UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
20549
FORM 10-KSB
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006
Commission File Number 333-117287
US GEOTHERMAL INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware | 84-1472231 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
Incorporation or Organization) | Identification No.) |
1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B | |
Boise, Idaho | 83706 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
208-424-1027
(Registrants Telephone
Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: NONE
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: NONE
Check whether the issuer (1) has filed all reports required to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing
requirements for at least the past 90 days.
Yes
XX
No ___
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response
to Item 405 of Regulation S-B is
ot contained in this form, and no
disclosure will be contained, to the best of registrants
knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III
of
this Form 10-KSB or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [
XX ]
Issuers revenues for its most recent year: $NIL
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common
equity held by non-affiliates
computed by reference to the price at which
the common equity was sold, or the average bid and
asked price of such
common equity, as of May 31, 2006: $32,961,555
Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of
practicable date.
Class of Equity | Shares Outstanding as of May 31, 2006 |
Common stock, par value | 43,303,844 |
$ 0.001 per share |
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one)
Yes ____ No
XX
U.S. Geothermal Inc. and Subsidiaries
Form 10-KSB
For the Year ended March 31, 2006
INDEX
Item 13. Exhibits | 63 |
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services | 64 |
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, including, but not limited to, our statements on strategy, operating forecasts, and our working capital requirements and availability. In addition, from time to time, the company or its representatives have made or may make forward-looking statements, orally or in writing. Such forward-looking statements may be included in, but are not limited to, various filings made by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), press releases or oral statements made by or with the approval of an authorized executive officer of the company. Forward-looking statements consist of any statement other than a recitation of historical fact and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as may, expect, anticipate, estimate, or continue or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Actual results could differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety of factors and conditions, including, but not limited to, the factors and conditions described in the discussions of Risk Factors and Managements Plan of Operations in this report and in other documents the company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The reader is cautioned that the company does not have a policy of updating or revising forward-looking statements and thus the reader should not assume that silence by management of the company over time means that actual events are bearing out as estimated in such forward-looking statements.
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Part I
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
The Companys Business
U.S. Geothermal Inc. (the company, GTH or we or us or words of similar import) is in the renewable green energy business. Through its subsidiary, U.S. Geothermal Inc., an Idaho corporation (Geo-Idaho, although our references to the company include and refer to our operations through Geo-Idaho), we are developing geothermal energy power plants in the Raft River area of Idaho. As more thoroughly discussed in the section below on Managements Plan of Operations, the company has entered into a power purchase agreement, at 10 megawatts (MW), with Idaho Power Company, and is in the process of developing the power plant for the first phase of production.
Business Development
Geo-Idaho was formed as an Idaho corporation in February 2002 to conduct geothermal resource development. On March 5, 2002 Geo-Idaho entered into a letter agreement with the previous owner, pursuant to which Geo-Idaho agreed to acquire all of the real property, personal property and permits that comprised the owners interest in the Raft River project. We generally refer to this real and personal property interests as the Vulcan Property. On December 3, 2002 the letter agreement was replaced by a formal agreement with the previous owner (the Vulcan Agreement), which provided for the acquisition, in stages, of 100% of the Vulcan Property in consideration for shares and warrants of Geo-Idaho and cash payments to or on behalf of the previous owner of up to $600,000 (for 100% of the Vulcan Property). Geo-Idaho also agreed that, as a condition to completing the purchase of and as an owner of the Vulcan Property, it would work to advance the Raft River Project by expending at least $200,000 for a work program (which has since been completed). By August 1, 2005, Geo-Idaho had paid the previous owner $617,000 in securities and cash payments, and had completed the work program, to bring its percentage ownership in the Vulcan Property to 100%.
The company and Geo-Idaho entered into a merger agreement on February 28, 2002, which was amended and restated on November 30, 2003, and closed on December 19, 2003. In accordance with the merger agreement, GTH acquired Geo-Idaho through the merger of Geo-Idaho with a wholly-owned subsidiary, EverGreen Power Inc., an Idaho corporation formed for that purpose. Geo-Idaho is the surviving corporation and the subsidiary through which GTH conducts operations. As part of this acquisition, we changed our name to U.S. Geothermal Inc. Because the former Geo-Idaho shareholders became the majority holders of GTH, the transaction is treated as a reverse takeover for accounting purposes.
Competition
Although the market for different forms of energy is large and dominated by very powerful
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players, we perceive our industrial competition to be independent power producers and in particular those producers who provide green renewable power. Our definition of green power is electricity derived from a source that does not pollute the air, water or earth. Sources of green power, in addition to geothermal, include wind, solar, biomass and run-of-the river hydroelectric. A number of states have instituted renewable portfolio standards (RPS) that require utilities to purchase a minimum percentage of their power from renewable sources. For example, RPS statutes in California and Nevada require 20% renewable, and according to the Department of Energys Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy department, utilities in 34 states nationwide are providing their customers with the opportunity to purchase green, renewable power through premium pricing programs. As a result, we believe green power is a niche sub-market, in which many power purchasers are or are increasing or committing to increase their investments. Accordingly, the conventional energy producers do not provide direct competition.
In the Pacific Northwest there are currently no geothermal facilities. There exist a number of wind farms, as well as biomass and run-of-the river hydroelectric facilities. However, GTH believes that the combination of greater reliability and baseload generation from geothermal, access to infrastructure for deliverability, and a low "full life" cost will allow it to successfully compete for long term power purchase agreements.
Governmental Approvals and Regulation
GTH is subject to both federal and state regulation in respect of the production, sale and distribution of electricity. Federal legislation includes The Public Utilities Act of 1935 (which has two titles: The Public Utility Holding Company Act ("PUHCA") and the Federal Power Act), as well as the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 ("PURPA") and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 ("EPACT "). Because GTH is defined as an independent power producer under the rules and regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"), the relevant aspects of federal legislation are that its electrical generating facilities qualify under the policy set forth under PURPA which encourages alternative energy sources such as geothermal, wind, biomass, solar and cogeneration. Additionally, under EPACT, the company is currently exempt from PUHCA legislation regulating rates for electricity on the wholesale level.
The State of Idaho also regulates electricity through the Idaho Public Utility Commission ("IPUC"). Regulated utilities have the exclusive right to distribute and sell electricity within their service area. They may purchase electricity in the wholesale market from independent producers like GTH. The IPUC, in accordance with Federal PURPA legislation has the authority to set the rules and regulations governing the sale of electricity generated from alternative energy sources. Regulated utilities are required to purchase electricity on an avoided cost basis from qualifying facilities.
Currently, the IPUC defines such a facility as having an average output capacity of 10 Megawatts (MW) per month and a contract term of up to 20 years. All PURPA contracts in Idaho are subject to the approval of the IPUC. GTH is not required to market any of the electricity that it may generate at Raft River to Idaho utilities; under EPACT, it can transmit and sell its electricity in another state. Nonetheless, GTH initially signed three 10 MW power
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purchase agreements (PPA) with the Idaho Power Company (Idaho Power).
On May 8, 2006, Idaho Power confirmed that GTH would be allowed to bid the Raft River Unit 1 project into the recently issued Idaho Power geothermal Request for Proposal for Geothermal Power. If Idaho Power selects GTH as a successful bidder, the Company expects that under a new PPA with Idaho Power, which would replace the current PPA, the Unit 1 power plant will be allowed to sell its full output capacity of up to 13 MW annual average, instead of being capped at ten average MWs per month as mandated under the current PPA. This 30% increase in plant output would be achieved with no additional capital investment and is expected to decrease the operating cost per kilowatt-hour.
With carbon regulation widely anticipated to increase the cost of power sourced from coal, and limited opportunities to purchase baseload geothermal power, the company has found that utilities across the Western United States have been eager to discuss power purchases from its Raft River geothermal resource. As a result of the increased interest, US Geothermal elected to withdraw its Unit 2 and Unit 3 Idaho Power PPAs without submitting them to the IPUC for approval in order to pursue larger capacity PPAs with other utilities. With the concurrence of Idaho Power, the Unit 2 and Unit 3 10MW contracts have been voided without further obligation on either party.
Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB), from Eugene, Oregon and US Geothermal have signed a letter of intent for EWEB to purchase the full 13 MW electrical output of Unit 2. The parties have exchanged a draft PPA and intend to complete it by July 2006. Upon execution of the EWEB PPA, and if Unit 1 is successful in the Idaho Power Request for Proposal, then the total output from the Unit 1 and Unit 2 Raft River power plants will be 26 MW from two plants, instead of the originally planned 30 MW from three plants, resulting in substantial capital and operating cost savings through improved economy of scale.
In addition, the strong regional interest in geothermal power has resulted in several utilities from California to Washington entering into discussions with US Geothermal to purchase the electrical power output of Unit 3. Subject to drilling confirmation of sufficient geothermal resource, the power plant output from three units at Raft River would be 39 MW, instead of the maximum 30MW under the previous Idaho Power PPA provisions.
GTH will require the approval of various federal, state and local authorities for construction of a geothermal facility at Raft River. These authorities include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Department of Water Resources, Idaho Bureau of Hazardous Materials, Idaho State Historical Society, Cassia County and the Southern Idaho Regional Solid Waste District. We have retained Kleinfelder Inc. of Boise, Idaho, an independent environmental and regulatory consultant, to advise GTH as to the siting and design for purpose of governmental approvals. Additionally, David Evans & Associates of Boise, Idaho is providing consulting and engineering services for transmission and interconnection issues and the preparation of the application for a conditional use permit. Centra Consulting, Inc. of Boise, Idaho has been retained to assist with State of Idaho air quality and cooling water reuse permitting.
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Environmental Compliance
As GTHs design and permitting activities have progressed, it has further refined and clarified the environmental issues for which it will have to demonstrate compliance in the construction and operation of a geothermal facility at Raft River. Please see discussion below under Permitting in Item 6- Managements Plan of Operations . The relevant legislation includes: Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Rivers and Harbors Act, National Historic Preservation Act, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Idaho Solid Waste Facilities Act and the IDAPA Drilling for Geothermal Resource Rules. The environmental assessment that the company is conducting will identify any additional steps that are needed to comply with these acts.
We believe that a geothermal facility can be designed, constructed and placed into operation at Raft River that will meet environmental compliance requirements. At this time, the company does not believe that the cost of compliance at the federal, state and local levels will be significant.
Employees
GTH currently has six full-time employees. Once construction financing for the first power plant is obtained, we intend to engage additional consultants and service providers. As part of the ongoing operating requirements of the first power plant, we intend to hire approximately 10 to 12 operating staff, at an estimated annual cost of $635,000. The Company also continuously considers acquisition opportunities; if the company is successful in making acquisitions, additional management and administrative staff may be added.
Risk Factors
An investment in shares of our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Potential investors should consider the following factors, in addition to the other information provided by the company in its filings with the SEC in evaluating our business and proposed activities before they purchase any shares of our common stock.
Risks Relating To Our Business
We have a limited operating history, have incurred losses to date, and cannot give any assurance that we can ever attain profitability. Our company has been engaged in limited activities in the geothermal business since Geo-Idahos incorporation in February 2002. As a result of our brief operating history, our operating results from historical periods are not readily comparable to and may not be indicative of future results. We have not generated revenues from operations to date, and cannot give any assurance that we will be able to generate revenues in the future. For the years ended March 31, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, we incurred net losses of ($164,909), ($676,398), ($1,830,421), and ($1,523,385) respectively. At March 31, 2005, and March 31, 2006, we had accumulated deficits
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of ($3,709,150) and ($5,232,535), respectively. We expect to incur losses for at least the next 18 months. We cannot give you any assurance that we will soon make a profit or that we will ever make a profit. To achieve profitability, we must, among other things, obtain financing to build and commission a geothermal electrical power generation facility for our initial power purchase agreements.
Our future performance depends on our ability to establish
that the geothermal resource is economically sustainable.
Geothermal
resource exploration and development involves a high degree of risk. The
recovery of the amounts shown for geothermal properties and related deferred
costs on our financial statements, as well as the execution of our business plan
generally, is dependent upon the existence of economically recoverable and
sustainable reserves.
We have a need for substantial additional financing and will
have to significantly delay, curtail or cease operations if we are unable to
secure such financing.
We require substantial additional financing to
fund the cost of continued development of the Raft River project and other
operating activities, and to finance the growth of our business, including the
construction and commissioning of a power generation facility. We may not be
able to obtain the needed funds on terms acceptable to us or at all. Further, if
additional funds are raised by issuing equity securities, significant dilution
to our current shareholders may occur and new investors may get rights that are
preferential to current shareholders. Alternatively, we may have to bring in a
joint venture partner to fund further development work, which would result in
reducing our interest in the project.
It is very costly to place geothermal resources into
commercial production.
Before the sale of any power can occur, it will
be necessary to construct a gathering and disposal system, a power plant, and a
transmission line, and considerable administrative costs would be incurred,
together with the drilling of additional wells. We have estimated these costs to
be around US $38,000,000 to be incurred over an eighteen month period. To fund
expenditures ofthis magnitude, we may have to find a joint venture participant
with substantial financial resources. There can be no assurance that a
participant can be found and, if found, it would result in GTH having to
substantially reduce its interest in the project.
We may not be able to manage our growth.
Significant
growth in our operations will place demands on our operational, administrative
and financial resources, and the increased scope of our operations will present
challenges to us due to increased management time and resources required and our
existing limited staff. Our future performance and profitability will depend in
part on our ability to successfully integrate the operational, financial and
administrative functions of Raft River and other acquired properties into our
operations, to hire additional personnel and to implement necessary enhancements
to our management systems to respond to changes in our business. There can be no
assurance that we will be successful in these efforts. Our inability to
integrate acquired properties, to hire additional personnel or to enhance our
management systems could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations.
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If we incur material debt to fund our business, we could
face significant risks associated with such debt levels.
We will need to
procure significant additional financing to construct, commission and operate a
power plant at Raft River in order to generate and sell electricity. If this
financing includes the issuance of material amounts of debt, this would expose
GTH to risks including, among others, the following:
• a portion of our cash flow from operations would be used for the payment of principal and interest on such indebtedness and would not be available for financing capital expenditures or other purposes;
• a significant level of indebtedness and the covenants governing such indebtedness could limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business because certain activities or financing options may be limited or prohibited under the terms of agreements relating to such indebtedness;
• a significant level of indebtedness may make us more vulnerable to defaults by the purchasers of electricity or in the event of a downturn in our business because of fixed debt service obligations; and
• the terms of agreements may require us to make interest and principal payments and to remain in compliance with stated financial covenants and ratios. If the requirements of such agreements were not satisfied, the lenders would be entitled to accelerate the payment of all outstanding indebtedness and foreclose on the collateral securing payment of that indebtedness, which would likely include our interest in the project.
In such event, we cannot assure you that we would have sufficient funds available or could obtain the financing required to meet our obligations, including the repayment of outstanding principal and interest on such indebtedness.
The success of our business relies on retaining our key
personnel.
We are dependent upon the services of our President and Chief
Executive Officer, Daniel J. Kunz, our Chief Operating Officer, Douglas J.
Glaspey, and Kevin Kitz, our Vice President Project Development. The loss of
any of their services could have a material adverse effect upon us. GTH has
executed employment agreements with these persons but does not have key-man
insurance on any of them.
Our development activities are inherently very risky.
The risks involved in the development of a geothermal resource cannot be
over-stated. The development of a geothermal resource is such that there cannot
be any assurance of success. Exploration costs are not fixed, and the resource
cannot be relied upon until substantial development has taken place, which
entails high exploration and development costs. The costs of development
drilling are subject to numerous variables which could result in substantial
cost overruns. Drilling for geothermal resource may involve unprofitable
efforts, not only from dry wells, but from wells that are productive but do not
produce sufficient net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and
other costs.
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Our drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including economic conditions, mechanical problems, title problems, weather conditions, compliance with governmental requirements and shortages or delays of equipment and services. If our drilling activities are not successful, we would experience a material adverse effect on our future results of operations and financial condition.
In addition to the substantial risk that wells drilled will not be productive, or may decline in productivity after commencement of production, hazards such as unusual or unexpected geologic formations, pressures, downhole fires, mechanical failures, blowouts, cratering, explosions, uncontrollable flows of well fluids, pollution and other physical and environmental risks are inherent in geothermal exploration and production. These hazards could result in substantial losses to us due to injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, pollution and other environmental damage and suspension of operations. As protection against operating hazards, we maintain insurance coverage against some, but not all, potential losses. We do not fully insure against all risks associated with our business either because such insurance is not available or because the cost of such coverage is considered prohibitive. The occurrence of an event that is not covered, or not fully covered, by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
The impact of governmental regulation could adversely affect
our business.
Our business is subject to certain federal, state and
local laws and regulations, including laws and regulations on taxation, the
exploration for and development, production and distribution of electricity, and
environmental and safety matters. Many laws and regulations require drilling
permits and govern the spacing of wells, rates of production, prevention of
waste and other matters. Such laws and regulations may increase the costs of
planning, designing, drilling, installing, operating and abandoning our
geothermal wells, the power plant and other facilities. In addition, our
operations are subject to complex environmental laws and regulations adopted by
federal, state and local jurisdictions where we operate. We could incur
liability to governments or third parties for any unlawful discharge of
pollutants into the air, soil or water, including responsibility for remedial
costs. We could potentially discharge such materials into the environment in any
of the following ways:
from a well or drilling equipment at a drill site;
leakage from gathering systems, pipelines, power plant and storage tanks;
damage to geothermal wells resulting from accidents during normal operations; and
blowouts, cratering and explosions.
In addition, the submission and approval of environmental impact assessments may be required. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner which means stricter standards, and enforcement, fines and penalties for non-compliance are more stringent. Environmental assessments of proposed projects carry a heightened degree of responsibility for companies and
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directors, officers and employees. The cost of compliance with changes in governmental regulations has a potential to reduce the profitability of operations.
Because the requirements imposed by such laws and regulations are frequently changed, we cannot assure you that laws and regulations enacted in the future, including changes to existing laws and regulations, will not adversely affect our business. In addition, because we acquire interests in properties that have been operated in the past by others, we may be liable for environmental damage caused by such former operators.
Industry competition may impede our growth.
The
electrical power generation industry, of which geothermal power is a
sub-component, is highly competitive and we may not be able to compete
successfully or grow our business.
We compete in areas of pricing, grid access and markets. The industry in the Pacific Northwest, in which the Raft River project is located, is complex as it is composed of public utility districts, cooperatives and investor-owned power companies. Many of the participants produce and distribute electricity. Their willingness to purchase electricity from an independent producer may be based on a number of factors and not solely on pricing and surety of supply.
Claims have been made that some geothermal plants cause
seismic activity and related property damage.
There are approximately two
dozen geothermal plants operating within a fifty-square-mile region in the area
of Anderson Springs, in Northern California, and there is general agreement that
the operation of these plants causes a generally low level of seismic activity.
Some residents in the Anderson Springs area have asserted property damage claims
against those plant operators. There are significant issues whether the plant
operators are liable, and to date no court has found in favor of such claimants.
Even if liability is imposed on operators in the Anderson Springs area, we do
not believe the area of the Raft River project or our intended operation of a
power plant present the same geological or seismic risks.
Actual costs of construction or operation of a power plant
may exceed estimates used in negotiation of power purchase agreements.
The companys initial power purchase contract is under rates established
by the Idaho Public Utility Commission, using an avoided-cost model for cost
of construction and operating costs of a power plant. If the actual costs of
construction or operations exceed the model costs, the company may not be able
to build the contemplated power plant, or if constructed, may not be able to
operate profitably.
Payments under our initial power purchase agreement may be
reduced if we are unable to forecast our production adequately.
Under
the terms of our initial power purchase agreement, if we do not deliver
electricity output within 90% to 110% of our forecasted amount, payments for the
amount delivered will be reduced, possibly significantly. If the company
consistently mis-forecasts its output, its revenues will be reduced, and we may
not be able to operate profitably.
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There are some risks for which we do not or cannot carry
insurance.
Because our current operations are limited in scope, GTH
carries public liability insurance and directors and officers liability
coverage, but does not currently insure against any other risks. As its
operations progress, GTH will acquire additional coverage consistent with its
operational needs, but GTH may become subject to liability for pollution or
other hazards against which it cannot insure or cannot insure at sufficient
levels or against which it may elect not to insure because of high premium costs
or other reasons. In particular, coverage is not available for environmental
liability or earthquake damage.
Our officers and directors may have conflicts of interests
arising out of their relationships with other companies.
Several of our
directors and officers serve (or may agree to serve) as directors or officers of
other companies or have significant shareholdings in other companies. To the
extent that such other companies may participate in ventures in which GTH may
participate, the directors may have a conflict of interest in negotiating and
concluding terms respecting the extent of such participation. If a conflict of
interest arises, a director who has such a conflict will abstain from voting for
or against the approval of such a participation or such terms. From time to time
several companies may participate in the acquisition, exploration and
development of natural resource properties thereby allowing for their
participation in larger programs, permitting involvement in a greater number of
programs and reducing financial exposure in respect of any one program. It may
also occur that a particular company will assign all or a portion of its
interest in a particular program to another of these companies due to the
financial position of the company making the assignment. Under the laws of the
State of Delaware, the directors of GTH would be required to act honestly, in
good faith and in the best interests of GTH.
In determining whether or not GTH would participate in a particular program and what interest GTH would acquire in it, the directors would primarily consider the degree of risk to which GTH would be exposed and its financial position at that time.
Risks Relating To The Market For Our Securities
A significant number of shares of our common stock are
eligible for sale in the United States, which could have an adverse effect on
the market price for our common stock and could adversely affect our ability to
raise needed capital.
Currently, the number of shares in the public
float on the TSX Venture Exchange and over-the-counter market in the U.S. is
approximately 41,153,535. The market price for our common stock could decrease
significantly and our ability to raise capital could be adversely affected by
the availability of such a large number of shares.
Our officers and directors hold sufficient shares that
acting collectively they may be able to influence the outcome of matters
submitted to the shareholders.
Our officers and directors own in the
aggregate approximately 13% of the companys securities, on a fully diluted
basis. If the officers and directors were to act collectively, assuming they
continue to own all of their shares, there is a substantial likelihood that they
would be able to
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influence the election of the directors of the company and the outcome of all corporate actions requiring the approval of the shareholders, such as mergers and acquisitions, in their own interests and to the detriment of the other shareholders.
The possible issuance of substantial amounts of additional
shares without shareholder approval may dilute the percentage ownership of our
shareholders.
There are 43,303,844 shares of our common stock
outstanding and 8,591,129 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise or
conversion of outstanding options and warrants. There are 100,000,000 shares of
our common stock authorized for issuance. All of our authorized shares in excess
of those currently outstanding may be issued without any action or approval by
our shareholders and may dilute the percentage ownership of our current
shareholders.
Because the public market for shares of our common stock is
limited, investors may be unable to resell their shares of common stock.
There is currently only a limited public market for our common stock on
the TSX Venture Exchange and on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board in the
United States, and investors may be unable to resell their shares of common
stock. The development of an active public trading market depends upon the
existence of willing buyers and sellers that are able to sell their shares and
market makers that are willing to make a market in the shares. Under these
circumstances, the market bid and ask prices for the shares may be significantly
influenced by the decisions of the market makers to buy or sell the shares for
their own account, which may be critical for the establishment and maintenance
of a liquid public market in our common stock. Market makers are not required to
maintain a continuous two-sided market and are free to withdraw firm quotations
at any time. We cannot give you any assurance that an active public trading
market for the shares will develop or be sustained.
The price of our common stock is volatile, which may cause
investment losses for our shareholders.
The market for our common stock
is highly volatile, having ranged in the last twelve months from a low of
CDN$0.66 to a high of CDN$1.45 on the TSX Venture Exchange and from a low of
US$0.50 to a high of US$1.00 on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board. The trading
price of our common stock on the TSX Venture Exchange and on the OTCBB is
subject to wide fluctuations in response to, among other things, quarterly
variations in operating and financial results, and general economic and market
conditions. In addition, statements or changes in opinions, ratings, or earnings
estimates made by brokerage firms or industry analysts relating to our market or
relating to our company could result in an immediate and adverse effect on the
market price of our common stock. The highly volatile nature of our stock price
may cause investment losses for our shareholders.
Our common stock is considered to be a penny stock, which
may make it more difficult for investors to sell their shares.
Our common
stock is considered to be a penny stock. The Securities and Exchange
Commission has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection
with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks generally are equity
securities with a price of less
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than $5.00 (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on NASDAQ, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system). Prior to a transaction in a penny stock, a broker-dealer is required to:
• deliver a standardized risk disclosure document prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission that provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market;
• provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock;
• explain the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction;
• provide monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customers account; and,
• make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchasers written agreement to the transaction.
These requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for our stock and investors may find it more difficult to sell their shares.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The Raft River project, where the companys geothermal operations are located, is in south-central Idaho, approximately 55 miles southeast of Burley, the county seat of Cassia County. Burley, population 8,300, is the local agricultural and manufacturing center for the area, providing a full range of light to heavy industrial services.
A commercial airport is located 90 miles to the northeast in Pocatello, Idaho. Pocatello, population 53,000, is a regional center for agriculture, heavy industry (mining, phosphate refining), technology and education with Idaho State University. Malta, a town with a population of 180, is 12 miles north of the project site where basic services, fuel, and groceries are available. Year-round access to the project from Burley is via Interstate Highway 84 south to State Highway 81 south, then east on the Narrows Canyon Road, an improved county road.
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The Raft River project currently consists of ten parcels (generally referred to as the U.S. Geothermal Property, the Crank Lease, the Newbold Lease, the Jensen Investments Leases, the Stewart Lease, the Bighorn Mortgage Lease, the Doman Lease, the Griffin Lease, and the Glover Lease) comprising 783.93 acres of fee land and 4,736.79 acres of contiguous leased geothermal rights located on private property in Cassia County, Idaho. All parcels are defined by legal subdivision or by metes and bounds survey description. The ten parcels are as follows:
The U.S. Geothermal Property. The U.S. Geothermal Property is comprised of three separate purchases that total 783.93 acres; the Vulcan Property, the Elena Corporation Property and the Dewsnup property. The Vulcan Property includes both surface and geothermal rights and consists of two parcels. The first parcel has a total area of approximately 240 acres and three geothermal wells (RRGE-1, RRGP-4 and RRGP-5) are located on this parcel. The second parcel has a total area of approximately 320 acres, and three additional geothermal wells (RRGE-3, RRGI-6 and RRGI-7) are located on this parcel. A fourth well, RRGE-2, although located on the property covered by the Crank lease, was acquired by the company as part of its purchase of the Vulcan Property.
The Elena Property is comprised of surface and geothermal rights to approximately 100 acres of property, excluding the oil and gas rights to the property. The property is contiguous to other properties owned or leased by the company.
The Dewsnup Property is comprised of the surface and geothermal rights to approximately 123.93 acres of property, excluding the oil and gas rights to the property, but including all water
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and water rights. The property is contiguous to other properties owned or leased by the company.
The Crank Lease. The Crank lease covers approximately 160 acres of mineral and geothermal rights, with right of ingress and egress.
The Newbold Lease. The Newbold lease covers approximately 20 acres of both surface and geothermal rights.
The Jensen Investments Leases. The first Jensen Investments lease covers approximately 2,954.75 acres of geothermal rights only. It is contiguous with the Vulcan property and property covered by the Crank lease. The second Jensen Investments lease covers approximately 44.5 acres of surface and geothermal rights, and is contiguous with property covered by the first Jensen lease.
The Stewart Lease. The Stewart Lease covers approximately 317.54 acres on two adjoining parcels. Parcel 1 contains approximately 159.04 acres and includes surface and geothermal rights. Parcel 2 contains approximately 158.50 acres and only covers surface rights. The underlying geothermal rights for Parcel 2 are subject to the first Jensen Investments Lease.
The Bighorn Mortgage Lease. The Bighorn Mortgage lease covers approximately 280 acres of surface and geothermal rights.
The Doman Lease. The Doman lease covers approximately 640 acres of surface and geothermal rights, excluding oil and gas rights.
The Griffin Lease. The Griffin lease contains approximately 160 acres of geothermal rights.
The Glover Lease. The Glover lease contains approximately 160 acres of geothermal rights.
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Lease/Royalty Terms
The Crank lease, the Newbold lease, the Jensen Investments leases, the Bighorn Mortgage lease, the Doman lease, the Griffin lease and the Glover lease have royalties payable under the following terms:
(a) |
Energy produced, saved and used for the generation of electric power, which is then sold by lessee, has a royalty of ten percent (10%) of the net proceeds. |
(b) |
Energy produced, saved and sold by lessee, then used by the purchaser for generation of electric power, has a royalty of ten percent (10%) of the market value. |
(c) |
Energy produced, which is used for any purpose other than the generation of electricity has a royalty of five percent (5%) of the gross proceeds. |
The Stewart lease has production royalties payable under the following terms:
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(a) |
Energy produced, saved and sold by the Lessee, then used by the purchaser for generation of electric power, has a royalty of ten percent (10%) of the market value of the electric power. |
(b) |
Energy produced, saved and used for the generation of electric power, which is then sold by Lessee, has a royalty of three percent (3%) of the market value of the electric power. |
(c) |
Energy produced, which is used for any purpose other than the generation of electricity has a royalty of five percent (5%) of the gross proceeds. |
No production royalties have been paid to date under any of the leases. All of the leases may be extended indefinitely if production is achieved during the primary term, so long as production is maintained. For each lease other than the Crank Lease (see below), once production is achieved the amounts due annually will be the greater of the production royalty and the minimum payment for the last year of the primary term. All payments under the leases are made annually in advance on the anniversary date of the particular lease. In addition, the following lease and other royalty terms apply to the individual leases:
The Crank Lease. The lease agreement with Janice Crank was originally entered into June 28, 2002, and had a primary term of 5 years. After GTH provided evidence to the lessor that the well (RRGE2) located on lessors property is not owned by the lessor (but instead is included in the Vulcan Property), a new lease was entered into on June 28, 2003, with a four-year initial term. Advance production royalties (on a June to June basis) are payable under the Crank lease as follows:
Year 1 (Paid June 2002 under original lease): US $5,000
Year 2 (Paid June 2003 under original lease): US $10,000
Year 3 (Paid June 2004 under renegotiated lease): US $10,000
Year 4: Due June 2005: US $10,000
Year 5: Due June 2006: US $10,000
Payments for years 2002 through 2006 are advances against future production royalties. For later years, during commercial production, there is a minimum annual production royalty of US $18,000. If the initial commercial production from the well is delayed past the primary lease term, the company will seek an amendment to extend the primary term to the initial commercial plant production date. The minimum amount that will be payable over the course of the leases is $45,000. Maximum amounts payable will depend on production from the property.
The Newbold Lease . The company leases this property pursuant to a lease agreement with Jay Newbold dated March 1, 2004. The Newbold lease has a primary term of 10 years (through February 28, 2014) and is extended indefinitely so long as production from the geothermal field is maintained. Lease payments are as follows:
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Years 1-5: $10.00 per acre or $200 per year
Years 6-10: $15.00 per acre or $300 per year
The minimum amount that will be payable over the course of the lease is $2,500. Maximum amounts payable will depend on production from the property.
The Jensen Investments Leases. The first Jensen Investments lease was originally with Sergene Jensen, as lessor, is dated July 11, 2002, and has a primary term of 10 years. In September 2005, the property subject to the lease was conveyed and the lease was assumed by Jensen Investments, Inc. Lease payments (on a July to July basis) are as follows:
Years 1-5: US $2.50 per acre or $7,386.88 per year
Years 6-10: US $3.00 per acre or $8,864.25 per year
The minimum amount that will be payable over the course of the lease is $81,255.65. Maximum amounts payable will depend on production from the property. The second Jensen Investments lease, with Jensen Investments, Inc., is dated July 12, 2002, and has a primary term of 10 years. Lease payments (on a July to July basis) are as follows:
Years 1-5: US $2.50 per acre or $111.25 per year
Years 6-10: US $3.00 per acre or $133.50 per year
The minimum amount that will be payable over the course of the lease is $1,223.75. Maximum amounts payable will depend on production from the property.
The Stewart Lease. The Stewart lease, with Reid and Ruth Stewart, is dated December 1, 2004, and has a primary term of 30 years. Lease payments are as follows:
Year 1: US $8,000
Year 2: US $5,000.
Year 3-30: $5,000 plus an annual increase of 5% per year.
The minimum amount that will be payable over the course of the lease is $319,614.00. Maximum amounts payable will depend upon production from the property.
The Bighorn Mortgage Lease. The Bighorn Mortgage lease, with Bighorn Mortgage
Corporation, is dated July 5, 2005, and has a primary term of 10 years. Lease payments are as follows:
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Year 1-5: US $1,400.
Year 6-10: US $2,100.
The minimum amount that will be payable over the course of the lease is $17,500.00. Maximum amounts payable will depend upon production from the property.
The Doman Lease. The Doman lease, with Dale and Ronda Doman, is dated June 23, 2005, and has a primary term of 10 years. Lease payments are as follows:
Year 1-5: US $1,600.
Year 6-10: US $3,200.
The minimum amount that will be payable over the course of the lease is $24,000.00. Maximum amounts payable will depend upon production from the property.
The Griffin Lease. The Griffin lease, with Michael and Cleo Griffin, Harlow and Pauline Griffin, Douglas and Margaret Griffin, Terry and Sue Griffin, Vincent and Phyllis Jorgensen, and Alice Mae Griffin Shorts, is dated June 23, 2005, and has a primary term of 10 years. Lease payments are as follows:
Year 1: US $1,600.
Year 2-5: US $800.
Year 6-10: US $1,200.
The minimum amount that will be payable over the course of the lease is $10,800.00. Maximum amounts payable will depend upon production from the property.
The Glover Lease. The Glover lease, with Philip Glover, is dated January 25, 2006, and has a primary term of 10 years. Lease payments are as follows:
Year 1: US $2,100.
Year 2-5: US $1,600.
Year 6-10: US $2,400.
The minimum amount that will be payable over the course of the lease is $20,500.00. Maximum amounts payable will depend upon production from the property.
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The total minimum amount payable under all of the leases during their primary terms is $522,393.43. The above listed lease payments are payable annually in advance, and are current through lease years beginning in 2005.
We lease general office space for our executive office in Boise at an annual cost of $30,506. The underlying lease is a year-to-year lease that expires on January 31, 2007.
With the construction of the power plant included in phase one of the Raft River project, management has increased the general liability and umbrella liability insurance coverage, as deemed necessary. Additional builders risk insurance will be obtained prior to construction of the power plant.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As of March 31, 2006, management is not aware of any legal proceedings in which the Company is a party, as plaintiff or defendant, or which involve any of its properties.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
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Part II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Effective June 3, 2005, the common stock of US Geothermal Inc. has been listed for trading on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board (the Bulletin Board) under the trading symbol UGTH. The first trades of our shares on the Bulletin Board started June 8, 2005, and trading has been very limited since then; there can be no assurance that a viable and active trading market will develop. There can be no assurance that even if a market is developed for our shares, there will be a sufficient market so that holders of common shares will be able to sell their shares, or with respect to any price at which holders may be able to sell their shares. Future trading prices of our common shares will depend on many factors, including, among others, our operating results and the market for similar securities.
Our common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GTH. The following sets forth information relating to the trading of GTH shares on the TSX Venture Exchange. The trading prices reflect the reverse stock-split on a 5 to 1 basis, which was effected December 19, 2003. In accordance with TSX Venture Exchange policy, the trading of GTH shares was halted on April 3, 2002, prior to the announcement of the acquisition of Geo-Idaho, pending the completion of that acquisition. The last trade of shares of GTH prior to the halt was at CDN $0.80 per share ($0.16 pre-consolidation). Trading resumed on December 22, 2003 with the initial trade not occurring until January 5, 2004.
BID PRICES | ||
2004 | ||
(CDN) | (CDN) | |
First Quarter | $0.90 | $0.54 |
Second Quarter | $1.05 | $0.70 |
Third Quarter | $1.10 | $0.76 |
Fourth Quarter | $1.05 | $0.80 |
2005 | ||
(CDN) | (CDN) | |
First Quarter | $1.10 | $0.80 |
Second Quarter | $0.90 | $0.61 |
Third Quarter | $0.90 | $0.67 |
Fourth Quarter | $0.86 | $0.66 |
2006 | ||
CDN | CDN | |
First Quarter | $1.45 | $0.75 |
Second Quarter | $1.20 | $0.80 |
As of May 31, 2006, we had approximately 325 stockholders of record.
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The Company has never paid and does not intend to pay dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain any future earnings for reinvestment in our business. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other relevant factors. All of the common shares are entitled to an equal share in any dividend declared and paid.
The following table details the number of securities authorized for issuance under the Companys equity compensation plans:
Plan Category
|
Number of securities to be
issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Weighted average exercise
price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Number of securities
remaining available for future issuance |
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders |
2,788,628
|
CDN $0.806
|
641,212
|
Equity compensation plans
not approved by security holders |
Nil
|
Nil
|
Nil
|
Total | 2,788,628 | CDN $0.806 | 641,212 |
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During the past three years, GTH has issued the following unregistered securities:
1. Pursuant to agreements executed April 25, 2003, GTH issued convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $269,000 for bridge financing pending completion of the merger acquisition of Geo-Idaho, to a group of six investors, including Daniel Kunz and Kevin Kitz, officers of the company. The investors were either "accredited investors" as defined in Regulation D, or the transactions were with non-US persons and took place outside of the United States, as defined in Regulation S. The notes were issued in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance on and compliance with Regulations D and S. Each of such persons represented to the company that he purchased the notes for his own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution of the notes. The notes were issued with a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions were placed against the transfer of the notes. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
2. On December 19, 2003, GTH issued 6,939,992 shares of its common stock and 2,420,217 warrants to purchase its common stock in exchange for 100% of Geo-Idaho's outstanding shares and warrants. The shares were issued to the following persons, each of whom was a security holder of Geo-Idaho, in reliance on Section 4(2):
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NAME |
NO. OF
SHARES |
Vulcan Power Company | 1,755,156 |
Daniel J. Kunz | 1,254,769 |
Douglas J. Glaspey | 1,014,649 |
Paul A. Larkin | 863,187 |
Ronald Bourgeois | 821,425 |
Tom Menning | 183,332 |
Grim Estate Ltd. | 180,000 |
Donald Nelson | 108,000 |
Ronald C. Yanke | 108,000 |
Ross Beaty | 85,000 |
Gerald Sneddon | 80,000 |
John H. Walker | 73,807 |
Sneddon Family Trust | 50,000 |
Steve R. Smith | 45,000 |
Burton Egger | 40,000 |
Steven Chi | 36,667 |
Dr. John Swartley | 36,667 |
John W. Leonard | 35,000 |
William Brock | 33,333 |
Robert Falls | 24,000 |
Steven Jensen | 21,000 |
John Beaulieu | 20,000 |
William Batiuk | 17,000 |
Barry Marcus | 15,000 |
Roscoe Ward | 5,000 |
H. Cobbs | 4,000 |
Veritable Quandry LLC | 10,000 |
Ed Cryer | 10,000 |
Mary Mink | 10,000 |
The warrants were issued solely to Vulcan Power Company, the sole warrant holder of Geo-Idaho, in reliance on Section 4(2), and were exercisable at a price of $0.75 per share, until December 15, 2005, at which time they expired. Pursuant to the negotiated agreement of the parties, and as approved by the TSX Venture Exchange, the shares were exchanged on a one-for-one basis with all shareholders other than Vulcan Power Company, which received shares and warrants so that Vulcan Power would own 14% on a non-diluted and 25% on a fully-diluted basis after closing (and taking into account the private placement discussed in paragraph 8, below). The warrants were valued using the Black Scholes model at $0.26 each, or $629,256 in the aggregate, and recorded on our financial statements as an addition to deficit. Each of such persons represented to Geo-Idaho that he purchased the securities for his, her or its own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities.
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3. Also on December 19, 2003, GTH sold 3,322,221 shares of common stock and 1,661,110 warrants to purchase shares of its common stock in a private offering under Regulations D and S, at a price of $0.45 per unit (a unit being one share and one-half share purchase warrant), for gross proceeds of $1,494,999. The warrants are exercisable at an exercise price of $0.75 until December 15, 2005, subject to acceleration upon 30 days notice once the company obtains a license from permitting authorities for a 10 megawatt power plant and corresponding power purchase and power transmission agreements. The warrants were valued using the Black Scholes model at $0.26 each, or $431,889 in the aggregate. Of the 13 purchasers, two were residents of the United States who represented that they were "accredited investors" under Regulation D, and the remaining 11 sales were to non-US persons and took place outside of the United States, as defined in Regulation S. Daniel J. Kunz, an officer and director of GTH, subscribed for 1,111,111 units. Toll Cross Securities of Toronto, Canada, was paid a cash fee of $52,500 and issued warrants exercisable until December 15, 2005, to purchase 83,333 shares of GTH at an exercise price of $0.45, as compensation for its services in connection with the private offering. An additional $22,622 was incurred in legal expenses relating to the offering and together with the $52,500 cash and $25,437 fair value of the Agents warrants ($0.26 per warrant, calculated using the Black Scholes model) made up the $100,559 which was charged to share issue costs. The securities were issued in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance on and compliance with Regulations D and S. Each of such persons represented to the company that he purchased the securities for his own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities.
4. On February 20, 2004, GTH issued 385,864 shares and 192,932 share purchase warrants in connection with the conversion of $147,000 of principal and $26,639 in interest of the promissory notes referred to in paragraph 5, above. Mr. Kunz did not participate in the conversion, and was repaid his principal and interest. The warrants are exercisable until February 17, 2006, at an exercise price of $0.75 per share, and are subject to acceleration upon 30 days notice once the company obtains a license from permitting authorities for a 10 megawatt power plant and corresponding power purchase and transmission agreements. The securities were issued in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance on and compliance with Regulations D and S. Each of such persons represented to the company that he purchased the securities for his own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
5. On September 17, 2004, GTH sold 4,000,001 shares of common stock and 4,000,001 warrants to purchase shares of its common stock in a private offering under Regulation S, at a price of CDN $0.85 per unit (a unit being one share and one warrant), for gross proceeds of CDN $3,400,000. The units consist of one share and a warrant which entitles the holder to purchase one share at an exercise price of CDN $1.25 until September 17, 2006. GTH may accelerate the exercise period of the warrants on twenty days notice if the closing price of the companys
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common shares on a public market exceeds CDN $1.65 for twenty consecutive business days. The value of each warrant (using the Black-Scholes model) was $0.30, and the aggregate value of the 4,000,001 warrants was $1,190,697. The securities were issued in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance on and compliance with Regulation S. Each of such persons represented to the company that he purchased the securities for his own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. Dundee Securities Corporation of Toronto, Canada, was paid a cash fee of CDN $238,000, and issued a compensation option to acquire 280,000 units at an exercise price per unit of CDN $0.85, until September 17, 2006, and valued at $133,341 ($0.30 per warrant, using the Black-Scholes model). The warrants included in Dundees units are also subject to acceleration, whether or not the compensation option has been exercised. An additional CDN $31,977.45 was incurred in legal expenses relating to the offering, as well as CDN $18,190 in fees to the TSX Venture Exchange which together with the CDN $238,000 cash paid to Dundee made up the $225,131 cash component of issuance costs. With the $131,341 which was the fair value of the Dundee compensation option, the total charged to share issue costs was $358,472.
6. On October 19, 2004, GTH issued a total of 278,735 shares on the exercise of stock options issued under the companys stock option plan to officers and directors of the company as follows:
Optionee | Number of Shares Purchased |
Daniel Kunz | 86,506 |
Douglas Glaspey | 77,866 |
Ron Bourgeois | 27,733 |
Paul Larkin | 86,630 |
Total | 278,735 |
7. During February 2005, GTH issued 100,000 shares to Elena Corporation as partial consideration for purchase of 100 acres known as the Elena Property. Elena Corporation represented to the company that it purchased the securities for its own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
8. On February 18, 2005, GTH issued 30,000 shares on the exercise of stock options issued under the companys stock option plan to Ron Bourgeois. Mr. Bourgeois represented to the company that he purchased the securities for his own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
9. On April 11, 2005, GTH issued 17,778 common shares upon the exercise of stock options issued to a consultant of the company under the companys stock option plan. He
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represented to the company that he purchased the securities for his own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
10. On July 22, 2005, GTH issued 40,000 common shares upon the exercise of stock options issued to a consultant of the company under the companys stock option plan. He represented to the company that he purchased the securities for his own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
11. On December 28, 2005, GTH issued 100,000 common shares upon the exercise of stock options under the companys stock option plan to Douglas Glaspey, an officer and director of the Company and 83,333 common shares to Toll Cross Securities upon the exercise of agent warrants. Each represented to the company that they purchased the securities for their own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
12. On January 3, 2006, GTH issued 100,000 common shares to Daniel Kunz, an officer and director of the Company, and 100,000 common shares to Ron Bourgeois upon the exercise of stock options issued under the companys stock option plan. Each represented to the company that they purchased the securities for their own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
13. On January 9, 2006, GTH issued 138,370 common shares upon the exercise of stock options issued under the companys stock option plan (113,370 to Paul Larkin, a director of the Company, and 25,000 to a consultant). Each represented to the company that they purchased the securities for their own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
14. On February 6, 2006, GTH issued 120,000 common shares to Kevin Kitz as a signing bonus as part of an employment agreement. He represented to the company that he purchased the securities for his own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
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15. On February 9, 2006, GTH issued 25,000 common shares upon the exercise of stock options issued under the companys stock option plan to a consultant of the Company. He represented to the company that he purchased the securities for his own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid in respect to the issuance.
16. On February 17, 2006, GTH issued 192,934 common shares to consultant and employees of the Company upon the exercise of stock purchase warrants. Each represented to the company that they purchased the securities for their own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
17. On March 13, 2006, GTH issued 15,000 common shares to a consultant of the Company upon the exercise of stock options issued under the companys stock option plan. She represented to the company that she purchased the securities for her own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid with respect to the issuance.
18. On April 3, 2006, GTH sold 25,000,000 shares of common stock in a private offering under Regulation D, at a price of CDN $1.00 per share for gross proceeds of CDN $25,000,000. The securities were issued in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in reliance on and compliance with Regulation D. Each of such persons represented to the company that it purchased the securities for its own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. Dundee Securities Corporation of Toronto, Canada, was paid a cash fee of CDN $1,522,500, and issued a compensation option to acquire 1,522,500 shares at an exercise price per share of CDN $1.00, until April 3, 2008. An additional CDN $202,200 was incurred in legal expenses relating to the offering, as well as CDN $32,100 in fees to the TSX Venture Exchange which together with the CDN $1,522,500 cash paid to Dundee made up the $1,756,800 cash component of issuance costs.
19. On May 23, 2006, GTH issued 40,000 common shares to a consultant of the Company upon the exercise of stock options issued under the companys stock option plan. He represented to the company that he purchased the securities for his own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution of the securities. The certificates for the securities bear a restrictive legend and stop transfer instructions have been placed against the transfer of the securities. No commissions were paid in respect to the issuance.
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ITEM 6. MANAGEMENTS PLAN OF OPERATIONS
U.S. Geothermal Inc. is a Delaware corporation. The Companys shares of common stock trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GTH and on the Bulletin Board under the symbol UGTH. On December 19, 2003, the Company acquired all of the outstanding securities of U.S. Geothermal Inc., an Idaho corporation (Geo-Idaho) incorporated in February 2002, through a transaction merging Geo-Idaho into Evergreen Power Inc., a wholly-owned Idaho subsidiary formed for purposes of the merger transaction. Following the merger, the Company changed its name from U.S. Cobalt Inc. to U.S. Geothermal Inc. Pursuant to the merger, Geo-Idaho became the surviving subsidiary of the Company, and Evergreen Power, Inc. ceased to exist. GTH is still a development stage company and has produced no revenues to date.
During the three months ended March 31, 2006, GTH was focused on (1) negotiating the long-term financing of the construction of Phase I of the Raft River, Idaho geothermal project (Raft River), (2) the procurement of construction agreements for items not covered under the Ormat EPC agreement, (3) securing additional working capital through the completion of a private placement, and (4) the evaluation of potential new geothermal project acquisitions.
On March 9, 2006, GTH signed the Interconnection and Wheeling Agreement with Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative (RRREC) which allows electricity generated at the Phase I power plant to be delivered through RRREC transmission lines and delivered into the BPA substation for delivery to Idaho Power Co.
On April 26, 2006, GTH issued a Notice to Proceed to Ormat under the Ormat EPC agreement as amended April 25, 2006. An initial payment of $2,020,000 allows Ormat to proceed with ordering of equipment with significant manufacturing lead times. Under the amendment, Ormat commits to a guaranteed final completion date of November 25, 2007 on the Phase I facility.
On May 8, 2006, Idaho Power confirmed that GTH would be allowed to bid the Raft River Unit 1 project into the recently issued Idaho Power geothermal Request for Proposal for Geothermal Power. If Idaho Power selects GTH as a successful bidder, the Company expects that under a new PPA with Idaho Power which could replace the current PPA, the Unit 1 power plant will be allowed to sell its full output capacity of up to 13 MW annual average, instead of being capped at ten average MWs per month as mandated under the current PPA. This 30% increase in plant output would be achieved with no additional capital investment and is expected to decrease the operating cost per kilowatt-hour.
With carbon regulation widely anticipated to increase the cost of power sourced from coal, and limited opportunities to purchase baseload geothermal power, the company has found that utilities across the Western United States have been eager to discuss power purchases from the Raft River geothermal resource. As a result of the increased interest, US Geothermal elected to withdraw its Unit 2 and Unit 3 Idaho Power PPAs without submitting them to the IPUC for approval in order to pursue larger capacity PPAs with other utilities. With the concurrence of Idaho Power, the Unit 2 and Unit 3 10MW contracts have been voided without further obligation on either party.
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Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB), from Eugene, Oregon and US Geothermal have signed a letter of intent for EWEB to purchase the full 13 MW electrical output of Unit 2. The parties have exchanged a draft PPA and intend to complete it by July 2006. Upon execution of the EWEB PPA, and if Unit 1 is successful in the Idaho Power Request for Proposal, then the total output from the Unit 1 and Unit 2 Raft River power plants will be 26 MW from two plants, instead of the originally planned 30 MW from three plants, resulting in substantial capital and operating cost savings through improved economy of scale.
In addition, the strong regional interest in geothermal power has resulted in several utilities from California to Washington entering into discussions with US Geothermal to purchase the electrical power output of Unit 3. Subject to drilling confirmation of sufficient geothermal resource, the power plant output from three units at Raft River would be 39 MW, instead of the maximum 30MW under the previous Idaho Power PPA provisions.
On May 16, 2006, GTH signed a $225,000 construction contract with RRREC for construction of the well distribution lines for delivery of electricity from the power plant to the well heads for the Phase I facility.
On May 22, 2006, GTH signed a $2,600,000 construction contract with Industrial Builders for completion of the construction of the pipelines connecting the wells at Raft River with the power plant facility to be constructed by Ormat.
On May 24, 2006, GTH signed a geothermal lease agreement with JR Land and Livestock Inc. for the lease of approximately 5,409 acres of surface, mineral and geothermal rights in Malheur County, Oregon. The lease term is for ten years with lease payments of $15,000 at signing, $20,000 in first year, $25,000 in second year, and $30,000 for each subsequent year. A resource evaluation study will be initiated to quantify the geothermal resource.
On May 25, 2006, GTH signed a drilling contract with Union Drilling for the re-work of wells previously drilled for Phase I, and the drilling of additional wells to be included in Phase II of the Raft River project. The total cost of Phase I and II drilling to be completed by Union Drilling is estimated at $13,000,000 and should be completed within six months after drilling is started. The timing of the Phase I drilling costs of $5,000,000 and the Phase II drilling costs of $8,000,000 are discretionary depending on the availability of cash funds.
PLAN OF OPERATIONS
The Companys plan of operations for the next 12 months includes the following elements:
(1) |
Finalize negotiations with qualified investors for financing to construct the phase one power plant and close the transaction to allow financing drawdown. |
|
(2) |
Finalize construction agreements regarding the engineering, procurement and construction for aspects of the project not included under the Ormat agreement. |
|
(3) |
Continue permitting activities. |
|
(4) |
Initiate formal discussions to sell renewable energy certificates at phase one Raft River. |
|
(5) |
Initiate project construction for first power plant. |
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(6) |
Work on new replacement Raft River phase two power sales agreements. |
|
(7) |
Drill Raft River phase two production and injection wells. |
|
(8) |
Evaluate the geothermal resource potential of the new Oregon property. |
|
(9) |
Continue to seek and acquire additional geothermal resource properties and/or operations. |
Project Financing. Our cash position as at March 31, 2006, is adequate to fund our general operating activities through March 31, 2008, although the Company will have to obtain additional capital to construct the initial Raft River power plant and any other power plants. The Company believes it is in the final stages of negotiations for a $35 million project investment by a third party and expects to close the transaction by July 31, 2006. Total capital expenditures for the phase one project are currently estimated to be between $38 and $40 million. We expect we will finance the project through a combination of equity from the Company and a third party. We anticipate that some or all of the equity may be raised through the issuance of shares, exercise of existing outstanding warrants, and/or through the sale of ownership interest in tax credits and benefits.
Discussions for both construction and long-term financing for the initial facility have taken place with several financing entities, which specialize in project debt financing and raising the tax oriented equity portion of the capital cost for the project, and with potential participants who may be interested in utilizing tax credits and benefits that may be available to the project. The current negotiations for financing of the phase one plant are with one of those entities. In connection with the anticipated financing, on August 18, 2005, GTH created a special purpose entity (an SPE) by filing a Certificate of Formation with the state of Delaware to create Raft River Energy I LLC. As a condition of the anticipated financing, GTH may be required to transfer the geothermal assets associated with the phase one power plant to this SPE, and the ownership interests of the SPE would form part of the security for the financing.
Permitting. In preparation for project financing, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment was completed by Kleinfelder on October 21, 2005. The Phase I assessment identified two underground storage tanks, which have since been removed. An ALTA land title survey that covers all lands owned or leased by the company has been completed and Land America Commercial Services is preparing an ALTA Extended title insurance policy for the project, which the Company anticipates acquiring for the benefit of its project financing lenders.
The Companys permitting activities are continuing as the project develops. A Conditional Use Permit for the first two power plants was issued by the Cassia County Planning and Zoning Commission on April 21, 2005. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued the Air Quality Permit to Construct on May 26, 2006. The Department of Army Corps of Engineers and the Idaho Department of Water Resources, after the submittal of a joint application by the Company, have determined that the Raft River project does not need to obtain a Section 404 Clean Water Act permit for the project as it is currently designed. Various other county, state and federal permits will be required for the project, including a Cassia County Building Permit.
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Potential Acquisitions. GTH intends to continue its growth through the acquisition of ownership or leasehold interests in properties and/or property rights that it believes will add to the value of the Companys geothermal resources, and through possible mergers with or acquisitions of operating power plants and geothermal or other renewable energy properties.
On May 24, 2006, GTH signed a geothermal lease agreement with JR Land and Livestock Inc. for the lease of approximately 5,409 acres of surface, mineral and geothermal rights in Malheur County, Oregon. The lease term is for ten years with lease payments of $15,000 at signing, $20,000 in first year, $25,000 in second year, and $30,000 for each subsequent year. A resource evaluation study will be initiated to quantify the geothermal resource.
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ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC.
(A Development Stage Company)
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Stated in U.S. Dollars)
MARCH 31, 2006 and 2005
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Board of Directors
U.S. Geothermal Inc.
Boise, Idaho
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (an exploration stage company) as of March 31, 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows for the year then ended and for the period from February 26, 2002 (inception) through March 31, 2006. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. The financial statements of U.S. Geothermal Inc. as of March 31, 2005 were audited by other auditors whose report dated June 16, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of U.S. Geothermal Inc. as of March 31, 2006 and the results of its operations, stockholders equity, and cash flows for the year then ended and for the period from February 26, 2002 (inception) through March 31, 2006 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Williams & Webster, P.S.
Certified Public Accountants
Spokane, Washington
June 23, 2006
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U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. |
(A Development Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS |
(Stated in U.S. Dollars) |
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Current | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 196,499 | $ | 1,957,075 | ||
Restricted cash (see Note 10) | 19,961,890 | 0 | ||||
Refundable tax credit | 4,703 | 3,095 | ||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 6,726 | 29,099 | ||||
Total Current Assets | 20,169,818 | 1,989,269 | ||||
Property, Plant and Equipment (see Note 4) | 1,726,115 | 595,701 | ||||
Total Assets | $ | 21,895,933 | $ | 2,584,970 | ||
LIABILITIES | ||||||
Current | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 270,831 | $ | 160,260 | ||
Related party accounts payable | 10,083 | 4,842 | ||||
Total Current Liabilities | 280,914 | 165,102 | ||||
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY | ||||||
Capital stock | ||||||
Authorized: | ||||||
100,000,000 common shares with a $0.001 par value | ||||||
Issued and Outstanding: | ||||||
18,263,844 shares at March 31, 2006 and | 18,264 | 17,332 | ||||
17,331,429 shares at March 31, 2005 | ||||||
Capital stock issuable | 20,134,260 | 0 | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 5,338,200 | 3,485,642 | ||||
Stock purchase warrants | 1,324,038 | 2,460,782 | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 32,792 | 165,262 | ||||
Accumulated deficit before development stage | (1,037,422 | ) | (1,037,422 | ) | ||
Accumulated deficit during development stage | (4,195,113 | ) | (2,671,728 | ) | ||
Total Stockholders Equity | 21,615,019 | 2,419,868 | ||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity | $ | 21,895,933 | $ | 2,584,970 |
Approved on behalf of the Board:
Doug Glaspey, Director | Paul Larkin, Director |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. |
(A Development Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS |
(Stated in U.S. Dollars) |
YEAR | CUMULATIVE | ||||||||
ENDED | PERIOD FROM | ||||||||
MARCH 31 | FEB. 26, 2002 | ||||||||
2006 | 2005 | TO MAR. 31, 2006 | |||||||
Revenue | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Operating Expenses | |||||||||
Consulting fees | 54,513 | 489,747 | 908,465 | ||||||
Administrative and development costs | 185,186 | 118,098 | 326,071 | ||||||
Exploration expenditures | - | 438,885 | 440,611 | ||||||
Professional fees | 386,275 | 321,081 | 963,991 | ||||||
Management fees | 36,415 | 86,463 | 288,733 | ||||||
Salaries and wages | 639,927 | 207,759 | 847,686 | ||||||
Travel and promotion | 360,753 | 89,497 | 474,518 | ||||||
Loss from Operations | (1,663,069 | ) | (1,751,530 | ) | (4,250,075 | ) | |||
Other Income (Expense) | |||||||||
Foreign exchange gain (loss) | 116,408 | (95,885 | ) | 11,269 | |||||
Interest income | 23,276 | 16,994 | 43,693 | ||||||
Loss Before Income Taxes | (1,523,385 | ) | (1,830,421 | ) | (4,195,113 | ) | |||
Income Taxes (see Note 2g) | - | - | - | ||||||
Net Loss | $ | (1,523,385 | ) | $ | (1,830,421 | ) | $ | (4,195,113 | ) |
Basic And Diluted Net Loss Per Share | $ | (0.09 | ) | $ | (0.12 | ) | |||
Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding | 17,797,637 | 15,209,468 | |||||||
for Basic and Diluted Calculations | |||||||||
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | |||||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (1,523,385 | ) | $ | (1,830,421 | ) | $ | (4,195,113 | ) |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | (132,470 | ) | 165,262 | 32,792 | |||||
Total Comprehensive Loss | $ | (1,655,855 | ) | $ | (1,665,159 | ) | $ | (4,162,321 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. |
(A Development Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
(Stated in U.S. Dollars) |
YEAR ENDED | FROM | ||||||||
March 31 | FEB. 26, 2002 | ||||||||
2006 | 2005 | TO MAR. 31, 2006 | |||||||
Operating Activities | |||||||||
Net loss for the period | $ | (1,523,385 | ) | $ | (1,830,421 | ) | $ | (4,195,113 | ) |
Add: Non-cash items: | |||||||||
Depreciation | 1,350 | 1,399 | 3,325 | ||||||
Shares issued for other than cash | - | - | 49,600 | ||||||
Stock based compensation | 180,779 | 295,540 | 772,400 | ||||||
Change in non-cash | |||||||||
working | |||||||||
capital items: | |||||||||
115,812 | (20,363 | ) | 34,770 | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued | |||||||||
Liabilities | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses | 22,373 | (29,099 | ) | (6,726 | ) | ||||
Refundable tax credit and grant | (1,608 | ) | 4,805 | 1,115 | |||||
receivable | |||||||||
Total Cash Used by Operating | (1,204,679 | ) | (1,578,139 | ) | (3,340,629 | ) | |||
Activities | |||||||||
Investing Activities | |||||||||
Purchases of property, plant and | (1,131,764 | ) | (41,331 | ) | (1,652,089 | ) | |||
equipment | |||||||||
Cash acquired on business | - | - | 5,798 | ||||||
combination | |||||||||
Total Cash Provided (Used) by | (1,131,764 | ) | (41,331 | ) | (1,646,291 | ) | |||
Investing Activities | |||||||||
Financing Activities | |||||||||
Issuance of share capital, net of | 708,337 | 2,576,562 | 5,150,627 | ||||||
share issue cost | |||||||||
Total Cash Provided by Financing | 708,337 | 2,576,562 | 5,150,627 | ||||||
Activities | |||||||||
Foreign Exchange Effect On | |||||||||
Cash And Cash Equivalents | (132,470 | ) | 129,470 | 32,792 | |||||
Increase (Decrease) In Cash And | (1,760,576 | ) | 1,086,562 | 196,499 | |||||
Cash Equivalents | |||||||||
Cash And Cash Equivalents, | |||||||||
Beginning Of Period | 1,957,075 | 870,513 | - | ||||||
Cash And Cash Equivalents, End | $ | 196,499 | $ | 1,957,075 | $ | 196,499 | |||
Of Period |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. |
(A Development Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) |
(Stated in U.S. Dollars) |
YEAR ENDED | FROM | ||||||||
MARCH 31 | FEB. 26, 2002 | ||||||||
2006 | 2005 | TO MAR. 31, 2006 | |||||||
Supplemental Disclosure | |||||||||
Taxes paid | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||
Interest paid | - | - | - | ||||||
Non-cash investing and financing activities | |||||||||
Shares issued for settlement of debt | - | - | 173,639 | ||||||
Shares issued for professional services | - | - | 49,600 | ||||||
Shares issued for geothermal property | - | - | 77,350 | ||||||
Warrants issued for share issue cost | - | - | 158,778 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. |
(A Development Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
FROM INCEPTION, FEBRUARY 26, 2002, TO MARCH 31, 2006 |
(Stated in U.S. Dollars) |
NUMBER | ADDITIONAL | CAPITAL | STOCK | ACCUM. | ||||||||||||||||||||
OF | PAID-IN | STOCK | PURCHASE | OTHER | ACCUM. | |||||||||||||||||||
SHARES | AMOUNT | CAPITAL | ISSUABLE | WARRANTS | INCOME | DEFICIT | TOTAL | |||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash at $0.015 per share February 26, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2002 | 2,600,000 | $ | 2,600 | $ | 37,400 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 40,000 | |||||||||
Shares and warrants issued for Geothermal property at | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
$0.009 March 5, 2002 | 1,895,000 | 1,895 | 15,105 | - | - | - | - | 17,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2002 U.S. Geothermal Inc. Idaho | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
4,495,000 | 4,495 | 52,505 | - | - | - | - | 57,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash at $0.25 per share May 28, 2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
395,000 | 395 | 98,355 | - | - | - | - | 98,750 | |||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for services at $0.25 per share May 28, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2002 | 5,000 | 5 | 1,245 | - | - | - | - | 1,250 | ||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash at $0.30 per share November 1, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2002 | 1,023,667 | 1,024 | 306,076 | - | - | - | - | 307,100 | ||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for services at $0.30 per share November | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
1, 2002 | 10,000 | 10 | 2,990 | - | - | - | - | 3,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for services at $0.30 per share February | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
14, 2003 | 151,170 | 151 | 45,199 | - | - | - | - | 45,350 | ||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the period | - | - | - | (164,909 | ) | (164,909 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance carried forward, March 31, 2003 U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geothermal Inc. Idaho | 6,079,837 | $ | 6,080 | $ | 506,370 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (164,909 | ) | $ | 347,541 |
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U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. |
(A Development Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (Continued) |
FROM INCEPTION, FEBRUARY 26, 2002, TO MARCH 31, 2006 |
(Stated in U.S. Dollars) |
NUMBER | ADDITIONAL | CAPITAL | STOCK | ACCUM. | ||||||||||||||||||||
OF | PAID-IN | STOCK | PURCHASE | OTHER | ACCUM. | |||||||||||||||||||
SHARES | AMOUNT | CAPITAL | ISSUABLE | WARRANTS | INCOME | DEFICIT | TOTAL | |||||||||||||||||
Balance carried forward, March 31, 2003 U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Geothermal Inc. Idaho | 6,079,837 | $ | 6,080 | $ | 506,370 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (164,909 | ) | $ | 347,541 | ||||||||
Consolidation adjustment to the number of shares issued | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
and outstanding as a result of the reverse take-over | (6,079,837 | ) | $ | (6,080 | ) | $ | 6,080 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||
transaction- U.S. Geothermal Inc.- Idaho | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 19, 2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legal parent company shares issued and outstanding at | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
time of reverse take-over- U.S. Cobalt Inc.- | 2,274,616 | 2,275 | (2,275 | ) | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
December 19, 2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for acquisition of U.S. Geothermal Inc.- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Idaho | 6,939,992 | 6,940 | (6,940 | ) | - | - | - | (408,166 | ) | (408,166 | ) | |||||||||||||
Warrants issued for acquisition of U.S. Geothermal Inc.- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Idaho | - | - | - | - | 629,256 | - | (629,256 | ) | - | |||||||||||||||
Shares and warrants issued for cash at a price of $0.45 per | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
share in a private placement, net of share issue costs of | 3,322,221 | 3,322 | 959,230 | - | 457,326 | - | - | 1,419,878 | ||||||||||||||||
$75,122 paid in cash and $25,437 paid by issuance of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
83,333 agents warrants- December 19, 2003 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares and warrants issued for conversion of notes at | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
$0.45 per share February 20, 2004 | 385,864 | 386 | 123,090 | - | 50,162 | - | - | 173,638 | ||||||||||||||||
Stock options granted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- | - | 296,081 | - | - | - | - | 296,081 | |||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation gain | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- | - | - | - | - | 35,792 | - | 35,792 | |||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- | - | - | - | - | - | (676,398 | ) | (676,398 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
12,922,693 | $ | 12,923 | $ | 1,881,636 | $ | - | $ | 1,136,744 | $ | 35,792 | $ | (1,878,729 | ) | $ | 1,188,366 |
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U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. |
(A Development Stage Company) |
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (Continued) |
FROM INCEPTION, FEBRUARY 26, 2002, TO MARCH 31, 2006 |
(Stated in U.S. Dollars) |
NUMBER | ADDITIONAL | CAPITAL | STOCK | ACCUM. | ||||||||||||||||||||
OF | PAID-IN | STOCK | PURCHASE | OTHER | ACCUM. | |||||||||||||||||||
SHARES | AMOUNT | CAPITAL | ISSUABLE | WARRANTS | INCOME | DEFICIT | TOTAL | |||||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2004 | 12,922,693 | $ | 12,923 | $ | 1,881,636 | $ | - | $ | 1,136,744 | $ | 35,792 | $ | (1,878,729 | ) | $ | 1,188,366 | ||||||||
Shares and warrants issued for cash at a price of $0.66 in | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
a private placement, net of share issue costs of | 4,000,001 | 4,000 | 1,103,082 | - | 1,324,038 | - | - | 2,431,120 | ||||||||||||||||
$225,131 paid in cash and $133,341 paid by the | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
issuance of 280,000 agents warrants- September 17, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for property at a price of $0.60- February | 100,000 | 100 | 60,251 | - | - | - | - | 60,351 | ||||||||||||||||
22, 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for stock options exercised | 308,735 | 309 | 145,133 | - | - | - | - | 145,442 | ||||||||||||||||
Stock options granted | - | - | 295,540 | - | - | - | - | 295,540 | ||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation gain | - | - | - | - | - | 129,470 | - | 129,470 | ||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year | - | - | - | - | - | - | (1,830,421 | ) | (1,830,421 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2005 | 17,331,429 | 17,332 | 3,485,642 | - | 2,460,782 | 165,262 | (3,709,150 | ) | 2,419,868 | |||||||||||||||
Stock options granted | - | - | 180,780 | - | - | - | - | 180,780 | ||||||||||||||||
Expiration of stock purchase warrants | - | - | 1,061,145 | - | (1,061,145 | ) | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
Shares issued for stock options and warrants exercised | 932,415 | 932 | 610,633 | - | (75,599 | ) | - | - | 535,966 | |||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation loss | - | - | - | - | - | (132,470 | ) | - | (132,470 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Capital stock issuable as result of a private placement to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
be closed April 3, 2006 | - | - | - | 20,134,260 | - | - | - | 20,134,260 | ||||||||||||||||
Net loss for the year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
- | - | - | - | - | - | (1,523,385 | ) | (1,523,385 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, March 31, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
18,263,844 | $ | 18,264 | $ | 5,338,200 | $ | 20,134,260 | $ | 1,324,038 | $ | 32,792 | $ | (5,232,535 | ) | $ | 21,615,019 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. |
(A Development Stage Company) |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
MARCH 31, 2006 |
(Stated in U.S.
Dollars)
|
NOTE 1 NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND GOING CONCERN
a) Organization
When U.S. Cobalt Inc. (GTH or the Company) completed a reverse take-over on December 19, 2003, the former stockholders of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (GEO - Idaho), a company incorporated on February 26, 2002 in the State of Idaho, acquired control of GTH (Note 3). In connection with the transaction, U.S. Cobalt Inc. changed its name to U.S. Geothermal Inc. and consolidated its common stock on a one new to five old basis. All references to common shares in these financial statements have been restated to reflect the roll-back of common stock.
b) Development Stage Activities
The Company has been in the development stage since its formation and has not yet realized any revenues from its planned operations. GEO - Idaho operates for the purpose of acquiring geothermal properties and entered into an agreement with the previous owner, pursuant to which the Company has acquired a 100% interest in the Raft River Geothermal Property located in Cassia County, Idaho (Note 4).
c) Going Concern
Based on the Companys projected spending over the next 12 months and the $20,134,260 cash received from the private placement completed April 3, 2006, the Companys auditors have removed the going concern qualification from the Companys financial statements. Management believes that sufficient funding will be available to meet its business objectives, including anticipated cash needs for working capital, and is currently evaluating several financing options for construction of the phase one power plant. As shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, the Company has incurred an accumulated deficit of $5,232,535 for the period from February 26, 2002 (inception) to March 31, 2006, and has no revenue from operations.
-43-
NOTE 2- ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the following companies:
U.S. Geothermal Inc. (incorporated in
the State of Delaware);
U.S. Geothermal Inc. (incorporated in the State of Idaho);
U.S. Cobalt Inc. (incorporated in the State of Colorado);
Raft River Energy I LLC (incorporated in the State of Delaware);
US Geothermal Services, LLC (incorporated in the State of Delaware).
All inter-group transactions are eliminated on consolidation.
b) Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as of the date the financial statements are published, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions are inherent in the preparation of the Companys financial statements; accordingly, it is possible that the actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions and could have a material effect on the reported amounts of the Companys financial position and results of operations.
c) Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assetsan amendment of FASB Statement No. 140. This statement requires an entity to recognize a servicing asset or servicing liability each time it undertakes an obligation to service a financial asset by entering into a servicing contract in any of the following situations: a transfer of the servicers financial assets that meets the requirements for sale accounting; a transfer of the servicers financial assets to a qualifying special-purpose entity in a guaranteed mortgage securitization in which the transferor retains all of the resulting securities and classifies them as either available-for-sale securities or trading securities; or an acquisition or assumption of an obligation to service a financial asset that does not relate to financial assets of the servicer or its consolidated affiliates. The statement also requires all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable and permits an entity to choose either the amortization or fair value method for subsequent measurement of each class of servicing assets and liabilities. The statement further permits, at its initial adoption, a one-time reclassification of available for sale securities to trading securities by entities with recognized servicing rights, without calling into question the treatment of other available for sale securities under Statement 115, provided that the available for sale securities are identified in some manner as offsetting the entitys exposure to changes in fair value of servicing assets or servicing liabilities that a servicer
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elects to subsequently measure at fair value and requires separate presentation of servicing assets and servicing liabilities subsequently measured at fair value in the statement of financial position and additional disclosures for all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006, with early adoption permitted as of the beginning of an entitys fiscal year. Management believes the adoption of this statement will have no impact on the Companys financial condition or results of operations.
In May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, (hereinafter SFAS No. 154) which replaces Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20, accounting Changes, and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 28. SFAS No. 154 provides guidance on accounting for and reporting changes in accounting principle and error corrections. SFAS No. 154 requires that changes in accounting principle be applied retrospectively to prior period financial statements and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. Management does not expect SFAS No. 154 to have a material impact on the Companys financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 153. This statement addresses the measurement of exchanges of nonmonetary assets. The guidance in APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions, is based on the principle that exchanges of nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in that opinion, however, included certain exceptions to that principle. This statement amends Opinion 29 to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. A nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. This statement is effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. Earlier application is permitted for nonmonetary asset exchanges incurred during fiscal years beginning after the date of this statement is issued. Management believes the adoption of this statement had no impact on the financial statements of the Company at December 31, 2005 and 2004.
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a revision to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation. This statement supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and its related implementation guidance. This statement establishes standards for the accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the fair value of the entitys equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments. This statement focuses primarily on accounting for transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment transactions. This statement does not change the accounting guidance for share based payment transactions with parties other than employees provided in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123. This statement does not address the accounting for employee share ownership plans, which are subject to AICPA Statement of Position 93-6, Employers Accounting for Employee Stock Ownership Plans. The Company has not yet determined the impact to its financial statements from the adoption of this statement.
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d) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and short term deposits with maturities of no more than ninety days when acquired.
e) Property, Plant and Equipment
Costs of acquisition of geothermal properties are capitalized on an area-of-interest basis. Amortization of these costs will be on a unit-of-production basis, based on estimated proven geothermal reserves should such reserves be found. If an area of interest is abandoned, the costs thereof are charged to income in the year of abandonment.
The Company expenses all costs related to the development of geothermal reserves prior to the establishment of proven and profitable reserves. Other equipment is recorded at cost. Depreciation of other equipment is calculated on a straight-line basis at an annual rate of 30%.
f) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
SFAS No. 144- Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets establishes a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale including discontinued operations. SFAS 144 requires that these long-lived assets be measured at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, whether reported in continuing operations or discontinued operations.
g) Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to SFAS No. 109- Accounting for Income Taxes. Under SFAS No. 109, the Company is required to compute tax asset benefits for net operating losses carried forward. Potential benefits of net operating losses have not been recognized in these financial statements because the Company cannot be assured it is more likely than not it will utilize the net operating losses carried forward in future years.
The significant components of the deferred tax asset at March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005 were as follows:
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||
Net operating loss carryforward | $ | 5,196,418 | $ | 3,541,913 | ||
Deferred tax asset: | $ | 1,767,000 | $ | 1,204,000 | ||
Less valuation allowance for tax asset | -1,767,000 | -1,204,000 | ||||
Net deferred tax asset | $ | - | $ | - |
At March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $5,196,418 and $3,541,913 respectively, which expire in the years 2023 through 2025. The change in the allowance account from March 31, 2005 to March 31, 2006 was $563,000.
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h) Financial Instruments
The Companys financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, refundable tax credits, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Unless otherwise noted, it is managements opinion that the Company is not exposed to significant interest, currency or credit risks arising from these financial instruments. The fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values, unless otherwise noted.
Refundable tax credit is comprised of Goods and Services Tax (GST) which is refundable from the Government of Canada.
i) Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share
In accordance with SFAS No. 128- Earnings Per Share, the basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. As the Company generated net losses in each of the periods presented, the basic and dilutive loss per share is the same, as any exercise of options or warrants would be anti-dilutive.
j) Foreign Currency Translation
The Companys functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Transactions in foreign currency are converted into U.S. dollars using the current method as follows:
Adjustments arising from the translation of the foreign currency amounts are included as a separate component of stockholders equity.
k) Asset Retirement Obligations
SFAS No. 143- Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets to be recognized at their fair value at the time the obligations are incurred. Upon initial recognition of a liability, that cost should be capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset.
NOTE 3 - REVERSE TAKE-OVER
Effective December 19, 2003, GTH acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding voting shares of GEO - Idaho by issuing 6,939,992 common shares and 2,420,217 share purchase warrants, of which 2,150,309 common shares and no share purchase warrants were held in escrow as at December 31, 2005 (as at March 31, 2005, 4,243,325 common shares and 1,946,937 share purchase warrants were held in escrow). Each share purchase warrant entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.75 per share until December 19, 2005. As of December 31, 2005, the 2,420,217 stock purchase warrants noted above have expired without
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exercise. Since the transaction resulted in the former shareholders of GEO - Idaho owning the majority of the issued shares of GTH, the transaction, which is referred to as a reverse take-over, has been treated for accounting purposes as an acquisition by GEO - Idaho of the net assets and liabilities of GTH. Under this purchase method of accounting, the results of operations of GTH are included in these financial statements from December 19, 2003. GEO - Idaho is deemed to be the purchaser for accounting purposes. Accordingly, its net assets are included in the balance sheet at their previously recorded values.
The Company has determined that the share purchase warrants issued as part of the transaction have a fair value of $629,256 as determined by using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the assumptions as stated in Note 5. The amount is considered to be additional consideration given to the former GEO - Idaho shareholders and, as such, has been allocated, along with the net liabilities assumed of GTH, to deficit.
The acquisition is summarized as follows:
Current assets (including cash of $5,798) | $ | 11,616 | |
Current liabilities | (419,782 | ) | |
Net liabilities assumed | $ | (408,166 | ) |
The net liabilities assumed have been charged to accumulated deficit.
NOTE 4 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
GEO - Idaho entered into an agreement, as amended December 3, 2002, with the previous owner to purchase up to a 100% interest in the Raft River Geothermal Property (the Property) located in Cassia County, Idaho, in exchange for 1,895,000 shares (the old shares), 1,612,000 warrants (the old warrants) of GEO Idaho, and up to $600,000 in cash. A condition to acquiring 100% of the Property is the completion by GEO - Idaho of at least a $200,000 work program on the Property. The old shares and old warrants were exchanged subsequent to December 31, 2002 (as part of the reverse take-over described in Notes 3 and 5) for shares and warrants of the Company.
As of March 31, 2006, the Company has acquired a 100% interest in the Property by making cash payments totalling $250,000 in 2003, $225,000 in 2004 and $125,000 in 2005. The Company has also completed the requisite work program. In addition, the Company has paid $57,728 to acquire two purchase options on 1,083 acres of surface and water rights, and paid $949,036 to initiate construction of the Raft River Project.
During the year ended March 31, 2005, the Company acquired 100 acres of surface and energy rights in exchange for a cash payment of $40,000 and issuance of 100,000 common shares valued at $60,351.
Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at the dates shown:
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March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||
Geothermal property (land and equipment) | ||||||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 592,351 | $ | 492,000 | ||
Shares issued | - | 60,351 | ||||
Cash payments | 182,728 | 40,000 | ||||
Balance, end of period | 775,079 | 592,351 | ||||
Construction in Process- Raft River Project | ||||||
Balance, beginning of period | - | - | ||||
Power Plant One | 565,459 | - | ||||
Transmission Lines and Substation | 139,193 | - | ||||
Pipelines | 78,478 | - | ||||
Well Drilling | 165,906 | - | ||||
Balance, end of period | 949,036 | - | ||||
Other equipment | ||||||
Balance, beginning of period | 5,325 | 3,994 | ||||
Acquisitions | - | 1,331 | ||||
Balance, end of period | 5,325 | 5,325 | ||||
Less: Accumulated depreciation | (3,325 | ) | (1,975 | ) | ||
Net balance, end of period | 2,000 | 3,350 | ||||
$ | 1,726,115 | $ | 595,701 |
NOTE 5 - CAPITAL STOCK
On March 13, 2006, the Company issued 15,000 common shares upon the exercise of 15,000 options at an exercise price of $0.60 CDN ($0.51 U.S. as of March 13, 2006).
On February 17, 2006, the Company issued 192,934 common shares upon the exercise of 192,934 stock purchase warrants at an exercise price of $0.75 U.S.
On February 9, 2006, the Company issued 25,000 common shares upon the exercise of 25,000 options at an exercise price of $0.60 CDN ($0.51 as of February 9, 2006).
On February 6, 2006, the Company issued 120,000 common shares as a signing bonus as part of an employment agreement at a deemed price of $0.72 CDN ($0.61 U.S. as of February 6, 2006.
On January 9, 2006, the Company issued 138,370 common shares upon the exercise of 138,370 options at an exercise price of $0.60 CDN ($0.51 U.S. as of January 9, 2006).
On January 3, 2006, the Company issued 200,000 common shares upon the exercise of 200,000 options at an exercise price of $0.60 CDN ($0.51 U.S. as of January 3, 2006).
On December 28, 2005, the Company issued 183,333 common shares upon the exercise of 100,000 options at an exercise price of $0.60 CDN ($0.51 U.S. as of December 28, 2005) and 83,333 purchase warrants at an exercise price of $0.45 U.S.
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On July 22, 2005, the Company issued 40,000 common shares upon the exercise of 40,000 options at an exercise price of $0.60 CDN ($0.51 U.S. as of July 22, 2005).
On April 11, 2005, the Company issued 17,778 common shares upon the exercise of 17,778 options at an exercise price of $0.90 CDN ($0.73 U.S. as of April 11, 2005).
On February 23, 2005, the Company issued 100,000 common shares at a price of $0.60 for two parcels of land and energy rights adjacent to its Raft River Property valued at $60,351.
On February 18, 2005, the Company issued 30,000 common shares upon the exercise of 30,000 stock options at an exercise price of $0.60 CDN ($0.49 U.S. as at February 18, 2005).
On October 20, 2004, the Company issued 278,735 common shares upon the exercise of 278,735 stock options at an exercise price of $0.60 CDN ($0.47 U.S. as at October 20, 2004).
In payment for services provided in connection with the private placement described below, the Company paid $225,131 in cash and granted 280,000 agents warrants exercisable at a price of $0.85 CDN ($0.72 U.S. as at September 30, 2005) until September 17, 2006. The warrants are exercisable into units identical (including with respect to acceleration) to the units offered in the private placement. The fair value of $133,341, as calculated by the Black-Scholes model, was recorded as a share issue cost.
On September 17, 2004, the Company issued 4,000,001 units for a private placement at a price of $0.85 CDN ($0.66 U.S. as at September 17, 2004) per unit. Each unit consists of one common share and one share purchase warrant. Each share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $1.25 CDN ($1.06 U.S. as at September 30, 2005) per share until September 17, 2006. Should the closing price of the Companys common shares exceed $1.65 CDN ($1.40 U.S. as at September 30, 2005) per share for twenty consecutive trading days, the exercise date of the warrants may be accelerated to a date not earlier than twenty days following the date of the press release indicating the acceleration.
During the year ended March 31, 2004, the Company made cash payments totalling $137,398 pursuant to the convertible notes described below. On February 20, 2004, the Company issued 385,864 units, at a value of $0.45 per unit, on conversion of amounts due under the convertible promissory notes totalling $173,639, including unpaid principal of $147,000 and interest accrued at a rate of 20% per annum totalling $26,638. Each unit has identical terms and conditions to the units issued in the December 2003 private placement described below, other than the expiration date of the warrants which expire on February 17, 2006.
On December 19, 2003, the Company issued 6,939,992 shares and 2,420,217 warrants (the new warrants) to the shareholders of GEO - Idaho to effect the reverse take-over (RTO) described in Note 3. Pursuant to the negotiated agreement of the parties, as approved by the TSX Venture Exchange, the GEO - Idaho shares were exchanged on a one-for-one basis with all GEO - Idaho shareholders other than Vulcan Power Company, which received shares and warrants so that Vulcan Power would own 14% on a non-diluted and 25% on a fully-diluted basis after closing (taking into account the private placement closed in conjunction with the RTO discussed below). To meet these percentages, Vulcan was issued 1,755,159 shares and the 2,420,217 new warrants. Vulcan had held 1,895,000 GEO-Idaho shares and 1,612,000 GEO - Idaho warrants prior to the
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RTO. The new warrants, issued only to Vulcan as the sole old warrant holder of GEO - Idaho, have an exercise price of $0.75 per share and expire December 19, 2005. Concurrently with the RTO, the Company issued 3,322,221 units for a private placement at a price of $0.45 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share and one half of one share purchase warrant. Each full share purchase warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.75 per share until December 19, 2005. The share issuance costs of this issuance were $100,559. Of this amount, $75,122 was paid in cash and $25,437 was paid by the issuance of 83,333 agents warrants to purchase up to 83,333 common shares, exercisable at a price of $0.45 until December 19, 2005. The value assigned to the new warrants was $629,256 ($0.26 per warrant), and the value assigned to the warrants included in the units was $431,889 ($0.26 per warrant) as calculated by the Black-Scholes model. The exercise date of the warrants issued in connection with the RTO, the private placement and agent services can be accelerated to 30 days after written notice from the Company provided that the Company has obtained both: (i) all material permits and licenses necessary to authorize initiation of construction of a 10 megawatt power plant; and (ii) power purchase and transmission agreements for such plant. The fair value of the agents warrants of $25,437 ($0.30 per warrant) was calculated by the Black-Scholes model. The share issue costs have been netted against the proceeds allocated to additional paid in capital.
On April 25, 2003, the Company committed to issue convertible promissory notes in an aggregate principal amount of $269,000. The notes were convertible, at the option of the holder, into units identical in terms to the units described above, except with respect to the expiration date of the units, as described above. The notes carried an interest rate of 20%.
On February 14, 2003, the Company issued 151,170 common shares to directors of the Company for management services. These shares had a fair value on that date of $45,350. Accordingly, these shares were recorded as a charge to management fees in the consolidated statement of operations.
On November 1, 2002, the Company issued 1,023,667 common shares at a price of $0.30 per share for cash proceeds of $307,100 and 10,000 common shares for services related to the geothermal property. The shares issued for services had a fair value on that date of $3,000. Accordingly, these shares were recorded as a charge to exploration expenditures in the consolidated statement of operations.
On May 28, 2002, the Company issued 395,000 common shares at a price of $0.25 per share for cash proceeds of $98,750 and issued 5,000 common shares for consulting services. The shares issued for services had a fair value on that date of $1,250. Accordingly, the shares issued for services were recorded as a charge to consulting fees in the consolidated statement of operations.
Escrow Shares
The following common shares and share purchase warrants are in escrow at the dates shown:
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||
Common shares | 2,150,309 | 4,243,325 | ||||
Share purchase warrants | 0 | 1,946,937 |
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The escrow shares and warrants are or were held in escrow pursuant to standard requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange, which required that escrow conditions be placed upon the shares and share purchase warrants issued in conjunction with the acquisition of GEO - Idaho (Note 3) and the concurrently completed private placement (Note 5). Shares are released from escrow at six month intervals, with the last release from escrow scheduled for December 19, 2006. All stock purchase warrants previously held in escrow expired as of December 31, 2005, without exercise.
NOTE 6 - STOCK -BASED COMPENSATION
The Companys stock option plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options enabling the holders to purchase up to 2,584,000 common shares. The plan is for employees, consultants, officers and directors of the Company. Options are granted for a term of up to five years from the date of grant. Stock options granted generally vest over a period of eighteen months. Because the plan has historically been administered in Canada by Pacific Corporate Trust, the Company has issued stock options with an exercise price stated in Canadian dollars per share.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2005, the Company granted 50,000 stock options to a consultant exercisable at a price of $0.72 CDN ($0.61 USD as at December 31, 2005) until April 19, 2010.
During the year ended March 31, 2005, the Company granted 560,000 stock options to consultants, directors and officers exercisable at prices ranging from $0.72 to $0.90 CDN ($0.61 to $0.77 USD as at December 31, 2005).
During the year ended March 31, 2004, the Company granted 1,745,000 stock options to consultants, directors and officers exercisable at a price of $0.60 CDN ($0.51 USD as at December 31, 2005) until January 3, 2009.
Compensation expense related to stock options granted is recorded at their fair value as calculated by the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation expense of $25,509 was included in consulting fees and $155,271 was included in salaries and wages for the twelve months ended March 31, 2006 (March 31, 2005 - $295,541).
The changes in stock options are as follows:
NUMBER | WEIGHTED | |||||
SHARES | AVERAGE | |||||
UNDER | EXERCISE | |||||
OPTIONS | PRICE | |||||
Balance outstanding, March 31, 2004 | 1,745,000 | $ | 0.60 CDN | |||
Cancelled | (240,000 | ) | 0.60 CDN | |||
Exercised | (308,735 | ) | 0.60 CDN | |||
Granted | 470,000 | 0.72 CDN | ||||
Granted | 90,000 | 0.90 CDN | ||||
Balance outstanding March 31, 2005 | 1,756,265 | 0.65 CDN |
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Cancelled | (182,267 | ) | 0.60 CDN | |||
Exercised | (518,370 | ) | 0.60 CDN | |||
Granted | 50,000 | 0.72 CDN | ||||
Exercised | (17,778 | ) | 0.90 CDN | |||
Cancelled | (22,222 | ) | 0.90 CDN | |||
Balance outstanding March 31, 2006 | 1,065,628 | $ | 0.67 CDN |
The following table summarizes information about the number of shares under stock options outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2006:
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING | OPTIONS EXERCISABLE | |||
MARCH 31, | MARCH 31, | |||
2005 | 2006 | REMAINING | ||
EXERCISE | NUMBER OF | NUMBER OF | CONTRACTUAL | NUMBER OF |
PRICE | SHARES | SHARES | LIFE (YEARS) | SHARES |
$ 0.60 CDN | 1,196,265 | 495,628 | 2.76 | 495,628 |
0.72 CDN | 470,000 | 520,000 | 3.67 | 390,000 |
0.90 CDN | 90,000 | 50,000 | 3.67 | 37,500 |
$ 0.67 CDN | 1,756,265 | 1,065,628 | 3.25 | 923,128 |
The fair value of the stock options granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and is amortized over the vesting period of the underlying options. The weighted average fair value of options granted was $0.50 per share. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value are as follows:
2005 | 2004 | |||||
Dividend yield | 0 | 0 | ||||
Expected volatility | 116% | 136% | ||||
Risk free interest rate | 3.88% | 4.18% | ||||
Expected life | 5 Years | 5 Years |
Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate and, therefore, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of the Companys stock options.
Stock Purchase Warrants
As at March 31, 2006 (8,637,593 as at March 31, 2005), the following share purchase warrants are outstanding:
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WARRANTS | EXERCISABLE | |||
ISSUED | INTO NUMBER | FAIR | ||
PURSUANT TO | OF COMMON | EXERCISE | EXPIRATION | VALUE |
SHARES | PRICE | DATE | AT ISSUANCE | |
Private placement | 4,000,001 | $1.25 CDN | September 17, 2006 | $1,190,697 |
Agents warrants | 280,000 | $0.85 CDN | September 17, 2006 | $133,341 |
4,280,001 | $1,324,038 |
On February 17, 2006, stock purchase warrants representing 192,934 common shares at an exercise price of $0.75 were exercised.
Effective December 19, 2005, stock purchase warrants representing 4,081,327 shares at an exercise price of $0.75 expired without exercise, while 83,333 stock purchase warrants at an exercise price of $0.45 were exercised.
The Black-Scholes option pricing model was used to determine the fair value of the warrants, with the following assumptions:
2005 | 2004 | |||||
Dividend yield | 0% | 0% | ||||
Expected volatility | 150% | 136% | ||||
Risk free interest rate | 2.65% | 4.18% | ||||
Expected life | 24 months | 24 months |
NOTE 7 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As at March 31, 2006 and March 31, 2005, the amounts of $10,083 and $4,842 are payable to directors and officers of the Company. These amounts are unsecured and due on demand.
The Company incurred the following transactions with directors, officers and a company with a common director:
12 Months | 12 Months | |||||
March 31, | March 31, | |||||
2006 | 2005 | |||||
Administrative services | $ | 19,584 | $ | 18,142 | ||
Management fees | 21,500 | 64,196 | ||||
Consulting fees | 24,960 | 49,194 | ||||
Legal fees | 871 | 14,913 | ||||
Rent | 13,863 | 11,273 | ||||
$ | 80,778 | $ | 157,718 |
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NOTE 8 - DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADIAN AND U.S. GAAP
The Companys consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The material difference in respect to these financial statements between U.S. and Canadian GAAP is reflected in the recording of Property, Plant and Equipment. Under Canadian GAAP, development and exploration costs associated with the Raft River project (property lease payments, geological consulting fees, well monitoring and permitting, etc.) are recorded as a capital asset. Under U.S. GAAP, these amounts are expensed. As a result of the above, under Canadian GAAP the following line items in the consolidated balance sheets and income statements would have been presented as follows:
Consolidated Balance
Sheets |
U.S. GAAP
March 31, 2006 |
Canadian
GAAP March 31, 2006 |
U.S. GAAP
March 31, 2005 |
Canadian
GAAP March 31, 2005 |
Plant, Property & Equipment | $ 1,726,115 | $ 2,166,726 | $ 595,701 | $ 1,054,199 |
Total Assets | 21,895,933 | 22,336,544 | 2,584,970 | 3,043,468 |
Stockholders Equity | 21,615,019 | 22,055,630 | 2,419,868 | 2,878,366 |
Total Liabilities &
Stockholders Equity |
21,895,933
|
22,336,544
|
2,584,970
|
3,043,468
|
Consolidated Statements of
Operations and Comprehensive Loss |
U.S. GAAP
Twelve Months ended March 31, 2006 |
Canadian
GAAP Twelve Months ended March 31, 2006 |
U.S. GAAP
Twelve Months ended March 31, 2005 |
Canadian
GAAP Twelve Months ended March 31, 2005 |
Exploration Expenditures | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 438,885 | $ 0 |
Loss from Operations | (1,663,069) | (1,607,755) | (1,751,530) | (1,312,645) |
Net Loss | (1,523,385) | (1,468,071) | (1,830,421) | (1,391,536) |
NOTE 9 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company has entered into several lease agreements with terms expiring up to December 1, 2034 for geothermal properties adjoining the Raft River Geothermal Property. The leases provide for the following annual payments within the next five fiscal years:
2006 | $ 28,850 |
2007 | $ 20,100 |
2008 | $ 20,400 |
2009 | $ 20,800 |
2010 | $ 23,800 |
The Company has signed a 10 MW power purchase agreement with Idaho Power Company for sale of power generated from its planned phase one power plant. Sale of power generated from phase two power plants are currently under discussion. The Company has also signed a transmission agreement with Bonneville Power Administration for transmission of the electricity from this plant to Idaho Power, and from the phase two plants to other purchasers. These agreements are all contingent upon successful financing and construction of the power plant at Raft River.
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On December 5, 2005, the Company signed a contract with Ormat Nevada, Inc. (Ormat) for Ormat to construct a 13 MW geothermal power plant at Raft River, Idaho for a lump sum price of $20,200,000 (exclusive of taxes). The Company expects the output of the plant will be used to meet power delivery requirements of the Companys agreements with Idaho Power Company.
On April 3, 2006, the Company completed a private placement of 25,000,000 common shares at a price of $1.00 CDN ($0.86 U.S. as of April 3, 2006). Proceeds, net of financing fees, totaled $20,134,260. Of the net proceeds, $172,370 had been received in the Companys bank accounts prior to year end. Since the subscription forms reflected a March 30, 2006 date, and the remainder of the cash was on deposit with Dundee Securities, the private placement was recorded as Restricted Cash and as Capital Stock Issuable in these financial statements. Upon the issuance of the common shares on April 3, 2006, all cash restrictions were lifted.
We lease general office space for our executive office in Boise at an annual cost of $30,506. The underlying lease is a year-to-year lease that expires on January 31, 2007.
NOTE 10- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On April 3, 2006, the Company completed a private placement of 25,000,000 common shares at a price of $1.00 CDN ($0.86 U.S. as of April 3, 2006). Proceeds, net of financing fees, totaled $20,134,260. Of the net proceeds, $172,370 had been received in the Companys bank accounts. Since the subscription forms reflected a March 30, 2006 date, and the remainder of the cash was on deposit with Dundee Securities, the private placement was reflected as Restricted Cash and as Capital Stock Issuable in these financial statements. Upon the issuance of the common shares on April 3, 2006, all cash restrictions were lifted.
On April 27, 2006, the Company and Ormat amended the contract to construct the phase one geothermal power plant in order to allow commencement of construction in advance of project financing. In connection with the amendment, the Company issued a Notice to Proceed to Ormat, which commissioned them to immediately proceed with final detailed engineering and place orders for long-lead time equipment and material components. This schedule is intended to provide first synchronization of the phase one power plant in September 2007 with full commercial operations no later than November 2007.
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ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 8A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2006, in ensuring that all material information required to be filed in this annual report has been made known to them in a timely manner.
There has been no change to our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter or fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or is likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
The company is not required to have, nor was Williams & Webster engaged to perform, an audit of internal control over financial reporting. The audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectives of the companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, Williams & Webster expressed no such opinion.
ITEM 8B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
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PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
The following sets forth certain information concerning the current directors, executive officers and significant employees of our company. Each director has been elected to serve until our next annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor has been elected and qualified. Each executive officer serves at the discretion of the board of directors of our company.
NAME | AGE | POSITION |
Daniel J. Kunz | 54 | Chief Executive Officer, President and Director |
Douglas J. Glaspey (1) | 53 | Chief Operating Officer and Director |
John H. Walker | 57 | Chairman of the Board and Director |
Paul A. Larkin (1) (2) | 56 | Director |
Jon Wellinghoff (1) | 57 | Director |
Kerry D. Hawkley | 52 | Chief Financial Officer |
Kevin Kitz | 45 | Vice President, Development, Geo-Idaho |
Robert Cline | 49 | Vice President, Engineering, Geo-Idaho |
(1) |
Member of the Audit Committee. |
|
(2) |
Audit Committee Financial Expert. |
Daniel J. Kunz is the President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of GTH and the President of Geo-Idaho. He has served as a director of the company since March 2000, and was Chairman of the Board of Directors from March 2000 until December 2003. Prior to the acquisition of Geo-Idaho, he served as a director and the President for that company from February 2002 until the acquisition. Mr. Kunz was an executive of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. from 1997, and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer from November 1, 2000 until March 1, 2003. From March 2, 2003 until March 8, 2004, Mr. Kunz served as Interim President of Jinshan Gold Mines Inc. Mr. Kunz has more than 29 years of experience in international mining, engineering and construction, including, marketing, business development, management, accounting, finance and operations, having held key positions in MK Gold Company (President & CEO) and Morrison Knudsen Corporation (Vice President & Controller, and as CFO to the Mining Group). Mr. Kunz holds a Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science. He is currently a director of several companies publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange, including Jinshan Gold Mines Inc., Triumph Gold Corp., Tyner Resources Ltd., and Chesapeake Gold Corp. Mr. Kunz serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of China Mineral Acquisition Corporation, which is a publicly traded company on the OTC Bulletin Board.
Douglas J. Glaspey is the Chief Operating Officer and a director of GTH. He has served as a director of the company since March 2000, and served as its President from March 2000 until the acquisition of Geo-Idaho. He also served as a director and the Chief Executive Officer of Geo-Idaho from February 2002 until the acquisition, and continues to serve as President. From December 1986 to the present, Mr. Glaspey has been a Metallurgical Engineer and Project Manager with Twin Gold Corporation. Mr. Glaspey has 28 years of operating and management experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mineral Processing Engineering and an Associate of Science in Engineering Science. His experience includes production management, planning
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and directing resource exploration programs, preparing feasibility studies and environmental permitting. He has formed and served as an executive officer of several private resource development companies in the United States, including Drumlummon Gold Mines Corporation and Black Diamond Corporation.
John H. Walker is a director and the Chairman of the Board of directors of GTH. He has held that position since December 2003. He has served (and continues to serve) as Chief Executive Officer of Mihaly International Canada Limited since 1987. Prior to that Mr. Walker was a Senior Advisor to Falconbridge Limited from September 2000 to April 2002; and Managing Director of Loewen, Ondaatje, McCutcheon, from November 1996 to August 2000. Mr. Walker holds a Master of Environmental Studies degree from York University in Toronto. For many years he was an executive with Ontario Hydro where he directed programs in renewable energy and international business development, specifically in respect of thermal power generation. Currently as CEO of Mihaly International Canada Limited, based in Oakville, Ontario, he provides services to development and mining companies, corporations, banks, and insurance companies on a range of issues related to project management, construction, fuel supply, build own operate and transfer, project finance and risk management.
Paul Larkin serves as a director of GTH, a position he has held since March 2000. He served as Secretary of GTH until December, 2003, and served as a director and the Secretary-Treasurer of Geo-Idaho from February 2002 until the acquisition. Since 1983, Mr. Larkin has also been the President of the New Dawn Group, an investment and financial consulting firm located in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the President of Tyner Resources Ltd., a TSX Venture Exchange listed company. New Dawn is primarily involved in corporate finance, merchant banking and administrative management of public companies. Mr. Larkin held various accounting and banking positions for over a decade before founding New Dawn in 1983, and currently serves on the boards of the following companies which are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange: Eventure Capital Corp., and Tyner Resources Ltd.
Jon Wellinghoff is a director of GTH, a position he has held since December 2003. Since November 2000, Mr. Wellinghoff has been an attorney in private practice with the firm of Beckley Singleton of Las Vegas, Nevada. From May 1999 to November 2000, he served as Regional Manager of Noresco, and served as General Counsel with Nevada P.U.C. from May 1998 to May 1999. He was an attorney in private practice from July 1989 until joining Nevada P.U.C. Mr. Wellinghoff has an extensive background in the renewable energy field including, Federal Trade Commission with a focus on renewable energy development. He was the first Nevada Consumer Advocate and wrote the first integrated resource planning acts for Nevada. He has been involved with and advised clients in connection with the negotiation of power purchase agreements with utilities and PURPA issues. Mr. Wellinghoff drafted and advocated the Nevada Renewable Portfolio Standard, and is counsel for other geothermal and renewable power producers.
Kerry D. Hawkley serves as the companys Chief Financial Officer. He has served as the companys controller since July 2003, and became CFO as of January 1, 2005. Since July 2003, he has also provided, and continues to provide, consulting services to Triumph Gold Corp. From 1998 to June 2003, Mr. Hawkley served as controller, director and treasurer of LB Industries. Mr. Hawkley has over 29 years experience in all areas of accounting, finance and administration.
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He holds Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Accounting and Finance. He started his career as an internal auditor with Union Pacific Corporation and has held various accounting management positions in the oil and gas, truck leasing, mining and energy industries.
Kevin Kitz is the Vice President-Development of Geo-Idaho. He joined the company in April 2003. He is a mechanical engineer with 19 years of geothermal power plant design, construction and operating experience with UNOCAL, with whom he worked until November 2002. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Material Science, and is a Professional Engineer in California. During his career with Unocal, he was a Production and Operations Engineer at the 75MW Salton Sea geothermal power plant in southern California, a Senior Production Engineer at the Geysers geothermal field in northern California, and a Power Plant Engineering Advisor in the Philippines for geothermal power plants ranging from 12 to 55 MW.
Robert Cline is the Vice President-Engineering of Geo-Idaho. He joined the company in February 2005. He is a civil engineer with 24 years experience developing energy and water resources projects in the western U.S. He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering and Physics, and is a Professional Engineer in Arizona and Oregon. Prior to joining US
Geothermal, he was the Manager Engineering at Ida-West Energy Company, playing a key role in developing several hydroelectric and gas-fired generating facilities, and was instrumental in several highly successful hydroelectric acquisitions. Prior to 1991, he worked nine years for the US Bureau of Reclamation where he was involved in engineering, contracting and construction of various water resources related projects in Arizona.
Code of Ethics. Management submitted a proposed Code of Ethics to the Board of Directors for review and comment. The Board approved the code of ethics at the board meeting held in conjunction with the annual general meeting in September 2005. The code of ethics applies to all directors, officers and employees of the company. The Code of Ethics is included in the Companys web page at www.usgeothermal.com.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information concerning the annual compensation earned or paid to Daniel Kunz, the chief executive officer (the "named executive officer") for the year ended March 31, 2006. No executive officer of GTH or Geo-Idaho had compensation that exceeded $100,000 during the fiscal years ending March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006. Long term compensation in the form of options that had been issued prior to December 19, 2003, were cancelled in accordance with the vote of the shareholders of GTH approving the acquisition of Geo-Idaho. Annual bonuses or other compensation have not been paid to the named executive officer for any period prior to March 31, 2006, except for the stock options listed below.
Mr. Kunz has an employment agreement with the company which provides that he will devote at least one-half of working time to the company. Mr. Kunz may engage in other business activities provided he does not engage in any activities which another executive officer determines is competitive, or will otherwise interfere with the performance of Mr. Kunzs duties to the company. In addition to monetary compensation, Mr. Kunz is entitled to receive incentive stock options as determined by the companys board of directors, benefits (including for
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immediate family) as are or may become available to other employees, and vacation. The employment agreement may be terminated by the company without notice, payment in lieu of notice, severance or other sums for causes which include failure to perform in a competent and professional manner, appropriation of corporate opportunities or failure to disclose a conflict of interest, conviction which has become final for an indictable offense, fraud, dishonesty, refusal to follow reasonable and lawful direction of the company, breach of fiduciary duty, and a declaration of bankruptcy by or against Mr. Kunz. Otherwise the company upon one month written notice may terminate the agreement. The agreement includes covenants by Mr. Kunz of confidentiality and non-competition, and provides for equitable relief in the event of breach. A copy of Mr. Kunzs employment agreement is included as Exhibit 10.12 in Part II of the SB-2 registration statement dated April 7, 2005.
Effective April 1, 2006, Mr. Kunz has signed a new employment agreement similar in form and content to the previous agreement that increases the amount of time devoted to the business of the company to 140 hours per month at a compensation of $132,000 annually. A copy of the new employment agreement is included as Exhibit 10.12 in Part II of this report.
Name and Principal
position(s) |
Year Ended
March 31, 2006 |
Annual Compensation
|
Long-term Compensation
Awards |
Salary ($) | Securities underlying options/SARs (# ) | ||
Daniel J. Kunz | 2006 | $50,000 | NIL |
Chief Executive Officer | 2005 | $60,500 | NIL |
and President | |||
On April 12, 2006, GTH granted 1,763,000 stock options to officers, employees and consultants. The number of stock options granted to executive officers is identified below. The options vest in quarterly increments, starting with the date of grant and every six months thereafter. The exercise price on the date of grant was the fair market value of the companys stock on the date of grant.
Number of Shares | Percentage of Total | |||
Underlying Options | Options Granted to | |||
Optionee | Granted | Employees | Exercise Price | Expiration Date |
Douglas J. Glaspey | 380,000 | 21.55 | CDN$0.85 | April 12, 2011 |
Kerry D. Hawkley | 135,000 | 7.66 | CDN$0.85 | April 12, 2011 |
Daniel J. Kunz | 530,000 | 30.06 | CDN$0.85 | April 12, 2011 |
Daniel J. Kunz (January 10, 2006) and Douglas J. Glaspey (December 29, 2005) exercised options granted in a previous year.
Shares | CDN | Number of Shares | Value of in-the-money | |
Acquired on | $Value | Underlying | Unexercised | |
Name | Exercise | Realized | Unexercised Options | Stock Options |
Daniel J. Kunz | 100,000 | $18,500 | 13,494/0 | CDN$ 6,949/$0 |
Douglas J. Glaspey | 100,000 | $25,000 | 22,134/0 | CDN$11,399/$0 |
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GTH did not award any shares, units or rights to any executive officer under a Long-Term Incentive Plan during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
Directors who are not otherwise remunerated per an employment agreement are paid $2,000 per quarter and $500 per board meeting attended in person. Directors who are also officers do not receive any cash compensation for serving in that capacity. However, all directors are reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses in attending meetings.
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth the common stock owned by (1) our directors and "named executive officers," (2) persons known by us to beneficially own, individually, or as a group, more than 5% of our outstanding common stock as of May 31, 2006 and (3) all of our current directors and executive officers as a group.
Total | |||||
Shares Outstanding | Beneficially | Percentage of | |||
Name and Address (2) | (3) | Options (1) | Warrants (1) | Owned (1) | Shares |
Daniel J. Kunz | 2,624,885 | 543,494 | 0 | 3,168,379 | 6.11% |
Douglas J. Glaspey | 1,154,425 | 402,134 | 0 | 1,556,559 | 3.00% |
Paul A. Larkin | 874,138 | 180,000 | 0 | 1,054,138 | 2.03% |
Kerry D. Hawkley | 40,000 | 235,000 | 0 | 275,000 | 0.53% |
John H. Walker | 95,667 | 195,000 | 0 | 290,667 | 0.56% |
Jon Wellinghoff | 0 | 180,000 | 0 | 180,000 | 0.35% |
All Directors
and Officers as a group |
4,789,115 |
1,735,628 |
0 |
6,815,410 |
13.13% |
Goldman, Sachs & Co,
295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108 |
4,200,000 |
0 |
0 |
4,200,000 |
8.09% |
SPCP Group LLC,
2 Greenwhich Plaza, Greenwhich, CT 06830 |
8,300,000 |
0 |
0 |
8,300,000 |
15.99% |
S.A.C. Capital
Associates LLC, PO Box 58, Victoria House, The Valley, Anguilla |
3,000,000 |
0 |
0 |
3,000,000 |
5.78% |
Winslow Green Growth
Fund, PO Box 7247- 7057, Philadelphia, PA 19170-7057 |
2,700,000 |
0 |
0 |
2,700,000 |
5.20% |
Wexford Capital,
Walker House, Mary Street, Georgetown, |
3,000,000 |
0 |
0 |
3,000,000 |
5.78% |
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Cayman Islands | |||||
Dundee Resources Ltd,
40 King St W, Suite 5500, Toronto, ON M5H 4A9 |
1,176,500 |
1,522,500 |
0 |
2,699,000 |
5.20% |
1) |
This tabular information is intended to conform with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 relating to the determination of beneficial ownership of securities. |
|
2) |
Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each of the above is c/o US Geothermal Inc, 1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B, Boise, ID 83706. |
|
3) |
A portion of the shares of Messrs. Kunz, Glaspey, Walker, Larkin and Hawkley included in this column are subject to an escrow agreement until December 19, 2006. |
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
1. In September, 2004, the company agreed to pay past due compensation for services rendered in calendar year 2004 to Messrs. Kunz, Glaspey, Bourgeois (who was then the Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the company) and Larkin, which, on October 19, 2004, each used to exercise options as follows:
OPTIONEE
|
Amount
exercised (USD) |
Amount
exercised (CDN) |
Exercise
price (CDN) |
Number of
common shares |
Daniel Kunz | $ 40,550.00 | $51,903.60 | $ 0.60 | 86,506 |
Doug Glaspey | $ 36,500.00 | $46,719.60 | $ 0.60 | 77,866 |
Ron Bourgeois | $ 13,000.00 | $16,639.80 | $ 0.60 | 27,733 |
Paul Larkin | $ 40,607.42 | $51,978.00 | $ 0.60 | 86,630 |
Totals | $130,657.42 | 278,735 |
2. On April 12, 2006, GTH granted 1,763,000 stock options to officers, employees and consultants. The number of stock options granted to executive officers and directors is identified below. The options vest in quarterly increments, starting with the date of grant and every six months thereafter. The exercise price on the date of grant was the fair market value of the companys stock on the date of grant.
Number of Shares | Percentage of Total | |||
Underlying Options | Options Granted to | |||
Optionee | Granted | Employees | Exercise Price | Expiration Date |
Douglas J. Glaspey | 380,000 | 21.55 | CDN$0.85 | April 12, 2011 |
Kerry D. Hawkley | 135,000 | 7.66 | CDN$0.85 | April 12, 2011 |
Daniel J. Kunz | 530,000 | 30.06 | CDN$0.85 | April 12, 2011 |
John H. Walker | 115,000 | 6.52 | CDN$1.00 | April 12, 2011 |
Paul Larkin | 180,000 | 10.21 | CDN$1.00 | April 12, 2011 |
Jon Wellinghoff | 120,000 | 6.81 | CDN$0.85 | April 12, 2011 |
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ITEM 13. EXHIBITS
See the exhibits index to this Form 10-KSB.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The aggregate fees billed by the Companys principal accountant for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2005 and 2006 are as follows:
Year ended | Audit Fees | Audit-Related | Tax Fees | All Other |
March 31 | Fees (2) | (3) | Fees (4) | |
2006 | $31,116 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
2005 | $38,300 (1) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
(1) |
Includes services for the annual audit of the Companys financial statements and services associated with SB-2 registration statements filed with the SEC. |
(2) |
Fees charged for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of an audit, and not included under Audit Fees. |
(3) |
Fees charged for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning services. |
(4) |
Fees for services other than disclosed in any other column. |
The Audit Committee reviews the Companys financial statements, MD&A and any annual and interim earnings press releases before the Company publicly discloses this information and any reports or other financial information (including quarterly financial statements) which are submitted to any governmental body, or to the public, including any certification, report, opinion, or review rendered by the principal accountant performing the external audit of the Companys records. The Audit Committee also confirms that adequate procedures are in place for the review of the Companys public disclosure of financial information extracted or derived from the Companys financial statements.
The Audit Committee engaged Williams & Webster to perform the annual audit of the financial statements of the company. Audit fees and scope of work are monitored and approved by the Audit Committee.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) BY NON-REPORTING ISSUERS
The company is not required to send an annual report or any proxy material to its security holders. However, as preparation for the Companys Annual General Meeting, an annual report and proxy material will be sent to security holders.
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SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. | ||
(Registrant) | ||
Date: June 28, 2006 | By: | /s/ Daniel J. Kunz |
Daniel J. Kunz | ||
President, Chief Executive Officer and | ||
Director | ||
Date: June 28, 2006 | By: | /s/ Kerry D. Hawkley |
Kerry D. Hawkley | ||
Chief Financial Officer |
In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ Daniel J. Kunz | Director | June 28, 2006 |
Daniel J. Kunz | ||
/s/ Douglas J. Glaspey | Director | June 28, 2006 |
Douglas J. Glaspey | ||
/s/ John Walker | Director and Chairman | June 28, 2006 |
John Walker | ||
/s/ Paul Larkin | Director | June 28, 2006 |
Paul Larkin | ||
/s/ Jon Wellinghoff | Director | June 28, 2006 |
Jon Wellinghoff |
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EXHIBIT LIST
EXHIBIT | |
NUMBER | DESCRIPTION |
3.1 |
Certificate of Incorporation of U.S. Cobalt Inc. (now known as U.S. Geothermal Inc.) (1) |
3.2 |
Certificate of Domestication of Non-U.S. Corporation (1) |
3.3 |
Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation (changing name of U.S. Cobalt Inc. to |
U.S. Geothermal Inc.) (1) |
|
3.4 |
Bylaws of U.S. Cobalt Inc. (now known as U.S. Geothermal Inc.) (1) |
3.5 |
Plan of Merger of U.S. Geothermal Inc., an Idaho corporation and EverGreen Power Inc., an Idaho corporation (1) |
3.6 |
Amendment to Plan of Merger (1) |
4.1 |
Form of Stock Certificate (1) |
4.2 |
Form of Warrant Certificate (1) |
4.3 |
Provisions Regarding Rights of Stockholders (1) |
10.12 | |
10.18 |
Agreement with Dundee Securities Corporation dated June 28, 2004 (1) |
10.20 |
Geothermal Lease and Agreement dated December 1, 2004, by and between Reid S. Stewart and Ruth |
O. Stewart and U.S. Geothermal Inc., an Idaho corporation (2) |
|
10.22 | |
10.23 | |
10.24 |
Power Purchase Agreement dated December 29, 2004 with Idaho Power Company (2) |
10.27 | |
10.28 | |
10.29 |
Drilling Bid Proposal and Daywork Drilling Contract dated May 25, 2006 with Union Drilling Inc. (4) |
10.30 | |
10.31 |
Construction Contract dated May 22, 2006 with Industrial Builders (4) |
21 | |
23 | |
31.1 | |
31.2 | |
32.1 | |
32.2 |
(1) Filed as part of Form SB-2 filed with the SEC on July 8, 2004, and incorporated herein by this reference.
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(2) Filed as part of Amendment No. 2 to Form SB-2 filed with the SEC on January 10, 2005, and incorporated herein by this reference.
(3) Filed as part of Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 10, 2005, and incorporated herein by this reference.
(4) Filed herewith.
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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 1st day of April 2006
BETWEEN:
US Geothermal Inc., a body corporate having an office at Suite B, 1509 Tyrell Lane Boise, Idaho 83706
(the "Company")
AND:
Daniel Kunz of 1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B, Boise, Idaho 83706
(the "Employee")
WHEREAS:
(A) the Company is in the business of developing the Raft River geothermal property;
(B) the Company wishes to engage the Employee as President and Chief Executive Officer; and
(C) the parties hereto wish to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of fixing the compensation and terms applicable to the employment of the Employee during the period hereinafter set out.
NOW, THEREFORE, THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSES that the parties hereto, in consideration of the respective covenants and agreements on the part of each of them herein contained, do hereby covenant and agree as follows:
1. Employment
The Company hereby engages the Employee as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Employee hereby accepts such employment, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set out.
2. Term
This Agreement will be effective from April 1, 2006 and will remain in full force and effect until the earlier of December 31, 2008 or until terminated as hereinafter provided.
3. Responsibility
The Employee will devote appropriate working time to his Employment hereunder, and while engaged in his employment will have the authority and duty to perform and carry out such duties and responsibilities as are customarily carried out by persons holding similar positions in other development companies comparable in size to
the Company and such additional and related duties as may from time to time be assigned, delegated, limited or determined by the Board of Directors.
4.
Other Business
Activities
It
is agreed that the Employee's employment hereunder shall constitute one hundred
forty (140) hours per month, which shall be devoted exclusively for the benefit
of the Company.
(a) the Employee may engage in any other business activities, so long as such activities will not interfere with, or impede, or have the potential to conflict in any significant manner with either the interests of the Company and/or the performance of his duties as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Before the Employee can engage in any other geothermal-related business activity the Employee must disclose full particulars thereof in writing to the Board of Directors, and within 15 days after the date of such disclosure, the Employee must receive from a majority of the Board of Directors a decision that such activities by the Employee will not, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, interfere or be in conflict with the interests of the Company and/or the Employee's performance of his duties to the Company hereunder;
(b) the Employee shall refer to the Board of Directors any and all matters and transactions in respect of which an actual or potential conflict of interest between the Employee and the Company has arisen or may arise, however remote the possibility, and the Employee shall not proceed with any such matter or transaction until the Board of Director's approval therefore is obtained. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. For purposes of clarification, this provision is not intended to limit in any way the Employee's other fiduciary obligations to the Company, which may arise in law or in equity.
5.
Compensation
In
consideration of the performance by the Employee of his responsibilities and
duties as President and Chief Executive Officer hereunder:
(a) the Company will pay the Employee the sum of US$132,000 per annum, payable in monthly installments of $11,000 no later than the last working day of the month;
(b) the Company will grant the Employee incentive stock options in such amount and on such conditions as the Board of Directors of the Company may determine from time to time; and,
(c) the Company will provide the Employee and his immediate family (consisting of spouse and children) with medical, dental and related coverage as are available to the other employees of the Company. The Company will also provide reasonable life insurance and accidental death coverage with the proceeds payable to the Employee's estate or specified family member.
6. Expenses
The Company shall reimburse the Employee for any and all reasonable and documented expenses actually and necessarily incurred by the Employee in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement. The Employee will furnish the Company with an itemized account of his expenses in such form or forms as may reasonably be required by the Company and at such times or intervals as may be required by the Company.
7. Vacation
Employee will be entitled to a paid vacation of four weeks within each 12-month period under the terms of this Agreement, to be calculated from the date of the commencement of employment set forth in Section 2 herein.
8. Change of Control
Cognizant that the Company is a publicly owned entity, should a Change of Control occur, the Employee, at his option shall elect to receive compensation of $250,000 no later than five (5) working days after the effective date that the Change of Control has occurred. This compensation is payable by the Company or its Successor regardless of whether or not the Employee continues under employment pursuant to this Employment Agreement or is replaced with a new agreement.
9. Termination
This Agreement and the Employee's employment may be terminated by the Company summarily and without notice, payment in lieu of notice, severance payments, benefits, damages or any sums whatsoever, on the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:
(a) |
The Employee's failure to carry out his duties hereunder in a competent and professional manner; |
|
(b) |
The Employee's appropriation of corporate opportunities for the Employee's direct or indirect benefit or his failure to disclose any material conflict of interest; |
|
(c) |
The Employee's plea of guilty to, or conviction of, an indictable offence once all appeals (if any) have been completed without such conviction having been reversed; |
|
(d) |
The existence of cause for termination of the Employee at common law including but not limited to cause related to fraud, dishonesty, illegality, breach of statute or regulation, or gross incompetence; |
|
(e) |
Failure on the part of the Employee to disclose material facts concerning his business interests or employment outside of his employment by the Company, provided such facts relate to the Employee's duties hereunder; |
(f) |
Refusal on the part of the Employee to follow the reasonable and 1awful directions of the Board of Directors of the Company; |
|
(g) |
Breach of fiduciary duty to the Company on the part of the Employee; |
|
(h) |
Material breach of this Agreement or gross negligence on the part of the Employee in carrying out his duties under this Agreement; or |
|
(i) |
A declaration of bankruptcy on the part of the Employee by a court of competent jurisdiction. |
9.1 In the event of the early termination of the Agreement for any reason set out in Section 9 above, the Employee shall only be entitled to such compensation as would otherwise be payable to the Employee hereunder up to and including such date of termination, as the case may be.
9.2 This Agreement and the Employee's employment may be terminated on notice by the Company to the Employee for any reason other than for the reasons set out in Section 9 above of this Agreement upon one month notice to the Employee. In such event, the Employee will be entitled to a lump sum payment of salary and incurred expenses from the date of the notice to the termination date contained in section 2 of this agreement.
9.3 This Agreement and the Employee's employment may be terminated on notice by the Employee to the Company for any reason upon one month notice to the Company. In such event, the Employee will be entitled to payment of salary and expenses until the date one month after which notice was given.
10. Confidential Information
The Employee agrees to keep the affairs and Confidential Information (as defined below) of the Company strictly confidential and shall not disclose the same to any person, company or firm, directly or indirectly, during or after his employment by the Company except as authorized in writing by the Board. "Confidential Information" includes, without limitation, the following types of information or material, both existing and contemplated, regarding the Company or its parent, affiliated or subsidiary companies: corporate information, including contractual licensing arrangements, plans, strategies, tactics, policies, resolutions, patent, trademark and trade name applications; any litigation or negotiations; information concerning suppliers; marketing information, including sales, investment and product plans, customer lists, strategies, methods, customers, prospects and market research data; financial information, including cost and performance data, debt arrangements, equity structure, investors and holdings; operational and scientific information, including trade secrets; technical information, including technical drawings and designs; any information relating to any mineral projects in which the Company has an actual or potential interest; and personnel information, including personnel lists, resumes, personnel data, organizational structure and performance evaluations. The Employee agrees not to use such information, directly or indirectly, for his own interests, or any interests other than those of the Company,
whether or not those interests conflict with the interests of the Company during or after his employment by the Company. The Employee expressly acknowledges and agrees that all information relating to the Company, whether financial, technical or otherwise shall, upon execution of this Agreement and thereafter, as the case may be, be the sole property of the Company, whether arising before or after the execution of this Agreement. The Employee expressly agrees not to divulge any of the foregoing information to any person, partnership, Company or other legal entity or to assist in the disclosure or divulging of any such information, directly or indirectly, except as required by law or as otherwise authorized in writing by the Board. The provisions of this Section 10 and Section 10.1 below shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of one year.
10.1 The Employee agrees that all documents of any nature pertaining to the activities of the Company or its related corporate entities, including Confidential Information, in the Employee's possession now or at any time during the Employee's period of employment, are and shall be the property of the Company and that all such documents and copies of them shall be surrendered to the Company when requested by the Company.
11. Non-Competition
During
the Non-Competition Period (as defined below), the Employee shall not, either
individually or in partnership or jointly or in conjunction with any other
person, entity or organization, as principal, agent, consultant, lender,
contractor, employer, employee, investor, shareholder or in any other manner,
directly or indirectly, advise, manage, carry on, establish, control, engage in,
invest in, offer financial assistance or services to, or permit the Employee's
name or any part thereof to be used by, any business in geothermal resources
that competes with the business of the Company, its parent, affiliated or
subsidiary companies, or any business in which the Company, its parent,
affiliated or subsidiary companies is engaged. Competition, for purposes of this
paragraph is defined as a 10-mile radius around any and all geothermal
properties acquired by or in negotiations to be acquired by the Company up to
and inclusive of the date of termination. For purposes of this Agreement,
"Non-Competition Period" means a period ending twelve (12) months after the end
of the termination of this Agreement.
12. Acknowledgement
The
Employee acknowledges that damages would be an insufficient remedy for a breach
by him of this Agreement and agrees that the Company may apply for and obtain
any relief available to it in a court of law or equity, including injunctive
relief, to restrain breach or threat of breach of this Agreement by the Employee
or to enforce the covenants contained therein and, in particular, the covenants
contained in Sections 10, and 11, in addition to rights the Company may have to
damages arising from said breach or threat of breach.
13. Representations
and
Warranties
The
Employee represents and warrants to the Company that the execution and
performance of this Agreement will not result in or constitute a default,
breach, or violation, or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both,
would be a default,
breach, or violation, of any understanding, agreement or commitment, written or oral, express or implied, to which the Employee is currently a party or by which the Employee or Employee's property is currently bound.
14. Governing
Law
This
Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the
State of Idaho, USA.
15. Entire
Agreement
This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with
respect to the relationship between the Company and the Employee and supersedes
all prior arrangements and agreements, whether oral or in writing between the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
16.
Amendments
No
amendment to or variation of the terms of this Agreement will be effective or
binding upon the parties hereto unless made in writing and signed by both of the
parties hereto.
17. Assignment
This
Agreement is not assignable by the Employee. This Agreement is assignable by the
Company to any other company, which controls, is controlled by, or is under
common control with the Company. This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the Company and its successors and permitted assigns and the
Employee and his heirs, executors and administrators.
18. Severability
Any
provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of the
prohibition or unenforceability and shall be severed from the balance of this
Agreement, all without affecting the remaining provisions of this Agreement or
affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other
jurisdiction.
19. Headings
The
division of this Agreement into Sections and the insertion of headings are for
convenience or reference only and shall not affect the construction or
interpretation of this Agreement.
20. Time
of
Essence
Time shall be of the essence in all respects of this Agreement.
21. Independent
Legal
Advice
The
Employee agrees that he has had, or has had the opportunity to obtain,
independent legal advice in connection with the execution of this Agreement and
has read this Agreement in its entirety, understands its contents and is signing
this Agreement
freely and voluntarily, without duress or undue influence from any party.
22. Notice
Any notice required or permitted to be made or given under this Agreement to
either party shall be in writing and shall be sufficiently given if delivered
personally , by facsimile, or if sent by prepaid registered mail to the intended
recipient of such notice at their respective addresses set forth below or to
such other address as may, from time to time, be designated by notice given in
the manner provided in this Section:
In the case of Company:
U.S. Geothermal Inc.
1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B
Boise,
Idaho 83706
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Fax No.: 208-424-1030
In the case of Employee:
Daniel Kunz
1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B
Boise, Idaho 83706
Fax No.: 208-424-1030
22.1 Any notice delivered to the party to whom it is addressed shall be deemed to have been given and received on the day it is so delivered or, if such day is not a business day, then on the next business day following any such day. Any notice mailed shall be deemed to have been given and received on the 10th business day following the date of mailing. In the case of facsimile transmission, notice is deemed to have been given or served on the party to whom it was sent at the time of dispatch if, following transmission, the sender receives a transmission confirmation report or, if the sender's facsimile machine is not equipped to issue a transmission confirmation report, the recipient confirms in writing that the notice has been received.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. | ||
By: | /s/ John Walker | |
Chairman, US Geothermal Inc. |
SIGNED by the Employee in the presence of: | ||
/s/ Kerry D. Hawkley | /s/ Daniel Kunz | |
Witness | Daniel Kunz | |
Kerry D. Hawkley | ||
Printed Name of Witness |
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 1st day of April, 2006
BETWEEN:
US Geothermal Inc., a body corporate having an office at Suite B, 1509 Tyrell Lane Boise, Idaho 83706
(the "Company")
AND:
Kerry Hawkley of 1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B: Boise, Idaho 83706
(the "Employee")
WHEREAS:
(A) the Company is in the business of developing the Raft River geothermal property;
(B) the Company wishes to engage the Employee as Chief Financial Officer; and
(C) the parties hereto wish to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of fixing the compensation and terms applicable to the employment of the Employee during the period hereinafter set out.
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSES that the parties hereto, in consideration of the respective covenants and agreements on the part of each of them herein contained, do hereby covenant and agree as follows:
1.
Employment
The
Company hereby engages the Employee as Chief Financial Officer of the Company
and the Employee hereby accepts such employment, upon the terms and conditions
hereinafter set out.
2.
Term
This
Agreement will be effective from April 1, 2006 and will remain in full force and
effect until December 31, 2008 or until terminated as hereinafter provided.
3.
Responsibility
The
Employee will devote one hundred percent of his working time to his Employment
hereunder, and while engaged in his employment will have the authority and duty
to perform and carry out such duties and responsibilities as are customarily
carried out by persons holding similar positions in other development companies
comparable in size to the Company and such additional and related duties as may
from time to time be assigned, delegated, limited or determined by the
President.
4.
Other
Business Activities
It is agreed that the Employee's employment
hereunder shall constitute one hundred percent of his working time which shall
be devoted exclusively for the benefit of the
Company, and therefore, the Employee may not engage in any other business activities that would interfere with, or impede, in any significant manner, the performance of his duties as Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
5.
Compensation
In
consideration of the performance by the Employee of his responsibilities and
duties as Chief Financial Officer hereunder:
(a) the Company will pay the Employee the sum of US$96,000 per annum, payable in monthly installments of $8,000 no later than the last working day of the month.
(b) the Company will grant the Employee incentive stock options in such amount and on such conditions as the Board of Directors of the Company may determine from time to time; and
(c) the Company will provide the Employee and his immediate family (consisting of spouse and children) with medical, dental and related coverage as are available to the other employees of the Company.
6.
Expenses
The
Company will reimburse the Employee for any and all reasonable and documented
expenses actually and necessarily incurred by the Employee in connection with
the performance of his duties under this Agreement. The Employee will furnish
the Company with an itemized account of his expenses in such form or forms as
may reasonably be required by the Company and at such times or intervals as may
be required by the Company.
7.
Vacation
Employee
will be entitled to a paid vacation of three weeks within each 12 month period
under the terms of this Agreement, to be calculated from the date of the
commencement of employment set forth in Section 2 herein. This vacation must be
taken on dates which do not adversely compromise the Employees performance of
his duties under this Agreement.
8.
Termination
This
Agreement and the Employee's employment may be terminated by the Company
summarily and without notice, payment in lieu of notice, severance payments,
benefits, damages or any sums whatsoever, on the occurrence of any one or more
of the following events:
(a) |
The Employee's failure to carry out his duties hereunder in a competent and professional manner; |
|
(b) |
The Employee's appropriation of corporate opportunities for the Employee's direct or indirect benefit or his failure to disclose any material conflict of interest; |
(c) |
The Employee's plea of guilty to, or conviction of, an indictable offence once all appeals (if any) have been completed without such conviction having been reversed; |
|
(d) |
The existence of cause for termination of the Employee at common law including but not limited to cause related to fraud, dishonesty, illegality, breach of statute or regulation, or gross incompetence; |
|
(e) |
Failure on the part of the Employee to disclose material facts concerning his business interests or employment outside of his employment by the Company, provided such facts relate to the Employee's duties hereunder; |
|
(f) |
Refusal on the part of the Employee to follow the reasonable and 1awfull directions of the Company; |
|
(g) |
Breach of fiduciary duty to the Company on the part of the Employee; |
|
(h) |
Material breach of this Agreement or gross negligence on the part of the Employee in carrying out his duties under this Agreement; or |
|
(i) |
A declaration of bankruptcy on the part of the Employee by a court of competent jurisdiction. |
8.1 In the event of the early termination of the Agreement for any reason set out in Section 8 above, the Employee shall only be entitled to such compensation as would otherwise be payable to the Employee hereunder up to and including such date of termination, as the case may be.
8.2 This Agreement and the Employee's employment may be terminated on notice by the Company to the Employee for any reason other than for the reasons set out in Section 8 above of this Agreement upon one month notice to the Employee. In such event, the Employee will be entitled to payment of salary and expenses until the date one month after which notice was given.
8.3 This Agreement and the Employee's employment may be terminated on notice by the Employee to the Company for any reason upon one month notice to the Company. In such event, the Employee will be entitled to payment of salary and expenses until the date one month after which notice was given.
9.
Confidential
Information
The
Employee agrees to keep the affairs and Confidential Information (as defined
below) of the Company strictly confidential and shall not disclose the same to
any person, company or firm, directly or indirectly, during or after his
employment by the Company except as authorized in writing by the Board.
"Confidential Information" includes, without limitation, the following types of
information or material, both existing and contemplated, regarding the Company
or its parent, affiliated or subsidiary
companies: corporate information, including contractual licensing arrangements, plans, strategies, tactics, policies, resolutions, patent, trademark and trade name applications; any litigation or negotiations; information concerning suppliers; marketing information, including sales, investment and product plans, customer lists, strategies, methods, customers, prospects and market research data; financial information, including cost and performance data, debt arrangements, equity structure, investors and holdings; operational and scientific information, including trade secrets; technical information, including technical drawings and designs; any information relating to any mineral projects in which the Company has an actual or potential interest; and personnel information, including personnel lists, resumes, personnel data, organizational structure and performance evaluations. The Employee agrees not to use such information, directly or indirectly, for his own interests, or any interests other than those of the Company, whether or not those interests conflict with the interests of the Company during or after his employment by the Company. The Employee expressly acknowledges and agrees that all information relating to the Company, whether financial, technical or otherwise shall, upon execution of this Agreement and thereafter, as the case may be, be the sole property of the Company, whether arising before or after the execution of this Agreement. The Employee expressly agrees not to divulge any of the foregoing information to any person, partnership, Company or other legal entity or to assist in the disclosure or divulging of any such information, directly or indirectly, except as required by law or as otherwise authorized in writing by the Board. The provisions of this Section 9 and Section 9.1 below shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of one year.
9.1 The Employee agrees that all documents of any nature pertaining to the activities of the Company or its related corporate entities, including Confidential Information, in the Employee's possession now or at any time during the Employee's period of employment, are and shall be the property of the Company and that all such documents and copies of them shall be surrendered to the Company when requested by the Company.
10. Non-Competition
During the Non-Competition Period (as defined below), the Employee shall not, either individually or in partnership or jointly or in conjunction with any other person, entity or organization, as principal, agent, consultant, lender, contractor, employer, employee, investor, shareholder or in any other manner, directly or indirectly, advise, manage, carry on, establish, control, engage in, invest in, offer financial assistance or services to, or permit the Employee's name or any part thereof to be used by, any business in geothermal resources that competes with the business of the Company, its parent, affiliated or subsidiary companies, or any business in which the Company, its parent, affiliated or subsidiary companies is engaged. Competition, for purposes of this paragraph is defined as a 100-mile radius around any and all geothermal properties acquired by the Company up to and inclusive of the date of termination. For purposes of this Agreement, "Non-Competition Period" means a period ending twelve (12) months after the end of the termination of this Agreement.
11. Acknowledgement
The Employee acknowledges that damages would be an insufficient remedy for a breach by him of this Agreement and agrees that the Company may apply for and obtain any relief available to it in a court of law or equity, including injunctive relief, to restrain breach or threat of breach of this Agreement by the Employee or to enforce the covenants contained therein and, in particular, the covenants contained in Sections 9 and 10, in addition to rights the Company may have to damages arising from said breach or threat of breach.
12.
Representations and
Warranties
The
Employee represents and warrants to the Company that the execution and
performance of this Agreement will not result in or constitute a default,
breach, or violation, or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both,
would be a default, breach, or violation, of any understanding, agreement or
commitment, written or oral, express or implied, to which the Employee is
currently a party or by which the Employee or Employee's property is currently
bound.
13.
Governing
Law
This
Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the
State of Idaho, USA.
14.
Entire
Agreement
This
Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with
respect to the relationship between the Company and the Employee and supersedes
all prior arrangements and agreements, whether oral or in writing between the
parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
15.
Amendments
No
amendment to or variation of the terms of this Agreement will be effective or
binding upon the parties hereto unless made in writing and signed by both of the
parties hereto.
16.
Assignment
This
Agreement is not assignable by the Employee. This Agreement is assignable by the
Company to any other company, which controls, is controlled by, or is under
common control with the Company. This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the Company and its successors and permitted assigns and the
Employee and his heirs, executors and administrators.
17.
Severability
Any
provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of the
prohibition or unenforceability and shall be severed from the balance of this
Agreement, all without affecting the remaining provisions of this Agreement or
affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other
jurisdiction.
18.
Headings
The
division of this Agreement into Sections and the insertion of headings are
for
convenience or reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
19.
Time
of
Essence
Time
shall be of the essence in all respects of this Agreement.
20.
Independent
Legal
Advice
The
Employee agrees that he has had, or has had the opportunity to obtain,
independent legal advice in connection with the execution of this Agreement and
has read this Agreement in its entirety, understands its contents and is signing
this Agreement freely and voluntarily, without duress or undue influence from
any party.
21.
Notice
Any
notice required or permitted to be made or given under this Agreement to either
party shall be in writing and shall b6 sufficiently given if delivered
personally, by facsimile, or if sent by prepaid registered mail to the intended
recipient of such notice at their respective addresses set forth below or to
such other address as may, from time to time, be designated by notice given in
the manner provided in this Section:
In the case of Company:
U.S. Geothermal Inc.
1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B
Boise,
Idaho 83706
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Fax No.: 208-424-1030
In the case of Employee:
Kerry Hawkley
1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B
Boise, Idaho
83706
Fax No.: 208-424-1030
21.1 Any notice delivered to the party to whom it is addressed shall be deemed to have been given and received on the day it is so delivered or, if such day is not a business day, then on the next business day following any such day. Any notice mailed shall be deemed to have been given and received on the 10th business day following the date of mailing. In the case of facsimile transmission, notice is deemed to have been given or served on the party to whom it was sent at the time of dispatch if, following transmission, the sender receives a transmission confirmation report or, if the sender's facsimile machine is not equipped to issue a transmission confirmation report, the recipient confirms in writing that the notice has been received.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC.
By: | /s/ Daniel Kunz | |
Daniel Kunz - President |
SIGNED by the Employee in the presence of:
/s/ Amy Mitchell | /s/ Kerry Hawkley | |
Witness | Kerry Hawkley | |
Amy Mitchell | ||
Printed Name of Witness |
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 1st day of April, 2006
BETWEEN:
US Geothermal Inc., a body corporate having an office at Suite B, 1509 Tyrell Lane Boise, Idaho 83706
(the "Company")
AND:
Douglas Glaspey of 1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B: Boise, Idaho 83706
(the "Employee")
WHEREAS:
(A) the Company is in the business of developing the Raft River geothermal property;
(B) the Company wishes to engage the Employee as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; and
(C) the parties hereto wish to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of fixing the compensation and terms applicable to the employment of the Employee during the period hereinafter set out.
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSES that the parties hereto, in consideration of the respective covenants and agreements on the part of each of them herein contained, do hereby covenant and agree as follows:
1.
Employment
The
Company hereby engages the Employee as Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company and the Employee hereby accepts such
employment, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set out.
2.
Term
This
Agreement will be effective from April 1, 2006 and will remain in full force and
effect until December 31, 2008 or until terminated as hereinafter provided.
3.
Responsibility
The
Employee will devote one hundred percent of his working time to his Employment
hereunder, and while engaged in his employment will have the authority and duty
to perform and carry out such duties and responsibilities as are customarily
carried out by persons holding similar positions in other development companies
comparable in size to the Company and such additional and related duties as may
from time to time be assigned, delegated, limited or determined by the
President.
4. Other Business Activities
It is agreed that the Employee's employment hereunder shall constitute one hundred percent of his working time which shall be devoted exclusively for the benefit of the Company, and therefore, the Employee may not engage in any other business activities that would interfere with, or impede, in any significant manner, the performance of his duties as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
5.
Compensation
In
consideration of the performance by the Employee of his responsibilities and
duties as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer hereunder:
(a)
the Company will
pay the Employee the sum of US$108,000 per annum, payable in monthly
installments of $9,000 no later than the last working day of the month.
(b)
the
Company will grant the Employee incentive stock options in such amount and on
such conditions as the Board of Directors of the Company may determine from time
to time; and
(d) the Company will provide the Employee and his immediate family (consisting of spouse and children) with medical, dental and related coverage as are available to the other employees of the Company.
6.
Expenses
The
Company will reimburse the Employee for any and all reasonable and documented
expenses actually and necessarily incurred by the Employee in connection with
the performance of his duties under this Agreement. The Employee will furnish
the Company with an itemized account of his expenses in such form or forms as
may reasonably be required by the Company and at such times or intervals as may
be required by the Company.
7.
Vacation
Employee
will be entitled to a paid vacation of three weeks within each 12 month period
under the terms of this Agreement, to be calculated from the date of the
commencement of employment set forth in Section 2 herein. This vacation must be
taken on dates which do not adversely compromise the Employees performance of
his duties under this Agreement.
8.
Termination
This
Agreement and the Employee's employment may be terminated by the Company
summarily and without notice, payment in lieu of notice, severance payments,
benefits, damages or any sums whatsoever, on the occurrence of any one or more
of the following events:
(a) |
The Employee's failure to carry out his duties hereunder in a competent and professional manner; |
(b) |
The Employee's appropriation of corporate opportunities for the Employee's direct or indirect benefit or his failure to disclose any material conflict of interest; |
|
(c) |
The Employee's plea of guilty to, or conviction of, an indictable offence once all appeals (if any) have been completed without such conviction having been reversed; |
|
(d) |
The existence of cause for termination of the Employee at common law including but not limited to cause related to fraud, dishonesty, illegality, breach of statute or regulation, or gross incompetence; |
|
(e) |
Failure on the part of the Employee to disclose material facts concerning his business interests or employment outside of his employment by the Company, provided such facts relate to the Employee's duties hereunder; |
|
(f) |
Refusal on the part of the Employee to follow the reasonable and 1awfi.d directions of the Company; |
|
(g) |
Breach of fiduciary duty to the Company on the part of the Employee; |
|
(h) |
Material breach of this Agreement or gross negligence on the part of the Employee in carrying out his duties under this Agreement; or |
|
(i) |
A declaration of bankruptcy on the part of the Employee by a court of competent jurisdiction. |
8.1 In the event of the early termination of the Agreement for any reason set out in Section 8 above, the Employee shall only be entitled to such compensation as would otherwise be payable to the Employee hereunder up to and including such date of termination, as the case may be.
8.2 This Agreement and the Employee's employment may be terminated on notice by the Company to the Employee for any reason other than for the reasons set out in Section 8 above of this Agreement upon one month notice to the Employee. In such event, the Employee will be entitled to payment of salary and expenses until the date one month after which notice was given.
8.3 This Agreement and the Employee's employment may be terminated on notice by the Employee to the Company for any reason upon one month notice to the Company. In such event, the Employee will be entitled to payment of salary and expenses until the date one month after which notice was given.
9. Confidential Information
The Employee agrees to keep the affairs and Confidential Information (as defined below) of the Company strictly confidential and shall not disclose the same to any person, company or firm, directly or indirectly, during or after his employment by the Company except as authorized in writing by the Board. "Confidential Information"
includes, without limitation, the following types of information or material, both existing and contemplated, regarding the Company or its parent, affiliated or subsidiary companies: corporate information, including contractual licensing arrangements, plans, strategies, tactics, policies, resolutions, patent, trademark and trade name applications; any litigation or negotiations; information concerning suppliers; marketing information, including sales, investment and product plans, customer lists, strategies, methods, customers, prospects and market research data; financial information, including cost and performance data, debt arrangements, equity structure, investors and holdings; operational and scientific information, including trade secrets; technical information, including technical drawings and designs; any information relating to any mineral projects in which the Company has an actual or potential interest; and personnel information, including personnel lists, resumes, personnel data, organizational structure and performance evaluations. The Employee agrees not to use such information, directly or indirectly, for his own interests, or any interests other than those of the Company, whether or not those interests conflict with the interests of the Company during or after his employment by the Company. The Employee expressly acknowledges and agrees that all information relating to the Company, whether financial, technical or otherwise shall, upon execution of this Agreement and thereafter, as the case may be, be the sole property of the Company, whether arising before or after the execution of this Agreement. The Employee expressly agrees not to divulge any of the foregoing information to any person, partnership, Company or other legal entity or to assist in the disclosure or divulging of any such information, directly or indirectly, except as required by law or as otherwise authorized in writing by the Board. The provisions of this Section 9and Section 9.1 below shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of one year.
9.1 The Employee agrees that all documents of any nature pertaining to the activities of the Company or its related corporate entities, including Confidential Information, in the Employee's possession now or at any time during the Employee's period of employment, are and shall be the property of the Company and that all such documents and copies of them shall be surrendered to the Company when requested by the Company.
10. Non-Competition
During the Non-Competition Period (as defined below), the Employee shall not, either individually or in partnership or jointly or in conjunction with any other person, entity or organization, as principal, agent, consultant, lender, contractor, employer, employee, investor, shareholder or in any other manner, directly or indirectly, advise, manage, carry on, establish, control, engage in, invest in, offer financial assistance or services to, or permit the Employee's name or any part thereof to be used by, any business in geothermal resources that competes with the business of the Company, its parent, affiliated or subsidiary companies, or any business in which the Company, its parent, affiliated or subsidiary companies is engaged. Competition, for purposes of this paragraph is defined as a 100-mile radius around any and all geothermal properties acquired by the Company up to and inclusive of the date of termination. For purposes of this Agreement, "Non-Competition Period" means a period ending twelve (12) months after the end of the termination of this Agreement.
11. Acknowledgement
The Employee acknowledges that damages would be an insufficient remedy for a breach by him of this Agreement and agrees that the Company may apply for and obtain any relief available to it in a court of law or equity, including injunctive relief, to restrain breach or threat of breach of this Agreement by the Employee or to enforce the covenants contained therein and, in particular, the covenants contained in Sections 9 and 10, in addition to rights the Company may have to damages arising from said breach or threat of breach.
12. Representations and Warranties
The Employee represents and warrants to the Company that the execution and performance of this Agreement will not result in or constitute a default, breach, or violation, or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would be a default, breach, or violation, of any understanding, agreement or commitment, written or oral, express or implied, to which the Employee is currently a party or by which the Employee or Employee's property is currently bound.
13. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Idaho, USA.
14. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the relationship between the Company and the Employee and supersedes all prior arrangements and agreements, whether oral or in writing between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.
15. Amendments
No amendment to or variation of the terms of this Agreement will be effective or binding upon the parties hereto unless made in writing and signed by both of the parties hereto.
16. Assignment
This Agreement is not assignable by the Employee. This Agreement is assignable by the Company to any other company, which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company. This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Company and its successors and permitted assigns and the Employee and his heirs, executors and administrators.
17. Severability
Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of the prohibition or unenforceability and shall be severed from the balance of this Agreement, all without affecting the remaining provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.
18. Headings
The division of this Agreement into Sections and the insertion of headings are for convenience or reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
19. Time of Essence
Time shall be of the essence in all respects of this Agreement.
20. Independent Legal Advice
The Employee agrees that he has had, or has had the opportunity to obtain, independent legal advice in connection with the execution of this Agreement and has read this Agreement in its entirety, understands its contents and is signing this Agreement freely and voluntarily, without duress or undue influence from any party.
21. Notice
Any notice required or permitted to be made or given under this Agreement to either party shall be in writing and shall b6 sufficiently given if delivered personally, by electronic transmission, or if sent by prepaid registered mail to the intended recipient of such notice at their respective addresses set forth below or to such other address as may, from time to time, be designated by notice given in the manner provided in this Section:
In the case of Company:
U.S. Geothermal Inc.
1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B
Boise,
Idaho 83706
Attention: Corporate Secretary
Fax No.: 208-424-1030
In the case of Employee:
Douglas Glaspey
1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B
Boise, Idaho
83706
Fax No.: 208-424-1030
21.1 Any notice delivered to the party to whom it is addressed shall be deemed to have been given and received on the day it is so delivered or, if such day is not a business day, then on the next business day following any such day. Any notice mailed shall be deemed to have been given and received on the 10th business day following the date of mailing. In the case of facsimile transmission, notice is deemed to have been given or served on the party to whom it was sent at the time of dispatch if, following transmission, the sender receives a transmission confirmation report or, if the sender's facsimile machine is not equipped to issue a transmission confirmation report, the recipient confirms in writing that the notice has been received.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC.
By: | /s/ Daniel Kunz | |
Daniel Kunz - President |
SIGNED by the Employee in the presence of:
/s/ Kerry D. Hawkley | /s/ Douglas Glaspey | |
Witness | Douglas Glaspey | |
Kerry D. Hawkley | ||
Printed Name of Witness |
Service Agreement No. 05TX-11399
SERVICE AGREEMENT
for
POINT-TO-POINT
TRANSMISSION SERVICE
executed
by
the
UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
acting
by
and through the
BOMV-EVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
and
U.S.
GEOTHERMAL, INC.
1. |
This Service Agreement, dated as of 0 6 / 2 4 / 2 0 0 5 , is entered into, by and between the Bonneville Power Administration Transmission Business Line (Transmission Provider) and U.S. Geothermal, Inc. (Transmission Customer). |
2. |
The Transmission Customer has been determined by the Transmission Provider to have a Completed Application for Point-to-Point (PTP) Transmission Service under the Transmission Provider's Open Access Transmission Tariff (Tariff). |
3. |
The Transmission Customer has provided to the Transmission Provider a deposit, unless such deposit has been waived by the Transmission Provider, for F'irm Point- to-Point Transmission Service in accordance with the provisions of section 17.3 of the Tariff. |
4. |
Service under this agreement shall commence on 0000 hours on June 1,2006. Service under this agreement shall terminate on such date as mutually agreed upon by the parties. |
5. |
The Transmission Provider agrees to provide and the Transmission Customer agrees to take and pay for Point-to-Point Transmission Service in accordance with the provisions of Part I1 of the Tariff and this Service Agreement. |
6. |
Any notice or request made to or by either Party regarding this Service Agreement shall be made to the representative of the other Party as indicated in Exhibit B. |
7. |
The Tariff, Exhibit A (Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service), and Exhibit B (Notices),are incorporated herein and made a part hereof. Capitalized terms not defined in this agreement are defined in the Tariff. |
8. |
This Service Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with Federal law. |
9. |
This Service Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and assigns. |
10. |
The Transmission Customer and the Transmission Provider agree that provisions of section 3201(i)of Public Law 104-134 (Bonneville Power Administration Refinancing Act) are incorporated in their entirety and hereby made a part of this Service Agreement. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Service Agreement to be executed by their respective authorized officials.
U.S. GEOTHERMAL, INC. |
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Department of Energy Bonneville Power Administration |
|||
By: | /s/ Douglas J. Glaspey | By: | /s/ Richard A. Gillman | |
Name:
(Print/Type) |
Douglas J. Glaspey |
Name:
(Print/Type) |
Richard A. Gillman | |
Title: | COO & Director | Title: | Transmission Account Executive | |
Date: | 06/24/2005 | Date: | 6/22/05 |
Service Agreement No. 05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | 2 |
EXHIBIT A
SPECIFICATIONS FOR LONG-TERM FIRM
POINT-TO-POINT TRANSMISSION SERVICE
TABLE 1A
REQUEST FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICES
The OASIS Assignment Reference Number (ARef) is: 1424987.
1. |
TERM OF TRANSACTION |
Start Date: at 0000 hours on June 1,2006. |
|
Termination Date: at 0000 hours on June 1,2036, provided, however, that service under this agreement shall terminate on the earlier of: (i) the date mutually agreed upon by the parties; or (ii) the date Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative terminates the Transmission Provider's lease of transmission facilities under Contract No. DE- MS79-84BP91697, as it may be amended or replaced. |
|
2. |
DESCRIPTION OF CAPACITY AND ENERGY TO BE TRANSMITTED BY TRANSMISSION PROVIDER |
Delivering
Party (Resource) l |
POR
Name & Voltage |
POR
Control Area |
Reserved
Capacity (kW) |
POD
Name & Voltage |
POD
Control Area |
Reserved
Capacity (kW) |
Receiving Party |
Transmission
Customer |
Bridge 34.5 kV
|
IPC
|
12,000
|
Minidoka
PP 138 kV- IPC |
IPC
|
12,000
|
IPC
|
Total Reserved Capacity | 12,000 |
3. | POINT OF RECEIPT |
BRIDGE SUBSTATION 34.5 kV | |
Location : the point in the Transmission Provider's Bridge Substation where the 34.5 kV facilities of the Transmission Provider and Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. are connected. It is the Transmission Customer's responsibility to arrange for the delivery of power from the generation site(s) to this Point of Receipt. |
|
|
|
Voltage : 34.5 kV |
|
|
|
Metering : in the Transmission Provider's Bridge Substation and at the Transmission Customer's generation site(s)in the 34.5 kV circuits over which such electric power flows. |
1 The Resource, POR, POD and the whole transmission path are in the control area of Idaho Power Company (IPC), who is also the purchaser of the power from the Resource.
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 1of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1A | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on June 1,2006 |
4. |
POINT OF DELIVERY |
MINIDOKA PP 138 kV - IPC POINT OF DELIVERY |
|
Location: in the Government's Minidoka Power Plant where the 138 kV facilities of the Government and IPC are connected; |
|
Voltage: 138 kV, |
|
Metering: None. It is the responsibility of the Transmission Customer to assure that metering is implemented consistent with IPC's requirements. |
|
Exceptions: Loss returns are not required by the Transmission Provider at this time. It is the responsibility of the Transmission Customer to work with IPC as the POR and POD Control Area to determine the implementation of loss returns. |
|
5. |
DESIGNATION OF PARTY SUBJECT TO RECIPROCAL SERVICE OBLIGATION |
US. Geothermal, Inc. |
|
6. |
NAMES OF ANY INTERVENING SYSTEMS PROVIDING TRANSMISSION SERVICE |
None. |
|
7. |
SERVICE AGREEMENT CHARGES |
Service under this Agreement will be subject to some combination of the charges detailed in Tables 1, 2 and 3 of this exhibit. (The appropriate charges for transactions will be determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Tariff.) |
(a) |
Transmission Charge |
|
PTP-04 Rate Schedule or successor rate schedules. |
(1) |
Reservation Fee |
|
Within 30 days after the Transmission Customer signs this Service Agreement, the first annual nonrefundable reservation fee of $12,336 shall be paid to the Transmission Provider. For the second and any subsequent reservation fees, the Transmission Provider will bill the Transmission Customer 30 days prior to their due date. If the deferral or extension of service spans two or more rate periods, the reservation fee will be based on the PTP Rate in effect at the time each payment is due. The Reservation Fee is based on the PTP Rate only and not on any of the Ancillary Services. |
||
(2) |
Short Distance Discount (SDD) |
|
[0.6 + (0.4 x transmission distancel75)] |
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 2of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1A | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on June 1,2006 |
Path
|
Circuit
Miles |
Transmission
Demand (kW) |
SDD
Factor
|
Bridge - Minidoka | 40.9 | 12,000 | 0.818 2 |
(b) |
System Impact and/or Facilities Study Charge(s) |
|
System Impact andlor Facilities Study Charges are not required at this time for service under this Service Agreement. |
8. |
OTHER PROVISIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS SERVICE AGREEMENT |
None. |
|
9. |
CREDITWORTHINESSAND PREPAYMENT FOR SERVICE |
(a) |
The Transmission Provider's creditworthiness business practices and provisions shall apply, as revised or replaced. |
(b) |
The Transmission Customer shall make monthly prepayments of the charges specified in paragraph 9(e) of this section. The Transmission Customer shall make the prepayment on or before the 20th of each month for the subsequent month. Should the 20th fall on a weekend or Federal holiday, the prepayment must be made on the preceding business day. The first prepayment is due to the Transmission Provider no later than May 20,2006, for the month of June, 2006. |
(c) |
The Transmission Customer shall wire transfer all prepayments to the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City so that they arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard or Daylight Time, whichever is in effect. The Transmission Provider will verify that payment has been received at the Federal Reserve Bank. |
(d) |
The Transmission Customer shall include the following information on all wire transfers under this Agreement: |
(1) |
ABA number - The ABA number for the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City is 021030004; |
|
(2) |
Receiving Bank - "TREASNYC" designates the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City as the receiving bank; |
|
(3) |
Product Code - "TREASNYCICTR"; |
|
(4) |
Account - Agency Location Code of 89001401 directs the payment to the BPA Fund in the U.S. Treasury; |
__________________________________
2
The SDD is not available for transmission from secondary points of integration.
If a primary point of integration, associated with a SDD is moved to a secondary
point of integration, at any time during the month, the SDD shall not be applied
for that month.
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 3 of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1A | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on June 1,2006 |
(5) | Third Party Information - After "OBI=" the Transmission Customer should indicate "TRANSMISSION PREPAY" in order to identify the payment when it is received. |
(e) |
The following charges are subject to prepayment: PTP Long Term Firm Transmission Service charges and Ancillary Service Charges. The monthly charge for long-term firm PTP transmission service under this Service Agreement shall be pursuant to the applicable PTP Rate Schedule, or its successor. Ancillary Service Charges shall be pursuant to the applicable ACS Rate Schedule, or its successor, and shall apply to the Ancillary Sewices in accordance with Exhibit A, Table 3. The amount of prepayment shall be determined using the applicable rates in effect for such service for the relevant month. Successors to the PTP and ACS rate schedules will apply to the prepayment obligations. Should the Transmission Customer purchase either short-term firm or nonfirm PTP transmission service under this Service Agreement, the Transmission Customer shall calculate such charges in accordance with the applicable rate and prepay such charges for each month as described in paragraph 9(b) of this section. |
|
|
||
(f) |
Prepayment pursuant to paragraph (e) above does not preclude the Transmission Provider from applying adjustments to such payments for other charges consistent with the applicable rate schedules, or to pass through to the Transmission Customer any additional charges not covered in paragraph (e) above for ancillary services which the Transmission Provider may be required to pay to the control area operator. Any such adjustments and charges are subject to payment under the Transmission Provider's normal transmission billing process. |
|
|
||
(g) |
If the Transmission Customer fails to make any payment as set forth above or to pay any amount owing on its Wholesale Transmission Bill on or before its due date, then, the Transmission Provider shall have the right to suspend transmission service for the period for which prepayment should have been provided, and, after 60 calendar days following written notice by the Transmission Provider to the Transmission Customer, the Transmission Provider shall have the right to terminate this Agreement. |
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 4 of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1A | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on June 1,2006 |
EXHIBIT A
SPECIFICATIONS FOR LONG-TERM F I B
POINT-TO-POINT TRANSMISSION SERVICE
TABLE 1B
REQUEST FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICES
The OASIS Assignment Reference Number (ARef) is: 1434023.
1. |
TERM OF TRANSACTION |
Start Date: at 0000 hours on December 1,2008. |
|
Termination Date: at 0000 hours on December 1,2010, provided, however, that service under this agreement shall terminate on the earlier of: (i) the date mutually agreed upon by the parties; or (ii) the date Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative terminates the Transmission Provider's lease of transmission facilities under Contract No. DE-MS79-84BP91697, as it may be amended or replaced. |
|
2. |
DESCRIPTION OF CAPACITY AND ENERGY TO BE TRANSMITTED BY TRANSMISSION PROVIDER |
Delivering
Party (Resource) l |
POR
Name & Voltage |
POR
Control Area |
Reserved
Capacity (kW) |
POD
Name & Voltage |
POD
Control Area |
Reserved
Capacity (kW) |
Receiving Party |
Transmission
Customer |
Bridge 34.5 kV
|
IPC
|
12,000
|
Minidoka
PP 138 kV- IPC |
IPC
|
12,000
|
IPC
|
Total Reserved Capacity | 12,000 |
3. |
POINT OF RECEIPT |
BRIDGE SUBSTATION 34.5 kV |
|
Location: the point in the Transmission Provider's Bridge Substation where the 34.5 kV facilities of the Transmission Provider and Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. are connected. It is the Transmission Customer's responsibility to arrange for the delivery of power from the generation site(s) to this Point of Receipt. |
|
Voltage: 34.5 kV |
|
Metering: in the Transmission Provider's Bridge Substation and at the Transmission Customer's generation site(s) in the 34.5 kV circuits over which such electric power flows. |
1 The Resource, POR, POD and the whole transmission path are in the control area of Idaho Power Company (PC), who 1s also the purchaser of the power from the Resource.
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 1of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1B | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on December 1,2008 |
4. |
POINT OF DELIVERY |
MINIDOKA PP 138 kV - IPC POINT OF DELIVERY |
|
Location: in the Government's Minidoka Power Plant where the 138 kV facilities of the Government and IPC are connected; |
|
Voltage: 138 kV, |
|
Metering: None. It is the responsibility of the Transmission Customer to assure that metering is implemented consistent with IPC's requirements. |
|
Exceptions: Loss returns are not required by the Transmission Provider at this time. It is the responsibility of the Transmission Customer to work with IPC as the POR and POD Control Area to determine the implementation of loss returns. |
5. |
DESIGNATION OF PARTY SUBJECT TO RECIPROCAL SERVICE OBLIGATION |
US. Geothermal, Inc. |
|
6. |
NAMES OF ANY INTERVENING SYSTEMS PROVIDING TRANSMISSION SERVICE |
None. |
|
7. |
SERVICE AGREEMENT CHARGES |
Service under this Agreement will be subject to some combination of the charges detailed in Tables 1,2 and 3 of this exhibit. (The appropriate charges for transactions will be determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Tariff.) |
(a) |
Transmission Charge |
||
PTP-04 Rate Schedule or successor rate schedules. |
|||
(1) |
Reservation Fee |
||
Within 30 days after the Transmission Customer signs this Service Agreement, the first annual nonrefundable reservation fee of $12,336 shall be paid to the Transmission Provider. For the second and any subsequent reservation fees, the Transmission Provider will bill the Transmission Customer 30 days prior to their due date. If the deferral or extension of service spans two or more rate periods, the reservation fee will be based on the PTP Rate in effect at the time each payment is due. The Reservation Fee is based on the PTP Rate only and not on any of the Ancillary Services. |
|||
(2) |
Short Distance Discount (SDD) |
||
[0.6 + (0.4 x transmission distance/75)] |
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 2 of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1B | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on December 1,2008 |
Path
|
Circuit
Miles |
Transmission
Demand (kW) |
SDD Factor
|
Bridge - Minidoka | 40.9 | 12,000 | 0.818 2 |
(b) |
System Impact and/or Facilities Study Charge(s) |
|
System Impact andlor Facilities Study Charges are not required at this time for service under this Service Agreement. |
8. |
OTHER PROVISIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS SERVICE AGREEMENT |
None. |
|
9. |
CREDITWORTHINESSAND PREPAYMENT FOR SERVICE |
(a) |
The Transmission Provider's creditworthiness business practices and provisions shall apply, as revised or replaced. |
|
(b) |
The Transmission Customer shall make monthly prepayments of the charges specified in paragraph 9(e) of this section. The Transmission Customer shall make the prepayment on or before the 20th of each month for the subsequent month. Should the 20th fall on a weekend or Federal holiday, the prepayment must be made on the preceding business day. The first prepayment is due to the Transmission Provider no later than November 20,2008, for the month of December, 2008. |
|
(c) |
The Transmission Customer shall wire transfer all prepayments to the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City so that they arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard or Daylight Time, whichever is in effect. The Transmission Provider will verify that payment has been received at the Federal Reserve Bank. |
|
(d) |
The Transmission Customer shall include the following information on all wire transfers under this Agreement: |
(1) |
ABA number - The ABA number for the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City is 021030004; |
|
(2) |
Receiving Bank - "TREASNYC" designates the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City as the receiving bank; |
|
(3) |
Product Code - 'TREAS NYCICTR"; |
|
(4) |
Account - Agency Location Code of 89001401 directs the payment to the BPA Fund in the U.S. Treasury; |
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 3 of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1B | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on December 1,2008 |
(5) |
Third Party Information - After "OBI="the Transmission Customer should indicate "TRANSMISSION PREPAY" in order to identify the payment when it is received. |
(e) |
The following charges are subject to prepayment: PTP Long Term Firm Transmission Service charges and Ancillary Service Charges. The monthly charge for long-term firm PTP transmission service under this Service Agreement shall be pursuant to the applicable PTP Rate Schedule, or its successor. Ancillary Service Charges shall be pursuant to the applicable ACS Rate Schedule, or its successor, and shall apply to the Ancillary Services in accordance with Exhibit A, Table 3. The amount of prepayment shall be determined using the applicable rates in effect for such service for the relevant month. Successors to the PTP and ACS rate schedules will apply to the prepayment obligations. Should the Transmission Customer purchase either short-term firm or nonfirm PTP transmission service under this Service Agreement, the Transmission Customer shall calculate such charges in accordance with the applicable rate and prepay such charges for each month as described in paragraph 9(b) of this section.. |
|
|
||
(f) |
Prepayment pursuant to paragraph (e) above does not preclude the Transmission Provider from applying adjustments to such payments for other charges consistent with the applicable rate schedules, or to pass through to the Transmission Customer any additional charges not covered in paragraph (e) above for ancillary services which the Transmission Provider may be required to pay to the control area operator. Any such adjustments and charges are subject to payment under the Transmission Provider's normal transmission billing process. |
|
|
||
(g) |
If the Transmission Customer fails to make any payment as set forth above or to pay any amount owing on its Wholesale Transmission Bill on or before its due date, then, the Transmission Provider shall have the right to suspend transmission service for the period for which prepayment should have been provided; and, after 60 calendar days following written notice by the Transmission Provider to the Transmission Customer, the Transmission Provider shall have the right to terminate this Agreement. |
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 4 of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1B | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on December 1,2008 |
EXHIBIT A
SPECIFICATIONS FOR LONG-TERM FIRM
POINT-TO-POINT TRANSMISSION SERVICE
TABLE 1C
REQUEST FOR TRANSMISSION SERVICES
The OASIS Assignment Reference Number (ARef) is: 1434025.
1. |
TERM OF TRANSACTION |
Start Date: at 0000 hours on December 1,2008. |
|
Termination Date: at 0000 hours on December 1,2010, provided, however, that service under this agreement shall terminate on the earlier of: (i) the date mutually agreed upon by the parties; or (ii) the date Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative terminates the Transmission Provider's lease of transmission facilities under Contract No. DE-MS79-84BP91697, as it may be amended or replaced. |
|
2. |
DESCRIPTION OF CAPACITY AND ENERGY TO BE TRANSMITTED BY TRANSMISSION PROVIDER |
Delivering
Party (Resource) l |
POR
Name & Voltage |
POR
Control Area |
Reserved
Capacity (kW) |
POD
Name & Voltage |
POD
Control Area |
Reserved
Capacity (kW) |
Receiving Party |
Transmission
Customer |
Bridge 34.5 kV
|
IPC
|
12,000
|
Minidoka
PP 138 kV- IPC |
IPC
|
12,000
|
IPC |
Total Reserved capacity | 12,000 |
3. | POINT OF RECEIPT |
BRIDGE SUBSTATION 34.5 kV | |
Location: the point in the Transmission Provider's Bridge Substation where 1 34.5 kV facilities of the Transmission Provider and Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. are connected It is the Transmission Customer's responsibility to arrange for the delivery of power from the generation site(s) to this Point of Receipt. |
|
|
|
Voltage: 34.5 kV |
|
|
|
Metering: in the Transmission Provider's Bridge Substation and at the Transmission Customer's generation site(s) in the 34.5 kV circuits over which such electric power flows. |
1 The Resource, POR, POD and the whole transmission path are in the control area of Idaho Power Company (IPC), who is also the purchaser of the power from the Resource.
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 1of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1C | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on December 1,2008 |
4. |
POINT OF DELIVERY |
MINIDOKA PP 138 kV - IPC POINT OF DELIVERY |
|
Location: in the Government's Minidoka Power Plant where the 138 kV facilities of the Government and IPC are connected; |
|
Voltage: 138 kV, |
|
Metering: None. It is the responsibility of the Transmission Customer to assure that metering is implemented consistent with IPC7srequirements. |
|
Exceptions: Loss returns are not required by the Transmission Provider at this time. It is the responsibility of the Transmission Customer to work with IPC as the POR and POD Control Area to determine the implementation of loss returns. |
5. |
DESIGNATION OF PARTY SUBJECT TO RECIPROCAL SERVICE OBLIGATION |
U.S. Geothermal, Inc. |
|
6. |
NAMES OF ANY INTERVENING SYSTEMS PROVIDING TRANSMISSION SERVICE |
None. |
|
7. |
SERVICE AGREEMENT CHARGES |
Service under this Agreement will be subject to some combination of the charges detailed in Tables 1,2and 3 of this exhibit. (The appropriate charges for transactions will be determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Tariff.) |
(a) |
Transmission Charge |
|
PTP-04 Rate Schedule or successor rate schedules. |
(1) |
Reservation Fee |
|
Within 30 days after the Transmission Customer signs this Service Agreement, the first annual nonrefundable reservation fee of $12,336 shall be paid to the Transmission Provider. For the second and any subsequent reservation fees, the Transmission Provider will bill the Transmission Customer 30 days prior to their due date. If the deferral or extension of service spans two or more rate periods, the reservation fee will be based on the PTP Rate in effect at the time each payment is due. The Reservation Fee is based on the PTP Rate only and not on any of the Ancillary Services. |
||
(2) |
Short Distance Discount (SDD) |
|
[0.6 + (0.4 x transmission distance/75)] |
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 2 of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1C | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on December 1,2008 |
Path
|
Circuit
Miles |
Transmission
Demand (kW) |
SDD Factor
|
Bridge -
Minidoka |
40.9
|
12,000
|
0.818
2
|
(b) |
System Impact andlor Facilities Study Charge(s) |
|
System Impact andlor Facilities Study Charges are not required at this time for service under this Service Agreement. |
8. |
OTHER PROVISIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS SERVICE AGREEMENT |
None. |
|
9. |
CREDITWORTHINESS AND PREPAYMENT FOR SERVICE |
(a) |
The Transmission Provider's creditworthiness business practices and provisions shall apply, as revised or replaced. |
(b) |
The Transmission Customer shall make monthly prepayments of the charges specified in paragraph 9(e) of this section. The Transmission Customer shall make the prepayment on or before the 20th of each month for the subsequent month. Should the 20th fall on a weekend or Federal holiday, the prepayment must be made on the preceding business day. The first prepayment is due to the Transmission Provider no later than November 20,2008, for the month of December, 2008. |
(c) |
The Transmission Customer shall wire transfer all prepayments to the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City so that they arrive no later than 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard or Daylight Time, whichever is in effect. The Transmission Provider will verify that payment has been received at the Federal Reserve Bank. |
(d) | The Transmission Customer shall include the following information on all wire transfers under this Agreement: |
(1) |
ABA number - The ABA number for the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City is 021030004; |
|
(2) |
Receiving Bank - "TREASNYC" designates the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City as the receiving bank, |
|
(3) |
Product Code - 'TREAS NYC/CTR1'; |
|
(4) |
Account - Agency Location Code of 89001401 directs the payment to the BPA Fund in the US. Treasury; |
____________________________________
2
The SDD is not available for transmission from secondary points of integration.
If a primary point of integration, associated with a SDD is moved to a secondary
point of integration, at any time during the month, the SDD shall not be applied
for that month.
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 3 of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1C | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on December 1,2008 |
(5) |
Third Party Information - After "OBI=" the Transmission Customer should indicate "TRANSMISSION PREPAY" in order to identify the payment when it is received. |
(e) |
The following charges are subject to prepayment: PTP Long Term Firm Transmission Service charges and Ancillary Service Charges. The monthly charge for long-term firm PTP transmission service under this Service Agreement shall be pursuant to the applicable PTP Rate Schedule, or its successor. Ancillary Service Charges shall be pursuant to the applicable ACS Rate Schedule, or its successor, and shall apply to the Ancillary Services in accordance with Exhibit A, Table 3. The amount of prepayment shall be determined using the applicable rates in effect for such service for the relevant month. Successors to the PTP and ACS rate schedules will apply to the prepayment obligations. Should the Transmission Customer purchase either short-term firm or nonfirm PTP transmission service under this Service Agreement, the Transmission Customer shall calculate such charges in accordance with the applicable rate and prepay such charges for each month as described in paragraph 9(b) of this section. |
|
|
||
(f) |
Prepayment pursuant to paragraph (e) above does not preclude the Transmission Provider from applying adjustments to such payments for other charges consistent with the applicable rate schedules, or to pass through to the Transmission Customer any additional charges not covered in paragraph (e) above for ancillary services which the Transmission Provider may be required to pay to the control area operator. Any such adjustments and charges are subject to payment under the Transmission Provider's normal transmission billing process. |
|
|
||
(g) |
If the Transmission Customer fails to make any payment as set forth above or to pay any amount owing on its Wholesale Transmission Bill on or before its due date, then, the Transmission Provider shall have the right to suspend transmission service for the period for which prepayment should have been provided; and, after 60 calendar days following written notice by the Transmission Provider to the Transmission Customer, the Transmission Provider shall have the right to terminate this Agreement. |
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 4 of 4 |
Exhibit A, Table 1C | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long-Term Firm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on December 1,2008 |
EXHIBIT A
SPECIFICATIONS FOR LONG-TERM FIRM
POINT-TO-POINT TRANSMISSION SERVICE
TABLE
2
DIRECT ASSIGNMENT
AND
USE-OF-FACILITIES CHARGES
Facilities Charges are not required at this time for the service associated with Exhibit A, Tables lA, lB, and 1C.
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 1of 1 |
Exhibit A, Table 2 | Effective at 0000 hours |
Specifications for Long~TermFirm Point-To-Point Transmission Service | on June 1,2006 |
EXHIBIT A
SPECIFICATIONS FOR LONG-TERM FIRM
POINT-TO-POINT TRANSMISSION SERVICE
TABLE
3
ANCILLARY SERVICE CHARGES
This Table 3 is subject to the ACS-04 Rate Schedule or successor rate schedules. For transmission service that requires use of the Transmission Provider's control area, the first two services below must be purchased from the Transmission Provider, and the Transmission Customer must make arrangements for the provision of other ancillary services in compliance with the Transmission Provider's Open Access Transmission Tariff (Tariff), as it may be amended. To the extent that ancillary or control area services are provided by a control area operator other than the Transmission Provider, or by any entity other than the Transmission Provider, and such services are billed to the Transmission Provider, the Transmission Provider will pass on such costs to the Transmission Customer, and the Transmission Customer agrees to pay such charges. The information specified below is applicable only to service provided pursuant to Tables lA, lB, and lC, which are included in Exhibit A at the time this Contract 05TX-11399 is originally executed. If the Transmission Customer requests additional service not specified in such tables at the time this contract is originally executed, or if such original service is revised or assigned, whether or not such service is documented in this Service Agreement, the provisions of the Tariff, as it may be amended or replaced, shall determine the applicability of the ancillary services described therein to the services requested.
Provided By | Contract No. | ||
1.
|
SCHEDULING, SYSTEM CONTROL
AND
DISPATCH (See above) |
As determined
by control area operator |
|
2.
|
REACTIVE SUPPLY AND
VOLTAGE
CONTROL (See above) |
As determined
by control area operator |
|
3.
|
REGULATION
&
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
(Only for customers serving load in Transmission Provider's Control Area) |
Not
Applicable |
|
4.
|
ENERGY IMBALANCE SERVICE
(Only for customers serving load in Transmission Provider's Control Area who do not receive requirements power service from BPA) |
Not
Applicable |
|
5.
|
OPERATING RESERVE
-
SPINNING
RESERVE |
As Applicable
|
|
6.
|
OPERATING RESERVE
-
SUPPLEMENTAL
RESERVE |
As Applicable
|
|
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 1of 1 |
Exhibit B | Effective at 0000 hours |
Notices | on June 1,2006 |
EXHIBIT B
NOTICES
1. |
NOTICES RELATING TO PROVISIONS OF THE SERVICE AGREEMENT |
Any notice or other communication related to this Service Agreement, other than notices of an operating nature (section 2 below), shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been received if delivered in person, First Class mail, by telefax or sent by overnight delivery. |
If to the Transmission Customer: | If to the Transmission Provider: | |
U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Bonneville Power Administration | |
1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B | P.O. Box 61409 | |
Boise, ID 83706 | Vancouver, WA 98666-1409 | |
Attention: Mr. Robert A. Cline, | Attention: Transmission Account Executive | |
Vice President, Engineering | for U.S. Geothermal - TMIOPP2 | |
Phone: (208) 424-1027 | Phone: (360) 619-6010 | |
Fax: (208) 424-1030 | Fax: (360) 619-6940 | |
If by Overnight Delivery Services: | ||
Bonneville Power Administration | ||
8100 NE Parkway Drive - Suite 50 | ||
Vancouver, WA 98662 | ||
Attention: Transmission Account Executive | ||
for U.S. Geothermal - TMIOPP2 |
2. |
NOTICES OF AN OPERATING NATURE |
Any notice, request, or demand of an operating nature by the Transmission Provider or the Transmission Customer shall be made either orally or in writing by telefax or sent by First Class mail or overnight delivery. |
If to the Transmission Customer: | If to the Transmission Provider: | |
U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Bonneville Power Administration | |
1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B | P.O. Box 491 | |
Boise, ID 83706 | Vancouver, WA 98666-0491 | |
Attention: Mr. Robert A. Cline, | Attention: Real-Time Scheduling Desk | |
Vice President, Engineering | EMERGENCY ONLY | |
Phone: (208) 424-1027 | Phone: Contact Idaho Power Company | |
Fax: (208) 424-1030 | Fax: Contact Idaho Power Company |
3. |
SCHEDULING AGENT |
Not applicable for service as specified in Exhibit A, Tables lA, lB, and 1C. |
05TX-11399, U.S. Geothermal, Inc. | Page 1of 1 |
Exhibit B | Effective at 0000 hours |
Notices | on June 1,2006 |
Interconnection and Wheeling Agreement
Between and By Raft River Rural
Electric Cooperative
And
Raft River Energy I LLC
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ii
iii
iv
v
vi
ARTICLE 23 | ||
SEVERABILITY | ||
23.1 | Severable Nature of Agreement | 44 |
ARTICLE 24 | ||
OTHER CONDITIONS | ||
24.1 | Further Acts | 45 |
Exhibits | ||
Exhibit 1. | Construction Agreements | |
Exhibit 2. | Point of Receipt, Point of Delivery | |
Exhibit 3. | Wheeling Rate or Transmission Ratio | |
Exhibit 4. | Reserved | |
Exhibit 5. | Real Power Losses | |
Exhibit 6. | Annual Maximum Demand | |
Exhibit 7. | Metering Diagram | |
Exhibit 8. | Facility Operating Restrictions |
vii
INTERCONNECTION AND WHEELING AGREEMENT
This INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT is made as of the _____day of _____________, 2006 by and between Raft River Electric Consumers Cooperative (Transmission Owner, Transmission Provider or Raft River), a cooperative corporation having its principal place of business in Malta, Idaho and Raft River Energy I LLC(Transmission Customer or Generator), a company having its principal place of business in Boise, Idaho (referred to collectively as the Parties or, individually, as a Party).
WHEREAS, Generator is developing the first of three potential geothermal power generation facilities. The initial facility is to be located at Township 15 South, Range 26 East, Section 23, SWSE, Boise Meridian, Cassia County, Idaho;
WHEREAS, Generator and Transmission Owner desire to initially interconnect the first such generating facility with the transmission system of Transmission Owner;
WHEREAS, Generator and Transmission Owner desire to interconnect such future geothermal power generation facilities with the transmission system of the Transmission Owner;
WHEREAS, Generator and Transmission Owner desire to wheel energy from the initial and future generation facilities to the delivery point at Bonneville Power Administrations equipment in Bridge Substation;
WHEREAS, additions, modifications, and upgrades must be made to certain existing facilities owned by Transmission Owner in order to accommodate the interconnection; and
WHEREAS, Generator and Transmission Owner desire to provide for the interconnection of the generating facility and the addition, modifications, and upgrades to such facilities and to define the continuing responsibilities and obligations of the Parties with respect thereto under the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual representations, covenants, and agreements as set forth in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
1
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
1.1 |
Air Emissions Permit means any permit granted to Generator by any governmental or regulatory agency with competent jurisdiction which addresses Facility emissions. |
1.2 |
Abnormal or Out of Limit Operating Condition means any condition on the Facility, Interconnection Facilities, Transmission System or the transmission system of other utilities which is outside normal operating parameters such that facilities are operating outside their normal ratings or reasonable operating limits have been exceeded but which has not resulted in an Emergency. An Abnormal or Out of Limit Operating Condition may include, but is not limited to, high or low deviations in: voltage, frequency, power flow, equipment temperature, equipment pressures, and other equipment and operating parameters. |
1.3 |
Agreement means this Interconnection Agreement between Generator and Transmission Owner, including all exhibits hereto, as the same may be amended, supplemented, or modified in accordance with its terms. |
1.4 |
Effective Date has the meaning set forth in Section 7.1. |
1.5 |
Emergency means a condition or situation that (A) presents an imminent physical threat of danger to life or a significant threat to health or property, or (B) could cause imminent significant disruption on or significant damage to the Facility, the Interconnection Facilities, the Transmission System, or the transmission system of other utilities. |
1.6 |
Engineering and Design Studies means the studies conducted in accordance with Good Utility Practice in order to determine the design and specifications for the Interconnection Facilities and/or the System Upgrades, and shall not determine the design or |
2
specifications for, or otherwise address, any additions, modifications, or upgrades to the Transmission System which may be necessary to transmit the Generation on the Transmission System, unless otherwise requested by the Generator. |
|
1.7 |
Environmental Laws means all federal, state, and local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection, preservation or restoration of human health, the environment, or natural resources, including, without limitation, laws relating to the releases, or threatened releases, of Hazardous Substances into any media (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land, surface and subsurface strata) or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use treatment, storage, release, transport, or handling of Hazardous Substances. |
1.8 |
Facility means the initial geothermal power plant located in T.15S., R.26E., Section 23, SWSE, Boise Meridian, Cassia County, Idaho with a net output of no more than 10 average megawatts in any given month, together with any future geothermal power plants located within the same general area of the initial power plant. The Facility will be constructed, owned, and operated by the Generator. |
1.9 |
Facility Station Service means all electric service requirements used in connection with the operation and maintenance of the Facility, including, but not limited to, stand-by, supplemental, back-up, maintenance and interruptible power. |
1.10 |
Generation means the capacity, energy, and/or ancillary services produced at the Facility. |
1.11 |
Generator has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement and includes its permitted successors and assigns. |
1.12 |
Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities means all those facilities or portions of facilities owned by the Generator, which, in conjunction with the Transmission Owner- Owned Interconnection Facilities, are necessary to effect the transfer of Generation |
3
produced at the Facility to the Point of Delivery and the provision of Facility Station Service. |
||
1.13 |
Good Utility Practice means the practices, methods and acts engaged in or approved by a significant portion of the electric utility industry in the United States during the relevant time period, or any of the practices, methods and acts which, in the exercise of reasonable judgment in light of the facts known at the time the decision was made, could have been expected to accomplish the desired result at a reasonable cost consistent with good business practices, reliability, safety and expedition. Good Utility Practice is not intended to be limited to the optimum practice, method, or act to the exclusion of all others, but rather includes all acceptable practices, methods, or acts generally accepted in the region. Good Utility Practice shall include, but not be limited to, applicable law and regulatory requirements, and the criteria, rules and standards promulgated by NERC, WSCC, National Electric Safety Code, and National Electrical Code, as they may be amended from time to time, including the rules and guidelines and criteria of any successor organizations. |
|
1.14 |
Hazardous Substances means: |
|
(A) |
Any petro-chemical or petroleum products, oil or coal ash, radioactive materials, radon gas, asbestos in any form that is or could become friable, urea formaldehyde foam insulation and transformers or other equipment that contain dielectric fluid which may contain levels of polychlorinated biphenyls; | |
(B) |
Any chemicals, materials, or substances defined as or included in the definition of hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, hazardous materials, restricted hazardous materials, extremely hazardous substances, toxic substances, contaminants, or pollutants under any Environmental Laws, or words of similar meaning and regulatory effect under any Environmental Laws; or |
4
(C) |
Any other chemical, material, or substance, exposure to which is prohibited, limited or regulated by applicable Environmental Laws. |
1.15 |
Interconnection Facilities means the Transmission Owner-Owned Interconnection Facilities and the Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities collectively. |
1.16 |
Metering Point(s) means the point(s) at which the amount of Generation delivered to the Point of Delivery is measured. |
1.17 |
NERC means the North American Electric Reliability Council or any successor organization. |
1.18 |
Operation Date means the date each facility is determined by the Generator and Transmission Owner to be complete and able to provide energy in a consistent, reliable and safe manner. |
1.19 |
Party or Parties has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement. |
1.20 |
Point of Delivery means the point where the Transmission Provider delivers Generators power to BPAs Transmission System. |
1.21 |
Point of Receipt means the point on the Project Transmission Line where Raft Rivers ownership of such line begins, as shown in Exhibit 7. |
1.22 |
Project Transmission Line means the line constructed for the purpose of moving power from the Facility to the Point of Delivery. |
1.23 |
System Upgrades means any modifications, upgrades, and additions to the Transmission System that are required solely to interconnect the Facility to the Transmission System and to be constructed and installed under this Agreement and shall |
5
not include any additions, modifications, or upgrades to the Transmission System which may be necessary to transmit the Generation on the Transmission System, unless otherwise requested by the Generator. |
|
1.24 |
Transmission Owner has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement and its permitted successors and assigns. |
1.25 |
Transmission Owner-Owned Interconnection Facilities means all those facilities or portions of facilities owned by Transmission Owner, if any, which, in conjunction with the Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities, are necessary to effect the transfer of Generation produced at the Facility to the Point of Delivery and the provision of Facility Station Service. |
1.26 |
Transmission System means the transmission facilities owned, operated or controlled by Transmission Owner, and shall include any modifications, additions, or upgrades made to those facilities. |
1.27 |
WECC means the Western Electricity Coordinating Council or successor organization. |
ARTICLE 2
CONSTRUCTION OF
INTERCONNECTION
FACILITIES AND UPGRADES
2.1 |
Agreement to Interconnect . The Parties agree that the Facility shall be interconnected to the Transmission System by means of the Interconnection Facilities listed in Exhibit 1. |
|
2.2 |
Construction and Installation of Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities . |
|
2.2.1 |
Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities must be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with applicable Engineering and Design Studies and Good Utility Practice. At Generators expense, Generator will procure any and all |
6
equipment necessary for Generator to construct and install the Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities. The Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities will be constructed by Generator or, at Generators option, a third party contractor selected by Generator. Unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties all construction work related to the Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities that must be performed on the Transmission System shall be done by Transmission Owner or a third party contractor as agreed to by both the Transmission Owner and Generator. |
||
2.2.2 |
Inspection of Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities . The Transmission Owner may, with prior written notice to Generator, make inspection of the Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities prior to testing to ascertain whether the Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities conform with applicable Engineering and Design Studies and Good Utility Practice. At its expense, Generator must correct any situations contrary to applicable Engineering and Design Studies or Good Utility Practice. |
2.3 |
Construction and Installation of Transmission Owner-Owned Interconnection Facilities and Upgrades. |
||
2.3.1 |
Construction and Installation . |
||
(A) |
Unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties, the Transmission Owner- Owned Interconnection Facilities and the System Upgrades shall be constructed and installed by Transmission Owner or a third party contractor agreed to by Transmission Owner and Generator. The Transmission Owner shall obtain any land, permits, easements, licenses, or rights of way reasonably required for the construction and installation of the Transmission Owner-Owned Interconnection Facilities and System Upgrades. |
7
(B) |
The Transmission Owner-Owned Interconnection Facilities and the System Upgrades must be designed, constructed, and installed in accordance with applicable Engineering and Design Studies and Good Utility Practice, and must be sufficient, as built and designed, to deliver the Generation to the Point of Delivery and to enable the Facility to receive Facility Station Service. Generator may, with prior written notice to Transmission Owner, make inspection of the Transmission Owner- Owned Interconnection Facilities and the System Upgrades prior to testing to ascertain whether the Transmission Owner-Owned Interconnection Facilities and the System Upgrades conform with applicable Engineering and Design Studies and Good Utility Practice. |
2.3.2. |
Notice to Proceed and Right to Suspend or Terminate Work. As soon as practicable after receiving from the Generator a written notice to proceed, Transmission Owner will commence construction, unless otherwise directed by such notice. In the event Generator notifies Transmission Owner to terminate all work by the Transmission Owner associated with the construction and installation of the Transmission Owner-Owned Interconnection Facilities or System Upgrades due to a permanent closure of the facility, disposition of selected interconnecting equipment shall be in accordance with Exhibit 1 to this agreement. |
2.4 |
Procurement, Construction and Completion of Engineering and Design Studies |
|
2.4.1 |
Generator shall be responsible for all costs of procurement and construction incurred to provide temporary and permanent interconnection as described in Exhibit 1. Transmission Owner and Generator recognize that to accommodate Generators schedule, that engineering was initiated prior to issuance of written notice to proceed to the Transmission Owner. |
8
ARTICLE 3
CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 |
Facility Design and Final As-Built Parameters . Upon completion of any construction or modification to the Generator's facilities and equipment that may reasonably be expected to affect the Transmission Owner System, but not later than 45 days after receipt from the facility constructor, Generator shall issue as built drawings to Transmission Owner. |
|
3.2. |
Other Services . |
|
3.2.1. |
Facility Station Service . Any Facility Station Service needed beyond that provided by the Facility when in operation will be provided by Raft River under separate agreement. |
9
3.2.2 |
Ancillary Services. Raft River does not have the capability to provide ancillary services such as reserves, energy imbalance, scheduling, or regulation, nor can it provide control area services. To the extent that Raft River incurs charges for ancillary services that are due to the operation of Generator, Raft River shall pass such charges through to Generator and the Generator shall pay such charges. |
|
3.2.3 |
Other Services . This Agreement does not obligate either Party to provide, or entitle either Party to receive, any service not expressly provided for herein. Each Party is responsible for making the arrangements necessary for it to receive any other service that it may desire from the other Party or any third party. |
3.3 |
Access Rights . The Parties shall provide each other such easements and/or access rights as may be necessary for either Partys performance of their respective obligations under this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything stated herein, a Party performing maintenance work within the boundaries of the other Partys facilities must abide by the rules applicable to that site. In addition, Generator shall provide Transmission Owner with all necessary keys, codes or other entry requirements in order to enter Generators Facility to perform emergency disconnect operations. |
|
3.4 |
Operation and Maintenance of the Facility and Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities |
|
3.4.1 |
Operation and Maintenance of the Facility . Generator will operate and maintain the Facility in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with Good Utility Practice. |
|
3.4.2 |
Operation and Maintenance of Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities . |
|
Generator will operate and maintain the Generator-Owned Interconnection Facilities in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with Good Utility Practice. |
10
11
3.5 |
Operation and Maintenance of the Transmission Owner-Owned Interconnection Facilities, the System Upgrades and the Transmission System |
|
3.5.1 |
Operation and Maintenance . Transmission Owner will operate and maintain the Transmission Owner-Owned Interconnection Facilities and the Transmission |
12
System in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with Good Utility Practice. |
||
3.5.2 |
Notification of Limiting Conditions on Transmission System . To the extent practicable, Transmission Owner will notify Generator of any Transmission System condition that restricts or limits the ability of the Facility to deliver its full output of Generation to the Point of Delivery as soon as practicable. Generator will not be allowed to operate under conditions identified in Exhibit 8 and as described below. |
13
to impact the other Party. Each Party will provide advance notice to the other Party before undertaking any work in these areas, especially in electrical circuits involving circuit breaker trip and close contacts, current transformers, or potential transformers. |
||
3.6.5 |
Observation of Deficiencies . If a Party observes any deficiencies or defects on, or becomes aware of a lack of scheduled maintenance and testing with respect to, the other Party's facilities and equipment that might reasonably be expected to adversely affect the observing Party's facilities and equipment, the observing Party shall provide notice to the other Party that is prompt under the circumstance, and the other Party shall make any corrections required in accordance with Good Utility Practice; provided, however that neither Party shall have a duty or obligation to inspect the other Partys facilities or equipment and shall not be liable to the other for any failure to provide the notice specified in this Section 3.6.5. |
3.7 |
Emergency Procedures |
|
3.7.1 |
Notification . Transmission Owner will provide Generator with prompt oral notification by telephone of any Emergency regarding the Transmission System or Interconnection Facilities which may reasonably be expected to affect Generators operation of its facilities, and Generator will provide Transmission Owner with prompt oral notification by telephone of any Emergency regarding the Facility or the Interconnection Facilities which may reasonably be expected to affect Transmission Owners operations. Such notification shall indicate the reasons for the Emergency, the Emergencys expected effect on the operation of Generators or Transmission Owners facilities and operations, the Emergencys expected duration, and the corrective action to be taken. |
14
3.7.2 |
Actions By Parties . |
||
(A) |
If a Party determines in its good faith judgment that an Emergency exists which endangers or could endanger life or property, such Party may take such action as may be reasonable and necessary to prevent, avoid, or mitigate injury and danger to, or loss of, life or property. |
||
(B) |
Transmission Owner reserves the right to request, consistent with Good Utility Practice, Generator to make any operational changes at the Facility, including, but not limited to, raising or lowering voltage or electric power levels or disconnection of the Generator from the Transmission Owners system in order to eliminate, mitigate, or control an Emergency operating condition. Exhibit 8 contains more specific instances of when disconnection of the Generator may be required. |
||
(C) |
Transmission Provider shall not be liable to the Generator for any damage incurred to Generators Facility, or for lost revenues or other charges which the Generator may incur as a result of any action taken, including disconnection of Facility from Transmission Owners System, in responding to an Emergency so long as such action is made in good faith and consistent with Good Utility Practice. |
3.8 |
Abnormal or Out of Limit Operating Condition Procedures . |
|
3.8.1 |
Notification . Transmission Owner will provide Generator with prompt oral notification by telephone of any Abnormal or Out of Limit Condition regarding the Transmission System or Interconnection Facilities which may reasonably be expected to affect Generators operation of its facilities, and Generator will provide Transmission Owner with prompt oral notification by telephone of any Abnormal or Out of Limit Condition regarding the Facility or Interconnection Facilities which may reasonably be expected to affect Transmission Owners |
15
operations. Said notifications shall indicate the reasons for the Abnormal or Out of Limit Operating Condition, the Abnormal or Out of Limit Operating Conditions expected effect on the operation of Generators or Transmission Owners facilities and operations, the Abnormal or Out of Limit Operating Conditions expected duration, and the corrective action to be taken with respect to the notifying Partys facilities. |
||
3.8.2 |
Mitigation or Elimination . To the extent necessary, each Party agrees to cooperate and coordinate with the other Party in taking whatever corrective measures on its facilities as are necessary to mitigate or eliminate the Abnormal or Out of Limit Operating Condition, including but not limited to, to the extent necessary, disconnection the Facility from the Transmission Owners system, or adjusting operation of equipment to within its rated operating parameters, provided such measures are consistent with Good Utility Practice and do not require operation of any of the Parties facilities outside their operating limits. |
3.9 |
Protective Relays . Each Party shall provide and maintain mutually beneficial protective relay schemes on its side of the Point of Receipt. Generator agrees to have all such protective relay scheme settings reviewed and approved by Transmission Owner, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, in order to ensure proper coordination with existing Transmission Owner protective relay schemes, and further agrees to operate such schemes in compliance with Transmission Owner-approved settings. Each Party agrees to test such schemes at intervals determined by Transmission Provider consistent with Good Utility Practice. Upon completion of each test, the results of the test shall be provided to the other Party. Each Party will notify the other in writing as soon as practicable of any failures in, or any setting or design changes to, such protective relay schemes. |
16
17
mutually agreed upon in a power sales agreement for the purchase of energy by the Generator from Transmission Owner.
3.10.4. |
Metering Data . |
||
3.10.4.1 |
At Generators expense, Generators metered data shall be telemetered to the PNGC Powers power scheduling center located in Portland, Oregon. An Automated Metering Network (AMN) or equivalent data collection and transfer equipment shall be installed by Transmission Owner at Generators expense, to gather accumulated and instantaneous data to be telemetered to the Pacific Northwest Generation Cooperative operations center located in Portland, Oregon through the use of a dedicated point- to-point data circuit(s) and/or satellite transceiver. |
||
3.10.4.2 |
Generator shall provide to PNGC Power actual hourly generation data on a monthly basis within five days of the end of each month. This five day period may be changed to a mutually acceptable period of time. |
3.10.5. |
Communications . At Generators expense, Generator shall maintain satisfactory operating communications with Transmission Owners system dispatcher or representative, as designated by Transmission Owner. Generator will provide standard voice and facsimile communications at its Facility control room through use of the public telephone system. Generator will also reimburse the Transmission Owner for the cost of radio, public telephone, private fiber optic and/or satellite equipment necessary for voice and data communications. Any required maintenance of such communications equipment shall be performed at Generators expense by Transmission Owners representative. Operational communications shall be activated and maintained under, but not be limited to, the following events: system paralleling or separation, scheduled and |
18
unscheduled shutdowns, equipment clearances, and regular interval and daily load data. |
||
3.10.6. |
Meter Inaccuracy . If, at any time, any metering equipment is found to be inaccurate by a margin of greater than that allowed by Transmission Owner system operations or for BPA billing purposes, Transmission Owner or Generator, depending on whose equipment has malfunctioned, shall cause such metering equipment to be made accurate or replaced. Meter readings for the period of inaccuracy shall be adjusted so far as the same can be reasonably ascertained. |
|
3.10.7. |
Losses. If the Metering Point(s) and the Point of Delivery are not at the same location, losses occurring between the Metering Point(s) and the Point of Delivery shall be taken into account. Such losses, if any, shall be shown in Exhibit 5, Real Power Losses. |
3.11 |
Information and Record-keeping Obligations and Audit Rights |
||
3.11.1 |
Information Obligations |
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(A) |
Either Party may request that the other Party, and that other Party will promptly provide, at the requesting Partys sole cost and expense, such information and data that the requesting Party may reasonably require to (1) verify costs relating to the Interconnection Facilities or the System Upgrades, including, but not limited to, costs relating to procurement, construction, and operation and maintenance; (2) carry out its responsibilities and enforce its rights under this Agreement; and (3) satisfy any reporting obligations it may have to WECC or successor organization, NERC, or FERC. |
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(B) |
Transmission Owners right to request information and data shall be subject to the following limitations: |
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(1) |
Transmission Owner may not use information or data provided by Generator for any purpose other than to operate, maintain, or plan the Transmission System or the regional network pursuant to Good Utility Practice or for the purposes of PNGC Power forecasting and scheduling transmission and power to Transmission Owners load. |
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(2) |
Output Records Generator shall maintain, and make available to Transmission Owner upon request, hourly records of generation output amounts. |
3.11.2 |
Record-keeping Obligations . Each Party shall maintain such records as required by WECC or successor organization, NERC, or FERC and this Agreement, and all data, documents, or other materials relating to or substantiating any charges to be paid by or to Transmission Owner or Generator, as the case may be, for a minimum period of three (3) years from the date that such records are gathered. Neither Party shall use the accounts or records of the other Party without the express written consent of the other Party unless such use is permitted by this Agreement or required by law. |
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3.11.3 |
Audit Rights . Each Party shall have the right, within three (3) years following a calendar year, to audit the other Partys accounts and records pertaining to this Agreement, at that other Partys offices where such accounts and records are maintained, provided proper notice is given prior to any audit, and provided further that the audit will be limited to those portions of such accounts and records that relate to services provided under this Agreement for that calendar year. |
3.12 |
Responsibility for Safety of Employees, etc . The Parties agree to be solely responsible for and assume all liability for the safety and supervision of their own employees, agents, representatives, and subcontractors. |
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3.13 |
Compliance with Applicable Laws . All work performed by either Party which could be expected to affect the operations of the other Party will be performed in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the safety of persons or property, including without limitation, compliance with the safety regulations and standards adopted under the Occupational and Safety Health Act of 1970, as amended from time to time, the National Electrical Safety Code, as amended from time to time, and Good Utility Practice. |
3.14 |
Environmental Compliance and Procedures. The Parties agree to comply with (A) all applicable Environmental Laws which affect the ability of the Parties to meet their obligations under this Agreement; and (B) all local notification and response procedures required for all applicable environmental and safety matters which affect the ability of the Parties to meet their obligations under this Agreement. |
ARTICLE 4
WHEELING PROVISIONS
4.1 |
Point of Receipt, Point of Delivery. The Point of Receipt and Point of Delivery shall be as specified in Exhibit 2, Point of Receipt, Point of Delivery. |
4.2 |
Transmission of Power. The Transmission Provider will provide firm transmission service from the Point of Receipt to the Point of Delivery up to the amount specified in Exhibit 6, Maximum Annual Transmission Demand. |
4.3 |
Payment for Transmission Service. Transmission Customer shall pay Transmission Provider for transmission service in accordance with the payment methodology in Exhibit 3. Transmission Provider may update values used in Exhibit 3 from time to time. |
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4.4 |
Real Power Losses. In transmitting power from the metering point to the Point of Delivery, real power losses are incurred. The amount delivered to the Point of Delivery for any hour shall be adjusted to include any such losses. Such Real Losses are as documented in Exhibit 5 and may be updated by Transmission Provider from time to time. As an alternative to adjusting the amount delivered to the Point of Delivery as described above, an option based on the Parties mutual agreement, may be for the Transmission Customer to purchase power, in an amount equivalent to the losses between the metering point and Point of Delivery, from the Transmission Provider. Power purchased under this option would be delivered by the Transmission Owner to the Point of Delivery at the times requested by the Transmission Customer, and under such rates as agreed by the parties. |
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4.5 |
Curtailment. Transmission Provider may curtail deliveries as required to maintain reliability on its system. Transmission Provider shall incur no responsibility or liability for revenues lost by the Transmission Customer during such curtailments. |
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4.6 |
Notification of Generation Schedule. |
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a. |
Transmission Customer shall make an estimate of its output for each hour of the coming month. Such estimate shall be submitted to Rafts scheduling agent, PNGC Power, no later than 3 business days before the start of each month. |
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b. |
Transmission Customer shall make an estimate of its output for each hour of the coming week. Such estimate shall be submitted to Rafts scheduling agent, PNGC Power, no later than 10 a.m. (Mountain Time) of the last business day prior to the start of the new week. |
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c. |
Transmission Customer shall make an estimate of its output for each hour of the coming preschedule day or days. Such estimate shall be submitted to Rafts scheduling agent, PNGC Power, no later than 6 a.m. (Mountain Time). |
22
Preschedule days shall be as determined by Western Electric Coordinating Council (WECC). |
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d. |
Generator shall notify Transmission Owners scheduling agent of any change of more than 1 MW from the expected generation schedule provided under section 4.6(c). Generator shall not be obligated to generate at the estimated levels, but shall be liable for any charges incurred by Transmission Owner or its scheduling agent, PNGC, as a result of Generators failure to comply with this section. |
4.7 |
Request to Increase Annual Maximum Demand. Transmission Customer may request higher Annual Maximum Demand amounts by submitting such request in writing to Transmission Provider at least 180 days prior to the effective date of the requested increase. If Transmission Provider can accommodate such request, acceptance of the request will not be unreasonably withheld. If such request can not be accommodated, Transmission Provider shall enter into negotiations with Transmission Customer to upgrade Transmission Providers system, at Transmission Customers expense, to accommodate such request. |
ARTICLE 5
COST, RESPONSIBILITY AND BILLING
PROCEDURES
5.1 |
Generators Cost Responsibility for Operation and Maintenance of the Interconnection Facilities and Metering Equipment . Generator will reimburse Transmission Owner for all actual, reasonable costs incurred by Transmission Owner directly for the operation and maintenance of the Transmission Owner-Owned Interconnection Facilities pursuant to Exhibit 3. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, each Party shall be responsible for any costs associated with the operation and maintenance of any facilities owned by it. |
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5.2 |
Billing Procedures |
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5.2.1 |
Invoices . With respect to any costs and expenses for which a Party is entitled to be compensated under this Agreement, the Party (the invoicing Party) must submit an invoice to the other Party at the start of each calendar month for the costs for which it is to be compensated under this Agreement. |
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5.2.2 |
Payment . Payment of invoiced amounts will be due and payable within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the invoice, or such other time as the Parties mutually agree. If the date of payment falls on a Sunday or holiday, payment shall be made on the next business day. All payments will be made in immediately available funds payable to the invoicing Party or by wire transfer to a bank named by the invoicing Party. If any undisputed portion of any invoice remains unpaid fifteen (15) days after the receipt of the invoice, or such other time as the Parties mutually agree upon, the invoicing Party will apply to the unpaid balance, and the other Party shall pay an interest charge calculated in accordance with Section 5.4 of this Agreement. |
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5.2.3 |
Disputes . If Generator disputes any portion of an invoice, Generator shall pay the full invoiced amount and shall notify Transmission Owner in writing of any such dispute and the reason therefore. No invoice may be disputed after such time as a Partys audit rights have expired. Parties shall settle billing disputes in good faith. In the event of a billing dispute, each Party agrees to continue to perform its duties and obligations under this Agreement as long as the other Party continues to make all payments. |
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5.3 |
Payment Not a Waiver . Payment of invoices by Generator will not relieve Generator from any responsibilities or obligations it has under this Agreement, nor will it constitute a waiver of any claims Generator may have under this Agreement. |
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5.4 |
Interest . Interest shall be calculated using an interest rate equal to one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month. Interest on delinquent payments shall be calculated from the due date of the invoice to the date of payment. Payments made by mail shall be considered as having been paid on the date of receipt by the invoicing Party. |
ARTICLE 6
CONFIDENTIALITY
6.1 |
General . Unless compelled to disclose by judicial or administrative process or other provisions of law or as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, each Party will hold in confidence any and all documents and information furnished by the other Party in connection with this Agreement; provided, however, that to the extent it is necessary for either Party to release or disclose such information to a third party in order to perform that Party's obligations herein, such Party shall advise said third party of the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement and use its best efforts to require said third party to agree in writing to comply with such provisions. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, Transmission Owner expressly agrees that information regarding the Facilitys output, markets for or purchase of that output, and any projected outage or maintenance schedule for the Facility or Interconnection Facilities shall be considered confidential and shall under no circumstances be shared with the personnel of the Transmission Owner, or any other entity, involved directly or indirectly in negotiating or effectuating power trading, purchases or sales of electricity, or trading futures. |
6.2 |
Exempt Information and Documents . The Parties confidentiality obligations set forth in Section 6.1 shall not apply to information or documents that are (A) generally available to the public other than as a result of disclosure by a Party (the disclosing Party) to the other Party; (B) available to a Party on non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the disclosing Party; or (C) available to a Party on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the disclosing Party, provided that the source is not known and, by reasonable effort, could not be known by the Party receiving such information or documents to be bound by a confidentiality agreement with the disclosing Party or |
25
otherwise prohibited from transmitting the information to the Party receiving such information or documents by a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation. |
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6.3 |
Notification . Each Party will promptly notify the other Party if it receives notice or otherwise concludes that the production of any confidential information or documentation furnished by the disclosing Party and subject to Section 6.1 is being sought under any provision of law or regulation, but the notifying Party shall have no obligation to oppose or object to any attempt to obtain such production except to the extent requested to do so by the disclosing Party and at the disclosing Partys expense. If either Party desires to object or oppose such production, it must do so at its own expense. The disclosing Party may request a protective order to prevent any confidential information from being made public. |
6.4 |
Use of Information or Documentation . Each Party may utilize information or documentation furnished by the disclosing Party and subject to Section 6.1 in an administrative agency or court of competent jurisdiction addressing any dispute arising under this Agreement, subject to a confidentiality agreement with all participants (including, if applicable, any arbitrator) or a protective order. |
6.5 |
Remedies Regarding Confidentiality . The Parties agree that monetary damages by themselves will be inadequate to compensate a Party for the other Partys breach of its obligations under Section 6.0. Each party accordingly agrees that the other Party is entitled to equitable relief, by way of injunction or otherwise, if it breaches or threatens to breach its obligations under Section 6.0. |
ARTICLE 7
TERM, TERMINATION, AND DEFAULT
7.1 |
Term . This Agreement shall be effective upon the date the date of execution and shall remain in full force and effect until the expiration of the BLM right-of-way, which expires March 5, 2027, unless this agreement is terminated by mutual agreement of the |
26
Parties. At the option of the parties, which shall not be unreasonably withheld by either Party, and provided the BLM right-of-way is renewed, the term of this agreement may be extended for an additional term equal to the lesser of the term of the new or renewed BLM lease, or 15-years, at the same terms and conditions. |
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7.2 |
Effect of Expiration or Termination of Agreement on Liabilities and Obligations . |
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Expiration or termination of this Agreement shall not relieve Generator or Transmission Owner of any of its liabilities and obligations arising hereunder prior to the date of expiration or when termination becomes effective. |
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7.3. |
Effectiveness of Certain Provisions After Expiration, Cancellation, or Termination of Agreement . The applicable provisions of this Agreement will continue in effect after expiration, cancellation, or early termination hereof to the extent necessary to provide for final billings, billing adjustments and the determination and enforcement of liability and indemnification obligations arising from acts or events that occurred while this Agreement was in effect. These provisions include, without limitation, Section 10 (Insurance) and Section 13 (Limitations on Liability and Indemnification). |
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7.4 |
Removal of Interconnection Facilities After Expiration or Termination of |
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Agreement . Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, either Party may remove the Interconnection Facilities owned by it at no cost to the other Party. Neither Party shall have any responsibility for any costs associated with the removal, relocation or other disposition or retirement of the Interconnection Facilities owned by the other Party. |
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7.5 |
Default . A Party will be in default under this Agreement if, at any time: |
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(A) |
The Party fails to make any payment due the other Party in accordance with this Agreement and does not make such payment to the other Party within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving written notice from the other Party of such failure; or |
27
(B) |
(1) the Party fails in any material respect to comply with, observe or perform any term or condition of this Agreement; (b) any representation or warranty made herein by the Party fails to be true and correct in all material respects, or (c) the Party fails to provide to the other Party reasonable written assurance of its ability to perform fully and completely any of its material duties and responsibilities under this Agreement within thirty (30) days after receiving any reasonable request for such assurances from the other Party; and |
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(2) The Party fails to correct or cure the situation within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving written notice from the other Party, or, (b), if the situation cannot be completely corrected or cured within such thirty-day period, the Party fails to either (i) commence diligent efforts to correct or cure the situation within such thirty-day period or (ii) completely correct or cure the situation in a reasonable time after receiving written notice from the other Party. |
7.6 |
Remedies Upon Default . If a Party defaults under this Agreement in accordance with Section 7.5, the other Party may (A) act to terminate this Agreement by providing written notice of termination to the defaulting Party, and/or (B) take whatever action at law or in equity as may appear necessary or desirable to enforce the performance or observance of any rights, remedies, obligations, agreements, or covenants under this Agreement. |
7.7 |
Performance of Other Partys Obligations . If either Party (the defaulting Party) fails to carry out its obligations under this Agreement and such failure could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse impact on the Transmission System, the Interconnection Facility, the Facility, or the regional network, the other Party, following ten (10) days prior written notice (except in cases of Emergencies, in which case only such notice as is reasonably practicable in the circumstances is required), may, but will not be obligated to, perform the obligations of the defaulting Party (including, without limitation, maintenance obligations), in which case the defaulting Party will, upon presentation of an invoice therefore, reimburse the other Party for all actual and reasonable costs and expenses incurred by it in performing said obligations of the |
28
defaulting Party (including, without limitation, costs associated with its employees and the costs of appraisers, engineers, environmental consultants and other experts retained by said Party in connection with performance of the defaulting Partys obligations), together with interest calculated in accordance with Section 5.4. |
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7.8 |
Remedies Cumulative . No remedy conferred by any of the provisions of this Agreement is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy and each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute or otherwise. The election of any one or more remedies shall not constitute a waiver of the right to pursue other available remedies. |
ARTICLE 8
REPRESENTATIONS
8.1 |
Representations of Transmission Owner . Transmission Owner represents and warrants the following: |
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8.1.1 |
Transmission Owner is a cooperative duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Idaho, and Transmission Owner has the requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties, and to carry on its business as now being conducted. |
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8.1.2 |
Subject to approval of this Agreement by RUS, Transmission Owner has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to carry out the actions required of it by this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the actions it contemplates have been duly and validly authorized by Transmission Owner, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of Transmission Owner are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Transmission Owner and constitutes a |
29
legal, valid and binding agreement of Transmission Owner enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as limited by any applicable reorganization, insolvency, liquidation, readjustment of debt, moratorium, or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of rights of creditors generally as such laws may be applied in the event of reorganization, insolvency, liquidation, readjustment of debt or other similar proceeding of or moratorium applicable to Transmission Owner and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or law. |
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8.1.3 |
Transmission Owner has obtained or will obtain all approvals of, and has given or will give all notices to, any public authority that are required for Transmission Owner to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement. |
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8.1.4 |
To the best of Transmission Owners knowledge, it is not in violation of any applicable law, statute, order, rule or regulation promulgated by, or judgment, decree, writ, injunction, or award rendered by, any federal, state, or local governmental court or agency which, individually or in the aggregate, would adversely affect Transmission Owners entering into or performance of its obligations under this Agreement. Transmission Owner is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation, suit, or claim, which would adversely affect Transmission Owners entering into or performance of its obligations under this Agreement. Transmission Owners entering into and performance of its obligations under this Agreement will not give rise to any default under any agreement to which it is a party. |
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8.1.5 |
Transmission Owner will comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, codes, and standards of all federal, state, and local governmental agencies having jurisdiction over Transmission Owner or the transactions under this Agreement and with which failure to comply could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on either Party. |
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8.2 |
Representations of Generator . Generator represents and warrants the following: |
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8.2.1 |
Generator is a Limited Liability Company duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware, and Generator has the requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties, and to carry on its business as now being conducted. |
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8.2.2 |
Generator has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to carry out the actions required of it by this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the actions it contemplates have been duly and validly authorized by Generator, and no other corporate proceedings on the part of Generator are necessary to authorize this Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Generator and constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of Generator enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as limited by any applicable reorganization, insolvency, liquidation, readjustment of debt, moratorium, or other similar laws affecting the enforcement of rights of creditors generally as such laws may be applied in the event of reorganization, insolvency, liquidation, readjustment of debt or other similar proceeding of or moratorium applicable to Generator and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or law). |
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8.2.3 |
Generator has obtained or will obtain all approvals of, and has given or will give all notices to, any public authority that are required for Generator to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement. |
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8.2.4 |
To the best of Generators knowledge, it is not in violation of any applicable law, statute, order, rule, or regulation promulgated by, or judgment, decree, writ, injunction, or award rendered by, any federal, state, or local governmental court or agency which, individually or in the aggregate, would adversely affect |
31
Generators entering into or performance of its obligations under this Agreement. Generator is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation, suit, or claim, which would adversely affect Generators entering into or performance of its obligations under this Agreement. Generators entering into and performance of its obligations under this Agreement will not give rise to any default under any agreement to which it is a party. |
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8.2.5 |
Generator will comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, codes, and standards of all federal, state, and local governmental agencies having jurisdiction over Generator or the transactions under this Agreement and with which failure to comply could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on either Party. |
8.3 |
Representations of Both Parties . The Parties shall ensure that the representations in Sections 8.1 and 8.2 shall continue in full force and effect for the term of this Agreement. |
ARTICLE 9
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
9.1. |
Parties To Address First . When a Party believes that there is a dispute, disagreement or claim, that Party shall give the other Party written notice of the dispute, disagreement or claim. Such notice shall describe the nature and substance of the dispute, disagreement or claim and propose a resolution. Any dispute, disagreement, or claim arising out of or concerning this Agreement must first be addressed by the Parties prior to any Party seeking relief in a court having jurisdiction over such dispute. Representatives of the Parties must attempt to negotiate in good faith to resolve such dispute; disagreement or claim within thirty (30) days after notice of the dispute has been given. |
9.2 |
Attorneys Fees . In the event of any legal action between Transmission Owner and Generator arising under this Agreement, the prevailing party shall recover all of its costs |
32
and reasonable attorneys fees in connection with such action both at the trial and appellate levels.
ARTICLE 10
INSURANCE
10.1 |
General . Each Party agrees to maintain, at its own cost and expense, in full force and effect throughout the term of this Agreement the types of and minimum dollar amounts of insurance coverage set forth below relating to its own property and facilities: |
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10.1.1 |
Workers compensation insurance in accordance with the State of Idaho requirements; |
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10.1.2 |
Employers liability insurance with limits of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000); and |
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10.1.3 |
Commercial general liability insurance, including automobile liability coverage, with limits of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) |
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10.2 |
Claims Made . The coverages required under this Agreement must be maintained on a claims made basis. Each Party may require the other to maintain tail coverage for six (6) years on all policies written on a claims made basis. |
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10.3 |
Certificates of Insurance; Copies of Policies . Each Party agrees to provide the other with certificates of insurance evidencing the insurance coverage set forth in Section 10.1 and additional insured status. Each Party agrees to provide the other copies of all policies upon request. |
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10.4 |
Negotiation of Policy Limits . The Parties agree to negotiate in good faith the minimum policy limits for these coverages every five (5) years to take account of changes in inflation. |
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10.5 |
Additional Insureds; Notice of Cancellation . The general liability insurance policy or policies entered into pursuant to this Agreement by each Party must name the other Party as additional insureds, and must require thirty (30) days prior written notice to be given to such named additional insureds of cancellation, non-renewal, termination, and/or any material change in the policy or policies. Each Party waives its rights of recovery against the other for any loss or damage covered by such policy or policies to the extent that such loss or damage is reimbursed under such policy or policies. |
10.6 |
Waiver of Subrogation . Each Party waives any right to subrogation under its respective insurance policies for any liability each has agreed to assume under this Agreement. Evidence of this requirement shall be noted on all certificates of insurance. |
10.7 |
Failure to Comply . Failure of either Party to comply with the above insurance terms and conditions, or the complete or partial failure of an insurance carrier to fully protect and indemnify the other Party or its affiliates, or the inadequacy of the insurance shall not in any way lessen or affect the obligations or liabilities of each Party to the other. |
ARTICLE 11
NOTICES
11.1 |
General . Unless otherwise expressly provided elsewhere in this Agreement, all notices, demands, requests, or communications required or permitted to be given by either Party under this Agreement, or any instrument or documentation required or permitted to be delivered by either Party to the other, shall be delivered either by (A) hand; (B) registered or certified first class mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested; (C) confirmed facsimile transmission; or (D) an overnight courier which provides evidence of delivery or refusal. All such notices shall be addressed as follows: |
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Transmission Owner: | |
Transmission Owners Point of Contact: | |
Transmission Owners 24-hour contact: | Raft Rivers On-call personnel |
Transmission Owners scheduling agent: | Real Time or Preschedule Operator |
PNGC | |
711 NE Halsey | |
Portland, OR 97034 | |
503-287-1205 voice | |
503-288-4930 fax | |
To Generator: | |
Point of Contact: | |
Generators 24 Hour Contact: | |
Generators scheduling agent: |
11.2 |
Changes . Either Party may change its representatives, address for notices, or the person(s) to whom notices should be given by notice to the other in the manner provided above. |
11.3 |
Emergencies . Notwithstanding Section 11.1, any notice concerning an Emergency or other occurrence requiring prompt attention may be made by telephone. |
11.4 |
Authority of Party Representatives . The representatives identified in Section 11.1, or their designees, shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Parties, and their instructions, requests, and decisions will be binding upon the Parties as to all matters pertaining to this Agreement and the performance of the Parties hereunder. |
11.5 |
Points of Contact; 24-Hour Contact . Each Party shall identify a point of contact for day-to-day business as well as a twenty-four (24) hour point of contact; such person or persons shall have knowledge and control of that Partys facilities. The point of contact shall be the day-to-day method of communicating any and all changes in operational |
35
status and operational issues and concerns relating to each Partys facilities. Any changes to the above listed contacts shall be in writing in the manner provided above.
ARTICLE 12
FORCE MAJEURE
12.1 |
General . Neither Party shall be considered to be in default or breach of this Agreement or liable in damages or otherwise responsible to the other Party for any delay in or failure to carry out any of its obligations under this Agreement if, and only to the extent that, the Party is unable to perform or is prevented from performing by an event of force majeure. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, neither Party may claim force majeure for any delay or failure to perform or carry out any provision of this Agreement to the extent that such Party has been negligent or engaged in intentional misconduct or failed to exercise reasonable foresight and such negligence or intentional misconduct or failure to exercise reasonable foresight contributed to that Partys delay or failure to perform or carry out its duties and obligations under this Agreement. All performance obligations affected by the event of force majeure will be extended for a period equal to the length of the resulting delay. |
12.2 |
Force Majeure Defined . The term force majeure means those events beyond the reasonable control of the Party claiming force majeure which, through the exercise of reasonable foresight and Good Utility Practice, that Party could not have avoided and to the extent that, by exercise of due diligence, that Party is unable to overcome. Such events include, but are not limited to, the following, to the extent they conform to the foregoing criteria: flood; lightning strikes; tsunami; earthquake; fire; hurricane; tornado; epidemic; war; invasion; riot; civil disturbance; sabotage; explosion; insurrection; military or usurped power; strike; labor dispute; action of any court or governmental authority, or any civil or military authority de facto or de jure; act of God or the public enemy; or any other event or cause of a similar nature beyond a Partys reasonable control. |
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12.3 |
Procedures . A Party claiming force majeure must: |
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(A) |
Give written notice to the other Party of the occurrence of a force majeure event no later than three (3) business days after learning of the occurrence of such an event; |
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(B) |
Use due diligence to resume performance or the provision of service hereunder as soon as practicable; |
|
(C) |
Take all commercially reasonable actions to correct or cure the force majeure event, provided, however, that settlement of strikes or other labor disputes are completely within the sole discretion of the Party affected by such strike or labor dispute; |
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(D) |
Exercise all reasonable efforts to mitigate or limit damages to the other Party; and |
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(E) |
Provide prompt written notice to the other Party of the cessation of the adverse effect of the force majeure event on its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. |
ARTICLE 13
Limitations on Liability and
Indemnification
13.1 |
Indemnification. With the exceptions of charges for which the Generator may be liable for under Section 3.4.3 and 3.4.4, or other charges as explicitly called out in the Agreement, neither Party nor any of its Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, Contractors or subcontractors shall be liable to the other party for such Partys consequential loss or damage, including but not limited to, loss of use or damage resulting from loss of use, loss of revenue, loss of profit, loss of goodwill, cost of capital, or increased cost of alternate facilities, regardless of legal theory or negligence, and each Party hereby releases the other party therefrom. This release of claims against |
37
Contractors and subcontractors for consequential damages shall apply only to the extent that a Party or any of its Affiliates, directors, officers or employees, may be liable (whether directly or indirectly) under any legal theory for the payment of such damages. |
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13.2 |
Conditions. No Party nor any of its Affiliates, directors, officers or employees shall have any liability for loss of or damage to the property of the other Party or in the custody or control of the other Party, as it is the intention of the Parties that each Party will rely upon its own insurance maintained by each Party on its own facilities as satisfaction for such loss or damage, and each Party hereby releases the other Party therefrom. Each Party shall obtain or maintain or cause to be obtained or maintained insurance in amounts and coverages that are commercially reasonably for such Party, and each Party waives any right of subrogation and shall obtain an endorsement in which its insurer shall waive any right of subrogation to the rights of any insured party there under against the other Party or their respective Affiliates, directors, officers, or employees, as the case may be. |
13.3 |
Settlement. Both parties hereby agree to indemnify, protect, save and keep other Party, its Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, Contractors and subcontractors, (collectively, the Transmission Owner Indemnities and Generator Indemnities) harmless from and against any and all claims brought by any person or entity for liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, demands, government fines, actions, suits, costs, expense and disbursements (including legal fees and expenses) of any kind and nature whatsoever (collectively for purposes of this Article 13, the Expenses) which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted at any time against any Transmission Owner Indemnitor or Generator Indemnitor in any way relating to the construction of the Interconnection Facilities owned by the Indemnifying Party, including but not limited to Expenses arising from damage to property of, and injury or death to any person, except to the extent that, such damage, injury or death is caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of the Transmission Owner Indemnitor or Generator Indemnitor, as applicable. |
13.4 |
Survival. To the maximum extent allowed by law, both parties hereby agree to indemnify the other Party, protect, save and keep the Transmission Owner and Generator |
38
harmless from and against any and all claims brought by any person or entity (other than Transmission Owner Indemnities in their capacity as Transmission Owner Indemnities) for consequential damages (including legal fees and expenses), including by not limited to, loss of use or damage resulting from loss of use, loss or revenue, loss of profit, loss of goodwill, cost of capital, or increased cost of alternate which may be imposed on or asserted at any time against any Transmission Owner Indemnity or Generator Indemnity by any purchaser or user of Project Output contracting with Generator for such Project Output, or persons claiming through such purchasers or users, which in ay manner relate to Transmission Owners provision of or failure to proved Wheeling or transmission services in accordance with this Agreement. Such indemnity obligation shall not be diminished by any other provision of the Agreement. |
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13.5 |
Each Party shall indemnify and hold harmless the other Party against any and all claims asserted by the owners of land burdened by rights-of-way and easements granted by Transmission Owner to Generator and any of its Contractors, subcontractors, consultants, agents or any of their employees, except to the extent such claims are caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of any Transmission Owner Indemnity or Generator Indemnity. |
13.6 |
If either Party receives notice of the commencement of any legal action relating to or arising out of the operation of the Project or the Transmission Owner Interconnection Equipment, the Party so notified shall promptly notify the other Party of the commencement of such legal action. Failure to so notify the other Party shall not relieve either Party of any liability or obligations to the other Party. |
13.7 |
Nothing in the Agreement shall be construed to create any duty, standard of care or liability to any person not a party to this Agreement. |
13.8 |
No undertaking by either Party to the other under any provision of the Agreement shall constitute the dedication of that Partys electrical system, equipment, or facilities or any portion thereof to the other Party or to the public. |
39
ARTICLE 14
INTEGRATION
14.1 |
Entire Agreement . This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement and understanding of Generator and Transmission Owner with respect to the specific subject matter covered herein and supersedes all prior oral and written understandings and agreements, oral or written, between Generator and Transmission Owner with respect to the matters addressed herein. |
ARTICLE 15
RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES
15.1 |
Relationship of Parties . Nothing in this Agreement is to be construed or deemed to cause, create, constitute, give effect to, or otherwise recognize Transmission Owner and Generator to be partners, joint venturers, employer and employee, principal and agent, or any other business association, with respect to any matter. |
15.2 |
No Authority to Act for Other Party . Unless otherwise agreed to in writing signed by both Parties, neither Party shall have any authority to create or assume in the other Partys name or on its behalf any obligation, express or implied, or to act or purport to act |
40
as the other Partys agent or legally empowered representative for any purpose whatsoever. |
|
15.3 |
No Liability for Acts of Other Party . Neither Party shall be liable to any third party in any way for any engagement, obligation, contract, representation, or any negligent act or omission of the other Party, except as expressly provided for herein. |
ARTICLE 16
WAIVER
16.1 |
Waiver Permitted . Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the failure of either Party to comply with any obligation, duty, agreement, or condition herein may be waived by the Party entitled to the benefits thereof only by a written instrument signed by the Party granting such waiver. |
16.2 |
Limited Nature of Waivers . Any waiver granted by a Party shall not be deemed a waiver with respect to any other failure of the Party granted a waiver to comply with any obligation, duty, agreement, or condition herein. |
ARTICLE 17
AMENDMENTS
17.1 |
Amendments . This Agreement and the attachments hereto may only be modified, amended, changed, or supplemented in writing signed by Generator and Transmission Owner. |
ARTICLE 18
SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND THIRD PARTY
BENEFICIARIES
18.1 |
Binding On Parties, Successors, and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their successors and permitted assigns. |
41
No person or party shall have any rights, benefits or interests, direct or indirect, arising from this Agreement except the Parties hereto, their successors and permitted assigns. The Parties expressly disclaim any intent to create any rights in any person or party as a third party beneficiary to this Agreement. |
||
18.2 |
Transmission Owner Assignment Rights . |
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18.2.1 |
Except as provided for in this section, Transmission Owner may not assign this Agreement or any of its rights, interests or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Generator, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. |
|
18.2.2 |
Transmission Owner may, with only prior written notice to Generator, assign this Agreement to any entity(ies) that acquires ownership or control of all, or substantially all, of the Transmission System and agrees in writing to be bound by all of the obligations and duties of Transmission Owner provided for in this Agreement. |
|
18.2.3 |
Any assignment by Transmission Owner in violation of this section shall be, at Generators option, null and void from its inception. |
|
18.3 |
Generator Assignment Rights . |
|
18.3.1 |
Except as provided for in this section, Generator may not assign this Agreement or any of its rights, interests or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Transmission Owner, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. |
|
18.3.2 |
Generator may, with only prior written notice to Transmission Owner, assign, transfer, pledge or otherwise dispose of its rights and interests under this Agreement to (A) any lender or any financial institution in connection with a |
42
collateral assignment of this Agreement for financing or refinancing purposes, (B) any affiliate of Generator, (C) any entity(ies) that acquires all, or substantially all, of Generators rights or interests in the Facility and agrees in writing to be bound by all of the obligations and duties of Generator provided for in this Agreement, or (D) any entity that operates the Facility. Transmission Owner agrees to execute and deliver such documents as may be reasonably necessary to accomplish any such assignment, transfer, pledge or disposition of rights. |
||
18.3.3. |
Any assignment by Generator in violation of this section shall be, at Transmission Owners option, null and void from its inception. |
18.4 |
Assigning Party to Remain Responsible . Any assignments authorized by Sections 18.2 and 18.3 shall not operate to relieve the Party assigning this Agreement or any of its rights, interests or obligations hereunder of the responsibility of full compliance with the requirements of this Agreement. |
ARTICLE 19
LABOR DISPUTES
19.1 |
Notice . Each Party agrees to promptly notify the other, orally and then in writing, of any labor dispute or anticipated labor dispute which may reasonably be expected to affect the operations of the other Party. |
ARTICLE 20
GOVERNING LAW AND INTERPRETATION
20.1 |
Applicable Law . This Agreement and all rights, obligations, and performances hereunder are subject to all applicable federal and state laws and to all duly promulgated orders and other duly authorized action of any governmental authority with competent jurisdiction. |
43
20.2 |
Governing Law . This Agreement is to be governed by federal law where applicable, and when not in conflict with or preempted by federal law, this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Idaho without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Except for those matters which must be brought to the FERC or which are resolved through arbitration, any action arising out of or concerning this Agreement must be brought in the courts of the State of Idaho. |
20.3 |
Conflicts Between Main Body of Agreement and Attachments . In the event of a conflict between the main body of this Agreement and any attachment hereto, the terms of the main body of this Agreement shall govern. |
ARTICLE 21
HEADINGS AND CAPTIONS
21.1 |
No Effect on Interpretation . The headings and captions contained in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement. |
ARTICLE 22
COUNTERPARTS
22.1 |
Counterpart Execution Permitted . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. |
ARTICLE 23
SEVERABILITY
23.1 |
Severable Nature of Agreement . If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is, to any extent, held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held to be invalid or |
44
unenforceable, will not be affected thereby, and
each provision of this Agreement shall be valid and enforceable to the
fullest extent permitted by law.
|
ARTICLE 24
OTHER CONDITIONS
24.1 |
Further Acts
. Each Party agrees to furnish
to each other such further information, to do such other and further acts,
and to execute and/or deliver such instruments and documents, as the other
Party may reasonably request from time to time in furtherance of the purposes
of this Agreement.
|
IN WITNESS HEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the Parties hereto.
Generator | Transmission Owner | |||
By: | /s/ Douglas Glaspey | By: | /s/ James Powers | |
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|
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Title: | COO | Title: | General Manager | |
Date: | 3-9-06 | Date: | 3-6-06 |
45
NOTE: This form contract is a suggested guide only and use of this form or any variation thereof shall be at the sole discretion and risk of the user parties. Users of the form contract or any portion or variation thereof are encouraged to seek the advice of counsel to ensure that their contract reflects the complete agreement of the parties and applicable law. The International Association of Drilling Contractors disclaims any liability whatsoever for loss or damages which may result from use of the form contract or portions or variations thereof.
Revised July , 1998 | ||
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRILLING CONTRACTORS | ||
DRILLING BID PROPOSAL | ||
AND | ||
DAYWORK DRILLING CONTRACT-U.S. |
TO: Union Drilling, Inc.
Please submit bid on this drilling contract form for performing the work outlined below, upon the terms and for the consideration set forth, with the understanding that if the bid is accepted by U. S. Geothermal, Inc. , this instrument will constitute a contract between us. Your bid should be mailed or delivered not later than 4:00 P.M. on April 20, 2006 to the following address: 1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B, Boise, ID 83706.
* * * * * * *
THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS PROVISIONS RELATING TO
INDEMNITY,
RELEASE OF LIABILITY, AND ALLOCATION OF
RISK
THIS AGREEMENT (The Contract) is made and entered into on the date hereinafter set forth by and between the parties herein designated as Operator and Contractor.
OPERATOR: | U. S. Geothermal, Inc. | ||
Address: | 1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B | ||
Boise, ID 83706 | Attn: Kevin Kitz | ||
208-424-1027 Fax 208-724-1030 | |||
CONTRACTOR: | Union Drilling, Inc. | ||
Address: | P.O. Drawer 40 | ||
Buckhannon, WV 26201 | Attn: Byron Doc Musselman | ||
304-472-4610 - Fax: 304-473-3476 |
IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual promises, conditions and agreements herein contained and the specifications and special provisions set forth in Exhibit A and Exhibit B attached hereto and made a part hereof, Operator engages Contractor as an Independent Contractor to drill the hereinafter designated well or wells in search of oil or gas on a daywork basis.
For purposes hereof, the term daywork basis means Contractor shall furnish equipment, labor, and perform services as herein provided, for a specified sum per day under the direction, supervision and control of Operator (inclusive of any employee, agent, consultant or subcontractor engaged by Operator to direct drilling operations). When operating on a daywork basis, Contractor shall be fully paid at the applicable rates of payment and assumes only the obligations and liabilities stated herein. Except for such obligations and liabilities specifically assumed by Contractor, Operator shall be solely responsible and assumes liability for all consequences of operations by both parties while on a daywork basis, including results and all other risks or liabilities incurred in or incident to such operations.
Locations described above are for well and Contract identification only and Contractor assumes no liability whatsoever for a proper survey or location stake on Operators lease.
2. COMMENCEMENT DATE:
Contractor agrees to
use reasonable efforts to
commence operations for
the drilling of the well by the
Operator at the conclusion of one well for
Fortuna US,LP., expected to be completed toward the end of June, 2006,
with at least two weeks advance notice to Operator, if
possible.
3. DEPTH:
3.1 Well Depth: The well(s) shall be drilled to a depth of approximately 6,500 MD +/- feet, or N/A formation, whichever is deeper, but the Contractor shall not be required hereunder to drill said well(s) below a maximum depth of 7,000 feet, unless Contractor and Operator mutually agree to drill to a greater depth.
4. DAYWORK RATES:
Contractor shall be paid at the following rates for the work performed hereunder.
4.1 | Mobilization: Operator shall pay Contractor a mobilization fee of $ 12,600.00 per day . This sum shall be due and payable in full at the time the rig is rigged up or positioned at the well site ready to spud. Mobilization does not include: Actual trucking, permits, dozer(s), cranes, fork lifts, etc., which will be billed directly to the Operator. | |
4.2 | Demobilization: Operator shall pay Contractor a demobilization fee $ 12,600.00 per day . This sum shall be due and payable in full at the time the rig is rigged up or positioned at the well site ready to spud. Demobilization does not include: Actual trucking, permits, dozer(s), cranes, fork lifts, etc., to UDI Vernal UT yard, which will be billed directly to the Operator. | |
4.3 | Infield Moving Rate: Operator shall pay Contractor a Infield Moving fee of $ 12,600.00 per day . This sum shall be due and payable in full at the time the rig is rigged up or positioned at the well site ready to spud. Mobilization does not include: Actual trucking, permits, dozer(s), cranes, fork lifts, etc., which will be billed directly to the Operator. | |
4.4 | Operating Day Rate: For work performed per twenty-four (24) hour day with (2) 5- man crews working 12-hour shifts, consisting of (1) driller and (4) crew members with (1) Tool Pusher, the operating day rate shall be: |
(U.S. Daywork Contract - Page 1)
Revised July 1998
If under the above column With Drill Pipe no day rates are specified, the daywork rate per twenty-four hour day when drill pipe is in use shall be the applicable daywork rate specified in the column Without Drill Pipe plus compensation for any drill pipe actually used at the rates specified below, computed on the basis of the maximum drill pipe In use at any time during each twenty-four hour day.
DRILL PIPE RATES PER 24-HOUR DAY | ||||||
Directional or | ||||||
Straight Hole | N/A | Size | Grade | Uncontrollable Deviated Hole | Size | Grade |
per ft. | $ per ft. | |||||
per ft. | $ per ft. | |||||
per ft. | $ per ft. |
Directional or uncontrolled deviated hole will be deemed to exist when deviation exceeds N/A degrees or when the change of angle exceeds N/A degrees per one hundred feet.
Drill pipe shall be considered in use not only when in actual use but also while it is being picked up or laid down, When drill pipe is standing in the derrick, it shall not be considered in use, provided, however, that if Contractor furnishes special strings of drill pipe, drill collars, and handling tools as provided for in Exhibit A, the same shall be considered in use at all times when on location or until released by Operator. In no event shall fractions of an hour be considered in computing the amount of time drill pipe is in use but such time shall be computed to the nearest hour, with thirty minutes or more being considered a full hour and less than thirty minutes not to be counted.
Operating rate will begin when the drilling unit is rigged up at the drilling location and ready to commence operations; and will cease when the rig is ready to be moved off the location.
4.5 Repair Rate: In the event it is necessary to shut down Contractors rig for repairs, excluding routine rig servicing, Contractor shall be allowed compensation at the applicable daywork rate for such shut down time up to a maximum of 4 hours for any one rig repair job or 24 hours for any calendar month. Thereafter, Contractor shall be compensated at a rate of $ 0 per twenty-four (24) hour day. Routine rig servicing shall include, but not limited to, cutting and slipping drilling line, changing pump or swivel expendables, lubricating rig.
4.6 Standby Time Rate with Crews: $15,000.00 per twenty-four (24) hour day. Standby time shall be defined to include time when the rig is shut down although in readiness to begin or resume operations but Contractor is waiting on orders of Operator or on materials, services or other items to be furnished by Operator.
4.7 Force Majeure Rate: $15,000.00 per twenty-four (24) hour day for 1st 3 days, and $10,000.00 for additional days thereafter, for any continuous period that normal operations are suspended or cannot be carried on due to conditions of force majeure as defined in Paragraph 17 hereof, It is, however, understood that subject to Subparagraph 6.3 below, Operator can release the rig in accordance with Operators right to direct stoppage of the work, effective when conditions will permit the rig to be moved from the location.
4.8 Reimbursable Costs: Operator shall reimburse Contractor for the costs of material, equipment, work or services which are to be furnished by Operator as provided for herein but which for convenience are actually furnished by Contractor at Operators request, plus 10 percent for such cost of handling,
4.9 Revision In Rates: The rates and/or payments herein set forth due to Contractor from Operator shall be revised to reflect the change in costs if the costs of any of the items hereinafter listed shall vary by more than 5 percent from the costs thereof on the date of this Contract or by the same percent after the date of any revision pursuant to this Subparagraph:
(a) |
Labor costs, including all benefits, of Contractors personnel; |
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(b) |
Contractors cost of fuel, including all taxes and fees; the cost per gallon/MCF being N/A (Fuel supplied by operator) |
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(c) |
Contractors cost of catering, when applicable; |
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(d) |
Contractors cost of spare parts and supplies with the understanding that such spare parts and supplies constitute N/A percent of the Operating Rate and that the parties shall use the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Oilfield Drilling Machinery and Equipment Wholesale Price Index (Code No. 1191-02) to determine to what extent a price variance has occurred in said spare parts and supplies; |
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(e) |
If there is any change in legislation or regulations in the area in which Contractor is working or other unforeseen, unusual event that alters Contractors financial burden, |
5. TIME OF PAYMENT:
Payment is due by Operator to Contractor as follows:
5.1
Payment for mobilization, drilling and other work performed at applicable
day rates, and all other applicable charges shall be due, upon presentation of
invoice therefor, upon completion of mobilization, demobilization, rig release
or at the end of the month in which such work was performed or other charges are
incurred, whichever shall first occur. All invoices may be mailed to Operator at
the address hereinabove shown,
unless Operator does hereby designate
that such invoices shall
be mailed as follows:
5.2 Disputed Invoices and Late Payment: Operator shall pay all invoices within 30 days after receipt except that if Operator disputes an invoice or any part thereof, Operator shall, within fifteen(15) days after receipt of the invoice, notify Contractor of the item disputed, specifying the reason therefor, and payment of the disputed item may be withheld until settlement of the dispute, but timely payment shall be made of any undisputed portion. Any sums (including amounts ultimately paid with respect to a disputed invoice) not paid within the above specified days shall bear interest at the rate of 1 1/2 percent or the maximum legal rate, whichever is less, per month from the due date until paid. If Operator does not pay undisputed items within the above stated time, Contractor may terminate this Contract as specified under Subparagraph 6.3.
6. TERM:
6.1 Duration of Contract: This Contract shall remain in full force and effect until drilling operations are completed on the well or wells specified in Paragraph 1 above, or for a term of 60 days , commencing on the date specified:
6.2 Extension of Term: Operator may extend the term of this Contract for additional well(s) by providing Contractor 45 days notice of intent to extend the term of the contract by a specified number of wells for the first 6 months of the contract, and by 25 days advance notice thereafter, or by mutual agreement with Contractor. Every 6 months after the commencement date of the contract, the Contractor may adjust prices per the provisions of Subparagraph 4.9.
6.3 Early
Termination:
(a) By Either Party: Upon
giving of written notice, either party may terminate this Contract when total
loss or destruction of the rig, or a major breakdown with indefinite repair time
necessitates stopping operations hereunder.
Such event shall result in no
early termination payment. Demobilization would still
apply, providing the loss was not caused by Contractors gross
negligence or willful
misconduct.
(b) By Operator:
Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 3 with respect to the depth to
be drilled, Operator shall have the right to direct the stoppage of the work to
be performed by Contractor hereunder at any time prior to reaching the specified
depth, and even though Contractor has made no default hereunder. In such event
Operator shall reimburse Contractor as set forth in Subparagraph 6.4
hereof.
(c) By Contractor:
Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph 3 with respect to the depth to
be drilled, in the event Operator shall become insolvent, or be adjudicated a
bankrupt, or file, by way of petition or answer, a debtors petition or other
pleading seeking adjustment of Operators debts, under any bankruptcy or
debtors relief laws now or hereafter prevailing, or if any such be filed
against Operator, or in case a receiver be appointed of Operator or Operators
property, or any part thereof, or Operators affairs be placed in the hands of a
Creditors Committee, or, following ten days prior written notice to Operator If
Operator does not pay Contractor within the time specified in Subparagraph 6.2
all undisputed items due and owing, Contractor may, at its option, elect to
terminate further performance of any work under this Contract and Contractors
right to compensation shall be as set forth in Subparagraph 6.4 hereof. In
addition to Contractors right to terminate performance hereunder. Operator
hereby expressly agrees to protect, defend and indemnify Contractor from and
against any claims, demands and causes of action, including all costs of
defense, in favor of Operator, Operators joint venturers, or other parties
arising out of any drilling commitments or obligations contained in any lease,
farmout agreement or other agreement, which may be affected by such termination
of performance hereunder.
(U.S. Daywork Contract- Page 2)
Revised July 1998
6.4 Early Termination Compensation:
(a) Prior to Commencement: In the event Operator terminates this Contract prior to commencement of operations hereunder, Operator shall pay Contractor as liquidated damages and not as a penalty a sum equal to the Standby Rate with Crews (Subparagraph 4.6) for a period of 0 days or a lump sum of N/A.
(b) Prior to Spudding: If such termination occurs after commencement of operations but prior to the spudding of the well, Operator shall pay to Contractor the sum of the following: (1) all expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred and to be incurred by Contractor by reason of the Contract and by reason of the premature termination of the work, including the expense of drilling or other crew members and supervision directly assigned to the rig; (2) ten percent (10%) of the amount of such reimbursable expenses; and (3) a sum calculated at the standby rate for all time from the date upon which Contractor commences any operations hereunder down to such date subsequent to the date of termination as will afford Contractor reasonable time to dismantle its rig and equipment provided, however, if this Contract is for a term of more than one well or for a period of time, Operator shall pay Contractor, in addition to the above, the force majeure rate, less any unnecessary labor, from that date subsequent to termination upon which Contractor completes dismantling its rig and equipment until the end of the term or until Contractor commences operation with another Operator, whichever occurs first.
(c)
Subsequent to
Spudding:
If such termination occurs after the spudding of the well,
Operator shall pay Contractor
( 1 ) the amount for all
applicable
daywork rates and all other charges and
reimbursements due to Contractor; but in no event shall such sum, exclusive of
reimbursements due, be less than would have
been earned for
N/A
days at the applicable day
rate Without Drill Pipe and the actual amount due for drill pipe used in
accordance with the above rates; or
(2) at the election of Contractor
and in lieu of the foregoing, Operator shall pay Contractor for all expenses
reasonably and necessarily incurred and to be incurred by reason of this
Contract and by reason of such premature termination plus a lump sum of
$
Actual Costs. If the termination subsequent to spudding is for the
convenience of the Operator, and not due to documented substandard
performance of the Contractor.
provided, however, if this
Contract is for
a term of more than one well or for a period of
time,
Operator shall pay Contractor, in addition to the above, the
force majeure rate less any unnecessary labor from the date of termination until
the end of the term
or until Contractor commences operation with another
Operator, whichever occurs first
.
7. CASING PROGRAM:
Operator shall have the right to designate the points at which casing will be set and the manner of setting, cementing and testing. Operator may modify the casing program, however, any such modification which materially increases Contractors hazards or costs can only be made by mutual consent of Operator and Contractor and upon agreement as to the additional compensation to be paid Contractor as a result thereof.
8. DRILLING METHODS AND PRACTICES:
8.1
Contractor shall
maintain well control equipment in good condition at all times and shall use all
reasonable means to prevent and control fires and blowouts and to protect the
hole.
8.2
Subject to the terms hereof,
and at Operators cost, at all times during the drilling of the well, Operator
shall have the right to control the mud program, and the drilling fluid must be
of a type and have characteristics and be maintained by Contractor in accordance
with the specifications shown in Exhibit
A.
8.3
Each party hereto agrees to
comply with all laws, rules, and regulations of any federal, state or local
governmental authority which are now or may become applicable to that partys
Operations covered by or arising out of the performance of this Contract. When
required by law, the terms of Exhibit B shall apply to this Contract. In the
event any provision of this Contract is inconsistent with or contrary to any
applicable federal, state or local law, rule or regulation, said provision shall
be deemed to be modified to the extent required to comply with said law, rule or
regulation, and as so modified said provision and this Contract shall continue
in full force and effect.
8.4
Contractor
shall keep and furnish to Operator an accurate record of the work performed and
formations drilled on the IADC-API Daily Drilling Report Form or other form
acceptable to Operator. A legible copy of said form signed by Contractors
representative shall be furnished by Contractor to
Operator.
8.5
If requested by Operator,
Contractor shall furnish Operator with a copy of delivery tickets covering any
materiel or supplies provided by Operator and received by Contractor,
9. INGRESS, EGRESS. AND LOCATION:
Operator hereby assigns to Contractor all necessary rights of ingress and egress with respect to the tract on which the well is to be located for the performance by Contractor of all work contemplated by this Contract. Should Contractor be denied free access to the location for any reason not reasonably within Contractors control, any time lost by Contractor as a result of such denial shall be paid for at the applicable rate. Operator agrees at all times to maintain the road and location in such a condition that will allow free access and movement to and from the drilling site in an ordinarily equipped highway type vehicle. If Contractor is required to use bulldozers, tractors, four-wheel drive vehicles, or any other specialized transportation equipment for the movement of necessary personnel, machinery, or equipment over access roads or on the drilling location, Operator shall furnish the same at its expense and without cost to Contractor. The actual cost of repairs to any transportation equipment furnished by Contractor or its personnel damaged as a result of improperly maintained access roads or location will be charged to Operator. Operator shall reimburse Contractor for all amounts reasonably expended by Contractor for repairs and/or reinforcement of roads, bridges and related or similar facilities (public and private) required as a direct result of a rig move pursuant to performance hereunder.
10. SOUND LOCATION:
Operator shall prepare a sound location adequate in size and capable of properly supporting the drilling rig, and shall be responsible for a conductor pipe program adequate to prevent soil and subsoil wash out. It is recognized that Operator has superior knowledge of the location and access routes to the location, and must advise Contractor of any subsurface conditions, or obstructions (including, but not limited to, mines, caverns, sink holes, streams, pipelines, power lines and telephone lines) which Contractor might encounter while en route to the location or during operations hereunder. In the event subsurface conditions cause a cratering or shifting of the location surface, or if seabed conditions prove unsatisfactory to properly support the rig during marine operations hereunder, and loss or damage to the rig or its associated equipment results therefrom, Operator shall, without regard to other provisions of this Contract, including Subparagraph 14.1 hereof, reimburse Contractor to the extent not covered by Contractors insurance, for all such loss or damage including payment of force majeure rate during repair and/or demobilization if applicable.
11. EQUIPMENT CAPACITY:
If applicable hereunder, operations shall not be attempted under any conditions, which exceed the capacity of the equipment, specified to be used hereunder. Contractor shall make final decision as to when an operation or attempted operation would exceed the capacity of specified equipment.
12. TERMINATION OF LOCATION LIABILITY:
When Contractor has complied with all obligations of the Contract regarding restoration of Operators location, Operator shall thereafter be liable for damage to property, personal injury or death of any person which occurs as a result of conditions of the location and Contractor shall be relieved of such liability; provided, however, if Contractor shall subsequently reenter upon the location for any reason, including removal of the rig, any term of the Contract relating to such reentry activity shall become applicable during such period.
13. INSURANCE
During the life of this Contract, Contractor shall at Contractors expense maintain, with an insurance company or companies authorized to do business in the state where the work is to be performed or through a self-insurance program, insurance coverages of the kind and in the amounts set forth in Exhibit A, insuring the liabilities specifically assumed by Contractor in Paragraph 14 of this Contract. Contractor shall, if requested to do so by Operator, procure from the company or companies writing said insurance a certificate or certificates that said insurance is in full force and effect and that the same shall not be canceled or materially changed without ten (10) days prior written notice to Operator. For liabilities assumed hereunder by Contractor, its insurance shall be endorsed to provide that the underwriters waive their right of subrogation against Operator. Operator will, as well, cause its insurer to waive subrogation against Contractor for liability it assumes and shall maintain, at Operators expense, or shall self insure, insurance coverage of the same kind and in the same amount as is required of Contractor, insuring the liabilities specifically assumed by Operator in Paragraph 14 of this Contract.
(U.S. Daywork Contract- Page 3)
Revised July 1998
14. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE. INDEMNITY. RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ALLOCATION OF RISK:
14.1 Contractors Surface
Equipment:
Contractor shall assume liability at all times for damage to or
destruction of Contractors surface equipment, regardless of when or how such
damage or destruction occurs, and Contractor shall release Operator of any
liability for any such loss, except loss or damage under the provisions of
Paragraph 10 or Subparagraph 14.3.
14.2
Contractors In-Hole Equipment:
Operator shall assume liability at all times
for damage to or destruction of Contractors in-hole equipment, including, but
not limited to, drill pipe, drill collars, and tool joints, and Operator shall
reimburse Contractor for the value of any such loss or damage; the value to be
determined by agreement between Contractor and Operator as current repair costs
or
100 percent of current like condition replacement cost
of
such equipment delivered to the well
site.
14.3 Contractors
Equipment-Environmental Loss or Damage:
Notwithstanding the provisions of
Subparagraph 14.1 above, Operator shall assume liability at all times for damage
to or destruction of Contractors equipment caused by exposure to highly
corrosive or otherwise destructive elements, including those introduced into the
drilling fluid.
14.4 Operators Equipment:
Operator shall assume liability at all times for damage to or destruction of
Operators equipment, including, but not limited to, casing, tubing, well head
equipment, and platform if applicable, regardless of when or how such damage or
destruction occurs, and Operator shall release Contractor of any liability for
any such loss or damage.
14.5 The Hole:
In the event the hole should be lost or damaged, Operator shall be solely
responsible for such damage to or loss of the hole, including the casing
therein. Operator shall release Contractor of any liability for damage to or
loss of the hole, and shall protect, defend and indemnify Contractor from and
against any and all claims, liability, and expense relating to such damage to or
loss of the hole.
14.6 Underground Damage:
Operator shall release Contractor of any liability for, and shall protect,
defend and indemnify Contractor from and against any and all claims, liability,
and expense resulting from operations under this Contract on account of injury
to, destruction of, or loss or impairment of any property right in or to oil,
gas, or other mineral substance or water, if at the time of the act or omission
causing such injury, destruction, loss, or impairment, said substance had not
been reduced to physical possession above the surface of the earth, and for any
loss or damage to any formation, strata, or reservoir beneath the surface of the
earth.
14.7 Inspection of Materials
Furnished by Operator:
Contractor agrees to visually inspect all materials
furnished by Operator before using same and to notify Operator of any apparent
defects therein. Contractor shall not be liable for any loss or damage resulting
from the use of materials furnished by Operator, and Operator shall release
Contractor from, and shall protect, defend and indemnify Contractor from and
against, any such liability.
14.8
Contractors Indemnification of Operator:
Contractor shall release Operator
of any liability for, and shall protect, defend and indemnify Operator, its
officers, directors, employees and joint owners
and its third party
contractors and subcontractors,
from and against all claims, demands,
and causes of action of every kind and character, without limit and without
regard to the cause or causes thereof or the negligence of any party or parties,
arising in connection herewith in favor of Contractors employees or
Contractors subcontractors or their employees, or Contractors invitees, on
account of bodily injury, death or damage to property. Contractors indemnity
under this paragraph shall be without regard to and without any right to
contribution from any insurance maintained by Operator pursuant to paragraph 13.
If it is judicially determined that the monetary limits of insurance required
hereunder or of the indemnities voluntarily assumed under Subparagraph 14.8
(which Contractor and Operator hereby agree will be supported either by
available liability insurance, under which the insurer has no right of
subrogation against the indemnities, or voluntarily self-insured, in part or
whole) exceed the maximum limits permitted under applicable law, it is agreed
that said insurance requirements or indemnities shall automatically be amended
to conform to the maximum monetary limits permitted under such
law.
14.9 Operators Indemnification of
Contractor:
Operator shall release Contractor of any liability for, and
shall protect, defend and indemnify Contractor, its officers, directors,
employees and joint owners
and its third party contractors and
subcontractors
,
from and against all claims, demands, and causes of
action of every kind and character, without limit and without regard to the
cause or causes thereof or the negligence of any party or parties, arising in
connection herewith in favor of Operators employees or Operators contractors
or their employees, or Operators invitees, other than those parties identified
in Subparagraph 14.8 on account of bodily injury, death or damage to property.
Operators indemnity under this paragraph shall be without regard to and without
any right to contribution from any insurance maintained by Contractor pursuant
to paragraph 13. If it is judicially determined that the monetary limits of
insurance required hereunder or of the indemnities voluntarily assumed under
Subparagraph 14.9 (which Contractor and Operator hereby agree will be supported
either by available liability insurance, under which the insurer has no right of
subrogation against the indemnities, or voluntarily self-insured, in part or
whole) exceed the maximum limits permitted under applicable law, it is agreed
that said insurance requirements or indemnities shall automatically be amended
to conform to the maximum monetary limits permitted under such
law.
14.10 Liability for Wild Well:
Operator shall be liable for the cost of regaining control of any wild well,
as well as for cost of removal of any debris, and shall release Contractor of,
and Operator shall protect, defend and indemnify Contractor from and against any
liability for such cost.
14.11 Pollution and
Contamination:
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein,
except the provisions of Paragraphs 10 and 12, it is understood and agreed by
and between Contractor and Operator that the responsibility for pollution and
contamination shall be as follows:
(a)
Unless otherwise provided herein, Contractor shall assume all responsibility
for, including control and removal of, and shall protect, defend and indemnify
Operator from and against all claims, demands and causes of action of every kind
and character arising from pollution or contamination, which originates above
the surface of the land or water from spills of fuels, lubricants, motor oils,
pipe dope, paints, solvents, ballast, bilge and garbage, except unavoidable
pollution from reserve pits, wholly in Contractors possession and control and
directly associated with Contractors equipment and
facilities.
(b)
Operator shall assume
all responsibility for, including control and removal of, and shall protect,
defend and indemnify Contractor from and against all claims, demands, and causes
of action of every kind and character arising directly or indirectly from all
other pollution or contamination which may occur during the conduct of
operations hereunder, including, but not limited to, that which may result from
fire, blowout, cratering, seepage or any other uncontrolled flow of oil, gas,
water or other substance, as well as the use or disposition of all drilling
fluids, including, but not limited to, oil emulsion, oil base or chemically
treated drilling fluids, contaminated cuttings or cavings, lost circulation and
fish recovery materials and fluids. Operator shall release Contractor of any
liability for the foregoing.
(c)
In the
event a third party commits an act or omission which results in pollution or
contamination for which either Contractor or Operator, for whom such party is
performing work, is held to be legally liable, the responsibility therefor shall
be considered, as between Contractor and Operator, to be the same as if the
party for whom the work was performed had performed the same and all of the
obligations respecting protection, defense, indemnity and limitation of
responsibility and liability, as set forth in (a) and (b) above, shall be
specifically applied.
14.12 Consequential
Damages:
Neither party shall be liable to the other for special, indirect or
consequential damages resulting from or arising out of this Contract, including,
without limitation, loss of profit or business interruptions including loss or
delay of production, however same may be
caused.
14.13 Indemnity Obligation:
Except as otherwise expressly limited herein, it is the intent of parties
hereto that all indemnity obligations and/or liabilities assumed by such parties
under terms of this Contract,(
including, without limitation
),
Subparagraphs 14.1 through 14.12 hereof, be without limit and without regard to
the cause or causes thereof (including preexisting conditions), strict
liability, regulatory or statutory liability, breach of warranty (express or
implied), any theory of tort, breach of contract or the negligence of any party
or parties, whether such negligence be sole, joint or concurrent, active or
passive. The indemnities, and releases and assumptions of liability extended by
the parties hereto under the provisions of Paragraph 14 shall inure to the
benefit of the parties, their parent, holding and affiliated companies and their
respective officers, directors, employees, agents and servants
and its third
party contractors and subcontractors.
The terms and provisions of
Subparagraphs 14.1 through 14.12 shall have no application to claims or causes
of action asserted against Operator or Contractor by reason of any agreement of
indemnity with a person or entity not a party hereto.
15. AUDITS:
If any payment provided for hereunder is made on the basis of Contractors costs, Operator shall have the right to audit Contractors books and records relating to such costs. Contractor agrees to maintain such books and records for a period of two (2) years from the date such costs were incurred and to make such books and records available to Operator at any reasonable time or times within the period.
16. NO WAIVER EXCEPT IN WRITING:
It is fully understood and agreed that none of the requirements of this Contract shall be considered as waived by either party unless the same is done in writing, and then only by the persons executing this Contract, or other duly authorized agent or representative of the party.
17. FORCE MAJEURE:
Except for the duty to make payments hereunder when due, and the indemnification provisions under this Contract, neither Operator nor Contractor shall be responsible to the other for any delay, damage, or failure caused by or occasioned by a Force Majeure Event. As used in this Contract, Force Majeure Event includes: acts of God, action of the elements, warlike action, insurrection, revolution or civil strife, piracy, civil war or hostile action, strikes, differences with workmen, acts of public enemies, federal or state laws, rules and regulations of any governmental authorities having jurisdiction in the premises or of any other group, organization or informal association (whether or not formally recognized as a government), inability to procure material, equipment or necessary labor in the open market, acute and unusual labor or material or equipment shortages, or any other causes (except financial) beyond the control of either party. Neither Operator nor Contractor shall be required against its will to adjust any labor or similar disputes except in accordance with applicable law. In the event that either party hereto is rendered unable, wholly or in part, by any of these causes to carry out its obligation under this Contract, it is agreed that such party shall give notice and details of Force Majeure in writing so the other party as promptly as possible after its occurrence. In such cases, the obligations of the party giving the notice shall be suspended during the continuance of any inability so caused except that Operator shall be obligated to pay to Contractor the Force Majeure Rate provided for in Subparagraph 4.7 above.
(U.S. Daywork Contract - Page 4)
Revised July 1998
18. GOVERNING LAW:
This Contract shall be construed, governed, interpreted, enforced and litigated, and the relations between the parties determined in accordance with the laws of the state of Idaho.
19. INFORMATION CONFIDENTIAL:
Any and all
Upon written request by Operator,
information obtained
by Contractor in the conduct of drilling operations on this well, including, but
not limited to, depth, formations penetrated, the results of coring, testing and
surveying, shall be considered confidential and shall not be divulged by
Contractor or its employees, to any person, firm, or corporation other than
Operators designated representatives,
20. SUBCONTRACTS BY OPERATOR:
Operator may employ other contractors to perform any of the operations or services to be provided or performed by it according to Exhibit A -
21. ATTORNEYS FEES
If this Contract is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection of any sums due hereunder, or suit is brought on same, or sums due hereunder are collected through bankruptcy or arbitration proceedings, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys fees and costs.
22. CLAIMS AND LIENS:
Contractor agrees to pay all valid claims for labor, material, services, and supplies to be furnished by Contractor hereunder, and agrees to allow no lien by such third parties to be fixed upon the lease, the well, or other property of the Operator or the land upon which said well is located.
23. ASSIGNMENT:
Neither party may assign this Contract without the prior written consent of the other, and prompt notice of any such intent to assign shall be given to the other party. In the event of such assignment, the assigning party shall remain liable so the other party as a guarantor of the performance by the assignee of the terms of this Contract. If any assignment is made that materially alters Contractors financial burden, Contractors compensation shall be adjusted to give effect to any increase or decrease in Contractors operating costs.
24. NOTICES AND PLACE OF PAYMENT:
Notices, reports, and other communications required or permitted by this Contract to be given or sent by one party to the other shall be delivered by hand, mailed or telecopied to the address hereinabove shown. All sums payable hereunder to Contractor shall be payable at its address hereinabove shown unless otherwise specified herein.
25. SPECIAL PROVISIONS: Operator agrees to pay a daily bottom-hole bonus, plus 38% payroll per employee to help retain crews, as outlined below:
Crew Members | $75.00/day | |
Driller | $75.00/day | |
Tool pusher | $75.00/day |
25.1 Understaffed Rates: Contractor will credit Operator at a rate of $60.00 per hour for each man-hour short on the tour. (see paragraph 4.4, page 1.) |
26. ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT: |
The foregoing Contract is agreed to and accepted by Operator this 25th day of May, 2006. |
Operator: U. S. Geothermal, Inc. | |
By: /s/ Daniel Kunz | |
Dan Kunz | |
Title: President |
The foregoing Contract is accepted by the undersigned as Contractor this 20 th day of April, 2006 which is the effective date of this agreement, subject to rig availability, and subject to all of its terms and provisions, with the understanding that unless said Contract is thus executed by Operator within 30 days of the above date, Contractor shall be in no manner bound by its signature thereto.
Contractor: Union Drilling, Inc. | |
By: /s/ Byron L. Musselman | |
Byron Doc Musselman | |
Title: General Manager |
(U.S. Daywork Contract - Page 5)
Revised July 1998
EXHIBIT A
To Daywork Contract dated: April 20, 2006
Operator: U. S. Geothermal, Inc. Contractor: Union Drilling, Inc.
Well Name and Number:
4 Wells-RRG3, RRG6, RRG7, RRG4,
And possible 7 un-named
Cassia County, ID
SPECIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS
1. CASING PROGRAM (See Paragraph 7) As Designated by Operator.
Hole | Casing | Approximate | Wait on | |||
Size | Size | Weight | Grade | Setting Depth | Cement Time | |
Conductor | in. | ___in. | lbs/ft. | ___ft. | N/A hrs. | |
Surface | in. | ___in. | lbs/ft. | ___ft. | N/A hrs. | |
Protection | in. | in. | lbs/ft. | ft. | N/A hrs. | |
In. | in. | lbs/ft. | ft. | hrs. | ||
Production | in. | in. | lbs/ft. | ft. | N/A hrs. | |
Liner | in. | in. | lbs/ft. | ft. | hrs. | |
In. | in. | lbs/ft. | ft. | hrs. |
2. MUD CONTROL PROGRAM (See Subparagraph 8.2) As Designated by Operator.
Depth Interval (ft) | |||||
From | To | Type Mud | Weight (lbs./gal.) | Viscosity (Secs) | Water Loss (cc) |
Other mud specifications: As determined by Operators representatives.
3. INSURANCE (See Paragraph 13) See attached Exhibit D.
3.1 |
Adequate Workers Compensation: Insurance complying with State Laws applicable or Employers Liability Insurance with limits of $1,000,000.00 - covering all of Contractors employees working under this Contract. |
|
3.2 |
Commercial (or Comprehensive) General Liability Insurance, including contractual obligations as respects this Contract and proper coverage for all other obligations assumed in this Contract. The limits shall be $5,000,000.00 combined single limit per occurrence for Bodily Injury and Property Damage. |
|
3.3 |
Automobile Public Liability Insurance with limits of $ 1,000,000 for the death or injury of each person and $ 1,000,000 for each accident; and Automobile Public Liability Property Damage Insurance with limits of $ 1,000,000 for each accident. |
|
3.4 |
In the event operations are over water, Contractor shall carry in addition to the Statutory Workers Compensation Insurance, endorsements covering liability under the Longshoremens & Harbor Workers Compensation Act and Maritime liability including maintenance and cure with limits of $ N/A for each death or injury to one person and $ N/A for any one accident. |
|
3.5 |
Other Insurance: As deemed necessary by the Contractor to provide adequate property protection of its equipment and other assets. |
4. EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED BY CONTRACTOR:
The machinery, equipment, tools, materials, supplies, instruments, services and labor hereinafter listed, including any transportation required for such items, shall be provided at the well location at the expense of Contractor unless Otherwise noted by this Contract.
4.1 Drilling Rig:
Complete drilling rig, designated by Contractor as its Rig No. 32 the major items of equipment being: See attached inventory-Exhibit C, page 1.
Drawworks: Make and Model :
Engines: Make, Model, and H.P.
No. on Rig
Pumps: No. 1 Make, Size, and Power
No. 2 Make. Size, and Power
Mud Mixing Pump: Make, Size, and Power
Boilers: Number. Make, H.P. and W.P.
Derrick or Mast: Make. Size, and Capacity
Substructure: Size and Capacity
Rotary Drive: Type
Drill Pipe: Size in. ft. Size in. ft.
Drill Collars: Number and Size -
(U.S. Daywork Contract Exhibit A Page 1)
Revised July 1998
Blowout Preventers: See attached inventory-Exhibit C, page 1.
Size | Series or Test Pr. | Make & Model | Number |
B.O.P. Closing Unit : Hydraulic | |
B.O.P. Accumulator: |
4.2 |
Derrick timbers |
|
4.3 |
Normal strings of drill pipe and drill collars specified above. |
|
4.4 |
Conventional drift indicator. ( Sureshot Totco type ) |
|
4.5 |
Circulating mud pits. |
|
4.6 |
Necessary pipe racks and rigging up material. |
|
4.7 |
Normal storage for mud and chemicals. |
|
4.8 |
Shale Shaker. |
|
4.9 |
|
|
4.10 |
|
|
4.11 |
|
|
4.12 |
|
|
4.13 |
|
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4.14 |
|
|
4.15 |
|
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4.16 |
|
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4.17 |
|
5. EQUIPMENT. MATERIALS AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED BY OPERATOR:
The machinery, equipment, tools, materials, supplies, instruments, services and labor hereinafter listed, including any transportation required for such items, shall be provided as the well location at the expense of Operator unless otherwise noted by this Contract.
5.1 |
Furnish and maintain adequate roadway and/or canal to location, right-of-way, including rights-of-way_ for fuel and water lines, river crossings, highway crossings, gates and cattle guards. |
|
5.2 |
Stake location, clear and grade location, and provide turnaround, including surfacing when necessary. |
|
5.3 |
Test tanks with pipe and fittings |
|
5.4 |
Mud storage tanks with pipe and fittings. |
|
5.5 |
Separator with pipe and fittings. |
|
5.6 |
Labor to connect and disconnect mud tank, test tank, and separator. |
|
5.7 |
Labor to disconnect and clean test tanks and separator. |
|
5.8 |
Drilling mud, chemicals, lost circulation materials and other additives. |
|
5.9 |
Pipe and connections for oil circulating lines. |
|
5.10 |
Labor to lay, bury and recover oil-circulating lines. |
|
5.11 |
Drilling bits, reamers, reamer cutters, stabilizers and special tools. |
|
5.12 |
Contract fishing tool services and tool rental. |
|
5.13 |
Wire line core bits or heads, core barrels and wire line core catchers if required. |
|
5.14 |
Conventional core bits, core catchers and core barrels. |
|
5.15 |
Diamond core barrel with head. |
|
5.16 |
Cement and cementing service. |
|
5.17 |
Electrical wireline logging services. |
|
5.18 |
Directional, caliper, or other special services. |
|
5.19 |
Gun or jet perforating services, |
|
5.20 |
Explosives and shooting devices. |
|
5.21 |
Formation testing, hydraulic fracturing, acidizing and other related services. |
|
5.22 |
Equipment for drill stem testing. |
|
5.23 |
Mud logging services. |
|
5.24 |
Sidewall coring service. |
|
5.25 |
Welding service for welding bottom joints of casing, guide shoe, float shoe, float collar and in connection with installing of well head equipment if required. |
|
5.26 |
Casing, tubing, liners, screen, float collars, guide and float shoes and associated equipment. |
|
5.27 |
Casing scratchers and centralizers. |
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5.28 |
Well head connections and all equipment to be installed in or on well or on the premises for use in connection with testing, completion and operation of well. |
|
5.29 |
Special or added storage for mud and chemicals. |
|
5.30 |
Casinghead, API series, to conform to that shown for the blowout preventers specified in Subparagraph 4.1 above. |
|
5.31 |
Blowout preventer testing packoff. |
|
5.32 |
Casing Thread Protectors and Casing Lubricants. |
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5.33 |
H 2 S training and equipment as necessary or as required by law. |
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5.34 |
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5.35 |
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5.38 |
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5.37 |
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5.38 |
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5.39 |
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5.40 |
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5.41 |
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(U.S. Daywork Contract Exhibit A Page 2)
Revised July 1998
6. EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED BY DESIGNATED PARTY:
The machinery, equipment, tools, materials , supplies, instruments, services, and labor listed as the following numbered items, including any transportation required for such items unless otherwise specified, shall be provided at the well location and at the expense of the party hereto as designated by an X mark in the appropriate column.
To Be Provided By and | ||||
At The Expense Of | ||||
Item | Operator | Contractor | ||
6.1 | Cellar and runways | X | ||
6.2 | Fuel (located at Rig Storage Tank ) | X | ||
6.3 | Fuel Lines (length on location) | X | ||
6.4 | Water at source, including required permits | X | ||
6.5 | Water well, including required permits | X | ||
6.6 | Water lines, on location | X | ||
6.7 | Water storage tanks 500 Bbls capacity | X | ||
6.8 | Labor to operate water pump (on location) | X | ||
|
|
N/A | ||
6.10 | Water Pump | X | ||
6.11 | Fuel for water pump | X | ||
6.12 | Mats for engines and boilers, or motors and mud pumps | X | ||
6.13 | Transportation of Contractors property: | |||
Move in | Expense of | |||
Move Out | Expense of | |||
Infield Moves | Expense of | |||
|
|
N/A | ||
6.15 | Special strings of drill pipe and drill collars as follows: | |||
X | ||||
6.16 | Kelly joints, subs, elevators, tongs and slips for use with special drill pipe | X | ||
6.17 | Drill pipe protectors for Kelly joint and each joint | |||
of drill pipe running inside of Surface Casing as required, | ||||
for use with normal strings of drill pipe | X | |||
6.18 | Drill pipe protectors for Kelly joint and drill pipe running | |||
inside of Protection Casing | X | |||
6.19 | Rate of penetration recording device (single pen) | X | ||
6.20 | Extra labor for running and cementing casing (Casing crews) | X | ||
6.21 | Casing tools | X | ||
6.22 | Power casing tongs | X | ||
6.23 | Laydown and pickup machine | X | ||
6.24 | Tubing tools | X | ||
6.25 | Power tubing tong | X | ||
|
|
N/A | ||
|
|
N/A | ||
|
|
N/A | ||
6.29 | Rat Hole | X | ||
6.30 | Mouse Hole | X | ||
6.31 | Reserve Pits | X | ||
6.32 | Upper Kelly Cock (4 ½ string only) | X | ||
6.33 | Lower Kelly Valve (4 1/2 string only) | X | ||
6.34 | Drill Pipe Safety Valve (Bit Float) (4 ½ string only) | X | ||
6.35 | Inside Blowout Preventer | X | ||
6.36 | Drilling hole for or driving for conductor pipe | X | ||
6.37 | Charges, cost of bonds for public roads | X | ||
6.38 | Portable Toilet | X | ||
6.39 | Trash Receptacle | X | ||
6.40 | Linear Motion Shale Shaker | X | ||
6.41 | Shale Shaker Screens | X | ||
6.42 | Mud Cleaner | X | ||
6.43 | Mud/Gas Separator(if required ) | Expense of | Provided by | |
6.44 | Desander | X | ||
6.45 | Desilter | X | ||
6.46 | Degasser | X | ||
6.47 | Centrifuge | X | ||
6.48 | Rotating Head | X | ||
6.49 | Rotating Head Rubbers | X | ||
6.50 | Hydraulic Adjustable Choke | X | ||
6.51 | Pit Volume Totalizer | X | ||
6.52 | Communications, type (CELLULAR TELEPHONE ) | X | ||
6.53 | Forklift, | Expense of | Provided by | |
6.54 | Corrosion Inhibitor for protecting drill string | X | ||
6.55 | Mud pump expendables (see other provisions). | Expense of | Provided by | |
6.56 | Inspection and repair of drill string | X | ||
6.57 | Cleaning of steel pits and mud pumps | Expense of | Provided by | |
6.58 | Boiler Charge @ $35.00 per hour utilized | Expense of | Provided by | |
6.59 | Extra labor or over 5 men per crew @ $60.00 per hour / man | Expense of | Provided by |
(U.S. Daywork Contract Exhibit A Page 3)
Revised July 1998
7. OTHER PROVISIONS:
1. |
Mud pumps are provided with standard size 6 inch liners and pistons. If other size of liners and pistons are requested or necessary, Operator will be responsible for the costs of acquiring and installing such liners and pistons. |
2. |
Operator is responsible for the cost of any replacement mud pump expendables (pistons, rods, liners, valves, valve seats) damaged or replaced. |
3. |
Labor hourly rate is $60.00 per man-hour in excess of 5-man crew. |
4. |
Mobilization / demobilization operations: trucking charges will be invoiced directly to Operator. |
5. |
Union Drilling, Inc. will provide 8,000 of 4 ½ Premium drill pipe for drilling. U. S. Geothermal, Inc. will be responsible for all corrosion control additives and for maintaining the drill string in like condition during drilling operations. |
6. |
Operator will be responsible for drill pipe and drill collar inspection and repairs at the completion of project. All downgrading of drill string will be invoiced using current like condition as the basis of charges. Contractor agrees to provide a certified inspection report on all drill pipe and drill collars setting the current like conditions. |
7. |
An additional rate of $35.00 per hour will be charged for every hour the boiler is operated. |
8. |
Operator will provide all mud, drilling soap and drilling chemicals including drill pipe corrosion. |
9. |
Operator will be responsible for the moving costs and services of Tool Pusher quarters, rental of man-camps and related costs, if required. |
10. |
Contractor will provide Forklift at $150.00 per day, which includes all maintenance and repairs. |
Signed by the | |
Parties as correct: | |
For Contractor /s/ Byron L. Musselman | |
Union Drilling, Inc. | |
For Operator /s/ Daniel Kunz | |
U. S. Geothermal, Inc. |
(U.S. Daywork Contract Exhibit A Page 4)
Revised July, 1998
EXHIBIT B
(See Paragraph 8.3)
The following clauses, when required by law, are incorporated in the Contract by reference as if fully set out:
(1) |
The Equal Opportunity Clause prescribed in 41 CFR 60-1.4. |
(2) |
The Affirmative Action Clause prescribed in 41 CFR 60-250.4 regarding veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. |
(3) |
The Affirmative Action Clause for handicapped workers prescribed in 41 CFR 60-741 .4. |
(4) |
The Certification of Compliance With Environmental Laws prescribed in 40 CFR 15.20. |
(U.S. Daywork Contract Exhibit B Page 1)
Exhibit C
Union Drilling, Inc
Rig 32 Inventory
Year 1982 | Model - Skytop Brewster BIR 4610 5 axle |
Depth rating w/4 ½ DP-10,000' | |
Drawworks | Skytop Brewster 650 p/b Detroit 60 Series @ 475 h/p |
Derrick | Skytop 109 x 310,000# capacity |
Substructure | 10 x 300,000# capacity |
Pony Sub | 5 ½ x 300,000# capacity |
Rotary Table | Ideco 23 x 44 |
Traveling Blocks | Ideco UTB 160 Ton 4 - sheaves w/ 1 1/8 line |
Rotary Hose | 3 x 55L x 3500 PSI |
Kelly & Bushings | 5 ¼ hex w/varco drive bushings |
Kelly spinner | Foster Type 77 |
Drill pipe spinners | Graychain model 3570 hydraulic operated |
Manual rig tongs | Web Wilson type B with hydraulic makeup with torque gauge |
Swivel | Ideco 200T |
Rotating Head & Air Bowl | 10 x 5M, 12 x 3M |
Soap Pump | Myers C-20 p/b hydraulic pump |
Generator #1 | CAT SR4 320kw p/b Cat 3456E |
Generator # 2 | Cat SR4 250kw p/b Cat 3408 |
Fuel Trailer | 1972 Trailmobile 2-axle 8x38L |
Doghouse | 1964 Trailmobile 2-axle 8x38L |
Water Tank | (1) 500 bbl. sq. tank,skidded |
Pipe Tubs | 4-(6) DP( (1) DC (1) junk |
Center Tub | 1-8W x 32L w/v-door |
Mud Pump #1 | CE F-800 triplex p/b Cat 398 @800 h/p |
Mud Pump #2 | CE F-800 triplex p/b cat 398 @800 h/p |
Yellow dog pump | (1) 5x6 centrifugal pump p/b 50 hp electric motor |
Mud Pit #1 (suction) | 11W x 40L 380 bbL. capacity w/two 10 hp electric agitators and (1) 50 |
hp electric 5x6 centrifucal mixing pump | |
Mud Pit #2 (shale) | 11W x 40L 400bbL. capacity |
Premix tank (Rental) | 12W x 34L 400bbl. cap. W/10 hp elec agitator & 60 h/p mixing pump |
Shale Shaker | Brandt Cobra linear motion w/three screens |
Gas Buster(Rental) | |
Wireline Unit | 10,000 x .072 p/b electric mtr. |
Blowout Preventors | 11 x 3M Shaffer Type E doubleram w/ 4 ½ rams (or) |
11 X 3M Shaffer Annular | |
Choke Manifold | 3 x 3M PSI w/dual adjustable chokes |
Accumulator | Koomey 3- station |
Boiler | Abco 80 psi w/steam heaters |
Drill Pipe | 8,000 - 4 ½ Grade X-95 16.60# premium w/4 ½ XH connections |
Drill Collars | 14- 6 1/2 with 4 ½ H-90 connections |
2-7 ½ with 6 5/8 regular connections | |
Weight Indicator | Behr |
Auto Driller | Satellite |
Forklift (Rental) | Cat TH-103 12,000# |
Updated 5-20-06 |
(U.S. Daywork Contract Exhibit C Page 1)
Exhibit D
(U.S. Daywork Contract Exhibit D Page 1)
Exhibit E
(U.S. Daywork Contract Exhibit E Page 1)
Exhibit F
U.S. Daywork Contract Exhibit F Page 1)
Exhibit G
U.S. Daywork Contract Exhibit G Page 1)
RECORDING REQUESTED BY | |
WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO | |
SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE FOR RECORDERS USE | |
HOT SPRINGS RANCH
GEOTHERMAL LEASE AND AGREEMENT
THIS GEOTHERMAL LEASE AND AGREEMENT, (herein sometimes referred to as Lease) made and entered as of the 24th day of May, 2006 by and between JR Land and Livestock Inc., hereinafter referred to as Lessor, whether one or more, and U.S. Geothermal Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereinafter referred to as Lessee;
WITNESSETH:
1. Purpose. That Lessor, for and in consideration of Ten Dollars ($10.00) in hand paid to Lessor by Lessee, the rentals provided for hereinafter, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, and in consideration of the covenants and agreements hereinafter contained has granted, leased, let and demised and by these presents does grant, lease, let and demise exclusively to Lessee, its grantees, successors and assigns, upon and subject to the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, all that certain land, geothermal and mineral rights for real property located in the County of Malheur, State of OREGON, more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and by this reference made a part hereof (hereinafter referred to as the leased rights ), including all roads, streets, alleys, easements and rights of way owned or claimed by Lessor, on, within, or adjoining the lands above described. This Lease shall cover all the interest in the leased rights now owned or hereafter acquired by Lessor. Lessee further grants Lessor an Area Of Influence, which shall extend 1 mile beyond the boundary of the property described in Exhibit A, into which any property acquired by Lessee shall become subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease.
By the use of such methods as Lessee may desire, Lessee, and its designated representatives, shall have the sole and exclusive right to utilize the leased rights, including but not limited to the right to explore for, drill for, test, develop, operate, produce, extract, take, remove or sell Hot Water, Steam and Thermal Energy and Extractable Minerals, and to store, utilize, process, convert and otherwise treat such Hot Water, Steam and Thermal Energy, and to extract any Extractable Minerals during the term hereof and to transport same, and to inject or reinject effluents into the well or any wells drilled pursuant to the leased rights; or inject water, gas or other fluid or substances by artificial means into formations containing Hot Water, Steam or Thermal Energy. Further, Lessee, its designated representatives and anyone purchasing Leased Substances (as hereinafter defined) from Lessee are hereby granted the use of any easements owned by Lessor across said land, to the full extent of any such rights held by Lessor. In the event this Lease should terminate with respect to a portion of the rights granted Lessee, it shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect to any rights of way and any easements appurtenant thereto that are being used from time to time when such termination occurs and shall continue in effect so long as such rights of way and easements or any of them
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continue to be used from time to time for the purposes above described or for the production and utilization of Geothermal Resources from lands in the vicinity thereof by Lessee, its designated representatives, or anyone who has purchased, or is purchasing, Leased Substances from Lessee, their successors and assigns. The possession by Lessee of the leased rights shall be sole and exclusive for the purposes hereof and for purposes incident or related thereto. Lessee agrees to conduct its activities in a manner which will not unreasonably interfere with any rights reserved to Lessor.
2. Term. This Lease shall be for a term of ten (10) years from and after the date hereof (hereinafter referred to as the Primary Term) and so long thereafter as Leased Substances, or any of them, are derived or produced in commercial quantities from the well or through the leased rights, or lands, rights or facilities pooled, unitized or combined therewith, and for so long as Lessee is prevented from producing same, or the obligations of Lessee hereunder are suspended, for the causes hereinafter set forth, or this Lease is continued in force by reason of any other provision hereof.
If at the expiration of the Primary Term, Lessee is then engaged in operations for drilling, reworking, recompleting, redrilling or enhancement of the well, or any well developed in exercise of the leased rights, or any well on or lands pooled, unitized or combined therewith, this Lease shall remain in force so long as any such drilling, reworking, recompleting, redrilling or enhancement operations are prosecuted (whether on the same or different wells) with no cessation of such operations for more than six (6) months, and if such operations result in production or the establishment to the satisfaction of the Lessee of the existence of Sufficient Power Potential or Extractable Minerals in Commercial quantities, such well or wells will be deemed to have been completed during the primary term of this Lease.
3. Primary Term Consideration. It is understood and agreed that the initial consideration paid, FIFTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($15,000.00) upon the execution hereof, covers both the rental in full hereunder for a period of one (1) year from the date of this Lease and for all other rights conferred hereunder. Thereafter, on or before said anniversary date, Lessee shall pay or tender to Lessor an annual rental in the following amounts:
Year 2 | $20,000.00 | |
Year 3 | $25,000.00 | |
Year 4 | $30,000.00 and each year thereafter |
which shall constitute rental until the next anniversary date hereof, until such time as from the drilling of a well or wells on the leased land, or lands pooled, unitized or combined therewith, there has been established to the satisfaction of the Lessee the existence of Sufficient Power Potential or Extractable Minerals in Commercial quantities. Upon such establishing as aforesaid, Lessee may nevertheless continue to pay or tender annual rental payments on or before each anniversary date, until Lessee has commenced the actual sale of one or more Leased Substances, and so long as such annual rental payments to be paid or tendered, whether beyond the Primary Term or not, this lease shall remain in force and effect. All payments so paid or tendered shall be deemed advance royalties. Lessee shall have the right to reimburse itself for any such payments of one-half (1/2) of any royalties which shall thereafter become payable hereunder. So long as such payments are paid or tendered each well or wells shall be deemed to be actually producing one or more Leased Substances in Commercial Quantities under the terms hereof; provided, however, that if within five (5) years after the date of expiration of the Primary Term hereof Lessee shall have failed to make, or make arrangements for (by executed contract or contracts) a bona fide Commercial sale of one or more Leased Substances (or electric energy generated therefrom) then Lessor, at its option, may consider Lessee in default hereunder. Additionally, should Lessee fail to make any annual payment herein provided for on or before a particular anniversary date, Lessor may, at its option, consider Lessee in default hereunder.
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4. Lessee shall conduct all work in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations of the state of Oregon and the United States of America. Lessee shall be fully responsible for compliance with all applicable Federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and ordinances relating to such work, and for reclamation bonding and any bonding required for geothermal wells. Lessor agrees to cooperate with Lessee in Lessees application for governmental licenses, permits, and approvals, all costs of which shall be borne by Lessee.
Lessee shall fence all excavations (including sumps and settling ponds), and, upon the termination of the Lease, Lessee shall level and fill all sump holes and excavations, shall remove all debris and shall leave the locations or premises used by Lessee in a clean and sanitary condition.
Lessee shall replace all fences which the Lessee removed for its purposes and repair all fences which Lessee damaged, and if and when so required by the Lessor, will provide a proper livestock guard at any new point of entry upon lands used by Lessee.
Lessee shall have reasonable access to and use of water from the leased land for Lessees drilling, testing and exploration operations thereon, in the vicinity thereof, or on land or lands pooled, unitized or combined therewith provided that such use shall not interfere with Lessors own use for domestic, commercial, stock or agricultural purposes, nor interfere with any legal or contractual commitments of Lessor relating thereto and existing on the date hereof.. Lessor shall be allowed to enter on to the Lands during the term of the lease for regular water monitoring activities of all wells or water sources.
Lessee shall protect Lessors interest in the leased rights against liens of every character arising from its operations thereon. Lessee, at its own expense, prior to commencing operations pursuant to the leased rights, shall obtain, and thereafter while this Lease is in effect shall maintain, adequate Workers Compensation Insurance. Lessee shall protect Lessor against damages of every kind and character arising out of the operations or working of Lessee or those under Lessees control pursuant to the leased rights, but Lessee shall not be liable hereunder in the event of the negligence or willful misconduct of parties other than Lessee.
5. Royalty. Royalties shall be payable as follows:
(a) With respect to Hot Water, Steam or Thermal Energy (collectively to be referred to as Energy Produced) produced, saved and sold by Lessee and then used by the purchaser for the generation of electric power, Lessee shall pay to Lessor as royalty Ten Percent (10%) of the market value of such Hot Water, Steam or Thermal Energy produced from the well or in exercise of the leased rights at and as of the point of origin on the land associated with the well or the leased rights, which market value shall be deemed to be the gross proceeds received by Lessee from such sale at the point of origin, unless the sale occurs at a location other than the point of origin, in which case the market value shall be deemed to be the gross proceeds received by lessee from such sale less all costs and expenses of processing and transportation between the point of origin and the point of sale.
(b) With respect to Hot Water, Steam or Thermal Energy produced, saved and used for the generation of electric power which is then sold by Lessee, Lessee shall pay to Lessor as royalty, a percent of the actual revenue, net of transmission losses and other transmission charges (hereinafter called Gross Proceeds) received by Lessee from the sale of electric power under the following schedule based on the date that Lessees power plant achieves commercial operation:
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Years 1 through 5 | 3% of Gross Proceeds |
Years 6 through 15 | 4% of Gross Proceeds |
Each Year Thereafter | 5% of Gross Proceeds |
(c) With respect to Energy Produced, saved and sold by Lessee and which is used for any purpose other than the generation of electric power, Lessee shall pay to Lessor as royalty Five Percent (5%) of the gross proceeds received by Lessee from the sale of Energy Produced, as such, produced from the well or in exercise of the leased rights at and as of the point of origin on the land associated with the well or the leased rights.
(d) With respect to Extractable Minerals, Lessee shall pay as royalty to Lessor Five Percent (5%) of the net proceeds received by Lessee from the sale of any gases (as herein defined) and from the sale of effluents (containing minerals and/or minerals in solution) produced and sold from the well or in exercise of the leased rights, or, in the event Lessee extracts from the effluents minerals and/or minerals in solution, Five Percent (5%) of the proceeds received by Lessee from the sale of minerals and/or minerals in solution contained in and extracted from such effluents less costs of transportation and extraction. If Lessee consumes Leased Substances or electric power generated therefrom, by either use or exchange, for purposes other than its operations with respect to the well or the leased rights, then such Leased Substances or electric power generated therefrom shall be deemed sold for royalty purposes and the above-described royalty shall be paid on the same value basis as if such Leased substances or electric power generated therefrom had been sold by Lessee at the time of production under Lessees then existing sales contract.
(e) With respect to Energy Produced, Extractable Minerals, or Hot Water, Steam, or Thermal Energy produced, saved, sold or used by Lessee, on lands that fall within the Area of Influence, which are used for any purpose, Lessee shall pay as royalty to Lessor 1.0% of Gross Proceeds received by Lessee from the sale.
Lessee shall pay to Lessor on or before the twenty-fifth day of each month the royalties accrued and payable for the preceding calendar month, or on or before the twenty-fifth day of the month next following that in which Lessee receives payment therefor from the purchaser thereof, whichever method may be chosen by Lessee from time to time, and in making such royalty payments Lessee shall deliver to Lessor statements setting forth the basis for computation and determination of such royalty.
Lessee shall not be required to account to Lessor for or to pay any royalty on Hot Water, Steam, Thermal Energy or Extractable Minerals produced by Lessee which is not utilized, saved and sold, or which is used by Lessee in its operations with respect to the well or the leased rights for or in connection with the developing, recovering, producing, extracting and/or processing of Hot Water, Steam, Thermal Energy and/or minerals in solution or in facilities for the generation of electric power, or which are unavoidably lost.
Lessee shall have the right from time to time and at any time to commingle (for purposes of storing, transporting, utilizing, selling and processing, or any of them) the Leased Substances, or any of them, that are produced or extracted from the well or in exercise of the leased rights or lands pooled, unitized or combined therewith, with Geothermal Resources, or any of them, produced from other lands or units in the vicinity of the well or the land associated with the leased rights, and in the event of such commingling, Lessee shall meter, gauge, or measure the production from the well or in exercise of the leased rights, or from the unit or units, including leased and other units or lands, as the
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case may be, and compute and pay Lessors royalty payable under the provisions hereof on the basis of such production so determined or allocated, as the case may be.
From the time when Lessee shall commence Commercial production from said Lands, Lessee shall then pay Lessor the geothermal royalty set forth herein, or the annual payments, whichever shall be the larger. This change from annual lease payments to geothermal royalty payments shall occur at the time when geothermal royalties exceed annual lease payments in any given year.
6. Use of Lease. Lessee shall have the right to drill such well or wells as Lessee may deem desirable for the exercise of the leased rights, including wells for injection or reinjection purposes, and shall have the further right to dispose in any such wells waste brine, water and other substances, waste products from a well or wells, power plants or other facilities. Lessee shall further have the right for testing purposes, to freely transfer Leased Substances and Geothermal Resources and to inject such leased Substances and Geothermal Resources into well or into any wells developed pursuant to the leased rights.
7. Land Compensation. In return for actual surface use of leased land required for well site, pipeline, transmission and plant operations hereunder, or if producing agricultural lands are required by Lessee to be taken out of production, either temporarily or permanently for Lessees operations, including but not limited to as a result of Lessees use of water from the leased lands, Lessee shall compensate Lessor at the annual rate of $ 200 per acre for such lands so affected for the duration of their use. For greater clarity, if Lessee requires 2 acres of producing agricultural land, but its use impacts 10 acres, the rate would apply to the 10 acres. For these purposes any pipelines or transmission lines shall be deemed to require a 10 foot wide ground area. All pipelines shall be insulated as per typical project specifications and shall be colored according to industry norms or permit requirements as may be imposed. Lessee shall further be responsible for any costs associated with the redesign and/or relocation of structures or sprinkling equipment affected by Lessees operations.
8. Commingled and Unit Operations. Lessee may, at any time or from time to time, as a recurring right for drilling, development, production or operating purposes, pool, unitize or combine all or any part of the leased rights into a unit with any other land or lands or lease or leases (whether held by Lessee or others) adjacent, adjoining or in the immediate vicinity of the land on which the well is located or with which the leased rights are associated, which Lessee desires to develop or operate as a unit. Such unit shall be deemed created either upon Lessee recording in the office of the county recorder a written declaration of such unit or upon Lessee giving written notice of such unit to Lessor. Any well (whether or not Lessees well) commenced, drilled, drilling and/or producing or being capable of producing in any part of such unit shall for all purposes of this Lease be deemed a well commenced, drilled, drilling and/or producing in exercise of the leased rights, and Lessee shall have the same rights and obligations with respect thereto and to drilling and producing operations upon the lands from time to time included within any such unit as provided under this Lease provided, however, that notwithstanding this or any other provision or provisions of this Lease to the contrary:
(a) Production as to which royalty is payable from any such well or wells drilled upon any such unit, whether located upon the leased rights or other lands, shall be allocated to the well and leased rights in the proportion that the acres of geothermal rights associated with the leased rights bears to the total geothermal acreage of such unit, and such allocated portion thereof shall for all purposes of this Lease be considered as having been produced pursuant to the leased rights and the royalty payable under this Lease shall be payable only upon that proportion of such production so allocated thereto, and
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(b) If any taxes of any kind are levied or assessed (other than taxes on the land and on Lessors improvements), any portion of which is chargeable to Lessor under Paragraph 14 hereof, then the share of such taxes to be borne by Lessor as provided in the Lease, shall be in proportion to the share of the production from such unit allocated to the well and leased rights.
Allocation of unit production whether to the well and the leased rights or to other lands in the unit, shall continue after any termination of all or any part of this or any other lease covering lands in the unit until any exploration, drilling, remedial drilling or production operations are begun on the lands so terminated, or until contracts regarding any such operations are entered into, whereupon all such terminated lands shall be excluded in the production to be allocated to the respective lands in such unit. In the event of the failure of Lessors, or any other owners, title as to any portion of the rights or land included in any such unit, such portion of such land or associated land shall likewise be excluded in allocating production from such unit, provided, however, Lessee shall not be held to account for any production allocated to any lands excluded from any such operating unit unless and until Lessee has actual knowledge of the circumstances requiring such exclusion. Any exclusion shall be deemed effective the first day of the month next following the date upon which such exclusion becomes finally established.
Lessee may, at its sole option, at any time when there is no Commercial production in such unit, terminate, enlarge or diminish such unit either by Lessee recording in the office of the county recorder a written declaration thereof, or by Lessee giving written notice thereof to Lessor.
9. Inspection by Lessor. Lessor, or its agents, at Lessors sole cost and risk, may during normal hours of operation examine the any working, installations, structures, or operations of Lessee constructed or undertaken pursuant to the leased rights, and may at reasonable times inspect the books and records of Lessee with respect to matters pertaining to the payment of royalties to Lessor.
10. Default Notice. Upon the violation of any of the terms and conditions of this Lease by Lessee (including but not limited to payment of rental, advance royalty and/or royalty) and the failure of Lessee, as to monetary matters, to make payment, and as to other violations, to begin in good faith to remedy the same, within sixty (60) days after written notice from Lessor so to do, specifying in said notice the nature of such default, then at the option of Lessor this Lease shall forthwith cease and terminate and all rights of Lessee in and to the well and the leased rights shall be at an end, except for each and any well then being drilled, or capable of producing, or capable of being used for injection purposes, and in respect to which Lessee shall not be in default, together with the rights, rights of way and easements which may be retained by Lessee by virtue of the granting clause of this Lease.
11. Termination. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Lease, and in consideration of the payment made by the Lessee to the Lessor for the execution of this Lease, Lessee shall have the right at any time prior to or after default hereunder, to quitclaim and surrender to Lessor all right, title and interest of Lessee in and to the well and the leased rights, and thereupon all rights and obligations of the parties hereto one to the other shall cease and terminate, save and except as to any then accrued royalty obligations of Lessee then payable as to which Lessee shall remain liable to Lessor, and save and except the rights, rights of way and easements which may be retained by Lessee by virtue of the granting clause of this Lease.
12. Partial Ownership Interests. In the event Lessor at the time of making this Lease owns an interest in the leased land less than One Hundred Percent (100%) of the right, title and interest purportedly granted or leased hereby to Lessee, then any payments due Lessor hereunder shall be paid to Lessor only in the proportion which Lessors Interest bears to a One Hundred Percent (100%) interest in the leased land.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, should Lessor hereafter acquire any additional right, title or interest in or to the leased land, it shall be subject to the provisions hereof to the same extent as if owned by Lessor at the date hereof, and any increase in payments of money hereunder necessitated thereby shall commence with the payment next following receipt by Lessee of satisfactory evidence of Lessors acquisition of such additional interest.
13. Title. Lessor hereby warrants and agrees to defend title to the leased rights and agrees that Lessee, at its option, may pay and discharge any taxes, mortgages, trust deeds or other liens or encumbrances existing, levied or assessed on or against the well or the leased rights, and in the event Lessee exercises such option, Lessee shall be subrogated to the rights of any holder thereof, and shall have, among other rights, the right of applying to the discharge of any such mortgage, tax or other lien or encumbrance any payments accruing to Lessor hereunder.
14. Tax Payments. Lessee shall pay all taxes levied on structures and improvements constructed by Lessee pursuant to this Lease. In the event any taxes are levied or assessed against the right to produce Leased Substances, or against any Leased Substances on or in the land associated with the well or the leased rights, or in the event any increase in the taxes levied or assessed against the well or the leased rights shall be based upon the production of Leased Substances from, or reserves of Leased Substances attributed to, the well or the lease rights, then in either such event Lessee shall pay Ninety Percent (90%) of any such taxes or increase, as the case may be, and Lessor shall pay Ten (10%) thereof. Lessor shall pay all taxes levied and assessed against all structures and improvements owned by Lessor or placed by or pursuant to permission of Lessor.
15. Assignment. The rights of either party hereunder may be assigned in whole or in part, and the right and privilege to do so is hereby reserved by each party, and the provisions hereof shall extend to the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto, but no change or division in ownership of the well, rights, rentals or royalties, however accomplished, shall operate to enlarge the obligations or diminish the rights of Lessee, and no such change in ownership shall be binding upon Lessee until the expiration of thirty (30) days after Lessee is furnished with written notice of such transfer or assignment, together with a certified copy of the instruments of transfer or assignment. In the event of assignment of this lease as to a segregated portion of the leased right, the rentals payable hereunder shall be apportionable between the several leasehold owners ratably according to the surface area of each, and default in rental payment by one shall not affect the rights of other leasehold owners hereunder. Lessees right of assignment expressly includes the right to sublease all or any portion of its rights and obligations hereunder. Lessee must notify the Lessor, in writing, within 30 days of any assignment.
16. Force Majeure. The obligation of the Lessee hereunder shall be suspended and the terms of this Lease shall be extended as the case may be, while Lessee is prevented from complying therewith, in whole or in part, by strikes, lockouts, riots, war or the results thereof, acts of God or the elements, fire, flood, accidents, delays in transportation, inability to secure labor or material in the open market, laws, orders, rules, or regulations of Federal, State, County, Municipal, or other governmental agencies, authority, or representative, or any other matter or condition beyond reasonable control of Lessee, whether or not similar to the conditions or matters herein specifically enumerated, or while litigation contesting Lessors title to the well or the leased rights or the rights granted Lessee hereunder or litigation involving Lessees operations hereunder shall be pending and undetermined or during any period when Lessee has no market for the products it is then capable of producing from the leased rights or the market price then available for such products will not produce an acceptable profit. For so long as any of the above circumstances continue to exist, Lessee, without impairment of its rights hereunder, shall be excused from performance of al obligations hereunder except payment of taxes and protection of the leased rights. It is expressly agreed that
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the prevention of settlement of any litigation or strike or labor disturbance shall not be considered a matter subject to Lessees control within the meaning of this Paragraph.
If the permission of approval of any governmental agency is necessary before drilling or producing operations may be commenced pursuant to the leased rights, then if such permission or approval has been applied for at least thirty (30) days prior to the date upon which such operations much be commenced under the terms hereof, the obligation to commence such operations shall be suspended until ninety (90) days after the governmental permit is granted or approval given, of if such permit or approval is denied initially, then so long as Lessee in good faith appeals from such denial or conducts further proceedings in an attempt to secure such permit or approval and ninety (90) days thereafter. Lessor agrees to fully support and cooperate with Lessee in securing permits and authorizations to conduct geothermal operations on the leased rights, all costs of which shall be borne by Lessee.
17. All statements of production and royalty and all payments to be made by Lessee to Lessor hereunder shall be sent to the person hereinafter set forth, at the address indicated:
JR Land and Livestock Inc.
C/o
Richard Jordan
PO Box 188
Westfall, OR 97920
Lessee shall, upon written notification of change of ownership in the well or leased rights or in the rentals or royalties hereunder, as provided in Paragraph 12 hereof, divide and distribute the same to the new owners of such interest; provided, however, that if at any time there are three or more persons entitled to rentals or royalties hereunder, Lessee may, at its option, withhold payment of such rentals or royalties until a majority in interest of such persons designate in writing in a recordable instrument delivered to Lessee, a bank, trust company or corporation, as a common agent and depositary, to receive all payments due hereunder to such persons. Such designation may be changed at any time in the same manner. Delivery of all statements and payments hereunder may be made by depositing same in the United States mail duly addressed to Lessor at the above address or addresses or to such agent and depositary, which shall constitute full performance of Lessees obligation to make such delivery. In the event that the amount payable under this Lease shall result in a payment of less than Five Hundred dollars ($500.00) becoming due Lessor, Lessee may, at is option, withhold and accrue sufficient periodic payments until the total due Lessor exceeds Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) .
18. Notice. Any notice herein required, or permitted to be given, or furnished by one party to the other shall be in writing. Delivery of such written notice to Lessor shall be made in person, by depositing the same in the United States mail duly certified or by express delivery and addressed to Lessor at PO Box 188, Westfall, OR 97920 and delivery of such written notice to Lessee shall be made in person, by depositing the same in the United States mail duly certified or delivered by express delivery and addressed to Lessee at 1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B, Boise, Idaho 83706. Either party hereto may by written notice to the other party change its address to any other location.
19. Definitions. For the purposes of this Lease the following definitions shall apply:
(a) The terms Hot Water, Steam and Thermal Energy, collectively referred to as Energy Produced, each shall mean natural geothermal water and/or steam, and shall also mean the natural heat of the earth and the energy present in, resulting from or created by, or which may be
8
extracted from, the natural heat of the earth or the heat present below the surface of the earth, in whatever form such heat or energy naturally occurs;
(b) The term Extractable Minerals shall mean any minerals in solution in the well effluents and all minerals and gases produced from or by means of the well or any well or wells developed in exercise of the leased rights or by means of condensing steam or processing water produced from the effluents from any such well or wells. Said terms shall also include any water so produced or obtained from condensation or steam; provided, however, that the term gases shall not include hydrocarbon gases that can be produced separately from the well effluents;
(c) The term Leased Substances shall collectively mean the matter, substances and resources defined in subparagraphs 18(a) and 18(b) that are subject to this Lease;
(d) The term Geothermal Resources shall collectively mean the matter, substances and resources defined in subparagraph 18(a) and 18(b) that are not subject to this Lease but are located on adjacent land or lands in reasonable proximity thereto;
(e) The term Power Potential shall mean, when used herein with respect to any well or wells, the quantity, or units, of energy capable of being recovered from the Hot Water, Steam or Thermal Energy produced therefrom by means of any energy conversion or utilization facility (including, but not limited to, electrical generating facilities) or equipment designed for use thereof;
(f) The term Sufficient Power Potential shall mean that Power Potential which, in the sole judgment of Lessee shall be sufficient for the Commercial sale or utilization thereof, or shall warrant the construction of facilities for the Commercial sale or other utilization thereof, or shall justify additional drilling or other operations in exercise of the leased rights;
(g) The term Commercial shall mean those qualities of Leased Substances produced, sold or used, the value of which, after determining Lessees direct operating costs (or extraction costs in the case of Extractable Minerals) will be capable of providing a sufficient return to cause Lessee, in its sole judgment, to continue production thereof or to elect to proceed with further development or exploratory operations in exercise of the leased rights.
20. Severability. In the event any part or portion or provision of this instrument shall be found or declared to be null, void or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever by any Court of competent jurisdiction, then and in such event only such part, portion or provision shall be affected thereby, and such finding, ruling or decision shall not in any way affect the remainder of this instrument or any of the other terms or conditions hereof, which said remaining terms and conditions shall remain binding, valid and subsisting and in full force and effect between the parties hereto, it being specifically understood and agreed that the provisions hereof are severable for the purposes of the provisions of this clause. In this connection, this Lease shall not in any event extend beyond such term as may be legally permissible under present applicable laws, and should be any such applicable law limit the term hereof to less than that herein provided, then this Lease shall not be void but shall be deemed to be in existence for such term and no longer.
21. Exclusive Rights. Lessee shall have the exclusive rights to all Leased Substances and to all power production from Leased Substances on and/or from leased land during the term hereof, subject only to payment of the royalties to Lessor as set forth herein.
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22. If more than one person is named as Lessor herein and one or more of them fails to execute this Lease, said Lease shall nevertheless (when accepted by Lessee) become effective as a lease from such of said named parties Lessor as may have executed the same.
23. This Lease may be executed in any number of counterparts and all such counterparts shall be deemed to constitute a single lease and the execution of one counterpart by any party Lessor shall have the same force and effect as if such party had signed all the other counterparts.
24. This Geothermal Lease and Agreement and all of the terms, covenants and conditions hereof shall extend to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this instrument to be duly executed as of the date hereinabove first written.
On behalf of, | On behalf of, | |
JR Land and Livestock Inc. | U.S. Geothermal Inc. | |
/s/ Richard Jordan | /s/ Douglas J. Glaspey | |
Richard Jordan, President | Douglas J. Glaspey, Chief Operating Officer | |
Lessor | Lessee |
10
11
EXHIBIT A
Hot Springs Ranch 5,409 acres more or less
Lands located in Malheur County, Oregon
Township 18 South, Range 42 East W.M. | ||
Section 13: |
SE¼SW¼, SW¼SE¼, E½SE ¼ |
|
Section 24: |
N½NW¼ |
|
|
||
Township 18 South, Range 43 East W.M. | ||
Section 5: |
SW¼SW¼ |
|
Section 7: |
Lots 2, 3, 4, SE¼NW¼, SW¼NE¼, E½NE¼, SE¼ , E½SW ¼ |
|
Section 8: |
All |
|
Section 9: |
All, EXCEPTING a parcel situated in the NW¼NE¼ and the E½NW¼, |
|
More particularly described as follows: |
||
Beginning at the North quarter corner of Section 9, thence East 660 feet, thence South 660 feet, thence on a straight line in a Southwesterly direction to a point 330 feet North of the Southwest corner of the NW¼NE¼ of Section 9; |
||
thence continuing South 660 feet, thence on a straight line in a Southwesterly direction to a point which bears N 64º 00 W 737.89 feet from the center quarter corner of Section 9; thence S 89º 26 W 266.45 feet, |
||
thence N 20º 54 E 30.0 feet, thence N 18º 51 E 129.0 feet, |
||
thence N 11º 01 E 145.5 feet, thence N 1º 51 E 539.6 feet, |
||
thence N 43º 22 E 89.5 feet, thence N 16º 29 W 89.3 feet, |
||
thence N 20º 15 E 353.0 feet, thence North 330 feet, |
||
thence on a straight line in a Northeasterly direction to a point 330 feet South of the North quarter corner of Section 9, thence North 330 feet to the point of beginning. |
||
Section 11: |
W½, S½SE¼ |
|
Section 15: |
All |
|
Section 16: |
SW¼ , W½NW¼ , NE¼ |
|
Section 17: |
All |
|
Section 18: |
All |
|
Section 19: |
All |
12
REV A
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
Between
Raft River Energy I LLC
And
Industrial Builders
Dated as of May 22, 2006
CONFIDENTIAL
File: Pipeline Contract - 052206 FINAL
REV A
CONTENTS
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LIST OF EXHIBITS:
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CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
THIS CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT ( Contract ) dated as of May 22, 2006, is made by and between:
(1) |
Raft River Energy I LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company with its principal place of business at 1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B, Boise, Idaho 83706 ( Company ); and |
(2) |
IBI DBA Industrial Builders, an Idaho corporation, with its principal place of business at 20394 Pinto Lane, Caldwell Idaho 83605 ( Contractor ). |
RECITALS
A. Company is developing a nominal 13 MW geothermal power plant in the Raft River Known Geothermal Resource Area in the State of Idaho and desires to retain Contractor to provide certain procurement and construction related services to provide pipelines to connect the geothermal power plant to production and injection wells.
B. Contractor desires to be retained by Company to provide procurement and construction related services to provide pipelines to connect the geothermal power plant to production and injection wells.
AGREEMENT
THEREFORE, Company and Contractor (each individually, a Party and together, the Parties ) agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS, INTERPRETATION AND CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
1.1 Definitions
In addition to the terms defined elsewhere in this Contract, the definitions of certain terms used in this Contract with initial letters capitalized are as set forth herein.
Affiliate means, with respect to any person or entity, any other person or entity (including any officer, director, shareholder, partner, employee, agent or representative of such person or entity) that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such first person or entity. For purposes of this definition, control shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a person or entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, partnership or other ownership interests, by contract, by Law or otherwise.
As-Built Drawings has the meaning given to it in Section 9.3.
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Certificate of Final Completion means the certificate issued by Contractor to Company under this Contract, pursuant to Section 4.8.
Change in the Work means a change to the Work as provided in Article 8.
Change of Law means any Law, official interpretation thereof or manner of interpretation thereof, that is amended or modified, is enacted, adopted, promulgated or otherwise becomes effective or is repealed, revoked, suspended or not renewed after the Effective Date and which increases Contractors cost of performing the Work, delays Contractors performance of the Work or otherwise adversely affects Contractors performance of its obligations under this Contract.
Change Order means a written change order based on the form set forth in Exhibit L describing the Change in the Work and its effect, if any, on the Contract Price, the Payment Schedule, the Schedule and any other provision of this Contract that is affected.
Commencement Date has the meaning given to it in Section 4.2.
Company has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Contract .
Company Default means the failure or delay of Company or its representatives, agents, subcontractors or suppliers (other than Contractor and its Subcontractors and their agents and employees) to meet Companys material obligations under this Contract, including the obligations identified in Section 3.1.
Company Indemnified Party has the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.
Company Permits means the Permits to be obtained by Company as described in Exhibit G and, other than the Contractor Permits, any Permits otherwise necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Project.
Companys Representative has the meaning given to it in Section 3.2.
Contract means this Construction Contract together with the Exhibits attached hereto, as the same may be amended or otherwise modified from time-to-time as permitted herein.
Contract Price means the total aggregate price payable to Contractor by Company as set forth in Exhibit A, and as adjusted pursuant to the provisions of this Contract.
Contractor has the meaning given to it in the Preamble.
Contractor Default means the failure or delay of Contractor or its representatives, agents, subcontractors or suppliers to meet Contractors material obligations under this Contract, including obligations identified in Section 2.1.
Contractor Hazardous Materials has the meaning given to it in Section 2.2(h) .
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Contractor Permits means the Permits to be obtained by Contractor as described in Exhibit G.
Contractors Representative has the meaning given to it in Section 2.3.2.
Day means a twenty-four (24) hour period beginning and ending at 12:00 midnight .
Defect or Defective means any Work, including any part or component thereof, that: (i) contains improper or inferior workmanship; (ii) fails to conform in any material respect with the relevant Drawings or Specifications, including any Change in the Work; (iii) is not manufactured in any material respect with the applicable Drawings and the Specifications; and (iv) is not free from defects in material and workmanship.
Defect Remedy Work means Contractors repair or replacement of any Defect or Work that is Defective.
Delay Liquidated Damages has the meaning given to it in Section 4.6.
Delayed Payment Rate means a per annum rate of interest equal to the lesser of (i) twelve percent (12%) and (ii) the maximum rate permitted by applicable Law.
Documents means any design, drawing (including the Drawings), certificate, specification (including the Specifications), report, studies, model, program, record, pattern, sample, written information and data and other document of whatever nature (including a record thereof in software form).
Dollars or $ means the lawful currency of the United States of America.
Drawings means the Facility drawings set forth in Exhibit C2 or otherwise provided by Contractor to Company pursuant to Article 9 or other terms of this Contract, including the As-Built Drawings.
Effective Date means the date of this Contract.
Facility means the unit number one geothermal power plants geothermal and injection pipelines to be located in the Raft River Known Geothermal Resource Area in Cassia County in the State of Idaho to be constructed as part of the development of the Project on the Site, all as more particularly described in exhibits C1 and C2, but for avoidance of doubt excludes the power plant, cooling tower make-up water wells and their associated pipelines, wellhead equipment, transmission lines, distribution lines and their associated transformers and disconnects.
Final Completion means the satisfaction or deemed satisfaction of each of the following: (a)completion of the work required in exhibits C1 and C2; (b) Contractor has delivered final lien waivers and releases from Contractor and Contractors Subcontractors to Company; (b) all Documents which are to be delivered to Company, by Contractor on or before the Final Completion Date pursuant to this Contract have in-fact been delivered to Company; (c) all of Contractors supplies, personnel, rubbish and Contractor Hazardous Materials have been
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removed from the Site; and (d) all Work other than Punch List Items have been completed in accordance with this Agreement.
Final Completion Date means the date upon which the Certificate of Final Completion was issued by Contractor to Company pursuant to Section 4.7 (provided that such Certificate of Final Completion has been subsequently countersigned by Company pursuant to Section 4.8) .
Financing Parties means (a) any and all lenders providing senior or subordinated construction, interim or long-term debt financing or refinancing; and (b) any and all equity investors providing leveraged lease-financing or refinancing, and in each case any trustee or agent acting on their behalf, for the Facility. Company shall provide written notice to Contractor of the names of all of the Financing Parties.
Force Majeure means any war, declared or not, invasion, armed conflict or act of public enemy, blockage, embargo, revolution, insurrection, riot, civil commotion, act of terrorism, or sabotage provided that any such event occurs within or directly involving the United States or any individual state, or any other country from which machinery, equipment or material for the Facility are procured or transported through, an act of God, including, but not limited to, lightning, fire, earthquakes, volcanic activity, floods, storms or unusual weather conditions, cyclones, typhoons, or tornadoes, labor disputes including strikes, or slowdowns, or lockouts that extend beyond the Facility or are widespread or nationwide, or any other event or circumstances or combination of event(s) or circumstances beyond the reasonable control of a Party, that have a real, quantifiable and adverse impact on cost or performance of the Work.
Governmental Authority means any local, state, regional, central or national government administrative, judicial or executive organs, but excluding any similar foreign or multinational entity, that has or purports to have or asserts or attempts to assert, jurisdiction to legislate, decree, adjudicate or enforce any decision related to, or bearing on, the Facility or the Work.
Guaranteed Final Completion Date means the Guaranteed Final Completion Date identified as on or before January 15, 2007, as the same may be amended from time-to-time in accordance with this Contract.
Hazardous Materials
means any hazardous or toxic substances, materials
and wastes which are regulated or are classified as hazardous or toxic by any
Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Site, including, but not
limited to, those substances included in the definitions of Hazardous
Substances, Hazardous Materials, Toxic Substances, Hazardous Waste,
Solid Waste, Pollutant, or Contaminant
"
in any federal,
state, local or other Law pertaining to public or worker health, welfare or
safety or the environment, including, but not limited to, the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, 42 U.S.C. §
9601
et seq.
, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act of 1986; the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, 42
U.S.C. § 6901
et seq.
; the Federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401-7626;
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and Federal Clean Water Act of 1977, as
amended, 33 U.S.C. § 1251
et seq.
; the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and
Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. § 135
et seq.
; the Federal
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Environmental Pesticide Control Act, the Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq. ; the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. § 300(f) et seq. ; the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. § 11001 et seq. ; and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq. and in the regulations promulgated pursuant to those laws.
Information means any Drawings, Specifications or other information furnished directly or indirectly by the other Party hereto in connection with the Contract and the Facility and the Project whether such Information has been furnished prior to, during or following termination of the Contract in connection with the performance of this Contract.
Insolvency Event means the bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, administration or other receivership or dissolution of a Party and any equivalent or analogous Proceedings by whatever name known and in whatever jurisdiction and any step taken (including the presentation of a petition or the passing of a resolution) for or with a view to any of the foregoing.
Law means any federal, state, commonwealth, local or other constitution, charter, act statute, law, ordinance, treaty, resolution, directive (to the extent having the force of law), code, rule, regulation, order, specified standards or objective criteria contained in any applicable permit or approval, which standards or criteria must be met in order for the Facility to be constructed and operated lawfully, and other legislative or administrative action of any Governmental Authority, or a final decree, judgment or order of a court, or any applicable engineering, construction, safety or electrical generation code.
Liability or Liabilities means any fine, penalty, damage, loss, cost, claim or expense or other liability (including any related fees, expenses and disbursements of a Partys counsel).
Limited Notice to Proceed means the notice issued by Company to Contractor authorizing Contractor to commence work under this Contract on items listed in Exhibit N.
Liquidated Damages means Delay Liquidated Damages.
Major Vendor means any vendor engaged directly by Contractor to provide equipment for incorporation into the Work at the Site, whos Work is valued in excess of that provided in Section 17.3.
Materials means all equipment, supplies, apparatus, instruments, machinery, parts, tools, components, appliances, spare parts and appurtenances thereto to be supplied under this Contract by Contractor as described in or required by the Scope of Work.
Month means a period beginning at 12:00 midnight on the last Day of the preceding calendar month and ending at 12:00 midnight on the last Day of the calendar month.
MW means megawatts.
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Notice to Proceed means the notice issued by Company to Contractor authorizing Contractor to commence the Work under this Contract.
Owner Supplied Materials means pipeline and other materials provided by the Owner for incorporation into the Work, and more fully defined in Exhibit C1
Party and Parties have the meanings given to them in the Preamble.
Payment Schedule means the payment schedule for payment of the Contract Price as set forth in Exhibit A.
Performance Tests means the tests as outlined in Article 6 to be carried out to determine whether the Work satisfies the performance requirements set forth in this Contract.
Permits means the permits, approvals and licenses required from Governmental Authorities necessary for the construction, operation and maintenance of the Facility and the performance of the Work.
PPA means the Firm Energy Sales Agreement in effect between Idaho Power Company and US Geothermal Inc. under which the output from the Facility would be delivered and bought.
Proceeding means any claim, suit, demand, allegation, arbitration, dispute or other action process, or proceeding whether actual or threatened.
Project means the geothermal power generation project unit number one to be constructed in the Raft River Known Geothermal Resource Area in Cassia County in the State of Idaho, including the Facility and the related power plant, geothermal production and re-injection wells, and the gathering system pipelines.
Prudent Industry Practices means those practices, methods, equipment, specifications and standards of safety and performance, as the same may change from time-to-time, as are commonly used in operations of privately-owned geothermal electric power generation facilities similar to the Facility, which in the exercise of reasonable judgment and in light of the facts known at the time the decision was made, are considered good, safe and prudent practice in connection with the operation and maintenance of geothermal electric power generation facilities similar to the Facility. Prudent Industry Practices are not intended to be limited to the optimal practices, methods, equipment, specifications and standards, but rather to be the practices, methods, equipment, specifications and standards generally accepted in the privately-owned geothermal electric power industry.
Punchlist Items means unfinished items of Work (such as Spare Parts, painting, fine-finish grading or clean-up, updating of Drawings, manuals or other Documents) the lack of which or the failure of which to complete (considered individually or in the aggregate of all Punchlist Items) does not or will not adversely affect the, safety or integrity of the Facility and does not impact the performance of the Facility.
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Safety Plans has the meaning given to it in Section 2.3.4.
Safety Report has the meaning given to it in Section 2.3.4.
Schedule means a Gantt Chart as provided in Exhibit B, as it may be amended from time-to-time as set forth in this Contract, which sets forth the Work performance milestone schedule for the Facility.
Scope of Work means the specific delineation of items of Work to be performed by Contractor as set forth in exhibits C1 and C2, which may be modified pursuant to a Change Order pursuant to Article 8, and which shall conform to the Drawings and the Specifications.
Site means the area encompassed by the Facility, together with spaces, roads, easements, privileges, access rights, rights-of-way and other rights and interests in land that has been acquired or will be acquired by Company to develop, engineer, build, own, operate and maintain the Project and appurtenant facilities, including any associated working and laydown areas for Contractor.
Specifications means the Pipeline System Criteria and Project Scope (Exhibit C1), and the Drawings and General Notes (Exhibit C2) for the Facility as set forth in the referenced exhibits.
Subcontract means an agreement between Contractor and a Subcontractor for the performance of any portion of the Work.
Subcontractor means any person or entity, other than Contractors employees, engaged by Contractor to perform services relating to the Work.
Tax means any present or future tax, charge, levy, impost or duty of any kind whatsoever, or any amount payable on account of or as security for any of the foregoing, imposed by any Governmental Authority together with any penalties, additions, liens, surcharges and interest relating thereto.
Warranty Period has the meaning given to it in Section 10.2.
Work means all of the work, services and other duties, obligations and responsibilities that are to be carried out by or under the direction of Contractor pursuant to this Contract, including that work specifically described as Contractor liabilities in the Scope of Work.
1.2 Interpretation
1.2.1 Where the context requires, words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and words importing persons shall include entities.
1.2.2 A reference in this Contract to any Article, Section, Exhibit, Clause or Paragraph is, except where it is expressly stated to the contrary, a reference to such article, section, exhibit, clause or paragraph in this Contract.
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1.2.3 Headings are for convenience of reference only.
1.2.4 Each reference to this Contract shall include a reference to each agreed variation of or supplement to this Contract as may be amended, varied or supplemented from time-to-time.
1.2.5 Where the context requires, any reference to a person, entity or Party shall include such persons, entitys or Partys successors and permitted assigns.
1.2.6 References to the word include or including are to be construed without limitation.
1.3 Documents Included
This Contract shall consist of this document and the following Exhibits, which are specifically incorporated herein and made a part hereof by this reference.
Exhibit A | Contract Price and Payment Schedule | |
Exhibit B | Schedule (Gantt Chart) | |
Exhibit C1 | Pipeline System Criteria and Project Scope | |
Exhibit C2 | Drawings and General Notes. | |
Exhibit D | Performance Test Protocols | |
Exhibit E | Warranty Claim Procedures | |
Exhibit F | Approved Vendor List | |
Exhibit G | Permits | |
Exhibit H | Reserved | |
Exhibit I | Certificate of Final Completion | |
Exhibit J | Form of Final Lien Waiver | |
Exhibit K | Liquidated Damages | |
Exhibit L | Change Order Form | |
Exhibit M | Change Order Request Form | |
Exhibit N | Work Items Prior to Notice to Proceed |
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ARTICLE 2 CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 General Responsibilities
2.1.1 Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Contract, Contractor, in consideration of the Contract Price, shall provide, furnish and perform, or cause to be provided, furnished or performed, Materials, supervision, labor and services required for the development, procurement, manufacturing, transport to Site, quality assurance, inspection, erection, construction, and commissioning of the Facility as specified in the Scope of Work and in accordance with the provisions of this Contract. The scope does not include design of the pipeline system. 2.1.2 Contractor shall diligently prosecute the Work in a good and workmanlike manner in accordance with the Schedule and in accordance with the provisions of this Contract.
2.2 Specific Responsibilities
Without limiting the generality of Section 2.1.1 and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Contract, Contractor shall at its own expense furnish, undertake, provide or cause to be furnished, undertaken or provided the following:
(a) obtain the Contractor Permits from the applicable Governmental Authorities as shown in Exhibit G;
(b) coordinate its activities pursuant to this Contract with those activities of Companys other contractors as requested by Company; provided, however, that such coordination does not delay or otherwise unreasonably interfere with Contractors performance of the Work in accordance with the Schedule;
(c) coordinate its activities with the Raft River Highway District for that part of the Work that will involve crossing county roads.
(d) clearing, excavation, backfilling, compaction, consolidation and removal or importation of related materials required with respect to preparation of the Site in accordance with the Scope of Work;
(e) procurement, supply and transportation to the Site of all Materials, except Owner Supplied Materials, necessary to complete the Facility;
(f) supervision and direction of construction and other Work activities on the Site, including construction by Subcontractors, and the coordination of the Work under this Contract;
(g) keep the Site from waste materials or rubbish caused by Contractors activities and in a reasonably presentable condition given the nature of the Work. Contractor may store all rubbish and construction debris in an authorized disposal area furnished by Company as provided in Section 3.1(f) . Contractor shall be responsible for the containment of any such material within such area. All rubbish and construction debris caused by Contractors activities shall be disposed through a licensed waste hauler, or in a licensed waste disposal site, to be paid for by the Contractor.
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(h) remediate and dispose of in accordance with applicable Law any Hazardous Materials generated, transported or released by Contractor or any Subcontractor on or about the Site ( Contractor Hazardous Materials );
(i) provide periodic reports to Company, not less frequently than monthly, regarding the progress of the Work, including a Gantt Chart in Microsoft Project format in sufficient detail to allow a reasonably experienced engineer to evaluate the progress of the Work;
(j) provide periodic reports to Company, not less frequently than monthly, regarding the progress of the Work, including a Gantt Chart in MS Project format in sufficient detail to allow a reasonably experienced engineer to evaluate the progress of the Work;
(k) test the Facility as detailed in Exhibit C1 using test protocols provided in Exhibit D; and
(l) clearance of the Site of temporary structures, surplus Materials and tools that were delivered or created by Contractor through the course of the Work, upon completion of field work; provided that Contractor shall offer to sell to Company at cost any such temporary structures, surplus Materials and tools that Contractor does not want to retain.
(m) Contractor will coordinate with Owner regarding crops and field access.
2.3 Contractors Personnel and Labor Relations
2.3.1 Contractor shall provide qualified and experienced personnel to perform the Work at the Site.
2.3.2 Contractor shall designate, by written notice to Company, a representative who shall act as a single point of contact with Company in all matters relating to the Work ( Contractors Representative ). Contractors Representative shall have full authority to act on behalf of Contractor for all purposes in connection with this Contract.
2.3.3 Company shall be entitled by written notice to Contractor to object to any representative or person employed by Contractor (including Contractors Representative) or any Subcontractor in the execution of the Work who, in the reasonable opinion of Company, is incompetent or negligent, or engaged in misconduct, and Contractor shall promptly remove such person from the Work and appoint a suitable replacement, or ensure that the relevant Subcontractor does so.
2.3.4 Contractor shall develop, present to Company and implement a safety plan for its own construction activities on the Site and for emergency situations prior to the commencement of Work at the Site ( Safety Plans ). During performance of the Work, Contractor shall publish work safety rules for the Site in compliance with the Safety Plan, which safety rules shall apply to any and all visitors to the Site, including representatives of Company. Each week (or other interval mutually agreeable to Company and Contractor), Contractor shall prepare and provide to Company a written report ( Safety Report ) listing (i) any breaches or violations of the Safety Plan, (ii) a description of any incidents resulting therefrom, (iii) incidents
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related to safety issues at the Site, (iv) the cause of any such incident, (v) the nature of such incident, (vi) the severity of such incident, and (vii) the remedial actions planned to remedy such incident and prevent such incident from occurring in the future.
2.3.5 Contractor shall be responsible for the security and protection (i) of its equipment, supplies and tools used in connection with the Work through the Final Completion Date, and (ii) for all of the other property owned or leased by Contractor or any of its Subcontractors located at the Site at areas thereon provided by Company or stored or warehoused off the Site through the Final Completion Date. Contractor shall use due care to protect any of Companys property at any time in its possession or under its control while performing the Work which shall not be less than the care exercised by Contractor with its own property and Contractor shall be responsible for any damage to such property resulting from its failure to use such care.
2.3.6 Contractor, its Subcontractors, agents and employees shall observe all pertinent and reasonable regulations and rules issued by Company to Contractor which are in effect at the Site, as the case may be, regarding passes, badges and proper conduct on such Site. Company may issue reasonable modifications to such regulations and rules from time-to-time.
2.3.7 Company and its agents, employees and other contractors shall observe all pertinent and reasonable regulations and rules issued by Contractor, including the Safety Plan, which are in effect at the Site, as the case may be, regarding passes, badges and proper conduct on such Site. Contractor may issue reasonable modifications to such regulations and rules from time-to-time.
2.4 Representations and Warranties of Contractor
Contractor represents and warrants to Company that:
(a) Contractor is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the state of Idaho and has the requisite legal power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Contract;
(b) the execution, delivery and performance by Contractor of this Contract has been duly authorized by all requisite action of Contractor, and there is no provision in its charter documents requiring further consent for such action by any other person or entity; and
(c) this Contract constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Contractor, enforceable against Contractor in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting or limiting creditors rights generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability.
ARTICLE 3 COMPANY RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 General Responsibilities
Company shall, at Companys expense, furnish, undertake, provide or cause to be furnished, undertaken or provided the following:
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(a) make available to Contractor and its Subcontractors by the time specified in the Schedule, and continuing until the end of the Warranty Period, the Site, including space for all construction facilities, and laydown and storage areas;
(b) obtain and maintain in effect all Company Permits from the Governmental Authorities in a timely manner as required to permit Contractor and its Subcontractors to proceed with the Work in accordance with the Schedule;
(c) prepare and/or obtain all environmental impact assessments, studies and statements and geotechnical reports required in connection with the ownership, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the Facility and the performance of this Contract;
(d) furnish to Contractor copies of any environmental impact assessment, studies and statements and geotechnical reports prepared or obtained as provided in Section 3.1(c) and any information, a power of attorney (if required) and any other items reasonably necessary for Contractor to obtain the Contractor Permits or perform the Work in a timely manner as required to permit Contractor and its Subcontractors to proceed with the Work in accordance with the Schedule;
(e) provide or make arrangements to provide electrical distribution lines and electrical equipment (transformers, disconnects, etc.) to the tie-in point at the geothermal wells and branch connection;
(f) provide to Contractor a rubbish and construction debris (but not for Contractor Hazardous Materials) storage area on or adjacent to the Site. Disposal of such Contractor materials stored therein shall be the responsibility of the Contractor, pursuant to Section 2.2 (g).
(g) any removal or disposal of the existing transite pipe on the Site exposed during the Work; and,
(h) remediate and dispose of in accordance with applicable Law any Hazardous Materials that are found or are uncovered on or about the Site other than Contractor Hazardous Materials that are the responsibility of Contractor as provided in Section 2.2(h)
(i) provide to Contractor an area where cleared and grubbed materials can be disposed.
3.2 Companys Representative
Company shall designate by written notice to Contractor a representative who shall act as a single point of contact with Contractor in all matters relating to the Work ( Companys Representative ). Companys Representative shall have full authority to act on behalf of Company for all purposes in connection with this Contract.
3.3 Representations and Warranties of Company
Company represents and warrants that:
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(a) Company is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the Laws of the State of Idaho and has all requisite legal power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Contract;
(b) the execution, delivery and performance by Company of this Contract have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action of Company and there is no provision in its charter documents requiring further consent for such action by any other person or entity; and
(c) this Contract constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Company, enforceable against Company in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting or limiting creditors rights generally or by equitable principles relating to enforceability.
ARTICLE 4 COMMENCEMENT OF WORK
4.1 Notice to Proceed
Company shall issue a Notice to Proceed to Contractor only at such time as Company has arranged financing for Company to be able to meet its obligations under this Contract and to develop the Project and pays to Contractor simultaneously with the issuance of such Notice to Proceed the amount specified for the first payment milestone set forth in the Schedule, if any. At the mutual agreement of the Parties, Company shall have the option of issuing a Limited Notice to Proceed to allow the Contractor to begin performing such work as agreed to between the Parties in advance of the Notice to Proceed. The Company shall have the right to terminate or suspend work prior to issuing a Notice to Proceed without financial obligations beyond the amount agreed upon to cover the period up to the Notice to Proceed.
4.2 Commencement
Subject to Section 4.1, Contractor shall commence performance of the Work promptly upon receipt of a Notice to Proceed from Company ( Commencement Date ). Contractor shall thereafter proceed diligently to perform the Work and furnish sufficient forces and construction equipment to perform the Work in accordance with the Schedule. The contract amount and Guaranteed Completion Date are based upon the Contractor receiving a Notice to Proceed on or before June 1, 2006.
4.3 Reserved
4.4 Reserved
4.5 Reserved
4.6 Delay Liquidated Damages
The Parties agree that it would be extremely difficult and impracticable under the presently known and anticipated facts and circumstances to ascertain and fix the actual damages that Company would incur should Contractor fail to achieve Final Completion by the Guaranteed
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Final Completion Date, and accordingly, the Parties hereby agree that if Contractor fails to so achieve Final Completion by the Guaranteed Final Completion Date, then Company shall be entitled to recover from Contractor as liquidated damages for such delay, and not as a penalty, the amounts set forth in Exhibit K ( Delay Liquidated Damages ). The Delay Liquidated Damages are, subject to Article 19, Companys sole and exclusive remedy in the event Contractor fails to achieve any of the milestones for the Facility, including Final Completion, by the dates set forth in the Schedule. Company and Contractor further agree that the Delay Liquidated Damages are a good faith estimate of the damages Company would suffer.
4.7 Final Completion
When all of the following conditions have been met with respect to the Facility, Contractor shall issue to Company a Certificate of Final Completion in substantially the same form as that set forth in Exhibit I:
(a) except for the Punchlist Items and As-Built Drawings, the Facility and Work has been completed and complies with exhibits C1 and C2, referenced specifications, and applicable Laws;
(b) the Facility has satisfied the checks and tests outlined in Article 6 ;
(c) any amount finally determined due for Delay Liquidated Damages has either been paid or agreed and shall be deducted from the final payment of the Contract Price;
(d) the list of Punchlist Items (if any) for the Facility have been identified by Contractor and provided to Company as provided in Section 4.9;
(e) all
other deliverables identified in this Contract with respect to the Facility
(except for the As-Built Drawings or deliverables appearing in the Punchlist
Items provided by Contractor), including documents and materials described in
Article 9, have been completed in accordance with the provisions hereof and have
been provided to Company
.
; and
(f) all rubbish accumulated by Contractor in the Company-designated disposal area has been removed and disposed in accordance with Section 2.2(g) .
4.8 Final Completion Certificate
Within fifteen (15) Days following the receipt of the Certificate of Final Completion, Company shall inspect the Facility and review all Work and services performed by Contractor with respect thereto, and shall either (i) deliver to Contractor the Certificate of Final Completion countersigned and certifying that the Work requirements of this Contract (other than the Punchlist Items identified by Contractor and the As-Built Drawings) have been fully satisfied for the Facility and Final Completion of the Facility has accordingly been achieved, or (ii) if reasonable cause exists for doing so, notify Contractor in writing that Final Completion of the Facility has not been achieved, stating in detail the reasons therefore. In the event that Company determines that Final Completion has not been achieved and Contractor has not disputed Companys determination, Contractor shall promptly take such corrective action or perform such
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additional Work or other services as shall be necessary to achieve Final Completion of the Facility and shall issue to Company another Certificate of Final Completion. Such procedure shall be repeated until Final Completion of the Facility has been achieved; provided, however, that Company shall respond to any such subsequent Certificate of Final Completion within ten (10) Days following the receipt thereof. If Company fails to provide the Certificate of Final Completion or as contemplated in (ii) above within the aforementioned period, Final Completion of the Facility shall be deemed to have been achieved.
4.9 Punchlist
Contractor shall provide to Company a list of all Punchlist Items and the estimated cost thereof prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Final Completion. Within fifteen (15) Days following the receipt of this list of Punchlist Items, Company shall notify Contractor in writing whether Company has any objections to that list or the estimates thereof. If Company has any objections, including additions, the Parties shall use good faith efforts to resolve such objections. If no agreement can be reached, the provisions of Article 14 shall be invoked to resolve the dispute. Two hundred percent (200%) of the estimated value of such Work, as reasonably decided by Company, shall be retained or deducted from the Contract Price by Company or, at Contractors option, paid to Company by Contractor pending satisfactory rectification and/or completion. Contractor shall rectify or complete to the reasonable satisfaction of Company within the time stated in the Certificate of Final Completion any such Punchlist Items listed. In the event Contractor fails to rectify or complete any Punchlist Items listed, Company may arrange for the outstanding work to be done and the cost thereof shall be certified by Company and deducted from the Contract Price or, at Contractors option, paid to Company by Contractor. Upon satisfactory rectification and/or completion of such Work, the money retained, deducted or paid under this Section 4.9 in relation thereto shall be reimbursed to Contractor by Company. During the period after Final Completion, Contractor and Company shall cooperate to ensure that the performance of the Work does not unreasonably interfere with the commercial operation of the Facility and at the same time allowing the remaining Work to be performed in a prompt and efficient manner. As soon as practicable after the completion of all Punchlist Items, Contractor shall remove all of its equipment and Materials and complete the removal of all Work-related waste material and rubbish from and around the Site.
ARTICLE 5 COMPENSATION AND PAYMENT
5.1 Contract Price
5.1.1 As compensation for the performance of the Work, Company shall pay Contractor, in the manner and at the times hereinafter specified, the Contract Price, which amount may be subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of this Contract.
5.1.2 The Contract Price includes any and all Taxes imposed directly or indirectly by any Governmental Authority including export taxes, importation duties and income Taxes imposed on Contractor.
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5.1.3 Contractor shall be responsible for paying all State of Idaho sales and use taxes due as a result of the Work in the construction of the Facility to the State of Idaho.
5.1.4 Upon request of Company, Contractor shall:
(a) promptly provide to Company evidence of its remittance to the applicable Governmental Authority of all state and local sales and use taxes that Contractor collects from Company under this Contract; and
(b) provide Company with sufficient level of detail such that Company is able to claim any State of Idaho sales and use tax refund for geothermal energy projects for which it may be eligible under State of Idaho law.
5.2 Payment Schedule
Exhibit A sets forth the payment installments payable by Company in respect of Work performed by Contractor. The Schedule shall be used as the basis for preparation of invoices and for payments. Any cumulative acceleration of the Payment Schedule of more than fourteen (14) Days must reflect a reciprocal acceleration in the Guaranteed Final Completion Date.
5.3 Payment
5.3.1 Contractor shall present monthly invoices based on progress completion and completion of milestones as provided in the Payment Schedule. Except as provided below in this Section 5.3, invoices that are presented for payment shall be paid within thirty (30) Days of Companys receipt of such invoice.
5.3.2 Within fifteen (15) Days of its receipt of an invoice and such Documents, Companys Representative shall give written notice to Contractor of any objections that Companys Representative has with regard to the accomplishment of such progress amounts or milestones. If Companys Representative fails to provide such notice within such fifteen (15) Day period, the progress amount or milestone shall be deemed accomplished and Contractor shall be entitled to payment. If Companys Representative provides written notice of objection to the accomplishment of such progress amount or milestone and said Documentation within the period described above, and the contents of Companys Representatives notice is not in dispute, Contractor shall resubmit the corrected invoice and/or Documentation, and the above-described approval process shall reapply except that the response time shall be ten (10) Days rather than fifteen (15) Days.
5.3.3 If pursuant to Section 5.3.2, Companys Representative disputes any amounts invoiced by Contractor within the specified time period, Company shall promptly pay to Contractor the undisputed amount of such invoice in the manner provided in Section 5.3.1, and any disputed amount that is ultimately determined to have been payable shall be paid with interest from the date the item was payable to and including the date of payment, in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.8. The Parties shall resolve their differences regarding the disputed amount in accordance with the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Article 14.
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5.3.4 The Owner and Contractor will enter into a Joint Checking Agreement whereby Subcontractors and suppliers will be issued joint checks from the Owner. Contractor will be required to obtain and provide to Owner lien releases from Subcontractors and suppliers for progress and final payment for materials and services.
5.4 Final Completion Payment for the Facility
No later than thirty (30) Days after the Final Completion Date, Contractor shall submit to Company a statement summarizing and reconciling all previous invoices, payments and Changes in the Work, with respect to the Work, and a waiver of liens as provided in Section 5.7 from Contractor for the Facility and such other data as Company may reasonably request establishing payment of or surety for payment of such unpaid Contractor obligations. Within thirty (30) Days of the receipt of such statements and lien waiver, Company shall pay Contractor the remaining portion of the Contract Price (except with respect to amounts remaining to be paid by Company under the Contract for retainage and Punchlist Items less any unpaid Liquidated Damages owing by Contractor). Any disputes regarding a final payment shall be handled in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article 14.
5.5 Payments Not Acceptance of Work
No payment made by Company to Contractor shall be considered or deemed to represent that Company has inspected the Work or checked the quality or quantity of the Work and shall not be deemed or construed as an approval or acceptance of any Work or as a waiver of any claim or right Company may have hereunder.
5.6 Payment of Subcontractor
Contractor shall promptly pay, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the respective Subcontract, each Subcontractor the amount to which said Subcontractor is entitled. Contractor shall, by an appropriate agreement with each Subcontractor, require each Subcontractor to make timely payments to its laborers, suppliers and subcontractors in a similar manner.
5.7 Waiver of Liens
As a condition precedent to the making of the final Payment Schedule payment by Company hereunder, Contractor shall be required, upon request by Company, to supply Company with a waiver and release of liens and security interests to the extent of such payment in the form attached as Exhibit J, duly executed by Contractor.
5.8 Interest
Amounts not paid by either Party to the other when due under any provision of this Contract, including the provisions of this Article 5, shall bear interest, from the date payment was due to and including the date of payment, at the Delayed Payment Rate.
5.9 Retainage
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Company shall make progress payments on account of the Contract Price on the basis of the Payment Schedule contained in Exhibit A as may be modified.
Prior to Final Completion, each progress payment will be made in an amount equal to 90 percent of the Work completed, with the balance being retainage, less such amounts Company may withhold, including but not limited to liquidated damages. Upon payment of 50 percent of the Contract Price as amended due to Change Orders, and provided the Owner is satisfied with the performance and progress of Work, the Owner may reduce or eliminate further withholding of retainage.
Upon completion to the satisfaction of the Companys Representative of all punchlist items per Section 4.9, Company shall within 30 days pay all amounts retained in accordance with this section and Section 4.9. Reimbursement for retainage will include a payment for interest on retained money that will be based on an annual interest rate of 4 percent.
ARTICLE 6 TESTING
6.1 General
A general listing of the required tests is provided in Exhibit C1. Development and implementation of test procedures and protocols shall be the responsibility of Contractor. These procedures and protocols, as developed by the Contractor, and agreed to by the Company, shall be provided in Exhibit D prior to Contract signature. Contractor shall be responsible for providing all supplies required for carrying out such tests in accordance with this Contract. Company may, at its expense, require independent calibration of any and all instruments used by Contractor and/or supply Companys own instruments to be used in addition to those of Contractor.
6.2 Test Procedures
The Performance Tests shall be performed under normal operating conditions as described in Exhibit D hereto and in accordance with all applicable Laws in effect on the date thereof.
6.3 Notice of Testing
Contractor shall notify Company at least fourteen (14) Days in advance of the actual date that Contractor shall start conducting tests. Companys Representative shall be entitled to attend at the time and place appointed in connection with the performance of the tests. If Companys Representative fails to attend at the time and place appointed for the tests, Contractor shall be entitled to proceed with the tests in their absence. The tests shall then be deemed to have been made in the presence of Companys Representative.
6.4 Deficiencies
If deficiencies are found, the Contractor shall take whatever actions are necessary to achieve compliance with the Contract provisions, at no additional cost to the Owner.
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Corrections shall be made within a reasonable period of time as agreed to by both the Contractor and Owner, but under no circumstances shall extend beyond sixty (60) days.
ARTICLE 7 INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
ARTICLE 8 CONSTRUCTION SUSPENSION AND ACCELERATION; CHANGE ORDER
8.1 Construction Suspension and Acceleration
8.1.1 Company may order Contractor to suspend the Work, or any part thereof, for such a time and in such a manner as Company may consider necessary or desirable. Contractor, during such a suspension, shall properly protect and secure the Work, or such part thereof, so far as is necessary in the opinion of Company. In the event of such order to suspend the Work, or any part thereof, and such suspension is not the result of a Contractor default, Contractor shall be entitled to a Change Order for adjustments pursuant to this Article 8 in the Contract Price and the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date) as may be affected by such suspension.
8.1.2 Company may order Contractor to accelerate the progress of the Work, or any part thereof, for such a time and in such a manner as Company may consider necessary or desirable provided that such acceleration is reasonably practicable. In the event of such order to accelerate the Work, or any part thereof, and such acceleration is not the result of Contractors default, Contractor shall be entitled to a Change Order for adjustments pursuant to this Article 8 in the Contract Price as may be affected by such acceleration.
8.2 Change Orders
Company, without invalidating this Contract, may order Changes in the Work that are reasonably related to and do not materially reduce or increase the Scope of Work, in which event one or more of the Contract Price, the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date) and other such parts of the Contract as may be affected by such Change in the Work shall be adjusted as necessary. If Company decides not to issue a Change Order after having requested a Change in the Work, unless such Change Order request is issued in response to a Contractor Change Order notice as set forth in Section 8.3.2, Contractor shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for providing engineering services necessary to respond to Companys Change Order request. Such reasonable compensation is defined to mean Contractors actual direct cost of providing such engineering services plus a fifteen percent (15%) mark-up for overhead and profit. All Changes in the Work shall be authorized by a Change Order and only Company or Companys Representative may issue Change Orders.
8.3 Procedure for Change Orders.
8.3.1 As soon as reasonably possible, but in no event later than fourteen (14) Days after Contractor becomes aware, through the exercise of reasonable diligence, of any circumstances which Contractor has reason to believe may constitute a Change in the Work, Contractor shall issue to Company a Change Order notice using the Change Order Request form
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set forth in Exhibit M. All Change Order notices shall include preliminary documentation sufficient to enable Company to determine (i) the factors necessitating the possibility of a Change Order; (ii) the impact which the Change Order is likely to have on the Contract Price; and (iii) the impact which the Change Order is likely to have on the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date). Failure to give such proper and timely Change Order notice shall, to the extent Company is prejudiced by such failure, constitute a waiver of Contractors right to an adjustment.
8.3.2 If Company desires to make a Change Order in response to a Change Order notice, it shall submit a Change Order request to Contractor using the Change Order Request form set forth in Exhibit M. Contractor shall promptly review the Change Order request and notify Company promptly in writing of the options for implementing the proposed Change Order (including, if possible, any option that does not involve an extension of time) and the effect, if any, each such option would have on the Contract Price, the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date), or any other such part of the Contract as may be affected. The preparation and provision of information to Company in response to a Change Order request shall be at Contractors expense if such Change Order request is issued in response to a Change Order notice issued by Contractor pursuant to this Section 8.3.2 and otherwise Contractor shall be reimbursed for such expense as provided in Section 8.2.
8.3.3 If Company agrees that a Change Order is in order and accepts Contractors statement of the effect of such Change Order on any one or more of the Contract Price, the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date), or any other such part of the Contract as may be affected, Company shall issue a Change Order. In the event Company disagrees with Contractors statement of the effect of such Change Order on any one or more of the Contract Price, the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date), or any other such part of the Contract as may be affected, Company may proceed to issue the Change Order in accordance with Section 8.8.
8.4 Change Orders Due to Contractor Error
Except as provided in Sections 8.5, 8.6 or 8.7, no Change Order shall be issued and no adjustment of any one or more of the Contract Price or the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date) shall be made to the extent resulting from any delay, failure of performance, correction of errors, and flaws or errors in design, omissions, deficiencies or improper or defective Work, machinery, equipment, materials, systems, supplies or other items on the part of Contractor or any Subcontractor in the performance of the Work or provisions of, or delay in provisions of Materials or other items of the Work where such delay was within the reasonable control of Contractor or any Subcontractor, or any failure of Contractor or any Subcontractor to comply with the Contract. To the extent any delay or failure of performance was concurrently caused by Company and Contractor, Contractor shall be entitled to an adjustment of the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date) for that portion of the delay or failure of performance that was concurrently caused, but Contractor shall not be entitled to any adjustment of Contract Price for such concurrent delay.
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8.5 Change Orders Due to Changes in Law
Any Change in the Work necessitated by any Change of Law enacted after the Effective Date (excluding therefrom any change in applicable Law relating to taxation of Contractors income) shall be treated as a Change Order under Section 8.3.
8.6 Effect of Force Majeure; Excused Performance
If Contractors performance hereunder is wholly or partially prevented due to the occurrence of a Force Majeure affecting Contractor and such Force Majeure has caused an extension of the Guaranteed Final Completion Date or any other date under the Schedule, Contractor shall provide to Company a written description of Contractors plan to make-up Days lost under the Schedule due to the occurrence of such Force Majeure, including an estimate of the costs of such plan. In the event of the occurrence of a Force Majeure, Contractor shall be entitled to a Change Order for adjustments pursuant to this Article 8 in the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date) and other such parts of the Contract as may be affected by such Force Majeure; provided, however, that there shall be no adjustment in the Contract Price for events of Force Majeure declared by a Party. To the extent that Company desires to pay for the costs of acceleration of the Work or change to the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date) set forth in Contractors proposal in order to compensate for delays in the work caused by such Force Majeure, Company shall authorize a Change Order increasing the Contract Price and adjusting the Schedule (in addition to any automatic adjustments of the Guaranteed Final Completion Date). Except for the obligations of either Party to make any required payment then due and owing under this Contract, if either Party is rendered wholly or partially unable to perform its obligations under this Contract because of a Force Majeure, then such Partys obligations that are so affected shall be excused and suspended to the extent and during the continuance of the Force Majeure. If a Force Majeure affecting the Contractor continues for two (2) consecutive months or more, or if a Force Majeure affecting the Company continues for six (6) consecutive months or more, this Contract may be terminated by either Party pursuant to Section 19.3. This Section 8.6 is subject to and conditioned upon the following:
(a) the non-performing Party, by exercise of due foresight, could not reasonably have been expected to avoid, or that by the exercise of reasonable due diligence could not have been able to overcome, such Force Majeure;
(b) the non-performing Party gives the other Party notice describing the particulars of the occurrence, with notice given promptly after the occurrence of the Force Majeure, and in no event more than fifteen (15) Days after the affected Party becomes aware of such occurrence; within fifteen (15) Days after such occurrence, the non-performing Party shall give the other Party written notice estimating the expected duration and probable impact on the performance of such Partys obligations hereunder, and continues to furnish timely regular reports with respect thereto during the continuation of the Force Majeure;
(c) the non-performing Party shall forecast the duration of its non-performance, provided that it shall be no more than is reasonably required by the Force Majeure;
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(d) the non-performing Party shall exercise all reasonable efforts to mitigate or limit damages to the other Party;
(e) the non-performing Party shall exercise all reasonable efforts to continue to perform its obligations hereunder and to correct or cure the event or condition excusing performance; and
(f) when the non-performing Party is able to resume performance of its obligations under this Contract, that Party shall give the other Party written notice to that effect and shall promptly resume performance hereunder.
8.7 Company-Caused Changes
In the event and to the extent (a) a failure of Company to perform, or cause performance of, its obligations in accordance with the Contract; or (b) damage to or destruction of any Work caused by Company cause a delay in Contractors performance of the Work which impairs Contractors ability to meet the Schedule, or impacts Contractors cost of performance of the Work, an equitable adjustment in the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date) or the Contract Price or any other such part of this Contract as may be affected shall be made pursuant to this Article 8. To the extent Contractor cannot reasonably redeploy labor or equipment, reasonable standby and mobilization/remobilization costs incurred by Contractor resulting from any such delay shall be reimbursed to Contractor monthly as such costs are incurred.
8.8 Price Change
8.8.1 An increase or decrease in Contract Price, if any, required pursuant to this Article 8 as a result of a Change Order shall be determined by the mutual agreement of the Parties, and shall be paid (or reimbursed) in one or more payments in accordance with the following:
(a) as a fixed price lump-sum, in an amount proposed by Contractor (properly itemized and supported by sufficient substantiating data to permit evaluation) and accepted by Company; or
(b) by unit pricing; or
(c) if neither of the methods set forth in Section 8.1(a) or 8.8(b) is agreed upon by the Parties, after good faith negotiation by the Parties, Contractor shall perform the Work on a time and material basis.
8.8.2 Change Order Pricing Fixed Price . When the fixed price method is used to determine the value of any Work covered by a Change Order, or of a request for an equitable adjustment in the Contract Price, the following procedures shall apply:
1. Contractors Change Order proposal, or request for adjustment in the Contract Price, shall be accompanied by a breakdown of the costs, including labor, material, equipment, subcontractor costs, overhead and profit. The costs
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shall be itemized in the manner set forth below, and shall be submitted on breakdown sheets in a form approved by Company.
2. All costs shall be calculated based upon appropriate industry standard methods of calculating labor, material quantities and equipment costs.
3. If any of Contractors pricing assumptions are contingent upon anticipated actions of Company, Contractor shall clearly state them in the proposal or request for an equitable adjustment.
4. The cost of any additive or deductive changes in the Work shall be calculated as set forth below, except that overhead and profit shall not be included on deductive changes in the Work. Where a change in the Work involves additive and deductive work by the same Contractor or Subcontractor, small tools, overhead, profit, bond and insurance markups shall apply to the net difference.
5. If the total cost of the change in the Work or request for equitable adjustment does not exceed One Dollars ($1,000)], Contractor shall not be required to submit a breakdown of the description of the change in the Work or request for equitable adjustment, unless change in the Work is sufficiently definitive for Company to determine fair value.
6. If the total cost of the change in the Work or request for equitable adjustment is Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) or more, Contractor shall submit a breakdown in the following level of detail if the description of the change in the Work or if the request for equitable adjustment is sufficiently definitive to permit the Company to determine fair value:
a. lump sum labor;
b. lump sum equipment and material;
c. lump sum equipment usage;
d. overhead and profit as set forth below;
e. insurance and bond costs as set forth below; and
f. construction-related indirect costs and home office personnel tasks dedicated specifically to the Facility.
7. Any request for adjustment of Contract Price based upon the fixed price method shall include only the following items:
a. Craft Labor Costs : These are the labor costs determined by multiplying the estimated additional number of craft hours needed to perform the change in the Work by the hourly labor costs. Craft hours
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should cover all direct labor. The hourly costs shall be based on the following:
(1) Basic Wages and Benefits : Hourly rates and benefits (general foreman and below) as set forth in Exhibit L.
(2) Workers Insurance : Direct contributions for industrial insurance.
(3) Federal Insurance : Direct contributions required by the Federal Insurance Compensation Act; Federal Unemployment Tax Act; and the State Unemployment Compensation Act, if any.
(4) Travel Allowance : Travel allowance and/or subsistence, if applicable, not exceeding those allowances prevailing in the region, which are itemized and identified separately.
b. Equipment and Material Costs : This is an itemization of the quantity and cost of equipment and materials needed to perform the change in the Work. Such costs shall be developed from actual known costs, supplier quotations or standard industry pricing guides. Equipment and material costs shall consider all available discounts. Freight costs, express charges, or special delivery charges, shall be itemized.
c. Construction Equipment Costs : This is an itemization of the type of equipment and the estimated or actual length of time the construction equipment appropriate for the Work is or shall be used on the change in the Work. Costs shall be allowed for construction equipment to the extent used for the changed Work, or for additional rental costs and other costs (including but not limited to fuel, oil, minor maintenance, service, cleaning and repair of construction equipment) actually incurred by the Contractor. Equipment charges shall be developed from Contractors rate sheet or actual invoice rental costs plus costs for fuel and oil established by using the Data Quest Rental Rate (Blue Book). The maximum rate for standby Contractor-owned equipment shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the applicable rate.
d. Allowance for Small Tools, Expendables and Consumable Supplies : Small tools consist of tools which cost Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750) or less and are normally furnished by the performing contractor. The maximum rate for small tools, expendables and consumables shall not exceed the following:
(1) for Contractor, eight percent (8%) of direct labor costs; and
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(2) for Subcontractors, eight percent (8%) of direct labor costs.
Expendables and consumable supplies directly associated with the change in Work must be itemized.
e. Subcontractor Costs : This is defined as payments Contractor makes to Subcontractors for changed Work performed by Subcontractors of any tier. The Subcontractors cost of Work shall be calculated and itemized in the same manner as prescribed herein for Contractor.
f. Indirect Costs : This is defined as costs of any kind attributable to direct and indirect delay, acceleration, or impact, added to the total cost to Company of any Change Order, or any request for additional Work or extra payment of any kind on the Facility. This allowance shall compensate Contractor for all non-craft labor, including field manager and superintendent, temporary construction facilities, field engineering, schedule updating, as-built drawings, home office cost, office engineering, estimating costs, additional overhead because of extended time, and any other cost incidental to the change in the Work.
g. Contingency and Profits : The cost to which contingency and profit is to be applied shall be determined in accordance with subparagraphs a-f above. Contingency and profit shall be calculated as [fifteen percent (15%)] of the sum of subparagraphs a-f above.
h. Cost of Change in Insurance or Bond Premium : This is defined as:
(1) Contractors Liability Insurance : The cost of any changes in Contractors liability insurance arising directly from execution of the Change Order; and
(2) Performance Bond(s) : The cost of the additional premium for Contractors performance bond, if any, arising directly from the changed Work.
The costs of any change in insurance or bond premium shall be added after contingency and profit are calculated in accordance with subparagraph g above.
8.8.3 Change Order Pricing Unit Prices .
1. Whenever Company authorizes Contractor to perform Work on a unit-price basis, Companys authorization shall clearly state:
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b. type of reimbursement including pre-agreed rates for material quantities; and
c. a maximum not-to-exceed limit.
2. Contractor shall:
a. cooperate with Company and assist in monitoring the Work being performed;
b. leave access as appropriate for quantity measurement; and
c. not be required to perform unit-cost work past the established not to exceed limit without Companys prior written approval.
3. Unit prices shall include reimbursement for all direct and indirect costs of the Work, plus contingency overhead and profit, and bond and insurance costs, and quantities must be supported by field measurement statements signed by Company.
8.8.4 Change Order Pricing Time and Material Prices .
(a) Whenever Company authorizes Contractor to perform Work contemplated under a Change Order on a time and material basis, Companys authorization shall clearly state:
(i). scope of Work to be performed; and
(ii). type of reimbursement including pre-agreed rates, if any, for material quantities or labor.
(b) Contractor shall:
(i). cooperate with Company and assist in monitoring the Work being performed. As requested by Company, identify workers assigned to the Work and areas in which they are working;
(ii). identify on daily time sheets all labor, equipment and materials furnished in accordance with this authorization. Submit copies of daily time sheets within two (2) Days for Companys review;
(iii). leave access as appropriate for quantity measurement;
(iv). efficiently perform all Work in accordance with this Section 8.8.2;
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(v). not be required to perform time and material work past the established not to exceed limit(s) without Companys prior written approval.
(vi). Submit costs in accordance with Section 8.8.1, plus profit and overhead of fifteen percent (15%) on the sum of such costs and additional verification supported by:
(1) labor priced at Contractors then current burdened direct labor rates, detailed on daily time sheets;
(2) invoices for equipment and material; and
(3) invoices for construction equipment rental costs.
8.9 Effectiveness; Continued Performance Pending Resolution of Disputes
If a Change in the Work is initiated under this Article 8, then the Change Order and the modifications made pursuant to such Change Order shall be effective upon Companys issuance of a Change Order with respect thereto. Notwithstanding a dispute regarding any proposed or requested Change Order, or any adjustment of one or more of the Contract Price, the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date), or any other such part of this Contract as may be affected with respect to a Change Order, Contractor shall proceed with the performance of such Change Order promptly following Companys execution of the corresponding Change Order.
8.10 Documentation
All claims by Contractor for adjustments pursuant to a Change Order to one or more of the Contract Price, the Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date), or any other such part of this Contract as may be affected as a result of Change Orders under this Article 8 shall be supported by such documentation as is reasonably sufficient for Company to determine the accuracy thereof. Within thirty (30) Days of Contractors knowledge of Contractors need to provide additional supporting data for the Change Order notice, unless Company agrees in writing to allow an additional period of time to ascertain more accurate data, Contractor shall supplement the Change Order notice with additional supporting data. Such additional data shall include, to the extent known, or through the exercise of reasonable diligence should be known at the time, at a minimum (a) the amount of compensation or delay claimed, itemized in accordance with procedures set forth herein; (b) specific facts, circumstances; (c) analysis that confirms not only that Contractor suffered the damages or delay claimed, but that the damages or delay claimed were actually a result of the act, event, or condition complained of, and that the Contract provides entitlement to an equitable adjustment in Contract Price or Schedule (including the Guaranteed Final Completion Date) for such act, event or condition; and (d) supporting documentation sufficiently detailed to permit an informed analysis of the request by Company. Failure to provide such additional information and documentation, to the extent such information and documentation was reasonably available to Contractor, within the time allowed or within the
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format required shall, to the extent Companys interests are prejudiced, constitute a waiver of Contractors right to an adjustment.
8.11 Continue Work
Pending final resolution of any request in accordance with this Article 8, unless otherwise agreed in writing, Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of the Work.
8.12 Critical Path Schedule Updates
If there is any change in the Schedule covered by a Change Order, or based on a Change Order notice, Contractor shall provide Company with an updated version of Contractors Exhibit B Schedule showing the critical path schedule reflecting the change attributable to the Change Order or event(s) giving rise to the request for adjustment.
8.13 Change Order Constitutes Complete Relief
Except for aggregate impacts which are either unknown, or despite the exercise of reasonable diligence would not be known at the time of execution of a Change Order, any Change Order signed by Company and Contractor shall constitute full compensation to Contractor for all claims for cost for direct, indirect, labor, temporary construction failures, job site, or home office overhead, stacking of trades, inefficiencies, impacts or any other cost of any kind or nature; and in the event the Change Order adjusts the Schedule, the Change Order signed by Company and Contractor constitutes complete relief to Contractor for schedule impacts for all events giving rise to the Change Order.
8.14 Effect of Changes on Warranties and Safety
8.14.1 If Contractor reasonably believes that a proposed Change in the Work may negatively affect any warranty or performance commitments with regard to any Work, Contractor shall serve Company notice within fourteen (14) Days of Contractors receipt of such proposal of its belief and the believed effect. If Company insists, despite Contractors notice, upon requiring the execution of such proposal and Contractor acquiesces to Companys request and executes the proposal, the affected warranties or performance commitments shall be adjusted to the extent agreed between the Parties or as already determined in accordance with the provisions of Article 14, but only to the extent related to or derived from Companys proposal.
8.14.2 If Contractor reasonably believes that a proposed Change in the Work may negatively affect safety of the Work or persons in its vicinity or would violate any applicable Laws, Contractor shall serve Company notice within fourteen (14) Days of Contractors receipt of such proposal of Contractors belief and the believed effect, and Contractor shall not be required to perform such proposal.
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ARTICLE 9 DESIGN AND DOCUMENTATION
9.1 Inspection of Work
At Companys sole expense, Company and Companys Representative shall have the right to inspect any item of the Work to be provided hereunder. Company and Companys Representative shall have access to those portions of the Site then under Contractors control, at all times and without notice. While at the Site, Company and the Companys Representative shall comply with all of Contractors safety rules and other job site rules and regulations.
9.2 As-Built Drawings
Within two (2) months following the Final Completion Date, Contractor shall furnish to Company one set of redline drawings of the Facility on which are marked any and all material deviations from those Drawings that were issued for construction or updated by change orders ( As-Built Drawings ).
9.3 Equipment Manuals
Contractor shall supply operations and maintenance manuals in accordance with Section 10.1 of Exhibit C1.
ARTICLE 10 WARRANTIES
10.1 Warranty
Contractor warrants to Company that:
(a) the Work shall conform in all material respects to the Drawings, the Specifications and the other requirements set forth in this Contract;
(b) the Work shall be of good quality, free from any Defect and shall be performed in a workmanlike and skilful manner;
(c) the equipment and all Materials and other items incorporated in the Work shall:
(i) be new and shall be of a suitable grade of its respective kind for its intended use, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the Company;
(ii) be free from any Defect in the case of new materials, and as warranted by the supplier in the case of used materials;
(iii) meet the requirements of this Contract;
(iv) be free from any charge, encumbrance, lien or other security interest; and
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(v) comply with current applicable Laws.
(d) title and ownership to the Work shall pass to and vest in Company, as described in Section 12.1, free and clear of any and all liens, claims, charges, security interests, encumbrances and rights of other persons arising as a result of any actions or failure to act of Contractor, its Subcontractors, or their employees or representatives; and
(e) the Work has been and shall be designed and engineered with all the skill, care and diligence to be expected of appropriately qualified and experienced professional designers and engineers with experience in carrying out works of a similar, type, nature and complexity to the Work.
10.2 Warranty Period
The warranties set forth in Section 10.1 shall extend for a period of twelve (12) Months from the Final Completion Date; provided, however, that such period with respect to any item of the Work that is repaired, replaced, modified, or otherwise altered by Contractor pursuant to Section 10.3 shall be extended for twelve (12) Months from the date of completion of such repair, replacement, modification or alteration (for such item, the Warranty Period ). Upon the expiration of the Warranty Period, Contractor will assign to Company, to the extent assignable, the warranties relating to the Work from any Subcontractors or vendors that extend beyond the Warranty Period, if any.
10.3 Defect Remedy Work
10.3.1 Company shall notify Contractor promptly (but not longer than forty-eight (48) hours) upon discovery of any Defect. A written failure report, which includes available technical and logistic information to assist Contractor to assess the damage to the equipment and to evaluate appropriate corrective action, shall be provided to Contractor as soon as reasonably practicable upon discovery of the Defect.
10.3.2 Contractors responsibility for any such warranty claim shall be limited to Contractors performance of Defect Remedy Work on the Defect and Contractor shall perform such Defect Remedy Work as soon as reasonably possible following Contractors receipt of notice and the relevant failure report from Company applicable to such Work. Only direct costs and expenses of Defect Remedy Work shall be borne by Contractor. Contractor shall have the obligation in connection with the performance of any Defect Remedy Work to provide any special rigging, cranes or heavy equipment or any labor required in connection with operating such equipment, except where such items or labor are readily available at the Site, in which case such items or labor shall be provided by Company or Companys operator, at Contractors request, and Contractor shall pay reasonable compensation therefore.
10.3.3 All costs associated with the performance of any repair and maintenance work which is not Defect Remedy Work, including the costs of the replacement of any parts or other portions of the Work which are not defective but which are replaced in conjunction with Defect Remedy Work at the request of Company, shall be the responsibility of Company. Company shall provide Contractor with access to the Facility and to utilities, tools and
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equipment available at the Site for Contractors performance of any Defect Remedy Work. If Contractor elects not to carry out such Defect Remedy Work and requests Company to perform the same under this Article 10 instead of Contractor, Company may cause the Defect Remedy Work to be effected and Contractor shall reimburse Company the costs Company has reasonably incurred as a result.
10.3.4 The warranty and the liabilities and obligations of Contractor under this Contract shall not extend to replacement of normal consumables or apply to any failure to comply with the warranty that has been caused by (i) any erosion or de-erosion or normal wear and tear in operation of the subject Work; (ii) any failure of Company or a third party, other than Contractor or Subcontractor, to properly store, install, operate and/or maintain the subject Work in accordance with good industry practices and the O&M Manual; (iii) any modifications made to the subject Work by any person other than personnel of Contractor or Subcontractor without Contractors express written consent prior to such modifications; (iv) any neglect, abuse, malicious mischief, vandalism or event of Force Majeure (other than a warranty failure) affecting the subject Work; (v) any other negligent act of Company or Companys operator; (vi) operation of the Facilities under conditions (including composition of the geothermal fluid) outside of the range specified in the Design Conditions; or (vii) operation of the Facility, other than by personnel of Contractor or Subcontractor, without Contractors prior express written consent, outside the Facilitys defined operation range.
10.4 Implementation of Warranty
The warranty claims and related Work shall be implemented in accordance with the Warranty Claim Procedures in Exhibit E.
10.5 Disclaimer and Release
THE WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, OBLIGATION AND LIABILITIES OF CONTRACTOR AND RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF COMPANY SET FORTH IN THIS CONTRACT ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN SUBSTITUTION FOR, AND COMPANY HEREBY WAIVES, RELEASES AND RENOUNCES, ALL OTHER PRESENT AND FUTURE WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, OBLIGATIONS, REPRESENTATIONS AND LIABILITIES OF CONTRACTOR, TOGETHER WITH ALL OTHER RIGHTS, CLAIMS AND REMEDIES OF COMPANY AGAINST CONTRACTOR, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARISING BY LAW OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, (A) ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE; (B) ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION ARISING FROM COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, COURSE OF DEALING OR USAGE OF TRADE; (C) ANY OBLIGATION, LIABILITY, RIGHT, CLAIM OR REMEDY IN TORT, WHETHER OR NOT ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF CONTRACTOR OR ITS SUBCONTRACTORS, ACTUAL, PASSIVE OR IMPUTED; OR (D) ANY OBLIGATION, LIABILITY, RIGHT, CLAIM OR REMEDY FOR LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO THE FACILITY, WORK OR ANY PORTION THEREOF OR FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
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ARTICLE 11 INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
ARTICLE 12 TITLE; CARE OF THE WORK
12.1 Passage of Title
Legal title to and ownership of all Work and Materials provided hereunder shall pass to and vest in the Raft River Energy I LLC at the later of (i) delivery to the Site; or (ii) upon payment of the respective payment pursuant to the Payment Schedule.
12.2 Risk of Loss
Contractor shall be responsible to assure safe delivery of all Materials to the Site. Except to the extent caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of Company, Contractor shall bear the risk of physical loss or destruction of or damage to the Materials and the Work, whether or not incorporated in the Facility at the Site or located on or off the Site, until the Final Completion Date. Notwithstanding the passage of title as provided in Section 12.1, Contractor assumes the risk of loss with respect to, and shall be obligated to replace, repair or reconstruct, any portion or all of the Materials or the Work that is lost, damaged or destroyed prior to turning over care, custody and control of such Material or Work to Company as provided in this Contract, irrespective of how such loss, damage or destruction shall have occurred. In the event of a termination of this Contract in accordance with the provisions hereof prior to such turnover, the risk of loss with respect to such Materials and Work shall pass to Company upon the effective date of termination, whether by Company or by Contractor.
ARTICLE 13 INSURANCE AND BONDING
13.1 Contractor Provided Insurance
Contractor shall:
(a) obtain and maintain in full force and effect from the Commencement Date through Final Completion, at its own cost, the following policies of insurance:
(i) Builders All Risk insurance in an amount equal to cover the replacement cost of the Facility, including transit coverage for purchased pipe and materials;
(ii) Public Liability insurance with bodily injury and property damage combined single limits of at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in the aggregate. Such insurance shall cover liability for bodily injury to third parties or damage to property to third parties arising in connection with the performance of the Work;
(iii) Excess Liability insurance with a single limit of at least Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) per occurrence in excess of the limits of the insurance provided in paragraph (ii) above;
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(iv) Workers Compensation insurance providing statutory limits of liability, and Employers Liability limits of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per disease/accident/ employee, covering Contractor;
(v) Marine transit insurance for Materials and/or Equipment procured and to be delivered pursuant to this Contract and to provide that Company is named as the additional named insured; and
(b) procure and maintain such further coverages as Contractor is required to have by any applicable Law.
In the event this insurance or any portion of it becomes commercially unavailable, Company and Contractor shall cooperate to obtain such replacement insurance as may be available and this Contract shall be modified accordingly.
13.2 Company Provided Insurance
Company shall:
(a) obtain and maintain in full force and effect, at its own cost, the following policies of insurance:
(i) All risks property insurance with a limit in an amount not less than the replacement cost of the Facility pipeline and equipment the care, custody and control of which has been turned over to Company by Contractor pursuant to this Contract;
(ii) Public Liability insurance with bodily injury and property damage combined single limits of at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) in the aggregate. Such insurance shall cover liability for bodily injury to third parties or damage to property to third parties arising in connection with the Site or the Facility; and
(iii) Excess Liability insurance with a single limit of at least Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) per occurrence in excess of the limits of the insurance provided in paragraph (ii) above; and
(b) procure and maintain such further coverages as Company is required to have by any applicable Law.
In the event this insurance or any portion of it becomes commercially unavailable, Company and Contractor shall cooperate to obtain such replacement insurance as may be available and this Contract shall be modified accordingly.
13.3 Policies
13.3.1 Contractors insurance shall:
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(a) name Company and its directors, officers, representatives, employees and agents and any identified Financing Parties as additional insureds;
(b) include the following cross-liability clause:
Where more than one party comprises the Insured, each of the parties shall, for the purpose of such insurance, be considered as a separate and distinct unit/entity, and the words the Insured shall be considered as applying to each party in the same manner as if a separate policy has been issued to each of the said parties. The insurer shall provide indemnity to each in the same manner and to the same extent as if a separate policy has been issued to each, provided that the total amount payable in respect of compensation shall not exceed the limits of indemnity;
(c) provide that such Contractors insurance may not be cancelled, non-renewed or materially changed by the insurer without giving thirty (30) Days prior written notice to Company;
(d) waive any and all rights of subrogation against Company and its respective directors, officers, representatives, agents and employees, and waive any other right of the insurers to any offset or counterclaim or any other deduction, whether by attachment or otherwise, in respect of any Liability of Company or its directors, officers, representatives, agents and employees; and
(e) provide that any other insurance maintained by Company and its respective directors, officers, representatives, agents and employees is in excess of such Contractors insurance and not contributory with it.
13.3.2 Companys insurance shall:
(a) name Contractor, Subcontractors and their respective directors, officers, representatives, employees and agents and any identified Financing Parties as additional insureds;
(b) include the following cross-liability clause:
Where more than one party comprises the Insured, each of the parties shall, for the purpose of such insurance, be considered as a separate and distinct unit/entity, and the words the Insured shall be considered as applying to each party in the same manner as if a separate policy has been issued to each of the said parties. The insurer shall provide indemnity to each in the same manner and to the same extent as if a separate policy has been issued to each, provided that the total amount payable in respect of compensation shall not exceed the limits of indemnity;
(c) provide that such Companys insurance may not be cancelled, non-renewed or materially changed by the insurer without giving sixty (60) Days prior written notice to the Contractor;
(d) waive any and all rights of subrogation against Contractor, Subcontractors and their respective directors, officers, representatives, agents and employees, and waive any
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other right of the insurers to any offset or counterclaim or any other deduction, whether by attachment or otherwise, in respect of any Liability of Contractor, Subcontractors or their respective directors, officers, representatives, agents and employees; and
(e) provide that any other insurance maintained by Contractor, any Subcontractors and their respective directors, officers, representatives, agents and employees is in excess of such Companys insurance and not contributory with it.
13.4 Payment of Deductibles
If any of the insurance described above shall have any deductibles, the Party obligated to procure such insurance shall be solely responsible for payment of all such deductible amounts associated with such insurance.
13.5 Evidence of Insurance
Within thirty (30) Days of the Commencement Date (or with regard to the Builders All Risk coverage described in Section 13.1(a)(i), prior to the commencement of Work at the Site), each Party shall cause its insurers or agents to provide to the other Party for the other Partys review and approval certificates of insurance evidencing the policies and terms specified in this Article 13. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Contractor shall be entitled to cause its insurers or agents to provide to Company the certificates of insurance evidencing its builders all risk policy only when the relevant risk arises. Failure by a Party to obtain the insurance coverage or certificates of insurance required by this Article 13 shall not in any way relieve or limit such Partys obligations and liabilities under this Contract, nor shall the failure of any insurance company for any reason to pay claims accruing with respect to such Partys insurance, affect, negate or release such Party from any of the provisions of this Contract, including such Partys indemnity obligations. The insurance coverage to be provided by each Party pursuant to this Article 13 are not intended to, and shall not in any manner, limit or modify such Partys obligations under this Contract, except to the extent any proceeds of such insurance are applied in satisfaction of such Partys obligations. If a Party shall fail to procure or maintain its insurances, then the other Party shall have the right (but shall not be obligated) to provide and maintain such insurance at the defaulting Partys expense and to deduct the cost thereof from any amount or amounts due to the other Party or in the event there are no such amounts due and payable, the defaulting Party shall reimburse the other Party for such costs on demand.
13.6 Performance Payment and Other Bonds
Contractor shall furnish bond(s) for performance and payment in an amount at least equal to 50% of the Contract Price, or as agreed to by both Parties, as security for the faithful performance and payment of contractors obligations under the Contract Documents. These bonds shall remain in effect until 30 days after the date when final payment becomes due, except as provided otherwise by Laws or Regulations.
All bonds shall be in the form prescribed herein, except as provided by Laws or Regulations, and shall be executed by such sureties as are named in the current list of Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and as
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Acceptable Reinsuring Companies as published in Circular 570 (amended) by the Financial Management Service, Surety Bond Branch, U.S. Department of the Treasury. All bonds signed by an agent must be accompanied by a certified copy of the agents authority to act.
If the surety on any bond furnished by Contractor is declared bankrupt or becomes insolvent or its right to do business is terminated in any state where any part of the Project is located or it ceases to meet the requirements of this paragraph, Contractor shall promptly notify Client and Clients Representative and shall, within 20 days after the event giving rise to such notification, provide another bond and surety, both of which shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph and succeeding paragraph.
The Contractor will be required to obtain performance and payment bonds for the insulation subcontractor for the full amount of the insulation contract, which will be an amount of approximately $400,000.
ARTICLE 14 DISPUTE RESOLUTION
14.1 Settlement by Mutual Agreement
Company and Contractor desire that this Contract operate between them fairly and reasonably. If during the term of this Contract a dispute arises between Company and Contractor, or one Party perceives the other as acting unfairly or unreasonably, or a question of interpretation arises hereunder, then the Parties shall cause the Companys Representative and Contractors Representative to promptly confer and exert their good faith efforts to reach a reasonable and equitable resolution of the issue. If Companys Representative and Contractors Representative are unable to resolve the issue within fourteen (14) Days, the matter shall be referred within five (5) Days of the lapse of such period to the Parties responsible officers for resolution. Neither Party shall seek resolution by mediation or arbitration of any dispute arising in connection with this Contract until both Parties responsible officers, who shall be identified by each Party from time-to-time, have had at least fourteen (14) Days to resolve the dispute following referral of the dispute to such responsible officers. If the Parties fail to settle such dispute within such period (including a failure to identify their respective responsible officers and make necessary referrals within such period), the provisions of Section 14.2 shall apply unless the Parties agree that the dispute is to be resolved according to the provisions of Section 14.3.
14.2 Mediation
If a dispute under this Contract is not resolved by the Parties pursuant to Section 14.1, upon the request of either Party the Parties shall try in good faith to settle the dispute by nonbinding mediation administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Mediation Rules before resorting to arbitration. Unless otherwise agreed upon by the Parties, the mediation shall be held in Ada County, Idaho. Each Party shall bear the cost and expense of preparing and presenting its own case (including, but not limited to, its own attorneys fees and costs of witnesses). Payment of the mediator and other costs and expenses of the mediation shall be divided equally among the Parties.
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14.3 Pending Disputes
Notwithstanding any provision of this Article 14 to the contrary, either Party may commence litigation within thirty (30) Days prior to the date after which the commencement of litigation could be barred by any applicable statute of limitations or other law, rule, regulation, or order of similar import or in order to request injunctive or other equitable relief in connection with any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or otherwise necessary to prevent irreparable harm. In such event, the Parties shall (except as may be prohibited by judicial order) nevertheless continue to follow the procedures set forth herein. While any disputes under this Contract are pending, including the commencement and pendency of any of the dispute resolution procedures set forth in this Article 14, the Parties shall abide by all their obligations under this Contract without prejudice to a final determination in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Article 14.
ARTICLE 15 INDEMNIFICATION
15.1 General
Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Company, the Financing Parties, each of their parent company and affiliates, and the directors, officers, members, agents, employees, successors and assigns of each of them (each, a Company Indemnified Party ), from and against any and all claims, demands, and causes of action asserted by any Governmental Authority or other third party against any Company Indemnified Party (other than as a result of a breach of this Contract by such person) and any Liabilities, including reasonable attorneys fees, incurred by such Company Indemnified Party in connection therewith to the extent and as a result of Contractors performance (or that of its Subcontractors, agents, employees or consultants) under this Contract, including, but not limited to (a) on account of any violation of any Law or Permit to be complied with by Contractor hereunder; and (b) in respect of any Taxes imposed on or attributable to performance of Contractor other than to the extent caused by or arising from the negligence or willful misconduct of such Company Indemnified Party not attributable to Contractor or any affiliate or Subcontractor of Contractor.
15.2 Indemnification for Bodily Injury or Property Damage
Company, as one Party, and Contractor, as the other Party, shall defend, indemnify and hold each other, and each others lenders, Financing Parties, parent company, affiliates, officers, directors, members, agents and employees, owners of the real property comprising the Site, harmless from and against any loss, damage or liability (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys fees and other costs but excluding consequential damages) on account of any claim by a third party for bodily injury or property damage against the indemnified party caused by the negligent act or omission of the indemnifying party or the indemnifying partys employees, contractors, subcontractors or agents, in connection with the performance of their respective undertakings under this Contract.
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15.3 Indemnity from Liens
Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold each of the Company Indemnified Parties harmless from and against (i) all liens arising from the performance of the Work by Contractor or otherwise caused by any Subcontractor or any employee, agent or Affiliate of Contractor or any of its Subcontractors or anyone else entitled to file a lien under Law; and (ii) any loss, damage or liability (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys fees and other costs) in connection with any and all mechanics liens filed in connection with Contractors Work hereunder. This Section 15.3 shall not apply to Liens of Contractor which result from non-payment by Company.
15.4 Reserved
15.5 Companys Indemnity
Company shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Contractor and its Subcontractors and their respective joint venture partners, directors, officers, agents, employees, shareholders and affiliates from any and all Liability or Proceedings arising out of:
(a) any actual or alleged injury or death of persons or damage to property arising out of the negligence, willful misconduct or default of Company (except only to the extent that the same have been caused by the negligence or default of Contractor or its Subcontractors);
(b) any and all environmental related liability or cost arising from or related to the Site, including any actual or alleged injury to persons or property related thereto or any remedial activity (except to the extent the same was caused by the negligence or default of Contractor or its Subcontractors in connection with their performance of the Work); or
(c) on account of any violation of any Law or Permit to be complied with by Company hereunder.
15.6 Notice and Settlement of Claims
A Party seeking the benefit of an indemnity under this Article 15 shall give the other Party written notice of any claim giving rise to the indemnity promptly after such Party learns of the same. The indemnifying Party may, at its own cost, conduct negotiations for the settlement of such claim and any litigation that may arise therefrom. The Party claiming the benefit of the indemnity shall not make any admission that might be prejudicial to the indemnifying Party unless the indemnifying Party fails to take over the conduct of the negotiations or litigation within a reasonable time after having been so requested. The indemnifying Party shall not settle any indemnified claim without the indemnified Partys prior written approval (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The Party claiming the benefit of the indemnity shall, at the request of the other Party, provide reasonable assistance for the purpose of contesting any such claim or action, and shall be paid all reasonable costs incurred in doing so and shall have the right to have its own counsel, at its expense, participate in the defense and negotiation of the claim or action.
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ARTICLE 16 ASSIGNMENT
16.1 Assignment by Company
Company may not assign any or all of its obligations, rights, title and/or interest in and to or arising out of or in connection with the Contract without the prior written approval of Contractor, which approval shall not be arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company may, without written approval, assign its obligations, rights, title and/or interest in and to or arising out of or in connection with the Contract for the purpose of securing financing.
16.2 Assignment by Contractor
Contractor may not assign any or all of its obligations, rights, title and/or interest in and to or arising out of or in connection with the Contract without the prior written approval of Company, which approval shall not be arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld or delayed. No assignment of Contractors obligations, rights, title and/or interest in and to or arising out of or in connection with the Contract shall relieve Contractor of any obligation hereunder.
16.3 Succession
This Contract shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns (as provided for by Sections 16.1 and 16.2) of the Parties.
ARTICLE 17 SUBCONTRACTORS
17.1 Subcontracts
Subject to Section 17.2, Contractor may enter into Subcontracts for the performance of the Work and shall be solely responsible for the satisfactory performance of the Work and the acts, defaults and omissions of any Subcontractor notwithstanding any review, approval or other action taken by Company with regard to the selection of a Subcontractor hereunder. Contractor shall be responsible for the actions of the Subcontractors in their performance of the Work as if such actions were those of Contractor. The issuance of any Subcontract shall not relieve Contractor of any of its obligations under this Contract. All Subcontracts shall be consistent with and in no way contrary to or inconsistent with any of the terms or provisions of this Contract. No contractual relationship shall exist between Company and any Subcontractor with respect to the Work to be performed hereunder, and no Subcontractor is intended to be or shall be deemed a third-party beneficiary of this Contract. Except as expressly set forth in Section 17.2, nothing contained herein shall (a) create any contractual relationship between any Subcontractor and Company or (b) obligate Company to pay or arrange for the payment of any Subcontractor.
17.2 Subcontract Provisions
Contractor shall ensure that Subcontracts made with Subcontractors having a value of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars or more are made in writing. Contractor shall make reasonable efforts to require that each such Subcontract shall provide that the rights and obligations of
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Contractor under each such Subcontract are assignable to Company, its successors and assigns upon Companys written request accompanied by proof of source of payment to such Subcontractors satisfaction, following any termination of this Contract.
17.3 Vendors
Contractor shall not subcontract the supply of any equipment for a price of in excess of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000), except to vendors approved by Company, which approval shall not be arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld.
ARTICLE 18 SUSPENSION
18.1 Right of Company to Suspend Work
Company may suspend performance of the Work by Contractor hereunder as provided in Section 8.1.1.
18.2 Initial Payments to Contractor
Contractor shall be entitled to payment for Work that has been completed as of the effective date of such suspension or concerning which delivery has been suspended if such suspension has not ceased within ten (10) Days of the effective date of such suspension within thirty (30) Days of the issuance of an invoice therefore by Contractor.
18.3 Extended Suspension
In the event that the duration of the suspensions by Company exceed ninety (90) Days in the aggregate, then Contractor may give notice to the Companys Representative requesting permission to proceed. If permission is not granted within twenty (20) Days of the delivery of such notice, Contractor may terminate its obligations under the Contract by so notifying Company in writing, and Contractor shall be entitled to payments as described in Section 19.2.2.
18.4 Right of Contractor to Suspend
Contractor may suspend performance of the Work hereunder, in whole or in part, upon thirty (30) Days prior written notice to Company of Contractors intention to suspend for reasons of (i) the aggregate amount of the payments withheld by Company as a result of a billing dispute(s) equals one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000); or (ii) Company breaches or is in default under any financing obligations with any Financing Parties. Such suspension shall continue for the period specified in the suspension notice.
18.5 Additional Changes Resulting From Suspensions
Provided that suspension is not necessary by reason of a default on the part of Contractor that has not been corrected, in the event of suspension pursuant to this Article 18 the Contract Price shall be increased by the amount equal to the additional costs reasonably incurred by Contractor as a result of the suspension (including costs for the purpose of safeguarding, storage, personnel, Subcontractors or rented equipment costs, demobilization and re-mobilization costs
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and increased costs or charges incurred for rescheduling) and the scheduled dates specified in this Contract, the Schedule, and all other dates and milestones herein by which Contractors responsibilities are measured shall be adjusted to reflect any delays resulting from such suspension (including a period equal to the suspension period, a period for demobilization and re-mobilization plus any additional period required). If Contractor shall, solely in consequence of such suspension, be required to perform any obligations under its warranty at a time which exceeds the original schedule for warranty obligations that would have been applied if there were no suspension, the additional cost of complying with the warranty obligations shall be added to the Contract Price.
18.6 Resumption of Work
Upon receipt of notice to resume the Work in accordance with this Contract, Contractor shall examine the Facility and the Work affected by the suspension. Contractor shall make good any deterioration or defect in or loss of such Facility or Work that may have occurred during suspension, and costs incurred in making such examinations and making good and resuming Work shall be added to the Contract Price, all of which Work shall be at Companys expense unless such suspension occurred by reason of a default on the part of Contractor that was not corrected within the time period specified in Section 19.1.
ARTICLE 19 TERMINATION
19.1 Termination by Company
19.1.1 Company may terminate the Work and this Contract after the occurrence of one or more of the following events of default and if, following a written notice from Company to cure such event of default, said event of default continues to exist for ten (10) Days in the circumstances described in (a) below, and twenty (20) Days in the circumstances described in (b) below:
(a) the occurrence of an Insolvency Event involving Contractor; or
(b) Contractor defaults in its performance under a material provision of this Contract; provided, however, that Company may not terminate this Contract if, after notice of such default and prior to expiration of the twenty (20) Day period set forth above, Contractor has commenced and is diligently pursuing efforts to cure such breach.
19.1.2 In the event of termination as provided in Section 19.1.1, Company shall compensate Contractor for all payment amounts or milestones achieved plus a pro rata portion of the payment amounts for Work partially achieved as of termination, but Company shall not compensate Contractor for any other costs associated with the termination of the Work. Upon termination and such payment, Contractor shall deliver to Company possession of the Work in its then condition, including Drawings and Specifications and contracts with Subcontractors, and construction supplies dedicated solely to construction of the Facility.
19.1.3 In the event of termination as provided in Section 19.1.1: (a) Company shall have the right, at its sole option, to assume and become liable for any reasonable written
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obligations and commitments that Contractor may have in good faith undertaken with third parties in connection with the Work, which obligations and commitments are by Law or by their terms assumable by Company and are not covered by the payments made to Contractor under Section 19.1.2. If Company elects to assume any obligation of Contractor as described in this Section 19.1.3, then as a condition precedent to Companys compliance with any subsection of this Article 19, Contractor shall execute all papers and take all other reasonable steps requested by Company that may be required to vest in Company all rights, set-offs, benefits and titles necessary to such assumption by Company of such obligations. Company agrees to indemnify and hold Contractor harmless against any Liability under any obligations assumed by Company pursuant hereto.
19.2 Termination by Contractor
19.2.1 Contractor may terminate the Work and this Contract after the occurrence of one or more of the following events of default and if, following a written notice from Contractor to Company to cure such event of default, said event of default continues to exist for ten (10) Days in the event of a payment default, and thirty (30) Days in the event of any of the other defaults described below:
(a) the occurrence of an Insolvency Event involving Company;
(b) Company defaults in its performance under a material provision of this Contract; provided, however, that Contractor may not terminate this Contract if, for all cases except for the obligation to make or complete any payment, after notice of such default and prior to expiration of the thirty (30) Day period set forth above, Company has commenced and is diligently pursuing efforts to cure such breach; or
(c) Company breaches or is in default under any financing obligations with any Financing Parties and fails to cure such breach or default within the cure or other period provided in the applicable agreement or instrument.
19.2.2 In the event of termination as provided in Section 19.2.1, Company shall pay to Contractor the greater of (a) that portion of the Contract Price associated with all payment amount or milestones achieved, including any amount in the Letter of Credit which amount Contractor may draw down, plus a pro rata portion of the payment amount or milestone amounts for partially achieved Work up to the date of Contractors receipt of notice of termination plus any costs attributable to and incurred in terminating the Work, including cancellation charges owed to third parties, but in no event shall the total amount exceed the Contract Price , or (b) the termination amount payable by Company to Contractor as specified in Section 19.4.
19.3 Due to Force Majeure
If (a) Company wholly suspends the Work on the Facility for six (6) consecutive months due to the occurrence of a Force Majeure suffered by Company; or (b) Contractor is prevented from performing the Work for a period of six (6) consecutive months as a result of the occurrence of a Force Majeure suffered by Contractor, then the affected Party may terminate this Contract at no cost or penalty, other than the payment of all accrued payment obligations due
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and payable pursuant to this Contract (excluding loss of anticipated profits for the Work not yet performed by Contractor) upon not less than fifteen (15) Days prior written notice to the other Party; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 19.3 shall relieve or excuse either Party from its obligations under Sections 19.5 and 19.6.
19.4 Due to Companys Convenience
If Company determines it is in its best interest to terminate this Contract for its convenience, then Company may terminate this Contract at no cost or penalty if such notice is given prior to Company issuing Contractor a Notice to Proceed pursuant to Section 4.1. Company may also terminate this Contract for convenience after issuing Contractor a Notice to Proceed at no cost or penalty, other than the payment by Company to Contractor of the sum of (a) all accrued payment obligations due and payable pursuant to this Contract plus a pro rata portion of the payment amounts for partially achieved Work up to the date of Contractors receipt of notice of termination (excluding loss of anticipated profits for the Work not yet performed by Contractor), (b) any costs attributable to and incurred in terminating the Work, including cancellation charges owed to third parties, and (c) One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) for miscellaneous expenses and/or loss of anticipated profit for the Work not yet performed by Contractor. Such payment shall be made by Company to Contractor not less than fifteen (15) Days after Contractor has provided Company written notice of the amounts due. Nothing in this Section 19.4 shall relieve or excuse either Party from its obligations under Sections 19.6 and 19.7. It is understood and agreed by the Parties that Contractor shall be damaged by Companys termination of this Contract for convenience and that (i) it would be impracticable or extremely difficult to fix the actual damages resulting therefrom; (ii) the termination fee described in clause (c) above is in the nature of liquidated damages, and not a penalty, and is fair and reasonable; and (iii) such payments represent a reasonable estimate of fair compensation to Contractor for the losses that may reasonably be anticipated from such termination.
19.5 Exclusive Remedy
Companys payment to Contractor pursuant to either Section 19.3 or 19.4, shall be Contractors exclusive remedy against Company in the event of such termination.
19.6 Actions Required Following Termination
Upon early termination of the Work, each Party shall be immediately released from any and all obligations to the other Party (except for the obligation of each Party to pay any amount then accrued or due hereunder, or otherwise due under this Article 19), Contractor immediately shall discontinue the Work and remove its personnel and construction equipment from the Site, and except for termination due to Companys default Company shall be entitled to take exclusive possession of the Materials and all or any part of the Materials delivered or en route to the Site, to the extent that Company has paid Contractor all undisputed amounts hereunder then due and payable from Company to Contractor. Contractor shall immediately take such steps as are reasonably necessary to preserve and protect Work completed and in progress.
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19.7 Termination and Transfer of Subcontracts and Other Rights
Upon the early termination of the Work pursuant to this Article 19, including pursuant to Section 19.4, if requested by the Company, Contractor shall make reasonable efforts to cancel existing contracts with Subcontractors performing Work at the Site. If early termination of the Work occurs due to the default by Contractor, Contractor shall also, upon request by Company (a) deliver and assign to Company, pursuant to a document produced by Contractor and reasonably acceptable to Company, any and all Subcontracts, purchase orders, bonds and options made by Contractor for Work to be performed at the Site (but in no event shall Company be liable for any action or default of Contractor occurring prior to such delivery and assignment (except to the extent such action or default was caused by Company) and Contractor shall defend and hold harmless Company against any such liability); and (b) deliver to Company originals of all Subcontracts and all papers and documents relating to Contractor Permits, orders placed, bills and invoices, lien releases related to the Work. All deliveries hereunder shall be made free and clear of any liens, security interests or encumbrances, except as may arise hereunder, be created by Company or may arise in favor of Contractor due to non-payment by Company. Except as provided herein, no action taken by Company or Contractor after the termination of the Work and/or this Contract shall prejudice any other rights or remedies of Company or Contractor provided by Law, this Contract or otherwise upon such termination.
19.8 Surviving Obligations
Termination or expiration of this Contract (a) shall not relieve either Party of its obligations with respect to the confidentiality of the other Partys information as set forth in Article 21; (b) shall not relieve either Party of any obligations hereunder which expressly or by implication survive termination hereof; and (c) except as otherwise provided in any provision of this Contract expressly limiting the liability of either Party, shall not relieve either Company or Contractor of any obligations or liabilities for loss or damage to the other Party arising out of or caused by acts or omissions of such Party prior to the effectiveness of such termination or arising out of such termination, and shall not relieve Contractor of its obligations as to portions of the Work or other services already performed or of obligations assumed by Contractor prior to the date of termination. This Section 19.8 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Contract.
ARTICLE 20 INTENTIONALLY OMITTED
ARTICLE 21 CONFIDENTIALITY
21.1 Both Parties to Keep Information Confidential
Company and Contractor shall keep confidential and shall not, without the written consent of the other Party, divulge to any third party Information of the other Party.
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21.2 Use of Information
Contractor shall not use any Information received from Company for any purpose other than the procurement and construction of the Facility, or such other Work as required for the performance of the Contract.
21.3 Exclusions
The obligations of any Party under Sections 21.1 and 21.2 shall not apply to Information of the other Party that:
(a) now or hereafter enters the public domain through no fault of the receiving Party;
(b) can be proved to have been in the possession of the receiving Party at the time of disclosure and which was not previously obtained, directly or indirectly, from the other Party hereto;
(c) otherwise lawfully becomes available to the receiving Party from a third party under no obligation of confidentiality; or
(d) the receiving Party is required by law or any relevant stock exchange or other competent regulatory authority to publish or otherwise disclose but only to the extent that it is necessary to publish or disclose the same.
21.4 Contractor Logos
Contractor shall apply no names, logos, or other markings to the Facility without the written permission of the Company.
ARTICLE 22 NOTICES
22.1 All notices and other communications required or permitted by this Contract shall be in writing and delivered by hand (including by messenger or courier) or by airmail post or special courier or by telecopier or facsimile (receipt confirmed), at the addresses or numbers set forth below or at such other addresses or numbers as the Party receiving notice shall subsequently designate by way of replacement by giving ten (10) Days written notice to the other Party pursuant to this Section:
If to Company: | Raft River Energy I LLC | |
1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B | ||
Boise, Idaho 83706 | ||
Attention: Daniel Kunz | ||
Fax: (208) 424-1030 | ||
with a copy for | ||
any notice of | ||
claim or dispute |
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to: | Stoel Rives LLP | |
600 University Street | ||
Seattle, WA 98101 | ||
Attention: John F. Pierce | ||
Fax: (206) 386-5700 | ||
If to Contractor: | Industrial Builders | |
20394 Pinto Lane | ||
Caldwell, ID 83605 | ||
Attention: Dave Erlebach | ||
Fax: (541) 889-7755 |
22.2 Any notice sent by telecopier or facsimile transmission shall be confirmed within two (2) Days after dispatch by notice sent by airmail or special courier.
22.3 Any notice or confirmation of notice sent by airmail or special courier shall be deemed (in the absence of evidence of earlier receipt) to have been delivered ten (10) Days after dispatch and in proving the fact of dispatch, it shall be sufficient to show that the envelope containing such notice was properly addressed, stamped and conveyed to the postal authorities or courier service for transmission by airmail or special courier.
22.4 Any notice delivered by hand, facsimile, telecopier or telegram shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date of its dispatch.
22.5 In this Article 22, notices shall include any approvals, consents, instructions, orders, and certificates to be given under the Contract.
ARTICLE 23 MISCELLANEOUS
23.1 Governing Law
This Contract and the Exhibits hereto shall in all respects be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Idaho, without regard to the principles of conflict of laws. The selection of Idaho law shall conclusively be presumed to be a significant, material and reasonable relationship with the State of Idaho and shall be enforced whether or not there are other relationships with the State of Idaho. Any dispute arising under or related to this Agreement shall be resolved by a court of competent jurisdiction in Ada County, Idaho, and each party hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits to such exclusive jurisdiction and venue.
23.2 Construction
This Contract and any documents or instruments delivered pursuant hereto shall be construed without regard to the identity of the person who drafted the various provisions of the same. Each and every provision of this Contract and such other documents and instruments shall be construed as though the parties participated equally in the drafting of the same. Consequently, the parties acknowledge and agree that any rule of construction that a document is
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to be construed against the drafting party shall not be applicable to this Contract or such other documents or instruments.
23.3 Nature of Agreement
Contractor and its Subcontractors shall be independent contractors with respect to the Work, irrespective of whether such Subcontractors are selected or approved by Company, and neither Contractor nor its Subcontractors, nor the employees of either, shall be deemed to be the servants, employees, representatives or agents of Company. This Contract does not create any agency, partnership, joint venture or other joint relationship between Company and Contractor. Nothing contained in this Contract shall be construed (a) to authorize either Party hereto to act as agent for the other Party or to permit a Party hereto to undertake any contract or other obligation for the other Party or (b) to create any agency, partnership, joint venture or other joint relationship between the Parties.
23.4 Severability
In the event that any of the provisions or portions, or applications thereof, of this Contract become invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under the Law of any jurisdiction, Company and Contractor shall negotiate an equitable adjustment in the provisions of this Contract with a view toward effecting the purpose of this Contract, and the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions or portions, or applications thereof, shall not be affected thereby.
23.5 Amendments and Waivers
This Contract may not be changed or amended orally, and no waiver hereunder may be oral. Any change or amendment or any waiver of any term or provision of, or consent granted under, this Contract shall only be effective if given in writing and signed by the waiving or consenting Party (or both Parties in the case of a change or amendment).
23.6 Survival
The provisions of Sections 2.4, 3.3, 5, 9.4, 9.5, , and all of Articles 5, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22 and 23 shall survive termination or expiration of the Contract for whatever reason.
23.7 Counterparts
This Contract may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
23.8 Entire Contract
This Contract and the Exhibits sets forth the full and complete understanding of the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof as of the Effective Date and supersedes any and all negotiations, agreements, understandings and representations made or dated prior thereto with respect to such subject matter. Contractor shall not be bound by, and specifically objects to, any term, condition or other provision that is different from or in addition to the provisions of this
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Contract (whether or not it would materially alter this Contract), which is proffered by Company in any purchase order, receipt, acceptance, confirmation, correspondence or otherwise, unless Contractor specifically agrees to such provision in a written instrument signed by Contractor.
23.9 Waivers
Subject to Section 23.5, no relaxation, forbearance, delay, indulgence or failure by either Party to enforce any of the terms, covenants, conditions or other provisions of this Contract at any time shall in any way prejudice, affect, limit, modify or waive that Partys right thereafter to enforce or compel strict compliance with every term, covenant, condition or other provision hereof, any course of dealing or custom of the trade notwithstanding. No delay or omission on the part of a Party shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any waiver by either Party of any breach of the Contract operate as a waiver of any subsequent or continuing breach of the Contract.
23.10 Counterparts; Transmitted Copies
This Contract may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. To expedite the process of entering into this Contract, the parties acknowledge that Transmitted Copies of this Contract shall be equivalent to original documents until such time (if any) as original documents are completely executed and delivered. Transmitted Copies mean copies that are reproduced or transmitted via facsimile or another process of complete and accurate reproduction and transmission.
23.11 Further Assurances
Company and Contractor shall use reasonable endeavors to implement the provisions of this Contract, and for such purpose each, at the request and expense of the other, shall, without further consideration, promptly execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered to the other such, consents, documents or other instruments in addition to those required by this Contract as the other may reasonably require to implement any provision of this Contract.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Contract to be executed on the date first above written.
Company : | Contractor : | |||
Raft River Energy I LLC | IBI DBA Industrial Builders | |||
By: | /s/ Daniel Kunz | By: | /s/ Dave Erlebach | |
Name: | Daniel Kunz | Name: | Dave Erlebach | |
Title: | President | Title: | Manager |
49
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EXHIBIT A
CONTRACT PRICE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Contract Price:
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Contract Allowances:
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Payment Schedule:
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Payment Schedule (Continued):
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EXHIBIT B
GANTT CHART
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EXHIBIT C1
PIPELINE SYSTEM CRITERIA AND PROJECT SCOPE
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 |
This document provides the Project Scope and specifications to be used by the Contractor in performing the Work under the Contract. |
|
1.2 |
The Project Scope does not include design of pipeline systems, or guarantying the performance of the system related to the pipeline design. |
|
1.3 |
The Contractor shall furnish materials, equipment and services required to procure, construct, precommission and test a geothermal pipeline system with a 30 year design life (the Project Scope). |
|
1.4 |
The Project Scope is necessary to support a nominal 13.3 MW power plant provided by others. |
|
1.5 |
The following definitions are applicable to this document. |
|
|
2.0 BASIS OF PLANT OPERATION
2.1 |
The power plant will be designed for an annual average availability of 97% (8,497 hours per year). Scheduled overhauls shall occur once every 2-years for up to 7 days per occurrence. Unscheduled outages during the year are anticipated not exceed 15 days during each two year period. The Project Scope shall be constructed to exceed this reliability standard so as not to reduce the power plant availability. |
3.0 DESIGN CONDITIONS
3.1 |
The Raft River Geothermal Power Plant, Unit 1, is located approximately 40 miles southeast of Burley, Idaho, which is the county seat. Existing assets at the project location include geothermal production wells, injection wells, and monitoring wells. The project location involves an area of approximately two square miles, out of the six square miles of U.S. Geothermal owned and leased land. The entire project is located in Township 15 South, Range 26 East, Boise Meridian, Cassia County, Idaho. Facilities by section numbers are provided in the following table |
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Facility | Section |
Standby well RRG-5 | 22 |
Production wells RRG-1, RRG-2 and RRG-4 | 23 |
Power plant unit #1 | 23 |
Production well RRG-3
Injection wells RRG-6 and RRG-7 |
25 |
3.2 |
The elevation of the power plant and well sites vary from 4818 to 4890 feet above mean sea level. |
|
3.3 |
The site is located in Seismic Zone C, as defined by the International Building Code. Seismic design for all new buildings and structures that are regularly occupied shall be in accordance with the IBC for earthquake with an importance factor of 1.0. |
|
3.4 |
Weather data is as follows: |
Ambient Weather Conditions
Based on Malta
Agrimet data |
Drybulb Temperatures
|
Annual average temperature | 48ºF |
Average temperature, coldest month in year | 29ºF |
Minimum winter temperature | -30ºF |
Temperature, warmest
month in year |
Average 71ºF 1 st SD 85ºF 2 nd SD 99ºF |
Maximum summer temperature | 111ºF |
Precipitation and Storms | 2.0 in. per 24 hours |
Maximum monthly average rainfall | 1.64 in. (May) |
Maximum rainfall in one hour | 1.0 in. |
Design rainfall
|
100 year storm event having a 24-hour
duration (2.6 inches) per NOAA data |
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Lightning storms | Common in summer |
Average annual rainfall | 11 inches |
Wind | Approximately 10 mph |
Maximum wind velocity (gusts) | 90 mph per IBC |
Design wind pressure | IBC, 90 mph, Exposure C, |
Snow | 29 pounds per square foot per IBC |
Frost Depth per IBC | 24 inches |
Climate Zone per IBC | 14B |
4.0 CODES AND STANDARDS
4.1 |
The design, manufacture and erection of pipeline and equipment systems shall be in accordance with governing Codes and Standards current at the time of contract award. |
|
4.2 |
The Contactor shall comply with all applicable local, state and federal requirements. |
|
4.3 |
The detailed design of each system and equipment specification shall contain reference to the specific code or standard to which the item is designed. In general, the following Codes and Standards should apply. |
|
4.4 |
Any conflict between codes shall be referred to Companys Representative for resolution. |
Standard | Description | |
AASHTO | American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials | |
American Concrete Institute | ||
ACI | Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete (ACI 318) Building Code Requirements for Concrete Masonry Structures (ACI 531-79) |
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|
AISC |
American Institute of Steel Construction
Specification for the design, fabrication and erection of structural steel for buildings. |
ANSI | American National Standards Institute | |
API | American Petroleum Institute | |
ASCE | American Society of Civil Engineers | |
|
ASME |
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Sections II, VIII, IX Power Test Codes, as applicable Power Piping Code B31.1 |
ASTM |
American Society of Testing & Materials
Material Specifications as applicable Sampling and Testing Standards as applicable |
|
AWS | American Welding Society | |
AWWA | American Water Works Association | |
EPA | Environmental Protection Agency | |
FM |
Factory Mutual System
Handbook of Industrial Loss Prevention Factory Mutual Approval Guide Loss Prevention Data |
|
IBC | International Building Code | |
MSS | Manufacturers Standardization Society | |
OSHA | Occupational Safety and Health Act, (Latest Edition) | |
SSPC | Structural Steel Painting Council | |
TEMA | Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association | |
TIMA | Thermal Institute Manufacturers Association | |
UBC |
Uniform Building Code
NOTE: See also IBC |
|
UL |
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
UL Product Lists (where not FM listed) |
|
UMC | Uniform Mechanical Code |
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5.0 GENERAL PROJECT SCOPE REQUIREMENTS
5.1 |
Introduction |
|
The criteria presented herein shall apply to the Project Scope for a pipeline system having a design life of 30 years. The work shall include all labor, supervision, material and equipment necessary to provide and install a system of pipelines in accordance with this document and the Drawings and General Notes included in the Contract. Generally, the Project Scope consists of providing a complete pipeline system to deliver geothermal fluid from four production wells to the power plant, and to provide a complete pipeline system to deliver cooled geothermal water from the power plant to two injection wells. |
||
In general, Project Scope under this work shall include but not be limited to providing the following: |
• | Pipeline work; | ||
o |
Providing and installing all pipe supports, including surveying, earthwork, concrete, and support pipe and steel; |
||
o |
Hauling Company supplied pipe from Companys onsite storage yard to the point of use along the pipeline routes; |
||
o |
Installing all Company supplied 24-inch insulated pipe, or in the event the 24- inch pipe is not supplied by Company, providing and installing all Contractor supplied 24-inch pipe; |
||
o |
Installing all Company provided 10 and 12-inch production pipe, or in the event the pipe is not supplied by Company, providing and installing Contractor supplied 10 and 12-inch production pipelines from wells RRG-1, RRG-2, RRG-3 and RRG-4 to the power plant site |
||
o |
Installing all Company provided 16-inch injection pipe, or in the event the pipe is not supplied by Company, providing and installing Contractor supplied 16-inch injection pipes from the branch connection to injection wells RRG-6 and RRG-7; |
||
o |
Providing and installing all 10, 12, 16 and 24-inch diameter pipe fittings for both new and used pipe including elbows, Tees, reducers and other fittings as needed; |
||
o |
Providing and installing all insulation for all contractor supplied pipe and fittings; |
||
o |
Providing all insulation and materials needed to patch or repair Company supplied 24-inch pipe; |
||
o |
Providing all materials and constructing roadway crossings at all locations identified by the Company in the drawings, or thereafter; |
||
o |
Providing materials and constructing a bridge structure crossing the Raft River; and, |
||
o |
Providing and installing drain pipes and valves |
||
o |
Providing and installing block valves |
||
o |
Providing and installing drain, vent and instrumentation isolation valves |
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o | Proving and installing pressure relief valves and pipe | ||
o | Providing and installing bypass piping and valves | ||
o | Providing and installing all fittings to ensure a complete system |
5.2 Work by Others
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5.2.14 |
Installation of the raw water supply system. |
|||
5.3 |
Project Scope Tie-In Points |
|||
5.3.1 |
Production wells |
|||
5.3.1.1 |
12-inch 400 series API flange on discharge of pump flow tee |
|||
5.3.1.2 |
3-inch 2000 API valves |
|||
5.3.2 |
Injection well and well pad tie-ins |
|||
5.3.2.1 |
12-inch 400 series API flange at the top of the injection wellhead valve |
|||
5.3.3 |
The power plant site |
|||
5.3.3.1 |
Production pipeline to the power plant, ending with a blind flange. |
|||
5.3.3.2 |
Injection pipeline from the power plant, beginning with a blind flange. |
6.0 |
MECHANICAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION |
||
Reasonable provisions for performance of routine and nonscheduled maintenance and for expected upset conditions will be included in the design prepared by Owners Engineer. The design of the equipment and the pipeline system will anticipate and accommodate planned and unplanned shutdowns and trips of portions of the well and pipeline system, or of the entire system. |
|||
6.1 |
Piping Design and Construction |
||
6.1.1 |
Design Standards |
||
All brine piping design and construction will be conducted in accordance with the standards set forth in ASME B31.1 |
|||
Other services shall be designed according to the appropriate code. |
|||
All brine piping shall be designed and constructed to minimize water hammer such as installing a minimum flow recirculation/startup bypass at each production pump discharge. Operating procedures, including startup, must address operating without creating water hammer. |
|||
6.1.2 |
Design Conditions |
||
The design conditions for the pipelines are provided in Table 6.1-1: |
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Description
|
Normal
Temperature |
Temperature
Max (for <5% of operation life) |
Normal
Operating Pressure |
Design
Pressure |
Pressure
Max (for <5% of operation life) |
ANSI 600
Wellhead to FCV |
300ºF
|
310ºF
|
150 psig
|
1000 psig
|
1200 psig
|
ANSI 300
All other pipe except 24 injection line |
300ºF
|
310ºF
|
150 psig
|
120% of
24 line (420 psig) |
120% of
des. Press (500 psig) |
ANSI 300
24 injection line |
170ºF
|
310ºF
|
250 psig
|
350 psig
|
120% of
des. Press (500 psig) |
6.1.3 |
Pressure Relief |
|
Over-pressure protection shall be supplied by rupture discs and/or relief valves. Any relief valve in brine service must be installed with a rupture disk below the relief valve to protect the valve from scaling. A witness method, such as a ½ vent pipe with a ball valve, must be provided to allow a failed rupture disc to be detected. Pressure relief devices must be piped to a sump or a safe location. |
||
All piping upstream of the power plant inlet valve shall be protected by relief valves on the individual production pipelines. |
||
Piping downstream of the power plant shall be protected by relief valves set to the design pressure of the pipeline to be determined by the Owners Engineer. If the injection pumps are not operating, the production pipeline relief valves can be included in the pressure relief design of the injection pipeline. |
||
6.1.4 |
Pipeline sizes |
|
Line sizes and wall thicknesses for the principal system piping is indicated Table 6.1-2. |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
Table 6.1 -2: Pipeline Size and Support Requirements
Pipe Class and Flanges |
Designation and Uses |
Design Pressure (psig) |
Nominal Pipe Diameter & Grade 1 |
B31.1 Minimum Wall Thickness |
Corrosion Allowance |
Nominal Wall Thickness & Schedule 2 |
Minimum Wall
Thickness 3 (pipe and fittings) |
ANSI 600 |
Wellhead Pipe • Pump to FCV |
1000 psig |
12.75 A-106 Grade B, Seamless |
0.4140 |
1/16 |
0.562 Schedule 60 |
0.492 |
|
|
|
10.75 A-106 Grade B, Seamless |
0.3490 |
1/16 |
0.500 Schedule 60 |
0.438 |
|
|
All |
3.00 A-53 Grade B ERW, |
0.1331 |
1/16 |
0.300 Schedule 80 |
0.263 |
A NSI 300 |
Standard Line Pipe • FCV to power plant |
42 0 psig |
24.00 |
0.3079 |
1/32 |
0.3750 |
0.3392 |
_______________________________________
1 Where A-53 Grade B ERW is specified, A-106 Grade B may be substituted.
2 Nominal Wall Thickness based on a plus or minus 12.5% mill tolerance.
3 Minimum Wall Thickness to be calculated after subtraction of mill tolerances (if any).
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
|
• Injection line, except
Special Thin Wall 24 • Injection line supplied by Contractor in lieu of Company supplied pipe |
(20% Occasional Load Case) |
API 5L B, DSAW |
|
|
Std. Wall |
|
|
|
Design Case |
18.00 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.2926 |
1/32 |
0.375 Std. Wall |
0.328 |
|
|
Design |
16.00 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.2601 |
1/16 |
0.375 Std. Wall |
0.328 |
|
|
|
12.750 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.2073 |
1/16 |
0.375 Std. Wall |
0.328 |
|
|
|
10.750 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.1748 |
1/16 |
0.365 Std. Wall |
0.319 |
|
|
|
6.625 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.1077 |
1/16 |
0.280 (6 Nom. Pipe) Std. Wall |
0.245 |
|
|
|
4.500 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.0732 |
1/16 |
0.237 (4 Nom. Pipe) Std. Wall |
0.207 |
|
|
|
3.500 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.0 569 |
1/ 16 |
0.216 (3 Nom. Pipe) |
0.189 |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
Std. Wall | |||||||
|
|
2.375 A-53 Grade B ERW Seamless |
0.0386 |
1/16 |
0.218 (2 Nom. Pipe) Schedule 80 |
0.191 |
|
ANSI 300 |
Special Heavy Wall • Stress reducer at key fittings |
420 psig |
24.00 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.438 |
1/16 |
0.500 Extra Strong |
0.438 |
|
|
18.00 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.438 |
1/16 |
0.500 Extra Strong |
0.438 |
|
|
|
16.00 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.438 |
1/16 |
0.500 Extra Strong |
0.438 |
|
|
|
12.75 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.438 |
1/16 |
0.500 Extra Strong |
0.438 |
|
|
|
10.75 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.438 |
1/16 |
0.500 Extra Strong |
0.438 |
|
|
|
6.625 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.3780 |
1/16 |
0.500 Extra Strong |
0.3780 |
|
|
|
4.500 A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.337 |
1/16 |
0.337 Extra Strong |
0.295 |
|
|
|
3.500 |
0.262 |
1/16 |
0.300 |
0.262 |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
A-53 Grade B ERW | Extra Strong | ||||||
|
|
|
2.375
A-53 Grade B ERW |
0.0386 |
1/16 |
0.218
(2 Nom. Pipe) Schedule 80 |
0.191 |
ANSI 300 |
Special Thin Wall
by Company |
provided
350 psig |
24.00
API 5L B, DSAW |
0.3079 |
1/32 |
0.3750
Std. Wall |
0.3392 |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
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6.1.8.5 |
One inch of insulation shall be provided for all lines 2" and under which are exposed to winter temperatures below freezing and which cannot be drained during shutdowns or are stagnant during normal operations. Exposed dead legs over 2 are not allowed. |
|
6.1.8.6 |
Materials of Construction for Insulation: |
• |
Fiberglass, mineral wool, calcium silicate, polyurethane foam, and other materials suitable for the design temperatures are allowed. Asbestos shall not be used. |
||
• |
Fiberglass and mineral wool shall be 4 lb/ft^3 density. |
||
• |
Backing paper shall high temperature resistant, and shall be non-bleach, chloride free. |
||
• |
Insulation shall be secured to the pipeline with galvanized or stainless steel wire, with a minimum of two sets of tie- down wires per insulation material width. |
||
• |
All insulation from the production pump to 3 downstream of the flow control valve shall be calcium silicate to prevent damage from maintenance and operation activities over the life of the project. |
||
• |
Jacketing shall provide the necessary moisture and weather protection for the particular insulation. If no jacket is required for long-term protection of the insulation, then it is not required by this specification. Paint may be used if the only weather protection required is UV blocking. |
||
• |
Alumimum jacketing shall be 0.016 min. thickness for 16 diameter and under piping. |
||
• |
Aluminum jacketing shall be 0.020 min. thickness for piping greater than 16 diameter. |
||
• |
Jacketing shall be secured with stainless steel screws and sealed with high temperature silicon chalking of insulation industry grade. All jacketing edges shall be sealed, including gores sections for fittings. |
||
• |
Should banding be used over the jacketing, bands shall be 304L stainless steel, spaced on 18 centers, and shall be ½ in width. Bands shall match the external color of the jacketing. |
6.1.9 |
Isolation Requirements |
|
The piping system shall be designed by the Owners Engineer to be appropriately isolated for maintenance from all sources of energy such as the main geofluid line and the well. Acceptable isolation methods are double block and bleed or an isolation valve with a dropout spool. Drop out spools must be accessible from ground level or a working platform. |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
6.1.10 |
Metering runs |
|
Wherever a flow meter is required, the piping shall be laid out to meet ASME and ISA meter run requirements. Per these specifications, there shall be sufficient straight pipe upstream and downstream of the meter based on the elbow configuration at the inlet and outlet of the meter run. |
||
The inside diameter of the pipe shall be measured to 0.001 inches prior to construction of the meter run. |
||
6.1.11 |
Materials of Construction |
6.1.11.1 |
General: |
|
Piping materials shall be suitable for geothermal service and conform to ASME B31.1. No copper or copper bearing alloys shall be allowed to contact geothermal fluids. Pipelines carrying geofluids shall have corrosion allowances as specified in Table 6.1-2 (Pipeline Size and Support Requirements). |
||
6.1.11.2 |
Pipe: |
• |
Pipe materials shall be as specified in Table 6.1-2 (Pipeline Size and Support Requirements). |
|
• |
Used pipe may be substituted for new pipe, upon written approval of Company. |
6.1.11.3 |
Pipe Fittings : Carbon steel, ASTM A-234 Gr WPB butt welded. Miter joints are not allowed. 5D radius (minimum) bends are permitted. Small bore fittings shall be socket weld, 3000 pound, ASTM A-105. |
|
6.1.11.4 |
Gate Valves : Flanged, raised face, wedge, ASTM A-216 Gr WCB cast steel bodies, OS&Y and bolted bonnets. Valve trim shall have a proven 10 year service life in similar geothermal service, for example stellite or 316 sealing surfaces and 17-4 PH valve stem. Valve specifications shall be submitted to Company for approval and verification prior to order by Contractor. |
|
6.1.11.5 |
Check Valves : Carbon steel, ASTM A-216 Gr WCB, swing type with bolted bonnet. |
|
6.1.11.6 |
Pressure Relief Valves : Valve specifications shall be submitted to Company for approval and verification prior to order by Contractor. |
|
6.1.11.7 |
Flanges : Raised faced, ASTM-105. Small bore flanges shall be socket weld. |
|
6.1.11.8 |
Gaskets : Spiral wound, 304 stainless steel with grafoil filler. |
|
6.1.11.9 |
Stud Bolts : ASTM A-193 Gr B7 with heavy hex nuts (ASTM A-194 Gr 2H). |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
6.1.11.10 |
Drain Valves : Shall be a minimum of 2 inches, unless otherwise specified. |
|
6.1.11.11 |
Expansion Joints: If used shall be high-alloy or annealed austenitic stainless and designed to withstand or protected against infrequent water-hammer events. |
|
6.1.11.12 |
Pipe Supports : New pipe or used pipe may be used. Pipe shall be ASTM A-53 Grade B or API 5L Grade B or equivalent as approved by Company. |
6.1.12 |
Preoperational System Cleaning |
|
Prior to placing in operation, the piping system shall be cleaned by the Company according to the Contractors specification. Contractor shall submit cleaning procedure to Company for approval prior to starting construction. Cleaning procedure shall use any of a combination of air, water, geothermal brine or geothermal steam. Cleaning energy shall be equivalent to a liquid flow velocity of 20 feet per second. The pipeline flush will be conducted by the Company as described in Section 9.2. |
6.2 |
Layout Requirements |
6.2.1 |
All pipe shall be sloped to drain to the following locations: |
• | Unit 1 power plant drain sump | |
• | Crook well drain sump |
The pipeline will be installed with a nominal top of pipe support elevation to be between 18 and 36 in height. Pipe support height can vary to provide a constant slope between horizontal changes in direction (PIs) and avoid vertical breaks (VPIs) in the slope as much as practical. Pipeline PIs are shown on the drawings. VPIs will be determined in the following sequence:
1. |
Contractor to provide surveyed elevation of ground profile at 200-foot intervals and at grade breaks |
|
2. |
Owners Engineer will determine vertical alignment using contractor data. |
field Pipe support heights taller than 48 must be submitted to the owner for engineering review related to the piping loads on these supports prior to installation.
Drain sumps will be provided by the Company at the Unit 1 power plant site, Crook well drain sumps located along the northern edge of Section 26 on each side of the Raft River, and along the production pipe from RRG-2 south of the county road crossing.
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
Except as otherwise noted on the drawings, all drain pipes and valves shall be 2-inch. |
||
6.2.2 |
Maintenance and operation access must be maintained to the wellhead pipeline valves, instruments, and the wellhead sheds. Maintenance access includes: |
• |
The ability to drive a service vehicle next to the equipment |
|
• |
Ability to remove any at grade pump or control valve with a 5-ton crane. |
6.3 |
Not used |
||
6.4 |
Not used |
||
6.5 |
Utility Systems |
||
6.5.1 |
Waste Disposal |
||
Toxic or hazardous waste discovered at the site must be immediately reported to the Company so that it may arrange for proper removal and disposal. Contractor shall handle all toxic or hazardous wastes generated in the course of construction in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. There is existing buried transite pipe in the well field. To facilitate the Contractors work under this Work, prior to the start of construction, the Company shall located transite pipe crossing locations. |
|||
6.5.2 |
Painting and Coatings |
||
Manufactured equipment and valves supplied under this contract shall be painted in accordance with Supplier's standard practice with due consideration for the operating environment and temperature. Factory applied painting is required with repair of construction damage prior to mechanical completion. |
|||
A two coat paint system (one prime and one finish coat) per Company approved paint supplier shall be applied to pipe supports in irrigated fields and adjacent to roads. Surface preparation prior to primer application shall be to near white blast per SSPC. |
7.0 |
CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL DESIGN |
7.1 | Geotechnical Report |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
A geotechnical soils investigation and analysis has been conducted to establish foundation design parameters. The report, prepared by CH2M Hill, dated October 2005, and entitled Geotechnical Report, consists of summary information from drill 17 borings. Twelve of the borings were along the pipeline routes and five were in the power plant area.
7.2 |
Civil Work Criteria |
||
7.2.1 |
Clearing and Grubbing |
||
Areas through sagebrush shall be cleared and grubbed only as necessary for the performance of work and subsequent operation and maintenance. Removed organic materials shall be removed from the work area. |
|||
7.2.2 |
Earthwork |
||
Excavation along pipeline routes shall be to the dimensions and limits as indicated on the Drawings and General Notes. Excavation for all other work shall conform to good engineering and construction practice. |
|||
Backfill shall be compacted in accordance with good engineering and construction practices. Compaction under or adjacent to load bearing structures shall be to a minimum of 95% of the maximum laboratory dry density. All other areas shall be compacted to a minimum of 90% dry density. |
|||
7.2.3 |
Site Preparation |
||
Areas not required for plant operation and construction shall remain natural. Efforts shall be made to minimize damage to natural areas and especially farmland. Excessive or unnecessary damage to farmland may be charged to Contractor at applicable lease rates. Erosion control for storm drainage during the construction phase shall be implemented in accordance with the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. An area within the project site will be provided for construction trailers and activities. After completion, these areas shall be regraded, and made free and clear of debris and unused construction material. |
|||
Buried irrigation pipelines shall be identified and protected. The direct and indirect costs to repair damages to such pipelines shall be the responsibility of the Contractor. |
|||
7.2.4 |
Roads |
||
The Contractor shall provide permanent access roads along pipeline routes in sagebrush areas. The roads shall be graded after construction and |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
cleared of debris to 10 from edge of pipeline supports. Surfacing of the roads is not required. |
||
Access roads through farmland are for construction only and shall be graded to conform with farm contours in order for the land to be returned to farm use at the end of construction. |
||
Loading over culverts and pipes shall be in accordance with AASHTO- HS20-44. |
||
7.2.5 |
Storm Water Control |
|
Runoff control from storm water shall conform to the approved Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, which shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to obtain, if required. |
7.3 |
Civil/Structural Materials and Design 7.3.1 Concrete |
• | Unless specified to the contrary in the Drawings, concrete design compressive strengths shall be as follows: |
Use | fc |
All structural concrete | 4,000 psi |
Pipe support concrete | 2,900 psi |
Electrical duct encasement and | 2,000 psi |
lean concrete backfill |
• | Compressive strength (fc) refers to strength at 3 days. |
7.3.2 |
Reinforcing Steel |
|
Bar sizes No. 3 through No. 18 shall be deformed billet steel, conforming to ASTM Designation A615, Grade 60. |
||
Spirals shall be deformed bars conforming to ASTM A82. Welded wire fabric shall conform to ASTM A185. |
||
7.3.3 |
Anchor Bolts |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
Anchor bolt steel, washers, and nuts, shall conform to ASTM A307, A-36 or A-193. Allowable stress on anchor bolts shall be 20,000 psi based on net tensile stress area of bolts. Headed stud anchor bolts shall conform to ASTM A-108. |
||
7.3.4 |
Structural Steel |
|
Structural steel shall be designed in accordance with latest edition of AISC and IBC. All bolted connections shall have a minimum of two 3/4 inch diameter high strength bolts. All high strength bolt connections shall be bearing type connections. |
||
Structural steel shapes and plates shall conform to ASTM A36 or A572, Grade 50. |
||
Structural pipe members shall conform to ASTM A53, Types E or S, Grade B or ASTM A106, Grade A. |
||
Allowable stresses in structural steel shall be determined in accordance with the AISC code, 9th Edition. |
||
All high strength bolts, nuts and washers shall conform to ASTM A325. All other bolts and nuts shall conform to ASTM A307, Grade B. All filler metal shall conform to AWS D1.1. |
8.0 |
SUBMITTALS |
The Contractor shall submit to the Company and the Company's Engineer information describing the equipment and pipeline materials in a timely manner, such that the schedule for design and construction of the facility shall not be delayed. The Contractor shall, as a minimum, submit to the Company the following information: |
8.1 |
The Company shall have the right to review and comment on the following documents in addition to those referenced in other parts of the contract. |
• | Contractor Quality Control Procedures | |
• | Contractor's Site Safety and Security Program | |
• | Mechanical Completion, Inspection and Test Procedures and Results | |
• | Operation and Maintenance Manuals |
8.2 |
The Company shall be provided with the following: |
• | Vendor Submittals including Shop Drawings, Catalog Cuts, Construction Procedures and Scheduling Information | |
• | Vendor Guarantees |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
• | System Test and Start-up Procedures, Test Packages |
9.0 |
PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ACCEPTANCE |
|
9.1 |
General |
|
Prior to final acceptance, the pipeline system shall be inspected and tested for completion, conformance to the contract, specifications and design documents. This testing shall be conducted per governing codes and by protocols and procedures described in this document or agreed to between the Parties. Completion is achieved when all pipelines and support systems have been installed, all insulation has been installed, and the Contractor tests outlined below have been successfully completed, and the system is ready for operations. |
||
Contractor Tests - As a minimum the following tests shall be successfully completed by the Contractor: |
• | Pipeline hydrostatic test |
76
Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
• |
Visual weld inspection by a Certified Weld Inspector (CWI) of all pressure containing welds as required by ASME B31.1 visual inspection requirements. |
|
• |
Pipeline radiography will be provided by the Contractor whenever radiographic results of tests paid for by the Owner fail. For each failed test the Contractor shall pay for two additional tests of welds from the same welder. |
Owner Tests The Owner shall have the right to check any Contractor welds using radiography to be paid for by the Owner. Owner testing will be limited to no more than 10% of all Contractor circumferential butt welds. Tests will include:
• |
Each welder shall have their first (4) welds radiographed. These will be included as part of the 10% radiography requirement. |
|
• |
Interpretation of the radiography will be per ASME B31.1, by a CWI. |
9.2 |
Companys Scope for Completion |
|
The following work will be conducted by the Company: |
• |
Pipeline flush and cleaning |
10.0 PLANT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MANUALS
10.1 |
Operations and Maintenance Manuals |
|
Contractor shall provide detailed system and equipment instructions from the Contractors equipment suppliers. |
||
The contractor shall supply five (5) copies of the instruction books for all equipment incorporated in the work specified herein to the Company. These shall give complete and detailed installation and operation instructions, with particular emphasis on sequence and methods to be used in future maintenance, disassembly, and reassembly. Special precautions, sequence of work, recommendations on methods of assembly, and adjustment of all parts requiring adjustment shall be covered in detail. Parts catalogs and other data shall be included for easy identification of parts for ordering replacements. |
||
The above requirements shall be assembled together with three sets of all major drawings reduced to or copied onto 11 inch by 17 inches paper and bound in a permanent, strong, and serviceable cover without folding the drawings. |
||
Instruction books as a minimum shall include as required the following: |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
10.1.1 |
Recommended methods for assembly and adjustment of all parts requiring assembly or adjustment, including bearings. |
|
10.1.2 |
Recommendation on equipment installation, including special precautions and sequences of work. |
|
10.1.3 |
Detailed operating instructions consistent with the operation and maintenance provisions provided or required by the various equipment suppliers as a condition of their warranty obligations. |
|
10.1.4 |
Recommended maintenance procedures including required test and calibration intervals. |
|
10.1.5 |
Test and calibration procedures for all devices including test equipment connection drawings. |
|
10.1.6 |
Equipment storage and hydrostatic testing details shall be provided by the Contractor. |
|
10.1.7 |
Complete weld maps for the project depicting: |
• | Welder/Fitter ID for fit up. | ||
- | Supervisor ID for fit up approval. | ||
- | Date for fit up of the joint. | ||
• | Welder ID for hot and root pass. | ||
- | Supervisor ID and Inspector ID for approval. | ||
- | Weld procedure employed. | ||
- | NDE methods and approval. | ||
- | Date for root and hot pass. | ||
• | Welder ID for fill and cap. | ||
- | Supervisor ID and Inspector ID for approval. | ||
- | Weld procedure employed. | ||
- | NDE methods and approval. | ||
- | Date for root and hot pass. |
The above can be submitted in notebook form. The above data must refer to the specific weld ID as shown on the weld map drawings submitted by the Contractor.
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
EXHIBIT C2
DRAWINGS AND GENERAL NOTES
Drawings and general notes provided as separate documents.
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
EXHIBIT D
PERFORMANCE TEST PROTOCOLS
Protocols to be agreed to between Parties prior to hydrostatic testing.
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
EXHIBIT E
WARRANTY CLAIM PROCEDURES
1. Where Company has agreed in accordance with the terms of the Contract to take corrective action, and upon notifying Contractor as set forth in Section 10.3.1 of the Contract, Company may undertake corrective action, but Contractor reserves the right to investigate and determine the eligibility of such warranty claim.
2. Company shall notify Contractor in accordance with Section 10.3.1 of the Contract and provide documents per paragraph 3 below together with a written cost estimate of the corrective action required. As soon as reasonably possible following the receipt of said documents and cost estimate, Contractor shall investigate the defect and shall issue written instructions to Company on the corrective action to be undertaken, or Contractor shall undertake corrective action by its own employees or agents.
3. The following procedures shall be observed in all Contractor warranty claims for the Facility in connection with which Company taken corrective action at Contractors request as identified in paragraph 1 above:
(a) A failure report, which shall contain technical and logistic information sufficiently detailed to enable Contractor to assess the damage to the Work and to evaluate appropriate corrective action in the form as agreed to by Company and Contractor, shall be provided by Company as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any event giving rise to a warranty claim.
(b) Warranty claims shall be submitted in accordance with paragraph (d) below, and shall include, as a required minimum, the following documents:
(i) Applicable failure report;
(ii) List of equipment and materials purchased or used in accomplishing the repair, schedule of operations and subcontractors hours applicable to each claim, and a copy of any internal work orders or purchase orders prepared in connection with each such claim;
(iii) Companys maintenance and repair records with respect to the equipment for which the claim is being made (Company shall include with such maintenance and repair records the manufacturer/vendor part number and serial number and the identification by part number and serial number of the next major assembly call-out (such as, but not limited to, turbine, generator, electrical cabinet)); and
(iv) copies of invoices received or prepared for costs and expenses claimed.
The documentation to be provided pursuant to paragraphs (b)(ii) and (b)(iii) above, shall be in a form reasonably acceptable to Contractor.
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
(c) All warranty claims pertaining to failure of the equipment for which Company has independently undertaken corrective action during any calendar month shall be submitted to Contractor on or before the last day of the following calendar month. Claims shall be paid by Contractor on a net 30 basis. Work performed by Company under a warranty claim shall be billed on a time and material basis as defined below:
(d) Time and Material in connection with a warranty claim is defined as follows:
(i) With respect to Time, the product of one hundred fifteen percent (115%) of the normal hourly wage (including fringe benefits, insurance and taxes) Company pays with respect to its particular employee (not including overhead) multiplied by the number of hours each employee performed the particular Work.
(ii) With respect to Material, one hundred ten percent (110%) of the actual purchase price paid by Company or an affiliate to a third party for the materials incorporated or consumed in connection with the Work; and
(iii) With respect to Work performed by a subcontractor (other than an entity which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, Company, Work done by any such entity being deemed Work done by Company through its own employees for purposes of this definition), one hundred ten percent (110%) of the actual amount paid by Company to the subcontractor for such Work.
(e) Accounting settlement between Company and Contractor due to warranty claims shall occur on a quarterly basis.
(f) Company shall maintain adequate records to support all warranty claims and allow Contractor to audit warranty claims upon no less than ten (10) Days period notice.
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
EXHIBIT F
APPROVED VENDOR LIST
Equipment Item | Name of Supplier/Vendor |
Geothermal Pipe
(Used or Limited Service) |
Mill Man Steel, Inc
|
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
EXHIBIT G
PERMITS
This Exhibit G defines the current scope and allocation of permitting and contracting work for the Project. Contractor is responsible for only the permits expressly designated below as being the responsibility of Contractor; Company is responsible for obtaining all other Project related permits.
PERMITS & CONTRACTS
|
Prepare by and
responsibility party |
Conditional Use Permit | Company |
Pipeline road crossing easements (from highway district) | Company/RRREC |
Private land lease & easements | Company |
County Building Permit | Contractor |
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
(containment plan during construction) |
Contractor
|
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
(containment plan during operation) |
Company
|
Idaho Power Certifications | Company |
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
EXHIBIT I
CERTIFICATE OF FINAL COMPLETION
US Geothermal, Inc.
1509 Tyrell Lane, Suite B
Boise, ID
83706
Attn: Daniel Kunz
With reference to the CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT (the Contract) dated as of _________________ between RAFT RIVER ENERGY I LLC (Company), and _____________________________(Contractor) for construction of the unit number one Raft River Geothermal Project pipeline and equipment in Cassia County, Idaho, Company hereby confirms and certifies that the requirements of the Contract for Final Completion set forth in the Section 4.7 of the Contract have been achieved as of _____________, 200_. Attached hereto is a list of the Punchlist Items submitted by Contractor for approval by Company pursuant to Section 4.9 of the Contract.
Terms defined in the Contract shall have the same meaning when used herein.
Executed this ____ day of ________________, 200__.
______________
By:_________________________________
Name:______________________________
Title:_______________________________
AGREED:
US Geothermal, Inc.
By:_________________________________
Name:______________________________
Title:_______________________________
Date Signed: ________________________
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Raft River Pipeline Contract | 05/22/06 |
EXHIBIT J
FORM OF FINAL LIEN WAIVER
WAIVER OF LIENS/RELEASE
AND CERTIFICATE OF FINAL PAYMENT
With reference to the Construction Contract (Contract) dated as of ________________between the undersigned, ____________________________ , (Contractor) and RAFT RIVER ENERGY I LLC. (Company) for construction of the unit number one Raft River Geothermal Power Project pipelines and equipment in Cassia County, Idaho, Contractor hereby certifies and represents that it has made, or will make, when due, full payment of all costs, charges and expenses incurred by it or on its behalf for work, labor, services, materials and equipment supplied to the foregoing premises and/or used in connection with its work under the Contract with respect to the Facility, other than any thereof for which payment has been requested in the invoice of even date herewith.
Contractor hereby covenants that it will require each of its subcontractors and material suppliers to make full payment of all costs, charges and expenses incurred by them or on their behalf for work, labor, services, materials and equipment supplied to the foregoing premises and/or used by them in connection with the undersigneds work under the Contract with respect to the Facility, other than any thereof for which payment has been requested in the invoice of even date herewith.
In consideration of ____________________Dollars ($__________) as final payment under the Contract for work performed by Contractor as of _________, 200_, Contractor, upon receipt of such final payment hereby unconditionally releases and forever discharges Company and Companys premises and property from all claims, liens and obligations of every nature arising out of or in connection with the payment of the aforesaid final payment except as set forth below:
(Note: If none, write NONE in space above. Any claims excepted must be described and the specific amount claimed must be set forth.)
As additional consideration for the aforesaid final payment, Contractor, upon receipt of such payment agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Company from and against all costs, losses, claims, causes of action, judgments and expenses, including attorneys fees arising out of or in connection with claims against Company, which claims arise out of the performance of the work under the Contract with respect to the Facility and which may be asserted by Contractor or any of its Subcontractors or any of their representatives, officers, agents or employees except for those claims listed above.
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The foregoing shall not relieve Contractor of its obligations under the provisions of the Contract, which by their nature survive completion of the work including, without limitation, warranties, guarantees and indemnities.
Executed this __________________day of ________________________, _____.
_________________
By:_________________________________
NAME:______________________________
TITLE:_______________________________
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EXHIBIT K
LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
Delay Liquidated Damages
Delay Liquidated Damages shall be paid by Contractor to Company, based on the number of days between the Final Completion Date and the Guaranteed Final Completion Date, as set forth in the following table.
.If the Final Completion Date does not occur on or before the Guaranteed Final Completion Date, then Contractor shall pay to Company liquidated damages calculated as the sum of the amount set forth below for each Day that the Final Completion Date is after the Guaranteed Final Completion Date during the period between the Guaranteed Final Completion Date and the Final Completion Date:
DESCRIPTION
|
DELAY LIQUIDATED
DAMAGES |
Final Completion Date prior to Guaranteed
Final Completion Date |
No Delay Liquidated Damages
|
Final Completion Date
0 to 15 Days after Guaranteed Final Completion Date |
Delay Liquidated Damages
payment waived by Company |
Final Completion Date
16 to 45 Days after Guaranteed Final Completion Date |
$1000 per day
|
Final Completion Date
from 46 days after Guaranteed Final Completion Date until April 30, 2007 |
The total damages from above plus
$1,200 per day after day 45. |
Final Completion Date from
May 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007 Final Completion Date after October 1, 2007 |
The total damages from above plus
$4,300 per day after May 1, 2007 The total damages from above plus $7,100 per day after October 1, 2007 |
The cap on liquidated damages shall be limited to One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).
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EXHIBIT L
CHANGE ORDER FORM
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Contract Labor Rates:
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EXHIBIT M
CHANGE ORDER REQUEST FORM
Prepared By:
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Change Request Order Form
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Rev. #
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Date
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Description of Requested Change | ||||
Change Requested By: | Date: | Basis of Change: |
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Price of this Change: | |
Additional time required for Change: |
APPROVALS | ||
Name/Title/Company & Signature | Date | |
Submitted By
:
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Approved and Accepted By
:
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Other:
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EXHIBIT N
WORK ITEMS PRIOR TO NOTICE TO PROCEED
Initiation of following list of contractor work items was requested by the Contractor to be commenced upon signing the contract. The purpose is to allow the Contractor to get started with work prior to issuance of the Notice to Proceed, which is anticipated on or before June 1, 2006. As agreed by the Parties, commencement of the following items of work is allowed per issuance of a Limited Notice to Proceed. As further agreed, funding in the amount of $50,000 will be made available for work under this exhibit to compensate Contractor for expenses from the Limited Notice to Proceed until issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
1. |
We need CAD files for our surveyor. Can we get from the Engineer so he can begin his layout? |
|
2. |
Get surveyor started. Write P. O. and get time slot. He is currently 2 to 3 weeks behind. We can forward elevations to Engineers to establish elevations of supports. |
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3. |
Get storm water prevention permit started and applied for. |
|
4. |
According to Thorton if we can get the line staked he will start clearing and grubbing in his spare time and then be ready when we get on site |
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5. |
Industrial Builders to Mobilize on site. Set up trailers and utilities as needed. Set up laydown area where we will not interfere with future construction of Plant. |
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6. |
Set up living accommodations. Try to get set up with motel in Malta or trailer spaces for RVs. |
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7. |
Establish and finalize schedule- Sequence of pipe line construction |
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8. |
Put down payment on production auger to hold. |
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9. |
Set up jig and mock up supports and mock up shoes etc. |
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10. |
Paint color for supports- (Tan-?) |
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11. |
Set up weld charts for project and establish Q.C. procedures with MTI |
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12. |
Establish Safety procedures |
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13. |
Establish RFI procedures |
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14. |
Establish monthly meeting dates |
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15. |
Establish schedule of values |
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U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC.
(formerly U.S. Cobalt Inc.)
1509
Tyrell Lane, Suite B
Boise, ID
83706
The wholly owned subsidiaries of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (GTH) are:
U.S. Cobalt (Colorado) Inc.
U.S.
Geothermal (Idaho) Inc., referred to as Geo-Idaho
Raft River Energy I,
LLC
US Geothermal Services, LLC
Board of Directors
US Geothermal Inc.
Boise, Idaho
CONSENT OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the use of our audit report dated June 23, 2006, on the financial statements of US Geothermal Inc., for the filing with and attachment to the Form 10-KSB for the year ending March 31, 2006.
Williams & Webster, P.S.
Certified Public
Accountants
Spokane, Washington
June 26, 2006
Exhibit 31.1
U.S.GEOTHERMAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Daniel J. Kunz, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (the Company) certify that:
1 |
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB of the Company; |
|
2 |
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; |
|
3 |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; |
|
4 |
The Companys other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d- 15(e)) for the Company and we have: |
|
a |
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; |
|
b |
[omitted with consent of SEC]; |
|
c |
evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
|
d |
disclosed in this annual report any change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Companys most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting; and |
|
5 |
The Companys other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Companys auditors and the audit committee of the Companys board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a |
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Companys ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
|
b |
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Companys internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: June 28, 2006 |
/s/ Daniel J. Kunz |
Daniel J. Kunz |
Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 31.2
U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Kerry D. Hawkley, Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (the Company) certify that:
1. |
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-KSB of the Company; |
|
2. |
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report; |
|
3. |
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; |
|
4. |
The Companys other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a- 15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the Company and we have: |
|
a. |
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared; |
|
b. |
[omitted with consent of SEC]; |
|
c. |
evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
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d. |
disclosed in this annual report any change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Companys most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting; and |
|
5. |
The Companys other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Companys auditors and the audit committee of the Companys board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): |
a. |
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Companys ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
|
b. |
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Companys internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: June 28, 2006
/s/ Kerry D. Hawkley
Kerry D. Hawkley
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 32.1
U.S.GEOTHERMAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Daniel J. Kunz, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (the Company) certify in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
1. |
The Companys annual report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 (report), which this certification accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
|
2. |
The information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: June 28, 2006 |
/s/ Daniel J. Kunz |
Daniel J. Kunz |
Chief Executive Officer |
Exhibit 32.2
U.S. GEOTHERMAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Kerry D. Hawkley, Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (the Company) certify in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
1. |
The Companys annual report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 (report), which this certification accompanies, fully complies with the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
|
2. |
The information contained in the report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date: June 28, 2006
/s/ Kerry D. Hawkley
Kerry D. Hawkley
Chief Financial Officer