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EXHIBIT 10.3
TECHNICAL
SERVICES AGREEMENT
between
RELIANT ENERGY, INCORPORATED
and
RELIANT RESOURCES, INC.
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TECHNICAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS 1
1.1 Additional Services........................................................................1
1.2 Effective Date.............................................................................1
1.3 Computer Systems Services..................................................................1
1.4 Environmental and Safety Services..........................................................1
1.5 Genco Assets...............................................................................1
1.6 Xxxxx XX...................................................................................2
1.7 Genco Option Agreement.....................................................................2
1.8 Impracticable..............................................................................2
1.9 Information Technology Services............................................................2
1.10 Liability..................................................................................2
1.11 Option Closing Date........................................................................2
1.12 Option Expiration Date.....................................................................2
1.13 Providing Company..........................................................................2
1.14 Receiving Company..........................................................................2
1.15 REI Group..................................................................................2
1.16 Representative.............................................................................2
1.17 Resources Group............................................................................3
1.18 Service....................................................................................3
1.19 Subsidiary.................................................................................3
1.20 Technical Services.........................................................................3
ARTICLE II SERVICES .............................................................................................3
2.1 Services...................................................................................3
(a) Initial Services...................................................................3
(b) Additional Services................................................................4
(c) Exhibits...........................................................................4
(d) Services Performed by Others.......................................................4
2.2 Charges and Payment........................................................................4
(a) Charges for Services...............................................................4
(b) Special Provisions Applicable to Computer Systems Services.........................5
(c) Budgeting..........................................................................5
(d) Charges for Additional Services....................................................5
(e) Payment Terms......................................................................5
(f) Performance under Ancillary Agreements.............................................6
(g) Error Correction; True-Ups; Accounting.............................................6
2.3 General Obligations; Standard of Care......................................................6
(a) Performance Metrics: Providing Company............................................6
(b) Performance Metrics: Receiving Company............................................6
(c) Transitional Nature of Services; Changes...........................................7
(d) Responsibility for Errors; Delays..................................................7
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(e) Good Faith Cooperation; Consents...................................................7
2.4 Certain Limitations........................................................................8
(a) Service Boundaries and Scope.......................................................8
(b) Impracticability...................................................................8
(c) Sale, Transfer, Assignment.........................................................8
2.5 Confidentiality............................................................................8
(a) Information Subject to Other Obligations...........................................8
(b) All Information Confidential.......................................................8
(c) Internal Use; Title, Copies, Return................................................9
2.6 Term; Early Termination....................................................................9
(a) Term...............................................................................9
(b) Termination by Receiving Company of Specific Service Categories....................9
(c) Termination of Less than All Services.............................................10
2.7 Disclaimer of Warranties, Limitation of Liability and Indemnification.....................10
(a) Disclaimer of Warranties..........................................................10
(b) Limitation of Liability; Indemnification of Receiving Company.....................10
(c) Limitation of Liability; Indemnification of Providing Company.....................11
(d) Subrogation of Rights vis-a-vis Third Party Contractors...........................11
2.8 Representatives...........................................................................11
ARTICLE III MISCELLANEOUS.......................................................................................12
3.1 Taxes.....................................................................................12
3.2 Laws and Governmental Regulations.........................................................12
3.3 Relationship of Parties...................................................................12
3.4 References................................................................................13
3.5 Modification and Amendment................................................................13
3.6 Inconsistency.............................................................................13
3.7 Resolution of Disputes....................................................................13
3.8 Successors and Assignment.................................................................13
3.9 Notices...................................................................................13
3.10 Governing Law.............................................................................14
3.11 Severability..............................................................................14
3.12 Counterparts..............................................................................14
3.13 Rights of the Parties.....................................................................14
3.14 Reservation of Rights.....................................................................14
3.15 Entire Agreement..........................................................................14
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TECHNICAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS TECHNICAL SERVICES AGREEMENT, dated as of December 31,
2000 (the "Effective Date"), is between Reliant Energy, Incorporated, a Texas
corporation ("REI") acting through its Reliant Energy HL&P Division and Reliant
Resources, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Resources"). Capitalized terms used
herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings assigned to
them in Article I hereof or as assigned to them in the Separation Agreement (as
defined below).
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of REI has determined that it
is in the best interests of REI and its shareholders to separate REI's existing
businesses into two independent business groups;
WHEREAS, in order to effectuate the foregoing, REI and
Resources have entered into a Master Separation Agreement, dated as of December
31, 2000 (the "Separation Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, the Separation Agreement provides, among other
things, for REI and Resources to enter into this Agreement in order to set forth
the terms on which Resources will provide to REI the Services described herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the
mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties, intending to be
legally bound, agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Agreement the following terms shall
have the following meanings:
1.1 ADDITIONAL SERVICES. "Additional Services" has the meaning
set forth in Section 2.1(b).
1.2 EFFECTIVE DATE. "Effective Date" means the date of this
Agreement.
1.3 COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICES. "Computer Systems Services" has
the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.1(a)(iii).
1.4 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY SERVICES. "Environmental and
Safety Services" has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.1(a)(ii).
1.5 GENCO ASSETS. "Genco Assets" has the meaning assigned to
that term in Section 1.15 of the Separation Agreement.
1.6 XXXXX XX. "Xxxxx XX" has the meaning assigned to that term
in the Genco Option Agreement.
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1.7 GENCO OPTION AGREEMENT. "Genco Option Agreement" means the
Texas Genco Option Agreement dated as of December 31, 2000 between REI and
Resources.
1.8 IMPRACTICABLE. "Impracticable" (and words of similar
import) has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(b).
1.9 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES. "Information Technology
Services" has the meaning assigned to that term in Section 2.1(a)(iv).
1.10 LIABILITY. "Liability" has the meaning assigned to that
term in the Separation Agreement.
1.11 OPTION CLOSING DATE. "Option Closing Date" has the
meaning assigned to that term in the Genco Option Agreement.
1.12 OPTION EXPIRATION DATE. "Option Expiration Date" has the
meaning assigned to that term in the Genco Option Agreement.
1.13 PROVIDING COMPANY. "Providing Company" means Resources.
1.14 RECEIVING COMPANY. "Receiving Company" means REI or a
permitted assignee under Section 2.4(c), including Genco.
1.15 REI GROUP. "REI Group" means REI and its Subsidiaries
excluding Resources and other members of the Resources Group.
1.16 REPRESENTATIVE. "Representative" of any party means a
managerial level employee appointed by such party to have the responsibilities
and authority set forth in Section 2.8.
1.17 RESOURCES GROUP. "Resources Group" means Resources and
its Subsidiaries.
1.18 SERVICE. "Service" has the meaning set forth in
subsection 2.1(b).
1.19 SUBSIDIARY. "Subsidiary" means, with respect to REI or
Resources, a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity
more than 50% of the voting common stock or other interests entitled to vote
generally for the election of directors (or comparable governing body) is owned,
directly or indirectly, by REI or Resources, respectively.
1.20 TECHNICAL SERVICES. "Technical Services" has the meaning
assigned to that term in Section 2.1(a)(i).
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ARTICLE II
SERVICES
2.1 SERVICES.
(a) INITIAL SERVICES. Except as otherwise provided herein,
during the applicable term determined pursuant to Section 2.6 hereof the
following "Initial Services" shall be provided by Resources to Receiving
Company:
(i) TECHNICAL SERVICES consist of engineering and technical
support services required to support operation and maintenance of the
Genco Assets, including betterment and reliability analysis,
surveillance, testing, calibrations, diagnostic analysis and water
technology services, all as more particularly described in Exhibit
2.1(a)(i);
(ii) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY SERVICES consist of
environmental, safety and industrial health services in support of the
operation and maintenance of the Genco Assets, all as more particularly
described in Exhibit 2.1(a)(ii);
(iii) COMPUTER SYSTEMS SERVICES consist of the provision of
computer systems (software and hardware) used for economic dispatch,
QSE scheduling, QSE settlement, ISO settlement and communication, and
related functions associated with the operation and maintenance of the
Genco Assets, including technical, programming, consulting support, and
hardware maintenance services (but excluding the provisions of any
plant-specific hardware, which will be purchased by the Receiving
Company), all as more particularly described in Exhibit 2.1(a)(iii);
and
(iv) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES consist of the provision
of information technology services associated with the operation and
maintenance of the Genco Assets, all as more particularly described in
Exhibit 2.1(a)(iv).
(b) ADDITIONAL SERVICES. From time to time after the Effective
Date, the parties may, by mutual agreement, identify additional services that
one party will provide to the other party in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement (the "Additional Services" and, together with the Initial Services,
the "Services"). In such case, the parties shall create an Exhibit for each
Additional Service setting forth a description of the Service, the time period
during which the Service will be provided, the charge for the Service and any
other terms applicable thereto.
(c) EXHIBITS. To the extent not affixed at the date of this
Agreement, Exhibits 2.1(a)(i) through (iv) shall be established by agreement of
the parties and, upon such agreement, shall be affixed and made a part hereof.
(d) SERVICES PERFORMED BY OTHERS. At its option, Resources may
cause any Service it is required to provide hereunder to be provided by another
member of the Resources Group or by any other Person that is providing, or may
from time to time provide, the same or similar services for members of the
Resources Group. Resources shall remain responsible, in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement, for performance of any Service it causes to be so
provided by others.
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2.2 CHARGES AND PAYMENT.
(a) CHARGES FOR SERVICES. Subject to Section 2.2(b), Resources
will charge for the Services, and the Receiving Company will pay for them on the
following basis:
(i) Resources will charge the Receiving Company for its direct
operating costs incurred in providing the Services, including, but not
limited to, allocable salary and wages, incentives, paid absences,
payroll taxes, payroll additives (insurance premiums, social security,
health care and retirement benefits and the like) and similar expenses,
and reimbursement of out-of-pocket third party costs and expenses; and
(ii) Resources will also charge the Receiving Company for its
indirect costs of providing the services, including, but not limited
to, allocable charges for management, payroll, procurement, legal, risk
management, accounting, tax, audit, human Resources and the like, and
similar expenses.
It is the intent of the parties that the charges for the Services will be based
on Resources' fully allocated direct and indirect costs of providing the
Services, but without any element of profit, and that the Services under this
Agreement and similar services provided by Resources to entities within the
Resources Group will be charged for on a basis that allocates the costs charged
out on a fair and nondiscriminatory basis.
(b) SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO COMPUTER SYSTEMS
SERVICES. Costs incurred by Resources in providing Computer Systems Services
that constitute capital investment shall be charged to the Receiving Company in
the form of a base service rate on an installed megawatt basis, using the same
methodology by which capital costs are allocated by Resources to Resources'
generation operations in regions outside the territory served by the business
conducted with the Genco Assets. Capital additions that benefit both the
operations conducted with the Genco Assets and Resources' generation operations
in other regions will be allocated on an installed megawatt basis. Capital
additions that benefit only the operation of the Genco Assets or only Resources'
other generation operations will be charged directly to the entity that benefits
from those additions, and use by others shall be prohibited.
(c) BUDGETING. In advance of each calendar year, Resources
shall prepare and deliver to the Receiving Party a proposed budget for Services
to be performed during that year, taking into account such information as may be
provided by Receiving Company for the specification of the scope of the Services
to be performed during that year and any changes in the scope of work from that
theretofore provided, and including budgetary parameters for the use of third
party service providers. Resources will also prepare on a monthly basis forward
budgetary forecasts for the Services, including an analysis of variances from
previously budgeted amounts.
(d) CHARGES FOR ADDITIONAL SERVICES. Receiving Company shall
pay Resources the charges, if any, set forth on each Exhibit hereafter created
for each of the Additional Services listed therein. Notwithstanding the
foregoing the agreement of a party to provide or receive any Additional Service
at any given rate or charge shall be at the sole discretion of such party.
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(e) PAYMENT TERMS. Resources shall xxxx Receiving Company
monthly for all charges pursuant to this Agreement and Receiving Company shall
pay Resources for all Services within thirty days after receipt of an invoice
therefor. Charges shall be supported by reasonable documentation (which may be
maintained in electronic form) consistent with past practices. Late payments
shall bear interest at the lesser of the prime rate as announced and in effect
from time to time at The Chase Manhattan Bank plus two percent (2%) per annum or
the maximum non-usurious rate of interest permitted by applicable law.
(f) PERFORMANCE UNDER ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained herein, Receiving Company shall not be
charged under this Agreement for any Services that are specifically required to
be performed under the Separation Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement and
any such other Services shall be performed and charged for in accordance with
the terms of the Separation Agreement or such other Ancillary Agreement.
(g) ERROR CORRECTION; TRUE-UPS; ACCOUNTING. Resources shall
make adjustments to charges as required to reflect the discovery of errors or
omissions in charges. Resources and Receiving Company shall conduct a true-up
process at least annually and more frequently if necessary to adjust charges
based on a reconciliation of amounts charged and costs incurred. It is the
intent of the parties that such true-up process will be conducted using
substantially the same process, procedures and methods of review as have been
heretofore in effect. Resources will maintain such books and records as are
necessary to support the charges for Services, in sufficient detail as may be
necessary to enable REI to satisfy applicable regulatory requirements. Services
under this Agreement and charges therefor shall be subject to the provisions of
Section 10.5 of the Separation Agreement (Audit Rights).
2.3 GENERAL OBLIGATIONS; STANDARD OF CARE.
(a) PERFORMANCE METRICS: PROVIDING COMPANY. The Providing
Company shall maintain sufficient resources to perform its obligations hereunder
and shall perform such obligations in a commercially reasonable manner. Specific
performance metrics for the Providing Company may be set forth in Exhibits
referred to herein. Where none is set forth, the Providing Company shall provide
Services in accordance with the policies, procedures and practices in effect for
the provision of similar services in support of the operation and maintenance of
the Genco Assets before the date of this Agreement and shall exercise the same
care and skill as it exercises in performing similar services hereafter for
generation operations conducted by members of the Resources Group and shall not,
in situations in which common personnel, equipment or facilities are used in
performing Services hereunder and such similar Services for members of the
Resources Group, favor either a Receiving Company or a member of the Resources
Group.
(b) PERFORMANCE METRICS: RECEIVING COMPANY. Specific
performance metrics for the Receiving Company may be set forth in Exhibits
referred to herein. Where none is set forth, the Receiving Company shall, in
connection with receiving Services, follow the policies, procedures and
practices in effect before the date of this Agreement including providing
information and documentation sufficient for the Providing Company to perform
the Services as they were performed before the date of this Agreement and making
available, as reasonably requested by the Providing Company, sufficient
resources and timely decisions, approvals and
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acceptances in order that Providing Company may accomplish its obligations
hereunder in a timely manner. In connection with the provision of Information
Technology Services, Receiving Company will use hardware and software
configurations conforming to Resources' standards when reasonably practicable.
If Receiving Company elects to use different standards, Resources will use
commercially reasonable efforts to provide services consistent with such
standards, but shall have no responsibility for the functionality of the
nonconforming configurations, and Receiving Company shall be responsible for all
costs incurred by Resources in adapting to the different standards.
(c) TRANSITIONAL NATURE OF SERVICES; CHANGES. The parties
acknowledge the transitional nature of the Services and that Providing Company
may make changes from time to time in the manner of performing the Services if
Providing Company is making similar changes in performing similar services for
members of the Resources Group and if Providing Company furnishes to Receiving
Company substantially the same notice Providing Company shall provide members of
the Resources Group respecting such changes.
(d) RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS; DELAYS. Providing Company's
sole responsibility to Receiving Company:
(i) for errors or omissions in Services, shall be to furnish
correct information and/or adjustment in the Services, at no additional
cost or expense to Receiving Company; provided, Receiving Company must
promptly advise Providing Company of any such error or omission of
which it becomes aware after having used commercially reasonable
efforts to detect any such errors or omissions in accordance with the
standard of care set forth in Section 2.3(b); and provided, further,
that the responsibility to furnish correct information or an adjustment
of services at no additional cost or expense to the Receiving Company
shall not be construed to require Providing Company to make any payment
or incur any Liability for which it is not responsible, or with respect
to which it is provided indemnity, under Section 2.7; and
(ii) for failure to deliver any Service because of
Impracticability, shall be to use commercially reasonable efforts,
subject to subsection 2.4(b), to make the Services available and/or to
resume performing the Services as promptly as reasonably practicable.
(e) GOOD FAITH COOPERATION; CONSENTS. The parties will use
good faith efforts to cooperate with each other in all matters relating to the
provision and receipt of Services. Such cooperation shall include exchanging
information, providing electronic access to systems used in connection with
Services to the extent the systems in use are designed and configured to permit
such access, performing true-ups and adjustments and obtaining all consents,
licenses, sublicenses or approvals necessary to permit each party to perform its
obligations hereunder. The parties will cooperate with each other in making such
information available as needed in the event of a tax audit or Regulatory
Proceeding, whether in the United States or any other country.
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2.4 CERTAIN LIMITATIONS.
(a) SERVICE BOUNDARIES AND SCOPE. Except as provided in an
Exhibit for a Service, the Services will be available only for purposes of
conducting the generation business of REI and its Subsidiaries substantially in
the manner as the generation business of the Reliant Energy HL&P Division of REI
was conducted prior to the Effective Date.
(b) IMPRACTICABILITY. Providing Company shall not be required
to provide any Service to the extent the performance of such Service becomes
"Impracticable" as a result of a cause or causes outside the reasonable control
of Providing Company including unfeasible technological requirements, or to the
extent the performance of such Services would require Providing Company to
violate any applicable laws, rules or regulations or would result in the breach
of any software license or other applicable contract.
(c) SALE, TRANSFER, ASSIGNMENT. No Receiving Company may sell,
transfer, assign or otherwise use the Services provided hereunder, in whole or
in part, for the benefit of any Person other than a member of the REI Group.
Without limitation, it is understood and agreed that REI may assign its rights
under this Agreement to Xxxxx XX.
2.5 CONFIDENTIALITY.
(a) INFORMATION SUBJECT TO OTHER OBLIGATIONS. Providing
Company and Receiving Company agree that all Information regarding the Services,
including, but not limited to, price, costs, methods of operation and software,
shall be maintained in confidence and shall be subject to Sections 10.3 and
10.15 of the Separation Agreement.
(b) ALL INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL. Providing Company's systems
used to perform the Services provided hereunder are confidential and proprietary
to Providing Company or third parties. Receiving Company shall treat these
systems and all related procedures and documentation as confidential and
proprietary to Providing Company or its third party vendors.
(c) INTERNAL USE; TITLE, COPIES, RETURN. Subject to the
applicable provisions of the Intellectual Property Agreement governing the
ownership, use, and licensing of Intellectual Property, Receiving Company agrees
that:
(i) all systems, procedures and related materials provided to
Receiving Company are for Receiving Company's internal use only and
only as related to the Services or any of the underlying systems used
to provide the Services;
(ii) title to all systems used in performing the Services
provided hereunder shall remain in Providing Company or its third party
vendors; and
(iii) upon the termination of any of the Services, Receiving
Company shall return to Providing Company, as soon as practicable, any
equipment or other property of Providing Company relating to the
Services which is owned or leased by it and is or was in Receiving
Company's possession or control.
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2.6 TERM; EARLY TERMINATION.
(a) TERM. The term of this Agreement shall commence on the
date hereof and shall remain in effect through the earlier of (i) the Option
Closing Date, (ii) the sale or disposition by REI, directly or indirectly, of
Xxxxx XX or of all or substantially all of the Genco Assets, and (iii) May 31,
2005 or until such earlier time as all Services are terminated as provided in
this Section. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Genco Option is not
exercised prior to the Option Expiration Date, Receiving Company may extend the
term of this Agreement until December 31, 2005 (or such earlier time as Xxxxx XX
or all or substantially all of the Genco Assets are disposed of as provided in
clause (ii) of the preceding sentence). This Agreement may be extended by the
parties in writing either in whole or with respect to one or more of the
Services, provided, however, that such extension shall only apply to the Service
for which the Agreement was extended. Services shall be subject to earlier
termination as provided herein. In the event that any Genco Asset is sold or
otherwise disposed of other than through exercise of the Genco Option, Services
shall no longer be provided with respect to the Genco Asset that is sold or
otherwise disposed of and the charges for services shall be adjusted to take the
same into account. In the event a change is made to the Option Expiration Date
pursuant to Section 12.1 of the Genco Option Agreement, corresponding changes
shall automatically be made to the May 31, 2005 and December 31, 2005 dates in
this paragraph.
(b) TERMINATION BY RECEIVING COMPANY OF SPECIFIC SERVICE
CATEGORIES. A Receiving Company may terminate this Agreement either with respect
to all, or with respect to any one or more, of the Services provided hereunder
at any time and from time to time, for any reason or no reason, by giving
written notice to the Providing Company as follows:
(i) for Technical Services, except to the extent otherwise
provided in Exhibit 2.1(a)(i), a terminated category of Services must
include all Services included in one of the major service categories
specified in Exhibit 2.1(a)(i), and notice of termination thereof must
be given at least 90 days in advance of the effective date of the
termination.
(ii) for Environmental and Safety Services, except to the
extent otherwise provided in Exhibit 2.1(a)(ii), a terminated category
of Services must include all of the Services included in one of the
major service categories specified in Exhibit 2.1(a)(ii), and notice of
termination thereof must be given at least 90 days in advance of the
effective date of the termination.
(iii) for Computer Systems Services, except to the extent
otherwise provided in Exhibit 2.1(a)(iii), a terminated category of
Services must include all of the Services included in one of the major
service categories specified in Exhibit 2.1(a)(iii), and notice of
termination thereof must be given at least 90 days in advance of the
effective date of the termination.
(iv) for Information Technology Services, except to the extent
otherwise provided on Exhibit 2.1(a)(iv), a terminated category of
Services must include all of the Services included in one of the major
service categories specified in Exhibit 2.1(a)(iv),
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and notice of termination thereof must be given at least 90 days in
advance of the effective date of the termination.
(c) TERMINATION OF LESS THAN ALL SERVICES. In the event of any
termination with respect to one or more, but less than all, Services, this
Agreement shall continue in full force and effect with respect to any Services
not terminated hereby.
2.7 DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND
INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES. RESOURCES DISCLAIMS ALL
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT
TO THE SERVICES. RESOURCES MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE
QUALITY, SUITABILITY OR ADEQUACY OF THE SERVICES FOR ANY PURPOSE OR USE.
(b) LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION OF RECEIVING
COMPANY. Resources and its Subsidiaries shall have no Liability to any Receiving
Company with respect to its furnishing any of the Services hereunder except for
Liabilities arising out of or resulting from the gross negligence or willful
misconduct occurring after the Effective Date of Resources or any member of the
Resources Group. Resources will indemnify, defend and hold harmless each
Receiving Company in respect of all such Liabilities arising out of or resulting
from such gross negligence or willful misconduct. Such indemnification
obligation shall be a Liability of Resources for purposes of the Separation
Agreement and the provisions of Article III of the Separation Agreement with
respect to indemnification shall govern with respect thereto. IN NO EVENT SHALL
RESOURCES OR ANY MEMBER OF THE RESOURCES GROUP HAVE ANY LIABILITY UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM THE PERFORMANCE OF, OR
THE FAILURE TO PERFORM, SERVICES FOR LOSS OF ANTICIPATED PROFITS BY REASON OF
ANY BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, FACILITY SHUTDOWN OR NON-OPERATION, LOSS OF DATA OR
OTHERWISE OR FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY OR RESULTING FROM NEGLIGENCE, INCLUDING GROSS
NEGLIGENCE, AND WHETHER OR NOT RESOURCES OR ANY MEMBER OF THE RESOURCES GROUP
WAS INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN NO EVENT
SHALL RESOURCES OR ANY MEMBER OF THE RESOURCES GROUP HAVE ANY LIABILITY
HEREUNDER OR OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM THE PERFORMANCE OF, OR
FAILURE TO PERFORM, SERVICES IN AN AGGREGATE AMOUNT EXCEEDING THE TOTAL CHARGES
PAID OR PAYABLE TO RESOURCES HEREUNDER.
(c) LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; INDEMNIFICATION OF PROVIDING
COMPANY. REI and each other Receiving Company shall indemnify and hold harmless
Resources in respect of all Liabilities arising out of or resulting from
Resources' furnishing or failing to furnish the Services to such Receiving
Company provided for in this Agreement, other than Liabilities arising out of or
resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Resources or any
other member of the Resources Group. The provisions of this indemnity shall
apply only to losses which relate directly to the provision of Services. Such
indemnification obligation shall be a Liability of REI for purposes of the
Separation Agreement and the provisions of Article III of the Separation
Agreement with respect to indemnification shall govern with respect thereto.
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IN NO EVENT SHALL REI OR ANY MEMBER OF THE REI GROUP HAVE ANY LIABILITY UNDER
THIS AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM ITS RECEIPT OF
SERVICES HEREUNDER FOR LOSS OF ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR FOR ANY INCIDENTAL,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER OR NOT CAUSED BY OR
RESULTING FROM NEGLIGENCE, INCLUDING GROSS NEGLIGENCE, AND WHETHER OR NOT REI OR
ANY MEMBER OF THE REI GROUP WAS INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF THE EXISTENCE OF
SUCH DAMAGES.
(d) SUBROGATION OF RIGHTS VIS-A-VIS THIRD PARTY CONTRACTORS.
In the event any Liability arises from the performance of Services hereunder by
a third party contractor, the Receiving Company shall be subrogated to such
rights, if any, as the Providing Company may have against such third party
contractor with respect to the Services provided by such third party contractor
to or on behalf of the Receiving Company. Subrogation under this Section 2.7(d)
shall not affect the obligation of Providing Company to perform Services under
this Agreement.
2.8 REPRESENTATIVES. Each party shall by notice to the other
appoint one or more Representatives to facilitate communications and performance
under this Agreement. The maximum number of Representatives for each party shall
be four, one for Technical Services, one for Environmental and Safety Services,
one for Computer Systems Services and one for Information Technology Services.
Each party may treat an act of a Representative of another party as being
authorized by such other party without inquiring behind such act or ascertaining
whether such Representative had authority to so act. Each party shall have the
right at any time and from time to time to replace any of its Representatives by
giving notice in writing to the other party setting forth the name of (i) each
Representative to be replaced and (ii) the replacement, and certifying that the
replacement Representative is authorized to act for the party giving the notice
in all matters relating to this Agreement (or matters relating to one category
of Services as aforesaid).
ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS
3.1 TAXES. (a) GENERAL. The Receiving Company shall bear all
taxes, duties and other similar charges (and any related interest and
penalties), imposed as a result of its receipt of Services under this Agreement,
including any tax which Receiving Company is required to withhold or deduct from
payments to Providing Company, except any net income tax imposed upon Providing
Company by the country of its incorporation or any governmental entity within
its country of incorporation.
(b) SALES TAX LIABILITY AND PAYMENT. Notwithstanding Section
3.1(a), each Receiving Company is liable for and will indemnify and hold
harmless any Providing Company from all sales, use and similar taxes (plus any
penalties, fines or interest thereon) (collectively, "Sales Taxes") assessed,
levied or imposed by any governmental or taxing authority on the providing of
Services by the Providing Company to the Receiving Company. The Providing
Company shall collect from the Receiving Company any Sales Tax that is due on
the Service it provides to such Receiving Company and shall pay such Sales Tax
so collected to the appropriate governmental or taxing authority.
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3.2 LAWS AND GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS. Receiving Company shall
be responsible for (i) compliance with all laws and governmental regulations
affecting its business and (ii) any use Receiving Company may make of the
Services to assist it in complying with such laws and governmental regulations.
The provision of Services shall comply, to the extent applicable, with REI's
Internal Code of Conduct. Providing Company shall comply with all laws and
governmental regulations applicable to the provision of Services.
3.3 RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES. Nothing in this Agreement shall
be deemed or construed by the parties or any third party as creating the
relationship of principal and agent, partnership or joint venture between the
parties, it being understood and agreed that no provision contained herein, and
no act of the parties, shall be deemed to create any relationship between the
parties other than the relationship of independent contractor nor be deemed to
vest any rights, interest or claims in any third parties.
3.4 REFERENCES. All reference to Sections, Articles, Exhibits
or Schedules contained herein mean Sections, Articles, Exhibits or Schedules of
or to this Agreement, as the case may be, unless otherwise stated. When a
reference is made in this Agreement to a "party" or "parties", such reference
shall be to a party or parties to this Agreement unless otherwise indicated.
Whenever the words "include", "includes" or "including" are used in this
Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without
limitation". The use of the singular herein shall be deemed to be or include the
plural (and vice versa) whenever appropriate. The use of the words "hereof",
"herein", "hereunder", and words of similar import shall refer to this entire
Agreement, and not to any particular article, section, subsection, clause,
paragraph or other subdivision of this Agreement, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. The word "or" shall not be exclusive; "may not" is
prohibitive and not permissive.
3.5 MODIFICATION AND AMENDMENT. This Agreement may not be
modified or amended, or any provision waived, except in the manner set forth in
the Separation Agreement.
3.6 INCONSISTENCY. In the event of any Inconsistency between
the terms of this Agreement and any of the Exhibits hereto, the terms of this
Agreement, other than charges, shall control.
3.7 RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES. If a dispute, claim or controversy
results from or arises out of or in connection with this Agreement or the
performance of, or failure to perform, the Services, the parties agree to use
the procedures set forth in Article IX of the Separation Agreement, in lieu of
other available remedies, to resolve the same.
3.8 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors and
permitted assigns. Except as contemplated by Section 2.4(c), no party shall
assign this Agreement or any rights herein without the prior written consent of
the other party, which may be withheld for any or no reason.
3.9 NOTICES. Unless expressly provided herein, all notices,
claims, certificates, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall
be in writing and shall be deemed to be duly given (i) when personally delivered
or (ii) if mailed registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt
requested, on the date the return receipt is executed or the letter
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refused by the addressee or its agent or (iii) if sent by overnight courier
which delivers only upon the signed receipt of the addressee, on the date the
receipt acknowledgment is executed or refused by the addressee or its agent or
(iv) if sent by facsimile or other generally accepted means of electronic
transmission, on the date confirmation of transmission is received (provided
that a copy of any notice delivered pursuant to this clause (iv) shall also be
sent pursuant to clause (ii) or (iii)), addressed to the attention of the
addressee's General Counsel at the address of its principal executive office or
to such other address or facsimile number for a party as it shall have specified
by like notice.
3.10 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
3.11 SEVERABILITY. Wherever possible, each provision of this
Agreement shall be interpreted in such a manner as to be effective and valid
under applicable law. If any portion of this Agreement is declared invalid for
any reason, such declaration shall have no effect upon the remaining portions of
this Agreement, which shall continue in full force and effect as if this
Agreement had been executed with the invalid portions thereof deleted.
3.12 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which
shall constitute one and the same instrument.
3.13 RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES. Nothing expressed or implied in
this Agreement is intended or will be construed to confer upon or give any
person or entity, other than the parties and to the extent provided herein their
respective Subsidiaries, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this
Agreement or any transaction contemplated thereby.
3.14 RESERVATION OF RIGHTS. The waiver by either party of any
of its rights or remedies afforded hereunder or at law is without prejudice and
shall not operate to waive any other rights or remedies which that party shall
have available to it, nor shall such waiver operate to waive the party's rights
to any remedies due to a future breach, whether of a similar or different
nature. The failure or delay of a party in exercising any rights granted to it
hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any such right and that party may
exercise that right at any time. Any single or partial exercise of any
particular right by a party shall exhaust the same or constitute a waiver of any
other right.
3.15 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. All understandings, representations,
warranties and agreements, if any, heretofore existing between the parties
regarding the subject matter hereof are merged into this Agreement, which fully
and completely express the agreement of the parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Technical
Services Agreement as of the date first above written.
RELIANT ENERGY, INCORPORATED
By:
--------------------------------
Name:
------------------------------
Title:
-----------------------------
RELIANT RESOURCES, INC.
By:
--------------------------------
Name:
------------------------------
Title:
-----------------------------
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