EXHIBIT 10.18
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FUEL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
dated as of January 20, 1998
for the
Bellingham Cogeneration Plant
at
Bellingham, Massachusetts
between
Northeast Energy, LP
and
ESI Northeast Fuel Management, Inc.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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ARTICLE I.
DEFINITION OF TERMS................................. 1
ARTICLE II.
FUEL MANAGEMENT SERVICES............................ 5
2.01 Transition Services................................................. 5
2.02 Fuel Management Services............................................ 6
2.03 Supply and Transportation Portfolio Planning........................ 6
2.04 Fuel Supply Plan.................................................... 7
2.05 Replacement Fuel.................................................... 8
2.06 Replacement Transportation Services................................. 9
2.07 Sale of Excess Fuel................................................. 9
2.08 Appointment of Fuel Manager as Owner's Agent........................ 10
ARTICLE III.
NOMINATION, COORDINATION AND OPTIONAL SERVICES...... 10
3.01 90-Day Nomination................................................... 10
3.02 30-Day Nomination................................................... 10
3.03 Daily Confirmation with Facility.................................... 11
3.04 Notification by Owner............................................... 11
3.05 Supply of Gas and Oil by Fuel Manager............................... 11
3.06 Substitute Gas and Oil Transactions................................. 11
3.07 Other Services...................................................... 11
ARTICLE IV.
PAYMENTS, COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES................. 11
4.01 Payments to Suppliers, Transporters and Storage Operators........... 11
4.02 Management Fee...................................................... 12
4.03 Expenses............................................................ 12
4.04 Late Payments....................................................... 12
ARTICLE V.
LIABILITY, INDEMNITY AND GUARANTY................... 12
5.01 Indemnification by Fuel Manager..................................... 12
5.02 Indemnification by Owner............................................ 13
5.03 No Consequential Damages............................................ 13
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5.04 Limitation of Aggregate Liability................................... 13
5.05 Non-Recourse Obligations............................................ 13
5.06 Guaranty............................................................ 14
ARTICLE VI.
ASSIGNMENT.......................................... 14
6.01 Assignments......................................................... 14
6.02 Assignment by Owner to NEA.......................................... 14
6.03 Subcontracting...................................................... 14
ARTICLE VII.
NOTICES............................................. 14
ARTICLE VIII.
FORCE MAJEURE....................................... 16
8.01 Suspension of Obligation............................................ 16
8.02 Definition.......................................................... 16
ARTICLE IX.
TERM AND TERMINATION................................ 16
9.01 Term................................................................ 16
9.02 Termination upon Notice by Fuel Manager............................. 16
9.03 Termination upon Notice by Owner.................................... 17
9.04 Termination Upon Certain Other Events............................... 17
9.05 Effect on Termination............................................... 17
ARTICLE X.
LIMITATIONS ON AGENCY............................... 17
ARTICLE XI.
DISPUTE, RESOLUTION AND ARBITRATION................. 18
11.01 Dispute Resolution.................................................. 18
11.02 Arbitration......................................................... 18
11.03 Survival............................................................ 19
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ARTICLE XII.
GENERAL PROVISIONS.................................. 19
12.01 Severability........................................................ 19
12.02 Governing Law....................................................... 19
12.03 Entire Agreement.................................................... 19
12.04 Captions............................................................ 20
12.05 Counterparts........................................................ 20
12.06 No Third Party Beneficiaries........................................ 20
12.07 Further Assurances.................................................. 20
12.08 No Implied Waiver................................................... 20
12.09 Amendments.......................................................... 20
12.10 Confidentiality..................................................... 20
12.11 Decision-Making by Parties.......................................... 20
Attachments:
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Exhibit A - Existing Agreements
Exhibit B - Form of Guaranty
Schedule 1 - Oil Specifications
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FUEL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
This FUEL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), is made as
of the 20th day of January, 1998, between NORTHEAST ENERGY, LP, a Delaware
limited partnership ("Owner") and ESI NORTHEAST FUEL MANAGEMENT, INC., a Florida
corporation ("Fuel Manager"). Owner and Fuel Manager are sometimes referred to
individually as a "party" and collectively, the "parties".
WITNESSETH THAT:
WHEREAS, on the Commencement Date Owner will indirectly hold
100% of the partnership interests in Northeast Energy Associates, A Limited
Partnership ("NEA"), the owner of the 300 megawatt combined cycle cogeneration
plant located in Bellingham, Massachusetts (the "Facility"); and
WHEREAS, the Facility is fueled by natural gas or fuel oil;
and
WHEREAS, NEA currently purchases approximately 80% of the
natural gas that fuels the Facility from gas suppliers pursuant to long-term gas
supply agreements; and
WHEREAS, Owner desires that Fuel Manager manage on behalf of
Owner, all gas supply, transportation and storage agreements and any agreements
with respect to the purchase, transportation and storage of fuel oil; and
WHEREAS, to the extent the gas and fuel oil supplied under
such agreements are not sufficient to meet Owner's fuel requirements, Owner
desires that Fuel Manager locate and purchase as Owner's agent natural gas
and/or fuel oil in such quantities and on such terms and conditions as Owner may
request;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements set forth herein, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, Fuel Manager and Owner, intending to be legally bound, agree as
follows:
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Except where the context requires another meaning, the
following terms shall be construed to have the following meanings:
"Additional Agreements" shall mean the Additional Gas Supply
Agreements, the Additional Gas Transportation Agreements, the Additional Gas
Storage Agreements, the Oil Supply Agreements, the Oil Transportation Agreements
and the Oil Storage Agreements.
"Additional Gas Storage Agreements" shall mean the contracts
and agreements entered into by or on behalf of NEA after the Effective Date
relating to the storage of Gas to be used by the Facility, as amended from time
to time.
"Additional Gas Supply Agreements" shall mean the contracts,
purchase orders and other agreements (including hedging contracts) entered into
by or on behalf of NEA after the Effective Date relating to the supply of Gas to
the Facility, as amended from time to time.
"Additional Gas Transportation Agreements" shall mean the
contracts and agreements entered into by or on behalf of NEA after the Effective
Date relating to the transportation of Gas to be used by the Facility, as
amended from time to time.
"Affiliate" shall mean any person that, directly or
indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, another
person. For purposes of this definition, "control" (including with correlative
meanings, the terms "controlled by" and "under common control with"), as used
with respect to any person, means, the power to direct or cause the direction of
the management and policies of such person, directly or indirectly, whether
through the ownership of voting securities or by contract or otherwise.
"Agency Designation Agreements" shall have the meaning set
forth in Section 2.08 hereof.
"Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble
hereto, and include all exhibits and schedules attached hereto. All exhibits and
schedules referenced in this Agreement are incorporated herein for all purposes
and shall be updated by the parties as necessary.
"Alternative Transportation" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 2.06 hereof.
"Arbitration Rules" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 11.02 hereof.
"Business Day" shall mean a calendar day other than a
Saturday, Sunday or a statutory holiday in the State of Massachusetts.
"Commencement Date" shall mean the Acquisition Date as defined
in the Partnership Agreement.
"Damages" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.01
hereof.
"Dispute Notice" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
11.01 hereof.
"Effective Date" shall mean January 14, 1998.
"Excess Fuel" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.07
hereof.
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"Existing Agreements" shall mean the Gas Supply Agreements,
the Gas Transportation Agreements and the Gas Storage Agreements. As of the
Effective Date, there are no agreements for the supply of Oil to, or the
transportation or storage of any Oil to be used at, the Facility.
"Facilities Purchase Agreement" shall mean the Purchase
Agreement as defined in the Partnership Agreement.
"Facility" shall have the meaning in the first recital hereto.
"FERC" shall mean the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
"Force Majeure" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
8.02 hereof.
"Fuel Management Services" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 2.02 hereof.
"Fuel Manager" shall have the meaning set forth in the
preamble hereof.
"Fuel Manager's Indemnitees" shall have the meaning set forth
in Section 5.02 hereof.
"Fuel Period" shall mean a Summer Fuel Period or a Winter Fuel
Period.
"Fuel Supply Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.04 hereof.
"Gas" shall mean natural gas conforming to the specifications
provided for by the FERC approved tariff of the Algonquin Gas Transmission
Company.
"Gas Day" shall mean the 24 hour period commencing at 10:00
a.m. eastern standard time on any calendar day and ending at 9:59 a.m. eastern
standard time on the succeeding calendar day.
"Gas Storage Agreements" shall mean the contracts and
agreements entered into by NEA before the Effective Date with respect to the
storage of Gas to be used by the Facility, as such contracts and agreements are
listed on Exhibit A hereto, as amended from time to time.
"Gas Suppliers" shall mean the suppliers of Gas used at the
Facility pursuant to the Gas Supply Agreements or the Additional Gas Supply
Agreements.
"Gas Supply Agreements" shall mean the contracts, purchase
orders and other agreements (including hedging contracts) entered into by NEA
before the Effective Date with respect to the supply of Gas to the Facility, as
such contracts, purchase orders and other agreements are listed on Exhibit A
hereto, as amended from time to time.
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"Gas Transportation Agreements" shall mean the contracts and
agreements entered into by NEA before the Effective Date with respect to the
transportation of Gas to be used by the Facility, as such contracts and
agreements are listed on Exhibit A hereto, as amended from time to time.
"Indemnitees" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.01
hereof.
"Late Payment Rate" shall mean a per annum rate of interest
equal to the rate announced from time to time in the Wall Street Journal as the
prime commercial lending rate of national commercial banks plus two percent
(2%), but in no event more than the maximum rate permitted under applicable law.
"Laws" shall mean any applicable federal, state or local
statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation.
"Management Fee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
4.02 hereof.
"NEA" shall have the meaning set forth in the first recital
hereto.
"Oil" shall mean fuel oil meeting the specifications set forth
in Schedule 1 hereto.
"Oil Storage Agreements" shall mean the contracts and
agreements entered into by or on behalf of NEA after the Effective Date relating
to the storage of Oil to be used at the Facility, as amended from time to time.
"Oil Suppliers" shall mean the suppliers of Oil used at the
Facility pursuant to the Oil Supply Agreements.
"Oil Supply Agreements" shall mean the contracts, purchase
orders and other agreements entered into by or on behalf of NEA after the
Effective Date relating to the supply of Oil to the Facility, as amended from
time to time.
"Oil Transportation Agreements" shall mean the contracts and
agreements entered into by or on behalf of NEA after the Effective Date relating
to the transportation of Oil to the Facility, as amended from time to time.
"Operator" shall mean Westinghouse Electric Corporation until
such time as it no longer serves as Operator of the Facility, then it shall mean
ESI Operating Services, Inc., or such other person or entity who may be acting
as operator of the Facility.
"Owner" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble
hereof.
"Owner's Fuel Requirements" shall mean the aggregate total
supply of Gas and Oil required during a specified period by Owner in connection
with the operation of the Facility for such specified period.
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"party" and "parties" shall have the meanings set forth in the
preamble hereof.
"Partnership Agreement" shall mean that certain Agreement of
Limited Partnership of Northeast Energy, LP, a Delaware limited partnership,
dated as of November 21, 1997, by and among ESI Northeast Energy GP, Inc.,
Tractebel Northeast Generation GP, Inc., ESI Northeast Energy LP, Inc., and
Tractebel Associates Northeast LP, Inc.
"PPI Index" shall mean the Department of Labor, Bureau of
Labor Statistics, Producer Price Index for All Commodities (1982=100). If the
PPI Index ceases to be published or is otherwise unavailable, "PPI Index" shall
mean an index that Owner and Fuel Manager shall mutually determine in good faith
to be most nearly comparable to the foregoing.
"Project Year" shall mean the twelve (12) month period
beginning on the Commencement Date and each successive twelve (12) month period
beginning on the anniversary dates thereof.
"Replacement Fuel" shall have the meaning set forth in Section
2.05 hereof.
"Summer Fuel Period" shall mean the seven-month period
commencing April 1 of any year ending on October 31 of such year.
"Winter Fuel Period" shall mean the five-month period
commencing on November 1 of any year and ending on March 31 of the next
succeeding year.
"30-Day Nomination" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.02 hereof.
"90-Day Nomination" shall have the meaning set forth in
Section 3.01 hereof.
ARTICLE II.
FUEL MANAGEMENT SERVICES
2.01 Transition Services. From the Effective Date through the
Commencement Date, Fuel Manager shall provide each of the following services:
(a) review existing fuel management procedures for the
Facility and all relevant records, documents and materials relating to
such procedures;
(b) review existing fuel supply, transportation and storage
arrangements in effect on the Effective Date and update Exhibit A
accordingly;
(c) prepare and submit the initial Fuel Supply Plan to Owner
as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date, but in no
event later than January 30, 1998;
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(d) update the initial Fuel Supply Plan to reflect any changes
requested by Owner (provided that no revision to the initial Fuel
Supply Plan shall require Fuel Manager to perform services which might
conflict with Fuel Manager's duties under this Agreement or applicable
Laws);
(e) develop the necessary programs and procedures to perform
the Fuel Management Services in accordance with the initial Fuel Supply
Plan; and
(f) such other services as are necessary and incidental to the
performance of the foregoing services.
2.02 Fuel Management Services. From the Commencement Date
through the termination of this Agreement, Fuel Manager shall furnish to Owner
the following services in connection with the supply, transportation and storage
of Gas and Oil to be used by the Facility (the "Fuel Management Services"):
(a) preparation and modification of the Fuel Supply Plans in
accordance with Section 2.04;
(b) transportation scheduling; transportation balancing;
transportation imbalance reconciliation; proposals for and, if Owner so
approves, utilization of excess transportation capacity through
scheduling and relinquishment and through sales to third parties at
alternate delivery points; compliance with pipeline operational orders;
general operational and planning advice; and attendance at such
Partnership meetings as the parties deem appropriate for Fuel Manager
to fully represent the interests of Owner, as contemplated by this
Agreement;
(c) monitoring of pipeline tariff filings in consultation with
Owner, consultants and legal counsel and intervention, at the request
and expense of Owner, in the applicable FERC hearings and provision of
testimony; and
(d) such other services as are necessary and incidental to
performance of the foregoing Fuel Management Services.
2.03 Supply and Transportation Portfolio Planning. In
connection with the preparation of the Fuel Supply Plan and the performance of
its obligations under Section 2.02, and using information made available by
Owner and such other information as it deems necessary, Fuel Manager shall:
(a) analyze Owner's Fuel Requirements in light of the amount
of Gas and Oil then being supplied under the Existing Agreements and
the Additional Agreements then in effect;
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(b) analyze regional Gas and Oil supply and demand, sources,
transportation, delivery, supply mechanisms and the regulatory
structure with respect to additional Gas and Oil required by the
Facility;
(c) prequalify Gas and Oil suppliers, obtain and evaluate
proposals, and recommend proposals to Owner for Additional Gas Supply
Agreements and Oil Supply Agreements, and if such proposals are
approved by Owner (which approval may be in the Fuel Supply Plan),
negotiate and obtain Additional Gas Supply Agreements and Oil Supply
Agreements for the Facility on behalf of Owner;
(d) evaluate price risk management proposals, make
recommendations to Owner with respect to price risk management, and if
such recommendations are approved by Owner (which approval may be in
the Fuel Supply Plan), negotiate and enter into such risk management
arrangements on behalf of Owner;
(e) review existing and potential arrangements for
transportation and storage of the Gas and Oil to be acquired in
accordance with the Fuel Supply Plan, make recommendations to Owner
with respect to such arrangements, and if such recommendations are
approved by Owner (which approval may be in the Fuel Supply Plan),
negotiate and obtain necessary Additional Gas Transportation
Agreements, Oil Transportation Agreements, Additional Gas Storage
Agreements and/or Oil Storage Agreements on behalf of Owner; and
(f) to the extent known, advise Owner of changes and
anticipated changes in cost, reliability, interruption or other factors
affecting the current or anticipated future supply of Gas and Oil to
the Facility, make recommendations to Owner with respect to alternate
supplies or transportation mechanisms, and if such recommendations are
approved by Owner (which approval may be in the Fuel Supply Plan),
implement those recommendations deemed desirable by Owner.
All Additional Agreements shall be entered into by Owner;
provided, however, that upon the approval of Owner (which approval may be
contained in the Fuel Supply Plan), Fuel Manager will enter into any such
contract in its capacity as agent for Owner.
In connection with the services provided by Fuel Manager under
Article II of this Agreement, Fuel Manager will, except as otherwise agreed by
the parties, provide Owner with copies of all reasonable proposals it receives
from third parties for the supply, transportation, or storage of Gas or Oil for
the Facility and such other relevant information in Fuel Manager's possession as
Owner may reasonably request from time to time.
2.04 Fuel Supply Plan. Fuel Manager shall furnish to Owner at
least forty-five (45) days prior to the first full Fuel Period after the
Commencement Date and each Fuel Period thereafter, a fuel, transportation and
storage supply plan (the "Fuel Supply Plan"). Fuel Manager's analysis and
strategy shall incorporate a least-cost optimization of the available options
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to develop a Fuel Supply Plan designed to provide Owner with a low-cost Gas and
Oil supply portfolio that is highly flexible and secure.
Owner shall give its written approval or disapproval of the
Fuel Supply Plan no later than thirty (30) days after receipt thereof from Fuel
Manager. If the Fuel Supply Plan is not approved or disapproved within such
30-day period, Fuel Manager shall, in the absence of instructions to the
contrary from Owner, purchase Gas and Oil in the 30-day spot market in the
quantities specified by Owner's nominations pursuant to Article III, to the
extent required by the Facility but not covered by Existing Agreements and
Additional Agreements until such time as the Fuel Supply Plan is approved. If
Owner disapproves all or any portion of the proposed Fuel Supply Plan, Owner
shall provide the reasons for such disapproval in writing and Owner and Fuel
Manager shall make reasonable efforts to agree on a Fuel Supply Plan. If Owner
and Fuel Manager cannot agree on the Fuel Supply Plan, those elements of the
Fuel Supply Plan that are in dispute shall be revised in accordance with the
recommendations of Owner. However, in no event shall such revised Fuel Supply
Plan require Fuel Manager to perform services that might conflict with Fuel
Manager's duties under this Agreement or applicable Laws.
An approved Fuel Supply Plan shall constitute authorization
for Fuel Manager to enter into the transactions and agreements contemplated
therein as agent on behalf of Owner in accordance with such approved Fuel Supply
Plan.
If Fuel Manager desires to request an amendment to an approved
Fuel Supply Plan at any time, Fuel Manager shall submit a proposed revised Fuel
Supply Plan for Owner's consideration, including the basis for the amendment,
and Owner shall approve or disapprove the proposed revised Fuel Supply Plan in
writing within thirty (30) days after submission thereof. If the proposed
revised Fuel Supply Plan is not approved within such 30-day period, it shall be
deemed to have been disapproved. If the proposed revised Fuel Supply Plan is
disapproved within such 30-day period, Owner shall furnish Fuel Manager with the
reasons for such disapproval in writing and, if appropriate, Fuel Manager shall
update and resubmit the proposed revised Fuel Supply Plan for approval by Owner.
Once approved by Owner, the revised Fuel Supply Plan shall supersede the then
current approved Fuel Supply Plan. If Owner requests an amendment, Fuel Manager
shall revise the Fuel Supply Plan to reflect any changes requested by Owner;
provided, however, that in no event shall such revised Fuel Supply Plan require
Fuel Manager to perform services that might conflict with Fuel Manager's duties
under this Agreement or applicable Laws. Fuel Manager shall not, except as
described in Section 2.05 or 2.06 hereof, act outside of the approved Fuel
Supply Plan without the prior written consent of Owner.
2.05 Replacement Fuel. If for any reason (including Force
Majeure), a Gas Supplier or Oil Supplier fails to deliver Gas or Oil to Owner,
Fuel Manager shall promptly upon obtaining actual knowledge thereof notify
Owner. If Owner is unavailable or, in the reasonable judgment of Fuel Manager,
there is insufficient time to reach Owner and insure the adequate supply of Gas
and Oil to the Facility for any of the next thirty (30) days, Fuel Manager
shall, as agent for Owner, use commercially reasonable efforts to locate and
acquire Gas or Oil ("Replacement Fuel") to replace any Gas or Oil not delivered
to Owner; provided that Fuel Manager shall not without the prior written consent
of Owner enter into any agreement for the
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supply of Gas or Oil with a term in excess of 30 days. Fuel Manager shall seek
to locate and acquire Replacement Fuel under substantially similar terms and
conditions and with equivalent economic ramifications to Owner as those
applicable to the lost Gas and Oil supply, but if it is unable to do so, Fuel
Manager shall nevertheless use commercially reasonable efforts to locate and
acquire other Replacement Fuel. Fuel Manager shall, as agent for Owner, use
commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the cost of Replacement Fuel by
choosing among available Replacement Fuel supplies that which is most
cost-efficient, taking into consideration dependability, safety, transportation
cost, and the anticipated extent and duration of the interruption in supply of
the Gas or Oil that would have been provided under the existing arrangements.
Fuel Manager shall promptly notify Owner after Fuel Manager's acquisition, as
agent of Owner, of Replacement Fuel pursuant to this Section 2.05 and the price
of such Replacement Fuel. If Fuel Manager determines it is not able to acquire
Replacement Fuel, Fuel Manager shall promptly notify Owner and prepare and
submit to Owner a plan to address such unavailability of Replacement Fuel.
2.06 Replacement Transportation Services. If for any reason
(including Force Majeure), Gas or Oil is not being transported pursuant to any
Gas Transportation Agreement, any Additional Gas Transportation Agreement or any
Oil Transportation Agreement, Fuel Manager shall promptly upon obtaining actual
knowledge thereof notify Owner. If Owner is unavailable or, in the reasonable
judgment of Fuel Manager, there is insufficient time to reach Owner and insure
the adequate supply of Gas and Oil to the Facility for any of the next thirty
(30) days, Fuel Manager shall, as agent for Owner, use commercially reasonable
efforts to arrange for alternative transportation arrangements to replace the
transportation services which are no longer available ("Alternative
Transportation"). Fuel Manager shall seek to arrange Alternative Transportation
under substantially similar terms and conditions and with equivalent economic
ramifications to Owner as those applicable to the lost transportation services,
but if it is unable to do so, Fuel Manager shall nevertheless use commercially
reasonable efforts to arrange Alternative Transportation. Fuel Manager shall, as
agent for Owner, use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the costs of
Alternative Transportation by choosing among available transportation
alternatives that which is most cost-efficient, taking into consideration
dependability, safety, and the anticipated duration of the interruption in
transportation services that would have been provided under the Existing Gas
Transportation Agreements, Additional Gas Transportation Agreements or Oil
Transportation Agreements. Fuel Manager shall promptly notify Owner after Fuel
Manager's arranging for Alternative Transportation, as agent of Owner, pursuant
to this Section 2.06 and the price of such Alternative Transportation. If Fuel
Manager determines it is not able to arrange Alternative Transportation, Fuel
Manager shall promptly notify Owner and prepare and submit to Owner a plan to
address such unavailability of Alternative Transportation.
2.07 Sale of Excess Fuel. If at any time the Fuel Manager
believes or anticipates that the Facility will not require any of the Gas or Oil
purchased under the Existing Agreements or the Additional Agreements or procured
on Owner's behalf by Fuel Manager (either pursuant to a Fuel Supply Plan or by
express instruction of Owner to procure such Gas or Oil) (the "Excess Fuel"),
Fuel Manager shall promptly notify Owner and, upon Owner's request, shall use
reasonable efforts to market for sale and arrange for delivery of such Excess
Fuel to a third party buyer at the best available prices possible given the then
current conditions in the market. Any
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amount received over the price originally paid by Owner for such Excess Fuel
shall belong to the Owner and Owner shall bear any loss incurred should the
amount received for such Excess Fuel be less than that originally paid by Owner.
2.08 Appointment of Fuel Manager as Owner's Agent. Subject to
the limitations set forth in Article X, Owner hereby appoints Fuel Manager (and
any permitted subcontractor) as its agent solely for the following purposes:
(a) to act on Owner's behalf and for Owner's benefit in
submitting nominations to the Gas Suppliers pursuant to Article III
hereof;
(b) to act on Owner's behalf and for Owner's benefit, for
purposes set forth in any Agency Designation Agreement entered into by
Owner pursuant to this Section 2.08; and
(c) to negotiate and, upon the approval of Owner (which
approval may be in the Fuel Supply Plan), enter into Additional
Agreements as agent of Owner for the purchase, storage or
transportation of Gas or Oil on the terms and subject to such
conditions as Owner may approve (which approval may be in the Fuel
Supply Plan).
Owner and Fuel Manager shall notify all existing and future
Gas Suppliers and Oil Suppliers and all applicable transportation and storage
providers of the foregoing agency promptly after the Commencement Date and
shall, to the extent required by such suppliers or operators, enter into an
agency designation agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to
Owner and Fuel Manager confirming such agency for purposes of any Existing
Agreement or Additional Agreement (the "Agency Designation Agreements"). Owner
and Fuel Manager shall, immediately upon expiration or early termination of the
Agreement, notify the applicable entities that such agency has terminated. The
Agency Designation Agreements and any notice to Gas Suppliers, Oil Suppliers and
others of the existence of the agency shall state that either Owner or Fuel
Manager, acting alone, may give notice to such party terminating the agency.
The appointment of Fuel Manager (and any permitted
subcontractor) as agent shall terminate automatically and without prior notice
upon termination of this Agreement for whatever reason.
ARTICLE III.
NOMINATION, COORDINATION AND OPTIONAL SERVICES
3.01 90-Day Nomination. Within 15 days of Fuel Manager's
written request, which request may be made once each quarter, Owner shall
provide to Fuel Manager a 90-day nomination (the "90-Day Nomination") setting
forth on a daily basis Owner's anticipated need for the procurement,
transportation and storage of Gas and Oil.
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3.02 30-Day Nomination. At least 15 days prior to the end of
each month, Owner shall provide to Fuel Manager a 30-day nomination (the "30-Day
Nomination") setting forth on a daily basis Owner's anticipated need for the
procurement, transportation and storage of Gas and Oil for the subsequent month.
3.03 Daily Confirmation with Facility. Fuel Manager shall call
the Facility each day by 8:00 a.m. to confirm with Operator the Facility's
requirements for Gas and Oil for such Gas Day and the estimated requirements for
the following Gas Day and for Fuel Manager to confirm the availability of Gas
and Oil for such Gas Day pursuant to the applicable Fuel Supply Plan and the
applicable 30-Day Nomination. Fuel Manager shall confirm to Owner and Operator
by hand delivery or by facsimile the information confirmed by such call.
3.04 Notification by Owner. Owner shall use all reasonable
efforts to provide Fuel Manager with prompt notice of all information regarding
startups or shutdowns of the Facility, including, but not limited to (A)
maintenance not scheduled or included as part of the applicable Fuel Supply
Plan; (B) forced outages, (C) scheduled outages, and (D) any other relevant
information or event which may impact the quantities of Gas and Oil to be
provided to the Facility pursuant to the applicable Fuel Supply Plan or 30-Day
Nomination.
3.05 Supply of Gas and Oil by Fuel Manager. Fuel Manager may,
but is not obligated to, offer to supply Gas or Oil to Owner at a price and on
terms to be determined by Fuel Manager in its sole and absolute discretion.
Owner may, in its sole and absolute discretion, accept or reject Fuel Manager's
offer to supply such Gas or Oil. In connection therewith, Owner will, at the
request of Fuel Manager, negotiate in good faith an enabling agreement for the
sale of Gas and Oil by Fuel Manager to Owner, to be used in the event the
parties agree to consummate such transactions.
3.06 Substitute Gas and Oil Transactions. Fuel Manager may,
but is not obligated to, propose transactions to Owner pursuant to which Fuel
Manager or a third party (which may be an Affiliate of Fuel Manager) will take
delivery of a volume of Gas or Oil equal to all or any part of the Gas or Oil to
be supplied by any Gas Supplier or Oil Supplier for all or any portion of the
term of the applicable supply contract and substitute Gas or Oil from another
source therefor. Owner may, in its sole and absolute discretion, accept or
reject Fuel Manager's proposals. If Owner and Fuel Manager decide to proceed
with any such transaction, they will enter into a separate agreement with
respect thereto.
3.07 Other Services. All other services not within the scope
of this Agreement, which may be requested by Owner shall be handled by separate
agreement and compensation.
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ARTICLE IV.
PAYMENTS, COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES
4.01 Payments to Suppliers, Transporters and Storage
Operators. Owner shall be responsible for remitting payment to all Gas
Suppliers, Oil Suppliers and any and all pipeline and other transporters or
storage operators utilized hereunder to serve the Facility. In connection
therewith, Fuel Manager shall review and approve invoices from all such
suppliers and operators.
4.02 Management Fee. Fuel Manager shall receive a management
fee for each Project Year (the "Management Fee") of $450,000 per annum, as
adjusted in accordance with this Section 4.02. The Management Fee shall be paid
in monthly installments and shall be due on the first Business Day of each month
for the preceding month. The Management Fee for any partial month shall be pro
rated to cover the actual portion of such month that this Agreement was in
effect.
As of January 1 of each year, commencing January 1, 1999, the
Management Fee shall be adjusted upwards or downwards by multiplying the
Management Fee for the prior year by a fraction the numerator of which will be
the PPI Index for immediately preceding December and the denominator of which
will be the PPI Index for the month of December one year earlier; provided, that
in no event shall the Management Fee be decreased below $450,000. This adjusted
Management Fee shall be the Management Fee for the current Project Year and the
basis for calculation of the Management Fee for the next Project Year.
4.03 Expenses. Fuel Manager shall submit for Owner's approval
any out-of-pocket expenses that Fuel Manager anticipates will be incurred in the
performance of its obligations hereunder or any services requested by Owner.
Fuel Manager shall only incur expenses, and Owner is only obligated to reimburse
Fuel Manager for expenses, to the extent such expenses are (i) approved in
advance by Owner (as part of an approved Fuel Supply Plan or otherwise) or (ii)
incurred in accordance with the terms of Section 2.05 or 2.06. Owner's
reimbursement of Fuel Manager for such out-of-pocket expenses shall be in
addition to the compensation set forth in Section 4.02.
4.04 Late Payments. If any amounts owing under this Agreement
are not paid to Fuel Manager or Owner, as applicable, when due, the same shall
bear interest at the Late Payment Rate from the due date until paid.
12
ARTICLE V.
LIABILITY, INDEMNITY AND GUARANTY
5.01 Indemnification by Fuel Manager. Subject to the
limitations in this Article V, Fuel Manager hereby agrees to indemnify, defend
and hold harmless Owner, all partners of Owner, and each of their respective
officers, directors, shareholders, agents, Affiliates and employees
(collectively, the "Indemnitees") from and against all losses, liabilities,
damages, demands, claims, suits, actions, judgments or causes of action,
assessments, interest, penalties, costs and expenses, including, without
limitation, attorney's fees, and expenses (whether suit is instituted or not
and, if instituted, whether at trial or appellate levels) (collectively
"Damages") asserted against, resulting to, imposed upon, or incurred or suffered
by any of the Indemnitees, directly or indirectly, whether raised by an
Indemnitee or a third party, arising out of, caused by or resulting from the
performance or non-performance by Fuel Manager of its duties hereunder, to the
extent that any such Damages are caused in whole or in part by (a) any
agreement, contract or arrangement executed by Fuel Manager in the name of (and
without the written consent of) the Owner which is prohibited by this Agreement
or beyond the scope of its authority, or (b) the negligence or willful
misconduct of Fuel Manager.
5.02 Indemnification by Owner. Subject to the limitations set
forth in this Article V, Owner shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Fuel
Manager, any subcontractor and their respective officers, directors,
shareholders, agents, Affiliates and employees (collectively, "Fuel Manager's
Indemnitees") from and against all Damages asserted against, resulting to,
imposed upon, or incurred or suffered by any of the Fuel Manager's Indemnitees,
directly or indirectly, whether raised by Fuel Manager's Indemnitees or a third
party, to the extent arising out of or resulting from the performance or
non-performance by Owner of its duties hereunder or under any Existing Agreement
or Additional Agreement; provided, however, that such indemnification does not
apply to the extent that the Damages arise from (a) Fuel Manager's negligence or
willful misconduct in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder,
or (b) any Existing Agreement or Additional Agreement which was executed by Fuel
Manager in the name of Owner which is prohibited by this Agreement or is outside
of the authority granted to Fuel Manager by Owner under or pursuant to this
Agreement.
5.03 No Consequential Damages. With respect to claims arising
under this Agreement or out of performance or non-performance of the services
and obligations under this Agreement, neither Fuel Manager, any subcontractor
nor their respective officers, directors, shareholders, agents, Affiliates or
employees shall be liable to Owner, any Partner of Owner, nor their respective
officers, directors shareholders, agents, Affiliates or employees, and neither
Owner, any Partner of Owner, nor their respective officers, directors,
shareholders, agents, Affiliates or employees shall be liable to Fuel Manager,
any subcontractor, or any of their respective officers, directors, shareholders,
agents, Affiliates or employees, whether based in contract, in tort (including
negligence and strict liability), under warranty, or otherwise, for any special
indirect, incidental, exemplary or consequential loss or damage whatsoever,
including without limitation, loss of use, opportunity or profits, damages to
good will or reputation or punitive damages; provided, however, that this
limitation on liability shall not apply to Fuel Manager's actions under Section
5.01(a) unless the Fuel Manager has acted in good faith and with a reasonable
basis for believing that such actions were permitted by this Agreement and were
within the scope of its authority.
13
5.04 Limitation of Aggregate Liability. The total annual
aggregate liability of Fuel Manager with respect to this Agreement under any
theory of recovery, whether based in contract, in tort (including negligence and
strict liability), under warranty or otherwise, and notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement, shall be limited in any Project Year to the
Management Fee for such Project Year; provided, however, that this limitation on
liability shall not apply to Fuel Manager's actions under Section 5.01(a) unless
the Fuel Manager has acted in good faith and with a reasonable basis for
believing that such actions were permitted by this Agreement and were within the
scope of its authority.
5.05 Non-Recourse Obligations. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the obligations of Owner hereunder
are recourse only to the assets of Owner and neither the partners of Owner nor
any shareholder, director, officer, agent, Affiliate or employee of Owner or any
partner of Owner, shall have any personal responsibility or liability for any
payment obligations of Owner hereunder, or otherwise for any breach in
performance or observance of the covenants, representations, or obligations of
Owner hereunder.
5.06 Guaranty. Prior to the Commencement Date, Fuel Manager
shall cause ESI Energy, Inc. to execute and deliver to Owner a guaranty of Fuel
Manager's obligations under Section 5.01 in substantially the form attached
hereto as Exhibit B.
ARTICLE VI.
ASSIGNMENT
6.01 Assignments.
(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted
assigns.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, neither
party may assign or otherwise convey any of its rights, title or interest under
this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the other party hereto
(which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided, however, that
either party may collaterally assign its interests in this Agreement as security
for debt, with notice to, but without need for the consent of, the other party.
6.02 Assignment by Owner to NEA. Upon the later to occur of
(i) the Commencement Date and (ii) the execution and delivery by NEA of a
counterpart hereof to Owner and Fuel Manager, but without any further action by
any Person, all right, title and interest of Owner hereunder shall be assigned
to, and all of Owner's obligations, liabilities and duties
14
whether past, present or future, arising under, in or in connection with this
Agreement, including Owner's obligations under Section 4.02 hereof, shall be
assumed by, NEA.
6.03 Subcontracting. Fuel Manager may, without the consent of
the Owner, subcontract any of its duties or obligations hereunder to one of its
Affiliates. Fuel Manager may not subcontract any of its duties or obligations
hereunder to a non-affiliate without the prior written consent (which consent
may be in the Fuel Supply Plan) of Owner to the subcontractor and subcontract,
which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. No subcontract shall relieve
Fuel Manager of its duties and obligations hereunder.
ARTICLE VII.
NOTICES
Any notice to either party required or permitted hereunder
shall be in writing and shall be given by personal delivery or by commercial
courier or by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or by
telecopier with confirmed receipt, addressed as follows:
If to Owner:
------------
Prior to assignment to NEA:
Northeast Energy, LP
c/o ESI Energy, Inc.
00000 X.X. Xxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Telecopier: (000) 000-0000
Attention: President
After assignment to NEA:
Northeast Energy Associates,
A Limited Partnership
c/o ESI Energy, Inc.
00000 X.X. Xxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Telecopier: (000) 000-0000
Attention: President
15
with, in either case, a copy to:
Tractebel Power, Inc.
0000 Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000
Telecopier: (000) 000-0000
Attention: General Counsel
If to Fuel Manager:
-------------------
Northeast Fuel Management, Inc.
c/o ESI Energy, Inc.
00000 X.X. Xxxxxxx Xxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, Xxxxxxx 00000
Telecopier: (000) 000-0000
Attention: President
or to such other address as Owner or Fuel Manager may have specified in a notice
duly given as provided herein to the other party. All notices given in the
foregoing manner shall be effective when received, except that a notice sent by
telecopier and received after normal business hours shall be deemed to be
received the following Business Day.
ARTICLE VIII.
FORCE MAJEURE
8.01 Suspension of Obligation. If either party hereto is
rendered unable, wholly or in part, by Force Majeure to carry out its
obligations under this Agreement, other than to make payments on obligations due
hereunder, it is agreed that upon such party giving notice and full particulars
of such Force Majeure to the other party as soon as possible after the
occurrence of the cause relied on, the obligations of the party(ies), only
insofar as they are affected by such Force Majeure, shall be suspended during
the continuance of any inability so caused, but for no longer period. Such cause
shall, as far as possible, be remedied with all reasonable dispatch, except that
settlement of strikes or lockouts shall be entirely within the discretion of the
party having the difficulty.
8.02 Definition. The term "Force Majeure" as used herein shall
mean an occurrence not within the reasonable control of a party and without the
fault, negligence or willful misconduct of such party claiming Force Majeure and
shall include, but not be limited to: acts of God, epidemics, landslides,
lightning, earthquakes, fires, storms, hurricanes, floods, and washouts;
strikes, lockouts, and other industrial disturbances; civil disturbances, acts
of the public enemy, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, sabotage, and
arrests and restraints of governments and people, or actions or inactions of any
government or governmental agency or changes in the law or applicable
regulations subsequent to the date hereof preventing performance, or the
inability
16
despite due diligence to obtain or renew required licenses; provided, however,
that lack of money or changes in market considerations shall not constitute
"Force Majeure."
ARTICLE IX.
TERM AND TERMINATION
9.01 Term. This Agreement shall be in effect from the
Effective Date for a primary term ending on the twenty-fifth (25th) anniversary
of the Commencement Date, unless terminated earlier as provided herein.
9.02 Termination upon Notice by Fuel Manager. If Owner (a)
fails to make any payment due to Fuel Manager hereunder within ten (10) days
after such payment shall have become due or (b) fails, for reasons other than
Force Majeure, to perform any of the material covenants or obligations imposed
upon it under and by virtue of this Agreement and in the case of a default under
(b) does not remedy or cure such default (and the effects thereof) within thirty
(30) days after receipt of written notice thereof from Fuel Manager (or within
ninety (90) days after receipt of such notice, in the case of defaults not
susceptible of cure within thirty (30) days; provided, however, that Owner
commences and diligently seeks to cure such default within such thirty (30) day
period), then Fuel Manager may, by written notice to Owner, terminate this
Agreement.
9.03 Termination upon Notice by Owner. If Fuel Manager (a)
acts, in a material way, outside of the authority granted to it by Owner in this
Agreement or (b) fails, for reasons other than Force Majeure, to perform any of
the material covenants or obligations imposed upon it under and by virtue of
this Agreement and in the case of a default under (b) does not remedy or cure
such default (and the effects thereof) within thirty (30) days after receipt of
written notice thereof from Owner (or within ninety (90) days after receipt of
such notice, in the case of defaults not susceptible of cure within thirty (30)
days; provided, however, that Fuel Manager commences and diligently seeks to
cure such default within such thirty (30) day period), then Owner may, by
written notice to Fuel Manager, terminate this Agreement.
9.04 Termination Upon Certain Other Events. Either party may
terminate this Agreement by written notice to the other party if (a) the
Facility is destroyed or suffers damage in excess of $100,000,000 and is not
rebuilt and in commercial operation within twenty-four (24) months after such
damage or destruction, (b) the Facility cannot be operated for a period of at
least eighteen (18) consecutive months as a result of a Force Majeure event, (c)
loss of "qualifying facility" status, (d) Owner determines to permanently shut
down the Facility, or (e) if the Facilities Purchase Agreement shall terminate
pursuant to Section 15 thereof.
9.05 Effect on Termination. Any termination of this Agreement
pursuant to provisions of this Article IX shall be without prejudice to the
right of Fuel Manager to collect any amounts then due for services rendered
prior to the time of termination, and without waiver of any
17
and all other remedies, including rights of set-off, to which the party not in
default may be entitled for violations of this Agreement by the defaulting
party.
ARTICLE X.
LIMITATIONS ON AGENCY
Except with respect to the acquisition of Replacement Fuel and
Alternative Transportation as permitted by Section 2.05 or 2.06 or the sale of
Excess Fuel pursuant to Section 2.07, Fuel Manager is not authorized to, and
shall not, without prior written consent of Owner (which consent may be
contained in the Fuel Supply Plan):
(a) Enter into any agreements for the sale of Gas or the
transportation or storage of such sold Gas on behalf of or in the name
of Owner;
(b) Enter into any hedging transaction or any unhedged future
contracts, or otherwise assume unhedged trading positions, on behalf of
or in the name of Owner;
(c) Enter into any agreements or transactions on behalf of
Owner not contemplated by the Fuel Supply Plan;
(d) Agree to any amendment or modification to any provision in
the Existing Agreements or any Additional Agreements or other
agreements to which Owner is a party;
(e) Enter into any agreement or any amendment, supplement or
modification of any agreement, in any manner inconsistent with or in
violation of this Agreement, applicable Law or the Trust Indenture; or
(f) Grant or create any lien or other encumbrance on any of
Owner's Gas or Oil or any of the Existing Agreements or the Additional
Agreements.
ARTICLE XI.
DISPUTE, RESOLUTION AND ARBITRATION
11.01 Dispute Resolution. If a dispute arises among the
parties, or between any of them, regarding the application or the interpretation
of any provision of this Agreement or any other matter with respect to the Fuel
Management Services, an aggrieved party shall give a notice of such dispute (a
"Dispute Notice") to the other party. Within fifteen (15) days after such
Dispute Notice, a senior officer of each of the companies shall confer with each
other to seek with diligence and in good faith to resolve such dispute. If such
officers are unable to resolve such dispute within forty-five (45) days after
such Dispute Notice, then the parties shall be bound to arbitrate such dispute
in accordance with Section 11.02.
18
11.02 Arbitration. To the fullest extent permitted by law, any
dispute between the parties regarding the interpretation of any provision of
this Agreement, if not resolved by negotiation by the parties within forty-five
(45) days after the Dispute Notice, shall be resolved exclusively by binding
arbitration between the parties pursuant to the Rules of the American
Arbitration Association for Commercial Disputes (the "Arbitration Rules").
Arbitration shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association. Any
Party may institute arbitration proceedings at any time by delivering written
notice demanding arbitration to the parties in the manner described in Article
VII.
(a) Within twenty (20) days after receipt of a written demand
for arbitration, each party shall appoint one arbitrator. Within fifteen (15)
days of the expiration of that 20-day period, the two arbitrators so appointed
shall appoint a third arbitrator. If any party shall fail to appoint an
arbitrator, or if the two arbitrators shall fail to appoint a third arbitrator,
the American Arbitration Association shall make the selection within ten (10)
days of a party's request. The arbitrators shall meet the qualifications and
abide by the Code of Ethics for arbitrators in commercial disputes of the
American Arbitration Association. The arbitrators shall have knowledge of and
experience in the gas and oil supply industry.
(b) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the arbitration
shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the
Arbitration Rules. In determining any question, matter or dispute before them,
the arbitrators shall apply the provisions of this Agreement without varying
therefrom in any respect. They shall not have the power to add to, modify or
change any of the provisions of this Agreement. The parties shall exercise all
commercially reasonable efforts in good faith to cause a hearing to be held
within ninety (90) days after the date upon which the last arbitrator is
appointed and to conclude all hearings within thirty (30) days after the first
hearing date. The arbitrators shall only grant a party's request for
postponement of the hearing upon a showing of good cause as determined by the
arbitrators. Within thirty (30) days of the last hearing date, the arbitrators
shall issue a written decision setting forth their analysis and ruling. The
arbitrators shall determine in what proportion the parties shall bear the fees
and expenses of the arbitrators. Each party shall bear the fees and expenses of
its own counsel and other consultants. All arbitration proceedings shall be
subject to the choice of law provisions set forth in Section 12.02 hereof, and
shall be held at a location agreed to by the parties, or if the parties cannot
agree, then in Atlanta, Georgia.
(c) The parties acknowledge and agree that any arbitral award
shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the parties and may be confirmed or
embodied in any order of any court having jurisdiction.
(d) To the fullest extent permitted by law, service of any
matters referenced in this Article XI shall be given in the manner described in
Article VII or as permitted by the rules of the American Arbitration
Association.
11.03 Survival. This Article XI shall survive expiration or
termination of this Agreement.
19
ARTICLE XII.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
12.01 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall
be held or deemed to be invalid, inoperative or unenforceable, such
circumstances shall not affect the validity of any other provision of this
Agreement, but this Agreement shall be reformed and construed as if such
invalid, inoperative or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein
and such provision reformed so that it would be valid, operative and enforceable
to the maximum extent permitted.
12.02 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to
principles of conflicts of laws.
12.03 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and related schedules
constitutes the entire final understanding and agreement of the parties with
respect to its subject matter, and there are no agreements, understandings,
restrictions, representations or warranties among the parties other than those
set forth in this Agreement. By execution of this Agreement, each of the parties
represents and warrants that it has not relied on any oral or written
statements, promises, inducements, representations or warranties to enter into
this Agreement except for those expressly set forth herein. The parties agree
that the inclusion of this provision evidences the intent of the parties that no
parole evidence shall be admissible to alter or vary the terms of this
Agreement.
12.04 Captions. The captions or headings of the sections and
paragraphs of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference
only and shall have no effect upon the construction or interpretation of any
part of this Agreement.
12.05 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts,
each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, and all of
which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
12.06 No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except as expressly set
forth herein, the terms of this Agreement are for the sole benefit of Owner and
Fuel Manager and their respective successors and permitted assigns and not for
any third party whatsoever.
12.07 Further Assurances. If either party reasonably
determines or is reasonably advised that any further instruments or any other
things are necessary or desirable to carry out the terms of this Agreement, the
other party shall execute and deliver all such instruments and assurances and do
all things reasonably necessary and proper to carry out the terms of this
Agreement.
20
12.08 No Implied Waiver. Failure of either party to exercise
any right to enforce any provision, or to require strict performance by the
other party of any provision, shall not release the other party from any of its
obligations under this Agreement and shall not operate as a waiver of any right
to insist upon strict performance, or of either party's rights or remedies under
this Agreement or at law.
12.09 Amendments. No amendment, waiver or modification of any
provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed
by both parties.
12.10 Confidentiality. Except to the extent expressly
authorized herein including, without limitation, in connection with a proposed
assignment of this Agreement or a proposed financing transaction entered into by
Owner, in which case disclosure of the terms hereof shall be limited to the
extent reasonably practicable, each of the parties agree that neither it nor its
attorneys, agents or representatives shall reveal to anyone any of the terms of
this Agreement or any of the terms of the documents executed pursuant hereto,
including, without limitation, the amount, terms or conditions of payment
hereunder, other than (i) as may be hereafter mutually agreed to in writing,
(ii) as ordered by a judicial tribunal, (iii) to any of such parties' directors,
officers, employees, representatives, advisors, consultants and attorneys, and
the directors, officers, employees, representatives, advisors, consultants and
attorneys of affiliated companies who need to know such information, and (iv) to
the extent required to be disclosed by applicable law or legal process.
12.11 Decision-Making by Parties. Except where this Agreement
expressly provides for a different standard and/or time period, whenever this
Agreement provides for a determination, decision, permission, consent or
approval of a party, the party shall promptly make such determination, decision,
grant or withholding of consent or approval in a
commercially reasonable manner and without unreasonable delay. Any denial of
consent required to be made in a commercially reasonable manner shall include in
reasonable detail the reason for denial or aspect of the request that was not
acceptable.
[Remainder Of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
21
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto executed multiple
originals of this Agreement as of the date first written above.
OWNER: NORTHEAST ENERGY, LP,
a Delaware limited partnership
By: ESI NORTHEAST ENERGY GP, INC.,
a Florida corporation,
a general partner
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
--------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Vice President
By: TRACTEBEL NORTHEAST GENERATION GP, INC.,
a Delaware corporation,
a general partner
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
--------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Vice President
FUEL MANAGER: ESI NORTHEAST FUEL MANAGEMENT, INC.,
a Florida corporation
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
--------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Vice President
[Signature Page to Bellingham Fuel Management Agreement]
22
ASSIGNEE: NORTHEAST ENERGY ASSOCIATES,
A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP,
a Massachusetts limited partnership
By: ESI NORTHEAST ENERGY GP, INC.,
a Florida corporation,
a general partner
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
--------------------------
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Vice President
By: TRACTEBEL NORTHEAST GENERATION GP, INC.,
a Delaware corporation,
a general partner
By: /s/ Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
--------------------------
Name: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxx
Title: Vice President
[Signature Page to Bellingham Fuel Management Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
Existing Agreements
-------------------
A-1
EXHIBIT B
Form of Guaranty
----------------
B-1
SCHEDULE 1
Oil Specifications
------------------
[Attach Oil Specifications from Westinghouse O&M Contract.]
S1-1
