For AES people, how we accomplish our successes and deliver our products is as important as the services we provide.


Ethics, integrity and compliance are the foundation and principles that guide our company and our people.  As a global power industry leader, we operate under a broad range of economic, political, social and cultural customs as well as different local, regional, and international laws and regulations. We believe it is our duty and responsibility to conduct business with the highest level of integrity in all situations. Consistent with our Values, our people are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards and must comply with all applicable laws and accurately record and track all business transactions.

Our Ethics and Compliance Program defines our business practices and corporate expectations worldwide. Our Code of Conduct encourages internal and external stakeholders to bring matters of concern to the company’s attention for prompt resolution. Our people and our stakeholders are empowered with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for their work, and we fully expect each person to adhere to our corporate values as described in the Code of Conduct. As a result, AES was selected as one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies® for the eighth ­­straight year in a row.

Our Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, who reports directly to the Financial Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, manages the AES Ethics and Compliance Program and provides regular updates to the Board and AES business leadership on ethics and compliance issues. Representatives of the Ethics and Compliance program are located at AES corporate headquarters and throughout AES business locations globally.

AES Helpline

 

Our global helpline serves as a confidential channel for asking questions and expressing concerns

We reinforce our commitment to ethics and compliance with the expectation that all employees report suspected violations of laws and company policies. AES people are encouraged to use the helpline for guidance regarding legal or regulatory requirements, clarification of AES policies or procedures, and for counsel on appropriate behavior. AES strictly prohibits retaliation against employees who in good faith report ethics and compliance concerns.

Training

We conduct regular training to all our employees (both full and part-time) on a variety of related ethics and compliance topics and policies, including our corporate Values, compliance with anti-corruption and other applicable laws, conflicts of interest, gifts and entertainment, and workplace harassment, among others. Through the AES Ethics Champions Program, we promote open discussion of actual AES business issues and problems so that participants can discuss how AES values and policies are applied in real-world situations. We also require contractors, based on a risk profile (such as type of supplier or location of operation), to participate in compliance trainings.

Business partner due diligence

We hold our business partners and contractors to the same high ethical standards that are expected of all AES people.

AES partners undergo a thorough due diligence process, and strict compliance language is included in contacts, where appropriate. Compliance language may address such issues as corruption, influence peddling, legal and regulatory compliance, and reporting requirements. Compliance Officers work closely with business partners, contractors and project development teams to identify potential ethical concerns and resolve issues before agreements or contracts are signed.