well drilling and higher costs for labor and materials. To fund expenditures of this magnitude, we may have to find a joint venture participant with substantial financial resources or expand the current ownership of existing joint venture partners. There can be no assurance that a participant can be found and, if found, it would result in us having to substantially reduce our interest in the project.

We may be unable to realize our strategy of utilizing the tax and other incentives available for developing geothermal power projects to attract strategic alliance partners, which may adversely affect our ability to complete these projects. Part of our business strategy is to utilize the tax and other incentives available to developers of geothermal power generating plants to attract strategic alliance partners with the capital sufficient to complete these projects. Many of the incentives available for these projects are new and highly complex. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in structuring agreements that are attractive to potential strategic alliance partners. If we are unable to do so, we may be unable to complete the development of our geothermal power projects and our business could be harmed.

Our debt instruments impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us; any failure to comply with these restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our operations. The instruments governing our outstanding debt impose significant operating and financial restrictions on our geothermal operating subsidiaries. These restrictions could adversely affect us by limiting our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or to meet our capital needs. These restrictions limit our ability to, among other things:

  make prepayments on or purchase indebtedness in whole or in part;

-47-



 

pay dividends to us or make other distributions to us thereby limiting our ability to use available cash to pay dividends to stockholders, repurchase our capital stock or make other investments in geothermal projects or other renewable energy businesses;

 

make certain investments, including capital expenditures;

 

enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

create or incur liens to secure debt;

 

consolidate or merge with another entity, or allow one of our subsidiaries to do so;

 

lease, transfer or sell assets and use proceeds of permitted asset leases, transfers or sales;

 

incur dividend or other payment restrictions affecting certain subsidiaries;

 

engage in certain business activities; and

 

acquire facilities or other businesses

In addition, any debt facilities that we enter into in the future are likely to contain similar or additional covenants.

Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, and any material deviations from our forecasts could require us to seek waivers or amendments of covenants or alternative sources of financing or to reduce expenditures. We cannot assure you that such waivers, amendments or alternative financing could be obtained, or if obtained, would be on terms acceptable to us.

If we are unable to comply with the terms of the documents governing our indebtedness, we may be required to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness or to obtain additional financing or sell assets. However, we may be unable to refinance or obtain additional financing because of our existing levels of indebtedness and the debt incurrence restrictions under our existing indentures and other debt agreements. If our cash flow is insufficient and refinancing or additional financing is unavailable, we may be forced to default on our indebtedness. Such a default or other breach of the covenants or restrictions contained in any of our existing or future debt instruments could result in an event of default under those instruments and, due to cross-default and cross-acceleration provisions, under our other debt instruments. Upon an event of default under our debt instruments, the debt holders could elect to declare the entire debt outstanding thereunder to be due and payable and could terminate any commitments they had made to supply us with further funds. If any of these events occur, we cannot assure you that we will have sufficient funds available to repay in full the total amount of obligations that become due as a result of any such acceleration, or that we will be able to find additional or alternative financing to refinance any accelerated obligations.

Risks Related to Government Regulation

We are subject to complex government regulation which could adversely affect our operations.

Our activities are subject to complex and stringent environmental and other governmental laws and regulations. The exploration and production of geothermal energy requires numerous permits, approvals and certificates from appropriate federal, state and local governmental agencies, including state and local agencies, whose regulations typically are more stringent than in other states or localities, as well as compliance with environmental protection legislation and other regulations. While we believe that we have obtained the requisite approvals and permits for our existing operations and that our business is operated in accordance with applicable laws, we remain subject to a varied and complex body of laws and regulations that both public officials and private individuals may seek to enforce. Existing laws and regulations could be changed or reinterpreted, or new laws and regulations may become applicable to us that could increase our costs associated with compliance or otherwise harm our business and results of operations. We may be unable to obtain all necessary licenses, permits, approvals and certificates for proposed projects. Intricate and changing environmental and other regulatory requirements may necessitate substantial expenditures to obtain and maintain permits. If a project is unable to function as planned due to changing requirements or local opposition, it may create expensive delays, extended periods of non-operation or significant loss of value in a project.

-48-


Under certain circumstances, the United States Office of Natural Resource Revenue (“ONR”) may require that our operations on federal leases be suspended or terminated. These circumstances include our failure to pay royalties or our failure to comply with safety and environmental regulations. The requirements imposed by these laws and regulations are frequently changed and subject to new interpretations, and if such were to occur, could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.

On a Federal level, the most important tax rule that affects our business is the PTC, which was extended to December 31, 2016. Recent legislation enacted as part of the “Fiscal Cliff” efforts resulted in the extension of the 30% ITC with eligibility for projects that started construction in 2016. There is not a cash grant component to the ITC credit so there is a risk related to monetizing the credit. The loss of the PTC or ITC is a risk that could result in making future expansions at our current project sites, or development at new sites, uneconomic. New rules recently adopted by the BLM, as directed by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, require competitive auction of all geothermal leases on Federal lands. Competitive leasing is significantly increasing the cost of obtaining leases on Federal land, is adding to the capital costs needed to develop geothermal projects, is increasing the total electrical power prices needed to make a geothermal project viable and is making it more difficult to acquire additional adjacent lands for reservoir protection and exploration.

If Federal lands or any Federal involvement are included in any geothermal development, requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") will be triggered. Most of the geothermal resources in the United States are located in the western states, where the Federal Government often is the largest landowner. If a NEPA action is triggered, such as an Environmental Impact Statement or Environmental Assessment, a project delay of one to two years and a cost of $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 or more may be incurred while the environmental permitting process is completed. NEPA not only can impact the property where the geothermal resource is located, but includes the siting and construction of transmission lines. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner that means stricter standards, and enforcement, fines and penalties for non-compliance are more stringent. Environmental assessments of proposed projects carry a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and directors, officers and employees. The cost of compliance with changes in governmental regulations has a potential to reduce the profitability of operations.

-49-


In the states of Idaho, Nevada and Oregon, drilling for geothermal resources is governed by specific rules. In Nevada drilling operations are governed by the Division of Minerals (Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 534A); in Idaho by the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDAPA 37 Title 03 Chapter 04); and in Oregon by the Division of Oil, Gas and Mineral Industries (Division 20 Geothermal Regulation). These rules require drilling permits and govern the spacing of wells, rates of production, prevention of waste and other matters, and, may not allow or may restrict drilling activity, or may require that a geothermal resource be unitized (shared) with adjoining land owners. Such laws and regulations may increase the costs of planning, designing, drilling, installing, operating and abandoning our geothermal wells, the power plant and other facilities. State environmental requirements and permits, such as the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and Air Quality Permit to Construct, include public disclosure and comment. It is possible that a legal protest could be triggered through one of the permitting processes that would delay construction and increase cost for one of our projects. The state of Oregon has an Energy Facility Siting Council that must issue a site certificate for any geothermal energy facilities of 35 megawatts or higher.

Because of these state and federal regulations, we could incur liability to governments or third parties for any unlawful discharge of pollutants into the air, soil or water, including responsibility for remediation costs. We could potentially discharge such materials into the environment:

  from a well or drilling equipment at a drill site;
 

leakage of fluids or airborne pollutants from gathering systems, pipelines, power plant and storage tanks;

  damage to geothermal wells resulting from accidents during normal operations; and
  blowouts, cratering and explosions.

Because the requirements imposed by such laws and regulations are frequently changed, we cannot assure you that laws and regulations enacted in the future, including changes to existing laws and regulations, will not adversely affect our business by increasing cost and the time required to explore and develop geothermal projects. In addition, because some of our project properties were previously operated by others, we may be liable for environmental damage caused by such former operators.

Changes in the legal and regulatory environment affecting our projects could significantly harm our business financial position and results of operations. Our operations are subject to extensive regulation and, therefore, changes in applicable laws or regulations, or interpretations of those laws and regulations, could result in increased compliance costs, the need for additional capital expenditures or the reduction of certain benefits currently available to our projects. The structure of federal and state energy regulation currently is, and may continue to be, subject to challenges, modifications, the imposition of additional regulatory requirements, and restructuring proposals. We may not be able to obtain all regulatory approvals that may be required in the future, or any necessary modifications to existing regulatory approvals, or maintain all required regulatory approvals. In addition, the cost of operation and maintenance and the operating performance of geothermal power plants may be adversely affected by changes in certain laws and regulations, including tax laws.

-50-


Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

The public market for our common stock is not that liquid which could result in purchasers being unable to liquidate their investment. The market price for shares of our common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. Some of the factors that could negatively affect our share price include:

 

actual or anticipated variations in our reserve estimates and quarterly operating results;

 

changes in electricity prices;

 

changes in our funds from operations or earnings estimates;

 

publication of research reports about us or the exploration and production industry;

 

increases in market interest rates which may increase our cost of capital;

 

changes in applicable laws or regulations, court rulings and enforcement and legal actions;

 

changes in market valuations of similar companies;

 

adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we incur in the future;

 

additions or departures of key management personnel;

 

actions by our stockholders;

 

speculation in the press or investment community;

 

large volume of sellers of our common stock pursuant to our resale registration statement with a relatively small volume of purchasers; and

 

general market and economic conditions.

The market price of our common stock could be volatile, which could cause the value of your investment to decline. Securities markets worldwide experience significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility, as well as general economic, market or political conditions, could reduce the market price of our common stock in spite of our operating performance. In addition, our operating results could fall short of the expectations of market analysts and investors, and in response, the market price of our common stock could decrease significantly. You may be unable to resell your shares of our common stock at or above the initial offering price.

The market for our common stock is volatile. The trading price of our common stock on the NYSE MKT LLC (“NYSE MKT”) and on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) is subject to fluctuations in response to, among other things, quarterly variations in operating and financial results, and general economic and market conditions. In addition, statements or changes in opinions, ratings, or earnings estimates made by brokerage firms or industry analysts relating to our market or relating to our company could result in an immediate and adverse effect on the market price of our common stock. The highly volatile nature of our stock price may cause investment losses for our shareholders.

You may experience dilution of your ownership interests due to the future issuance of additional shares of our common stock. We may in the future issue our previously authorized and unissued securities, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of our present stockholders. We are currently authorized to issue 250,000,000 shares of common stock. The potential issuance of such additional shares of common stock may create downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock. We may also issue additional shares of our common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for common stock in connection with the hiring of personnel, future acquisitions, future private placements of our securities for capital raising purposes, or for other business purposes.

-51-


Failure to comply with regulatory requirements may adversely affect our stock price and business. As a public company, we are subject to numerous governmental and stock exchange requirements, with which we believe we are in compliance. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”) and the SEC have requirements that we may fail to meet by the required deadlines or we may fall out of compliance with, such as the internal controls assessment, reporting and auditor attestation, as applicable, which are required under Section 404 of SOX. The Company has documented and tested its internal control procedures in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of SOX. SOX requires an annual assessment by management of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as well as an attestation report by the Company’s independent auditors on internal controls over financial reporting if the Company is no longer qualified as a “smaller reporting company” under applicable SEC rules. We may incur additional costs in order to comply with Section 404. In addition, if we fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of SOX. Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary for us to produce reliable financial reports and are important to help prevent financial fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our business and operating results could be harmed, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, and the trading price of our stock could drop significantly. Our failure to meet regulatory requirements and exchange listing standards may result in actions such as the delisting of our stock impacting our stock’s liquidity; SEC enforcement actions; and securities claims and litigation.

We do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We do not expect to declare or pay any cash or other dividends in the foreseeable future on our common stock, as we intend to use cash flow generated by operations to expand our business. We may enter into other borrowing arrangements in the future that restrict our ability to declare or pay cash dividends on our common stock.

Future sales of our common stock by our existing stockholders may depress our stock price. Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could cause the market price of our common stock to decline and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional securities.

If securities or industry equity analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, our stock price and trading volume could be adversely affected. To the extent one develops, the trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry equity analysts publish about us or our business. Our common stock is not currently and may never be covered by securities and industry equity analysts. If no securities or industry equity analysts commence coverage of our company, the trading price of our stock would be negatively impacted. In the event we obtain securities or industry equity analyst coverage of our common stock, if one or more of the equity analysts who covers us downgrades our stock, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these equity analysts ceases coverage of our company or fails to regularly publish reports on us, interest in the purchase of our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

-52-


Provisions under Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock. The existence of some provisions under Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could delay or prevent a change in control of the Company, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock. Delaware law imposes restrictions on mergers and other business combinations between us and any holder of 15% or more of our outstanding common stock. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws prohibit our stockholders from taking action by written consent absent approval by all of our Board of Directors. Further, our stockholders will not have the power to call a special meeting of stockholders.

The sale of our common stock under our ATM to Lincoln Park Capital (“LPC”) may cause dilution and the sale of the shares of common stock acquired by LPC could cause the price of our common stock to decline. The ATM allows for the sale of up to $10,000,000 in shares of our common stock that we may issue and sell to LPC pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, less any shares already sold under the Purchase Agreement. The number of shares ultimately offered for sale by LPC is dependent upon the number of shares purchased by LPC under the Purchase Agreement. The purchase price for the common stock to be sold to LPC pursuant to the Purchase Agreement will fluctuate based on the price of our common stock. It is anticipated that shares will be sold over a period of up to 30 months from the date of the initial purchase under the Purchase Agreement. Depending upon market liquidity at the time, a sale of shares under the offering at any given time could cause the trading price of our common stock to decline. We can elect to direct purchases in our sole discretion. After LPC has acquired such shares, it may sell all, some or none of such shares. Therefore, sales to LPC by us under the Purchase Agreement may result in substantial dilution of the percentage ownership of other holders of our common stock. The sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock under the offering, or anticipation of such sales, could make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and at a price that we might otherwise wish to effect sales. However, we have the right to control the timing and amount of any sales of our shares to LPC and the Purchase Agreement may be terminated by us at any time at our discretion without any cost to us.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

-53-


Item 2. Property

The Company has interests in eight different geothermal resource areas in the Western United States and one area in Guatemala, Central America. The resource areas in the United States are located in Idaho (1), Oregon (2), and Nevada (4) and California (1). The properties include the Raft River area located in southeastern Idaho, the two properties located in southeastern Oregon, and six properties in northwestern Nevada, the WGP Geysers area located in northern California at the Geysers, and the El Ceibillo area located in central Guatemala (near Guatemala City). The properties in northwestern Nevada include San Emidio, Gerlach, Crescent Valley, Lee Hot Springs, and Ruby Hot Springs.

The Company operates three commercial power plants located in the Western United States. The Raft River Unit I, Idaho plant became commercially operational on January 3, 2008. The Neal Hot Springs, Oregon plant achieved commercial operation on November 16, 2012. The San Emidio, Nevada plant was acquired in May 2008. The acquired facility was replaced with a new power plant, located on private land that became commercially operational in May 2012.

-54-


WESTERN UNITED STATES REGIONAL LOCATION MAP

-55-


Neal Hot Springs, Oregon
Neal Hot Springs is a geothermal resource located in Eastern Oregon. The Company acquired the Neal Hot Springs geothermal energy and surface rights in September 2006. A 22 megawatt (net) annual average geothermal power plant was developed by USG Oregon LLC, and is currently in operation at this site. The project has four production wells and nine injection wells at the project.

Significant Lease/Royalty Terms
Approximately 521 acres of geothermal rights at Neal Hot Springs are owned by Cyprus Gold Exploration Corporation (50%), JR Land and Livestock (25%), and USG Oregon LLC (25%). Royalty for the two private leases is paid on the gross revenue from energy sales paid by Idaho Power Company under the PPA. The JR Land & Livestock lease has a 3% royalty for the first five years of production, increases to 4% for years 6-15, and then to 5% for the remainder of the lease term. The Cyprus lease establishes a 2% royalty for the first ten years and then escalates to 3% for the remainder of the lease.

-56-


San Emidio, Nevada
In 2008, the Company acquired a 3.6 megawatt operating geothermal power plant and all associated private and federal geothermal leases and certain ground water rights in the San Emidio Valley and at Gerlach, Nevada. The San Emidio project is located approximately 75 air miles north of Reno, Nevada. The Gerlach property is locate immediately northwest of Gerlach Nevada. The San Emidio assets include the geothermal power project, 17,846 (27.9 square miles) acres of geothermal leases, and ground water rights used for cooling water. The Gerlach assets include 2,986 acres (4.7 square miles) of BLM and private geothermal leases. The Gerlach leases are located along a geologic structure known to host geothermal features including the Great Boiling Spring and the Fly Ranch Geyser.

In 2012, USG completed the San Emidio Phase I repower project; a 9.0 megawatt (net) annual average facility located on private land owned by USG Nevada. Phase I repowering was completed utilizing the existing production and injection wells.

Significant Lease/Royalty Terms
A geothermal unit was established for the operating project by the Company in 2010 with the approval and oversight of the Bureau of Land Management. The Unit allows USG Nevada LLC to allocate expenses among the federal and private geothermal leases within the Unit and legally establishes the percentage of private and federal land that contributes to geothermal production known as the Participating Area. The Participating Area at San Emidio totals 583.68 acres and includes 336.93 acres (57.7%) of private property and 246.75 acres (42.3%) of federally managed land.

-57-


The lease agreement with the Kosmos Company establishes a 1.75% royalty on gross electricity sales for the first 120 months of production and 3.5% royalty thereafter. The federal leases have a 10% netback royalty. The netback calculation is based on gross electricity sales less the transmission and generation cost deductions. In 2014 the equivalent federal royalty is 1.6% of gross electricity sales.

Raft River, Idaho
The Raft River project comprises two packages of property that include the Raft River Energy I LLC (“RREI”) leases, and leases held by the Company. RREI operates the Unit I facility at Raft River which became commercially operational on January 3, 2008. Leases assigned to RREI by the Company included eight private geothermal leases, one of which is owned by the Company. The Company retains direct control over four private leases and one federal lease outside the RREI position.

All of the leases may be extended indefinitely as long as production is maintained from the lease either individually or as a geothermal unit. The Company and RREI hold a total of 6,002 acres; 1,686 acres of federal geothermal rights and 4,316 acres of private leases.

-58-


Significant Lease/Royalty Terms
The private leases have 10 year primary terms with the rights of unitization and extensions. Private leases have varying royalty rates commensurate with other federal and private leases held by the Company and our subsidiaries. Most of the private leases are subject to a 10% netback royalty which is based on gross electricity sales less the transmission and generation cost deductions. In 2014, USG’s equivalent federal netback royalty was equivalent to 1.6% of gross electricity sales where it was applied.

The federal lease, established on August 1, 2007, is held by the Company and has a primary term of 10 years. After the primary term, The Company has the right to extend the contract in accordance with regulation 43 CFR subpart 3207. The royalty under the lease is 1.75% of gross proceeds for the first 10 years of production and 3.5% thereafter. At Raft River, royalty rates have not exceeded rental payments.

A private geothermal unit was established for the operating project in December 2015. The Unit establishes the geologic production area. While a participating are has not been established, leases within the Unit will be evaluated with regard to their contribution of geothermal fluid and are held by production.

-59-


El Ceibillo, Republic of Guatemala

The Company successfully acquired a geothermal energy rights concession in the Republic of Guatemala, which was granted by the Guatemalan government. It consists of 24,710 acres (100 square kilometers) and is located 14 miles southwest of Guatemala City, the capital. The concession provides sub-surface geothermal rights only, and does not provide access to the surface that is owned by private landowners. The concession had an initial five year term for the development and construction of a power plant, which was extended by three years in 2015. There are no royalties due to the government for use of the geothermal resource.

The primary area of interest within the concession is the El Ceibillo project, located near the town of Amatitlan, in a developed industrial zone immediately adjacent to the highway that connects Guatemala City to the Port of San Jose on the Pacific coast. An office and staff are located in Guatemala City, and 80 acres of surface land within the concession area is under lease.

-60-


Crescent Valley and Lee Hot Springs, Nevada
On December 16, 2014, U.S. Geothermal completed the acquisition of EPR and EPR’s lease holdings at Crescent Valley and Lee Hot Springs, Nevada.

The Crescent Valley property encompasses 21,319 acres of private and federal geothermal resources leased by EPR and 2,640 acres of geothermal resources leased by U.S. Geothermal Inc. Upon closing the acquisition the Company began drilling the projects first production well. The well is located on private surface and mineral estate in section 3, Township 28 North Range 49 East and is intended to qualify potential future power plant construction for the 30% renewable energy investment tax credit. The Crescent Valley property includes 55 independent leases ranging in size from 10 acres to 4,100 acres and an average parcel size of 314 acres. EPR’s private leases have a 15 year term with annual rent that escalates at year five and at year 10.

Significant Lease/Royalty Terms
Annual lease rental payment obligations at Crescent Valley are approximately $109,138 and royalty obligations during potential future power production vary for private leases from 3% to 5% of gross sales. Royalty rates for federal geothermal leases are 1.75% of gross revenue for the first 10 years and 3.5% thereafter.

The Lee Hot Springs property encompasses 2,560 acres of federal lands located approximately 17 miles south of Fallon, NV. The federal leases are N-73679 and N-73930. The annual rental is $2,560 and a standard federal royalty is 1.75% of gross revenue for the first 10 years and 3.5% thereafter.

-61-


WGP Geysers, California
Western GeoPower Inc. (“WGP”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Geothermal Inc. WGP’s property includes surface and geothermal rights that consist of two federal geothermal leases (CA-51000 & CA-51001), and one private geothermal lease with no expiration. The total project acreage is 3,808 acres. The site is being re-permitted with Sonoma County for construction and operation of up to a 38.5 megawatt geothermal power plant.

The project is located at the site of the former Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) Unit 15 project, which once had a 62 megawatt (gross) capacity power plant. During 10 years of operation, the PG&E plant declined in production to approximately 38 megawatts before it was shut down in l989 and all of the wells were plugged and abandoned. The project is located within the broader Geysers geothermal field which covers a total of approximately 20,000 acres in the Mayacamas Mountains in Sonoma County and Lake County, California, approximately 75 miles north of San Francisco. The Geysers geothermal resource is the largest producing geothermal field in the world, and has been generating greater than 850 megawatts of power for more than 30 years.

Significant Lease/Royalty Terms
There is no annual rental or royalty for the 421 acre private parcel owned by WGP. The Abril Ranch rental payment for 410 acres of surface and geothermal rights was $16,783 in 2014 and is annually adjusted by the San Francisco/San Jose CPI index. The Filly-Brown properties include 214 acres of surface access rights and 50% of the mineral rights owned by Western GeoPower. The Geothermal royalty payments for Abril are being evaluated with the intent to ensure they are consistent with market conditions.

-62-


Vale Butte, Oregon
Vale Butte and the Vale Butte Geothermal Resource Area is located in Eastern Oregon and borders the east side of the City of Vale. In the first quarter of 2014, U.S. Geothermal Inc. acquired 393 acres of geothermal energy and surface rights under six (6) leases. The leased area is immediately adjacent to the City of Vale and includes private surface and mineral estate, Vale City owned resources and Malheur County owned resources. The Vale Butte resource area has been used for direct use heating for many years. Geochemical analysis indicates a potential reservoir temperature of 311ºF to 320ºF and historical drilling in the area has encountered ground (rock) temperatures in excess of 300°F. Fault structures and hydrologic characteristics have been identified that are similar to the Neal Hot Springs site, and those geologic structures are contained within the newly acquired leases.

Significant Lease/Royalty Terms

-63-


Four private leases and the Vale City lease are issued for a period of 10 years with renewal options while the Malheur County lease was issued for a period of 40 years with renewal options. The lease agreements are consistent in terms of financial and development requirements and have a 2% royalty payment on actual energy paid for by Idaho Power for the first 10 years of commercial production.

Boise Administration Office, Idaho
On August 12, 2013, the Company signed a five year lease agreement for office space and janitorial services. The lease payments are due in monthly installments starting February 1, 2014. The monthly payments that begin February 1, 2014 have two components which include a base rate of $3,234 that is not subject to increase and a rate beginning at $6,418 that is adjusted annually according to the cost of living index. The contract includes a five year extension option.

Land and Leases

The Company and its domestic subsidiaries control 65,434 acres of land in California, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon. U.S. Geothermal owns approximately 1,370 acres while approximately 64,064 acres are controlled through geothermal development leases signed with the BLM, local governmental entities and private owners. The company’s average per acre lease rate is $9.00 per acre/year.

BLM Leases
The Company and its subsidiaries have 26 federal geothermal leases issued in accordance with the Geothermal Steam Act by the BLM.

BLM geothermal leases grant the lessee the right to drill for, extract, produce, remove, utilize, sell, and dispose of geothermal resources from the leased lands, along with the right to build and maintain necessary improvements on the leased land. Ownership of the geothermal resources and other minerals beneath the land is retained in the federal mineral estate. The geothermal lease grants exclusive geothermal development rights. The BLM will, through authority granted by federal regulations and planning requirements, ensure that other federal activities do not unreasonably interfere with the geothermal lessee’s uses of the same land. Most federal leases include stipulations and are governed by federal regulations, that require geothermal development to be conducted in a workmanlike manner and in accordance with all applicable laws and BLM directives and to take all actions required by the BLM to protect the surface of and the environment surrounding the land. Surface protections and environmental protection requirements include protection of water quality, cultural and archeological resources, threatened or endangered plants or animals, migratory birds, wildlife, and visual quality standards.

The BLM also authorizes geothermal lessees to enter into unit agreements on federal lands to cooperatively develop a geothermal resource. The BLM reserves the right to specify rates of development and to require the geothermal lessee to commit to a unitization agreement.

Typical BLM leases have a primary term of ten years and may be renewed as long as geothermal resources are being explored. If resources are produced or utilized in commercial quantities, the lease can be renewed for up to forty years. If at the end of the forty-year period geothermal steam is still being produced or utilized in commercial quantities and the lands are not needed for other purposes, the geothermal lessee will have a preferential right to renew the lease for a second forty-year term, under terms and conditions as the BLM deems appropriate. During the lease term the lessee is required to pay an annual per acre rental fee. The fee escalates according to a schedule until geothermal production begins. After production has commenced, the geothermal lessee is required to pay royalties on the amount or value of energy production, and any by-products that may be derived from geothermal production.

-64-


BLM leases issued after August 8, 2005 (The Energy Policy Act of 2005) also have a primary term of ten years. If the geothermal lessee does not reach commercial production within the primary term, the BLM may grant two five-year extensions. If the lessee is drilling a well for the purposes of commercial production, the lease may be extended for five years and thereafter as long as steam is being produced and used in commercial quantities the lease may be extended for up to thirty-five years. If, at the end of the extended thirty-five year term, geothermal steam is still being produced or utilized in commercial quantities and the lands are not needed for other purposes, the geothermal lessee will have a preferential right to renew the lease under terms and conditions as the BLM deems appropriate.

BLM leases are issued either competitively or non-competitively. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 Lessees who obtain leases issued through a non-competitive process pay an annual rental fee equal to $1.00 per acre for the first ten years and $5.00 per acre each year thereafter. Lessees who obtain a lease through a competitive bid process pay a rental of $2.00 per acre for the first year, $3.00 per acre for the second through tenth year and $5.00 per acre each year thereafter. For BLM leases issued, effective, or pending on August 8, 2005, royalty rates are fixed between 1.0 -2.5% of the gross proceeds from the sale of electricity during the first ten years of production under the lease.

The royalty rate set by the BLM for geothermal resources produced for the commercial generation of electricity but not sold in an arm’s length transaction is 1.75% for the first ten years of production and 3.5% thereafter. The royalty rate for geothermal resources sold by the geothermal lessee or an affiliate in an arm’s length transaction is 10.0% of the gross proceeds from the arm’s length sale.

Private Geothermal Leases
U.S. Geothermal and its subsidiaries hold 68 geothermal leases with private parties. The leases authorize the right to conduct geothermal development and operations on privately owned geothermal estate. In some cases, the surface ownership is split from the mineral or geothermal ownership.

Geothermal leases grant the exclusive right and privilege to drill for, produce, extract, take and remove water, brine, steam, steam power, minerals (other than oil), salts, chemicals, gases (other than gases associated with oil), and other products produced or extracted through geothermal development. The Company and its project subsidiaries are also granted non-exclusive rights pertaining to the construction and operation of plants, structures, and facilities on the leased land. The leases also grant the right to dispose of waste brine and other waste products as well as the right to re-inject into the leased land water, brine, steam, and gases in a well or wells for the purpose of maintaining or restoring pressure in the productive zones beneath the leased land or other land in the vicinity.

-65-


Lessors reserve the right to conduct other activities on the leased land in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with the geothermal lessee’s uses of the same land. Activities include agricultural use (farming or grazing), recreational use and other energy developments. Geothermal leases are typically issued for a primary term of 10 years and continue for as long as leased products are being produced or the lessee is drilling, exploring, extracting, processing, or reworking operations on the leased land.

Lease payments typically include annual rental that is based on a rate per acre under lease and royalty payments on gross revenue from the generation of electricity. Leases also include a provision for royalty payment on all revenue from geothermal by-products. Leases typically have requirements for drilling, extraction or processing operations on the leased land within the primary term or to conduct operations with reasonable diligence until lease products have been found, extracted and processed in quantities deemed “paying quantities” by the lessee. The lessee has the right at any time within the primary term to terminate the lease and surrender the relevant land. If the lessee has not commenced operations on leased land within the primary term, the annual rentals typically increase. The purpose of the increasing annual rental is to encourage development which, in some cases may generate higher payment to the lessor in the form of monthly royalty.

Our leases typically require the lessee to carry insurance, conduct operations in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations, prevent waste, protect environmental quality, and promptly address any default by lessee. The lessor and lessee are protected from automatic lease termination through a notice requirement which must be received by the lessee by certified mail, and a 30 day period in which the lessee must make diligent efforts to correct the alleged default.

Geothermal Development Concession in Guatemala
U.S. Geothermal Guatemala S.A. has acquired a 24,700 acre geothermal concession from the Ministry of Energy and Mines Guatemala C.A. The site is located 12.5 miles southwest of Guatemala City and 2.5 miles west southwest of the City of Amatitlan. The geothermal concession grants the rights for subsurface geothermal development, and established milestones for development and production. The Company has negotiated and acquired a surface lease from one landowner and controls 80 acres enabling geothermal development. The lease is similar in term and conditions to our leases with private landowners in the United States for surface fee land.

-66-


Item 3. Legal Proceedings

As of March 16, 2016, management is not aware of any material current or pending legal proceedings in which the Company is a party, as plaintiff or defendant, or which involve any of its properties.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

-67-


PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

NYSE MKT
The following table sets forth information relating to the trading of our common stock from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015 for the Company’s common stock trading on the NYSE MKT, under the trade symbol “HTM”:

Sale Prices on the NYSE MKT
  High Low
Year Ended December 31, 2015 ($) ($)
First Quarter 0.51 0.44
Second Quarter 0.55 0.46
Third Quarter 0.67 0.51
Fourth Quarter 0.64 0.56
     
Year Ended December 31, 2014    
First Quarter 0.95 0.38
Second Quarter 0.83 0.52
Third Quarter 0.72 0.55
Fourth Quarter 0.57 0.43

TSX
The Company voluntarily delisted from the TSX effective December 31, 2015. The following table sets forth information relating to the trading of our common stock from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015 for the Company’s common stock trading on the TSX under the trade symbol “GTH”:

Sale Prices on the TSX
  High Low
Year Ended December 31, 2015
(CDN$)
(CDN$)
First Quarter 0.63 0.51
Second Quarter 0.67 0.57
Third Quarter 0.90 0.63
Fourth Quarter 0.88 0.75
     
Year Ended December 31, 2014    
First Quarter 1.05 0.40
Second Quarter 0.88 0.57
Third Quarter 0.77 0.60
Fourth Quarter 0.64 0.51

As of March 6, 2016, we had approximately 17,000 beneficial stockholders.

The Company has never paid and does not intend to pay dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. Although the Company’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws do not preclude payment of dividends, we currently intend to retain any future earnings for reinvestment in our business. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other relevant factors. All of the shares of common stock are entitled to an equal share in any dividend declared and paid.

-68-


Item 6. Selected Financial Data

  


For the Years Ended
December 31,
For the
Fiscal Year
Ended
March 31,
2015 2014 2013 2012 2012
Operating Revenues $    31,200,098 $    30,968,782 $    27,370,934 $      9,758,946 $      5,894,113
Operating Expenses 21,207,738 21,972,764 23,240,285 14,090,471 16,522,690
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations 6,336,498 4,589,297 4,130,649 (4,331,525) (6,222,129
Income (Loss) attributable to U.S. Geothermal Inc. 1,847,229 11,613,711 1,946,579 (2,958,567)
Income (Loss) per share attributable to U.S. Geothermal Inc. 0.02 0.11 0.02 (0.03) (0.07)
Cash dividends declared and paid per common share - - - - -

   As of December 31, As of March 31,
2015          2014 2013 2012 2012
Total Assets $    228,217,127 $    232,914,304 $    232,765,297 $    240,496,096 $    219,030,868
Total Long-term Obligations 91,091,982 95,776,351 99,247,344 104,318,206 69,495,470

-69-








Income (loss)
per share
attributable to
U.S.
Geothermal
Inc.




Operating
Revenues




Gross Profit
(Loss)



Income (Loss)
from
Operations
Net Income
(Loss)
Attributable to
U.S.
Geothermal,
Inc.
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012               
           1st Quarter (0.01) 1,159,087 (1,061,775) (2,415,858) (1,643,723)
           2nd Quarter (0.01) 1,280,949 (52,235) (1,827,157) (930,870)
           3rd Quarter (0.00) 2,019,749 270,012 (836,581) (766,100)
           4th Quarter (0.01) 5,299,161 966,804 748,072 382,126
Year Ended December 31, 2013               
           1st Quarter 0.01 7,086,990 4,102,509 2,235,079 1,388,523
           2nd Quarter (0.01) 4,973,076 1,012,227 (1,966,627) (1,376,359)
           3rd Quarter 0.00 5,760,495 2,461,352 186,198 (28,137)
           4th Quarter 0.02 9,550,373 5,635,824 3,675,999 1,962,552
Year Ended December 31, 2014               
           1st Quarter 0.01 8,501,965 4,783,941 2,547,091 1,339,420
           2nd Quarter (0.01) 5,845,874 1,571,096 (1,308,330) (1,152,813)
           3rd Quarter 0.00 6,737,005 2,939,672 695,817 81,780
           4th Quarter 0.11 9,883,938 5,731,213 2,654,719 11,345,324
Year Ended December 31, 2015               
           1st Quarter 0.01 8,473,861 4,615,637 1,763,381 734,135
           2nd Quarter (0.00) 5,861,180 1,801,996 (548,347) (233,820)
           3rd Quarter 0.00 6,929,847 2,819,445 595,079 280,864
           4th Quarter 0.01 9,935,210 6,090,908 3,140,385 1,066,050

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Historical Overview

On March 5, 2002, U.S. Geo-Idaho entered into a letter agreement with the owner of the Raft River project located in southeastern Idaho, pursuant to which Geo-Idaho agreed to acquire all of the real property, personal property and permits that comprised the owner’s interest in that project.

The Company signed a 20 year PPA with Idaho Power on December 29, 2004 to sell power from the Phase I power plant at Raft River located near Malta Idaho. Raft River Energy I LLC (“RREI”) was created on August 18, 2005 for the purpose of developing Raft River Unit I. The limited liability company is a joint venture with Raft River I Holdings, LLC, which is a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs. RREI commenced commercial operations on January 3, 2008. The plant currently operates at a reduced output of approximately 9.4 megawatt net, but has held steady at that level for two years.

-70-


In May 2008, the Company acquired geothermal assets, including an old 3.6 net megawatt nameplate generating capacity power plant, located in Washoe County, Nevada for approximately $16.6 million, which included certain ground water rights. The upgraded, new plant became commercially operational on May 25, 2012. The plant was originally estimated to operate at 8.6 net megawatts, but has been rerated to 10.0 megawatts due to higher than expected efficiency. On February 15, 2013, USG Nevada LLC signed an agreement with SAIC as part of a settlement, for a $2,000,000 note that will be paid in quarterly installments that are scheduled through 2018. A long-term note held by Prudential Financial Group was finalized on September 26, 2013. The Prudential loan will be repaid with quarterly payments that are scheduled through 2037.

On September 5, 2006, the Company announced the acquisition of property for a geothermal project at Neal Hot Springs, Oregon located in eastern Oregon near the Idaho border. The property is 8.5 square miles of geothermal energy and surface rights. On May 5, 2008, the Company announced that drilling began on the first full size production well which was completed on May 23, 2009. In February 2009, the Company submitted a loan application for the project to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Advanced Transmission and Distribution Solicitation loan guarantee program under Title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. On May 26, 2009, the Company announced that it had been selected by the DOE to enter into due diligence review on a project loan. Construction of a drill pad was completed in August 2009. In September 2009, the Company began drilling its major production well. Enbridge Inc. became an equity partner in the project in April 2009. Equity ownership interest in the project has the Company owning 60%, and Enbridge owning 40%. The power plant became commercially operational on November 16, 2012.

In April 2010, the Company was granted a geothermal energy rights concession in the Republic of Guatemala located in Central America. The Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a broker of electricity in Central America to negotiate a PPA for the El Ceibillo Project located near Guatemala City in October 2012. The framework of the agreement outlines a 15 year term to deliver up to 50 megawatts of power at competitive prevailing energy prices in the region. Geophysics activities and the drilling of the first exploration well occurred during 2013. A 25 megawatt flash steam plant is targeted to be in operation in the first half of 2018.

On April 22, 2014, the Company acquired all of the ownership shares of a group of companies owned by Ram Power Corp.’s (“Ram”) that hold all interests in the WGP Geysers project located in Northern California for a total of $6.78 million. The assets acquired included four production/injection wells, restricted cash, land and geothermal water rights.

The Company completed an acquisition of Earth Power Resources Inc. (“EPR”) on December 12, 2014. Acquired assets include geothermal leases that cover 26,017 acres in the State of Nevada representing three potential projects (Crescent Valley, Lee Hot Springs and Ruby Hot Springs).

-71-


Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations

Raft River Operating Agreement/Ownership

Original Agreement
Originally, the Raft River Energy I LLC (“RREI”) issued two classes of member units, (Class A and Class B). Each class of ownership gives the owner participating rights in the business and results in equity ownership risks. The rights attached to the different classes will vary over time, in accordance with the terms of the Membership Admission Agreement. The agreement required RREI to track separately the capital accounts of the members after November 24, 2006. For income tax purposes, the Class A units received a greater proportion of the share of losses and other income tax benefits. This includes the allocation of production tax credits, which was distributed 99% to the Class A units and 1% to the Class B units during the first 10 years of production.

Purchase Agreement of Member Interest
On December 16, 2015, the U.S. Geothermal Inc. (holder of all Class B units) signed a purchase agreement with Goldman Sachs for the acquisition of 450 Class A units of the 500 Class A units held by Goldman Sachs. The terms of the agreement specified the conversion of 450 A units to 450 C units. All of the C units were acquired by U.S. Geothermal Inc. The remaining 50 A units held by Goldman Sachs retain all of the benefits for income tax purposes that were held by the original 500 A units. Effective December 16, 2015, U.S. Geothermal Inc. will receive 95% of the available cash flow from the project for the total purchase price of $5.1 million. The agreement includes an option for U.S. Geothermal Inc. to purchase residual interest in RREI for fair market value in December 2017. Allocations of profits and losses will remain 99% to Goldman Sachs and 1% to the U.S. Geothermal Inc. until December 31, 2017, after which the U.S. Geothermal Inc. will receive 95% of the allocation of profits and losses and Goldman Sachs will receive 5%.

The Company’s interests in RREI as defined in the partnership agreements are summarized as follows:



Years
(2016-2017)
Years
(After 2017)
Cash Flow RECs 95% (1) 95%
Lease Payments, O&M Services & Royalties 100%
Distributions 95% 95%
Tax Benefits 1% 95%
GAAP Income 1% 95%

  (1)

The Company allocates 95% of income and receives 95% of available cash from RECs sold to third- parties. After year 10, REC income is shared with Idaho Power Co. For additional details, see the second amended and restated operating agreements as amended.

-72-


Power Purchase Agreements

Prior to the construction of a geothermal project, we typically enter into a PPA with a utility, which fixes the price of energy produced at a project for a 20 to 25 year period. Such PPAs are typically negotiated with the utility company and approved by a state utility commission or similar regulating body.

Power purchase agreements generally provide for energy payments, capacity payments, or both. Energy payments are calculated based on the amount of electrical energy delivered to the relevant power purchaser at a designated delivery point. The rates applicable to such payments are either fixed, subject to annual adjustments. Capacity payments, on the other hand, are generally calculated based on the amount of time that our power plants are available to generate electricity. Some PPAs provide for bonus payments in the event that the producer is able to exceed certain target levels and forfeiture of payments or payments of penalties if minimum target levels are not met.

Neal Hot Springs, Oregon
The PPA for the Neal Hot Springs project was signed on December 11, 2009 with the Idaho Power Company. Idaho Power Company submitted the PPA to the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (“IPUC”) on December 28, 2009 and it was approved by the IPUC on May 20, 2010. The PPA has a 25 year term with a starting price of $96 per megawatt hour. The price escalates annually by 3.9% in the initial years and by 1.0% during the latter years of the agreement. The approximate 25 year levelized price is $117.65 per megawatt hour.

San Emidio, Nevada
On June 1, 2011, an amended and restated PPA was signed with Sierra Pacific Power Company d/b/a NV Energy for the sale of up to 19.9 megawatts of electricity on an annual average basis. The PPA has a 25 year term with a base price of $89.75 per megawatt hour, and a one percent annual escalation rate. The electrical output from both Phase I and Phase II will be sold under the terms of the amended and restated PPA. The PPA was approved by the Public Utility Commission of Nevada on December 27, 2011.

Raft River Energy I LLC
Raft River Energy I LLC currently earns revenue from a full-output PPA with Idaho Power, which allows power sales up to 13 megawatts annual average. The PPA was signed on September 24, 2007 and expires in 2032. The price of energy sold under the Idaho Power PPA is split into three seasons: power produced during the peak periods of July, August, November and December will be purchased at 120% of the set price; power produced in the three month low demand season (March, April, May) will be purchased at 73.50% of the set price; and power produced in the remaining five months of the year will be purchased at 100% of the set price. The PPA sets a first year average purchase price of $53.60 per megawatt hour. The $53.60 purchase price is escalated each year at a compound annual rate of 2.1% until year 15. From years 16 to 25 of the contract the escalation rate will drop to 0.6% per year.

-73-


Operating Results

For the year ended December 31 2015, the Company reported net income attributable to U.S. Geothermal Inc. of $1,847,229 ($0.02 income per share) which represented a $9,766,482 decrease from net income attributed to U.S. Geothermal Inc. of $11,613,711 reported in the year ended 2014 ($0.11 income per share). Gross profits of $15,327,986 from plant operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased $302,064 (2.0% increase) from gross profits of $15,025,922 reported in the year ended 2014. Other notable favorable variances were reported in employee compensation, exploration costs and other income/expenses. A notable unfavorable variance was reported for income tax expense/benefit.

Plant Operations
During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company’s energy production revenues and related operating costs originated from its three fully operational power plants. The Neal Hot Springs, Oregon (USG Oregon LLC) plant is located in Eastern Oregon and began commercial operations in November 2012. The San Emidio, Nevada (USG Nevada LLC) plant is located in the San Emidio Desert in the northwestern part of the State of Nevada and began operations in May 2012. The Raft River, Idaho (Raft River Energy I LLC) plant is located in South Eastern Idaho and began operations in January of 2008.

A summary of energy sales by plant for the two years are as follows:

    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
    $     %*     $     %*  
Energy sales by plant:                        
       Neal Hot Spring, Oregon   18,823,799     61.1     18,759,248     61.3  
       San Emidio, Nevada   7,324,484     23.7     7,031,445     23.0  
       Raft River, Idaho   4,693,913     15.2     4,805,568     15.7  
    30,842,196     100.0     30,596,261     100.0  

%* - represents the percentage of total Company energy sales.

A quarterly summary of megawatt hours generated by each plant are as follows:

    For the Quarter Ended,  
    December 31,     March 31,     June 30,     September 30,     December 31,  
    2014     2015     2015     2015     2015  
Neal Hot Spring, Oregon   54,472     53,500     37,232     33,498     52,642  
San Emidio, Nevada   21,745     21,754     18,492     18,924     20,369  
Raft River, Idaho   20,614     20,672     17,223     15,950     21,751  
    96,831     95,926     72,947     68,372     94,762  

Neal Hot Springs, Oregon (USG Oregon LLC) Plant Operations
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Neal Hot Springs plant reported subsidiary net plant income of $10,001,009 which was an increase of $174,776 (1.8% increase) from the net income of $9,826,233 reported in the year ended December 31, 2014. Overall, energy sales for the year ended 2015 were consistent with the prior year. The contracted rate increases offset the decreases in energy production that occurred in the current year. During the current year the plant produced 176,871 megawatts of power which was down 6,523 megawatts (3.6% decrease) from the prior year. During the current year, the plant experienced down time due to plugged vaporizers, a generator re-alignment, and difficulties with the refrigerant feed pumps.

-74-


Plant operating costs, excluding depreciation, increased $66,302, which was a 1.7% increase from the prior year. The largest increase was related to employee compensation which was partially offset by a decrease in chemicals and lubricant costs. For the current year, salaries and related costs increased $214,050 (17.6% increase) from the prior year. The compensation increases were due to the employee bonuses, wage increases and increases in workers’ compensation premiums. On March 31, 2015, the plant employees were awarded a bonus that totaled $83,179. Average wage increases of 2.5% were awarded to plant employees in April 2015. The additional time and increases in workers’ compensation costs resulted in increases of approximately $25,600 from the prior year. In the prior year, the plant incurred costs that exceeded $173,000 (47.2% higher than the current year) for refrigerants and other motive fluids.

Summarized statements of operations for the Neal Hot Springs, Oregon plant are as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     Variance  
    $     %*     $     %     $     %**  
Plant revenues:                                    
     Energy sales   18,823,799     100.0     18,759,248     100.0     64,551     0.3  
                                     
Plant expenses:                                    
     Operations   3,878,762     20.6     3,812,460     20.3     (66,302 )   (1.7 )
     Depreciation and amortization   3,278,114     17.4     3,263,450     17.4     (14,664 )   (0.4 )
    7,156,876     38.0     7,075,910     37.7     (80,966 )   (11.7 )
                                     
             Operating income   11,666,923     62.0     11,683,338     62.3     (16,415 )   (0.1 )
                                     
Other income (expense):                                    
     Interest expense   (1,674,411 )   (8.9 )   (1,875,639 )   (10.0 )   201,228     10.7  
     Interest income/other   8,497     0.0     18,534     0.1     (10,037 )   (54.2 )
    (1,665,914 )   (8.9 )   (1,857,105 )   (9.9 )   191,191     10.3  
                                     
             Subsidiary net income   10,001,009     53.1     9,826,233     52.4     174,776     1.8  

  %* -

represents the percentage of total plant operating revenues.

  %** -

represents the percentage of change from 2014 to 2015. Increases in revenues and decreases in expenses from the prior period to the current period are considered to be favorable and are presented as positive figures.

The intercompany elimination adjustments for management fees and corporate support are not incorporated into the presentation of the subsidiary’s net operating income/loss.

-75-


Key quarterly production data for the Neal Hot Springs, Oregon plant is summarized as follows:

     Mega-       Ave. Rate       Depreciation
    watt   Energy   per    Subsidiary   &
     Hours   Sales   Megawatt   Net Income*   Amortization
Quarter Ended:   Produced   ($)   Hour ($)   ($)   ($)
March 31, 2014    56,047   5,266,454   93.8   3,070,349   817,503
June 30, 2014    40,629   3,402,318   83.7   1,196,404   820,526
September 30, 2014    32,246   3,712,988   115.0   1,412,124   805,497
December 31, 2014    54,472   6,377,488   117.1   4,147,356   819,924
March 31, 2015    53,500   5,207,350   97.3   3,010,263   819,708
June 30, 2015    37,232   3,188,091   85.6   1,027,928   819,785
September 30, 2015    33,498   4,004,715   119.3   1,651,029   819,450
December 31, 2015    52,642   6,423,643   122.0   4,311,789   819,171

  * -

The intercompany elimination adjustments for management fees and corporate support are not incorporated into the presentation of the subsidiary’s net income.

San Emidio, Nevada (USG Nevada LLC) Plant Operations
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the San Emidio plant reported subsidiary net income of $1,485,197 which was an increase of $997,404 (204.5% increase) from the subsidiary net income of $487,793 reported in the year ended 2014. Energy sales increased $293,039 (4.2% increase) and megawatt hours produced increased 2,644 (3.4% increase) from the prior year. Production increases were primarily due to lower levels of down time in the current year. In April 2014, the plant lost 415 hours of production during the planned shutdown which was more than the 120 hours (71.1% decrease) needed for the planned shut down in April 2015. The 2014 outage required additional time to perform turbine warranty modifications.

For the current year, the total operating costs, excluding depreciation, decreased $617,160 (19.2% decrease), from the prior year. Significant decreases in field maintenance, chemicals, and taxes that were partly offset by an increase in employee compensation. In year ended December 31, 2014, the plant incurred significant costs for circulation system chemicals that exceeded $255,000 and incurred costs that exceeded $156,000 for brine injection pump repairs. The minerals proceeds tax for the State of Nevada decreased approximately $78,000 from the year ended 2014, due to changes in tax calculation methods and the higher operating costs reported in the prior year. Property taxes decreased approximately $75,000 from the prior year primarily due to lower assessed property values. On March 31, 2015, the plant employees were awarded a bonus that totaled $62,523. Average wage increases of 2.5% were awarded to plant employees in April 2015.

-76-


Summarized statements of operations for the San Emidio, Nevada plant are as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014     Variance  
    $     %*     $     %     $     %**  
Plant revenues:                                    
     Energy sales   7,324,484     100.0     7,031,445     100.0     293,039     4.2  
                                     
Plant expenses:                                    
     Operations   2,604,492     35.6     3,221,652     45.9     617,160     19.2  
     Depreciation and amortization   1,263,401     17.2     1,261,438     17.9     (1,963 )   (0.2 )
    3,867,893     52.8     4,483,090     63.8     615,197     13.7  
                                     
             Operating income (loss)   3,456,591     47.2     2,548,355     36.2     908,236     35.6  
                                     
Other income (expense):                                    
     Interest expense   (2,032,776 )   (27.7 )   (2,060,901 )   (29.3 )   28,125     1.4  
     Interest income/other income   61,382     0.8     339     0.0     61,043     #  
    (1,971,394 )   (26.9 )   (2,060,562 )   (29.3 )   89,168     4.3  
                                     
           Subsidiary net income   1,485,197     20.3     487,793     6.9     997,404     204.5  

  %* - represents the percentage of total plant operating revenues.
  %** -

represents the percentage of change from 2014 to 2015. Increases in revenues and decreases in expenses from the prior period to the current period are considered to be favorable and are presented as positive figures.

  # - variance percentage that is extremely high or undefined.

The intercompany elimination adjustments for management fees and corporate support are not incorporated into the presentation of the subsidiary’s net operating income/loss.

Key quarterly production data for the San Emidio, Nevada plant is summarized as follows:

     Mega-       Ave. Rate   Subsidiary   Depreciation
    watt   Energy   per   Net Income   &
     Hours   Sales   Megawatt      (Loss)*   Amortization
Quarter Ended:   Produced   ($)   Hour ($)   ($)   ($)
March 31, 2014    21,223   1,935,091        91.2   423,350   312,908
June 30, 2014    15,686   1,450,526        91.2   (203,424)   316,283
September 30, 2014    18,240   1,663,119        91.2   109,515   316,638
December 31, 2014    21,745   1,982,709        91.2   158,352   315,609
March 31, 2015    21,754   2,003,346        92.1   556,301   316,346
June 30, 2015    18,492   1,702,633        92.1   264,410   315,846
September 30, 2015    18,924   1,742,750        92.1   386,033   314,940
December 31, 2015    20,369   1,875,755        92.1   278,453   316,269

 

* -

The intercompany elimination adjustments for management fees and corporate support charges are not incorporated into the presentation of the subsidiary’s net income/loss.

-77-


Raft River, Idaho (Raft River Energy I LLC) Plant Operations
The subsidiary net loss from Raft River Energy I LLC (“RREI”) operations of $636,692 for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased $439,567 (223.0% increase) from the loss of $197,125 reported for the year ended 2014. Energy revenues decreased $111,655 (2.3% decrease) and megawatt hours produced decreased 3,202 megawatt hours (4.06% decrease) from the prior year. In August 2015, the plant lost 371 hours during two unplanned outages needed for additional turbine repairs.

Plant operating costs, excluding depreciation, increased $347,680 for the year December 31, 2015, which was a 9.7% increase from the year ended 2014. The increases were primarily due to increases in maintenance and salary costs. The scheduled turbine overhaul was completed in June 2015. After the initial overhaul, the turbine coupling insulating kit was compromised which created the need for a second turbine outage for bearing replacements that were completed in August 2015. The turbine repairs exceeded $361,500. In the current year, repairs of approximately $46,700 were made to the brine injection pump due to a bearing failure.

Salaries and related costs increased $155,665 (19.2% increase) from the prior year. In March 2015, the plant employees were awarded a bonus that totaled $55,431. The remaining portion of the salary increase was primarily due to general wage increases that averaged 2.5% awarded in April 2015.

The summarized statements of operations for RREI are as follows:

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014           Variance  
    $     %*     $     %*     $     %**  
Plant revenues:                                    
       Energy sales   4,693,913     92.9     4,805,568     92.8     (111,655 )   (2.3 )
       Energy credit sales   357,902     7.1     372,521     7.2     (14,619 )   (3.9 )
    5,051,815     100.0     5,178,089     100.0     (126,274 )   (2.4 )
                                     
Plant expenses:                                    
       General operations   3,914,017     77.5     3,566,337     68.9     (347,680 )   (9.7 )
       Depreciation and amortization   1,757,891     34.8     1,716,465     33.1     (41,426 )   (2.4 )
    5,671,908     112.3     5,282,802     102.0     (389,106 )   (7.4 )
                                     
                   Operating loss   (620,093 )   (12.3 )   (104,713 )   (2.0 )   (515,380 )   (492.2 )
                                     
Other income (expense):                                    
       Interest expense   (39,064 )   (0.8 )   (95,592 )   (1.9 )   56,528     59.1  
       Other and interest income   22,465     0.5     3,180     0.1     19,285     606.4  
    (16,599 )   (0.3 )   (92,412 )   (1.8 )   75,813     82.0  
                                     
                   Subsidiary net loss   (636,692 )   (12.6 )   (197,125 )   (3.8 )   (439,567 )   (223.0 )

  %* -

represents the percentage of total plant operating revenues.

  %** -

represents the percentage of change from 2014 to 2015. Increases in revenues and decreases in expenses from the prior period to the current period are considered to be favorable and are presented as positive figures.

The intercompany elimination adjustments for interest expense, management fees and lease costs are not incorporated into the presentation of the subsidiary’s operations.

-78-


Key quarterly production data for RREI is summarized as follows:

     Mega-       Ave. Rate   Subsidiary   Depreciation
    watt   Energy        per   Net Income   &
     Hours   Sales   Megawatt      (Loss)*   Amortization
Quarter Ended:   Produced   ($)   Hour ($)            ($)   ($)
March 31, 2014    21,614   1,199,550   55.3   61,749   427,907
June 30, 2014    18,069   907,194   50.2   (579,569)   428,180
September 30, 2014    18,501   1,273,013   68.8   117,281   429,164
December 31, 2014    20,614   1,425,811   69.9   203,414   431,214
March 31, 2015    20,672   1,165,050   56.4   (96,930)   431,959
June 30, 2015    17,223   888,599   51.6   (668,764)   438,955
September 30, 2015    15,950   1,106,643   69.4   (296,743)   443,233
December 31, 2015    21,751   1,533,621   70.5   425,745   443,744

 

* -

Subsidiary net income (loss) does not include intercompany elimination adjustments for interest expense, management fees and lease costs.

Employee Compensation
Salaries and related costs incurred for exploration, design and development costs that cannot be capitalized, as well as general management and administration. Salaries and related costs for plant operations are expensed as plant production costs. For the year ended December 31 2015, the Company reported $2,882,105 in employee compensation, which was a decrease of $315,814 (9.9% decrease) from the year ended 2014. Overall, the number of employees and pay rates were consist with the prior year. Also, allocation levels to capital projects and plant operations were consistent with the prior year. In the current year, the largest salary allocations were made to the WGP Geysers project for amounts that exceeded $286,000. In the prior year, salary cost allocations were made to USG Nevada LLC for both operation support and the Phase II project for amounts that exceeded $268,000.

The primary reason for the reduction in employee compensation was due to stock option cost which decreased $364,597 (32.7% decrease) from the prior year. Stock option costs are based upon several factors that include the vesting periods, stock price and stock price volatility. Substantially all of the option expenses are recognized within the 18 month vesting period of each grant with the largest costs recognized in the first three months the options are granted. Stock options of 2,060,000 and 450,000 were granted to employees and directors on May 15, 2015, and June 26, 2015; respectively. In the prior years, the Company awarded employees stock options of 2,883,500 and 1,950,000 on April 2, 2014 and September 1, 2013; respectively. The options granted in 2014 had a higher costs associated with them due to the higher stock prices/volatility in that year. Also, the later issue date of the September 2013 options resulted in more costs reported in 2014 (the remaining 18 month vesting period ended the fourth quarter of 2014). During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company’s common stock closing price reached a high of $0.67 and a low of $0.44 ($0.54 average daily closing price). During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company’s common stock closing price reached a high of $0.95 and a low of $0.38 ($0.61 average daily closing price).

-79-


Employee compensation components are summarized as follows:

    For the Year Ended              
    December 31,              
    2015     2014     Variances  
    $     $     $     %  
Salaries and related costs   1,774,277     1,858,423     (84,146 )   (4.5 )
Stock option compensation   750,794     1,115,391     (364,597 )   (32.7 )
Stock compensation (restricted shares)   357,034     224,105     132,929     59.3  
    2,882,105     3,197,919     (315,814 )   (9.9 )

% - represents the percentage of change from 2014 to 2015.

Exploration Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company reported $82,316 in exploration costs which was a decrease of $426,184 (83.8% decrease) from the exploration costs of $508,500 incurred in the year ended 2014. In the prior year, the Company incurred costs of $432,705 on well drilling activities for the Gerlach, Nevada project. Similar costs were not incurred in the current year while the results of the prior year drilling activities are being evaluated.

Other Income/Expenses
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company reported a net gain of $141,293 in other income/expenses which was an increase of $487,881 from the net loss of $346,588 reported the year ended 2014. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company abandoned the Granite Creek area located in the State of Nevada, and released 2,445 acres of geothermal water rights purchased in April 2008 for $451,299.

Income Tax Benefit/Expense
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company reported net income tax expense of $1,386,000 which was a variance of $11,693,000 from the net income tax benefit of $10,307,000 recognized in the prior year. In 2014, the Company determined that the more likely than not threshold had been met regarding the Company’s ability to use its net earned deferred income tax assets (primarily unused net operating losses). The current income tax expense is based upon the current period’s operating income as well as the change in net income asset.

Net Income Attributable to the Non-Controlling Interests
The net income attributable to the non-controlling interest entities is the line item that removes the portion of the total consolidated operations that are owned by the Company’s subsidiaries. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company reported $3,103,269 in net income attributable to non-controlling interests, which was a decrease of $179,317 (5.5% decrease) from the $3,282,586 income reported in the year ended 2014. The primary component of the variance was the operations of Raft River Energy I LLC (“RREI”) which reported a subsidiary net loss of $636,692 for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was an increase of $439,567 (223.0% increase) from the loss reported in the prior year. Based upon the terms of the partnership agreement, the non-controlling interest receives a larger portion of the net loss after the allocation of energy credit sales. The primary factors for the RREI loss increases were discussed above.

-80-


The net income or (loss) attributable to the non-controlling interest entities is detailed as follows:

    For the Year Ended              
    December 31,              
Subsidiaries and Non-Controlling   2015     2014     Variance  
Interest Entities   $     $     $     %  
Oregon USG Holdings LLC interest held by Enbridge Inc.   3,997,204     3,915,952     81,252     2.1  
Raft River Energy I LLC interest held by Raft River I Holdings, LLC   (877,278 )   (452,193 )   (425,085 )   (94.0 )
Gerlach Geothermal LLC interest held by Gerlach Green Energy, LLC   (16,657 )   (181,173 )   164,516     90.8  
    3,103,269     3,282,586     (179,317 )   (5.5 )

% - represents the percentage of change from 2014 to 2015.

-81-


Non-Controlling Interests
The following is a summarized presentation of select financial line items from the statement of operations by project and the impact of the related non-controlling interests for the year ended December 31, 2015:

                      Exploration        
    Neal Hot     San           Activities and     Consolid-  
Statement of Operations   Springs     Emidio     Raft River     Corporate     ated  
Element   $     $     $     $     $  
Net income from plant operations   11,666,923     3,456,591     (620,093 )   824,565     15,327,986  
Expenses/(income)   1,673,914     1,971,394     (21,468 )   (4)5,367,648     8,991,488  
Net income (loss)   9,993,009     1,485,197     (596,625 )   (4,543,083 )   6,336,498  
                               
Income taxes   (2,248,000 )   (557,000 )   (104,000 )   1,523,000     (1,386,000 )
                               
Non-controlling interests   (1)(3,997,204)     -     (2)877,279     (3)16,656   (3,103,269 )
Net income attributable to U.S. Geothermal   3,747,805     928,197     174,654     (3,003,427 )   1,847,229  

  (1)

The non-controlling interest for Neal Hot Springs represents a 40% interest for our joint venture partner, Enbridge.

  (2)

The non-controlling interest for Raft River represents 30% of REC income and 99% of all other income/expenses for Raft River I Holdings, a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Group.

  (3)

The non-controlling interest for our exploration activities represents a 32.49% interest for our joint venture partner at Gerlach, GGE Development.

  (4)

Major costs included in Exploration Activities and Corporate for the year ended December 31, 2015 include:


  Employee compensation $ 2,882,105  
  Corporate administration 1,087,675  
  Professional fees 1,067,939  
  Exploration costs 82,316  

These costs are the responsibility of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (the Parent Company) and cannot be allocated to projects. Once a project has been classified as developmental (resource verified, PPA off-taker identified), the costs associated with a project will be capitalized.

-82-


Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the calendar year ended December 31, 2015, the operating projects of U.S. Geothermal have generated significant available cash (after debt service and reserves) to fund our development activities and corporate costs. Neal Hot Springs has distributed $5.2 million in cash as an equity distribution to U.S. Geothermal; San Emidio has generated $2.7 million in cash provided by operating activities; Raft River has paid $0.2 million in REC income cash to U.S. Geothermal. In addition, cash received by corporate as a result of management fees, royalties and lease income totaled $1.3 million. We believe our cash and liquid investments at December 31, 2015 are adequate to fund our general operating activities through December 31, 2016. Development of our projects under development and under exploration may require additional funding. In addition to government loans and grants discussed below, we anticipate that additional funding may be raised through financial and strategic partnerships, market loans, issuance of debt or equity, and/or through the sale of ownership interest in tax credits and benefits. The Company continues discussions with potential investors to evaluate alternatives for funding at the corporate and project levels.

The recent financial credit crisis has not impacted the ability of our customers, Idaho Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power (NV Energy), to pay for their power. This power is sold under long-term contracts at fixed prices to large utilities. The status of the credit and equity markets could delay our project development activities while we seek to obtain economic credit terms or a favorable equity market price to further the drilling and construction activities.

Following year-end, on January 25, 2016, management determined it would be prudent to enter into a new Lincoln Park Capital (“LPC”) facility. The Company’s first Purchase Agreement with LPC, was entered into on May 21, 2012 and expired in 2015. Under the new Purchase Agreement, at the company’s sole discretion, the Company has the right to sell and LPC has the obligation to purchase up to $10 million of equity capital over a 30 month period subject to the conditions in the Purchase Agreement. The agreement provides for an initial sale of $650,000 of shares of common stock upon closing. Net proceeds from LPC’s investments will be used to cover a portion of the cost of the recent acquisition of the Goldman Sachs ownership interest of the Raft River project, development of our geothermal projects and for general corporate purposes.

On December 14, 2015, the Company acquired from Goldman Sachs the majority of their cash flow interest in and ownership of the Raft River geothermal project. The Company will receive 95% of the cash flow from the project on a going forward basis, along with all increased cash flow from any project improvements. The purchase price was $5.1 million for the 95% interest, with an option to purchase the balance of Goldman’s interest for Fair Market Value at the end of 2017. The purchase price consisted of a $3.5 million cash payment plus a promissory note of $1.6 million that bears interest at 8%. Under the promissory note agreement, $1 million of the note may be satisfied with shares of U.S. Geothermal common stock priced at the 10 day weighted average closing price of the common stock at time of conversion if not otherwise paid in cash by March 31, 2016. The Company has filed a resale registration statement covering the shares to be issued in satisfaction of the promissory note.

-83-


On August 10, 2015, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase, from time to time, up to $2 million of its outstanding common stock through the end of July 2016. The extent to which the Company repurchases its common stock and the timing of the repurchases will depend upon market conditions and other corporate considerations. The Company intends to pay for any stock repurchased with existing cash balances. To date, the Company has not purchased any shares under this program.

On February 4, 2014, a replacement shelf registration statement filed on Form S-3 with the SEC became effective. The replacement shelf registration statement was filed as routine course of business due to the impending expiration of the Company’s existing shelf registration statement that, under SEC rules, would have expired on December 1, 2013. The Company may use the replacement shelf registration statement to offer and sell from time to time for a period of three years in one or more public offerings up to $50 million of common stock, warrants, or units consisting of any combination thereof. The terms of any securities offered under the replacement shelf registration statement, and the intended use of the resulting net proceeds, will be established at the times of any future offerings and will be described in prospectus supplements filed at such times with the SEC. Other than with respect to the LPC facility described above, the Company has no immediate plans to sell any additional stock under the replacement shelf registration statement at this time, but wishes to preserve the option in support of its future growth and development of its projects as well as strategic acquisition opportunities.

Under the Loan Guarantee Agreement at Neal Hot Springs with the Department of Energy, all funds for USG Oregon LLC are deposited into PNC Bank subject to certain procedural restrictions on the use of the funds. The waterfall of funds out of the Revenue account is processed semi-annually. On December 31, 2015, $17.5 million in USG Oregon LLC funds were deposited at PNC Bank, and were unavailable for immediate corporate needs.

As of March 10, 2016, the Company was not in compliance with two non-financial covenants included in the loan agreement relating to 1) the substitution of a replacement index into a PPA document for a discontinued index and 2) the transfer of an operating lease agreement between the company and an independent third party into a family trust. Neither of these matters are substantive and the Company believes that each is readily curable. Legal counsel is assisting the Company in documenting a remedy for these two issues.

Potential Acquisitions

The Company intends to continue its growth through the acquisition of ownership or leasehold interests in properties and/or property rights that it believes will add to the value of the Company’s geothermal resources, and through possible mergers with or acquisitions of operating power plants and geothermal or other renewable energy properties.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Certain accounting policies involve judgments and uncertainties to such an extent that there is reasonable likelihood that materially different amounts could have been reported under different conditions, or if different assumptions had been made. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for the financial statements.

-84-


Revenue Recognition
Energy sales revenue are recognized when the electrical power generated by the Company’s power plants is delivered to the customer who is reasonably assured to be able to pay under the terms defined by the Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”). Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”) are earned for each megawatt hour produced from the geothermal power plants. Revenues from RECs sales are recognized when the Company has met the terms and conditions of certain energy sales agreements with a financially capable buyer. At San Emidio and Neal Hot Springs, the RECs are owned by our customer and are bundled with energy sales.

Property, Plant and Equipment
During the development stage of operations, the Company has purchased and otherwise acquired geothermal properties for the production of power. The geothermal properties include: drilled wells, power plant components, power plant support components, land, land rights, surface water rights, geothermal water rights and construction in progress. The factors and assumptions that comprise this allocation process will be based upon the best information available to us, and will be evaluated, at least, annually for viability. If it is determined that our cost allocations have produced results that vary significantly from the conditions surrounding the value of the Company’s geothermal properties, a gain or loss adjustment will be made in the period in which this determination is made. The cost allocation or amortization process is not intended to present the fair market value of our geothermal properties; rather to allocate the actual historical costs of those properties over their service lives.

Income Taxes
According to generally accepted accounting practices, entities must recognize assets and/or liabilities that originate with the differences in revenues and expenses presented for financial reporting purposes and those revenues and expenses that are utilized to comply with federal and state income tax law. Often deductions can be accelerated for income tax purposes, thus creating temporary timing differences. Other items (generally non-allowable expenses) do not reverse over time, and are considered to be permanent differences. These types of costs are, typically, not factored into the deferred income tax asset or liability calculation. The Company’s primary element that impacts the liability or asset calculation relates to the operating losses generated in the first years of operation that will be allowed to offset future earnings. Stock-based compensation is another significant area that impacts that recognition of deferred income taxes. Compensation that has been provided to employees and contractors based upon the value of the issuance of stock options is reported as an operating cost. However, this compensation is not an allowable deduction for income tax purposes.

Stock-Based Compensation
The Company awards stock options to employees for services provide to the Company. The fair value of the options are determined on the date the options are awarded according to several factors that include the exercise price of the option, the current price of the underlying shares, the expected life of the options, and the volatility of the stock price. Generally speaking, a longer life and higher expected volatility yields a higher value of the option. In accordance with appropriate accounting guidance, the Company amortizes the value of these options as operating expense during the period in which they vest. To date, all costs associated with the stock options have been charged to operations and no costs have been allocated to the construction of property and equipment.

-85-


Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2015, the following table denotes contractual obligations by payments due for each period:

  Total  < 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years > 5 years
Operating Leases (5) $ 8,341,600 $ 640,726 $ 1,249,761 $ 999,394 $ 5,451,719
Plant Loan (1) 29,665,959 624,428 1,223,579 1,504,686 26,313,266
Plant Loan, DOE(2) 63,546,722 3,375,448 5,941,146 5,885,258 48,344,870
Note Payable, Settlement Agreement (3) 1,085,964 412,135 673,829 - -
Convertible promissory note (4) 1,597,000 1,597,000 - - -

  (1)

Plant loan with Prudential Capital Group scheduled for to be repaid over the next 23 years.

  (2)

Plant loan with the Department of Energy scheduled to be repaid over the next 20 years.

  (3)

Loan agreement that originated with a settlement agreement with SAIC Constructors LLC scheduled to be repaid over the next five years.

  (4)

Short-term promissory note that originated with the acquisition of an additional interest in Raft River Energy I LLC.

  (5)

Operating leases does not include costs from royalty based lease contracts.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2015, the Company does not have any off balance sheet arrangements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not Applicable

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information required hereunder is set forth under “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” “Consolidated Balance Sheets,” “Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit),” “Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows,” and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” included in the consolidated financial statements that are a part of this transition report (See Part IV, Item 15, exhibit 13.1) . Other financial information and schedules are included in the consolidated financial statements that are a part of this transition report.

-86-


 

 

U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC.

________

Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2015

 

 

 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
U.S. Geothermal Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in stockholders’ equity for the year then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of U.S. Geothermal Inc. as of December 31, 2015, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Moss Adams LLP

Seattle, Washington
March 10, 2016


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
U.S. Geothermal, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of U.S. Geothermal, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. U.S. Geothermal, Inc.’s management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of U.S. Geothermal, Inc. as of December r 31, 2014 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. has included segment reporting of the 2014 financial information for comparison purposes. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

Fruci & Associates II, PLLC (fka-MartinelliMick PLLC)
Spokane, Washington
March 13, 2015, except for Note 16, as to which the date is March 10, 2016


U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

    December 31,  
    2015     2014  
             
ASSETS            
             
Current:            
     Cash and cash equivalents $  8,654,375   $  12,994,975  
     Restricted cash and bonds   4,696,007     3,320,781  
     Trade accounts receivable   3,766,517     3,774,133  
     Other current assets   1,680,819     1,550,359  
                    Total current assets   18,797,718     21,640,248  
             
Restricted cash and bond reserves   17,495,789     18,690,096  
Property, plant and equipment, net   167,736,792     166,859,446  
Intangible assets, net of amortization   15,265,828     15,417,514  
Net deferred income tax asset   8,921,000     10,307,000  
             
                                        Total assets $  228,217,127   $  232,914,304  
             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
             
Current Liabilities:            
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $  2,703,226   $  1,886,947  
     Related party accounts payable   -     5,195  
     Convertible promissory note   1,597,000     -  
     Current portion of capital lease obligations   -     20,919  
     Current portion of notes payable   4,412,012     4,336,271  
             Total current liabilities   8,712,238     6,249,332  
             
Long-term Liabilities:            
     Asset retirement obligations   1,204,930     1,400,000  
     Notes payable, less current portion   89,887,052     94,376,351  
             Total long-term liabilities   91,091,982     95,776,351  
             
                    Total liabilities   99,804,220     102,025,683  
             
Commitments and Contingencies (note 12)            
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
             
Capital stock (authorized: 250,000,000 common shares with a $0.001
     par value; issued and outstanding shares at December 31, 2015
     and 2014 were: 107,601,425 and 107,018,029; respectively)
  107,601     107,018  
             
Additional paid-in capital   118,131,013     103,669,371  
Accumulated deficit   (17,437,631 )   (19,284,860 )
    100,800,983     84,491,529  
             
Non-controlling interests   27,611,924     46,397,092  
                    Total stockholders’ equity   128,412,907     130,888,621  
             
                                        Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $  228,217,127   $  232,914,304  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-F-1-


U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Plant Revenues:            
       Energy sales $  30,842,196   $  30,596,261  
       Energy credit sales   357,902     372,521  
             Total plant operating revenues   31,200,098     30,968,782  
Plant Expenses:            
       Plant production expenses   9,572,707     9,701,506  
       Depreciation and amortization   6,299,405     6,241,354  
             Total plant operating expenses   15,872,112     15,942,860  
Gross Profit   15,327,986     15,025,922  
Operating Expenses:            
       Corporate administration   1,087,675     1,136,849  
       Professional and management fees   1,067,939     986,742  
       Employee compensation   2,882,105     3,197,919  
       Travel and promotion   215,591     199,894  
       Exploration costs   82,316     508,500  
Operating Income   9,992,360     8,996,018  
         Interest Expense   3,797,155     4,060,133  
       Other (income) expense   (141,293 )   346,588  
Income Before Income Tax Expense   6,336,498     4,589,297  
       Income Tax (Expense) Benefit   (1,386,000 )   10,307,000  
Net Income   4,950,498     14,896,297  
             
         Net income attributable to the non-controlling interests   (3,103,269 )   (3,282,586 )
Net Income Attributable to U.S. Geothermal Inc.   1,847,229     11,613,711  
Other Comprehensive Income:            
         Unrealized income on investment in equity securities   -     27,321  
             
Comprehensive Income Attributable to U.S. Geothermal Inc. $  1,847,229   $  11,641,032  
             
Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to U.S. Geothermal Inc. $  0.02   $  0.11  
Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to U.S. Geothermal Inc. $  0.02   $  0.11  
             
Weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of income per share:        
         Basic   106,970,812     103,765,537  
         Diluted   108,313,601     106,457,846  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-F-2-


U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
             
Operating Activities:            
Net Income $  4,950,498   $  14,896,297  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to total cash provided by operating activities:        
           Depreciation and amortization   6,409,818     6,367,817  
           Stock based compensation   1,107,828     1,339,496  
           Loss on sale of securities   -     27,967  
           Gain on software refund   -     (13,239 )
           Loss on disposal of geothermal water rights   -     451,299  
           Change in deferred income taxes   1,386,000     (10,307,000 )
 Net changes in:            
           Trade accounts receivable   7,616     332,673  
           Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   59,510     178,158  
           Prepaid expenses and other   (130,460 )   (471,097 )
           Total cash provided by operating activities   13,790,810     12,802,371  
             
Investing Activities:            
     Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (6,602,974 )   (3,746,083 )
     Acquisition of additional interests in subsidiaries   (3,500,000 )   (6,842,281 )
     Proceeds from sale of equities held for investment   -     41,528  
     Proceeds from software refund   -     31,120  
     Net funding of restricted cash reserves and bonds   (180,919 )   (4,712 )
           Total cash used by investing activities   (10,283,893 )   (10,520,428 )
             
Financing Activities:            
     Issuance of common stock   49,549     1,634,918  
     Contributions from non-controlling interest   -     7,360  
     Distributions to non-controlling interest   (3,462,589 )   (15,048,334 )
     Principal payments on notes payable and other obligations   (4,413,558 )   (4,569,726 )
     Principal payments on capital leases   (20,919 )   (48,120 )
           Total cash used by financing activities   (7,847,517 )   (18,023,902 )
             
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents   (4,340,600 )   (15,741,959 )
             
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period   12,994,975     28,736,934  
             
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period $  8,654,375   $  12,994,975  
             
Supplemental Disclosures:            
Non-cash investing and financing activities:            
     Accrual for purchases of property and equipment $  8,230   $  84,208  
     Company acquisition by issuance of common stock   -     318,674  
     Convertible promissory note issued for additional subsidiary interest   1,597,000     -  
     Non-cash distributions to non-controlling interest   24,000     24,000  
             
Other Items:            
     Interest paid   3,819,585     4,080,396  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-F-3-


U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014

                Additional           Accumulated     Non-        
    Number of     Common     Paid-In     Accumulated     Comprehensive     controlling        
    Shares     Shares     Capital     Deficit     Income (Loss)     Interest     Totals  
                                           
                                           
Balance at January 1, 2014   102,094,542   $  102,094   $  100,381,207   $  (30,898,571 ) $  (27,321 ) $  58,155,480   $  127,712,889  
                                           
Distributions to non-controlling interest entities   -     -     -     -     -     (15,048,334 )   (15,048,334 )
Non-controlling equity contributions   -     -     -     -     -     7,360     7,360  
Stock issued to shareholders of acquired company   692,769     693     317,981     -     -     -     318,674  
Stock issued by the exercise of employee stock options   1,077,000     1,077     336,544     -     -     -     337,621  
Stock issued by the exercise of stock purchase warrants   2,594,596     2,595     1,294,703     -     -     -     1,297,298  
Stock compensation   559,122     559     1,338,936     -     -     -     1,339,495  
Unrealized loss and reclassification to net income   -     -     -     -     27,321     -     27,321  
Net income   -     -     -     11,613,711     -     3,282,586     14,896,297  
                                           
Balance at December 31, 2014   107,018,029     107,018     103,669,371     (19,284,860 )   -     46,397,092     130,888,621  
                                           
Distributions to non-controlling interest entities   -     -     -     -     -     (3,486,589 )   (3,486,589 )
Acquisition of additional interest in subsidiary   -     -     13,304,848     -     -     (18,401,848 )   (5,097,000 )
Stock issued by the exercise of employee stock options   155,000     155     49,395     -     -     -     49,550  
Stock compensation   428,396     428     1,107,399     -     -     -     1,107,827  
Net income   -     -     -     1,847,229     -     3,103,269     4,950,498  
Balance at December 31, 2015   107,601,425   $  107,601   $  118,131,013   $  (17,437,631 ) $  -   $  27,611,924   $  128,412,907  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-F-4-


U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2015

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

U.S. Geothermal Inc. (“the Company”) was incorporated on March 10, 2000 in the State of Delaware. U.S. Geothermal Inc. – Idaho was formed in February 2002, and is the primary subsidiary through which the Company conducts its operations. The Company constructs, owns, manages and operates power plants that utilize geothermal resources to produce renewable energy. The Company’s operations have been, primarily, focused in the United States and Central America.

Basis of Presentation

The Company consolidates subsidiaries that it controls (more-than-50% owned) and entities over which control is achieved through means other than voting rights. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, as well as three controlling interests. The accounts of the following companies are consolidated in these financial statements:

  i)

U.S. Geothermal Inc. (incorporated in the State of Delaware);

  ii)

U.S. Geothermal Inc. (incorporated in the State of Idaho);

  iii)

U.S. Geothermal Services, LLC (organized in the State of Delaware);

  iv)

Nevada USG Holdings, LLC (organized in the State of Delaware);

  v)

USG Nevada LLC (organized in the State of Delaware);

  vi)

Nevada North USG Holdings, LLC (organized in the State of Delaware);

  vii)

USG Nevada North, LLC (organized in the State of Delaware);

  viii)

Oregon USG Holdings, LLC (organized in the State of Delaware);

  ix)

USG Oregon LLC (organized in the State of Delaware);

  x)

Raft River Energy I LLC (organized in the State of Delaware);

  xi)

Gerlach Geothermal LLC (organized in the State of Delaware);

  xii)

USG Gerlach LLC (organized in the State of Delaware);

  xiii)

U.S. Geothermal Guatemala, S.A. (organized in Guatemala);

  xiv)

Geysers USG Holdings Inc. (incorporated in the State of Delaware);

  xv)

Western GeoPower, Inc. (incorporated in the State of California);

  xvi)

USG Mayacamas Inc. (incorporated in the State of Delaware);

  xvii)

Mayacamas Energy LLC (organized in the State of California);

  xviii)

Skyline Geothermal LLC (organized in the State of Delaware);

  xix)

Skyline Geothermal Holding, Inc. (incorporated in the State of Delaware);

  xx)

Earth Power Resources Inc. (incorporated in the State of Delaware); and

  xxi)

Idaho USG Holdings LLC (organized in the State of Delaware).

All intercompany transactions are eliminated upon consolidation.

In cases where the Company owns a majority interest in an entity but does not own 100% of the interest in the entity, it recognizes a non-controlling interest attributed to the interest controlled by outside third parties. The Company will recognize 100% of the assets and liabilities of the entity, and disclose the non-controlling interest. The consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income will consolidate the subsidiary’s full operations, and will separately disclose the elimination of the non-controlling interest’s allocation of profits and losses.

-F-5-


NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of U.S. Geothermal and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires estimates and assumptions 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 as well as reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements; accordingly, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all unrestricted cash and short-term deposits, with original maturities of no more than ninety days when acquired to be cash and cash equivalents.

Trade Accounts Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Management estimates the amount of trade accounts receivable that may not be collectible and records an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is an estimate based upon aging of receivable balances, historical collection experience, and the periodic credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition. Receivable balances are written off when we determine that the balance is uncollectible. As of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no balances that were over 90 days past due and no balance in allowance for doubtful accounts was recognized.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company’s cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, consisted of commercial bank deposits, money market accounts, and petty cash. Cash deposits are held in commercial banks in Boise, Idaho and Portland, Oregon. Deposits are guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000 per legal entity. At December 31, 2015, the Company’s total cash balance, excluding money market funds and a deposit held by a major customer, was $1,453,190 and bank deposits amounted to $1,699,254. The difference was due to outstanding checks and deposits. Of the bank deposits, $518,845 was not covered by or was in excess of FDIC insurance guaranteed limits. At December 31, 2015, the Company’s money market funds invested, primarily, in government backed securities totaled $27,921,666 and were not subject to deposit insurance. A security bond that totaled $1,468,898 at year end was held under contracted terms by a major customer.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment, including assets under capital lease, are recorded at historical cost. Costs of acquisition of geothermal properties are capitalized in the period of acquisition. Major improvements that significantly increase the useful lives and/or capabilities of the assets are capitalized. A primary factor in determining whether to capitalize construction type costs is the stage of the potential project’s development. Once a project is determined to be commercially viable, all costs directly associated with the development and construction of the project are capitalized. Until that time, all development costs are expensed. A commercially viable project will typically have, among other factors, a reservoir discovery well or other significant geothermal surface anomaly, a power transmission path that is identified and available, and an electricity off-taker identified. A valid reservoir discovery is generally defined when a test well has been substantially completed that indicates the presence of a geothermal reservoir that has a high probability of possessing the necessary temperatures, permeability, and flow rates. After a valid discovery has been made, the project enters the development stage. Generally, all costs incurred during the development stage are capitalized and tracked on an individual project basis and are included in construction in progress until the project has been placed into service. If a geothermal project is abandoned, the associated costs that have been capitalized are charged to expense in the year of abandonment. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Interest costs incurred during the construction period of defined major projects from debt that is specifically incurred for those projects are capitalized. Funds received from grants associated with capital projects reduce the cost of the asset directly associated with the individual grants. The offset of the cost of the asset associated with grant proceeds is recorded in the period when the requirements of the grant are substantially complete and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

-6-


Direct labor costs, incurred for specific major projects expected to have long-term benefits will be capitalized. Direct labor costs subject to capitalization include employee salaries, as well as, related payroll taxes and benefits. With respect to the allocation of salaries to projects, salaries are allocated based on the percentage of hours that our key managers, engineers and scientists work on each project and are invoiced to the project each month. These individuals track their time worked at each project. Major projects are, generally, defined as projects expected to exceed $500,000. Direct labor includes all of the time incurred by employees directly involved with construction and development activities. General and/or indirect management time and time spent evaluating the feasibility of potential projects is expensed when incurred. Employee training time is expensed when incurred.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset. Where appropriate, terms of property rights and revenue contracts can influence the determination of estimated useful lives. Estimated useful lives in years by major asset categories are summarized as follows:

    Estimated Useful
Asset Categories   Lives in Years
     
Furniture, vehicle and other equipment   3 to 5
Power plant, buildings and improvements   3 to 30
Wells   30
Well pumps and components   5 to 15
Pipelines   30
Transmission lines   30

Intangible Assets

All costs directly associated with the acquisition of geothermal and surface water rights are capitalized as intangible assets. These costs are amortized over their estimated utilization period. There are several factors that influence the estimated utilization periods as well as underlying fair value that include, but are not limited to, the following:

  - contractual expiration terms of the right,
  - contractual terms of an associated revenue contract (i.e., PPAs),
  - compliance with utilization and other requirements, and
  - hierarchy of other right holders who share the same resource.

Currently, amortization expense is being calculated on a straight-line basis over an estimated utilization period of 30 years for assets placed in service. If an intangible water or geothermal right is forfeited or otherwise lost, the remaining unamortized costs are expensed in the period of forfeiture. An impaired right is reduced to its estimated fair market value in the year the impairment is realized. Costs incurred that extend the term of an intangible right are capitalized and amortized over the new estimated period of utilization.

-F-7-


Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets for impairment when factors and circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. Factors which could trigger an impairment include, among others, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the Company’s use of assets or its overall business strategy, negative industry or economic trends, a determination that a project will not support commercial operations, a determination that a suspended project is not likely to be completed, a significant increase in costs necessary to complete a project, legal factors relating to its business or when it concludes that it is more likely than not that an asset will be disposed of or sold. The Company tests its long-lived assets for impairment at the operating plants or site location. Recoverability of assets held and used is determined by comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount in which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. The estimate of future cash flows required significant judgments of factors that include future sales, gross profit and operating expenses.

Stock Compensation

The Company accounts for stock based compensation by recording the estimated fair value of stock-based awards granted as compensation expense over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures. The fair value of restricted stock awards is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock option awards is estimated at the grant date as calculated by the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. Stock-based compensation expense is attributed to earnings for stock options and restricted stock on the straight-line method. The Company estimates forfeitures of stock-based awards based on historical experience and expected future activity.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Using this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The Company routinely evaluates the likelihood of realizing the benefit of its deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is determined that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax benefit will not to be realized.

The Company regularly evaluates the likelihood of realizing the benefit for income tax positions in various federal, state and foreign filings by considering all relevant facts, circumstances and information available. If the Company believes it is more likely than not that its positions will be sustained, a benefit is recognized at the largest amount that is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are classified as a component of income tax expense. Unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in other liabilities and long-term debt and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Earnings Per Share

Basic income or loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, and excludes any dilutive effects of common stock equivalent shares, such as options and restricted stock awards. Restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) are considered outstanding and included in the computation of basic income or loss per share when underlying restrictions expire and the awards are no longer forfeitable. Diluted income per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and common stock equivalent shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Common stock equivalent shares are excluded from the computation if their effect is anti-dilutive. In a period where the Company is in a net loss position, the diluted loss per share is computed using the basic share count. Common stock purchase warrants, broker warrants and options excluded from the diluted share calculations because their effect is anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled 1,148,699 and 2,228,049; respectively.

-F-8-


The weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of common and diluted shares outstanding have been modified from the prior year presentation to account for a correction of an error in applying the treasury stock method. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2014 as previously presented were $0.11 and $0.09, respectively, compared to $0.11 and $0.11, as corrected. The error was not material to the interim or annual financial statements.

Financial Instruments

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, trade account and other receivables, refundable tax credits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Unless otherwise noted, it is management’s opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these financial instruments. The fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values, unless otherwise noted

Foreign Currency Translation

The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Monetary items are converted into U.S. dollars at the rate prevailing at the consolidated balance sheet date. Resulting translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

Revenue

Revenue Recognition

Energy Sales
The energy sales revenue is recognized when the electrical power generated by the Company’s power plants is delivered to the customer who is reasonably assured to be able to pay under the terms defined by the Power Purchase Agreements (“PPAs”).

Renewable Energy Credits (“RECs”)
Currently, the Company operates three plants that produce renewable energy that creates a right to a REC. The Company earns one REC for each megawatt hour produced from the geothermal power plant. The Company considers the RECs to be outputs that are an economic benefit obtained directly through the operation of the plants. The Company does not currently hold any RECs for our own use. Revenues from RECs sales are recognized when the Company has met the terms and conditions of certain energy sales agreements with a financially capable buyer. At Raft River Energy I LLC, each REC is certified by the Western Electric Coordinating Council and sold under a REC Purchase and Sales Agreement to Holy Cross Energy. At San Emidio and Neal Hot Springs, the RECs are owned by our customer and are bundled with energy sales. At all three plants, title for the RECs pass during the same month as energy sales. As a result, costs associated with the sale of RECs are not segregated on the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income (loss).

Revenue Source

All of the Company’s operating revenues (energy sales and renewable energy credit sales) originate from energy production from its interests in three geothermal power plants located in the states of Idaho, Oregon and Nevada. The plants located in Oregon and Idaho sell their energy to the same electric power utility that primarily serves Idaho and eastern Oregon. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the percentage of operating revenues from the major customer to total operating revenues was 75.4% and 76.1%; respectively. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the percentage of trade accounts receivable balance from the major customer was 80.7% and 77.1%; respectively.

-F-9-


Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company records the fair value of estimated asset retirement obligations (“AROs”) associated with tangible long-lived assets in the period incurred or acquired. AROs are legal obligations to settle under existing or enacted law, statue, or contract. The value of these obligations are originally based upon discounted cash flow estimates and are accreted to full value over time through charges to operations. Costs associated with future conditions are recognized as AROs in the period the condition occurs or is known to the Company. Generally, costs associated with AROs are earthwork, revegetation, well capping, and structure removal necessary to return the sites to their original conditions.

Reclassification

Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on reported income, total assets, or stockholders’ equity as previously reported.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Management has considered all recent accounting pronouncements. The following pronouncements were deemed applicable to our financial statements:

Leases
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (“Update 2016-02”), Leases (Topic 842). Update 2016-02 recognizes lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and requires disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. Under previous standards, assets and liabilities were only recognized for leases that met the definition of a capital lease. Our preliminary review indicates that many of the Company’s lease contracts would be subject to the reporting requirements defined by this Update. The Update is effective for public companies with fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. In transition, the Company would be required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period being presented using a modified retrospective approach. Management is still evaluating the possible impact this Update may have on the financial presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes
In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17 (“Update 2015-17”), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740). Update 2015-17 eliminates the requirement of classifying deferred tax liabilities and assets in current and noncurrent amounts. This Update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. Update 2015-17 is effective, for public entities, for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those annual periods. Earlier application is permitted for all entities as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. We adopted the new guidance retrospectively beginning with the year ended December 31, 2014, and applied such guidance consistently for the year ended December 31, 2015. The adoption of this update resulted in the reclassification of a current deferred tax asset of $1,803,000 to a noncurrent deferred tax asset on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014.

-F-10-


Consolidation
In February 2015, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02 (“Update 2015-02”), Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, Consolidation (Topic 810). Update 2015-02 provides modifications to the evaluation of variable interest entities that may impact consolidation of reporting entities. Update 2015-02 is effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company currently consolidates variable interest entities and may create or acquire variable interest entities for future endeavors. Management is still evaluating the possible impact this Update may have on the financial presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Business Combinations
In September 2015, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16 (“Update 2015-16”), Business Combinations (Topic 805), Simplifying the Accounting Measurement-Period Adjustments. Update 2015-16 provides additional guidance on how to account for provisional costs of business combinations that are incomplete at the end of a reporting period. The amendment to this Update is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The specific circumstances addressed in this Update do not currently apply to the Company. However, the Company may engage in transactions subject to the guidance of this Update in future periods. Management will continue to evaluate the possible impact that this guidance may have on future consolidated financial statements.

Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30). In August 2015, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-15, Interest – Imputation of Interest, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements (Topic 835-35). These Updates require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability, including some costs related to line of credit arrangements, be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. For public business entities, the Updates are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. Management is still evaluating the impact and the timing of adoption of these Updates.

Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“Update 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Update 2014-09 amends the revenue recognition guidance and requires more detailed disclosures to enable financial statement users to understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainties of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14 (“Update 2015-14”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Deferral of the Effective Date. Update 2015-14 extends the effective date of this guidance for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted for public companies effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Management is currently evaluating the impact the guidance defined by Update 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

-F-11-


NOTE 3 – RESTRICTED CASH AND BOND RESERVES

Under the terms of the loan agreements with the Department of Energy and Prudential Capital Group, various bond and cash reserves are required to provide assurances that the power plants will have the necessary funds to maintain expected operations and meet loan payment obligations. Restricted cash balances and bond reserves are summarized as follows:

Current restricted cash and bond reserves:

      December 31,  
 
Restricting Entities/Purpose
  2015     2014  
  Idaho Department of Water Resources, Geothermal Well Bond $  260,000   $  260,000  
  Bureau of Land Management, Geothermal Lease Bond- Gerlach   10,000     10,000  
  State of Nevada Division of Minerals, Statewide Drilling Bond   50,000     50,000  
  Bureau of Land Management, Geothermal Lease Bonds- USG Nevada   150,000     150,000  
  Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, Mineral Land and Reclamation Program   400,000     400,000  
  Prudential Capital Group, Revenue Account   2,259     188,930  
  Prudential Capital Group, Debt Service Reserves   1,595,555     -  
  Bureau of Land Management, Geothermal Rights Lease Bond   10,000     10,000  
  U.S. Department of Energy, Debt Service Payment Account   2,118,193     2,151,851  
  State of California Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources, Well Cash Bond   100,000     100,000  
               
    $  4,696,007   $  3,320,781  

Long-term restricted cash and bond reserves:

      December 31,  
  Restricting Entities/Purpose   2015     2014  
  Nevada Energy, PPA Security Bond $  1,468,898   $  1,468,898  
  Prudential Capital Group, Debt Service Reserves   -     1,594,605  
  Prudential Capital Group, Maintenance Reserves   708,300     604,529  
  Prudential Capital Group, Well Reserves   314,590     212,298  
  U.S. Department of Energy, Operations Reserves   270,000     270,000  
  U.S. Department of Energy, Debt Service Reserves   2,542,058     2,582,606  
  U.S. Department of Energy, Short Term Well Field Reserves   4,507,110     4,505,150  
  U.S. Department of Energy, Long-Term Well Field Reserves   4,966,543     4,761,927  
  U.S. Department of Energy, Capital Expenditure Reserves   2,718,290     2,690,083  
               
    $  17,495,789   $  18,690,096  

The well bonding requirements ensure that the Company has sufficient financial resources to construct, operate and maintain geothermal wells while safeguarding subsurface, surface and atmospheric resources from unreasonable degradation, and to protect ground water aquifers and surface water sources from contamination. The debt service reserves are required to provide assurance that the Company will have sufficient funds to meet its debt payment obligations for the terms specified by the loan agreements. The maintenance and capital expenditure reserves are required by the lending entities to ensure that funds are available to acquire and maintain critical components of power plants and related supporting structures to enable the plants to operate according to expectations. Except for the PPA Security Bond, all of the restricted funds consisted of cash deposits or money market accounts held in commercial banks. Portions of the cash deposits are subject to FDIC insurance (see note 2 for details). The PPA Security Bond is held by the power purchaser. All of the reserve accounts were considered to be fully funded at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

-F-12-


NOTE 4 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company focused development activities on the San Emidio Phase II; Guatemala, Crescent Valley and WGP Geysers projects with development. Drilling and testing costs of approximately $665,000 were incurred on the San Emidio Phase II. Drilling costs exceeded $1,526,000 in Guatemala. Drilling costs of approximately $1,096,000 were incurred on the first production well at Crescent Valley. Costs were incurred at WGP Geysers for site preparation, an interconnection study and well field testing that totaled approximately $1,551,000. In September 2015, the Company disposed of the fully depreciated old power plant located in San Emidio, Nevada at its historical cost of $2,275,475. In November 2015, the Company purchased all of the long lead equipment for the construction of three binary geothermal power plants for $1.5 million.

During the year ended December, 2014, the Company engaged in development activities for San Emidio, Nevada and the Guatemala projects. Two new exploration wells for the San Emidio Phase II project were drilled, and one other well drilled in 2013 was placed into production during the year for approximately $2.03 million. A portion of the drilling and development costs were offset by grant proceeds of $632,210. The new production well was connected to the existing Phase I power plant and is producing fluid to the plant as part of a long term test of the South Zone reservoir. During the year, costs that exceeded $924,000 were incurred at Guatemala for the construction of nine temperature gradient wells.

On December 12, 2014, the Company completed an acquisition of Earth Power Resources Inc. After acquisition, the Company incurred approximately $133,000 on the drilling of a new production well (see note 15 for details).

Effective April 22, 2014, the Company acquired a group of companies (The Geysers, California) that included long-term assets that totaled $7.8 million (land of $1.6 million, wells and other construction in progress of $6.2 million). After acquisition, the Company incurred development costs of approximately $259,000 for design and study work for a new power plant, transmission line and well field (see note 15 for details).

-F-13-


Property, plant and equipment, at cost, are summarized as follows:

      December 31,  
      2015     2014  
  Land $  3,074,052   $  3,211,010  
  Power production plant   159,800,893     162,076,367  
  Grant proceeds for power plants   (52,965,236 )   (52,965,236 )
  Wells   67,621,167     67,621,167  
  Grant proceeds for wells   (3,464,555 )   (3,464,555 )
  Furniture and equipment   3,668,984     1,796,807  
      177,735,305     178,275,560  
             Less: accumulated depreciation   (31,021,494 )   (27,068,836 )
      146,713,811     151,206,724  
  Construction in progress   21,022,981     15,652,722  
               
    $  167,736,792   $  166,859,446  

Depreciation expense charged to plant operations and administrative costs for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, was $6,228,133 and $6,186,132; respectively.

Changes in construction in progress are summarized as follows:

      For the Year Ended December 31,  
      2015     2014  
  Beginning balances $  15,652,722   $  6,354,503  
       Development/construction   5,370,259     3,730,371  
       Grant reimbursements and rebates   -     (632,210 )
       Acquisitions   -     6,200,058  
  Ending balances $  21,022,981   $  15,652,722  

-F-14-


Constructions in Progress, at cost, consisting of the following projects/assets by location are as follows:

      December 31,  
      2015     2014  
  Raft River, Idaho:            
           Unit I, well improvements $  105,160   $  -  
           Unit II, power plant, substation and transmission lines   750,493     750,493  
           Unit II, well construction   2,146,531     2,127,547  
      3,002,184     2,878,040  
  San Emidio, Nevada:            
           Unit II, power plant, substation and transmission lines   426,942     383,536  
           Unit II, well construction   3,798,563     3,133,873  
      4,225,505     3,517,409  
  Neal Hot Springs, Oregon:            
             Power plant and facilities   50,297     6,477  
             Well construction   314,360     -  
      364,657     6,477  
               
  WGP Geysers, California:            
         Power plant and facilities   325,989     319,988  
         Well construction   7,690,748     6,139,421  
      8,016,737     6,459,409  
  Crescent Valley, Nevada:            
         Well construction   1,228,888     133,058  
  El Ceibillo, Republic of Guatemala:            
         Well construction   4,176,510     2,649,829  
         Plant and facilities   8,500     8,500  
      4,185,010     2,658,329  
               
    $  21,022,981   $  15,652,722  

-F-15-


NOTE 5 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS

In June 2014, the Company acquired a group of companies that included geothermal water rights located at The Geysers in Northern California that amounted to $278,872. On December 12, 2014, the Company completed an acquisition of Earth Power Resources Inc. The acquisition included 26,017 acres of geothermal water rights in located in the Crescent Valley area in the State of Nevada valued at $451,608 on the acquisition date. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company abandoned the Granite Creek, Nevada area and released the geothermal water and mineral rights originally purchased for $451,299.

Intangible assets, at cost, are summarized by project location as follows:

      December 31,  
      2015     2014  
  In operation:            
       Neal Hot Springs, Oregon:            
               Geothermal water and mineral rights $  625,337   $  625,337  
       San Emidio, Nevada:            
               Geothermal water and mineral rights   4,825,220     4,825,220  
       Less: accumulated amortization   (1,299,119 )   (1,117,434 )
      4,151,438     4,333,123  
  Inactive:            
       Raft River, Idaho:            
               Surface water rights   146,342     146,343  
               Geothermal water and mineral rights   1,281,540     1,251,540  
               
       Guatemala City, Guatemala:            
               Geothermal water and mineral rights   625,000     625,000  
               
       Gerlach, Nevada:            
               Geothermal water and mineral rights   997,000     997,000  
               
       Crescent Valley, Nevada:            
               Geothermal water and mineral rights   451,608     451,608  
               
       The Geysers, California:            
               Geothermal water rights   278,872     278,872  
               
       San Emidio, Nevada:            
               Surface water rights   4,323,520     4,323,520  
               Geothermal water and mineral rights   3,440,580     3,440,580  
                       Less: prior accumulated amortization   (430,072 )   (430,072 )
      11,114,390     11,084,391  
               
    $  15,265,828   $  15,417,514  

Amortization expense was charged to plant operations for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 that amounted to $181,685 and $181,685; respectively.

-F-16-


NOTE 6 – INCOME TAXES

The significant components of the deferred income taxes are:

    December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Long-term deferred tax assets:            
       Net operating loss carry forward $  34,928,000   $  32,353,000  
       Stock based compensation   1,432,000     1,518,000  
Long-term deferred tax liabilities:            
         Depreciation and amortization   (26,227,000 )   (21,811,000 )
    10,133,000     12,060,000  
Deferred tax asset utilized in current period   (1,212,000 )   (1,753,000 )
Net deferred income tax assets $  8,921,000   $  10,307,000  

The Company’s estimated effective income tax rate is as follows:

    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
U.S. Federal statutory rate   34.0%     34.0%  
Average State and foreign income tax, net of federal tax effect   3.5     3.7  
Valuation allowance   -     -  
         Consolidated tax rate before non-controlling interest   37.5     37.7  
Tax effect of non-controlling interests   (18.4 )   (27.0 )
         Net effective tax rate   19.1%     10.7%  

The provision for income taxes reflects an estimated effective income tax rate attributable to U.S. Geothermal Inc.’s share of income. Our provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015, reflects a reported effective tax rate of 19.1% which differs from the statutory federal income tax rate of 34.0% primarily due to the impact of the non-controlling interest and state income taxes.

At December 31, 2015, the Company had net income tax operating loss carry forwards of approximately $87,921,000 ($81,166,000 at December 31, 2014), which expire in the years 2023 through 2035. Approximately $82,970,000 of the operating losses were generated by the Company, the residual originated from acquired subsidiaries. In 2014, the Company purchased a group of companies. Federal and applicable state net operating losses that totalled approximately $5.8 million were included in the acquisition. These NOLs are scheduled to expire in the years ending 2024 through 2034. The use of these net operating losses is restricted by the Company’s basis (acquisition price) and the “applicable federal rate” as defined by Section 382 of federal tax law. The estimated available net operating losses from the acquired companies were approximately $4,950,000 at December 31, 2015.

Accounting for Income Tax Uncertainties and Related Matters
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in the States of Idaho, California and Oregon. These filings are generally subject to a three year statute of limitations. The Company’s evaluation of income tax positions included the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013. No filings are currently under examination. No adjustments due to tax uncertainties have been made to reduce the estimated income tax benefit at year end. Any valuations relating to these income tax provisions will comply with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

-F-17-


The Company currently does not have any uncertain tax positions to disclose. In the event that the Company is assessed interest or penalties on uncertain tax positions at some point in the future, it will be classified in the financial statements as tax expense.

NOTE 7 – SHORT-TERM CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE

On December 16, 2015, the Company executed a convertible promissory note in the amount of $1,597,000 due to Goldman Sachs as a partial payment for their ownership interest in the Raft River project. The note bears interest at 8% per annum and is due March 31, 2016. Up to $1.0 million of the note may be satisfied, at the election of the Company, with cash or shares of the Company’s stock priced at the 10 day weighted average closing price at the time of conversion.

NOTE 8 – LONG TERM NOTES PAYABLE

U.S. Department of Energy
On August 31, 2011, USG Oregon LLC (“USG Oregon”), a subsidiary of the Company, completed the first funding drawdown associated with the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) $96.8 million loan guarantee (“Loan Guarantee”) to construct its power plant at Neal Hot Springs in Eastern Oregon (the “Project”). All loan advances covered by the Loan Guarantee have been made under the Future Advance Promissory Note (the “Note”) dated February 23, 2011. Upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default under the transaction documents, all amounts payable under the Note may be accelerated. In connection with the Loan Guarantee, the DOE has been granted a security interest in all of the equity interests of USG Oregon, as well as in the assets of USG Oregon, including a mortgage on real property interests relating to the Project site. No additional advances are allowed under the terms of the loan. A total of 13 draws were taken and each individual draw or tranche is considered to be a separate loan. The loan principal is scheduled to be paid over 21.5 years with semi-annual installments including interest calculated at an aggregate fixed interest rate of 2.598% . The principal payment amounts are calculated on a straight-line basis according to the life of the loans and the original loan principal amounts. The principal portion of the aggregate loan payment is adjusted as individual tranches are extinguished. The principal payments started at $1,709,963 on February 10, 2014 and are scheduled to be reduced to $1,626,251 on February 10, 2017 and continue through February 12, 2035. The loan balance at December 31, 2015 totaled $63,546,722 (current portion $3,375,448).

As of March 10, 2016, the Company was not in compliance with two non-financial covenants included in the loan agreement relating to 1) the substitution of a replacement index into a PPA document for a discontinued index and 2) the transfer of an operating lease agreement between the company and an independent third party into a family trust. Neither of these matters are substantive and the Company believes that each is readily curable. Legal counsel is assisting the Company in documenting a remedy for these two issues.

-F-18-


Loan advances/tranches and effective annual interest rates are details as follows:

Description     Amount     Rate %  
Advances by date:              
     August 31, 2011*   $  2,328,422     2.997  
     September 28, 2011     10,043,467     2.755  
     October 27, 2011     3,600,026     2.918  
     December 2, 2011     4,377,079     2.795  
     December 21, 2011     2,313,322     2.608  
     January 25, 2012     8,968,019     2.772  
     April 26, 2012     13,029,325     2.695  
     May 30, 2012     19,497,204     2.408  
     August 27, 2012     7,709,454     2.360  
     December 28, 2012     2,567,121     2.396  
     June 10, 2013     2,355,316     2.830  
     July 3, 2013*     2,242,628     3.073  
     July 31, 2013*     4,026,582     3.214  
      83,057,965        
Principal paid through December 31, 2015     (19,511,243 )      
               
Loan balance at December 31, 2015   $  63,546,722        

* - Individual tranches have been fully extinguished.

SAIC Constructors LLC
Effective August 27, 2010, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary (USG Nevada LLC) signed a construction loan agreement with SAIC Constructors LLC (“SAIC”). The new 10.0 net megawatt power plant was considered complete and operational for financial reporting purposes on September 1, 2012. On February 15, 2013, USG Nevada LLC signed a settlement agreement with SAIC that defined the terms of three separate debt components to settle the obligations incurred under the construction loan agreement. As of December 31, 2013, two components of the settlement agreement were paid in full. On April 30, 2013, SAIC signed a loan agreement with Nevada USG Holdings LLC (parent company of USG Nevada LLC and wholly owned subsidiary of the Company), that further defined the terms of the remaining debt component of $2 million. This remaining obligation will be repaid in quarterly installments of $119,382, including interest at 7.0% per annum that began on July 31, 2013 and is scheduled to be repaid by September 2018. The loan balance at December 31, 2015 totaled $1,086,383 (current portion $412,135).

Prudential Capital Group
On September 26, 2013, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary (USG Nevada LLC) entered into a note purchase agreement with the Prudential Capital Group’s related entities (“Prudential”) to finance the Phase I San Emidio geothermal project located in northwest Nevada. The term of the note is approximately 24 years, and bears interest at fixed rate of 6.75% per annum. Interest payments are due quarterly. Principal payments are due quarterly based upon minimum debt service coverage ratios established according to projected operating results made at the loan origination date and available cash balances. All amounts owing under the notes and the note purchase agreement or any related financing document are secured by USG Nevada LLC’s right, title and interest in and to its real and personal property, including the San Emidio project and the equity interests in USG Nevada LLC. At December 31, 2015, the balance of the loan was $29,665,959 (current portion $624,428).

-F-19-


Based upon the terms of the notes payable and expected conditions that may impact some of those terms, the total estimated annual principal payments were calculated as follows:

For the Year Ended     Principal  
December 31,     Payments  
2016   $  4,412,012  
2017     4,079,217  
2018     3,759,756  
2019     3,638,585  
2020     3,751,359  
Thereafter     74,658,135  
         
    $  94,299,064  

NOTE 9 - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has a stock incentive plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”) for the purpose of attracting and motivating directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and advancing the interests of the Company. The Stock Incentive Plan is a 15% rolling plan approved by shareholders in September 2013, whereby the Company can grant options to the extent of 15% of the current outstanding common shares. Under the plan, all forfeited and exercised options can be replaced with new offerings. As of December 31, 2015, the Company can issue stock option grants totaling up to 16,140,214 shares. Options are typically granted for a term of up to five years from the date of grant. Stock options granted generally vest over a period of eighteen months, with 25% vesting on the date of grant and 25% vesting every six months thereafter. The Company recognizes compensation expense using the straight-line method of amortization. Historically, the Company has issued new shares to satisfy exercises of stock options and the Company expects to issue new shares to satisfy any future exercises of stock options.

The following table reflects the summary of stock options outstanding at January 1, 2014 and changes for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

          Weighted        
          Average        
    Number of     Exercise     Aggregate  
    shares under     Price Per     Intrinsic  
    options     Share     Value  
                   
Balance outstanding, January 1, 2014   11,888,250   $  0.61   $  4,542,715  
     Forfeited/Expired   (1,886,250 )   0.53     -  
     Exercised   (1,077,000 )   0.32     -  
     Granted   2,883,500     0.74     -  
Balance outstanding, December 31, 2014   11,808,500     0.62     4,273,243  
     Forfeited/Expired   (1,550,000 )   0.86     -  
     Exercised   (155,000 )   0.32     -  
     Granted   2,510,000     0.49     -  
                   
Balance outstanding, December 31, 2015   12,613,500   $  0.57   $  3,940,061  
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2015   12,588,400   $  0.57   $  3,904,620  

-F-20-


The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model and is amortized over the vesting period of the underlying options. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value are as follows:

    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2015     2014  
Dividend yield   0     0  
Expected volatility   65%     81-100%  
Risk free interest rate   0.58%     0.69-0.82%  
Expected life (years)   3.26     2.94  

Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate and, therefore, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Company’s stock options.

The following table summarizes information about the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015:

  OPTIONS OUTSTANDING              
              REMAINING     NUMBER OF        
  EXERCISE     NUMBER OF     CONTRACTUAL     OPTIONS        
  PRICE     OPTIONS     LIFE (YEARS)     EXERCISABLE     INTRINSIC VALUE  
                             
$  0.83     2,290,000     0.43     2,290,000   $  1,122,100  
  0.60     100,000     0.70     100,000     36,072  
  0.31     1,720,000     1.65     1,720,000     267,571  
  0.46     1,885,000     2.56     1,885,000     457,867  
  0.41     15,000     2.67     15,000     3,012  
  0.35     1,250,000     7.30     1,250,000     338,000  
  0.74     2,843,500     3.25     2,843,500     1,148,928  
  0.48     2,060,000     4.37     1,030,000     210,841  
  0.53     450,000     4.48     225,000     57,263  
$  0.57     12,613,500     3.02     11,358,500   $  3,641,654  

-F-21-


Common Stock Compensation Plan (Restricted Shares)

Restricted shares are issued to the recipients when granted and held by the Company until vested. The recipients meet the vesting requirements by maintaining employment and good standing with the Company through the vesting period. After vesting, there are no restrictions on the shares.

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity under the Stock Plan for 2015 and 2014:

    Shares     Issue Price  
             
Unvested at January 1, 2014   -   $  -  
             
         Granted   559,122     0.74  
             
Unvested at December 31, 2015   559,122     0.74  
             
         Granted   428,396     0.50  
         Vested   (559,122 )   0.74  
             
Unvested December 31, 2015   428,396   $  0.50  
             
Expected to vest after December 31, 2015   428,396   $  0.50  

At December 31, 2015, total compensation cost related to restricted stock granted under the Stock Plan but not yet recognized was $357,040, net of estimated forfeitures. This cost will be amortized on the straight-line method over a period of approximately 0.5 years.

Stock PurchaseWarrants

At December 31, 2015, the outstanding broker warrants and share purchase warrants consisted of the following:

          Broker              
          Warrant     Share     Warrant  
    Broker     Exercise     Purchase     Exercise  
Expiration Date   Warrants     Price     Warrants     Price  
May 23, 2017   255,721   $  0.44     -   $  -  
December 21, 2017   -     -     3,310,812     0.50  

On September 3, 2014, share purchase warrants that totaled 2,459,460 were exercised by an investor at the warrant exercise price of $0.50.

NOTE 10 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Current U.S. generally accepted accounting principles establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement).

The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Directly or indirectly market based inputs or observable inputs used in models or other valuation methodologies.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. The inputs require significant management judgement or estimation.

-F-22-


The following table discloses, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s assets and liabilities measured and reported on its Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value on a recurring basis:

At December 31, 2015:

    Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Assets:                        
Money market accounts * $  27,921,666   $  27,921,666   $  -   $  -  

At December 31, 2014:

    Total     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Assets:                        
Money market accounts * $  30,515,067   $  30,515,067   $  -   $  -  

* - Money market accounts include both restricted and unrestricted funds.

NOTE 11 – POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS

Raft River Energy I LLC
The Company signed a power purchase agreement with Idaho Power Company for the sale of power generated from its joint venture Raft River Energy I LLC. The Company also signed a transmission agreement with Bonneville Power Administration for transmission of electricity from this plant to Idaho Power. These agreements will govern the operational revenues for the initial phases of the Company’s operating activities. The contract allows power sales up to 13 megawatts annual average. The price of energy sold under the Idaho Power PPA is split into three seasons: power produced during the peak periods of July, August, November and December will be purchased at 120% of the set price; power produced in the three month low demand season (March, April, May) will be purchased at 73.50% of the set price; and power produced in the remaining five months of the year will be purchased at 100% of the set price. The PPA sets a first year average purchase price of $53.60 per megawatt hour. The $53.60 purchase price is escalated each year at a compound annual rate of 2.1% until year 15. From years 16 to 25 of the contract the escalation rate will drop to 0.6% per year.

USG Nevada LLC
As a part of the purchase of the assets from Empire Geothermal Power, LLC and Michael B. Stewart acquisition (“Empire Acquisition”), a power purchase agreement with Sierra Pacific Power Company was assigned to the Company. The contract had a stated expected output of 3,250 kilowatts maximum per hour and extended through 2017. During the year ended March 31, 2012, the power purchase agreement was replaced by a new amended and restated 25 year contract signed in December of 2011 that sets the new rate at $89.75 per megawatt hour with a 1% annual escalation rate. The new contract currently allows for a maximum of 73,444 megawatt hours annually that will be paid for at the full contract price. Upon declaration of commercial operation under the PPA, an Operating Security Deposit is required to be maintained at NV Energy for the full term of the PPA. As of December 31, 2015, the Company had funded a security deposit of $1,468,898.

USG Oregon LLC
In December of 2009, the Company’s subsidiary (USG Oregon LLC), signed a power purchase agreement with Idaho Power Company for the sale of power generated by the Neal Hot Springs, Oregon project. The agreement has a term of 25 years and provides for the purchase of power up to 25 megawatts (22 megawatt planned annual average output level). Beginning 2012, the flat energy price is $96.00 per megawatt hour. The price escalates annually by 3.9% in the initial years and by 1.0% during the latter years of the agreement.

-F-23-


NOTE 12 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Lease Agreements

The Company incurred total lease expenses for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, of $523,658 and $ 321,557; respectively. Included in the total lease expense are minimum lease payments of $164,405 and $108,798, and royalty based contingent lease expense of $359,253 and $212,759 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014; respectively.

BLM Lease Agreements

Idaho
On August 1, 2007, the Company signed a geothermal resources lease agreement with the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”). The contract requires an annual payment of $3,502 including processing fees. The primary term of the agreement is 10 years. After the primary term, the Company has the right to extend the contract. BLM has the right to terminate the contract upon written notice if the Company does not comply with the terms of the agreement.

San Emidio
The lease contracts are for approximately 21,905 acres of land and geothermal rights located in the San Emidio Desert, Nevada. The lease contracts have primary terms of 10 years. Per federal regulations applicable for the contracts, the lessee has the option to extend the primary lease term another 40 years if the BLM does not need the land for any other purpose and the lessee is maintaining production at commercial quantities. The leases require the lessee to conduct operations in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts to the environment.

Gerlach
The Gerlach Geothermal LLC assets are comprised of two BLM geothermal leases and one private lease totaling 2,986 acres. Both BLM leases have a royalty rate which is based upon 10% of the value of the resource at the wellhead. The amounts are calculated according to a formula established by Minerals Management Service (“MMS”). One of the two BLM leases has a second royalty commitment to a third party of 4% of gross revenue for power generation and 5% for direct use based on BTUs consumed at a set comparable price of $7.00 per million BTU of natural gas. The private lease has a 10 year primary term and would receive a royalty of 3% gross revenue for the first 10 years and 4% thereafter.

Other Lease Agreements

Neal Hot Springs, Oregon
The Company holds 3 lease contracts for approximately 7,429 acres of geothermal water rights located in the Neal Hot Springs area near Vale, Oregon. The contracts have stated terms of 10 years with expiration dates that range from May 2015 to November 2019. The two major contracts are royalty based. One of the agreements defines a royalty rate based upon 3% of the gross proceeds for the first 5 years of commercial production, 4% of gross proceeds for the next 10 years, and 5% of the gross proceeds thereafter. The second agreement defines a royalty rate based upon 2% of the actual revenue for the first 10 years of commercial production and 3% thereafter. As of January 2013, USG Oregon LLC began paying monthly royalties under both royalty based contracts based on electricity delivery under the Idaho Power Purchase Agreement.

-F-24-


Raft River Energy I LLC
The Company has entered into several lease contracts for approximately 5,144 acres of land and geothermal water rights located in the Raft River area located in Southern Idaho. Two contracts renew automatically upon receipt of annual payment, the residual have expiration terms from 5 to 30 years with expiration dates that range from January 2016 to December 2034. Six contracts have a royalty rate provision of 10% of net income calculated with specified depreciation methods.

The Geysers, California
On April 22, 2014, the Company acquired companies that held five significant lease contracts for approximately 3,809 acres (6.0 square miles) of land and geothermal water rights in The Geysers area located in Northern California. The contracts have stated expiration dates, expiring from February 2017 to October 2019. The remaining contracts renew indefinitely with payments made within contracted terms (held by payment).

Crescent Valley, Nevada
On December 12, 2014, the Company acquired Earth Power Resources Inc. that held 63 lease contracts for approximately 26,017 acres located in the central area of the State of Nevada. The contracts have stated terms of 10 to 40 years with expiration dates that range from February 2015 to June 2054.

Office Lease

On August 12, 2013, the Company signed a 5 year lease agreement for office space and janitorial services. The lease payments are due in monthly installments starting February 1, 2014. The monthly payments that began February 1, 2014 have two components which include a base rate of $3,234 that is not subject to increase and a rate beginning at $6,418 that is adjusted annually according to the cost of living index. The contract includes a 5 year extension option. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, the office lease costs totaled $106,178 and $86,873; respectively.

The following is the total remaining contracted lease operating obligations (operating leases, BLM lease agreements and office leases) for the next five years and thereafter:

Years Ending        
December 31,     Amount  
         
2016   $  1,004,517  
2017     994,906  
2018     1,019,465  
2019     914,152  
2020     886,704  
Thereafter     14,805,095  

Parental Guaranty Agreement

Under the terms of PPA, Raft River Energy I, LLC (“RREI”) is required to provide a Seller’s Performance Assurance. On April 29, 2011, U.S. Geothermal Inc. (“Guarantor”) signed a Parental Guaranty Agreement with RREI’s energy purchaser (“Beneficiary”) that extends credit to RREI (“Debtor”). The agreement provides for assurances related to possible obligations related to purchases, exchanges, sales or transportation of energy from contacts entered into by the Beneficiary and Debtor. The agreement insures the Beneficiary for damages up to a maximum of $750,000.

401(k) Plan
The Company offers a defined contribution plan qualified under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code to all its eligible employees. All employees are eligible at the beginning of the quarter after completing 3 months of service. The Company matches 50% of the employee’s contribution up to 6%. Employees may contribute up to the maximum allowed by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company made matching contributions to the plan that totaled $100,872 and $97,785 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

-F-25-


NOTE 13 – ASSET RETIRMENT OBLIGATIONS

The Geysers, California
On April 22, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of a group of companies owned by Ram Power Corp.’s (“Ram”) Geysers Project located in Northern California. Two of the acquired companies (Western GeoPower, Inc. and Etoile Holdings, Inc.) contained asset retirement obligations that, primarily, originate with the environmental regulations defined by the laws of the State of California. The liabilities related to the removal and disposal of arsenic impacted soil and existing steam conveyance pipelines are estimated to total $598,930. Obligations related to decommissioning four existing wells were estimated to total $606,000. These obligations are initially estimated based upon discounted cash flows estimates and are accreted to full value over time. At December 31, 2015, the Company has not considered it necessary to specifically fund these obligations. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company engaged in activities that reduced the estimated liability related to the site’s impacted soil. Since the Company is still evaluating the development plan for this project that could eliminate or significantly reduce the remaining obligations, no charges directly associated the asset retirement obligations have been charged to operations. All of the obligations were considered to be long-term at December 31, 2015.

Raft River Energy I LLC, USG Nevada LLC, and USG Oregon LLC \
These Companies operate in Idaho, Nevada and Oregon and are subject to environmental laws and regulations of these states. The plants, wells, pipelines and transmission lines are expected to have long useful lives. Generally, these assets will require funds for retirement or reclamation. However, these estimated obligations are believed to be less than or not significantly more than the assets’ estimated salvage values. Therefore, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, no retirement obligations have been recognized.

    December 31,  
    2015     2014  
             
Beginning balance $  1,400,000   $  -  
       Obligation from the Geysers Company acquisition   -     1,400,000  
       Soil remediation   (209,070 )   -  
       Accretion of post closure obligation   14,000     -  
Ending Balance $  1,204,930   $  1,400,000  

-F-26-


NOTE 14 – JOINT VENTURES/NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

Non-controlling interests included on the consolidated balance sheets of the Company are detailed as follows:

    December 31,  
    2015     2014  
             
Gerlach Geothermal LLC interest held by Gerlach Green Energy, LLC $ 213,882   $  230,539  
Oregon USG Holdings LLC interest held by Enbridge Inc.   25,353,058     24,818,443  
Raft River Energy I LLC interest held by Goldman Sachs   2,044,984     21,348,110  
  $ 27,611,924   $  46,397,092  

Gerlach Geothermal LLC
On April 28, 2008, the Company formed Gerlach Geothermal, LLC (“Gerlach”) with our partner, Gerlach Green Energy, LLC (“GGE”). The purpose of the joint venture is the exploration of the Gerlach geothermal system, which is located in northwestern Nevada, near the town of Gerlach. Based upon the terms of the members’ agreement, the Company owned a 60% interest and GGE owned a 40% interest in Gerlach Geothermal, LLC. The agreement gives GGE an option to maintain its 40% ownership interest as additional capital contributions are required. If GGE dilutes to below a 10% interest, their ownership position in the joint venture would be converted to a 10% net profits interest. The Company has contributed $757,190 in cash and $300,000 for a geothermal lease and mineral rights; and the GGE has contributed $704,460 of geothermal lease, mineral rights and exploration data. During the first nine months of the year ended December 31, 2014, contributions were made to Gerlach by the Company and GGE that totaled $11,040 and $7,360; respectively. These contributions maintained the existing ownership interests of the two partners in Gerlach. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company contributed $400,000 for the project’s drilling costs that were not proportionally matched by GGE. These contributions effectively reduced GGE’s ownership interest to 32.65%, and increased the Company’s interest to 67.35% as of December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company contributed $11,000 to support the project’s operations that were not proportionally matched by GGE. These contributions effectively further reduced GGE’s ownership interest to 32.49%, and increased the Company’s interest to 67.51% .

The consolidated financial statements reflect 100% of the assets and liabilities of Gerlach, and report the current non-controlling interest of GGE. The full results of Gerlach’s operations are reflected in the statement of income and comprehensive income with the elimination of the non-controlling interest identified.

Oregon USG Holdings LLC
In September 2010, the Company’s subsidiary, Oregon USG Holdings LLC (“Oregon Holdings”), signed an Operating Agreement with Enbridge Inc. (“Enbridge”) for the right to participate in the Company’s Neal Hot Springs project located in Malheur County, Oregon. On February 20, 2014, a new determination under the existing agreement was reached with Enbridge that established their ownership interest percentage at 40% and the Company’s at 60%, effective January 1, 2013. Oregon Holdings has a 100% ownership interest in USG Oregon LLC. Enbridge has contributed a total of $32,801,000, including the debt conversion, to Oregon Holdings in exchange for a direct ownership interest. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, distributions were made to the Company that totaled $5,193,883 and $12,388,606; respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, distributions were made to Enbridge that totaled $3,462,588 and $15,024,334.

The consolidated financial statements reflect 100% of the assets and liabilities of Oregon Holdings and USG Oregon LLC, and report the current non-controlling interest of Enbridge. The full results of Oregon Holdings and USG Oregon LLC’s operations are reflected in the statement of income and comprehensive income with the elimination of the non-controlling interest identified.

-F-27-


Raft River Energy I LLC (“RREI”)
Raft River Energy I is a joint venture between the Company and Goldman Sachs. An Operating Agreement governs the rights and responsibilities of both parties. At December 31, 2015, the Company had contributed approximately $17.9 million in cash and property, and Goldman Sachs has contributed approximately $34.1 million in cash. Profits and losses are allocated to the members based upon contractual terms. The initial contracted terms stated that the Company would be allocated 70% of energy credit sales and 1% of the residual income/loss excluding energy credit sales. Under the terms of the amended agreement that became effective December 16, 2015, the Company will receive a 95% interest in RREI’s cash flows. Under the terms of both agreements, Goldman Sachs receives a greater proportion of the share of profit or losses for income tax purposes/benefits. This includes the allocation of profits and losses as well as production tax credits, which will be distributed 99% to Goldman Sachs and 1% to the Company during the first 10 years of production, which ends December 31, 2017.

The consolidated financial statements reflect 100% of the assets and liabilities of RREI, and report the current non-controlling interest of Goldman Sachs. The full results of RREI’s operations are reflected in the statement of income and comprehensive income with the elimination of the non-controlling interest identified.

NOTE 15 – ACQUISITIONS

Additional Interest in Raft River Energy I LLC/Promissory Note
On December 16, 2015, the Company signed a purchase agreement with Goldman Sachs for the acquisition of the majority of the cash flow interest in Raft River Energy I LLC (“RREI”). Effective December 31, 2015, the Company will receive 95% of the available cash flows from the project for the total purchase price of $5.1 million. The agreement includes an option to purchase residual interest in the RREI for fair market value in December 2017. The purchase consisted of a $3.5 million cash payment plus a promissory note of $1.6 million that bears interest at 8% per annum that is due March 31, 2016. Up to $1.0 million of the note may be satisfied with shares of the Company’s stock priced at the 10 day weighted average closing price at the time of conversion. Allocations of profits and losses will remain 99% to the non-controlling interest and 1% to the Company until December 31, 2017, after which the Company will receive 95% of the allocation of profits and losses and the non-controlling interest will receive 5%.

Ram Power’s Geysers Project
On April 22, 2014, the Company acquired all of the ownership shares of a group of companies owned by Ram Power Corp.’s (“Ram”) that hold all interests in the Geysers Project located in Northern California for a total of $6.78 million ($6.4 million purchase price, plus $0.38 million in other acquisition costs). The acquisition included Ram’s subsidiaries: Western GeoPower, Inc., Skyline Geothermal Holdings, Inc., and Etoile Holdings, Inc. which includes all membership interests in Mayacamas Energy LLC and Skyline Geothermal LLC. The assets acquired included 4 production/injection wells, restricted cash, land and geothermal water rights. The Company assumed the on-going liabilities of the companies which included an asset retirement obligations with estimated value of $1.4 million. The Company will continue to evaluate whether to construct a power plant or sell the steam to one of the existing power companies in the area.

-F-28-


The total acquisition cost was allocated as follows:

    Acquisition Costs  
Assets:      
     Restricted cash, short term well bond $  100,000  
     Land   1,603,516  
     Geothermal water rights   278,872  
     Construction in progress:      
          Wells and casing   6,139,420  
          Plant and facilities   60,637  
    8,182,445  
Liabilities:      
     Asset retirement obligations   (1,400,000 )
Net acquisition cost $  6,782,445  

Earth Power Resources Inc. (“EPR”)
On October 16, 2014, the Company signed an Agreement and Plan of Merger with EPR. The transaction was approved by EPR shareholder approval on November 18, 2014. The Acquisition was completed on December 12, 2014. Under the terms of the Agreement, the EPR shareholders received a total of 692,769 shares of U.S. Geothermal Inc. common shares and $42,934 in cash in exchange for all outstanding shares of EPR stock. Under the terms of the Acquisition agreement, 50% of the issued shares will be held in reserve by the Company to cover potential undisclosed liabilities against EPR. The remaining non-reserved shares will be delivered to EPR shareholders upon surrender of their EPR share certificates. Trading of the non-reserve shares will be restricted for 6 months under SEC Rule 144. Acquired assets include geothermal leases covering 26,017 acres in the State of Nevada representing three potential projects. A loan of $100,000 was made from the Company to its wholly owned subsidiary EPR to fund operating costs that were due prior to the acquisition. The loan accrues interest at a rate of 7.0% per annum and is due on December 11, 2019.

The total acquisition cost was allocated as follows:

    Acquisition Costs  
Assets:      
     Restricted cash, bond $  10,000  
     Geothermal water rights   451,608  
    461,608  
Liability:      
     Note payable, intercompany   (100,000 )
Net acquisition cost $  361,608  

-F-29-


NOTE 16 – BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company has two reporting segments: Operating Plants and Corporate and Development. These segments are managed and reported separately due to dissimilar economic characteristics. Operating plants engaged in the sale of electricity from the power plants pursuant to long-tern PPAs. Corporate and development costs are intended to produce additional revenue generating projects. A summary of financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following table:

            Corporate &        
      Operating Plants     Development     Consolidated  
                     
For the Year Ended December 31, 2015:                    
Operating Revenues   $  31,200,098   $  -   $  31,200,098  
Net Income (Loss)     10,849,514     (5,899,016 )   4,950,498  
Total Assets     162,824,188     65,392,939     228,217,127  
                     
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014:                    
Operating Revenues   $  30,968,782   $  -   $  30,968,782  
Net Income (Loss)     10,116,902     4,779,395     14,896,297  
Total Assets     156,007,340     76,906,964     232,914,304  

-F-30-


Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

In connection with the preparation of this annual report on Form 10-K, an evaluation was carried out by the Company’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act 1934 as of December 31, 2015. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Based on their evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2015.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the Company’s Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

  • pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

  • provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

  • provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

-87-


The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO – 2013). Based on its assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the year ended December 31, 2015, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

-88-


PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Directors and Executive Officers
The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company is currently composed of five directors: Dennis J. Gilles, Douglas J. Glaspey, Paul A. Larkin, Leland L. Mink and John H. Walker. The majority of the Board, made up of Mr. Larkin, Dr. Mink and Mr. Walker, satisfy the applicable independence requirements of the NYSE MKT LLC (“NYSE MKT”), and National Instrument 58-101, Disclosure of Corporate Governance Practices and Multilateral Instrument 52-110, Audit Committees. Mr. Gilles and Mr. Glaspey do not satisfy such independence requirements based on their employment as executive officers of the Company. The Board has one class of members that is elected at each annual shareholders meeting to hold office until the next annual shareholders meeting or until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

Dennis J. Gilles: Age 57, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company. Mr. Gilles also currently serves as a Director and Executive Board Officer of the Geothermal Resource Council. Mr. Gilles is a senior executive with 30 years of experience in the management, operations, maintenance, engineering, construction and administration of power and petrochemical plants and their related facilities. Mr. Gilles’ primary activities have included the identification, evaluation and acquisition of existing renewable projects or portfolios, as well as heading development of new green-field opportunities. As Senior Vice President of Calpine Corporation, Mr. Gilles managed the Company’s geothermal portfolio of 750 megawatts at the Geysers geothermal field where he was instrumental in consolidating the majority of the ownership interests into a single entity. Mr. Gilles was part of the expansion and growth of Calpine Corporation from the very first megawatt to what is now the largest independent power producer in the United States. Mr. Gilles holds a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Gilles’ qualifications to serve as a director of the Company include his over 30 years of experience in the natural resource industry and his many years of senior management and director experience.

Douglas J. Glaspey: Age 63, is the co-founder, President and Chief Operating Officer and a director of the Company. He has served as a director of the Company since March 2000, President of the Company since September 2011, and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since December 2003. Mr. Glaspey served from March 2000 until December 2004 as the President and Chief Executive Officer for the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSX-V”) listed U.S. Cobalt Inc. until the acquisition of Geo-Idaho in December 2003. He also served as a director and the Chief Executive Officer of Geo-Idaho from February 2002 until the acquisition of Geo-Idaho in December 2003. During his career in the mining industry, he has held operating positions with ASARCO, Earth Resources Company, Asamera Minerals, Atlanta Gold Corporation and Twin Gold Corporation. Mr. Glaspey has 35 years of operating and management experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mineral Processing Engineering and an Associate of Science in Engineering Science. His experience includes public company financing and administration, production management, planning and directing resource exploration programs, preparing feasibility studies and environmental permitting. He has formed and served as an executive officer of several private resource development companies in the United States, including Drumlummon Gold Mines Corporation and Black Diamond Corporation. He is currently a director of TSX-V listed Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc., which is also quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board. Mr. Glaspey’s qualifications to serve as a director of the Company include his over 35 years of experience in the natural resource industry and his many years of senior management and director experience.

-89-


Kerry D. Hawkley: Age 62, serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Company. He has served as the Company’s controller since July 2003, and became CFO as of January 1, 2005. From July 2003 to December 2004, he also provided consulting services to Triumph Gold Corp. From 1998 to June 2003, Mr. Hawkley served as controller, director and treasurer of LB Industries. Mr. Hawkley has over 35 years of experience in all areas of accounting, finance and administration. He holds Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Accounting and Finance. He started his career as an internal auditor with Union Pacific Corporation and has held various accounting management positions in the oil and gas, truck leasing, mining and energy industries.

Paul Larkin: Age 65, serves as a director of the Company, a position he has held since March 2000. He served as Secretary of the Company from March 2000 until December 2003, and has served as Chairman of the Audit Committee from 2003 to present. He also served as a director and the Secretary-Treasurer of Geo-Idaho from February 2002 until its acquisition in December 2003. Since 1983, Mr. Larkin has also been the President of the New Dawn Group, an investment and financial consulting firm located in Vancouver, British Columbia, and a director and officer of various TSX-V listed companies. New Dawn is primarily involved in corporate finance, merchant banking and administrative management of public companies. Mr. Larkin held various accounting and banking positions for over a decade before founding New Dawn in 1983, and currently serves on the boards of the following companies which are listed on the TSX-V: Esrey Energy Ltd., Condor Resources Ltd., Tyner Resources Ltd. Gstaad Capital Corp., Westbridge Energy Corp., Velocity Minerals Ltd and Capstream Ventures Inc.. Mr. Larkin’s qualifications to serve as a director of the Company include his many years of senior leadership and management experience in corporate finance, merchant banking and administrative management of public companies.

Dr. Leland “Roy” Mink: Age 76, serves as a director of the Company, a position he has held since November 2006. Dr. Mink holds a PhD in Geology from the University of Idaho and is currently self-employed as President of Mink GeoHydro Inc conducting consulting activities in hydrogeology and geothermal resource evaluations. He served as Program Director for the Geothermal Technologies Program at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) from February 2003 to October 2006. Prior to working for the DOE, Dr. Mink was the Vice President of Exploration for the Company from June 2002 to February 2003. He has also worked for Morrison-Knudsen Corporation, Idaho Bureau of Mines and Geology and Idaho Water Resources Research Institute. Dr. Mink serves on the Geothermal Resources Board of Directors and is a member of the Geothermal Energy Association. His qualifications to serve as a director of the Company include his many years of senior leadership and management experience in the geothermal energy industry.

-90-


John H. Walker: Age 67, is a director and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company. He has held that position since December 2003. He is also a Managing Director of Kensington Capital Partners Ltd and a National Director of Trout Unlimited Canada. Mr. Walker has a 38 year history in urban planning, energy security and power plant development in Ontario and internationally as well as experience on both public and private sector boards. Mr. Walker was a founding director of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority in 1992 and chaired the first Planning and Development Committee of the Board which provided oversight in the construction of CDN$4.4 billion terminal complex at Toronto Pearson Airport completed in 2004. He was instrumental in the development of an 117 megawatt cogeneration power plant at Toronto Pearson Airport which commenced operations in 2005. Additionally, he was a founding Director of the Borealis Infrastructure Fund which is now owned by Ontario Municipal Employee Retirement System (OMERS). Mr. Walker has worked in the financial services community as an investment banker with Loewen Ondaatje McCutcheon and has served on the Board of Directors of Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning. His background includes 10 years at Ontario Hydro where he was responsible for site selection, alternative energy and international market development. Mr. Walker has also acted as a senior advisor to Falconbridge on the Koniambo project, a CDN$3 billion nickel smelter, mine, power plant and port project in New Caledonia. Mr. Walker advises corporations on matters related to infrastructure and energy development and acts as a developer of power plants. Mr. Walker is a Registered Professional Planner in the Province of Ontario and a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. Mr. Walker has a BSc. from Springfield College and a Masters of Environmental Studies (Urban and Regional Planning) from York University. Mr. Walker’s qualifications to serve as a director of the Company include his many years of senior leadership and management experience in international business development.

Jonathan Zurkoff: Age 60, serves as the Treasurer and Executive Vice President of the Company, a position he has held since September 2011. From January 2009 to May 2009, Mr. Zurkoff served as a financial consultant to the Company. He then served as the Vice President Finance of the Company from June 2009 until September 2011. Mr. Zurkoff served as CFO of Tamarack Resorts from 2004 to 2008. Mr. Zurkoff has over 25 years of experience in engineering, construction, and all phases of project development with an emphasis on project and corporate finance. Mr. Zurkoff holds a Masters of Business Administration, a Masters of Science in Groundwater Hydrology, and a Bachelor of Science in Geology. Mr. Zurkoff has held positions in Tamarack Resort (CFO), Process Technologies (CFO & COO), and Morrison Knudsen Corporation (now URS).

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our securities with the SEC. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders are required to furnish us with copies of these reports. Based solely on our review of the Section 16(a) reports furnished to us with respect to the year ended December 31, 2015 and written representations from our executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders, we believe that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our executive officers, directors and greater than 10% shareholders were satisfied.

-91-


Code of Ethics

Our Board of Directors has adopted the U.S. Geothermal, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to provide a corporate governance framework for our directors and management to effectively pursue U.S. Geothermal Inc.’s objectives for the benefit of our shareholders. The Board annually reviews and updates these guidelines and the charters of the Board committees in response to evolving “best practices” and the results of annual Board and committee evaluations. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics can be found at http://www.usgeothermal.com by clicking on “About Us” and then “Code of Ethics”. Shareholders may request a free printed copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics from our investor relations department by contacting them at info@usgeothermal.com or by calling (208) 424-1027. We will post any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics at that location on our website. In the unlikely event that the Board of Directors approves any sort of waiver to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for our executive officers or directors, information concerning such waiver will also be posted at that location on our website. No waivers were granted during the year ended December 31, 2015. In addition to posting information regarding amendments and waivers on our website, the same information will be included in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days following the date of the amendment or waiver, unless website posting of such amendments or waivers satisfies applicable NYSE MKT listing rules.

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our Board of Directors has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The members of the Audit Committee are Paul A. Larkin, Leland L. Mink and John H. Walker. Our Board has determined that Paul A. Larkin, Chairman of the Audit Committee, is an audit committee financial expert as defined by Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act and that each member of the Audit Committee is independent under the NYSE MKT independence standards applicable to audit committee members.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Our compensation philosophy is to structure compensation awards to members of our executive management that directly align their personal interests with those of our shareholders. Our executive compensation program is intended to attract, motivate, reward and retain the management talent required to achieve our corporate objectives and increase shareholder value, while at the same time making the most efficient use of shareholder resources. This compensation philosophy puts a strong emphasis on pay for performance, and uses equity awards as a significant component in order to correlate the long-term growth of shareholder value with management’s most significant compensation opportunities.

-92-


The three primary components of total direct compensation for our senior executives are:

  • base salary;
  • annual cash incentive bonus opportunity; and
  • stock options and restricted stock.

The relative weighting of the three components of compensation is designed to strongly reward long-term performance, by heavily emphasizing the proportion of long-term equity compensation.

The Compensation and Benefits Committee is appointed annually by the Board of Directors to discharge the Board’s responsibilities relating to compensation and benefits of the executive officers of our Company. The goals of the committee are to attract, retain and motivate our executive officers by providing appropriate levels of compensation and benefits while taking into consideration, among such other factors as it may deem relevant, our Company’s performance, shareholder returns, the value of similar incentive awards to executive officers at comparable companies and the awards given to the executive officers in past years. The main categories of compensation available to the committee are base salary, discretionary annual performance bonuses, stock option grants, stock awards, and insurance reimbursements.

We compete with a variety of companies for our executive-level employees. The Compensation and Benefits Committee uses base salary to compensate the executive officers for services rendered. Base salaries are intended to be competitive for companies of similar size and purpose, also taking into consideration individual factors such as experience, tenure, institutional knowledge and qualifications. An informal review of several public junior resource development companies was completed to provide the committee with comparative compensation information. The committee looked at Alterra, Calpine, Ormat, Chesapeake, Algonquin Power, Boralex, Caribbean Utilities, Maxim Power, Etrion, and Atlantic Power, who are involved in either geothermal development, mineral exploration, electrical power generators or other similar activities. Base salaries are reviewed annually to determine whether they are consistent with our overall compensation objectives. In considering increases in base salary, the Compensation and Benefits Committee reviews individual and corporate performance, market and industry conditions, and our overall financial health.

While the Company does not attach a weighting to the various components of executive compensation, the Compensation and Benefits Committee attempts to pay a competitive salary (retention) to its executives while providing long-term incentive to the executives through equity awards (ownership/reward) in order to align their interest with the long-term progression of the Company as a whole. Our Chief Executive Officer and Compensation and Benefits Committee perform an informal annual review of compensation practices of similar sized companies to educate themselves of the general parameters (levels and types of compensation) for executive compensation. They do not, however, benchmark the various components of pay. The review highlights areas of our executive pay package that may not be consistent with compensation practices at similar sized companies and provides the committee with knowledge of the compensation landscape for its executives.

The Compensation and Benefits Committee may grant annual performance bonuses as a reward for achievement of individual and corporate short-term goals. Any grant of an annual performance bonus is discretionary and the amount is determined after a recommendation from the CEO with input from other executive officers. Bonus amounts are dependent upon our financial and operational performance as well as the completion of specific milestone events by the individual executive officer.

-93-


Generally, the Compensation and Benefits Committee grants stock options to all employees, including executive officers, for motivation and retention purposes annually after completion of our annual financial reports. Stock options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of our common stock on the date of the grant, and typically with a term of five years. The timing of the stock option grant is not coordinated with the release of material non-public information and is typically occurs during the second fiscal quarter. The options typically vest 25% on the date of grant, and another 25% each six months thereafter. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, stock option grants to executive officers represented approximately 47% of the total stock option grants to all employees. During the year ended December 31, 2014, stock option grants to executive officers represented approximately 34% of the total stock option grants to all employees. We do not have a formal procedure for determining factors to consider when making grants. The committee uses an informal review of similar sized companies engaged in natural resource development to assist in determining the appropriate levels of stock option. In 2015, the percentage of votes cast “For” our advisory “say on pay” resolution to approve our executive compensation was 88.4% . The Board and the Compensation and Benefits Committee considered the results of the advisory vote and no significant changes have been made to the executive compensation programs based on the 2015 “say on pay” results.

Our executive officers do not normally receive any material incremental benefits that are not otherwise available to all of our employees. Our health and dental insurance plans are the same for all employees.

Gilles Employment Agreement
Effective April 19, 2013, Dennis J. Gilles entered into an employment agreement as the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer. The initial term of employment will be from April 19, 2013 until the earlier of April 18, 2015 or termination of employment in accordance with the terms of the employment agreement. The employment agreement will automatically renew at the end of the initial term, and at the end of each subsequent term, for an additional one year term unless either the Company or Mr. Gilles gives written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least 90 days prior to expiration of the then-current term.

The Company has agreed to pay to Mr. Gilles an annual base salary of $375,000, which increased to $410,000 on April 19, 2014 and will remain in place as a minimum annual base salary during all successive periods under the employment agreement. In addition, Mr. Gilles received a signing bonus of $100,000 payable in the Company’s common stock and cash to cover the tax impact of the stock bonus. Mr. Gilles was also granted 300,000 restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, and a non-qualified stock option to acquire a total of 1,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.35 per share with a term of 10 years. Until the earlier of expiration or termination of the employment agreement, the Company has agreed to provide Mr. Gilles, at the Company’s expense, a $1,000,000 life insurance policy that names the Gilles Family Trust as the beneficiary in the event of the death of Mr. Gilles. Mr. Gilles will be eligible to earn annual bonuses with the target amount being 100% of his annual base salary payable in a combination of cash and restricted shares of the Company’s common stock, provided that no more than one-half of the annual bonus will be paid in the form of restricted shares. The actual bonus amount will be subject to the discretion of the Company’s board of directors and its Compensation and Benefits Committee. On April 18, 2014, Mr. Gilles was granted 400,000 stock options to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.74, a cash bonus of $150,000 and 325,000 shares of restricted stock with a one-year vesting period. On June 26, 2015, Mr. Gilles was granted 450,000 stock options to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.53, a cash bonus of $102,500 and 193,396 shares of restricted stock with a one-year vesting period. On subsequent annual anniversaries, Mr. Gilles will be eligible to receive stock option awards at a similar level with the actual amount determined by the Company’s board of directors. Mr. Gilles and his immediate family will be eligible to participate in the Company’s employee health insurance, dental insurance, retirement plan 401(k) and any other employee benefit plans in accordance with the terms and conditions of such plans. Mr. Gilles will be entitled to five weeks of vacation within each 12-month period under the employment agreement. Subject to certain limitations and conditions, the Company will also reimburse Mr. Gilles for all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with his employment and the cost of travel between the Company’s office in Boise, Idaho and his home. In addition, Mr. Gilles has received cost reimbursement for a single relocation for costs of $35,000.

-94-


The Company may terminate Mr. Gilles’ employment at any time for “cause” upon at least 15 days’ notice. In such event, Mr. Gilles will only be entitled to compensation through the date of termination.

Mr. Gilles may terminate his employment at any time without “good reason” (which is defined in the employment agreement) upon 60 days’ notice. Mr. Gilles will be paid his salary through the date designated in the notice, plus payment for unused vacation days granted or accrued and reimbursement for expenses incurred through the date of termination.

In the event Mr. Gilles’ employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Gilles for “good reason”, Mr. Gilles will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to one and one-half (1.5) times the sum of his second year base salary ($410,000) plus annual target bonus. In addition, any unvested stock options to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock and any unvested restricted shares of the Company’s common stock held by Mr. Gilles as of the termination date that would have vested within18 months following such termination date had Mr. Gilles’ employment continued will become fully vested. Mr. Gilles also will receive a lump sum cash payment equal to 24 times the Company’s contribution to the monthly cost of the medical and dental benefits provided to Mr. Gilles under the employment agreement.

In the event Mr. Gilles’ employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Gilles for “good reason” within 12 months following a “change of control” (which is defined in the employment agreement) or a “change of control” occurs within 12 months following such termination, Mr. Gilles will receive total severance payments equal to three (3) times the sum of his second year base salary ($410,000) plus annual target bonus. In addition, any unvested stock options to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock and any unvested restricted shares of the Company’s common stock held by Mr. Gilles as of the termination date that would have vested within 18 months following such termination date had Mr. Gilles’ employment continued will become fully vested. Any vested stock options held by Mr. Gilles will remain exercisable until the expiration of the original term of such option. If such termination occurs within 12 months following a “change of control”, Mr. Gilles will receive a lump sum cash payment equal to 36 times the Company’s contribution to the monthly cost of the medical and dental benefits provided to Mr. Gilles under the employment agreement.

-95-


The Company has agreed to defend and indemnify Mr. Gilles in connection with legal claims, lawsuits, cause of action or liabilities asserted against him arising out of or related to his employment with the Company and to provide Mr. Gilles with an advance for any expenses in connection with such defense and/or indemnification. The employment agreement also includes covenants by Mr. Gilles with respect to the treatment of confidential information, non-competition and non-solicitation, and provides for equitable relief in the event of breach,

Glaspey Employment Agreement
The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Douglas J. Glaspey as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. The initial term of employment will be from July 1, 2013 until the earlier of June 30, 2015 or termination of employment in accordance with the terms of the employment agreement. The employment agreement will automatically renew at the end of the initial term, and at the end of each subsequent term, for an additional one year term unless either the Company or Mr. Glaspey gives written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least 60 days prior to expiration of the then-current term.

The Company has agreed to pay to Mr. Glaspey compensation of $220,000 per annum, to grant to Mr. Glaspey cash or stock bonus and/or stock options in such amount and under such conditions as may be determined by the Company’s board of directors, to provide to Mr. Glaspey (and his immediate family) such medical, dental and related benefits as are available to other employees of the Company, to provide to Mr. Glaspey reasonable life insurance and accidental death coverage (with the proceeds payable to Mr. Glaspey’s estate or specified family member), and to provide to Mr. Glaspey such 401(k) retirement benefit as is available to other employees of the Company. In addition, the Company will reimburse Mr. Glaspey for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties under the employment agreement. Mr. Glaspey is entitled to a paid vacation of five weeks within each 12 month period under the terms of the employment agreement.

The employment agreement may be terminated by the Company without notice, payment in lieu of notice, severance payments, benefits, damages or other sums for causes which include failure to perform his duties in a competent and professional manner, appropriation of corporate opportunities or failure to disclose a material conflict of interest, a plea of guilty to, or conviction of, an indictable offense which may not be further appealed, fraud, dishonesty, illegality or gross incompetence, failure to disclose material facts concerning business interests or other employment that are relevant to his employment with the Company, refusal to follow reasonable and lawful directions of the Company, breach of fiduciary duty, and material breach under, or gross negligence in connection with his employment under, the employment agreement. Otherwise, the Company may terminate the employment agreement upon one month’s written notice and Mr. Glaspey may terminate the employment agreement upon 60 days’ written notice.

-96-


In the event that Mr. Glaspey’s employment is terminated without “cause” by the Company or for “good reason” by Mr. Glaspey, and in the event that a “change of control” has occurred within the 12 months prior to the termination, Mr. Glaspey is entitled to receive compensation equal to 24 monthly installments of his normal compensation on the 30th day after the date of termination (which sum would be currently $440,000). The terms “cause”, “good reason” and “change of control” are defined in the employment agreement.

The Company has agreed to defend and indemnify Mr. Glaspey in connection with legal claims, lawsuits, cause of action or liabilities asserted against him arising out of or related to his employment with the Company and to provide Mr. Glaspey with an advance for any expenses in connection with such defense and/or indemnification. The employment agreement also includes covenants by Mr. Glaspey with respect to the treatment of confidential information, non-competition and non-solicitation, and provides for equitable relief in the event of breach.

Hawkley Employment Agreement
The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Kerry D. Hawkley as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. The initial term of employment will be from July 1, 2013 until the earlier of June 30, 2015 or termination of employment in accordance with the terms of the employment agreement. The employment agreement will automatically renew at the end of the initial term, and at the end of each subsequent term, for an additional one year term unless either the Company or Mr. Hawkley gives written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least 60 days prior to expiration of the then-current term.

The Company has agreed to pay to Mr. Hawkley compensation of $175,000 per annum, to grant to Mr. Hawkley cash or stock bonus and/or stock options in such amount and under such conditions as may be determined by the Company’s board of directors, to provide to Mr. Hawkley (and his immediate family) such medical, dental and related benefits as are available to other employees of the Company, and to provide to Mr. Hawkley such 401(k) retirement benefit as is available to other employees of the Company. This salary may be adjusted annually on the anniversary date of the employment agreement and is currently $179,375 per annum. In addition, the Company will reimburse Mr. Hawkley for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties under the employment agreement. Mr. Hawkley is entitled to a paid vacation of five weeks within each 12 month period under the terms of the employment agreement.

The employment agreement may be terminated by the Company without notice, payment in lieu of notice, severance payments, benefits, damages or other sums for causes which include failure to perform his duties in a competent and professional manner, appropriation of corporate opportunities or failure to disclose a material conflict of interest, a plea of guilty to, or conviction of, an indictable offense which may not be further appealed, fraud, dishonesty, illegality or gross incompetence, failure to disclose material facts concerning business interests or other employment that are relevant to his employment with the Company, refusal to follow reasonable and lawful directions of the Company, breach of fiduciary duty, and material breach under, or gross negligence in connection with his employment under, the employment agreement.

-97-


Otherwise, the Company may terminate the employment agreement upon one month’s written notice and Mr. Hawkley may terminate the employment agreement upon 60 days’ written notice.

In the event that Mr. Hawkley’s employment is terminated without “cause” by the Company or for “good reason” by Mr. Hawkley, and in the event that a “change of control” has occurred within the 12 months prior to the termination, Mr. Hawkley is entitled to receive compensation equal to 18 monthly installments of his normal compensation on the 30th day after the date of termination (which sum would be currently $269,063). The terms “cause”, “good reason” and “change of control” are defined in the employment agreement.

The Company has agreed to defend and indemnify Mr. Hawkley in connection with legal claims, lawsuits, cause of action or liabilities asserted against him arising out of or related to his employment with the Company and to provide Mr. Hawkley with an advance for any expenses in connection with such defense and/or indemnification. The employment agreement also includes covenants by Mr. Hawkley with respect to the treatment of confidential information, non-competition and non-solicitation, and provides for equitable relief in the event of breach.

Zurkoff Employment Agreement
The Company has entered into an amendment to the employment agreement with Jonathan Zurkoff as the Company’s Executive Vice President, Finance. The employment agreement, as amended four times, is effective December 31, 2010, and will remain in effect until March 31, 2017 unless earlier terminated in accordance with its terms.

The Company has agreed to pay to Mr. Zurkoff compensation of $160,000 per annum pursuant to the employment agreement. This salary may be adjusted annually on the anniversary date of the employment agreement and is currently $192,000 per annum. The Company has also agreed to provide to Mr. Zurkoff such 401(k) retirement benefit as is available to other employees of the Company, and to provide to Mr. Zurkoff (and his immediate family) such medical, dental and related benefits as are available to other employees of the Company. In addition, the Company will reimburse Mr. Zurkoff for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties under the employment agreement. Mr. Zurkoff is entitled to a paid vacation of 20 days within each 12 month period under the terms of the employment agreement.

The employment agreement may be terminated by the Company without notice, payment in lieu of notice, severance payments, benefits, damages or other sums for causes which include failure to perform his duties in a competent and professional manner, appropriation of corporate opportunities or failure to disclose a material conflict of interest, a plea of guilty to, or conviction of, an indictable offense which may not be further appealed, fraud, dishonesty, illegality or gross incompetence, failure to disclose material facts concerning business interests or other employment that are relevant to his employment with the Company, refusal to follow reasonable and lawful directions of the Company, breach of fiduciary duty, and material breach under, or gross negligence in connection with his employment under, the employment agreement. Otherwise, either party may terminate the employment agreement upon one month’s written notice.

-98-


In the event that Mr. Zurkoff’s employment is terminated without “cause” by the Company or for “good reason” by Mr. Zurkoff, and in the event that a “change of control” has occurred within the 12 months prior to the termination, Mr. Zurkoff is entitled to receive compensation equal to 18 monthly installments of his normal compensation on the 30th day after the date of termination (which sum would be currently $288,000). The terms “cause”, “good reason” and “change of control” are defined in the employment agreement.

The employment agreement also includes covenants by Mr. Zurkoff with respect to the treatment of confidential information and non-competition, and provides for equitable relief in the event of breach.

Summary Compensation Table
The following table shows the compensation for the last two years awarded to or earned by our Chief Executive Officer and each of our three other most highly compensated executive officers (collectively, our “Named Executive Officers”).


Name and principal
position(s)


Year
Ended


Salary (1)
($)


Bonus (2)
($)

Option
Awards (3)
($)

Stock
Awards (4)
($)
All other
compensation
(5)
($)


Total
($)
               
Dennis J. Gilles,
Chief Executive
Officer (effective
4/19/13)
12/31/14      399,500 150,000 167,378 105,000 3,406    825,284
12/31/15      410,000 102,500 114,524 156,000 2,750    785,774
 
Douglas J. Glaspey,
President and Chief
Operating Officer
12/31/14      220,000 22,000 92,058 0 1,035    335,093
12/31/15      220,000 0 85,113 14,000 1,035    320,148
 
Kerry D. Hawkley,
Chief Financial
Officer
12/31/14      178,282 17,500 73,228 0 0    269,010
12/31/15      179,375 8,969 40,317 11,351 0    240,012
 
Jonathan Zurkoff,
Treasurer and
Executive
Vice President
12/31/14      192,000 20,000 69,729 0 0    281,729
12/31/15      192,000 9,600 32,754 12,973 0    247,327

(1)

Dollar value of base salary (cash and non-cash) earned by the Named Executive Officer during the fiscal year.

(2)

Dollar value of bonus (cash and non-cash) earned by the Named Executive Officer during the fiscal year. Bonuses are eligible to all employees and submitted and approved by the Board annually.

(3)

Stock options are valued at the grant date in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

(4)

Stock awards (restricted shares) are valued at grant date.

(5)

Other compensation consists of all other compensation not disclosed in another category.

-99-


Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table shows the unexercised stock options, unvested restricted stock, and other equity incentive plan awards held at the year ended December 31, 2015 by our Named Executive Officers.

    Option Awards   Stock Awards
    Number of   Number of                
    Securities   Securities           Number of   Market Value of
    Underlying   Underlying           Shares or Units   Shares or Units of
    Unexercised   Unexercised   Option   Option   of Stock That   Stock That Have  
    Options   Options (1)   Exercise Price   Expiration     Have Not Vested   Not Vested
Name   (#) Exercisable   (#) Unexercisable     ($)    Date   (#)   ($)
Dennis J. Gilles   100,000   0   0.60   9/12/16   0   0
Douglas J. Glaspey   165,000   0   0.83   6/13/16   0   0
Kerry D. Hawkley   95,000   0   0.83   6/13/16   0   0
Jonathan Zurkoff   146,000   0   0.83   6/13/16   0   0
Dennis J. Gilles   100,000   0   0.31   8/24/17   0   0
Douglas J. Glaspey   190,000   0   0.31   8/24/17   0   0
Kerry D. Hawkley   150,000   0   0.31   8/24/17   0   0
Jonathan Zurkoff   150,000   0   0.31   8/24/17   0   0
Dennis J. Gilles   1,250,000   0   0.35   4/19/23   0   0
Douglas J. Glaspey   150,000   0   0.46   7/22/18   0   0
Kerry D. Hawkley   125,000   0   0.46   7/22/18   0   0
Jonathan Zurkoff   125,000   0   0.46   7/22/18   0   0
Dennis J. Gilles   400,000   0   0.74   4/2/19   0   0
Douglas J. Glaspey   220,000   0   0.74   4/2/19   0   0
Kerry D. Hawkley   175,000   0   0.74   4/2/19   0   0
Jonathan Zurkoff   175,000   0   0.74   4/2/19   0   0
Douglas J. Glaspey   190,000   190,000   0.48   5/15/20   0   0
Kerry D. Hawkley   90,000   90,000   0.48   5/15/20   40,000   19,200
Jonathan Zurkoff   80,000   80,000   0.48   5/15/20   35,000   16,800
Dennis J. Gilles   225,000   225,000   0.53   6/26/20   193,396   102,500

(1) The $0.53 options unexercisable at December 31, 2015 will fully vest on December 26, 2016.
  The $0.48 options unexercisable at December 31, 2015 will fully vest on November 15, 2016.
  The $0.74 options unexercisable at December 31, 2014 fully vested on October 2, 2015.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

Except as discussed below under “Potential Payments Upon Change-in-Control,” or as noted under the employment agreement for Mr. Gilles, if the employment of any of our Named Executive Officers is voluntarily or involuntarily terminated, no additional payments or benefits will accrue or be paid to him, other than what the officer has accrued and is vested in under the benefit plans. A voluntary or involuntary termination will not trigger an acceleration of the vesting of any outstanding stock options or shares of restricted stock.

Potential Payments Upon Change-in-Control. We have entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Gilles, Glaspey, Hawkley and Zurkoff which provide for change-in-control payments.

Mr. Gilles employment agreement provided that in the event Mr. Gilles’ employment is terminated by the Company without “cause” or by Mr. Gilles for “good reason” within 12 months following a “change of control” (which is defined in the employment agreement) or a “change of control” occurs within 12 months following such termination, Mr. Gilles will receive total severance payments equal to three (3) times the sum of his second year base salary ($410,000) plus annual target bonus. In addition, any unvested stock options to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock and any unvested restricted shares of the Company’s common stock held by Mr. Gilles as of the termination date that would have vested within 18 months following such termination date had Mr. Gilles’ employment continued will become fully vested. Any vested stock options held by Mr. Gilles will remain exercisable until the expiration of the original term of such option. If such termination occurs within 12 months following a “change of control”, Mr. Gilles will receive a lump sum cash payment equal to 36 times the Company’s contribution to the monthly cost of the medical and dental benefits provided to Mr. Gilles under the employment agreement.

-100-


Mr. Glaspey’s employment agreement provides that if within twelve months following a “change of control” Mr. Glaspey’s employment is terminated either by the Company without “cause”, or by Mr. Glaspey for “good reason”, then Mr. Glaspey will be entitled to a lump-sum payment consisting of (a) his prorated base salary through the date of termination, (b) a payment equal to 24 times his monthly base salary at termination, and (c) employee medical and dental coverage for 24 months or until Mr. Glaspey commences alternate employment, whichever comes first, subject to certain limitations and conditions. The terms “cause,” “good reason” and “change-incontrol” are defined in the agreements.

Mr. Hawkley’s employment agreement provides that if within twelve months following a “change of control” Mr. Hawkley’s employment is terminated either by the Company without “cause”, or by Mr. Hawkley for “good reason”, then Mr. Hawkley will be entitled to a lump-sum payment consisting of (a) his prorated base salary through the date of termination, (b) a payment equal to 18 times his monthly base salary at termination, and (c) employee medical and dental coverage for 18 months or until Mr. Hawkley commences alternate employment, whichever comes first, subject to certain limitations and conditions. The terms “cause,” “good reason” and “change-in-control” are defined in the agreements.

Mr. Zurkoff’s employment agreement provides that if within twelve months following a “change of control” Mr. Zurkoff’s employment is terminated either by the Company without “cause”, or by Mr. Zurkoff for “good reason”, then Mr. Zurkoff will be entitled to a lump-sum payment consisting of (a) his prorated base salary through the date of termination, (b) a payment equal to 18 times his monthly base salary at termination, and (c) employee medical and dental coverage for 18 months or until Mr. Zurkoff commences alternate employment, whichever comes first, subject to certain limitations and conditions. The terms “cause,” “good reason” and “change-incontrol” are defined in the agreements.


Name
Change of Control
Salary ($)
Change of Control
Benefits ($)
Change of Control
Total ($)
Dennis J. Gilles 2,460,000    28,199 2,488,199   
Douglas J. Glaspey 440,000 22,569 462,569
Kerry D. Hawkley 269,063 16,493 285,556
Jonathan Zurkoff 288,000 15,011 303,011

-101-


Director Compensation
The following table summarizes the compensation paid to our directors during the year ended December 31, 2015.







Name


Fees
earned or
paid in
cash
($)




Stock
awards
($)




Option
awards (1)
($)
Non-
equity
incentive
plan
compens-
ation
($)

Nonqualified
deferred
compensa-
tion
earnings
($)



All other
compensa-
tion
($)





Total
($)
John H. Walker        40,100 0        22,398 0 0 0    62,498
                 
Paul A. Larkin        41,200 0        22,398 0 0 0    63,598
                 
Leland L. Mink        36,600 0        17,918 0 0 0    54,518

(1)

Stock options are valued at the grant date in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

Directors who are not otherwise remunerated per an employment agreement are paid $7,500 per quarter, $1,500 per face-to-face meetings, $400 per telephone meetings, $2,500-$5,000 per annum as committee heads, and are eligible to receive awards under our equity compensation plans. Directors who are also officers do not receive any compensation for serving in the capacity of director. However, all directors are reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses in attending meetings.

-102-


Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth the number of securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2015.

 Equity Compensation Plan Information 






Plan category


Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)


Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 12,613,500 $0.62 3,526,713
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders Nil Nil Nil
Total 12,613,500 $0.62 3,526,713

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock, as of December 31, 2015 by each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 107,601,425 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2015.


Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
  Amount and Nature
of Beneficial
Ownership



Percent of
Class
Private Management Group, Inc.
15635 Alton Parkway, Suite 400
Irvine, CA 92618
 
9,604,473

(1)

8.93%
Bradley Louis Radoff
1177 West Loop South, Suite 1625
Houston, TX 77027
 
5,696,900

(2)

5.29%
JCP Investment Partnership, LP
1177 West Loop South, Suite 1650
Houston, TX 77027
 
5,383,503

(3)

5.00%

(1)

As of December 31, 2015, based on information set forth in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 28, 2016 by Private Management Group, Inc., which has sole voting and dispositive power over 9,604,473 shares of the Company’s common stock.

-103-



(2)

As of December 31, 2015, based on information set forth in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 3, 2016 by Bradley Louis Radoff, who has sole voting and dispositive power over 5,696,900 shares of the Company’s common stock.

(3)

As of December 31, 2015, based on information set forth in a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on February 9, 2016 by JCP Investment Partnership, LP, which has sole voting and dispositive power over 5,383,503 shares of the Company’s common stock.

Security Ownership of Management
Our executive officers and directors are encouraged to own our common stock to further align their interests with our shareholders’ interests. The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock, as of December 31, 2015, by each of our directors, Named Executive Officers and directors and executive officers as a group. The percentage of beneficial ownership is based on 107,601,425 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

    Amount and        
    Nature        
Name of Beneficial Owner   of Beneficial       Percent of
    Ownership       Class
Dennis J. Gilles   3,121,174   (1)   2.90%
Douglas J. Glaspey   1,559,687   (2)   1.45%
Kerry D. Hawkley   773,649   (3)   *
Paul A. Larkin   744,825   (4)   *
Leland L. Mink   508,378   (5)   *
John H. Walker   494,657   (6)   *
Jonathan Zurkoff   833,027   (7)   *
             
All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)   8,035,397   (8)   7.47%

* Less than 1% of the Company’s outstanding common stock

(1)

Includes 2,075,000 options exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 2015.

(2)

Includes 915,000 options exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 2015.

(3)

Includes 585,000 options exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 2015.

(4)

Includes 440,000 options exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 2015.

(5)

Includes 430,000 options exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 2015.

(6)

Includes 340,000 options exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 2015.

(7)

Includes 676,000 options exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 2015.

(8)

Includes 5,461,000 options exercisable within 60 days of March 6, 2015.

-104-


Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Related Person Transactions

Since January 1, 2012, there have been no financial transactions, arrangements or relationships (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries, was or is to be a participant, and the amount involved exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of the Company’s total assets at year end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which a director, an executive officer, any immediate family member of a director or executive officer, a beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock or any immediate family member of the beneficial owner, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

Director Independence

The Board is currently composed of six directors: Dennis J. Gilles, Douglas J. Glaspey, Paul A. Larkin, Leland L. Mink and John H. Walker. A majority of the Board, made up of Mr. Gilles, Mr. Larkin, Dr. Mink and Mr. Walker, satisfy the applicable independence requirements of the NYSE MKT. Mr. Gilles, and Mr. Glaspey do not satisfy such independence requirements based on their employment as executive officers of the Company. The Board has three standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation and Benefits Committee. Each of the Board’s committees is composed only of directors that satisfy the applicable independence requirements of the NYSE MKT.

The Board has adopted certain standards to assist it in assessing the independence of each director. Absent other material relationships with the Company, a director of the Company who otherwise meets the applicable independence requirements of the NYSE MKT may be deemed “independent” by the Board after consideration of all relationships between the Company, or any of its subsidiaries, and the director, or any of his or her immediate family members (as defined in NYSE MKT listing standards), or any entity with which the director or any of his or her immediate family members is affiliated by reason of being a partner, officer or a significant shareholder thereof.

In assessing the independence of our directors, our full Board carefully considered all of the business relationships between the Company and our directors or their affiliated companies. This review was based primarily on responses of the directors to questions in a questionnaire regarding employment, business, familial, compensation and other relationships with the Company and our management.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Audit Fees

During the current year, the Company changed independent auditing firms from MarinelliMick PLLC to Moss Adams LLP. The aggregate fees billed to the Company by Moss Adams LLP for the year ended December 31, 2015 for annual financial statements and reviews of financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Forms 10-Q totaled $179,818. The aggregate fees billed to the Company by Fruci and Associates formerly MartinelliMick PLLC for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014 for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and reviews of the financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, were $134,756 and $200,000; respectively.

-105-


Audit-Related Fees

The fees billed to the Company by Moss Adams LLP for the financial statement audits of the Company’s three subsidiaries USG Oregon LLC, USG Nevada LLC and Raft River Energy I LLC for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $51,000. Fees billed to the Company by Moss Adams LLP for a Department of Energy compliance audit as of and for the period ended December 31, 2014 totaled $17,000.

All Other Fees

The Company was not billed by Fruci and Associates formerly MartinelliMick PLLC or Moss Adams LLP for any other services during years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Administration of Engagement of Independent Auditor

The Audit Committee is responsible for appointing, setting compensation for and overseeing the work of our independent auditor. The Audit Committee has established a policy for pre-approving the services provided by our independent auditor in accordance with the auditor independence rules of the SEC. This policy requires the review and pre-approval by the Audit Committee of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent auditor and an annual review of the financial plan for audit fees.

All of the services provided by our independent auditor for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, including services related to the Audit-Related Fees and Tax Fees described above, were approved by the Audit Committee under its pre-approval policies.

-106-


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

  1.

Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

See Item 8 of Part II for a list of the Financial Statements filed as part of this report.

  2.

Exhibits. See below.

EXHIBIT INDEX

EXHIBIT
NUMBER

EXHIBIT
DESCRIPTION
3.1   

Amended Certificate of Incorporation of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Form S-3 filed on March 20, 2015)

3.2   

Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.4 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on October 18, 2010)

3.3   

Plan of Merger of U.S. Geothermal Inc. and EverGreen Power Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.5 to the registrant’s Form SB-2 registration statement as filed on July 8, 2004)

3.4   

Amendment to Plan of Merger (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.6 to the registrant’s Form SB-2 registration statement as filed on July 8, 2004)

4.1   

Form of Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Form SB-2 registration statement as filed on July 8, 2004)

4.4   

Form of Broker Warrant (Incorporated by reference as exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Form 8-K current report as filed on May 2, 2008)

4.5  

Form of Subscription Agreement for Subscription Receipts relating to private placement of August 2009 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form S-1 registration statement as filed on November 27, 2009)

4.6   

Subscription Receipt Agreement dated August 17, 2009 among the Company, Dundee Securities Corporation, Clarus Securities Inc., Toll Cross Securities Inc. and Computershare Trust Company of Canada (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Form S-1 registration statement as filed on November 27, 2009)

4.7   

Form of Warrant used in private placement of August 2009 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Form S-1 registration statement as filed on November 27, 2009)

4.8   

Form Broker Warrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Form S-1 registration statement as filed on November 27, 2009)

4.9   

Form of Warrant used in March 2011 registered offering (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2011)

4.10   

Form of Subscription Agreement used in March 2011 registered offering (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2011)

4.11   

Form of Compensation Warrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2012)

-107-



4.12   

Form of Warrant Certificate used in December 2012 registered offering (incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2012)

10.1   

Geothermal Lease and Agreement dated July 11, 2002, between Sergene Jensen, Personal Representative of the Estate of Harlan B. Jensen, and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.5 to the registrant’s Form SB-2 registration statement as filed on July 8, 2004)

10.2   

Geothermal Lease and Agreement dated June 14, 2002, between Jensen Investments Inc. and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.6 to the registrant’s Form SB-2 registration statement as filed on July 8, 2004)

10.3   

Geothermal Lease and Agreement dated March 1, 2004, between Jay Newbold and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.7 to the registrant’s Form SB-2 registration statement as filed on July 8, 2004)

10.4   

Geothermal Lease and Agreement dated June 28, 2003, between Janice Crank and the children of Paul Crank and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.8 to the registrant’s Form SB-2 registration statement as filed on July 8, 2004)

10.5   

Geothermal Lease and Agreement dated December 1, 2004, between Reid S. Stewart and Ruth O. Stewart and US Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.9 to the registrant’s Amendment No. 2 to Form SB-2 registration statement as filed on January 10, 2005)

10.6   

Geothermal Lease and Agreement, dated July 5, 2005, between Bighorn Mortgage Corporation and US Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.11 to the registrant’s Form 10-QSB quarterly report as filed on February 17, 2006)

10.7   

Geothermal Lease and Agreement, dated June 23, 2005, among Dale and Ronda Doman, and US Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.13 to the registrant’s Form 10-QSB quarterly report as filed on February 17, 2006)

10.8   

Geothermal Lease and Agreement, dated June 23, 2005, among Michael and Cleo Griffin, Harlow and Pauline Griffin, Douglas and Margaret Griffin, Terry and Sue Griffin, Vincent and Phyllis Jorgensen, and Alice Mae Griffin Shorts, and US Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.14 to the registrant’s Form 10- QSB quarterly report as filed on February 17, 2006)

10.9   

Geothermal Lease and Agreement dated January 25, 2006, between Philip Glover and US Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.9 to the registrant’s Form 10-QSB quarterly report as filed on February 17, 2006)

10.10   

Geothermal Lease and Agreement, dated May 24, 2006, between JR Land and Livestock Inc. and US Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.30 to the registrant’s Form 10-KSB annual report as filed on June 29, 2006)

10.12   

Employment Agreement dated April 1, 2011 with Kerry D. Hawkley (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.2 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on April 6, 2011)

10.13   

Employment Agreement dated April 1, 2011 with Douglas J. Glaspey (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on April 6, 2011)

10.14   

Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan of U.S. Geothermal Inc. dated September 29, 2006. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.23 to the registrant’s Form SB-2 registration statement as filed on October 2, 2006.)

10.15   

Power Purchase Agreement dated December 29, 2004 between U.S. Geothermal Inc. and Idaho Power Company (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.19 to the registrant’s Amendment No. 2 to Form SB-2 registration statement as filed on January 10, 2005)

-108-



10.16   

Engineering, Procurement and Construction Agreement dated December 5, 2005 between U.S. Geothermal Inc. and Ormat Nevada Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.28 to the registrant’s Form 10-QSB quarterly report as filed on February 17, 2006)

10.17   

Amendment to the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Agreement dated April 26, 2006 between U.S. Geothermal Inc. and Ormat Nevada Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on May 2, 2006)

10.18   

At Market Issuance Sales Agreement dated September 30, 2011 between U.S. Geothermal Inc. and McNicoll, Lewis & Vlak LLC (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 1.1 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on September 30, 2011).

10.19   

Renewable Energy Credits Purchase and Sales Agreement dated July 29, 2006 between Holy Cross Energy and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.28 to the registrant’s Form SB-2 as filed on September 29, 2006).

10.20   

Transmission Agreement dated June 24, 2005 between Department of Energy’s Bonneville Power Administration - Transmission Business Line and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.27 to the registrant’s Form 10-QSB quarterly report as filed on August 12, 2005)

10.21   

Interconnection and Wheeling Agreement dated March 9, 2006 between Raft River Rural Electric Co-op and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.28 to the registrant’s Form 10-KSB annual report as filed on June 29, 2006)

10.22   

Construction Contract dated May 16, 2006 between Raft River Rural Electric Co-op and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.31 to the registrant’s Form SB-2 as filed on September 29, 2006).

10.23   

Membership Admission Agreement, dated August 9, 2006, among Raft River Energy I LLC, U.S. Geothermal Inc., and Raft River I Holdings, LLC (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on August 23, 2006)

10.24   

Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Raft River Energy I LLC, dated as of August 9, 2006, among Raft River Energy I LLC, Raft River I Holdings, LLC and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.36 to the registrant’s Form 10- Q as filed on August 10, 2009).

10.25   

Management Services Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2006, between Raft River Energy I LLC and U.S. Geothermal Services, LLC (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.3 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on August 23, 2006)

10.26       

Construction contract dated May 22, 2006 between Industrial Builders and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.31 to the registrant’s Form 10- KSB annual report as filed on June 29, 2006)

10.27   

First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Raft River Energy I LLC, dated as of November 7, 2006, among Raft River Energy I LLC, Raft River I Holdings, LLC and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.33 to the registrant’s Form 10-Q as filed on August 10, 2009).

10.28   

Geothermal Lease and Agreement dated August 1, 2007, between Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference as exhibit 10.34 to the registrant’s Form S-1 as filed on March 26, 2010)

10.29   

Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of March 31, 2008, between U.S. Geothermal Inc., and Empire Geothermal Power LLC and Michael B. Stewart (Incorporated by reference as exhibit 99.1 to the registrant’s Form 8-K current report as filed on April 7, 2008)

-109-



10.30   

Water Rights Purchase Agreement Michael B. Stewart and U.S. Geothermal Inc. dated March 31, 2008 (Incorporated by reference as exhibit 99.2 to the registrants Form 8-K current report as filed on April 7, 2008).

10.31   

Power Purchase Agreement dated as of December 11, 2009, between Idaho Power Company and USG Oregon LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the Company’s Form 10-Q quarterly report as filed on February 9, 2010)

10.32   

Amended and Restated Long-Term Portfolio Energy Credit and Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated May 31, 2011 between Sierra Pacific Power Company d/b/a NV Energy, and USG Nevada LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Form 8-K filed on January 4, 2012)

10.33   

Long Term Agreement For the Purchase and Sale of Electricity, dated December 31, 1986, between Sierra Pacific Power Company and Empire Farms, as amended (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to the registrant’s Form 10-Q/A quarterly report as filed on March 3, 2010)

10.34   

Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement made and entered into as of September 7, 2010, by and among Oregon USG Holdings LLC, U.S. Geothermal Inc., and Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.4 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on November 8, 2010) *

10.35   

Conditional Guaranty Agreement, entered into as of September 7, 2010, by US Geothermal Inc. to Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.5 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on November 8, 2010)

10.36   

2009 Stock Incentive Plan of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A as filed on November 6, 2009)**

10.37   

Loan Guarantee Agreement dated as of February 23, 2011, among USG Oregon LLC, U.S. Department of Energy, and PNC Bank N.A. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.2 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on August 31, 2011)

10.38   

Equity Pledge Agreement dated as of February 23, 2011, among Oregon USG Holdings LLC, USG Oregon LLC, and PNC Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.3 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on August 31, 2011)

10.39   

Future Advance Promissory Note dated February 23, 2011, among USG Oregon LLC and Federal Financing Bank (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.4 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on August 31, 2011)

10.40   

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of February 23, 2011 among the Federal Financing Bank, USG Oregon LLC, and the Secretary of Energy, acting though the Department of Energy (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.2 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on September 15, 2011)

10.41   

Financing Agreement dated November 9, 2011, between USG Nevada LLC and Ares Capital Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2011)

10.42   

Purchase Agreement dated January 22, 2016, between U.S. Geothermal Inc. and Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC ( incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s From 8-K as filed on January 25, 2016)

10.43   

Form of Subscription Agreement used in December 2012 registered offering (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2012)

-110-



10.44   

Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of December 14, 2015, among Idaho USG Holdings, LLC, Raft River I Holdings, LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co., and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on December 18, 2015).

10.45   

Second Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Raft River Energy I LLC, dated as of December 14, 2015, among Idaho USG Holdings, LLC, and Raft River I Holdings, LLC (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on December 18, 2015).

10.46   

Form of Convertible Promissory Note issued to Goldman, Sachs & Co. dated as of December 14, 2015, among Goldman, Sachs & Co., and U.S. Geothermal Inc. (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Form 8-K as filed on December 18, 2015).

13.1   

Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of U.S. Geothermal Inc. as of December 31, 2015.

21.1  

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

23.1  

Consent of Moss Adams LLP

23.2  

Consent of Fruci and Associates, PS (formerly dba MartinelliMick, PLLC)

31.1  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2  

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2  

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

*Portions of these exhibits have been omitted based on a grant of, or an application for, confidential treatment from the SEC. The omitted portions of these exhibits have been filed separately with the SEC.

** Management contracts or compensation plans or arrangements in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.

-111-


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

    U.S. Geothermal Inc.
     
    (Registrant)
     
     
March 10, 2016    
  By:                          /s/ Dennis J. Gilles                                
Date   Dennis J. Gilles
    Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:

Name Title Date
     
     
  Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal  
/s/ Dennis J. Gilles Executive Officer) March 10, 2016
Dennis J. Gilles    
     
  Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and  
/s/ Kerry Hawkley Accounting Officer) March 10, 2016
Kerry Hawkley    
     
/s/ Douglas J. Glaspey President, Chief Operating Officer and Director March 10, 2016
Douglas J. Glaspey    
     
     
/s/ John H. Walker Chairman and Director March 10, 2016
John H. Walker    
     
     
/s/ Paul A. Larkin Director March 10, 2016
Paul A. Larkin    
     
     
/s/ Leland L. Mink Director March 10, 2016
Leland R. Mink    

-112-