Aug 13 (Reuters) - AGL Energy Ltd AGL.AX :
* COVID-19 ACCELERATING PRE-EXISTING OPERATING HEADWINDS FROM MATURING GAS CONTRACTS, FALLS IN WHOLESALE PRICES
* IN FY21, COVID-19 TO RESULT IN ADDITIONAL COST IMPACTS INCLUDING HIGHER CREDIT LOSSES AS A RESULT OF CUSTOMER HARDSHIP
* ANTICIPATE FURTHER INCREASES IN DEPRECIATION EXPENSE FROM RECENT INVESTMENT IN PLANT, SYSTEMS AND GROWTH
* EXPECT TO HOLD FY21 OPERATING COSTS EXCLUDING DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION BROADLY FLAT ON FY20
* HIGHER EXPECTED CREDIT LOSS FROM INCREASE IN CUSTOMER HARDSHIP, CURRENTLY FORECAST AT $40 MILLION PRE-TAX