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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 4, 2014

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-4

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Virginia   4923   46-3639580
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

120 Tredegar Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

(804) 819-2000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Mark O. Webb

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

120 Tredegar Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

(804) 819-2000

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

Jane Whitt Sellers, Esquire

McGuireWoods LLP

One James Center

901 East Cary Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

(804) 775-1000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effectiveness of this registration statement.

If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.   ¨

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x   (Do not check if smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issue Tender Offer)   ¨

Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)   ¨

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Amount

to be

Registered

 

Proposed

Maximum

Offering Price

Per Unit (1)

 

Proposed

Maximum
Aggregate

Offering Price (1)

  Amount of
Registration Fee

2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

  $400,000,000   100%   $400,000,000   $51,520

2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

  $400,000,000   100%   $400,000,000   $51,520

2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

  $400,000,000   100%   $400,000,000   $51,520

 

 

(1) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 4, 2014

PROSPECTUS

 

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DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

OFFER TO EXCHANGE

Up to $400,000,000 of 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

Up to $400,000,000 of 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

Up to $400,000,000 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

THE EXCHANGE OFFER EXPIRES AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON             , 2014, UNLESS EXTENDED

 

 

Terms of the exchange offer:

 

    We are offering to exchange (i) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Exchange Series A Senior Notes”) for any and all of our $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Original Series A Senior Notes”); (ii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Exchange Series B Senior Notes”) for any and all of our $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Original Series B Senior Notes”); and (iii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “Exchange Series C Senior Notes”) for any and all of our $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “Original Series C Senior Notes”).

 

    The term “Exchange Notes” refers collectively to the Exchange Series A Senior Notes, the Exchange Series B Senior Notes and the Exchange Series C Senior Notes. The term “Original Notes” refers collectively to the Original Series A Senior Notes, the Original Series B Senior Notes and the Original Series C Senior Notes. The term “Notes” refers to both the Original Notes and the Exchange Notes.

 

    We will exchange all outstanding Original Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer for an equal principal amount of the Exchange Notes.

 

    The terms of the Exchange Notes will be substantially identical to those of the Original Notes, except that the Exchange Notes will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and will not contain restrictions on transfer, registration rights or provisions for additional interest.

 

    You may withdraw tenders of Original Notes at any time before the expiration of the exchange offer.

 

    The exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

    We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.

 

    No public market exists for the outstanding Original Notes. We do not intend to list the Exchange Notes on any securities exchange and, therefore, no active public market is anticipated for the Exchange Notes.

 

 

Investing in the Notes involves risks. For a description of these risks, see “ Risk Factors ” on page 14 of this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission nor any other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the securities, nor have any of the foregoing authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of this offering or the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2014.


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You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

     ii   

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     ii   

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

     ii   

SUMMARY

     1   

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     13   

RISK FACTORS

     14   

USE OF PROCEEDS

     23   

CAPITALIZATION

     24   

BUSINESS

     25   

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     36   

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     51   

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

     53   

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     55   

SECURITIES OWNERSHIP

     89   

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     90   

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

     94   

DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

     104   

BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES AND SETTLEMENT

     117   

MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

     118   

ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

     119   

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     121   

LEGAL MATTERS

     121   

EXPERTS

     121   

DEFINITIONS USED IN CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-i   

INDEX TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1   

No person is authorized in connection with this exchange offer to give any information or to make any representation not contained in this prospectus, and, if given or made, such other information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by us or any of our representatives.

Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to this exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. The letter of transmittal accompanying this prospectus states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for outstanding Original Notes where such outstanding Original Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for the period required by the Securities Act, we will make available to any such broker-dealer a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act, for use in connection with any such resale. See “Plan of Distribution.”

 

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INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

In this prospectus, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding our industry. We obtained this market data from independent industry publications or other publicly available information. Although we believe that these sources are reliable, we have not independently verified and do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 regarding the exchange offer and our Exchange Notes. This prospectus, which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement. For further information regarding us, the exchange offer and our Exchange Notes offered in this prospectus, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits filed as part of the registration statement. The registration statement, including the exhibits, may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of this material can also be obtained upon written request from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates or from the SEC’s website on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on public reference rooms.

When we filed the registration statement, we were not subject to the periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Following effectiveness of the registration statement, we will commence filing periodic reports and other information with the SEC. These reports and other information may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC or obtained from the SEC’s website as provided above.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This prospectus contains statements concerning our expectations, plans, objectives, future financial performance and other statements that are not historical facts. In most cases, the reader can identify these forward-looking statements by such words as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “expect,” “believe,” “should,” “could,” “plan,” “may,” “continue,” “target” or other similar words.

We make forward-looking statements with full knowledge that risks and uncertainties exist that may cause actual results to differ materially from predicted results. Factors that may cause actual results to differ are often presented with the forward-looking statements themselves. Additionally, other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in any forward-looking statement. These factors include but are not limited to:

 

    Changes to regulated gas distribution, transportation and storage rates collected by us;

 

    Timing and receipt of regulatory approvals necessary for planned construction or expansion projects;

 

    The inability to complete planned construction or expansion projects at all or with the outcomes or within the terms and time frames initially anticipated;

 

    Risks of operating businesses in regulated industries that are subject to changing regulatory structures;

 

    Federal, state and local legislative and regulatory developments, including changes in federal and state tax laws and regulations;

 

    Changes in demand for our services, including failure to maintain or replace our customer contracts on favorable terms;

 

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    Additional competition in our industry;

 

    Changes in supplies of natural gas delivered to our systems;

 

    Cost of environmental compliance;

 

    Changes to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those related to climate change, the tightening of emission or discharge limits for greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) and other emissions, more extensive permitting requirements and the regulation of additional substances;

 

    The impact of operational hazards, including adverse developments with respect to pipeline safety or integrity;

 

    Unplanned outages of our facilities;

 

    Changes in operating, maintenance and construction costs;

 

    Extreme weather events and other natural disasters, including hurricanes, high winds, severe storms, earthquakes and flooding, that can cause outages and property damage to facilities;

 

    Impacts of acquisitions, divestitures, transfers of assets to joint ventures and retirements of assets;

 

    Receipt of approvals for, and timing of, closing dates for acquisitions and divestitures;

 

    Counterparty credit and performance risk;

 

    Capital market conditions, including the availability of credit and the ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms;

 

    Volatility in the value of investments held in benefit plan trusts by us;

 

    Fluctuations in interest rates;

 

    Changes in rating agency requirements or credit ratings and their effect on availability and cost of capital;

 

    Changes in financial or regulatory accounting principles or policies imposed by governing bodies;

 

    Employee workforce factors including collective bargaining agreements and labor negotiations with union employees;

 

    Political and economic conditions, including inflation and deflation;

 

    Domestic terrorism and other threats to our physical and intangible assets, as well as threats to cybersecurity; and

 

    Adverse outcomes in litigation matters or regulatory proceedings.

Additionally, other risks that could cause actual results to differ from predicted results are set forth in “Risk Factors” on page 14 of this prospectus.

 

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights some of the information contained in this prospectus. It does not contain all of the information that you should consider before making an investment decision, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the detailed information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read the entire prospectus including the information presented under “Risk Factors,” and the financial statements before deciding to participate in the exchange offer. In addition, the “Description of Notes” section of this prospectus contains more detailed information regarding the terms and conditions of the Notes.

For purposes of this prospectus, unless we have indicated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references to “Dominion Gas,” “we,” “our,” “us” or like terms refer to Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries and references to “Dominion” refer to Dominion Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

Business Formation and Organizational Summary

Dominion Gas, a holding company formed in September 2013, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion, one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy. We serve as the intermediate parent company for the majority of Dominion’s regulated natural gas operating subsidiaries, which conduct business activities through an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline system and storage facilities, a local natural gas distribution network and natural gas gathering, processing and treatment facilities (“Dominion’s regulated gas business”). Our business activities are carried out through our primary subsidiaries, The East Ohio Gas Company d/b/a Dominion East Ohio (“East Ohio”) and Dominion Transmission, Inc. (“DTI”). Through our subsidiary, Dominion Iroquois, Inc. (“Dominion Iroquois”), we also hold a 24.72% general partnership interest in the Iroquois Gas Transmission System L.P. (“Iroquois”).

Commencing with the offering of the Original Notes, we are serving as the primary financing entity for Dominion’s regulated gas business. We believe this structure will create an efficient, transparent entity to finance capital investments related to the assets and cash flow of Dominion’s regulated gas business. Neither Dominion nor any of its subsidiaries nor any of our subsidiaries are guaranteeing the Notes nor does Dominion have any liability for our obligations under the Notes by virtue of being our sole member.

The principal executive offices of Dominion Gas and Dominion are located at 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 and the telephone number for both Dominion Gas and Dominion is (804) 819-2000. Dominion maintains a website that contains information about Dominion and Dominion Gas at http://www.dom.com. Information on or accessible through our website is not a part of and is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and you should not rely on such information.

 

 

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The following chart depicts Dominion’s organizational structure and certain other direct subsidiaries of Dominion highlighting our legal structure:

 

LOGO

 

(1) Dominion’s 50% membership interest in Blue Racer Midstream, LLC is held by this subsidiary.
(2) Dominion’s merchant generation facilities are owned through this subsidiary (and are unrelated to the Dominion Energy operating segment of Dominion and Dominion Gas).

Our Subsidiaries

 

    East Ohio is a regulated natural gas distribution operation serving more than 1.2 million residential, commercial and industrial gas sales and transportation customers. The service territory covers 450 communities including Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown and other eastern and western Ohio communities. It operates more than 21,700 miles of natural gas distribution, transmission and gathering pipeline, exclusive of service lines, along with underground natural gas storage capability. Revenues provided by these operations are based primarily on rates approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (the “Ohio Commission”). Since October 2008, East Ohio has employed a straight-fixed-variable rate design allowing for the recovery of its fixed operating costs through a flat, monthly charge accompanied by a reduced volumetric-based delivery rate. Accordingly, East Ohio is less impacted by conservation or weather-related fluctuations in natural gas consumption than companies under a more traditional volumetric rate design for gas distribution. In addition to general rates for distribution services, the Ohio Commission has approved several stand-alone cost recovery mechanisms to provide recovery of costs as incurred along with a provision for a current return on certain infrastructure projects.

 

LOGO

 

 

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    DTI is an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline company serving a broad mix of customers such as local gas distribution companies, marketers, interstate and intrastate pipelines, electric power generators, and natural gas producers. It maintains approximately 7,700 miles of transmission, gathering and storage pipeline across six states. The DTI system links to other major pipelines and markets in the mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Midwest including Dominion’s Cove Point pipeline. DTI also operates one of the largest underground natural gas storage systems in the United States with 776 billion cubic feet (“bcf”) of total designed storage capacity. At its Hastings Extraction/Fractionation Plant in West Virginia, DTI is a producer and supplier of natural gas liquids (“NGLs”). DTI’s revenue from providing services is primarily based upon rates established by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) including negotiated, firm and interruptible fee-based contractual arrangements.

Additionally, DTI sells extracted products at market rates. DTI’s transportation contracts have an average tenor of 13 years, and storage contracts have an average tenor of 20 years when executed (based on a simple average). Gathering and processing contracts, while not typically long-term, are usually structured to be evergreen.

 

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    Dominion Iroquois holds a 24.72% general partnership interest in a 416-mile FERC regulated interstate natural gas pipeline extending from the United States-Canadian border at Waddington, New York through the state of Connecticut to South Commack, New York and Hunts Point, Bronx, New York. The Iroquois pipeline has more than doubled its design day capacity since 1991.

 

LOGO

Business Strategy

Our formation, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion, provides for the consolidation of the major components of Dominion’s regulated gas business under one intermediate holding company entity, allowing for greater financial transparency. We used the proceeds from the offering of the Original Notes to purchase then-outstanding intercompany long-term notes between Dominion and our subsidiaries, thereby allowing Dominion to reduce, over time, its external debt obligations previously incurred for these subsidiaries’ capital needs. In addition to the purchase of intercompany long-term notes, we used proceeds from the offering to repay, and thus reduce, a portion of our intercompany revolving credit agreement balances with Dominion. The resulting capitalization effectively placed Dominion’s debt investors, whose investments indirectly support us, closer to the source of revenues providing cash flow. Our operations remain a vital part of Dominion’s overall business strategy and the internal restructuring that caused us to exist and the offering of the Original Notes to be conducted is not intended to create a pathway to our divestment.

Our primary business strategy emphasizes the continued safe and efficient provision of natural gas transmission, storage, and local distribution services to our customers. In addition, we will look to develop and expand our existing business through infrastructure growth projects. We plan to devote over $2 billion of capital expenditures to infrastructure growth during the 2014 to 2018 planning period in order to respond to market opportunities. We intend to execute our growth strategy by maintaining a capital structure that balances our outstanding debt and equity (with all equity continuing to be held by Dominion) in a manner that will produce strong credit metrics.

We believe that through our operating subsidiaries, we have demonstrated a track record of successfully completing numerous projects to meet the growing demands for gas transportation and related services across the regions we serve. During 2012 and 2013, DTI completed projects including the Appalachian Gateway Project in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, the Gathering Enhancement Project in West Virginia, the Northeast Expansion Project in Pennsylvania, the Tioga Area Expansion Project in Pennsylvania and the Sabinsville-to-Morrisville and Ellisburg-to-Craigs Projects in Pennsylvania and New York. In recent years, East Ohio has made significant

infrastructure investments including its long-term Pipeline Infrastructure Replacement (“PIR”) program. During

 

 

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the remainder of the 2014 to 2018 planning period, we anticipate building several additional infrastructure projects, including:

Allegheny Storage Project — will provide 7.5 bcf of incremental firm storage service and 125,000 dekatherms per day of incremental firm year-round transportation service that we expect to be in-service in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Natrium to Market Project — will provide 185,000 dekatherms per day of firm transportation and we expect to be in-service in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Western Access Project — will transport 300,000 dekatherms per day of residue gas from third-party processing facilities to interstate pipelines in eastern Ohio and we expect to be in-service by the fourth quarter of 2014.

New Market Project — will provide 112,000 dekatherms per day of firm transportation service from Leidy, Pennsylvania to multiple delivery points that serve the New York market and we expect to be in-service in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Clarington Project — will provide 250,000 dekatherms per day of firm transportation service from central West Virginia to Clarington, Ohio and we expect to be in service in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Competitive Strengths

We believe we are well-positioned to execute our business strategies successfully due to several competitive strengths:

 

    Advantageous Location and Significant Scale

Our pipelines are located in the mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Midwest regions of the United States running north from Virginia to New York and east from Ohio to Maryland. These regions cover the historically rich natural gas fields of West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains as well as the Marcellus and Utica shale formations. Our pipelines interconnect with other major pipelines and provide the backbone for natural gas movement in the region between various market participants. In this same region, we operate one of the largest underground natural gas storage systems in the nation. We believe that these facilities play an important part in balancing natural gas supply with consumer demand. Our local distribution territory is located in Ohio and has robust access to both locally-produced natural gas and interstate pipeline supply.

Our operations include approximately 29,400 miles of natural gas transmission, distribution, storage and gathering pipeline, 20 storage fields with 947 bcf of total designed storage capacity, and 1.2 million local distribution customers in Ohio.

 

    Stable Cash Flows

Our revenue is derived primarily under term contracts with a base of diverse customers that have demonstrated a historical track record of re-contracting with us. Our gas transmission operations are subject to regulation of rates and other terms and conditions of service by FERC; these rates are based on a straight fixed variable rate design, which provides for stable recovery of DTI’s fixed costs, and protection from near-term variations in throughput. Our local distribution operations are subject to regulation of rates and certain other aspects of our business by the Ohio Commission. Its straight fixed variable rate design, in which the majority of East Ohio’s operating costs are recovered through a monthly charge rather than a volumetric charge, is utilized to establish rates for a majority of East Ohio’s customers pursuant to a 2008 rate case settlement. In addition to its ability to obtain general rate increases when its costs of distribution increase, East Ohio makes routine tariff filings with the Ohio Commission to reflect changes in the rider through which costs associated with providing

 

 

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an operational balance of gas supplies on its system, both those sold to customers by East Ohio and those brought on by retail suppliers, are recovered. The Ohio Commission has also approved several stand-alone cost recovery mechanisms to recover specified costs and a return for infrastructure projects and certain other costs that vary widely over time.

 

    Strong Credit Profile

We are committed to maintaining a capital structure consistent with producing strong credit metrics. Future capital expenditures are expected to be financed via operating cash flows, long-term debt and equity capital infusions from Dominion.

 

    Reliable and Safe Operations

We believe that we have a proven track record of reliable and safe operations across the natural gas transmission, storage and local distribution businesses. Our management team has extensive industry experience and a strong operating history and includes senior executives of Dominion. We are in compliance with federal requirements of the Integrity Management Program. In 2012, East Ohio was a recipient of the American Gas Association’s Safety Achievement Award. Over the period from 2005 to 2013, we experienced a 68% decline in recordable Occupational Safety and Health Administration incidents. While continuing to operate safely, we have a demonstrated track record of successfully completing projects to meet the growing demands for gas transportation and related services on the originally announced schedules and budgets.

 

 

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

On October 22, 2013, we completed a private offering of $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of our Original Series A Senior Notes, Original Series B Senior Notes and Original Series C Senior Notes. The offering was made in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. As part of the offering transaction, we entered into a registration rights agreement in which we agreed, among other things, to deliver this prospectus and to make an exchange offer for the Original Notes. Below is a summary of the exchange offer.

 

The Exchange Offer

We are offering to exchange the Exchange Notes, which have been registered under the Securities Act, for your Original Notes, which were issued October 22, 2013 in the initial offering. In order to be exchanged, an Original Note must be validly tendered and accepted. All Original Notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn by the expiration date of the exchange offer will be exchanged. We will issue Exchange Notes promptly after the expiration of the exchange offer.

 

Exchange Agent

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas will serve as our exchange agent (the “exchange agent”) for the exchange offer. You can find the address and telephone number of the exchange agent under “The Exchange Offer —Exchange Agent.”

 

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, which we may, but are not required to, waive. Please see “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” for more information regarding the conditions to the exchange offer. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to waive any and all conditions to the exchange offer.

 

Procedures for Tendering Original Notes

Unless you comply with the procedures described below under “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Guaranteed Delivery,” you must do one of the following on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer to participate in the offer:

 

    tender your Original Notes by sending the certificates for your Original Notes, in proper form for transfer, a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal with the required signature guarantee and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal, to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as exchange agent, at the address set forth in this prospectus, and such Original Notes must be received by the exchange agent prior to the expiration of the exchange offer; or

 

   

tender your Original Notes by using the book-entry transfer procedures described in “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Book-Entry Delivery Procedures” and transmitting a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal with the required signature guarantee, or an agent’s message instead of the letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent. In order for a book-entry transfer to constitute a valid tender of your Original Notes in the exchange offer, Deutsche Bank Trust

 

 

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Company Americas, as registrar and exchange agent, must receive a confirmation of book-entry transfer of your Original Notes into the exchange agent’s account at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.

 

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

If you are a registered holder of Original Notes and wish to tender your Original Notes in the exchange offer, but your Original Notes are not immediately available, time will not permit your Original Notes or other required documents to be received by the exchange agent before the expiration of the exchange offer or the procedures for book-entry transfer cannot be completed prior to the expiration of the exchange offer, then you may tender your Original Notes by following the procedures described below under “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Guaranteed Delivery.”

 

Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners

If you are a beneficial owner whose Original Notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender your Original Notes in the exchange offer, you should promptly contact the person in whose name your Original Notes are registered and instruct that person to tender on your behalf the Original Notes prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.

 

  If you wish to tender in the exchange offer on your own behalf, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering the certificates for your Original Notes, you must either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of your Original Notes in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the person in whose name your Original Notes are registered.

 

Withdrawal; Non-Acceptance

You may withdraw any Original Notes tendered in the exchange offer at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                     , 2014 by sending the exchange agent written notice of withdrawal. Any Original Notes tendered on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer that are not validly withdrawn on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer may not be withdrawn. If we decide for any reason not to accept any Original Notes tendered for exchange or to withdraw the exchange offer, the Original Notes will be returned to the registered holder at our expense promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer. In the case of Original Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at The Depository Trust Company, any withdrawn or unaccepted Original Notes will be credited to the tendering holder’s account at The Depository Trust Company. For further information regarding the withdrawal of tendered Original Notes, see “The Exchange Offer—Withdrawal of Tenders.”

 

Resales of Exchange Notes

Based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC, as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that the Exchange Notes you receive in the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by you without compliance with the

 

 

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registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act so long as certain conditions are met. See “The Exchange Offer—Purpose and Effects of the Exchange Offer” for more information regarding resales.

 

Restrictions on Resale by Broker-Dealers

Each broker-dealer that has received Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Original Notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the Exchange Notes. A broker-dealer may use this prospectus in connection with any resale for a period of 180 days after the end of the exchange offer.

 

Consequences of Not Exchanging your Original Notes

If you do not exchange your Original Notes in the exchange offer, you will no longer be able to require us to register your Original Notes under the Securities Act pursuant to the registration rights agreement. In addition, you will not be able to resell, offer to resell or otherwise transfer your Original Notes unless we have registered the Original Notes under the Securities Act, or unless you resell, offer to resell or otherwise transfer them under an exemption from the registration requirements of, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offer, or as otherwise required under certain limited circumstances pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreement, we do not currently anticipate that we will register the Original Notes under the Securities Act.

 

  For more information regarding the consequences of not tendering your Original Notes, see “The Exchange Offer—Consequences of Failure to Exchange.”

 

Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences

The exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes in the exchange offer will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences” for more information.

 

Use of Proceeds

The exchange offer is being made solely to satisfy certain of our obligations under the registration rights agreement, and we will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the Exchange Notes. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Fees and Expenses

We will pay all of our expenses incident to the exchange offer.

 

Additional Documentation; Further Information; Assistance

Any questions or requests for assistance or additional documentation regarding the exchange offer may be directed to the exchange agent. Beneficial owners may also contact their custodian for assistance concerning the exchange offer.

 

 

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THE EXCHANGE NOTES

The following summary describes the principal terms of the Exchange Notes. The terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all material respects to the terms of the Original Notes, except that the Exchange Notes are registered under the Securities Act and will not contain restrictions on transfer, registration rights or provisions for additional interest. Certain of the terms and conditions described below are subject to important limitations and exceptions. For a more detailed description of the Exchange Notes, see “Description of the Notes.”

 

Issuer

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

 

Notes Offered

Up to $1,200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our Exchange Notes consisting of:

 

  Up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Exchange Series A Senior Notes;

 

  Up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Exchange Series B Senior Notes; and

 

  Up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Exchange Series C Senior Notes.

 

Maturity

The Exchange Series A Senior Notes will mature on November 1, 2016.

 

  The Exchange Series B Senior Notes will mature on November 1, 2023.

 

  The Exchange Series C Senior Notes will mature on November 1, 2043.

 

Interest

The interest rate on each series of the Exchange Notes shall be:

 

  Exchange Series A Senior Notes: 1.05%

 

  Exchange Series B Senior Notes: 3.55%

 

  Exchange Series C Senior Notes: 4.80%

 

Interest Payment Dates

Interest on the Exchange Notes will be payable semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”), commencing on May 1, 2014.

 

Record Date

As long as the Exchange Notes remain in book-entry only form, the record date for each Interest Payment Date will be the close of business on the business day before the applicable Interest Payment Date. If the Exchange Notes are not in book-entry only form, the record date for each Interest Payment Date will be the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day before the applicable Interest Payment Date (whether or not a business day); however, interest payable at maturity or upon redemption or repurchase will be paid to the person to whom principal is payable. See “Description of the Notes — Interest.”

 

Optional Redemption

We may redeem all or any of the Exchange Series A Senior Notes at any time at the make-whole redemption price described in this prospectus, plus accrued and unpaid interest. See “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption.”

 

 

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  We may redeem all or any of the Exchange Series B Senior Notes at any time prior to August 1, 2023, at the make-whole redemption price described in this prospectus and, at any time on or after August 1, 2023, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Exchange Series B Senior Notes being redeemed, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. See “Description of the Notes — Optional Redemption.”

 

  We may redeem all or any of the Exchange Series C Senior Notes at any time prior to May 1, 2043, at the make-whole redemption price described in this prospectus and, at any time on or after May 1, 2043, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Exchange Series C Senior Notes being redeemed, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. See “Description of the Notes — Optional Redemption.”

 

Ranking

The Exchange Notes will be our senior unsecured indebtedness. Your right to payment under the Exchange Notes will be equal in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. If we should issue secured indebtedness in the future, as limited by the terms of an Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2013, between us and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (the “Base Indenture”), the Exchange Notes would be effectively subordinated to all such future secured indebtedness. Currently, our subsidiaries do not have any existing indebtedness that is not held by an affiliate; however, the Exchange Notes are structurally subordinated to any indebtedness of our subsidiaries. The Exchange Notes are not guaranteed by Dominion, its subsidiaries or our subsidiaries.

 

Certain Covenants

We will issue the Exchange Notes under the Base Indenture supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, the Second Supplemental Indenture and the Third Supplemental Indenture, each dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “Supplemental Indentures”), between us and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee. The Base Indenture contains limitations on, among other things:

 

    the incurrence of liens on assets to secure certain debt; and

 

    certain mergers or consolidations and transfers of assets.

 

  These covenants are subject to exceptions. See “Description of the Notes—Certain Covenants.”

 

Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the information set forth herein and under “Risk Factors” in deciding whether to participate in the exchange offer.

 

Form and Denomination

Each series of Exchange Notes will be represented by one or more global notes. The global notes will be deposited with the trustee, as custodian for DTC.

 

 

Ownership of beneficial interests in the global notes will be shown on, and transfers of such interests will be effected only through,

 

 

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records maintained in book-entry form by DTC and its direct and indirect participants, including in the case of Notes sold under Regulation S, the depositaries for Clearstream Banking Luxembourg, or Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System.

 

  The Exchange Notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

Absence of Public Trading Market

Each series of Exchange Notes will be a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the Exchange Notes on any national securities exchange or for quotation on any automated quotation system. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a liquid market for the Exchange Notes of any series will develop or be maintained. See “Risk Factors.”

 

Governing Law

The Exchange Notes of each series, the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indentures are governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas

 

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 presented below has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected historical consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 presented below has been derived from our unaudited financial statements. The financial statements included in this prospectus may not be indicative of our future performance and do not necessarily reflect what our financial position and results of operations would have been had we operated as a standalone company during the periods presented.

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). You should read the selected historical consolidated financial data set forth below in conjunction with the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
 
(millions, except for ratio information)    2013 (1)      2012 (2)      2011      2010 (3)      2009  

Statement of Income Data:

              

Operating revenue

   $ 1,937       $ 1,677       $ 1,878       $ 1,879       $ 1,844   

Operating expenses (4)

     1,175         927         1,322         255         1,328   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations

     762         750         556         1,624         516   

Other income

     28         37         37         37         33   

Interest and related charges

     28         40         44         60         61   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations before income taxes

     762         747         549         1,601         488   

Income tax expense

     301         288         207         654         189   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 461       $ 459       $ 342       $ 947       $ 299   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance Sheet Data:

              

Current assets

   $ 801       $ 816       $ 778       $ 935       $ 880   

Investments

     106         103         105         107         103   

Property, plant and equipment, net

     5,819         5,483         4,796         4,171         3,810   

Deferred charges and other assets

     2,416         2,287         2,204         2,146         2,172   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 9,142       $ 8,689       $ 7,883       $ 7,359       $ 6,965   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current liabilities

   $ 2,070       $ 2,636       $ 2,078       $ 1,790       $ 1,622   

Long-term debt (5)

     1,198         505         817         828         842   

Deferred credits and other liabilities

     2,447         2,272         1,992         1,824         1,654   

Total equity

     3,427         3,276         2,996         2,917         2,847   

Other Financial Data:

              

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

     18.67         12.52         9.61         22.01         7.57   

 

(1) 2013 results include $58 million of after-tax gains on the sales of pipeline systems as discussed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Also in 2013, we recorded $33 million of after-tax impairment charges related to certain natural gas infrastructure assets, as discussed in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) 2012 results include a $110 million after-tax gain on the sale of two pipeline systems to an affiliate as discussed in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) 2010 results include a $653 million after-tax gain on the sale of substantially all of our exploration and production operations and an $18 million after-tax charge primarily reflecting severance pay and other benefits related to a workforce reduction program. Also in 2010, we recorded an $11 million increase in our income tax provision reflecting a reduction in our deferred tax assets resulting from the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010.
(4) Includes gains on the sales of assets of $122 million, $176 million and $1.1 billion for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2010, respectively.
(5) Prior to 2013, amounts represented affiliated long-term debt.

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

Certain risks related to our business, the Notes and the exchange offer are set forth below. You should carefully consider each of the following risks and all of the other information contained in this prospectus, including the financial statements and related notes, before deciding to participate in the exchange offer. Our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially and adversely affected by any of these risks.

Risks Related to our Business

The rates of our gas transmission and distribution operations are subject to regulatory review.

Revenue provided by our gas transmission and distribution operations is based primarily on rates approved by state and federal regulatory agencies. The profitability of these businesses is dependent on their ability, through the rates that they are permitted to charge, to recover costs and earn a reasonable rate of return on their capital investment. Various rates and charges assessed by our gas transmission businesses are subject to review by FERC. Pursuant to FERC’s February 2014 approval of DTI’s uncontested settlement offer, DTI’s base rates for storage and transportation services are subject to a moratorium through the end of 2016. In accordance with cost of service ratemaking, in its next general rate proceeding, DTI will be required, among other things, to support its rates by showing that they reflect recovery of its costs plus a reasonable return on its investment. In addition, the rates of East Ohio’s gas distribution business are subject to state regulatory review by the Ohio Commission. A failure by us to support these rates could result in rate decreases from current rate levels, which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Our infrastructure expansion plans often require regulatory approval before construction can commence. For these and other reasons, we may not complete pipeline or facility construction or other infrastructure projects that we commence, or we may complete projects on materially different terms or timing than initially anticipated, and we may not be able to achieve the intended benefits of any such project, if completed.

We have announced several pipeline or facility construction and other infrastructure projects, and we may consider additional projects in the future. Commencing construction on announced and future projects may require approvals from applicable state and federal agencies. Projects may not be able to be completed on time as a result of weather conditions, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain regulatory approvals, delays in obtaining key materials, labor difficulties, difficulties with partners or potential partners, a decline in the credit strength of our counterparties or vendors, or other factors beyond our control. Even if pipeline or facility construction and other infrastructure projects are completed, the total costs of the projects may be higher than anticipated and the performance of our business following the projects’ completion may not meet expectations. Start-up and operational issues can arise in connection with the commencement of commercial operations at our facilities, including failure to meet specific operating parameters, which may require adjustments to meet or amend these operating parameters. Additionally, we may not be able to timely and effectively integrate the projects into our operations and such integration may result in unforeseen operating difficulties or unanticipated costs. Further, regulators may disallow recovery of some of the costs of a project if they are determined not to be prudently incurred. Any of these or other factors could adversely affect our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from pipeline or facility construction and other infrastructure projects.

We are subject to complex governmental regulation, including tax regulation, that could adversely affect our results of operations and subject us to monetary penalties.

Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local regulation and require numerous permits, approvals and certificates from various governmental agencies. Such laws and regulations govern the terms and conditions of the services we offer, our relationships with affiliates and pipeline safety, among other matters. Our

 

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operations are also subject to legislation governing taxation at the federal, state and local levels. In addition, we must comply with environmental legislation and associated regulations. Our management believes that the necessary approvals have been obtained for existing operations and that our business is conducted in accordance with applicable laws. Our business is subject to regulatory regimes which could result in substantial monetary penalties if we are found not to be in compliance. New laws or regulations, the revision or reinterpretation of existing laws or regulations, or penalties imposed for non-compliance with existing laws or regulations may result in substantial expense to us.

We may not be able to maintain, renew or replace our existing portfolio of customer contracts successfully, or on favorable terms.

Upon contract expiration, customers may not elect to re-contract with us as a result of a variety of factors, including the amount of competition in the industry, changes in the price of natural gas, their level of satisfaction with our services, the extent to which we are able to successfully execute our business plans and the effect of the regulatory framework on customer demand. The failure to replace any such customer contracts on similar terms could result in a loss of revenue for us.

We depend on third parties to produce the natural gas we gather and process, and to provide the NGLs we separate into marketable products. A reduction in these quantities could reduce our revenues.

We obtain our supply of natural gas and NGLs from numerous third-party producers. Such producers are under no obligation to deliver a specific quantity of natural gas or NGLs to our facilities. A number of factors could reduce the volumes of natural gas and NGLs available to our pipelines and other assets. Increased regulation of energy extraction activities or a decrease in natural gas prices or the availability of drilling equipment could result in reductions in drilling for new natural gas wells, which could decrease the volumes of natural gas supplied to us. Producers could shift their production activities to regions outside our footprint. In addition, the extent of natural gas reserves and the rate of production from such reserves may be less than anticipated. If producers were to decrease the supply of natural gas or NGLs to our systems and facilities for any reason, we could experience lower revenues to the extent we are unable to replace the lost volumes on similar terms.

Our operations are subject to a number of environmental laws and regulations which impose significant compliance costs on us.

Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental statutes, rules and regulations relating to air quality, water quality, waste management, natural resources, and health and safety. Compliance with these legal requirements requires us to commit significant capital toward permitting, environmental monitoring, and installation and operation of environmental control equipment. Additionally, we could be responsible for expenses relating to remediation and containment obligations, including those related to sites where we have been identified by a regulatory agency as a potentially responsible party.

Existing environmental laws and regulations may be revised and/or new laws may be adopted or become applicable to us. Additional regulation of air quality and GHG emissions under the Clean Air Act (“CAA”) may be imposed on the natural gas sector, including rules to limit methane leakage. Compliance with GHG emission reduction requirements may require the retrofit or replacement of equipment or could otherwise increase the cost to operate and maintain our facilities. In addition, we also expect additional federal water and waste regulations, including the potential further regulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”).

We are unable to estimate compliance costs with certainty due to our inability to predict the requirements and timing of implementation of any new environmental rules or regulations. Other factors which affect our ability to predict future environmental expenditures with certainty include our difficulty in estimating clean-up costs and quantifying liabilities under environmental laws that impose joint and several liability on all

 

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responsible parties. However, such expenditures, if material, could make our facilities uneconomical to operate, result in the impairment of assets, or otherwise adversely affect our results of operations, financial performance or liquidity.

The use of derivative instruments could result in financial losses and liquidity constraints.

We use derivative instruments, including physical and financial forwards, futures and swaps to manage commodity and financial market risks. In addition, we purchase and sell commodity-based contracts for hedging purposes. We could recognize financial losses on these contracts, including as a result of volatility in the market values of the underlying commodities, if a counterparty fails to perform under a contract or upon the failure or insolvency of a financial intermediary, exchange or clearinghouse used to enter, execute or clear these transactions. In the absence of actively-quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the valuation of these contracts involves our management’s judgment or use of estimates. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or the use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of these contracts.

The use of derivatives to hedge future sales may limit the benefit we would otherwise receive from increases in commodity prices. These hedge arrangements may include collateral requirements that require us to deposit funds or securities or post letters of credit with counterparties, financial intermediaries or clearinghouses to cover the fair value of covered contracts in excess of agreed upon credit limits. For instance, when commodity prices rise to levels substantially higher than the levels where we have hedged future sales, we may be required to use a material portion of our available liquidity or obtain additional liquidity to cover these collateral requirements. In some circumstances, this could have a compounding effect on our financial liquidity and results of operations. In addition, the availability or security of the collateral delivered by us may be adversely affected by the failure or insolvency of a financial intermediary, exchange or clearinghouse used to enter, execute or clear these types of transactions.

Derivatives designated under hedge accounting, to the extent not fully offset by the hedged transaction, can result in ineffectiveness losses. These losses primarily result from differences between the location and/or specifications of the derivative hedging instrument and the hedged item and could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our operations in regards to these transactions are subject to multiple market risks including market liquidity, price volatility, the credit strength of our counterparties and the financial condition of the financial intermediaries, exchanges and clearinghouses used for these types of transactions. These market risks are beyond our control and could adversely affect our results of operations, liquidity and future growth.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was enacted into law in July 2010 in an effort to improve regulation of financial markets. The Dodd-Frank Act includes provisions that will require certain over-the-counter derivatives, or swaps, to be centrally cleared and executed through an exchange or other approved trading platform. Non-financial entities that use swaps to hedge or mitigate commercial risk, often referred to as end users, can choose to exempt their hedging transactions from these clearing and exchange trading requirements. Final rules for the over-the-counter derivative-related provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will continue to be established through the ongoing rulemaking process of the applicable regulators, including rules regarding margin requirements for non-cleared swaps. If, as a result of the rulemaking process, our derivative activities are not exempted from the clearing, exchange trading or margin requirements, we could be subject to higher costs, including from higher margin requirements, for our derivative activities. In addition, implementation of, and compliance with, the swaps provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act by our counterparties could result in increased costs related to our derivative activities.

 

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Our operations are subject to operational hazards, equipment failures, supply chain disruptions and personnel issues which could negatively affect us.

Operation of our facilities involves risk, including the risk of potential breakdown or failure of equipment or processes due to aging infrastructure, pipeline integrity, fuel supply or transportation disruptions, accidents, labor disputes or work stoppages by employees, acts of terrorism or sabotage, construction delays or cost overruns, shortages of or delays in obtaining equipment, material and labor, operational restrictions resulting from environmental limitations and governmental interventions, and performance below expected levels. Our business is dependent upon sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructure, the failure of which could prevent us from accomplishing critical business functions. In addition, weather-related incidents, earthquakes and other natural disasters can disrupt operation of our facilities. Because our pipelines and other facilities are interconnected with those of third parties, the operation of our pipelines and facilities could be adversely affected by unexpected or uncontrollable events occurring on the systems of such third parties.

Unplanned outages of our facilities and extensions of scheduled outages due to mechanical failures or other problems occur from time to time and are inherent risks of our business. Unplanned outages typically increase our operation and maintenance expenses and may reduce our revenues as a result of selling fewer services or incurring increased rate credits to customers. If we are unable to perform our contractual obligations, penalties or liability for damages could result.

In addition, there are many risks associated with the transportation, storage and processing of natural gas and NGLs, including fires, explosions, uncontrolled releases of natural gas and other environmental hazards, and the collision of third party equipment with our pipelines. Such incidents could result in loss of human life or injuries among our employees, customers or the public in general, environmental pollution, damage or destruction of our facilities or business interruptions and associated public or employee safety impacts, loss of revenues, increased liabilities, heightened regulatory scrutiny and reputational risk.

Our results of operations can be affected by changes in the weather.

Severe weather, including hurricanes, floods and winter storms, can be destructive, causing outages, production delays and property damage that require incurring additional expenses. Furthermore, our operations could be adversely affected and our physical plant placed at greater risk of damage should changes in global climate produce, among other possible conditions, unusual variations in temperature and weather patterns, resulting in more intense, frequent and extreme weather events, or abnormal levels of precipitation.

Exposure to counterparty performance and credit risk may adversely affect our financial results of operations.

We are exposed to credit risks of our counterparties and the risk that one or more counterparties may fail or delay the performance of their contractual obligations, including, but not limited to, payment for services. Counterparties could fail or delay the performance of their contractual obligations for a number of reasons, including the effect of regulations on their operations. In addition, in an economic downturn, individual customers of East Ohio may have increased amounts of bad debt. While rate riders have been obtained so that those losses will, for the most part, be recovered by future rates, such recovery will be over a period of time, while the cost is incurred earlier by us. Defaults by customers, suppliers or other third parties may adversely affect our financial results.

Market performance and other changes may decrease the value of benefit plan assets or increase our liabilities, which could then require significant additional funding.

The performance of the capital markets affects the value of the assets that are held in trusts to satisfy future obligations under our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. We have significant obligations in these areas and the trusts hold significant assets. These assets are subject to market fluctuation and will yield uncertain returns, which may fall below expected return rates.

 

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A decline in the market value of the assets held in trusts to satisfy future obligations under our pension and other postretirement benefit plans may increase the funding requirements under such plans. Additionally, changes in interest rates will affect the liabilities under our pension and other postretirement benefit plans; as interest rates decrease, the liabilities increase, potentially requiring additional funding. Further, changes in demographics, including increased numbers of retirements or changes in life expectancy assumptions, may also increase the funding requirements of the obligations related to the pension and other postretirement benefit plans. If the benefit plan assets are negatively impacted by market fluctuations or other factors, our results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows could be negatively affected.

Changing rating agency requirements could negatively affect our growth and business strategy.

In order to maintain appropriate credit ratings to obtain needed credit at a reasonable cost in light of existing or future rating agency requirements, we may find it necessary to take steps or change our business plans in ways that may adversely affect our growth and earnings. A reduction in our credit ratings could result in an increase in our borrowing costs, our loss of access to certain markets, or both, thus adversely affecting our operating results and could require us to post additional collateral in connection with some of our price risk management activities.

An inability to access financial markets could adversely affect the execution of our business plans.

We rely on access to longer-term capital markets as a significant source of funding and liquidity for capital expenditures, normal working capital and collateral requirements related to hedges of future sales and purchases of energy-related commodities. Deterioration in our creditworthiness, as evaluated by credit rating agencies or otherwise, or declines in market reputation either for us or our industry in general, or general financial market disruptions outside of our control could increase our cost of borrowing or restrict our ability to access one or more financial markets. Further market disruptions could stem from delays in the current economic recovery, the bankruptcy of an unrelated company, general market disruption due to general credit market or political events, or the failure of financial institutions on which we rely. Increased costs and restrictions on our ability to access financial markets may be severe enough to affect our ability to execute our business plans as scheduled.

Potential changes in accounting practices may adversely affect our financial results.

We cannot predict the impact that future changes in accounting standards or practices may have on public companies in general, the energy industry or our operations. New accounting standards could be issued that could change the way we record revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities. These changes in accounting standards could adversely affect our earnings or could increase our liabilities.

War, acts and threats of terrorism, natural disasters and other significant events could adversely affect our operations.

We cannot predict the impact that any future terrorist attacks may have on the energy industry in general or on our business in particular. Any retaliatory military strikes or sustained military campaign may affect our operations in unpredictable ways, such as changes in insurance markets and disruptions of fuel supplies and markets. In addition, our infrastructure facilities could be direct targets of, or indirect casualties of, an act of terror. Furthermore, the physical compromise of our facilities could adversely affect our ability to manage these facilities effectively. Instability in financial markets as a result of terrorism, war, natural disasters, pandemic, credit crises, recession or other factors could result in a significant decline in the U.S. economy and increase the cost of insurance coverage, which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Hostile cyber intrusions could severely impair our operations, lead to the disclosure of confidential information, damage our reputation and otherwise have an adverse effect on our business.

We own assets deemed as critical infrastructure by FERC, the operation of which is dependent on information technology systems. Further, the computer systems that run our facilities are not completely isolated

 

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from external networks. Parties that wish to disrupt the U.S. gas transmission or distribution system or our operations could view our computer systems, software or networks as attractive targets for a cyber attack. In addition, our business requires that we collect and maintain sensitive customer data and confidential employee information, which may be subject to electronic theft or loss.

A successful cyber attack on the systems that control our gas transmission or distribution assets could severely disrupt business operations, preventing us from serving customers or collecting revenues. The breach of certain of our business systems could affect our ability to correctly record, process and report financial information. A major cyber incident could result in significant expenses to investigate and repair security breaches or system damage and could lead to litigation, fines, other remedial action, heightened regulatory scrutiny and damage to our reputation. In addition, the misappropriation, corruption or loss of personally identifiable information and other confidential data could lead to significant breach notification expenses and mitigation expenses such as credit monitoring. We maintain property and casualty insurance that may cover certain damage caused by potential cyber incidents; however, other damage and claims arising from such incidents may not be covered or may exceed the amount of any insurance available. For these reasons, a significant cyber incident could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to retain and attract key executive officers and other skilled professional and technical employees could have an adverse effect on our operations.

Our business strategy is dependent on our ability to recruit, retain and motivate employees. Competition for skilled employees in some areas of our business operations is high and our inability to retain and attract these employees could adversely affect our business and future operating results. An aging workforce in the energy industry necessitates recruiting, retaining and developing the next generation of leadership.

Risks Related to the Notes

We have a holding company structure in which our subsidiaries conduct our operations and own our operating assets, which may affect our ability to make payments on the Notes.

We have a holding company structure, and our subsidiaries conduct all of our operations and own all of our operating assets. We have no significant assets other than the ownership interests in these subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to make required payments on the Notes depends on the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. The ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us may be restricted by, among other things, applicable state corporate laws and other laws and regulations, including, with respect to East Ohio, Ohio public utility laws that may prohibit any public service company from declaring or paying a dividend to an affiliate if found to be detrimental to the public interest. An inability by our subsidiaries to make distributions to us could materially and adversely affect our ability to pay interest on, and the principal of, the Notes.

The Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indentures relating to the Notes do not restrict the amount of additional debt that we or our subsidiaries may incur.

As of December 31, 2013, we had outstanding indebtedness of $1.2 billion all of which is long-term debt, representing approximately 26% of our total book capitalization. The Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indentures under which the Notes are issued do not place any limitation on the amount of debt securities that may be issued under the Base Indenture or the amount of other unsecured debt or securities that we or any of our subsidiaries may issue or otherwise incur. Our incurrence of additional debt may have important consequences for you as a holder of the Notes, including making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Notes, a loss in the market value of your Notes and a risk that the credit rating of the Notes is lowered or withdrawn.

 

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The Notes are structurally subordinated to liabilities and indebtedness of our subsidiaries and effectively subordinated to any of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness.

The Notes are not guaranteed by our subsidiaries and our subsidiaries are generally not prohibited under the Base Indenture from incurring additional indebtedness. As a result, holders of the Notes are structurally subordinated to claims of third party creditors, including holders of indebtedness, if any, of these subsidiaries. Claims of those other creditors, including trade creditors, secured creditors, governmental authorities, and holders of indebtedness or guarantees issued by the subsidiaries, will generally have priority as to the assets of the subsidiaries over claims by the holders of the Notes. As a result, rights of payment of holders of our indebtedness, including the holders of the Notes, are structurally subordinated to all those claims of creditors of our subsidiaries.

We currently have no secured indebtedness outstanding, but holders of any secured indebtedness that we may incur in the future would have claims with respect to our assets constituting collateral for such indebtedness that are effectively prior to your claims under the Notes. Our ability to incur secured indebtedness in the future is restricted by the terms and conditions of the Base Indenture. In the event of a default on such secured indebtedness or our bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, those assets would be available to satisfy obligations with respect to the indebtedness secured thereby before any payment could be made on the Notes. Accordingly, any such secured indebtedness would effectively be senior to the Notes to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the indebtedness. While the Base Indenture governing the Notes places some limitations on our ability to create liens on our existing assets, there are significant exceptions to these limitations, as well as exceptions for liens on newly acquired assets, that will allow us to secure some kinds of indebtedness without equally and ratably securing the Notes. To the extent the value of the collateral is not sufficient to satisfy the secured indebtedness, the holders of that indebtedness would be entitled to share with the holders of the Notes and the holders of other claims against us with respect to our other assets. Holders of the Notes will participate ratably with all holders of our unsecured indebtedness that is deemed to be of the same class as the Notes, and potentially with all of our other general creditors, based upon the respective amounts owed to each holder or creditor, in our remaining assets. In any of the foregoing events, we cannot assure you that there will be sufficient assets to pay amounts due on the Notes. As a result, holders of Notes may receive less, ratably, than holders of secured indebtedness.

Our Board of Directors has broad discretion to determine that a property is not a principal property and therefore not subject to the certain limitations on liens covenant in the Base Indenture.

The Base Indenture governing the Notes includes a covenant that limits our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to create or permit to exist mortgages on and other liens with respect to our principal properties. The Base Indenture provides that principal property means any of our plants or facilities located in the United States that in the good faith opinion of our Board of Directors or management is of material importance to the business conducted by us and our consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although it has not yet done so, under the terms of the Base Indenture, our Board of Directors and management may determine from time to time after the issuance of the Notes that some of our property is not a principal property and therefore such property is not subject to the covenant in the Base Indenture. At this time, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries have any property that has been determined to be a principal property under the Base Indenture.

Our credit ratings may not reflect all risks of your investment in the Notes; changes in our credit ratings may adversely affect the value of the Notes.

Any credit ratings assigned or that will be assigned to the Notes are limited in scope, and do not address all material risks relating to an investment in the Notes, but rather reflect only the view of each rating agency at the time the rating is issued. An explanation of the significance of such rating may be obtained from such rating agency. There can be no assurance that such credit ratings will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by the applicable rating agencies, if, in such

 

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rating agency’s judgment, circumstances so warrant. Agency credit ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security. Each agency’s rating should be evaluated independently of any other agency’s rating. Actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our credit ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under further review for a downgrade, could affect the market value of the Notes and increase our corporate borrowing costs.

We depend on an intercompany credit agreement with Dominion for short-term borrowings to meet working capital needs. If Dominion’s short-term funding resources, which include the commercial paper market and its syndicated bank credit facilities, become unavailable to Dominion, our access to short-term funding would also be in jeopardy.

We rely on an intercompany revolving credit agreement with Dominion to provide us, and our subsidiaries, with short-term borrowings to meet working capital and other cash needs. Dominion and Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Virginia Power”) are both borrowers under two bank syndicated revolving credit facilities, a $3.0 billion and a $500 million facility. Dominion relies, in part, on the issuance of commercial paper in the short-term money markets to fund advances it makes to us under the intercompany revolving credit agreement. The issuance of commercial paper by Dominion is supported by access to the $3.0 billion and $500 million credit facilities. In addition, these facilities could be drawn upon by Dominion to fund borrowing requests by us under the intercompany revolving credit agreement.

In the event of a default under the bank syndicated credit facilities by either Dominion or Virginia Power, Dominion could lose access to these facilities. In such an event, Dominion may not be able to rely on either the commercial paper market or the bank facility for its own short-term funding, and thus may not be able to fund a request by us under the intercompany revolving credit agreement.

Risks Related to the Exchange Offer

Your ability to transfer the Exchange Notes may be limited by the absence of a trading market.

Each series of the Exchange Notes is a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We do not intend to apply for listing of the Exchange Notes on any national securities exchange or for quotation on any automated quotation system. No assurance can be given as to the development, maintenance or liquidity of a trading market for the Exchange Notes. If an active trading market for the Exchange Notes does not develop, the market prices and liquidity of the Exchange Notes may be adversely affected. If the Exchange Notes are traded, they may trade at a discount, depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, our operating performance and financial condition, general economic conditions and other factors. To the extent that an active trading market for the Exchange Notes does not develop, the liquidity and trading prices for the Exchange Notes may be harmed. Thus, you may not be able to liquidate your investment rapidly, and your lenders may not readily accept the Exchange Notes as collateral for loans.

Future trading prices of the Exchange Notes will depend on many factors, including but not limited to:

 

    our operating performance and financial condition;

 

    the interest of the securities dealers in making a market in the Exchange Notes; and

 

    the market for similar securities.

If you do not properly tender your Original Notes, you will continue to hold unregistered notes and your ability to transfer those Original Notes will be adversely affected.

If you do not exchange your Original Notes for Exchange Notes in the exchange offer, you will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer of your Original Notes described in the legend on your Original Notes. In general, you may only offer or sell the Original Notes if they are registered under the Securities Act and

 

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applicable state securities laws or if they are offered and sold under an exemption from those requirements. Except in connection with this exchange offer or as otherwise required by the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the Original Notes under the Securities Act. For more information regarding the consequences of not tendering your Original Notes in the exchange offer, see “The Exchange Offer—Consequences of Failure to Exchange.”

We will only issue Exchange Notes in exchange for Original Notes that you timely and properly tender. Therefore, you should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery of your Original Notes and other required documents to the exchange agent and you should carefully follow the instructions on how to tender your Original Notes. Neither we nor the exchange agent are required to tell you of any defects or irregularities with respect to your tender of Original Notes. We may waive any such defects or irregularities, but we are not required to do so and may not do so.

The trading market for Original Notes could be limited following the exchange offer, which will make it difficult for you to sell or otherwise transfer Original Notes and thereby result in a decrease in the value of the Original Notes.

There is a risk that an active trading market in the Original Notes will not exist, develop or be maintained following the exchange offer. In addition, any trading market for Original Notes could become significantly more limited after the exchange offer as a result of the anticipated reduction in the amount of Original Notes outstanding. Therefore, if your Original Notes are not exchanged for Exchanged Notes in the exchange offer, it may become more difficult for you to sell or otherwise transfer your Original Notes. This reduction in liquidity may in turn reduce the market price, and increase the price volatility, of the Original Notes.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

The exchange offer is intended to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement that we entered into in connection with the sale of the Original Notes in a private placement transaction. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the Exchange Notes and have agreed to pay the expenses of the exchange offer. In consideration for issuing the Exchange Notes, we will receive in exchange Original Notes in like principal amounts. The forms and terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all material respects to the forms and terms of the Original Notes, except for certain transfer restrictions, registration rights and provisions for additional interest applicable to the Original Notes. The Original Notes surrendered in exchange for the Exchange Notes will be retired and cancelled and will not be reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the Exchange Notes will not result in any change in our outstanding indebtedness.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table shows our capitalization on a consolidated basis as of December 31, 2013. The table is derived from, and should be read together with, the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. You should also read this table in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The issuance of the Exchange Notes will not result in any change in our capitalization.

 

     December 31, 2013  
     (in millions)  

Short-term debt:

  

Affiliated securities due within one year

   $ —     

Affiliated current borrowings

     1,342   
  

 

 

 

Total short-term debt

     1,342   

Long-term debt:

  

Long-term debt

     1,198   

Affiliated long-term debt

     —     
  

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

     1,198   

Total equity

     3,427   
  

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 5,967   
  

 

 

 

 

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BUSINESS

Overview

Dominion Gas, a holding company formed in September 2013, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion, one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy. Our subsidiaries conduct business activities through an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline system and storage facilities, a local natural gas distribution network and natural gas gathering, processing and treatment facilities. Our business activities are carried out through our primary subsidiaries, East Ohio and DTI. Through our Dominion Iroquois, Inc. subsidiary, we also hold a 24.72% general partnership interest in Iroquois, which we do not operate. We previously disclosed that Dominion planned to seek regulatory approval to transfer the direct ownership of its subsidiary Hope Gas, Inc. to us. However, such a transfer is no longer intended.

In the past five years, we have had no significant acquisitions. Our significant divestitures since 2009 were:

 

    In March 2014, we sold the Northern System (approximately 131 miles of natural gas pipeline in Ohio) to an affiliate for approximately $84 million in cash proceeds;

 

    In December 2013, we closed on agreements with two natural gas producers to convey approximately 100,000 acres of Marcellus Shale development rights underneath several of our natural gas storage fields. The agreements provide for payments to us, subject to customary adjustments, of approximately $200 million over a period of nine years, and overriding royalty interest in gas produced from that acreage;

 

    In September 2013, we sold Line TL-388 (a 37-mile gas gathering pipeline in Ohio) to Blue Racer for approximately $78 million in cash proceeds;

 

    In December 2012, we sold two pipeline systems to an affiliate for consideration of $248 million, consisting of $61 million in cash proceeds and extinguishment of affiliated long-term debt of $187 million; and

 

    In April 2010, Dominion completed the sale of substantially all of its Appalachian exploration and production operations, including its rights to associated Marcellus acreage, to a subsidiary of CONSOL for approximately $3.5 billion. For us, the transaction generated proceeds of approximately $1.2 billion which were distributed back to Dominion.

East Ohio

East Ohio is a regulated natural gas distribution company that has been in business since 1898 and that delivers natural gas to approximately 1.2 million residential, commercial and industrial gas sales and transportation customers. East Ohio’s service territory covers 450 communities, including Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown and other eastern and western Ohio communities. East Ohio operates more than 21,700 miles of transmission, distribution and gathering pipelines, exclusive of service lines, and 171 bcf of underground natural gas total designed storage capacity. In 2013, East Ohio received 73% of its operating revenue from transportation and 27% of its operating revenue from residential, commercial, industrial and other sales.

Revenue provided by East Ohio’s gas distribution operations is based primarily on rates established by the Ohio Commission. The profitability of these businesses is dependent on East Ohio’s ability, through the rates it is permitted to charge, to recover costs and earn a reasonable return on its capital investments. Variability in earnings results from operating and maintenance expenditures, as well as changes in rates and the demand for services, which are dependent on weather, changes in commodity prices and the economy.

East Ohio utilizes a straight-fixed-variable rate design for a majority of its customers. Under this rate design, East Ohio recovers a larger portion of its fixed operating costs through a flat monthly charge accompanied by a

 

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reduced volumetric base delivery rate. Accordingly, East Ohio’s revenue is less impacted by weather-related fluctuations in natural gas consumption than under the traditional rate design.

DTI

DTI is an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline company with operations dating from 1898 serving a broad mix of customers such as local gas distribution companies, interstate and intrastate pipelines, electric power generators, and natural gas producers. DTI operates one of the largest underground natural gas storage systems in the United States with links to its own system and to other major pipelines serving markets in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Northeast including Dominion’s Cove Point pipeline. DTI’s key services include the transmission and storage of natural gas in interstate commerce in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and New York, and the gathering and processing of natural gas primarily in West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Revenue provided by DTI’s regulated gas transmission and storage operations is based primarily on rates established by FERC. Additionally, DTI receives revenue from firm fee-based long-term contractual arrangements, including negotiated rates, for certain gas transportation and gas storage services. DTI’s transportation contracts have an average tenor of 13 years, and storage contracts have an average tenor of 20 years when executed (based on a simple average).

Revenue from extraction and fractionation operations largely results from the sale of commodities at market prices. For DTI’s extraction and processing plants, it purchases the wet gas product from producers and retains some or all of the extracted NGLs as compensation for its services. This exposes DTI to commodity price risk for the value of the spread between the NGL products and natural gas. In addition, DTI faces volumetric risk since gas deliveries to DTI’s facilities are not under long-term contracts. Variability in earnings largely results from changes in the quantities of natural gas and NGLs supplied to DTI’s facilities and commodity prices.

Dominion Iroquois

Dominion Iroquois holds a 24.72% general partnership interest in Iroquois. Iroquois is an interstate natural gas pipeline, which provides service to local gas distribution companies, electric utilities and electric power generators, as well as marketers and other end users, directly or indirectly, through interconnecting pipelines and exchanges. Iroquois was originally constructed in 1991 and extends from the United States-Canadian border at Waddington, New York, through the state of Connecticut to South Commack, Long Island, New York and to Hunts Point, Bronx, New York. Dominion Iroquois does not operate Iroquois.

Operating and Corporate Segment

We manage our daily operations through one primary operating segment: Dominion Energy, consisting of natural gas transmission, storage, gathering, processing and distribution. While daily operations are managed through the operating segment, assets remain wholly-owned by Dominion Gas and its respective legal subsidiaries. We also report a Corporate and Other segment that primarily includes specific items attributable to our operating segment that are not included in profit measures evaluated by executive management in assessing the segment’s performance and the effect of certain items recorded at Dominion Gas as a result of the recognition of Dominion’s basis in the net assets contributed.

For additional financial information on the operating segment, see Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For additional information on operating revenue related to Dominion Gas’ principal services, see Notes 2 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Executive and Other Offices

Our principal executive offices are located at 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219. Our operating companies own their principal operating offices, which are located in Clarksburg, West Virginia and in

 

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Cleveland, Ohio. Our subsidiaries also own and lease corporate offices and operating locations in other cities in which they operate.

Assets and Services

Interstate Transmission and Storage

We have approximately 4,400 miles of gas transmission and storage pipelines located in the states of Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. We also operate 20 underground gas storage fields located in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, with almost 2,000 storage wells and approximately 349,000 thousand acres of operated leaseholds. These assets are a combination of real property interests that are owned in fee, leased or accessed under long-term easements and equipment, improvements and other personal property located on the real property interests.

The total designed capacity of the underground storage fields operated by us is approximately 947 bcf. Certain storage fields are jointly-owned and operated by us. The capacity of those fields owned by our partners totals about 242 bcf. We have 138 compressor stations with more than 812,000 installed compressor horsepower.

Our pipeline system is connected to pipeline systems operated by multiple third party interstate pipeline companies, significant conventional production and also major shale formations: the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania and the Utica Shale in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Our large underground natural gas storage network and the location of our pipeline system provide a significant link between the country’s major interstate gas pipelines and large markets in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. Our pipelines are part of an interconnected gas transmission system, which provides access to supplies nationwide for local distribution companies, marketers, power generators and industrial and commercial customers.

Our underground storage facilities play an important part in balancing gas supply with consumer demand and are essential to serving the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions. Storage capacity permits our customers to place gas into storage during summer and other off-peak periods and to access it for delivery when demand is higher. In addition, storage capacity is an important element in the effective management of both gas supply and pipeline transmission capacity. We also operate substantial natural gas storage assets on behalf of interstate natural gas pipeline company partners (e.g., at Ellisburg, the Leidy/Tamarack complex, and Oakford, all located in Pennsylvania).

Gas Distribution

Our gas distribution network is located in Ohio. This network involves approximately 18,800 miles of pipe, exclusive of service lines, and includes distribution mains, mains-to-curb interconnections, and associated measurements and regulations facilities. The distribution network is supplied through connections with nine interstate natural gas pipeline companies, as well as substantial local production throughout the state of Ohio. The distribution network is also supported by three storage fields that are designed to ensure market needs are met at times of peak demand.

Gas Gathering and Processing

Our gas transmission and pipeline and storage business includes our gas gathering and extraction services. We gather local production primarily in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania and have approximately 3,300 miles of gathering pipeline. These natural gas gathering operations include both dry natural gas, suitable for delivery into transmission, storage and distribution networks, and wet natural gas, which is gathered for subsequent delivery into processing facilities. We operate five processing plants, one with fractionation operations, located in West Virginia. DTI retains natural gas in lieu of a fee, and gives customers methane in

 

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exchange for their natural gas liquids at the plant outlet. Since 2012, DTI has also maintained fee-based processing arrangements under its negotiated rate authority.

We are also a producer and supplier of NGLs. To that end, we operate gas processing and fractionation facilities in West Virginia with a total processing capacity of 280,000 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. Our Hastings plant located in Wetzel County, West Virginia is the largest plant and is capable of processing over 180,000 million cubic feet of natural gas. Hastings can also fractionate 580,000 gallons per day of NGLs. Fractionation separates various NGLs (such as butane, propane, isobutane and natural gasoline) from the natural gas stream; these components are delivered to markets through pipeline, rail, barge and truck interconnections. Our NGL operations at Hastings have storage capacity of 1,226,500 gallons of propane, 109,000 gallons of isobutane, 442,000 gallons of butane, 2,000,000 gallons of natural gasoline, and 1,012,500 gallons of mixed NGLs.

Property Rights

The rights-of-way grants for many natural gas pipelines have been obtained from the actual owners of real estate, as underlying titles have been examined. Where rights-of-way have not been obtained, they could be acquired from private owners by condemnation, if necessary. Many natural gas pipelines are on publicly-owned property, where company rights and actions are determined on a case-by-case basis, with results that range from reimbursed relocation to revocation of permission to operate.

Customers

Our principal transmission and storage customers are utilities, power plants or other end users, marketers, other interstate pipeline companies and natural gas producers in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and Midwest. Services are provided under the terms and conditions of DTI’s tariff, as approved by FERC. We have established a diverse customer base and a balanced portfolio of contract tenors, ranging from less than one year to twenty years. Since 1992 when FERC began to require pipelines to unbundle sales services from transportation services, we have laddered our contract expiration dates over time. We have a strong track record of renewal for customer contracts for all aspects of our firm service offerings demonstrated by the fact that contracts for 46% of transportation capacity and 82% of storage capacity have been in place for ten years or more.

We serve 1.2 million distribution customers, which are a combination of residential, commercial and industrial customer classes. These customers are served under terms and conditions of East Ohio’s tariff, as authorized by the Ohio Commission. East Ohio also offers transmission and storage services to some of these customers, and to the natural gas marketers that supply the natural gas commodity to support East Ohio’s distribution services.

Recent Capital Projects

Sabinsville-to-Morrisville Project

In March 2013, FERC approved DTI’s $17 million Sabinsville-to-Morrisville project, a pipeline to move additional Marcellus supplies from a Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company (“TGP”) pipeline in northeast Pennsylvania to its line in upstate New York. DTI previously executed a binding precedent agreement with TGP in October 2010 to provide this firm transportation service up to 92,000 dekatherms per day for a 14-year term. Construction commenced in the second quarter of 2013 and the project was placed in service in November 2013.

Tioga Area Expansion Project

In March 2013, DTI received FERC approval for its $67 million Tioga Area Expansion Project, which is designed to provide approximately 270,000 dekatherms per day of firm transportation service from supply interconnects in Tioga and Potter Counties in Pennsylvania to DTI’s interconnect with Texas Eastern Transmission,

 

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LP in Greene County, Pennsylvania (“Crayne Interconnect”) and the Leidy interconnect with Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company in Clinton County, Pennsylvania. Two customers have contracted for the service under 15-year terms. Construction commenced in the second quarter of 2013 and the project was placed in service in November 2013.

Ellisburg-to-Craigs Project

In November 2012, DTI completed the $46 million Ellisburg-to-Craigs Project. The project’s capacity of 150,000 dekatherms per day is leased by TGP to move Marcellus Shale natural gas supplies from TGP’s 300 Line pipeline system in northern Pennsylvania to its 200 Line pipeline system in upstate New York.

Northeast Expansion Project

In November 2012, DTI completed the $97 million Northeast Expansion Project. The project provides 200,000 dekatherms per day of firm transportation services for CNX Gas Company, LLC’s and Noble Energy, Inc.’s Marcellus Shale natural gas production from various receipt points in central and southwestern Pennsylvania to a nexus of market pipelines and storage facilities in Leidy, Pennsylvania.

Appalachian Gateway Project

In September 2012, DTI completed the $575 million Appalachian Gateway Project. The project provides 484,000 dekatherms per day of firm transportation services for new Appalachian gas supplies in West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania to an interconnection with Texas Eastern Transmission, LP at Oakford, Pennsylvania.

Automated Meter Reading

In 2012, East Ohio completed the installation of electronic meters for all active residential customer accounts. These devices enable East Ohio to provide customers with actual meter readings on a monthly basis, rather than utilizing estimated consumption data. Although the installation process has been completed, East Ohio will continue to collect costs associated with automated meter reading (“AMR”) program capital investments through an individual rider until the capital investment and costs are included in its next general rate proceeding.

Gathering Enhancement Project

In 2012, DTI completed the Gathering Enhancement Project, a $200 million expansion of its natural gas gathering, processing and liquids facilities in West Virginia. The project is designed to increase the efficiency and reduce high pressures in its gathering system, thus increasing the amount of natural gas local producers can move through DTI’s West Virginia system.

Ongoing Capital Projects

Pipeline Infrastructure Replacement Program

East Ohio launched its PIR program in mid-2008. The program involves replacement of approximately 4,100 miles of East Ohio’s 22,000-mile pipeline system. Most of the pipeline to be replaced was installed in the first half of the 1900s. In 2012, the Ohio Commission authorized East Ohio to increase annual PIR spending to $160 million. The Ohio Commission also authorized recovery of the associated revenue requirement from customers through a PIR Cost Recovery Charge, which is adjusted annually to incorporate each year’s investment. Dominion Gas plans to invest an estimated $2.7 billion over the planned 25-year span of the project.

 

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Future Capital Projects

Clarington Project

In October 2013, DTI executed a binding precedent agreement with CNX Gas Company, LLC for the Clarington Project. The project is expected to cost approximately $78 million and provide 250,000 dekatherms per day of firm transportation service from central West Virginia to Clarington, Ohio. In 2014, DTI expects to file an application to request FERC authorization to construct and operate the project facilities, which are expected to be in service in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Natrium to Market Project

In September 2013, DTI received FERC authorization to construct the $42 million Natrium-to-Market project. The project is designed to provide 185,000 dekatherms per day of firm transportation from an interconnect between DTI and the Natrium facility to the Crayne Interconnect. Four customers have entered into binding precedent agreements for the full project capacity under 8-year and 13-year terms. The project is anticipated to be in service in the fourth quarter of 2014.

New Market Project

In September 2013, DTI executed binding precedent agreements with several local distribution company customers for the New Market Project. The project is expected to cost approximately $159 million and provide 112,000 dekatherms per day of firm transportation service from Leidy, Pennsylvania to interconnects with Iroquois and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation’s distribution system in the Albany, New York market. In 2014, DTI expects to file an application to request FERC authorization to construct and operate the project facilities, which are expected to be in service in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Western Access Project

In July 2013, East Ohio signed long-term precedent agreements with two customers to move processed gas of 300,000 dekatherms per day from the outlet of new gas processing facilities in Ohio to interconnections with multiple interstate pipelines. The Western Access Project, which would provide system enhancements to facilitate the movement of processed gas over East Ohio’s system, is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2014 and cost approximately $90 million.

Allegheny Storage Project

In December 2012, DTI received FERC authorization for the Allegheny Storage Project, which is expected to provide approximately 7.5 bcf of incremental storage service and 125,000 dekatherms per day of associated year-round firm transportation service to three local distribution companies under 15-year contracts. Storage capacity for the project will be provided from storage pool enhancements at DTI and capacity leased from East Ohio. DTI intends to construct additional compression facilities and upgrade measurement and regulation in order to provide 115,000 dekatherms per day of transportation service. The remaining 10,000 dekatherms per day of transportation service will not require construction of additional facilities. The $112 million project is expected to be placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Competition

We compete with similar service providers for our transmission, storage, gathering and processing services, and to a lesser degree we also compete for service in our natural gas distribution markets. Our competitive landscape is increasing, as pipeline companies adapt their facilities and services to handle substantial new production from the Marcellus and Utica shales. We believe that our well-located infrastructure is a competitive strength when we seek to serve new shale participants through flexible services and strategic enhancements. We

 

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are also pursuing market opportunities created through environmental regulation that favors utilization of natural gas for power generation, and through the improved economics of natural gas for industrial use in the regions that we serve.

Our gas transmission operations compete with domestic and Canadian pipeline companies. We also compete with gas marketers seeking to provide or arrange transportation, storage and other services, whether through independent contracting or capacity release mechanisms. Alternative energy sources, such as oil or coal, provide another level of competition. Although competition is based primarily on price, the array of services that can be provided to customers is also an important factor. The combination of capacity rights held on certain long-line pipelines, a large storage capability and the availability of numerous receipt and delivery points along our own pipeline system enable us to tailor our services to meet the needs of individual customers.

Our extraction and fractionation operations face competition in obtaining natural gas supplies for our processing and related services. Numerous factors impact any given customer’s choice of processing services provider, including the location of the facilities, efficiency and reliability of operations, and the pricing arrangements offered.

We experience some retail competition in the state of Ohio, where we have gas distribution operations. In Ohio, there has been no legislation enacted to require supplier choice for residential natural gas consumers. However, East Ohio has offered an Energy Choice program to residential and commercial customers since October 2000. At December 31, 2013, approximately 1 million of East Ohio’s 1.2 million customers were participating in this Energy Choice Program. In April 2013, with Ohio Commission approval, East Ohio began to fully exit the merchant function for its nonresidential customers, by requiring those customers to choose a retail supplier or be assigned to one at a monthly variable rate set by the supplier. See “—Regulation-State Regulations” for additional information.

Seasonality

Demand for services of our pipeline and storage business can be weather sensitive. Although we deliver more gas to our market areas in the winter heating season months of November through March, because a significant percentage of our revenues are collected through fixed monthly charges, our revenues remain fairly stable from quarter to quarter.

Our natural gas distribution business earnings vary seasonally, as a result of the impact of changes in temperature on demand by residential and commercial customers for gas to meet heating needs. Historically, the majority of these earnings have been generated during the winter heating season; however, implementation of the straight fixed variable rate design at East Ohio has reduced the earnings impact of weather-related fluctuations and customer conservation efforts.

Commodity prices can also be impacted by seasonal weather changes, the effects of unusual weather events on operations and the economy.

Regulation

We are subject to regulation by FERC, the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), the Ohio Commission and other federal, state and local authorities. The rates of our natural gas transmission pipeline and storage operations are regulated by FERC. Our gas distribution service, including the rates that it may charge customers, is regulated by the Ohio Commission.

 

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Federal Regulations

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

FERC regulates the transportation and sale for resale of natural gas in interstate commerce under the Natural Gas Act of 1938 and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, as amended (the “Natural Gas Act”). Under the Natural Gas Act, FERC has authority over rates, terms and conditions of services performed by DTI and Iroquois. FERC also has jurisdiction over siting, construction and operation of natural gas import facilities and interstate natural gas pipeline facilities.

Our interstate gas transmission and storage activities are conducted on an open access basis, in accordance with certificates, tariffs and service agreements on file with FERC and FERC regulations.

In May 2005, FERC approved a comprehensive rate settlement among DTI, its customers and interested state commissions. The settlement, which became effective July 1, 2005, revised DTI’s natural gas transmission rates and reduced fuel retention levels for storage service customers. As part of the settlement, DTI and all signatory parties agreed to a rate moratorium through June 30, 2010. DTI continued its operations subject to the terms of the tariff and the rates established pursuant to the 2005 settlement until recently.

In mid-2013, DTI received concerns about its fuel retainage percentages and apparent over-recovery of fuel costs during certain time periods reflected in its annual fuel reports. In December 2013, DTI submitted for FERC approval a stipulation and agreement addressing, among other things, reductions in its fuel retainage percentages and a rate moratorium through 2016.

In February 2014, FERC approved the stipulation and agreement. The reduced fuel retainage percentages were effective January 1, 2014. DTI implemented the reduced fuel retainage percentages March 1, 2014. DTI will provide refunds with interest reflecting the value of the difference between the actual quantities of fuel retained for the months of January and February 2014 and the quantities that would have been retained using the reduced percentages. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

We operate in compliance with FERC standards of conduct, which prohibit the sharing of certain non-public transmission information or customer specific data, by our interstate gas transmission and storage companies with non-transmission function employees. Pursuant to these standards of conduct, we also make certain informational postings available on Dominion’s website.

State Regulation

Rates

East Ohio is subject to regulation of rates and other aspects of its business by the Ohio Commission. When necessary, East Ohio seeks general base rate increases to recover increased operating costs and a fair return on rate base investments. Base rates are set based on the cost of service by rate class. A straight fixed variable rate design, in which the majority of operating costs are recovered through a monthly charge rather than a volumetric charge, is utilized to establish rates for a majority of East Ohio’s customers pursuant to a 2008 rate case settlement which included an authorized return on equity of 10.38%.

In addition to general base rate increases, East Ohio makes routine filings with the Ohio Commission to reflect changes in the costs of gas purchased for operational balancing on its system. These purchased gas costs are subject to rate recovery through a mechanism that ensures dollar for dollar recovery of prudently incurred costs. Costs that are expected to be recovered in future rates are deferred as regulatory assets. The purchased gas cost recovery filings cover unrecovered gas costs plus prospective annual demand costs. Increases or decreases in gas cost recovery rates result in increases or decreases in revenues with corresponding increases or decreases in net purchased gas cost expenses.

 

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The Ohio Commission has also approved several stand-alone cost recovery mechanisms to recover specified costs and a return for infrastructure projects and certain other costs that vary widely over time; such costs are excluded from general base rates. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Status of Competitive Retail Gas Services

Ohio has considered, but not enacted, legislation regarding a competitive deregulation of natural gas sales at the retail level. Since October 2000, East Ohio has offered the Energy Choice program, under which residential and commercial customers are encouraged to purchase gas directly from retail suppliers or through a community aggregation program. In October 2006, East Ohio restructured its commodity service by entering into gas purchase contracts with selected suppliers at a fixed price above the NYMEX month-end settlement and passing that gas cost to customers under the Standard Service Offer program. Starting in April 2009, East Ohio buys natural gas under the Standard Service Offer program only for customers not eligible to participate in the Energy Choice program and places Energy Choice-eligible customers in a direct retail relationship with selected suppliers, which is designated on the customers’ bills.

In January 2013, the Ohio Commission granted East Ohio’s motion to fully exit the merchant function for its nonresidential customers. In April 2013, East Ohio began to fully exit the merchant function for its nonresidential customers, by requiring those customers to choose a retail supplier or be assigned to one at a monthly variable rate set by the supplier. At December 31, 2013, approximately 1 million of East Ohio’s 1.2 million customers were participating in the Energy Choice program. Subject to the Ohio Commission’s approval, East Ohio may eventually exit the gas merchant function in Ohio entirely and have all customers select an alternate gas supplier. East Ohio continues to be the provider of last resort in the event of default by a supplier. Large industrial customers in Ohio also source their own natural gas supplies.

Safety Regulations

We are also subject to the Pipeline Safety Acts of 2002 and 2011 (the “Pipeline Safety Acts”), which mandate inspections of interstate and intrastate natural gas transmission and storage pipelines, particularly those located in areas of high-density population. We have evaluated our natural gas transmission and storage properties, as required by the Department of Transportation regulations under these Pipeline Safety Acts, and have implemented a program of identification, testing and potential remediation activities. These activities are ongoing.

Environmental Regulations

We face substantial laws, regulations and compliance costs with respect to environmental matters. In addition to imposing continuing compliance obligations, these laws and regulations authorize the imposition of substantial penalties for noncompliance, including fines, injunctive relief and other sanctions. The cost of complying with applicable environmental laws, regulations and rules is expected to be material to us. If expenditures for pollution control technologies and associated operating costs are not recoverable from customers through rates or market prices, those costs could adversely affect future results of operations and cash flows. We have applied for or obtained the necessary environmental permits for the operation of our facilities. Many of these permits are subject to reissuance and continuing review. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Future Issues & Other Matters—Environmental Matters” for information on our capital expenditures relating to our environmental controls. Additional information can also be found in Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Global Climate Change

The national and international attention in recent years on GHG emissions and their relationship to climate change has resulted in federal, regional and state legislative and regulatory action in this area. We support

 

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national climate change legislation that would provide a consistent, economy-wide approach to addressing this issue and are currently taking action to protect the environment and address climate change while meeting the future needs of our growing service territory. Dominion Gas’ CEO is responsible for compliance with the laws and regulations governing environmental matters, including climate change.

Environmental Strategy

Dominion Gas is committed to being a good environmental steward. Its ongoing objective is to provide reliable, affordable energy services for its customers while being environmentally responsible. In addition, Dominion Gas’ efforts to voluntarily reduce GHG emissions are described below.

Dominion Gas’ Strategy for Voluntarily Reducing GHG Emissions

While Dominion Gas has not established a standalone GHG emissions reduction target or timetable, it is actively engaged in voluntary reduction efforts. The Company has an integrated voluntary strategy for tracking and reducing overall GHG emissions and is a participant in the EPA’s Natural Gas Star program. Below are some of Dominion Gas’ efforts that have reduced or are expected to reduce its overall carbon emissions or intensity:

 

    Dominion Gas measures/calculates and reports emissions of GHGs as required by the EPA under its Mandatory Reporting Rule.

 

    As part of a preliminary sustainability goal, Dominion Gas will continue to track methane emissions from gas transmission and storage businesses and adopt best practices to reduce methane emissions. In support of that goal, in 2012 DTI and Iroquois completed data collection and submitted to the EPA’s Natural Gas Star program in 2013.

 

    DTI is a participating partner in a nationwide field study led by Colorado State University to quantify methane emissions from natural gas pipeline and storage systems. Study results are expected to be released during 2014.

Specific technologies that are being used by Dominion Gas businesses to reduce GHG emissions include:

 

    Control programming designed to minimize the amount of natural gas released into the atmosphere when a station shutdown occurs, such as would occur for routine maintenance and repairs;

 

    Avoiding the use of natural gas-powered turbine starters on new turbine installations, employing electric starters, where feasible;

 

    Conducting pressure reductions prior to blowing down pipelines, where feasible;

 

    Identifying, assessing, and tracking high-bleed pneumatic devices for removal when appropriate; and

 

    Conducting directed inspections and repairs and tracking findings and actions in an emissions tracking system.

Dominion Gas also developed a comprehensive GHG inventory for calendar year 2012. For 2012, Dominion Gas’ direct carbon dioxide equivalent emissions were approximately 1.7 million metric tonnes. This data does not include the Dominion Iroquois carbon dioxide emissions, which are reported by Iroquois. The Company does not yet have final data for 2013.

Cybersecurity

In an effort to reduce the likelihood and severity of cyber intrusions, Dominion Gas has a comprehensive cybersecurity program designed to protect and preserve the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data and systems. In addition, the Company is subject to mandatory cybersecurity regulatory requirements, interfaces regularly with a wide range of external organizations, and participates in classified briefings to maintain an

 

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awareness of current cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. Dominion Gas’ current security posture and regulatory compliance efforts are intended to address the evolving and changing cyber threats. See “Risk Factors” in this prospectus for additional information.

Employees

As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 2,800 full-time employees. Approximately 2,000 employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are alleged to be in violation of or in default under orders, statutes, rules or regulations relating to the environment, compliance plans imposed upon or agreed to by us, or permits issued by various local, state and/or federal agencies for the construction or operation of facilities. Administrative proceedings may also be pending on these matters. In addition, in the ordinary course of business, we and our subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings. See Notes 12 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations —Future Issues and Other Matters,” which information is incorporated herein by reference, for discussion of various environmental and other regulatory proceedings to which we are a party.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (this “MD&A”) discusses our results of operations and general financial condition. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with “Business” and the Consolidated Financial Statements in this prospectus. The matters discussed below may contain “forward-looking statements” as described in “Forward-Looking Information” in this prospectus. The prospective investor’s attention is directed to that section and “Risk Factors” in this prospectus for discussion of various risks and uncertainties that may impact us.

Contents of MD&A

This MD&A consists of the following information:

 

    Dominion Gas Overview

 

    Accounting Matters

 

    Results of Operations

 

    Segment Results of Operations

 

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

    Future Issues and Other Matters

Dominion Gas Overview

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, a holding company formed on September 12, 2013, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion, one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy. Dominion’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, DTI, East Ohio and Dominion Iroquois were contributed to Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC on September 30, 2013. This transaction was considered to be a reorganization of entities under common control and therefore the transfer of net assets to Dominion Gas was recognized at Dominion’s basis in the net assets contributed. In addition, at the transfer effective date, the transaction was accounted for as if the transfer occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented, and prior years have been retroactively adjusted.

Our subsidiaries conduct business activities through an interstate natural gas transmission pipeline system and storage facilities, a local natural gas distribution network and natural gas gathering, processing and treatment facilities. Our business activities are carried out through our primary subsidiaries, East Ohio and DTI. In addition, through Dominion Iroquois, we hold a 24.72% general partnership interest in Iroquois, which we do not operate.

We are a single member limited liability company. In accordance with the Virginia Limited Liability Company Act and our operating agreement, Dominion, as our sole member, is not obligated for any of our debts, obligations or liabilities solely by reason of being a member. We have one class of membership interests, which is entirely owned by Dominion.

East Ohio is engaged in the distribution of natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers in Ohio and provides transportation and gathering services in Ohio. Revenue provided by its gas distribution operations is based primarily on rates established by the Ohio Commission.

DTI, regulated by FERC, is engaged in the transmission and storage of natural gas in interstate commerce in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland and New York, and the production and gathering of natural gas primarily in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. DTI purchases natural gas in West Virginia, and extracts NGLs in West Virginia and Ohio and markets them on a regional basis.

 

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Dominion Iroquois holds a 24.72% general partnership interest in Iroquois and therefore accounts for Iroquois under the equity method of accounting. Iroquois, regulated by FERC, provides transportation service to local gas distribution companies, electric utilities and electric power generators, as well as marketers and other end users, directly or indirectly, through interconnecting pipelines and exchanges, throughout the northeastern U.S.

We manage our daily operations through one primary operating segment: Dominion Energy. We also report a Corporate and Other segment that primarily includes specific items attributable to our operating segment that are not included in profit measures evaluated by executive management in assessing the segment’s performance and the effect of certain items recorded at Dominion Gas as a result of the recognition of Dominion’s basis in the net assets contributed.

Accounting Matters

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Dominion Gas has identified the following accounting policies, including certain inherent estimates, that as a result of the judgments, uncertainties, uniqueness and complexities of the underlying accounting standards and operations involved, could result in material changes to its financial condition or results of operations under different conditions or using different assumptions. Dominion Gas has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of each of these policies with the Audit Committee of Dominion’s Board of Directors.

Accounting for Regulated Operations

The accounting for Dominion Gas’ regulated gas operations differs from the accounting for nonregulated operations in that it is required to reflect the effect of rate regulation in its Consolidated Financial Statements. For regulated businesses subject to federal or state cost-of-service rate regulation, regulatory practices that assign costs to accounting periods may differ from accounting methods generally applied by nonregulated companies. When it is probable that regulators will permit the recovery of current costs through future rates charged to customers, these costs are deferred as regulatory assets that otherwise would be expensed by nonregulated companies. Likewise, regulatory liabilities are recognized when it is probable that regulators will require customer refunds through future rates or when revenue is collected from customers for expenditures that have yet to be incurred. Generally, regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized into income over the period authorized by the regulator.

Dominion Gas evaluates whether or not recovery of its regulatory assets through future rates is probable and makes various assumptions in its analyses. The expectations of future recovery are generally based on orders issued by regulatory commissions or historical experience, as well as discussions with applicable regulatory authorities. If recovery of a regulatory asset is determined to be less than probable, it will be written off in the period such assessment is made. See Notes 11 and 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Income Taxes

Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Financial Statements include the income taxes of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, East Ohio, DTI and Dominion Iroquois. Although Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, a single member limited liability company, is disregarded for income tax purposes, a provision for income taxes is recognized to reflect the inclusion of its business activities in the tax returns of its parent, Dominion. Under an agreement to be executed with Dominion in 2014, Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, as a separate company, will be compensated for its tax benefits or will pay Dominion its share, if any, of taxes payable. Dominion Gas’ subsidiaries are included in Dominion’s consolidated federal income tax return. In addition, where applicable, Dominion Gas’ subsidiaries are included in combined income tax returns for Dominion and its subsidiaries which are filed in various states;

 

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otherwise, separate state income tax returns are filed. Dominion Gas’ subsidiaries participate in an intercompany tax sharing agreement with Dominion and its subsidiaries. Current income taxes are recognized based on taxable income or loss, determined on a separate company basis.

Under the agreements, if Dominion Gas or its subsidiaries incur a net operating loss, recognition of current income tax benefits is limited to refunds of prior year taxes obtained by the carryback of the net operating loss or to the extent the net operating loss is absorbed by the taxable income of other Dominion consolidated group members. Otherwise, the net operating loss is carried forward and is recognized as a deferred tax asset until realized.

Judgment and the use of estimates are required in developing the provision for income taxes and reporting of tax-related assets and liabilities. The interpretation of tax laws involves uncertainty, since tax authorities may interpret the laws differently. Dominion Gas is routinely audited by federal and state tax authorities. Ultimate resolution of income tax matters may result in favorable or unfavorable impacts to net income and cash flows, and adjustments to tax-related assets and liabilities could be material.

Given the uncertainty and judgment involved in the determination and filing of income taxes, there are standards for recognition and measurement in financial statements of positions taken or expected to be taken by an entity in its income tax returns. Positions taken by an entity in its income tax returns that are recognized in the financial statements must satisfy a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, assuming that the position will be examined by tax authorities with full knowledge of all relevant information. At December 31, 2013, Dominion Gas had $29 million of unrecognized tax benefits. Changes in these unrecognized tax benefits may result from remeasurement of amounts expected to be realized, settlements with tax authorities and expiration of statutes of limitations.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded representing future effects on income taxes for temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Dominion Gas evaluates quarterly the probability of realizing deferred tax assets by considering current and historical financial results, expectations for future taxable income and the availability of tax planning strategies that can be implemented, if necessary, to realize deferred tax assets. Failure to achieve forecasted taxable income or successfully implement tax planning strategies may affect the realization of deferred tax assets. Dominion Gas establishes a valuation allowance when it is more-likely-than-not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. At December 31, 2013, Dominion Gas had no valuation allowances.

Use of Estimates in Goodwill Impairment Testing

As of December 31, 2013, Dominion Gas reported $545 million of goodwill in its Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In April of each year, Dominion Gas tests its goodwill for potential impairment, and performs additional tests more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change in the interim that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The 2013, 2012 and 2011 annual tests and any interim tests did not result in the recognition of any goodwill impairment.

In general, Dominion Gas estimates the fair value of its reporting units by using a combination of discounted cash flows and other valuation techniques that use multiples of earnings for peer group companies and analyses of recent business combinations involving peer group companies. Fair value estimates are dependent on subjective factors such as Dominion Gas’ estimate of future cash flows, the selection of appropriate discount and growth rates, and the selection of peer group companies and recent transactions. These underlying assumptions and estimates are made as of a point in time; subsequent modifications, particularly changes in discount rates or growth rates inherent in Dominion Gas’ estimates of future cash flows, could result in a future impairment of goodwill. Although Dominion Gas has consistently applied the same methods in developing the

 

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assumptions and estimates that underlie the fair value calculations, such as estimates of future cash flows, and based those estimates on relevant information available at the time, such cash flow estimates are highly uncertain by nature and may vary significantly from actual results. If the estimates of future cash flows used in the most recent tests had been 10% lower, the resulting fair values would have still been greater than the carrying values of each of those reporting units tested, indicating that no impairment was present. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Use of Estimates in Long-Lived Asset Impairment Testing

Impairment testing for an individual or group of long-lived assets or for intangible assets with definite lives is required when circumstances indicate those assets may be impaired. When an asset’s carrying amount exceeds the undiscounted estimated future cash flows associated with the asset, the asset is considered impaired to the extent that the asset’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. Performing an impairment test on long-lived assets involves judgment in areas such as identifying if circumstances indicate an impairment may exist, identifying and grouping affected assets, and developing the undiscounted and discounted estimated future cash flows (used to estimate fair value in the absence of market-based value) associated with the asset, including probability weighting such cash flows to reflect expectations about possible variations in their amounts or timing, expectations about operating the long-lived assets and the selection of an appropriate discount rate. Although cash flow estimates are based on relevant information available at the time the estimates are made, estimates of future cash flows are, by nature, highly uncertain and may vary significantly from actual results. For example, estimates of future cash flows would contemplate factors which may change over time, such as the expected use of the asset, including future production and sales levels, expected fluctuations of prices of commodities sold and consumed and expected proceeds from dispositions. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of impairments related to certain long-lived assets.

Employee Benefit Plans

Dominion Gas participates in Dominion-sponsored noncontributory defined benefit pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for eligible active employees, retirees and qualifying dependents. The projected costs of providing benefits under these plans are dependent, in part, on historical information such as employee demographics, the level of contributions made to the plans and earnings on plan assets. Assumptions about the future, including the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, discount rates applied to benefit obligations and the anticipated rate of increase in healthcare costs and participant compensation, also have a significant impact on employee benefit costs. The impact of changes in these factors, as well as differences between Dominion Gas’ assumptions and actual experience, is generally recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the remaining average service period of plan participants, rather than immediately.

The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, discount rates and healthcare cost trend rates are critical assumptions. Dominion determines the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans in which Dominion Gas participates by using a combination of:

 

    Expected inflation and risk-free interest rate assumptions;

 

    Historical return analysis to determine long-term historic returns as well as historic risk premiums for various asset classes;

 

    Expected future risk premiums, asset volatilities and correlations;

 

    Forecasts of an independent investment advisor;

 

    Forward-looking return expectations derived from the yield on long-term bonds and the expected long-term returns of major stock market indices; and

 

    Investment allocation of plan assets. The strategic target asset allocation for the pension funds in which Dominion Gas participates is 28% U.S. equity, 18% non-U.S. equity, 33% fixed income, 3% real estate and 18% other alternative investments, such as private equity investments.

 

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Strategic investment policies are established by Dominion for the prefunded benefit plans in which Dominion Gas participates based upon periodic asset/liability studies. Factors considered in setting the investment policy include those mentioned above such as employee demographics, liability growth rates, future discount rates, the funded status of the plans and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Deviations from the plans’ strategic allocation are a function of Dominion’s assessments regarding short-term risk and reward opportunities in the capital markets and/or short-term market movements which result in the plans’ actual asset allocations varying from the strategic target asset allocations. Through periodic rebalancing, actual allocations are brought back in line with the target. Future asset/liability studies will focus on strategies to further reduce pension and other postretirement plan risk, while still achieving attractive levels of returns.

Dominion develops assumptions, which are then compared to the forecasts of an independent investment advisor to ensure reasonableness. An internal Dominion committee selects the final assumptions. Dominion Gas calculated its pension cost using an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption of 8.50% for 2013, 2012 and 2011. Dominion Gas calculated its other postretirement benefit cost using an expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption of 7.75% for 2013, 2012 and 2011. The rate used in calculating other postretirement benefit cost is lower than the rate used in calculating pension cost because of differences in the relative amounts of various types of investments held as plan assets.

Dominion determines discount rates from analyses of AA/Aa rated bonds with cash flows matching the expected payments to be made under its plans. The discount rates used to calculate pension cost and other postretirement benefit cost ranged from 4.40% to 4.80% in 2013, and were 5.50% in 2012 and 5.90% in 2011. Dominion Gas selected discount rates of 5.20% and 5.00% for determining its December 31, 2013 projected pension and other postretirement benefit obligations, respectively.

Dominion establishes the healthcare cost trend rate assumption based on analyses of various factors including the specific provisions of its medical plans, actual cost trends experienced and projected, and demographics of plan participants. Dominion Gas’ healthcare cost trend rate assumption as of December 31, 2013 was 7.00% and is expected to gradually decrease to 4.60% by 2062 and continue at that rate for years thereafter.

For Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units, the following table illustrates the effect on cost of changing the critical actuarial assumptions previously discussed, while holding all other assumptions constant:

 

           Increase in Net Periodic Cost  
     Change in
Actuarial
Assumption
    Pension
Benefits
     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
(millions, except percentages)                    

Discount rate

     (0.25 )%    $ 1       $ —     

Long-term rate of return on plan assets

     (0.25 )%      3         1   

Healthcare cost trend rate

                     1     N/A                     4   

In addition to the effects on cost, at December 31, 2013, a 0.25% decrease in the discount rate would increase Dominion Gas’ projected pension benefit obligation by $16 million and its accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $7 million, while a 1.00% increase in the healthcare cost trend rate would increase its accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $28 million. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

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Results of Operations

Presented below is a summary of Dominion Gas’ consolidated results:

 

Year Ended December 31,

   2013      $ Change      2012      $ Change      2011  
(millions)                                   

Net Income

   $ 461       $ 2       $ 459       $ 117       $ 342   

Overview

2013 vs. 2012

Net income increased $2 million due to increased revenue from operations, primarily reflecting the Appalachian Gateway Project and the Northeast Expansion Project being placed into service, partially offset by decreased gains on sales of assets and impairment charges related to certain natural gas infrastructure assets.

2012 vs. 2011

Net income increased 34%, primarily due to a gain on the sale of two pipeline systems to an affiliate.

Analysis of Consolidated Operations

Presented below are selected amounts related to Dominion Gas’ results of operations:

 

Year Ended December 31,

   2013      $ Change     2012      $ Change     2011  
(millions)                                 

Operating Revenue

   $ 1,937       $ 260      $ 1,677       $ (201   $ 1,878   

Purchased gas

     323         88        235         (111     346   

Other energy-related purchases

     93         52        41         23        18   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Revenue

     1,521         120        1,401         (113     1,514   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other operations and maintenance

     423         88        335         (315     650   

Depreciation and amortization

     188         12        176         13        163   

Other taxes

     148         8        140         (5     145   

Other income

     28         (9     37         —          37   

Interest and related charges

     28         (12     40         (4     44   

Income tax expense

     301         13        288         81        207   

An analysis of Dominion Gas’ results of operations follows:

2013 vs. 2012

Net Revenue increased 9%, primarily reflecting:

 

    An increase in gas transmission transportation revenue primarily due to the Appalachian Gateway Project being placed into service in September 2012 ($64 million) and the Northeast Expansion Project that was placed into service in November 2012 ($16 million);

 

    An increase in gathering and storage services ($32 million);

 

    An increase in sales to gas distribution customers primarily due to an increase in heating degree days and other revenues ($18 million); and

 

    An increase in AMR and PIR program revenues ($16 million).

 

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These increases were partially offset by:

 

    A decrease in rider revenue primarily related to bad debt expense ($42 million) related to low income assistance programs.

Other operations and maintenance increased 26%, primarily reflecting:

 

    Decreased gains on the sales of pipeline systems ($72 million); and

 

    Impairment charges related to certain natural gas infrastructure assets ($55 million).

These increases were partially offset by:

 

    A $42 million decrease in bad debt expense at regulated natural gas distribution operations primarily related to low income assistance programs. These bad debt expenses are recovered through rates and do not impact net income; and

 

    An $18 million gain from agreements to convey Marcellus Shale development rights underneath several natural gas storage fields.

Depreciation and amortization increased 7%, primarily due to property additions ($21 million) and additions of intangible assets ($4 million), partially offset by a decrease attributable to the implementation of a new depreciation study for East Ohio ($8 million) and increased deferrals for regulated capital projects related to PIR and Ohio utility reform legislation effective September 2011 (“House Bill 95”) ($6 million).

Other taxes increased 6%, primarily to an increase in gross receipts and excise tax.

Other income decreased 24%, primarily due to a decrease in the equity component of the allowance for funds used during construction (“AFUDC”) due to significant projects being placed into service in the second half of 2012.

Interest and related charges decreased 30%, primarily due to lower interest on affiliated long-term debt resulting from lower outstanding debt due to the extinguishment of intercompany borrowings through the sale of two pipelines to an affiliate in December 2012 and the acquisition of intercompany borrowings from debt issued to third parties in October 2013 ($18 million), partially offset by a decrease in the debt component of AFUDC ($7 million) due to significant projects being placed into service in the second half of 2012.

Income tax expense increased 5%, primarily reflecting a higher effective rate for state income taxes ($7 million) and higher pre-tax income in 2013 ($6 million).

2012 vs. 2011

Net Revenue decreased 7%, primarily reflecting:

 

    A decrease in rider revenue primarily related to low income assistance programs, mainly East Ohio’s Percentage of Income Payment Plan (“PIPP”) ($117 million); and

 

    A decrease due to a decrease in heating degree days and reduced non-regulated gas sales ($23 million); partially offset by

 

    An increase in gas transmission transportation revenue primarily due to the Appalachian Gateway Project being placed into service ($36 million).

Other operations and maintenance decreased 48%, primarily reflecting a gain on the sale of pipeline systems to an affiliate ($176 million) and a $117 million decrease in bad debt expense at regulated natural gas distribution operations principally related to low income assistance programs, mainly PIPP. These bad debt expenses are recovered through rates and do not impact net income.

 

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Depreciation and amortization increased 8%, primarily due to property additions ($17 million), partially offset by a decrease attributable to increased deferrals for regulated capital projects related to PIR and House Bill 95 ($7 million).

Other taxes decreased 3%, primarily due to a decrease in gross receipts and excise tax ($11 million), partially offset by an increase in property tax ($6 million).

Interest and related charges decreased 9%, primarily due to an increase in the debt component of AFUDC ($5 million), partially offset by an increase in interest due to an increase in borrowings from the Dominion money pool ($2 million).

Income tax expense increased 39%, primarily reflecting higher pre-tax income in 2012.

Outlook

In 2014, Dominion Gas expects to experience a decrease in net income as compared to 2013. Dominion Gas’ anticipated 2014 results reflect the following significant factors:

 

    An increase in depreciation and amortization;

 

    Higher operating and maintenance expenses; and

 

    Higher interest expense driven by new debt issuances; partially offset by

 

    Construction and operation of growth projects in gas transmission and storage;

 

    PIR and AMR and associated revenues in its gas distribution operations; and

 

    Benefits of House Bill 95 in its gas distribution operations.

Segment Results of Operations

Presented below is a summary of contributions by Dominion Gas’ operating segment and Corporate and Other segment to net income:

 

Year Ended December 31,

   2013     $ Change     2012     $ Change      2011  
(millions)                                

Dominion Energy

   $ 510      $ 41      $ 469      $ 117       $ 352   

Corporate and Other

     (49     (39     (10     —           (10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $ 461      $ 2      $ 459      $ 117       $ 342   

Dominion Energy

Presented below are selected operating statistics related to Dominion Gas’ Dominion Energy operations.

 

Year Ended December 31,

   2013      % Change     2012      % Change     2011  

Gas distribution throughput (bcf):

            

Sales

     17         13     15         (17 )%      18   

Transportation

     273         9        251         3        243   

Heating degree days

     5,958         18        5,051         (11     5,675   

Average gas distribution customer accounts (thousands) (1) :

            

Sales

     133         (4     138         (3     143   

Transportation

     1,049         —          1,044         —          1,040   

 

(1) Thirteen-month average.

 

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Presented below, on an after-tax basis, are the key factors impacting Dominion Energy’s net income contribution:

2013 vs. 2012

 

     Increase (Decrease)  
(millions)       

Weather

   $ 5   

Gas distribution margin

     15   

Gas transmission margin (1)

     72   

Assignment of Marcellus acreage

     12   

Gains on sales of pipeline systems

     (52

Other

     (11
  

 

 

 

Change in net income contribution

   $ 41   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Primarily reflects a full year of the Appalachian Gateway Project and Northeast Expansion Project in service.

2012 vs. 2011

 

     Increase (Decrease)  
(millions)       

Weather

   $ (3

Gas distribution margin

     (5

Gas transmission margin (1)

     16   

Other operations and maintenance expenses

     13   

Gain on sale of pipeline systems to affiliate

     110   

Depreciation

     (12

Other

     (2
  

 

 

 

Change in net income contribution

   $ 117   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Primarily reflects placing the Appalachian Gateway Project into service.

Corporate and Other

Presented below are the Corporate and Other segment’s after-tax results:

 

Year Ended December 31,

   2013     2012     2011  
(millions)                   

Specific items attributable to operating segment

   $ (41   $ —        $ 2   

Other corporate items

     (8     (10     (12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net expense

   $ (49   $ (10   $ (10
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Specific Items

Corporate and Other includes specific items attributable to Dominion Gas’ primary operating segment that are not included in profit measures evaluated by executive management in assessing the segment’s performance and the effect of certain items recorded at Dominion Gas as a result of the recognition of Dominion’s basis in the net assets contributed. See Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion of these items.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Dominion Gas depends on both internal and external sources of liquidity to provide working capital and as a bridge to long-term debt financings. Short-term cash requirements not met by cash provided by operations will generally be satisfied with proceeds from short-term borrowings from Dominion under an intercompany revolving credit agreement (“IRCA”). Long-term cash needs are met through issuances of debt securities and/or capital contributions from Dominion. Dominion Gas intends to execute its growth strategy by maintaining a capital structure that balances its outstanding debt and equity (with all equity continuing to be held by Dominion) in a manner that will support strong investment grade credit ratings.

A summary of Dominion Gas’ cash flows is presented below:

 

Year Ended December 31,

   2013     2012     2011  
(millions)                   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

   $ 12      $ 6      $ 4   

Cash flows provided by (used in):

      

Operating activities

     698        629        582   

Investing activities

     (460     (952     (727

Financing activities

     (242     329        147   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (4     6        2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 8      $ 12      $ 6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Cash Flows

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2013 increased by $69 million, primarily due to higher gas transmission margins and an increase in deferred revenues associated with the assignment of Marcellus acreage, partially offset by higher income tax payments.

Dominion Gas believes that its operations provide a stable source of cash flow to contribute to planned levels of capital expenditures and provide distributions to Dominion.

The Company’s operations are subject to risks and uncertainties that may negatively impact the timing or amounts of operating cash flows, and which are discussed in “Risk Factors” in this prospectus.

Credit Risk

Dominion Gas maintains a provision for credit losses based on factors surrounding the credit risk of its customers, historical trends and other information. Management believes, based on credit policies and the December 31, 2013 provision for credit losses, it is unlikely that a material adverse effect on financial position, results of operations or cash flows would occur as a result of counterparty nonperformance. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.

Investing Cash Flows

Net cash used in investing activities in 2013 decreased by $492 million, primarily due to lower capital expenditures and increased proceeds received in 2013 from the sales of assets.

Financing Cash Flows and Liquidity

Prior to October 2013, Dominion Gas relied solely upon intercompany borrowings and capital contributions from Dominion to meet its capital requirements not satisfied by cash from operations. Prospectively, Dominion Gas will also rely on debt capital markets as a significant source of funding for such capital requirements. As

 

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discussed in Credit Ratings , the Company’s ability to borrow funds or issue securities and the return demanded by investors are affected by credit ratings. In addition, the raising of external capital will be subject to certain regulatory requirements, including the Company’s intention to conduct future registered offering transactions.

In 2013, net cash used in financing activities was $242 million compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $329 million in 2012, primarily reflecting lower net debt issuances and higher distribution payments.

Long-Term Debt

Dominion Gas issued $1.2 billion principal amount of unsecured senior notes (that is, the Original Notes) in a private placement in October 2013 and is the primary financing entity for Dominion’s regulated natural gas businesses. Dominion Gas used the proceeds from this offering to acquire intercompany long-term notes from Dominion and to repay a portion of its IRCA balances with Dominion. The senior notes are not guaranteed by Dominion, its subsidiaries or Dominion Gas’ subsidiaries.

Borrowings from Parent

Dominion Gas has the ability to borrow funds from Dominion under both short-term and long-term borrowing arrangements. There were $569 million in outstanding long-term borrowings, including securities due within one year, from Dominion as of December 31, 2012. There were no long-term borrowings with Dominion as of December 31, 2013.

Dominion Gas’ borrowings under the IRCA totaled $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2013. There were no borrowings under this agreement as of December 31, 2012. Dominion Gas’ outstanding borrowings, net of repayments, under the Dominion money pool totaled $1.9 billion as of December 31, 2012. There were no borrowings under the Dominion money pool as of December 31, 2013.

Interest charges related to Dominion Gas’ total affiliated borrowings were $35 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Distributions

Since Dominion Gas was not formed until September 2013, it did not pay any distributions on its membership interests prior to that time. Dominion Gas paid cash distributions of $318 million to its parent, Dominion, in the fourth quarter of 2013, and expects to continue to make cash distributions to Dominion in the future. The Ohio Commission may prohibit any public service company, including East Ohio, from declaring or paying a dividend to an affiliate if found to be detrimental to the public interest. At December 31, 2013, the Ohio Commission had not restricted the payment of dividends by East Ohio.

Credit Ratings

Credit ratings are intended to provide banks and capital market participants with a framework for comparing the credit quality of a company and its securities and are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Dominion Gas believes that its credit ratings will provide sufficient access to the debt capital markets. However, disruptions in the banking and capital markets not specifically related to Dominion Gas may affect its ability to access these funding sources or cause an increase in the return required by investors. Dominion Gas’ credit ratings may affect its liquidity, cost of borrowing and collateral posting requirements under commodity contracts, as well as the rates at which it is able to offer its debt securities.

Both quantitative (financial strength) and qualitative (business or operating characteristics) factors are considered by the credit rating agencies in establishing an individual company’s credit rating. Credit ratings should be evaluated independently and are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating

 

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organization. The credit ratings for Dominion Gas are affected by its financial profile, mix of regulated and non-regulated businesses and respective cash flows, changes in methodologies used by the rating agencies and event risk, if applicable, such as major acquisitions or dispositions.

Credit ratings as of March 31, 2014 are as follows:

 

     Fitch      Moody’s      Standard
&
Poor’s
 

Dominion Gas

        

Senior unsecured debt securities

     BBB+         A2         A-   

As of March 31, 2014, Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s have assigned a stable outlook for their respective ratings of Dominion Gas.

A downgrade in Dominion Gas’ credit ratings would not necessarily restrict its ability to raise long-term financing as long as its credit ratings remain investment grade, but it could result in an increase in the cost of borrowing. Dominion Gas works closely with Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s with the objective of maintaining its current credit ratings. The Company may find it necessary to modify its business plans to maintain or achieve appropriate credit ratings in the future and such changes could adversely affect growth and Dominion Gas’ ability to make distributions to Dominion.

Debt Covenants

Commencing with the October 2013 offering of the Original Notes, Dominion Gas has executed an indenture containing covenants that, in the event of default, could result in the acceleration of principal and interest payments. These provisions are customary, are not unique to Dominion Gas and include:

 

    The timely payment of principal and interest;

 

    Information requirements, including submitting required financial reports and information about changes in Dominion Gas’ credit ratings to lenders;

 

    Performance obligations, audits/inspections, continuation of the basic nature of business, restrictions on certain matters related to merger or consolidation, and restrictions on disposition of all or substantially all assets; and

 

    Limitations on liens.

Prospectively, Dominion Gas will receive short-term funding from Dominion in the form of an IRCA. Dominion could fund the IRCA through its commercial paper program or through borrowings under its credit facilities, which are shared jointly with Virginia Power as a named co-borrower. A default by Dominion or Virginia Power under the credit facilities would impact Dominion’s ability to fund the IRCA.

 

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Future Cash Payments for Contractual Obligations and Planned Capital Expenditures

Contractual Obligations

Dominion Gas is party to numerous contracts and arrangements obligating the Company to make cash payments in future years. These contracts include financing arrangements such as debt agreements and leases, as well as contracts for the purchase of goods and services and financial derivatives. Presented below is a table summarizing cash payments that may result from contracts to which Dominion Gas is a party as of December 31, 2013. For purchase obligations and other liabilities, amounts are based upon contract terms, including fixed and minimum quantities to be purchased at fixed or market-based prices. Actual cash payments will be based upon actual quantities purchased and prices paid and will likely differ from amounts presented below. The table excludes all amounts classified as current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, other than current maturities of long-term debt, interest payable and certain derivative instruments. The majority of Dominion Gas’ current liabilities will be paid in cash in 2014.

 

     2014      2015-
2016
     2017-
2018
     2019 and
thereafter
     Total  
(millions)                                   

Long-term debt (1)

   $ —         $ 400       $ —         $ 800       $ 1,200   

Interest payments (2)

     39         75         67         551         732   

Leases (3)

     20         32         30         43         125   

Purchase obligations (4) :

              

Purchased capacity for utility operations

     22         6         —           —           28   

Pipeline transportation and storage

     23         20         —           —           43   

Other (5)

     30         10         —           —           40   

Other contractual obligations

     —           —           —           1         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total cash payments (6)

   $ 134       $ 543       $ 97       $ 1,395       $ 2,169   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Based on stated maturity dates rather than the earlier redemption dates that could be elected by instrument holders. 
(2) Includes interest payments over the terms of the debt. Interest is calculated using the applicable interest rate at December 31, 2013 and outstanding principal for each instrument with the terms ending at each instrument’s stated maturity. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) Primarily consists of operating leases.
(4) Amounts exclude open purchase orders for services that are provided on demand, the timing of which cannot be determined.
(5) Includes capital, operations, and maintenance commitments.
(6) Excludes regulatory liabilities, asset retirement obligations and employee benefit plan contributions that are not contractually fixed as to timing and amount. See Notes 11, 13 and 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Due to uncertainty about the timing and amounts that will ultimately be paid, $29 million of income taxes payable associated with unrecognized tax benefits is excluded.

Planned Capital Expenditures

Dominion Gas’ planned capital expenditures are expected to total approximately $877 million, $651 million and $762 million in 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively. Dominion Gas’ expenditures are expected to include improvement and maintenance of natural gas distribution, transmission and storage facilities. Dominion Gas expects to fund its capital expenditures with cash from operations and a combination of securities issuances and short-term borrowings. Planned capital expenditures include capital projects that are subject to approval by regulators and Dominion’s Board of Directors.

These estimates are based on a capital expenditures plan reviewed and endorsed by Dominion’s Board of Directors in late 2013 and are subject to continuing review and adjustment; actual capital expenditures may vary

 

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from these estimates. The Company may also choose to postpone or cancel certain planned capital expenditures in order to mitigate the need for future debt financings or capital contributions from Dominion.

Future Issues and Other Matters

See “Business” and Notes 12 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on various environmental, regulatory, legal and other matters that may impact future results of operations, financial condition, and/or cash flows.

Environmental Matters

Dominion Gas is subject to costs resulting from a number of federal, state and local laws and regulations designed to protect human health and the environment. These laws and regulations affect future planning and existing operations. They can result in increased capital, operating and other costs as a result of compliance, remediation, containment and monitoring obligations.

Environmental Protection and Monitoring Expenditures

Dominion Gas incurred approximately $13 million, $13 million and $9 million of expenses (including depreciation) during 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively, in connection with environmental protection and monitoring activities and expects these expenses to be approximately $13 million in 2014 and 2015. In addition, capital expenditures related to environmental controls were $7 million, $17 million, and $11 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These expenditures are expected to be approximately $11 million and $7 million in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Future Environmental Regulations

Air

The CAA, as amended, is a comprehensive program utilizing a broad range of regulatory tools to protect and preserve the nation’s air quality. At a minimum, states are required to establish regulatory programs to address all requirements of the CAA. However, states may choose to develop regulatory programs that are more restrictive. Many of Dominion Gas’ facilities are subject to the CAA’s permitting and other requirements.

In May 2012, the EPA issued final designations for the 75 parts-per-billion ozone air quality standard. Several DTI natural gas compressor stations in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Virginia are located in counties the EPA has designated as marginal nonattainment. As part of the standard, states will be required to develop and implement plans to address sources emitting pollutants which contribute to the formation of ozone. Since the EPA expects these marginal areas will be able to meet the standards by the December 31, 2015 attainment deadline as a result of recent and pending federal pollution control measures, it is uncertain whether the states will require further reductions in nitrogen oxide or volatile organic compounds emissions from compression engines and turbines at any facilities in these areas to achieve the standard and to what extent controls will be needed. Additional regulation of air quality and GHG emissions under the CAA may be imposed on the natural gas sector, including rules to limit methane leakage. Until regulations are finalized and/or the states have developed implementation plans, Dominion Gas is unable to predict whether or to what extent the new rules will ultimately require additional controls.

The EPA issued an interim advisory in January 2014 relative to its concern that some natural gas processing plants that store and process liquefied petroleum gas may not be designed in accordance with applicable industry standards and codes. The EPA is accepting comments on this interim advisory until July 2014 and may issue a final national advisory thereafter. Dominion Gas is currently reviewing applicable facilities to determine their conformance to the relevant standards. Dominion Gas is unable to estimate the potential impacts on results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows related to this matter.

 

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Solid and Hazardous Waste

In April 2010, the EPA published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the Reassessment of the Use Authorization for PCBs. Pipeline segments in the DTI and East Ohio systems contain residual levels of legacy PCBs that are managed in compliance with existing federal regulations. The EPA has communicated its intention to amend these regulations. The financial impact of changes to the regulation cannot be estimated until proposed and final rules are issued.

Dodd-Frank Act

The Dodd-Frank Act was enacted into law in July 2010 in an effort to improve regulation of financial markets. The Dodd-Frank Act includes provisions that will require certain over-the-counter derivatives, or swaps, to be centrally cleared and executed through an exchange or other approved trading platform. Non-financial entities that use swaps to hedge or mitigate commercial risk, often referred to as end users, can choose to exempt their hedging transactions from these clearing and exchange trading requirements. Final rules for the over-the-counter derivative-related provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will continue to be established through the ongoing rulemaking process of the applicable regulators, including rules regarding margin requirements for non-cleared swaps. If, as a result of the rulemaking process, Dominion Gas’ derivative activities are not exempted from the clearing, exchange trading or margin requirements, the Company could be subject to higher costs, including from higher margin requirements, for its derivative activities. In addition, implementation of, and compliance with, the swaps provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act by Dominion Gas’ counterparties could result in increased costs related to the Company’s derivative activities. Due to the ongoing rulemaking process, Dominion Gas is currently unable to assess the potential impact of the Dodd-Frank Act’s derivative-related provisions on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The matters discussed below may contain “forward-looking information” as described in “Forward-Looking Information” in this prospectus. The reader’s attention is directed to that section and “Risk Factors” in this prospectus for discussion of various risks and uncertainties that may impact Dominion Gas.

Market Risk Sensitive Instruments and Management

Dominion Gas’ financial instruments, commodity contracts and related financial derivative instruments are exposed to potential losses due to adverse changes in commodity prices, interest rates and equity security prices as described below. Commodity price risk is present in Dominion Gas’ procurement and marketing operations due to the exposure to market shifts in prices received and paid for natural gas and other commodities. Dominion Gas uses commodity derivative contracts to manage price risk exposures for these operations. Interest rate risk is generally related to future issuances of debt. In addition, Dominion Gas is exposed to investment price risk through various portfolios of equity and debt securities held to fund retirement plan obligations.

The following sensitivity analysis estimates the potential loss of future earnings or fair value from market risk sensitive instruments over a selected time period due to a 10% unfavorable change in commodity prices or interest rates.

Commodity Price Risk

To manage price risk, Dominion Gas primarily holds commodity-based financial derivative instruments held for non-trading purposes associated with purchases and sales of natural gas and other energy-related commodities.

The derivatives used to manage commodity price risk are executed within established policies and procedures and may include instruments such as futures, forwards and swaps that are sensitive to changes in the related commodity prices. For sensitivity analysis purposes, the hypothetical change in market prices of commodity-based financial derivative instruments is determined based on models that consider the market prices of commodities in future periods, the volatility of the market prices in each period, as well as the time value factors of the derivative instruments. Prices and volatility are principally determined based on observable market prices.

A hypothetical 10% unfavorable change in commodity prices of Dominion Gas’ non-trading commodity-based financial derivative instruments would have resulted in a decrease in fair value of approximately $14 million and $26 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The decline in sensitivity is largely due to decreased commodity derivative activity.

The impact of a change in energy commodity prices on Dominion Gas’ non-trading commodity-based financial derivative instruments at a point in time is not necessarily representative of the results that will be realized when the contracts are ultimately settled. Net losses from commodity derivative instruments used for hedging purposes, to the extent realized, will generally be offset by recognition of the hedged transaction, such as revenue from physical sales of the commodity.

Interest Rate Risk

Dominion Gas manages its interest rate risk exposure predominantly by maintaining a balance of fixed rate and variable rate debt. It may also enter into interest rate sensitive derivatives that are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges, including interest rate swaps and interest rate lock agreements. See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, Dominion Gas had no interest rate swaps outstanding that were designated under fair value hedge accounting. A hypothetical 10% increase in short-term borrowing rates would not have had a material impact on interest expense in 2013 or 2012.

 

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Dominion Gas may use forward-starting interest rate swaps and interest rate lock agreements as anticipatory hedges. As of December 31, 2013, Dominion Gas had $450 million in aggregate notional amount of these interest rate derivatives outstanding. A hypothetical 10% decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in a decrease of approximately $8 million in the fair value of Dominion Gas’ interest rate derivatives at December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2012, Dominion Gas had $1 billion in aggregate notional amount of these interest rate derivatives outstanding. A hypothetical 10% decrease in market interest rates would have resulted in a decrease of approximately $12 million in the fair value of Dominion Gas’ interest rate derivatives at December 31, 2012.

The impact of a change in interest rates on Dominion Gas’ interest rate-based financial derivative instruments at a point in time is not necessarily representative of the results that will be realized when the contracts are ultimately settled. Net gains and/or losses from interest rate derivative instruments used for hedging purposes, to the extent realized, will generally be offset by recognition of the hedged transaction.

Investment Price Risk

The Dominion pension and other postretirement benefit plans in which Dominion Gas participates hold investments in trusts to fund employee benefit payments. Aggregate actual returns for the pension and other postretirement plan assets held for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units, were $214 million in 2013 and $164 million in 2012, versus expected returns of $125 million and $112 million, respectively. Differences between actual and expected returns on plan assets are accumulated and amortized during future periods. As such, any investment-related declines in these trusts will result in future increases in the periodic cost recognized for such employee benefit plans and will be included in the determination of the amount of cash to be contributed to the employee benefit plans. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, a hypothetical 0.25% decrease in the assumed long-term rates of return on these plan assets would result in an increase in Dominion Gas’ net periodic cost of approximately $3 million for pension benefits and $1 million for other postretirement benefits.

Risk Management Policies

Dominion Gas has established operating procedures with corporate management to ensure that proper internal controls are maintained. In addition, Dominion has established an independent function at the corporate level to monitor compliance with the credit and commodity risk management policies of all subsidiaries including Dominion Gas. Dominion Gas maintains credit policies that include the evaluation of a prospective counterparty’s financial condition, collateral requirements where deemed necessary and the use of standardized agreements that facilitate the netting of cash flows associated with a single counterparty. In addition, Dominion Gas also monitors the financial condition of existing counterparties on an ongoing basis. Based on these credit policies and Dominion Gas’ December 31, 2013 provision for credit losses, management believes that it is unlikely that a material adverse effect on Dominion Gas’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows would occur as a result of counterparty nonperformance.

 

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DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this prospectus.

 

Name

  

Position with Dominion Gas

   Age

Thomas F. Farrell II

   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer    59

Mark F. McGettrick

   Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer    56

Paul D. Koonce

   President    54

Mark O. Webb

   Director, Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer    49

Michele L. Cardiff

   Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer    46

Set forth below is biographical information about the directors and executive officers identified above as well as a description of the specific skills and qualifications of the directors.

Thomas F. Farrell II has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Dominion Gas since September 2013. Mr. Farrell has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dominion from April 2007 to date; the Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Virginia Power from February 2006 to date and the President and CEO of Dominion from January 2006 to date. Mr. Farrell has served as a director of Altria Group, Inc. since 2008.

Mr. Farrell’s qualifications to serve as a director include his 18 years of industry experience as well as his legal expertise, having served as General Counsel for Dominion and Virginia Power and as a practicing attorney with a private firm. Mr. Farrell also has extensive community and public interest involvement and serves or has served on many non-profit and university foundations.

Mark F. McGettrick has served as a Director and Executive Vice President and CFO of Dominion Gas since September 2013. Mr. McGettrick has also served as Executive Vice President and CFO of Dominion and Virginia Power from June 2009 to date. He previously served as President and COO-Generation of Virginia Power from February 2006 to May 2009 and Executive Vice President of Dominion from April 2006 to May 2009.

Mr. McGettrick’s qualifications to serve as a director include his more than 30 years of power generation management and industry experience. He currently serves on the George Mason University board of visitors and is on the Board of Directors of the Dominion Foundation. Mr. McGettrick also has community and public interest involvement and serves or has served on many non-profit foundations and boards.

Paul D. Koonce has served as the President of Dominion Gas since September 2013. Mr. Koonce has also served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer — Energy Infrastructure Group of Dominion from February 2013 to date and the President and COO of Virginia Power from June 2009 to date. Mr. Koonce previously served as the Executive Vice President of Dominion from April 2006 to February 2013.

Mark O. Webb has served as Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer of Dominion Gas since January 2014. Mr. Webb has also served as Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer of Dominion and Virginia Power from January 2014 to date. Mr. Webb previously served as Vice President and General Counsel of Dominion and Virginia Power from January 2013 to December 2013, Deputy General Counsel of Dominion Resources Services, Inc. (“DRS”) from July 2011 to December 2012, Director — Policy & Business Evaluation Alternative Energy Solutions of DRS from May 2009 to June 2011 and Deputy General Counsel of DRS from April 2004 to April 2009.

Mr. Webb’s qualifications to serve as a director include his more than 20 years of legal expertise as a practicing attorney with private firms and having served as General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel for

 

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Dominion advising on a wide range of matters including securities and corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, electric and gas regulation, alternative energy policy and litigation. He also has community service public interest involvement, including serving on non-profit foundations and boards.

Michele L. Cardiff has served as the Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Dominion Gas since March 2014. Ms. Cardiff has also served as the Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Dominion and Virginia Power from April 2014 to date. Ms. Cardiff previously served as the Vice President — Accounting of DRS from January 2014 to March 2014, Vice President and General Auditor of DRS from September 2012 to December 2013, Controller of Virginia Power from June 2009 to August 2012 and Assistant Controller of DRS from November 2008 to May 2009.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Dominion Gas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion. Dominion Gas’ Board of Directors is comprised of Messrs. Farrell, McGettrick and Webb. As executive officers of Dominion Gas and Dominion, Messrs. Farrell, McGettrick and Webb are not independent. Because Dominion Gas’ Board of Directors is not independent, there is not a separate compensation committee at the Dominion Gas level. Because all of our executive officers are employed by Dominion, all compensation paid to our executive officers was approved by Dominion’s Compensation, Governance and Nominating (“CGN”) Committee which is comprised entirely of independent directors.

None of Dominion Gas’ directors receive any compensation for services they provide as directors of Dominion Gas. No executive officer of Dominion or Dominion Gas serves as a member of another compensation committee or on the Board of Directors of any other company, one of whose executive officers serves as a member of Dominion’s CGN Committee, Dominion’s Board of Directors or Dominion Gas’ Board of Directors.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Because the CGN Committee effectively administers one compensation program for all of Dominion, the following discussion and analysis is based on Dominion’s overall compensation program.

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) explains the objectives and principles of Dominion’s executive compensation program, its elements and the way performance is measured, evaluated and rewarded. It also describes Dominion’s compensation decision-making process. Dominion’s executive compensation program is designed to pay for performance and plays an important role in Dominion’s success by linking a significant amount of compensation to the achievement of performance goals.

The program and processes generally apply to all of Dominion’s officers, but this discussion and analysis focuses primarily on compensation for the Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) of Dominion Gas. During 2013, Dominion Gas’ NEOs were:

 

    Thomas F. Farrell II, Chief Executive Officer;

 

    Mark F. McGettrick, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;

 

    Paul D. Koonce, President;

 

    Robert M. Blue, Senior Vice President – Law, Public Policy & Environment; and

 

    Ashwini Sawhney, Vice President – Accounting.

Messrs. Blue and Sawhney ceased to be officers of Dominion Gas effective January 1, 2014 and March 10, 2014, respectively.

The CGN Committee determines the compensation payable to officers of Dominion and its wholly-owned subsidiaries on an aggregate basis, taking into account all services performed by the officers, whether for Dominion or one or more of its subsidiaries. For purposes of reporting each NEO’s compensation from Dominion Gas in the Summary Compensation Table (and related tables that follow) below, the aggregate compensation for each NEO is pro-rated based on the ratio of services performed by the NEO for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries to the NEO’s total services performed for all of Dominion. Three of Dominion Gas’ NEOs (Messrs. Farrell, McGettrick and Koonce) are also NEOs of Dominion. For the NEOs included in Dominion’s annual proxy statement, the amounts reported in the tables below are part of, and not in addition to, the aggregate compensation amounts that are reported for these NEOs in Dominion’s 2014 Proxy Statement.

 

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The CD&A below discusses the CGN Committee’s decisions with respect to each NEO’s aggregate compensation for all services performed for all of Dominion, not just the pro-rated portion attributable to the NEO’s services for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries.

Objectives of Dominion’s Executive Compensation Program and the Compensation Decision-making Process

Objectives

Dominion’s executive compensation philosophy is to provide a competitive total compensation program tied to performance and aligned with the interests of Dominion’s shareholders, employees and customers.

The major objectives of Dominion’s compensation program are to:

 

    Attract, develop and retain an experienced and highly qualified management team;

 

    Motivate and reward superior performance that supports Dominion’s business and strategic plans and contributes to the long-term success of the Company;

 

    Align the interests of management with those of Dominion’s shareholders and customers by placing a substantial portion of pay at risk through performance goals that, if achieved, are expected to increase total shareholder return (“TSR”) and enhance customer service;

 

    Promote internal pay equity; and

 

    Reinforce Dominion’s four core values of safety, ethics, excellence and One Dominion – Dominion’s term for teamwork.

These objectives provide the framework for compensation decisions. To determine if Dominion is meeting the objectives of its compensation program, the CGN Committee reviews and compares Dominion’s actual performance to its short-term and long-term goals, strategies, and Dominion’s peer companies’ performance.

Dominion’s 2013 performance indicates that the design of Dominion’s compensation program is meeting these objectives. The NEOs have service with Dominion ranging from 8 to 34 years. Dominion has attracted, motivated and maintained a superior leadership team with skills, industry knowledge and institutional experience that strengthen their ability to act as sound stewards of Dominion’s shareholder dollars.

Dominion’s shareholders voted on an advisory basis on its executive compensation program (also known as Say on Pay) and approved it with a 96% vote at the 2013 Annual Meeting, which followed an approval by a 95% vote in 2012. The CGN Committee considered the very strong shareholder endorsement of Dominion’s executive compensation program in continuing the pay-for-performance program that is currently in place without any specific changes based on the vote. Unless Dominion’s Board of Directors modifies its policy on the frequency of future Say on Pay advisory votes, Dominion’s shareholders will have an opportunity annually to cast an advisory vote to approve Dominion’s executive compensation program. Dominion will ask its shareholders, on an advisory basis, to vote on the frequency of the Say on Pay vote at least once every six years, with the next advisory vote on frequency to be held no later than the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

The Process for Setting Compensation

The CGN Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving NEO compensation and the overall executive compensation program. Each year, the CGN Committee reviews and considers a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the executive compensation program, including the elements of each NEO’s compensation, with input from management and the CGN Committee’s independent compensation consultants. As part of its assessment, the CGN Committee reviews the performance of the CEO and other executive officers, meets at least annually with the CEO to discuss succession planning for his position and the positions of

 

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Dominion’s senior officers, reviews executive officer share ownership guidelines and compliance, and establishes compensation programs designed to achieve Dominion’s objectives.

The Role of the Independent Compensation Consultant

In June 2013, the CGN Committee retained Frederick W. Cook & Co. (“Cook & Co.”) as its independent compensation consultant to advise the CGN Committee on executive and director compensation matters. The CGN Committee’s consultant:

 

    Attends meetings as requested by the CGN Committee, either in person or by teleconference;

 

    Communicates directly with the chairman of the CGN Committee outside of the CGN Committee meetings as needed;

 

    Participates in CGN Committee executive sessions without the CEO present to discuss CEO compensation and any other relevant matters, including the appropriate relationship between pay and performance and emerging trends;

 

    Reviews and comments on proposals and materials prepared by management and answers technical questions, as requested; and

 

    Generally reviews and offers advice as requested by or on behalf of the CGN Committee regarding other aspects of Dominion’s executive compensation program, including best practices and other matters.

Prior to the engagement of Cook & Co., Pearl Myer & Partner (“PM&P”) served as the independent compensation consultant to the CGN Committee. During 2013, the CGN Committee reviewed and assessed the independence of both PM&P and Cook & Co. and concluded that neither PM&P’s nor Cook & Co.’s work raised any conflicts of interest. Cook & Co. did not provide any additional services to Dominion during 2013, and for the period in 2013 for which PM&P served as the CGN Committee’s independent consultant, PM&P also did not provide any additional services to Dominion.

Management’s Role in Dominion’s Process

Although the CGN Committee has the responsibility to approve and monitor all compensation for the NEOs, management plays an important role in determining executive compensation. Under the direction of Dominion’s management, internal compensation specialists provide the CGN Committee with data, analysis and counsel regarding the executive compensation program, including an ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of the program, peer practices, and executive compensation trends and best practices. Dominion’s management, along with the internal compensation and financial specialists, assist in the design of the incentive compensation plans, including performance target recommendations consistent with the strategic goals of the company, and recommendations for establishing the peer group. Dominion’s management also works with the chairman of the CGN Committee to establish the agenda and prepare meeting information for each CGN Committee meeting.

As discussed previously, the CEO is responsible for reviewing senior officer succession plans with the CGN Committee on an annual basis. He is also responsible for reviewing the performance of the other senior officers, including the other NEOs, with the CGN Committee at least annually. He makes recommendations on the compensation and benefits for the NEOs (other than himself) to the CGN Committee and provides other information and advice as appropriate or as requested by the CGN Committee, but all decisions are ultimately made by the CGN Committee.

The Compensation Peer Group

The CGN Committee uses two peer groups for executive compensation purposes. The Compensation Peer Group is used to assess the competitiveness of the compensation of the NEOs of Dominion. A separate

 

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Performance Grant Peer Group is used to evaluate the relative performance of Dominion for purposes of the long-term incentive program (“LTIP”). (See 2013 Performance Grants and Performance Grant Peer Group for additional information.)

In the fall of each year, the CGN Committee reviews and approves the Compensation Peer Group of companies. In selecting the Compensation Peer Group, Dominion uses a methodology that identifies companies in its industry that compete for customers, executive talent and investment capital. Dominion screens this group based on size and usually eliminates companies that are much smaller or larger than Dominion’s size in revenues, assets or market capitalization. Dominion also considers the geographic locations and the regulatory environment in which potential peer companies operate.

Dominion’s Compensation Peer Group is generally consistent from year to year, with merger and acquisition activity being the primary reason for any changes. No changes were made to the Compensation Peer Group for 2013. Dominion’s Compensation Peer Group for 2013 was comprised of the following companies:

 

Ameren Corporation

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

CMS Energy Corporation

DTE Energy Company

Duke Energy Corporation

Entergy Corporation

Exelon Corporation

  

FirstEnergy Corp.

NextEra Energy, Inc.

NiSource Inc.

PPL Corporation

Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated

The Southern Company

Xcel Energy Inc.

The CGN Committee and management use the Compensation Peer Group to: (i) compare Dominion’s stock and financial performance against these peers using a number of different metrics and time periods to evaluate how Dominion is performing as compared to its peers; (ii) analyze compensation practices within the industry; (iii) evaluate peer company practices and determine peer median and 75th percentile ranges for base pay, annual incentive pay, long-term incentive pay and total direct compensation, both generally and for specific positions; and (iv) compare benefits and perquisites. In setting the levels for base pay, annual incentive pay, long-term incentive pay and total direct compensation, the CGN Committee also takes into consideration Dominion’s size compared with the median of the Compensation Peer Group and the complexity of its business.

Survey and Other Data

Dominion does not benchmark or otherwise use broad-based market data as the basis for compensation decisions for the NEOs. Survey compensation data and information on local companies with whom Dominion competes for talent and other companies with comparable market capitalization to Dominion are used only to provide a general understanding of compensation practices and trends. The CGN Committee takes into account individual and company-specific factors, including internal pay equity, along with data from the Compensation Peer Group, in establishing compensation opportunities. The CGN Committee believes this reflects Dominion’s specific needs in its distinct competitive market and with respect to its size and complexity versus its peers.

Compensation Design and Risk

Dominion’s management, including Dominion’s Chief Risk Officer and other executives, annually reviews the overall structure of Dominion’s executive compensation program and policies to ensure they are consistent with effective management of enterprise key risks and that they do not encourage executives to take unnecessary or excessive risks that could threaten the value of the enterprise. With respect to the programs and policies that apply to the NEOs, this review includes:

 

    Analysis of how different elements of the compensation programs may increase or mitigate risk-taking;

 

    Analysis of performance metrics used for short-term and long-term incentive programs and the relation of such incentives to the objectives of the company;

 

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    Analysis of whether the performance measurement periods for short-term and long-term incentive compensation are appropriate; and

 

    Analysis of the overall structure of compensation programs as related to business risks.

Among the factors considered in management’s assessment are: (i) the balance of the overall program design, including the mix of cash and equity compensation; (ii) the mix of fixed and variable compensation; (iii) the balance of short-term and long-term objectives of incentive compensation; (iv) the performance metrics, performance targets, threshold performance requirements and capped payouts related to incentive compensation; (v) the clawback provision on incentive compensation; (vi) Dominion’s share ownership guidelines, including share ownership levels and retention practices and prohibitions on hedging, pledging, and other derivative transactions related to Dominion stock; (vii) the CGN Committee’s ability to exercise negative discretion to reduce the amount of the annual incentive award; and (viii) internal controls and oversight structures in place at Dominion.

Management reviewed and provided the results of this assessment to the CGN Committee. Based on this review, the CGN Committee believes that Dominion’s well-balanced mix of salary and short-term and long-term incentives, as well as the performance metrics that are included in the incentive programs, are appropriate and consistent with Dominion’s risk management practices and overall strategies.

Other Tools

The CGN Committee uses a number of tools in its annual review of the compensation of Dominion’s CEO and other NEOs, including charts illustrating the total range of payouts for each performance-based compensation element under a number of different scenarios; spreadsheets showing the cumulative dollar impact on total direct compensation that could result from implementing proposals on any single element of compensation; graphs demonstrating the relationship between the CEO’s pay and that of the next highest-paid officer and Dominion’s NEOs as a group; and other information the CGN Committee may request in its discretion. Management’s internal compensation specialists provide the CGN Committee with detailed comparisons of the design and features of Dominion’s long-term incentive and other executive benefit programs with available information regarding similar programs at the companies in the Compensation Peer Group. These tools are used as part of the overall process to ensure that the compensation program results in appropriate pay relationships as compared to Dominion’s peer companies and internally among the NEOs, and that an appropriate balance of at-risk, performance-based compensation is maintained to support the program’s core objectives. No material adjustments were made to the NEO’s compensation as a result of using these tools.

Elements of Dominion’s Compensation Program

The executive compensation program consists of four basic elements:

 

Pay Element

  

Primary Objectives

  

Key Features & Behavioral Focus

Base Salary

  

•    Provide competitive level of fixed cash compensation for performing day-to-day responsibilities

•    Attract and retain talent

  

•    Generally targeted at or slightly above peer median, with individual and company-wide considerations

•    Rewards individual performance and level of experience

Annual

Incentive

Plan

  

•    Provide competitive level of at-risk cash compensation for achievement of short-term financial and operational goals

•    Align short-term compensation with annual budget, earnings goals, business plans and core values

  

•    Cash payments based on achievement of annual financial and individual operating and stewardship goals

•    Rewards achievement of annual financial goals for Dominion as well as business unit and individual goals selected to support longer-term strategies

 

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Pay Element

  

Primary Objectives

  

Key Features & Behavioral Focus

Long-Term Incentive Program   

•    Provide competitive level of at-risk compensation for achievement of long-term performance goals

•    Create long-term shareholder value

•    Retain talent and support the succession planning process

  

•    A 50/50 combination of performance-based cash and restricted stock awards

•    Encourages and rewards officers for making decisions and investments that create long-term shareholder value as reflected in superior relative total shareholder returns, as well as achieving desired returns on invested capital

Employee and Executive Benefits   

•    Provide competitive retirement and other benefit programs that attract and retain highly qualified individuals

•    Provide competitive terms to encourage officers to remain with Dominion during any potential change in control to ensure an orderly transition of management

  

•    Includes company-wide benefit programs, executive retirement plans, limited perquisites, and change in control and other agreements, supplemented with non-compete provisions in the non-qualified retirement plans

•    Encourages officers to remain with Dominion long-term and to act in the best interests of shareholders, even during any potential change in control

Factors in Setting Compensation

As part of the process of setting compensation targets, approving payouts and designing future programs, the CGN Committee evaluates Dominion’s overall performance versus its business plans and strategies, its short-term and long-term goals and the performance of its peer companies. In addition to considering Dominion’s overall performance for the year, the CGN Committee takes into consideration several individual factors for each NEO that are not given any specific weighting in setting each element of compensation, including:

 

    An officer’s experience and job performance;

 

    The scope, complexity and significance of responsibility for a position, including any differences from peer company positions;

 

    Internal pay equity considerations, such as the relative importance of a particular position or individual officer to Dominion’s strategy and success, and comparability to other officer positions at Dominion;

 

    Retention and market competitive concerns; and

 

    The officer’s role in any succession plan for other key positions.

The CGN Committee evaluates each NEO’s base salary, total cash compensation (base salary plus target Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”) award) and total direct compensation (base salary plus target AIP award plus target long-term incentive award) against data from the Compensation Peer Group to ensure the compensation levels are appropriately competitive. It does not, however, target these compensation levels at a particular percentile or range of the peer group data. For Mr. Blue, the same evaluation process is performed using the Towers Watson CDB General Industry Executive, Towers Watson CDB Energy Services Executive, Mercer Energy Industry – General Benchmark, Aon Hewitt IEHRA Energy Industry, Hildebrandt Law and the Equilar Top 25-Greater than $15 billion surveys instead of peer group data. For Mr. Sawhney, the same evaluation process is performed using the Towers Watson CDB General Industry Executive, Towers Watson CDB Energy Services Executive, AonHewitt IEHRA Energy Industry, Mercer Executive and the Equilar Top 25-Energy surveys instead of peer group data. See Exhibit 99.1 for a listing of the companies included in the surveys. As part of this analysis, the CGN Committee also takes into account Dominion’s size, including market

 

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capitalization and price to earnings ratio, and complexity compared to the companies in the Compensation Peer Group, as well as the tenure of the NEO as compared to executives in a similar position in a Compensation Peer Group company.

CEO Compensation Relative to Other NEOs

Mr. Farrell participates in the same compensation programs and receives compensation based on the same philosophy and factors as the other NEOs. Application of the same philosophy and factors to Mr. Farrell’s position results in overall CEO compensation that is significantly higher than the compensation of the other NEOs. His compensation is commensurate with his greater responsibilities and decision-making authority, broader scope of duties encompassing the entirety of the Company (as compared to the other NEOs who are responsible for significant but distinct areas within Dominion) and his overall responsibility for corporate strategy. His compensation also reflects his role as the principal corporate representative to investors, customers, regulators, analysts, legislators, industry and the media.

Dominion considers CEO compensation trends as compared to the next highest-paid officer, as well as to other executive officers as a group, over a multi-year period to monitor the ratio of Mr. Farrell’s pay relative to the pay of other executive officers based on (i) salary only and (ii) total direct compensation. Dominion also compares the individual compensation components for Mr. Farrell to that of Dominion’s peers, in addition to the other factors listed above, for CGN Committee consideration of year-to-year trends and comparisons with Dominion’s peers. The CGN Committee did not make any adjustments to the compensation of any NEOs based on this review for 2013.

Allocation of Total Direct Compensation in 2013

Consistent with Dominion’s objective to reward strong performance based on the achievement of short-term and long-term goals, a significant portion of total cash and total direct compensation is at risk. Approximately 88% of Mr. Farrell’s targeted 2013 total direct compensation is performance-based, tied to pre-approved performance metrics, including relative TSR and return on invested capital (“ROIC”), or tied to the performance of Dominion stock. For the other NEOs, performance-based and stock-based compensation ranges from 61% to 81% of targeted 2013 total direct compensation. This compares to an average of approximately 55% of targeted compensation at risk for most of officers at the vice president level and an average of approximately 12% of total pay at risk for non-officer employees.

The charts below illustrate the elements of targeted total direct compensation opportunities in 2013 for Mr. Farrell and the average of the other NEOs as a group and the allocation of such compensation among base salary, targeted 2013 AIP award and targeted 2013 long-term incentive compensation.

 

LOGO

 

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Base Salary

Base salary compensates officers, along with the rest of the workforce, for committing significant time to working on Dominion’s behalf. Base salary may be adjusted, as appropriate, to keep salaries in line and competitive with the Compensation Peer Group and to reflect changes in responsibility, including promotions. Base salary adjustments are also a motivational tool to acknowledge and reward excellent individual performance, special skills, experience, the strategic impact of a position relative to other Dominion executives and other relevant considerations.

The primary goal is to compensate officers at a level that best achieves Dominion’s objectives and reflects the considerations discussed above. Dominion believes that an overall goal of targeting base salary at or slightly above the Compensation Peer Group median is a conservative but appropriate target for base pay. However, an individual’s compensation may be below or above Dominion’s target range based on a number of factors such as performance, tenure, and other factors explained above in Factors in Setting Compensation . In addition to being ranked above the Compensation Peer Group median in 2013 in terms of market capitalization and at median for revenues and assets, the scope of Dominion’s business operations is complex and unique in its industry. Successfully managing such a broad and complex business requires a skilled and experienced management team. Dominion believes it would not be able to successfully recruit and retain such a team if the base pay for officers was generally below the Compensation Peer Group median.

The CGN Committee approved a modest base salary increase for most officers, including a 3% base salary increase for Messrs. Farrell and Koonce, a 5% base salary increase for Messrs. McGettrick and Blue and a 10% base salary increase for Mr. Sawhney effective March 1, 2013. In determining the base salary increase for Mr. McGettrick, the CGN Committee took into consideration Mr. McGettrick’s overall performance, the broader scope of his responsibilities in comparison to the business unit CEOs and his role in developing financing strategies to support Dominion’s long-term growth plan. For Messrs. Blue and Sawhney, the CGN Committee assessed the scope of each of their responsibilities and relative positions of base pay below market median in determining each of their base salary increases. Effective January 1, 2013, the CGN Committee increased Mr. Koonce’s base salary 10% to recognize his increased responsibility as CEO of Dominion’s Energy Infrastructure Group, with the Dominion Energy business unit reporting to him in addition to the Dominion Virginia Power (“DVP”) business unit.

Annual Incentive Plan

Overview

The AIP plays an important role in meeting Dominion’s overall objective of rewarding strong performance. The AIP is a cash-based program focused on short-term goal accomplishments and is designed to:

 

    Tie interests of shareholders, customers and employees closely together;

 

    Focus the workforce on company, operating group, team and individual goals that ultimately influence operational and financial results;

 

    Reward corporate and operating unit earnings performance;

 

    Reward safety, diversity and other operating and stewardship goal successes;

 

    Emphasize teamwork by focusing on common goals;

 

    Appropriately balance risk and reward; and

 

    Provide a competitive total compensation opportunity.

 

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Target Awards

An NEO’s compensation opportunity under the AIP is based on a target award. Target awards are determined as a percentage of a participant’s base salary (for example, 85% of base salary). The target award is the amount of cash that will be paid if the plan is funded at the full funding target set for the year and a participant achieves a score of 100% for the payout goals. Participants who retire during the plan year are eligible to receive a prorated payment of their AIP award after the end of the plan year based on final funding and goal achievement. Participants who voluntarily terminate employment during the plan year and who are not eligible to retire (before attainment of age 55) generally forfeit their AIP award.

AIP target award levels are established based on a number of factors, including historical practice, individual and company performance and internal pay equity considerations, and are compared against Compensation Peer Group data to ensure the appropriate competitiveness of an NEO’s total cash compensation opportunity. However, as discussed above, AIP target award levels are not targeted at a specific percentile or range of the peer group data. AIP target award levels are also consistent with the intent to have a significant portion of NEO compensation at risk. Except for Mr. Blue, there were no changes to the AIP targets from 2012 as a percentage of salary for any NEO for 2013. Mr. Blue’s AIP target increased from 60% in 2012 to 70% in 2013 based on his scope of responsibilities and below market position for his role.

 

Name

   2013 AIP
Target Award*
 

Thomas F. Farrell II

     125

Mark F. McGettrick

     100

Paul D. Koonce

     90

Robert M. Blue

     70

Ashwini Sawhney

                     50
  * As a % of base salary

Funding of the 2013 AIP

Funding of the 2013 AIP was based solely on consolidated operating earnings per share, with potential funding ranging from 0% to 200% of the target funding. Consolidated operating earnings are Dominion’s reported earnings determined in accordance with GAAP, adjusted for certain items. Dominion believes that by placing a focus on pre-established consolidated operating earnings per share targets, it increases employee awareness of the Company’s financial objectives and encourages behavior and performance that will help achieve these objectives.

For the 2013 AIP, the CGN Committee established a full funding target at 100% for the NEOs of operating earnings per share between $3.05 and $3.35, inclusive of funding for all plan participants. The maximum funding target of 200% was set at $3.50 operating earnings per share, and no funding if operating earnings were less than $3.00 per share (threshold), with the CGN Committee retaining negative discretion to determine the final funding level for the NEOs. Full funding means that the AIP is 100% funded and participants can receive their full targeted AIP payout if they achieve a score of 100% for their particular goal package, as described below in How AIP Payouts Are Determined . At the maximum plan funding level of 200%, the NEOs can earn up to two times their targeted AIP payout, subject to achievement of their individual goal packages.

Dominion’s consolidated operating earnings for the year ended December 31, 2013 were $1.88 billion or $3.25 per share which met the target goal for 100% funding.* Consolidated reported earnings in accordance with GAAP for the year ended December 31, 2013, were $1.70 billion or $2.93 per share.

 

*

Reconciliation of 2013 Consolidated Operating Earnings to Reported Earnings. The following items, which are net of tax, are included in Dominion’s 2013 reported earnings, but are excluded from consolidated operating earnings: $92 million net loss from discontinued operations of two merchant power stations (Brayton Point & Kincaid) which were sold in third quarter 2013; $109 million net charge

 

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  related to an impairment of certain natural gas infrastructure assets and the repositioning of Producer Services; $28 million charge in connection with the Virginia State Corporation Commission’s final ruling associated with its biennial review of Virginia Power’s base rates for 2011-2012 test years; $17 million charge associated with Dominion’s operating expense reduction initiative, primarily severance pay and other employee-related costs; $49 million net gain related to Dominion’s investments in nuclear decommissioning trust funds; $30 million benefit due to a downward revision in the nuclear decommissioning asset retirement obligations for certain merchant nuclear units that are no longer in service; and $17 million net expense related to other items.

How AIP Payouts are Determined

For the officers who are also NEOs of Dominion, payout of funded AIP awards is contingent solely on the achievement of the consolidated operating financial funding goal with the CGN Committee retaining negative discretion to lower the earned payout as it deems appropriate, taking into consideration the accomplishment of the discretionary consolidated financial, business unit financial and operating and stewardship goals, including safety and diversity goals. The percentage allocated to each category of discretionary goals represents the percentage of the funded award subject to the performance of that goal. Officer goals are weighted according to their responsibilities. The overall score cannot exceed 100%.

The consolidated operating financial goal is the same as the funding goal and, as noted, was fully achieved for the 2013 AIP. Business unit financial goals provide a line-of-sight performance target for officers within a business unit and, on a combined basis, support the consolidated operating earnings target for Dominion. Operating and stewardship goals provide line-of-sight performance targets that may not be financial and that can be customized for each individual or by segments of each business unit. Operating and stewardship goals promote the core values of safety, ethics, excellence and teamwork, which in turn contribute to Dominion’s financial success.

The discretionary payout goals adopted by each of the Dominion NEOs which may be considered by the CGN Committee to reduce the Dominion NEOs’ final payout are described under 2013 AIP Payouts and the weightings applied to those goals are shown in the table below. Messrs. Blue and Sawhney are not NEOs of Dominion and therefore, have goals that determine their final payout scores as described under 2013 AIP Payouts . The associated weightings that apply to those goals are shown in the table below.

 

     Consolidated
Financial Goal
    Business Unit
Financial Goals
    Operating and Stewardship Goals  
         Safety     Diversity     Other O & S Goals  

Thomas F. Farrell II

     90     —          5     5     —     

Mark F. McGettrick

     90     —          5     5     —     

Paul D. Koonce

     45     45     5     5     —     

Robert M. Blue

     20     45     5     5     25

Ashwini Sawhney

                 20                 45             5             5                         25

2013 AIP Payouts

The formula for calculating an award is:

 

LOGO

Dominion’s operating earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $3.25, which met the target AIP payout goal for Dominion NEOs of achievement of consolidated operating earnings between $3.05 and $3.35 per share for the year ended December 31, 2013. The CGN Committee approved a payout score of 100% for Messrs. Farrell and McGettrick and exercised negative discretion to reduce Mr. Koonce’s payout score to 99.97% for a missed safety goal at DVP which is discussed below. As noted above, the payouts for the Dominion NEOs are based solely on the accomplishment of the consolidated operating financial funding goal.

 

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The achievement of these discretionary goals is applied only to the extent the CGN Committee deems it appropriate to take these goals in consideration in its exercise of negative discretion to reduce the final payout of the Dominion NEOs. The CGN Committee also approved 100% funding and 100% goal accomplishment for Messrs. Blue and Sawhney.

In addition to satisfying the consolidated operating earnings target, each of the business units reached its respective financial target as well, as are shown below:

 

Business Unit

   Goal
Threshold
(Net Income)
     Goal 100%
Payout
(Net Income)
     Actual 2013
(Net Income)
 
(Million/$)       

Dominion Energy

   $         499       $         624       $         643   

Dominion Resources Services *

     529         481         445   
* Dominion Resources Services’ officers carry a pre-tax expense goal rather than an earnings goal.

With respect to Messrs. Farrell, McGettrick, Blue and Sawhney, the DRS business unit met its safety goal of four or fewer OSHA recordable incidents with an incidence rate of 0.15 or less. Mr. Koonce is part of the DVP and Dominion Energy business units. DVP fell short of the target OSHA incidence rate of 1.21 with an actual rate of 1.22, but the OSHA incidence rate of 1.59 for the Dominion Energy business unit was met. DVP and Dominion Energy met the lost time/restricted duty rates of 0.30 and 0.58, respectively.

Each of the Dominion NEOs met his discretionary diversity goal relating to one or more of the following areas: talent review, internship program improvements, recruitment and retention process improvements, and workforce training. Messrs. Blue and Sawhney also met their diversity payout goals in one or more of the above listed areas, including leadership development strategies and coaching sessions.

In addition, Mr. Blue met the following goals within the operating and stewardship category: environmental compliance plans and training for DRS; maximizing legislative opportunities on energy and environmental bills and tax policy; effective corporate communications; and cost control and efficiency measures within the law department. Mr. Sawhney met his operating and stewardship goals for process improvements within the accounting organization including implementation plans; education and training across the accounting organization related to issues and activities impacting Dominion; and reduction in non-remediated Sarbanes-Oxley deficiencies.

Amounts earned under the 2013 AIP for each NEO are shown below and are reflected in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table .

 

Name

   Base Salary             Target
Award*
           Funding %            Total Payout
Score %
           2013 AIP
Payout
 

Thomas F. Farrell II

   $ 172,662         X         125     X         100     X         100     =       $ 215,828   

Mark F. McGettrick

     124,865         X         100     X         100     X         100     =         124,865   

Paul D. Koonce

     235,762         X         90     X         100     X         99.97     =         212,122   

Robert M. Blue

     75,119         X         70     X         100     X         100     =         52,583   

Ashwini Sawhney

     53,479         X         50     X         100     X         100     =         26,740   
* As a % of base salary.

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Compensation for the NEOs listed in the table reflects only the applicable portion related to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in the year presented.

 

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Mr. Koonce’s payout score was calculated as follows:

 

Name

  Consolidated
Financial Goal
Accomplishment
          Goal
Weighting
          Business Unit
Financial Goal
Accomplishment
          Goal
Weighting
          Operating/
Stewardship
Goal
Accomplishment
          Goal
Weighting
          Total
Payout
Score
 

Paul D. Koonce

    100     X        45     +        100     X        45     +        99.7     X        10     =        99.97

Long-Term Incentive Program

Overview

Dominion’s LTIP is designed to focus on Dominion’s longer-term strategic goals and the retention of its executives. Each long-term incentive award consists of two components: 50% of the award is a full value equity award in the form of restricted stock with time-based vesting and the other 50% is a performance-based cash award. Dominion believes restricted stock serves as a strong retention tool and also creates a focus on Dominion’s stock price to further align the interests of officers with the interests of its shareholders and customers. The performance-based award encourages and rewards officers for making decisions and investments that create and maintain long-term shareholder value and benefit Dominion’s customers. For those officers who have made substantial progress toward their share ownership guidelines, the performance-based award is in the form of a cash performance grant. Officers who have not achieved 50% of their targeted share ownership guideline receive goal-based stock performance grants instead of a cash performance grant. Dividend equivalents are not paid on any performance-based grants. Because officers are expected to retain ownership of shares upon vesting of restricted stock awards, as explained in Share Ownership Guidelines, the long-term cash performance grant balances the program and allows a portion of the long-term incentive award to be accessible to the NEOs during the course of their employment. As all of the NEOs have satisfied their full targeted share ownership, all of the NEOs received the performance-based component of their 2013 long-term incentive award in the form of a cash performance grant.

The CGN Committee approves long-term incentive awards in January each year with a grant date in early February. This process ensures incentive-based awards are made at the beginning of the performance period and shortly after the public disclosure of Dominion’s earnings for the prior year. Like the AIP target award levels discussed above, long-term incentive target award levels are established based on a number of factors, including historical practice, individual and company performance, and internal pay equity considerations, and are compared against Compensation Peer Group data to ensure the appropriate competitiveness of an NEO’s total direct compensation opportunity. However, as discussed above, long-term incentive target award levels were not targeted at a specific percentile or range of the Compensation Peer Group data, nor was market survey data a factor in setting long-term incentive target award levels for 2013.

As part of the CGN Committee’s review of Dominion’s LTIP, the target 2013 long-term incentive award was increased for generally all officers, including each of the NEOs. This was the first general increase in target awards since the LTIP began in 2006. The increased target award levels reflected the CGN Committee’s continued desire to place a significant portion of the NEO’s pay at risk, provide total direct compensation that is competitive, and place ongoing focus on achieving Dominion’s long-term growth plan as discussed further below.

The CGN Committee strongly believes in pay for performance and recognizes that Dominion’s continued strong absolute and relative TSR is due substantially in part to the contributions of senior management under the leadership of Dominion’s CEO, Mr. Farrell. In determining the target long-term incentive awards for each of the NEOs, the CGN Committee took into consideration, among many factors, the continued superior performance by each of the NEOs, industry competitiveness for personnel, the NEO’s tenure with the Company and in his current position and the scope of the NEO’s responsibilities.

The CGN Committee also considered the need for continued focus by the NEOs on Dominion’s long-term growth plan which involves all of the business units of the company and is expected to include approximately

 

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$14 billion in investment from 2014 to 2018 to grow its energy infrastructure. In addition, in determining Mr. Farrell’s target long-term incentive award, the CGN Committee also considered Mr. Farrell’s experience as CEO, Dominion’s strong performance under his leadership, the successful advancement of Dominion’s long-term initiatives, the complexity of Dominion’s business, and other factors.

As a result of these considerations, the CGN Committee approved the following target long-term incentive awards for the NEOs for 2013:

 

Name

   2013
Performance Grant
     2013
Restricted Stock Grant
     2013
Total Target
Long-Term
Incentive Award
     2012
Total Target
Long-Term
Incentive Award
 

Thomas F. Farrell II

   $ 535,080       $ 535,080       $ 1,070,160       $ 891,800   

Mark F. McGettrick

     203,246         203,246         406,492         369,538   

Paul D. Koonce

     289,897         289,897         579,794         507,195   

Robert M. Blue

     43,200         43,200         86,400         69,120   

Ashwini Sawhney

     27,795         27,795         55,590         46,325   

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Compensation for the NEOs listed in the table reflects only the applicable portion related to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in the year presented.

Information regarding the fair value of the 2013 restricted stock grants and target cash performance grants for the NEOs is provided in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table.

2013 Restricted Stock Grants

All officers received a restricted stock grant on February 1, 2013 based on the stated dollar value above. The number of shares awarded was determined by dividing the stated dollar value by the closing price of Dominion’s common stock on February 1, 2013. The grants have a three-year vesting term, with cliff vesting at the end of the restricted period on February 1, 2016. Dividends are paid to officers during the restricted period. The grant date fair value and vesting terms of the 2013 restricted stock grant awards made to the NEOs are disclosed in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table and related footnotes.

2013 Performance Grants

In January 2013, the CGN Committee approved cash performance grants for the NEOs, effective February 1, 2013. The performance period commenced on January 1, 2013 and will end on December 31, 2014. The 2013 performance grants are denominated as a target award, with potential payouts ranging from 0% to 200% of the target based on Dominion’s TSR relative to the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Utility Index and ROIC, weighted equally. (See Performance Grant Peer Group for additional information on the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Utility Index.)

The TSR metric was selected to focus officers on long-term shareholder value when developing and implementing their strategic plans and in turn, reward management based on the achievement of TSR levels as measured relative to the Performance Grant Peer Group. The ROIC metric was selected to reward officers for the achievement of expected levels of return on Dominion’s investments. Dominion believes an ROIC measure encourages management to choose the right investments, and with those investments, to achieve the highest returns possible through prudent decisions, management and control of costs. The target awards and vesting terms of the 2013 performance grants made to the NEOs are disclosed in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table and related footnotes.

 

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Performance Grant Peer Group

The CGN Committee approved measuring TSR performance for the 2013 performance grants against the TSR of the companies listed as members of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Utility Index at the end of the performance period (the “Performance Grant Peer Group”). In selecting the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Utility Index, the CGN Committee took into consideration that the companies represented in the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Utility Index are similar to those companies currently included in Dominion’s Compensation Peer Group and the index itself is a recognized published index whose members are determined externally and independently from Dominion. The companies in the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Utility Index at the grant date of the 2013 performance grants were as follows:

 

The AES Corporation

Ameren Corporation

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc.

Consolidated Edison, Inc.

Covanta Holding Corporation

DTE Energy Company

Duke Energy Corporation

Edison International

  

El Paso Electric Company

Entergy Corporation

Exelon Corporation

FirstEnergy Corp.

NextEra Energy, Inc.

Northeast Utilities

PG&E Corporation

Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated

The Southern Company

Xcel Energy Inc.

Payout Under 2012 Performance Grants

In February 2014, final payouts were made to officers who received cash performance grants in February 2012, including the NEOs. The 2012 performance grants were based on two goals: TSR for the two-year period ended December 31, 2013 relative to the companies in the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Utility Index as of the end of the performance period (weighted 50%) and ROIC for the same two-year period (weighted 50%).

 

    Relative TSR (50% weighting). TSR is the difference between the value of a share of common stock at the beginning and end of the two-year performance period, plus dividends paid as if reinvested in stock. For this metric, Dominion’s TSR is compared to TSR levels of the companies in the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Utility Index as of the end of the same two-year period. The relative TSR targets and corresponding payout scores for the 2012 performance grant were as follows:

 

Relative TSR Performance Percentile Ranking

   Percentage Payout of
TSR Percentage*
 

85 th or above

     200

50 th

     100

25 th

     50

Below 25 th

                             0
* TSR weighting is interpolated between the top and bottom of the percentages within a quartile. A minimum payment of 25% of the TSR percentage will be made if the TSR performance is at least 10% on a compounded annual basis for the performance period, regardless of relative performance.

 

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Actual relative TSR performance for the 2012-2013 period was in the 84 th percentile which produced a payout of 197.7%. Dominion’s TSR for the two-year period ended December 31, 2013 was 32.0%.

 

    ROIC (50% weighting). ROIC reflects Dominion’s total return divided by average invested capital for the performance period. The ROIC goal at target is consistent with the strategic plan/annual business plan as approved by Dominion’s Board of Directors. For this purpose, total return is Dominion’s consolidated operating earnings plus its after-tax interest and related charges, plus preferred dividends. Dominion designed its 2012 ROIC goals to provide 100% payout if it achieved an ROIC between 7.44% and 7.62% over the two-year performance period. The ROIC performance targets and corresponding payout scores for the 2012 performance grant were as follows:

 

ROIC Performance

   Percentage Payout of
ROIC Component*
 

7.80% and above

                         200

7.44% – 7.62%

     100

7.26%

     50

Below 7.26%

     0
  * ROIC percentage payout is interpolated between the top and bottom of the percentages for any range.

Actual ROIC performance for the 2012-2013 period was 7.25%, which was below the threshold and resulted in no payout for the ROIC component of the award.

Based on the achievement of the TSR and ROIC performance goals, the CGN Committee approved a 98.9% payout for the 2012 performance grants. The following table summarizes the achievement of the 2012 performance goals:

 

Measure

   Goal
Weight%
           Goal
Achievement%
           Payout%  

Relative TSR

     50     X         197.7     =         98.9

ROIC

     50     X         0.0     =         0.0
            

 

 

 

Combined Overall Performance Score

               98.9
            

 

 

 

The resulting payout amounts for the NEOs for the 2012 performance grants are shown below and are also reflected in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table .

 

Name

   2012 Performance
Grant Award
            Overall
Performance
Score
           Calculated Performance
Grant Payout
 

Thomas F. Farrell II

   $ 445,900         X         98.9     =       $ 440,995   

Mark F. McGettrick

     184,769         X         98.9     =         182,737   

Paul D. Koonce

     253,598         X         98.9     =         250,808   

Robert M. Blue

     34,560         X         98.9     =         34,180   

Ashwini Sawhney

     23,163         X         98.9     =         22,908   

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Compensation for the NEOs listed in the table reflects only the applicable portion related to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in the year presented.

 

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Employee and Executive Benefits

Benefit plans and limited perquisites compose the fourth element of Dominion’s compensation program. These benefits serve as a retention tool and reward long-term employment.

Retirement Plans

Dominion sponsors two types of tax-qualified retirement plans for eligible non-union employees, including the NEOs: a defined benefit pension plan (the “Dominion Pension Plan”) and a defined contribution 401(k) savings plan. The NEOs, as employees hired before 2008, are eligible for a pension benefit upon attainment of retirement age based on a formula that takes into account final compensation and years of service. They also receive a cash retirement benefit under which the company contributes 2% of each participant’s compensation to a special retirement account, which may be paid in a lump sum or added to the annuity benefit upon retirement. The company began funding the special retirement account for eligible employees in January 2001. The formula for the Dominion Pension Plan is explained in the narrative following the Pension Benefits table. The change in Dominion Pension Plan value for 2013 for the NEOs is included in the Summary Compensation Table .

All participating employees in the 401(k) Plan (including the NEOs) are eligible to receive a matching contribution. Officers whose matching contributions under the 401(k) Plan are limited by the the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) receive a cash payment to make them whole for the company match lost as a result of these limits. These cash payments are currently taxable. The company matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan and the cash payments of company matching contributions above the Code limits for the NEOs are included in the All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table and detailed in the footnote for that column.

Dominion also maintains two nonqualified retirement plans for its executives, the Retirement Benefit Restoration Plan (“BRP”) and the Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan (“ESRP”). Unlike the Dominion Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan, these plans are unfunded, unsecured obligations of the Company. These plans keep Dominion competitive in attracting and retaining officers. Due to the Code limits on pension plan benefits and because a more substantial portion of total compensation for officers is paid as incentive compensation than for other employees, the Dominion Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan alone will produce a lower percentage of replacement income in retirement for officers than these plans will provide for other employees. The BRP restores benefits that will not be paid under the Dominion Pension Plan due to Code limits. The ESRP provides a benefit that covers a portion (25%) of final base salary and target annual incentive compensation to partially make up for this gap in retirement income. The Dominion Pension Plan, 401(k) Plan, BRP and ESRP do not include long-term incentive compensation in benefit calculations and, therefore, a significant portion of the potential compensation for officers is excluded from calculation in any retirement plan benefit. As consideration for the benefits earned under the BRP and ESRP, all officers agree to comply with confidentiality and one-year non-competition requirements set forth in the plan documents following their retirement or other termination of employment. The present value of accumulated benefits under these retirement plans is disclosed in the Pension Benefits table and the terms of the plans are fully explained in the narrative following that table. Effective July 1, 2013, the ESRP is closed to any new participants.

In individual situations and primarily for mid-career changes or retention purposes, the CGN Committee has granted certain officers additional years of credited age and service for purposes of calculating benefits under the BRP. Age and service credits granted to the NEOs are described in Dominion Retirement Benefit Restoration Plan under Pension Benefits. Additional age and service may also be earned under the terms of an officer’s Employee Continuity Agreement in the event of a change in control, as described in Change in Control under Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control. No additional years of age or service credit were granted to the NEOs during 2013.

Other Benefit Programs

Dominion’s officers participate in all of the benefit programs available to other Dominion employees. The core benefit programs generally include medical, dental and vision benefit plans, a health savings account, health

 

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and dependent care flexible spending accounts, group-term life insurance, travel accident coverage, long-term disability coverage and a paid time off program.

Dominion also maintains an executive life insurance program for officers to replace a former company-wide retiree life insurance program that was discontinued in 2003. The plan is fully insured by individual policies that provide death benefits at a fixed amount depending on an officer’s salary tier. This life insurance coverage is in addition to the group-term insurance that is provided to all employees. The officer is the owner of the policy and Dominion makes premium payments until the later of 10 years from enrollment date or the date the officer attains age 64. Officers are taxed on the premiums paid by Dominion. The premiums for these policies are included in the All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table .

Perquisites

Dominion provides a limited number of perquisites for its officers to enable them to perform their duties and responsibilities as efficiently as possible and to minimize distractions. The CGN Committee annually reviews the perquisites to ensure they are an effective and efficient use of corporate resources. Dominion believes the benefits it receives from offering these perquisites outweigh the costs of providing them. In addition to incidental perquisites associated with maintaining an office, Dominion offers the following perquisites to all officers:

 

    An allowance of up to $9,500 a year to be used for health club memberships and wellness programs, comprehensive executive physical exams and financial and estate planning. Dominion wants officers to be proactive with preventive healthcare and also wants executives to use professional, independent financial and estate planning consultants to ensure proper tax reporting of company-provided compensation and to help officers optimize their use of Dominion’s retirement and other employee benefit programs.

 

    A vehicle leased by Dominion, up to an established lease-payment limit (if the lease payment exceeds the allowance, the officer pays for the excess amount on the vehicle). The costs of insurance, fuel and maintenance for company-leased vehicles are paid by Dominion.

 

    In limited circumstances, use of company aircraft for personal travel by executive officers. For security and other reasons, Dominion’s Board of Directors has directed Mr. Farrell to use the aircraft for all travel, including personal travel, whenever it is feasible to do so. Mr. Farrell’s family and guests may accompany him on any personal trips. The use of company aircraft for personal travel by other executive officers is limited and usually related to (i) travel with the CEO or (ii) personal travel to accommodate business demands on an executive’s schedule. With the exception of Mr. Farrell, personal use of aircraft is not available when there is a company need for the aircraft. Use of company aircraft saves substantial time and allows Dominion to have better access to its executives for business purposes. During 2013, 94% of the use of Dominion’s aircraft was for business purposes. None of the NEOs’ compensation for use of the company aircraft is attributable to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries.

Other than costs associated with comprehensive executive physical exams (which are exempt from taxation under the Code), these perquisites are fully taxable to officers. There is no tax gross-up for imputed income on any perquisites.

Employment Continuity Agreements

Dominion has entered into Employment Continuity Agreements with all officers to ensure continuity in the event of a change in control at Dominion. In addition to these agreements being consistent with the practices of Dominion’s peer companies for competitive purposes, the most important reason for these agreements is to protect the Company in the event of an anticipated or actual change in control of Dominion. In a time of transition, it is critical to protect shareholder value by retaining and continuing to motivate the Company’s core management team. In a change in control situation, workloads typically increase dramatically, outside competitors are more likely to attempt to recruit top performers away from the company, and officers and other

 

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key employees may consider other opportunities when faced with uncertainties at their own company. Therefore, the Employment Continuity Agreements provide security and protection to officers in such circumstances for the long-term benefit of Dominion and its shareholders.

In determining the appropriate multiples of compensation and benefits payable upon a change in control, Dominion evaluated peer group and general practices and considered the levels of protection necessary to retain officers in such situations. The Employment Continuity Agreements are double-trigger agreements that require both a change in control and a qualifying termination of employment to trigger most benefits. The specific terms of the Employment Continuity Agreements are discussed in Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control .

In January 2013, the CGN Committee approved the elimination of the excise tax gross up provision included in the Employment Continuity Agreement for any new officer elected after February 1, 2013.

Other Agreements

Dominion does not have comprehensive employment agreements or severance agreements with its NEOs. Although the CGN Committee believes the compensation and benefit programs described in this CD&A are appropriate, Dominion, as one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, is part of a constantly changing and increasingly competitive environment. In recognition of their valuable knowledge and experience and to secure and retain their services, Dominion has entered into letter agreements with certain of its NEOs to provide certain benefit enhancements or other protections, as described in Dominion Retirement Benefit Restoration Plan, Dominion Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control . No new letter agreements were entered into in 2013.

Other Relevant Compensation Practices

Share Ownership Guidelines

Dominion requires officers to own and retain significant amounts of Dominion stock during their careers to align their interests with those of Dominion’s shareholders by promoting a long-term focus through long-term share ownership. The guidelines ensure that management maintains a personal stake in the company through significant equity investment in the Company. Targeted ownership levels are the lesser of the following value or number of shares:

 

Position

               Value/# of Shares  

Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

     8 x salary/145,000   

Executive Vice President—Dominion

     5 x salary/35,000   

Senior Vice President—Dominion & Subsidiaries/President—Dominion Subsidiaries

     4 x salary/20,000   

Vice President—Dominion & Subsidiaries

     3 x salary/10,000   

The levels of ownership reflect the increasing level of responsibility for that officer’s position. Shares owned by an officer and his or her immediate family members as well as shares held under Dominion benefit plans count toward the ownership targets. Restricted stock, goal-based stock and shares underlying stock options do not count toward the ownership targets until the shares vest or the options are exercised. Dominion prohibits certain types of transactions related to Dominion stock, including owning derivative securities, hedging transactions, using margin accounts and pledging shares as collateral.

Until an officer meets his or her ownership target, an officer must retain all after-tax shares from the vesting of restricted stock and goal-based stock awards. Dominion refers to shares held by an officer that are more than 15% above his or her ownership target as qualifying excess shares. An officer may sell, gift or transfer qualifying excess shares at any time, subject to insider trading rules and other policy provisions as long as the sale, gift or transfer does not cause an executive to fall below his or her ownership target.

 

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At least annually, the CGN Committee reviews the share ownership guidelines and monitors compliance by executive officers, both individually and by the officer group as a whole. As of January 1, 2014, each NEO exceeded his share ownership target as shown below:

 

     Shares
Owned and Counted
Toward Target (1)
     Share
Ownership
Target (2)
 

Thomas F. Farrell II

     625,665         145,000   

Mark F. McGettrick

     176,423         35,000   

Paul D. Koonce

     84,028         35,000   

Robert M. Blue

     24,043         20,000   

Ashwini Sawhney

     21,470         10,000   

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Amounts shown are actual and not reduced by their Dominion Gas allocation factor.

 

  (1) Amounts in this column do not include shares of unvested restricted stock which are not counted toward ownership targets
  (2) Share ownership target is the lesser of salary multiple or number of shares

Recovery of Incentive Compensation

Dominion’s Corporate Governance Guidelines authorize the Board of Directors to seek recovery of performance-based compensation paid to officers who are found to be personally responsible for fraud or intentional misconduct that causes a restatement of financial results filed with the SEC. Dominion’s AIP and long-term incentive performance grant documents include a broader clawback provision that authorizes the CGN Committee, in its discretion and based on facts and circumstances, to recoup AIP and performance grant payouts from any employee whose fraudulent or intentional misconduct (i) directly causes or partially causes the need for a restatement of a financial statement or (ii) relates to or materially affects Dominion’s operations or the employee’s duties at the company. Dominion reserves the right to recover a payout by seeking repayment from the employee, by reducing the amount that would otherwise be payable to the employee under another company benefit plan or compensation program to the extent permitted by applicable law, by withholding future incentive compensation, or any combination of these actions. The clawback provision is in addition to, and not in lieu of, other actions Dominion may take to remedy or discipline misconduct, including termination of employment or a legal action for breach of fiduciary duty, and any actions imposed by law enforcement agencies.

Tax Deductibility of Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Code generally disallows a deduction by publicly held corporations for compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the CEO and the next three most highly compensated officers other than the CFO. If certain requirements are met, performance-based compensation qualifies for an exemption from the Code Section 162(m) deduction limit. Dominion generally seeks to provide competitive executive compensation while maximizing Dominion’s tax deduction. While the CGN Committee considers Code Section 162(m) tax implications when designing annual and long-term incentive compensation programs and approving payouts under such programs, it reserves the right to approve, and in some cases has approved, non-deductible compensation when it feels that corporate objectives justify the cost of being unable to deduct such compensation. Dominion’s tax department has advised the CGN Committee that the cost of any such lost tax deductions has not been material to the company.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

Dominion measures and recognizes compensation expense in accordance with the FASB guidance for share-based payments, which requires that compensation expense relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. The

 

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CGN Committee considers the accounting treatment of equity and performance-based compensation when approving awards.

Summary Compensation Table – An Overview

The Summary Compensation Table provides information in accordance with SEC requirements regarding compensation earned by the NEOs, stock awards made to the NEOs, as well as amounts accrued or accumulated during years reported with respect to retirement plans and other items. The NEOs include the CEO, the CFO, and the three most highly compensated executive officers other than the CEO and CFO.

The amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table and the other tables below represent the prorated compensation amounts attributable to each NEO’s services performed for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries. The percentage of each NEO’s overall Dominion services performed for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries during 2013 was as follows: Mr. Farrell, 13%; Mr. McGettrick, 17%; Mr. Koonce 40%; Mr. Blue, 17%; and Mr. Sawhney, 19%; and during 2012 and 2011, was as follows: Mr. Farrell, 12%; Mr. McGettrick, 19%; and Mr. Koonce, 0%.

The following highlights some of the disclosures contained in this table for the NEOs. Detailed explanations regarding certain types of compensation paid to an NEO are included in the footnotes to the table.

Salary. The amounts in this column are the base salaries earned by the NEOs for the years indicated.

Stock Awards. The amounts in this column reflect the grant date fair value of the stock awards for accounting purposes for the respective year. Stock awards are reported in the year in which the awards are granted regardless of when or if the awards vest or are exercised.

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation . This column includes amounts earned under two performance-based programs: the AIP and cash-based performance grant awards under Dominion’s LTIP. These performance programs are based on performance criteria established by the CGN Committee at the beginning of the performance period, with actual performance scored against the pre-set criteria by the CGN Committee at the end of the performance period.

Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings . This column shows any year-over-year increases in the annual accrual of pension and supplemental retirement benefits for the NEOs. These are accruals for future benefits under the terms of the retirement plans, and are not actual payments made during the year to the NEOs. The amounts disclosed reflect the annual change in the actuarial present value of benefits under defined benefit plans sponsored by Dominion, which include the tax-qualified Dominion Pension Plan and the nonqualified plans described in the narrative following the Pension Benefits table. The annual change equals the difference in the accumulated amount for the current fiscal year and the accumulated amount for the prior fiscal year, generally using the same actuarial assumptions used for Dominion’s audited financial statements for the applicable fiscal year. Accrued benefit calculations are based on assumptions that the NEOs would retire at the earliest age at which they are projected to become eligible for full, unreduced pension benefits (including the effect of future service for eligibility purposes), instead of their unreduced retirement age based on current years of service. The application of these assumptions results in a greater increase in the accumulated amount of pension benefits for certain NEOs than would result without the application of these assumptions. This method of calculation does not increase actual benefits payable at retirement but only how much of that benefit is allocated to the increase during the years presented in the Summary Compensation Table. Please refer to the footnotes to the Pension Benefits table and the narrative following that table for additional information related to actuarial assumptions used to calculate pension benefits.

All Other Compensation. The amounts in this column disclose compensation that is not classified as compensation reportable in another column, including perquisites and benefits with an aggregate value of at least

 

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$10,000, the value of company-paid life insurance premiums, company matching contributions to an NEO’s 401(k) Plan account, and company matching contributions paid directly to the NEO that would be credited to the 401(k) Plan if Code contribution limits did not apply.

Total. The number in this column provides a single figure that represents the total compensation either earned by each NEO for the years indicated or accrued benefits payable in later years and required to be disclosed by SEC rules in this table. It does not reflect actual compensation paid to the NEO during the year, but is the sum of the dollar values of each type of compensation quantified in the other columns in accordance with SEC rules.

Summary Compensation Table

The following table presents information concerning compensation paid or earned by the NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 for Messrs. Farrell, McGettrick and Koonce and for the year ended December 31, 2013 for Messrs. Blue and Sawhney (who are first time NEOs) as well as the grant date fair value of stock awards and changes in pension value. Mr. Koonce did not perform any services for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in 2012 or 2011.

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year     Salary (1)     Stock
Awards (2)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation (3)
    Change in
Pension Value
and Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings (4)
    All Other
Compensation (5)
    Total  

Thomas F. Farrell II

             

Chief Executive Officer

    2013      $ 171,824      $ 535,082      $ 656,823      $ 0      $ 13,533      $ 1,377,262   
    2012        156,060        420,001        386,878        478,627        22,404        1,463,970   
    2011        146,400        420,001        875,640        217,856        19,302        1,679,199   

Mark F. McGettrick

             

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

    2013        123,874        203,249        307,602        0        15,128        649,853   
    2012        129,298        676,878        199,158        484,936        12,972        1,503,242   
    2011        125,732        190,005        395,055        314,389        13,305        1,038,486   

Paul D. Koonce

             

President

    2013        234,618        289,918        462,930        291,919        23,069        1,302,454   
    2012        0        0        0        0        0        0   
    2011        0        0        0        0        0        0   

Robert M. Blue

             

SVP Law, Public Policy & Environment

    2013        74,523        43,208        86,763        19,328        7,182        231,004   

Ashwini Sawhney

             

VP—Accounting

    2013        52,668        27,804        49,648        0        14,229        144,349   

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Compensation for the NEOs listed in the table reflects only the applicable portion related to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in the year presented.

 

(1) The NEOs received the following base salary increases effective March 1, 2013: Messrs. Farrell and Koonce: 3%; Messrs. McGettrick and Blue: 5%; and Mr. Sawhney: 10%. Due to his promotion to CEO-Energy Infrastructure Group on January 1, 2013, Mr. Koonce received a 10% base salary increase effective with this promotion.
(2)

The amounts in this column reflect the grant date fair value of stock awards for the respective year grant in accordance with FASB guidance for share-based payments. Dominion did not grant any stock options in 2013. See also Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Dominion’s 2013 Annual Report on

 

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  Form 10-K for more information on the valuation of stock-based awards, the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table for stock awards granted in 2013, and the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End table for a listing of all outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2013.
(3) The 2013 amounts in this column include the payout under Dominion’s 2013 AIP and 2012 Performance Grant Awards. All of the NEOs received 100% funding of their 2013 AIP target awards. Messrs. Farrell, McGettrick, Blue and Sawhney each received 100% payouts for accomplishment of their goals while Mr. Koonce received 99.97% payout. The 2013 AIP payout amounts were as follows: Mr. Farrell: $215,828; Mr. McGettrick: $124,865; Mr. Koonce: $212,122; Mr. Blue: $52,583; and Mr. Sawhney: $26,740. See CD&A for additional information on the 2013 AIP and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table for the range of each NEO’s potential award under the 2013 AIP. The 2012 Performance Grant Award was issued on February 1, 2012 and the payout amount was determined based on achievement of performance goals for the performance period ended December 31, 2013. Payouts can range from 0% to 200%. The actual payout was 98.9% of the target amount. The 2012 Performance Grant payout amounts were as follows: Mr. Farrell: $440,995; Mr. McGettrick: $182,737; Mr. Koonce: $250,808; Mr. Blue: $34,180; and Mr. Sawhney: $22,908. See Payout Under 2012 Performance Grants of CD&A for additional information on the 2012 Performance Grants. The 2012 amounts reflect both the 2012 AIP and the 2011 Performance Grant payouts, and the 2011 amounts reflect both the 2011 AIP and 2010 Performance Grant payouts.
(4) All amounts in this column are for the aggregate change in the actuarial present value of the NEO’s accumulated benefit under our qualified Pension Plan and nonqualified executive retirement plans. There are no above-market earnings on nonqualified deferred compensation plans. These accruals are not directly in relation to final payout potential, and can vary significantly year over year based on (i) promotions and corresponding changes in salary; (ii) other one-time adjustments to salary or incentive target for market or other reasons; (iii) actual age versus predicted age at retirement; (iv) discount rate used to determine present value of benefit; and (v) other relevant factors. Reductions in the actuarial present value of an NEO’s accumulated pension benefits are reported as $0.

A change in the discount rate can be a significant factor in the change reported in this column. A decrease in the discount rate results in an increase in the present value of the accumulated benefit without any increase in the benefits payable to the NEO at retirement and an increase in the discount rate has the opposite effect. The discount rate used in determining the present value of the accumulated benefit increased from 4.40% used as of December 31, 2012 to a discount rate of 5.30% used as of December 31, 2013. The decrease in present value attributed solely to the change in discount rate was as follows: Mr. Farrell: $(230,298); Mr. McGettrick: $(186,231); Mr. Koonce: $(238,243); Mr. Blue: ($24,169) and Mr. Sawhney: ($35,554).

 

(5) All Other Compensation amounts for 2013 are as follows:

 

Name

   Executive
Perquisites (a)
     Life
Insurance Premiums
     Employee 401(k) Plan
Match (b)
     Company Match Above
IRS Limits (c)
     Total
All Other
Compensation
 

Thomas F. Farrell II

   $ 3,232       $ 3,752       $ 975       $ 5,574       $ 13,533   

Mark F. McGettrick

     5,266         4,907         1,774         3,181         15,128   

Paul D. Koonce

     10,516         5,514         3,043         3,996         23,069   

Robert M. Blue

     3,806         1,140         1,322         914         7,182   

Ashwini Sawhney

     3,162         8,960         1,890         217         14,229   

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Compensation for the NEOs listed in the table reflects only the applicable portion related to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in the year presented.

 

(a) The amounts in this column for all NEOs are comprised of the following: personal use of company vehicle and financial planning and health and wellness allowance.
(b) Employees initially hired before 2008 who contribute to the 401(k) Plan receive a matching contribution of 50 cents for each dollar contributed up to 6% of compensation (subject to IRS limits) for employees who have less than 20 years of service, and 67 cents for each dollar contributed up to 6% of compensation (subject to IRS limits) for employees who have 20 or more years of service.
(c) Represents each payment of lost 401(k) Plan matching contribution due to IRS limits.

 

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Grants of Plan Based Awards

The following table provides information about stock awards and non-equity incentive awards granted to the NEOs during the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Name

  Grant
Date (1)
    Grant
Approval
Date (1)
    Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
    All Other
Stock Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock
or Units
    Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Options
Award (1)(4)
 
      Threshold     Target     Maximum      

Thomas F. Farrell II

             

2013 Annual Incentive Plan (2)

      $ 0      $ 215,827      $ 431,655       

2013 Cash Performance Grant (3)

        0        535,080        1,070,160       

2013 Restricted Stock Grant (4)

    2/1/2013        1/24/2013              9,877      $ 535,082   

Mark F. McGettrick

             

2013 Annual Incentive Plan (2)

        0        124,865        249,730       

2013 Cash Performance Grant (3)

        0        203,246        406,491       

2013 Restricted Stock Grant (4)

    2/1/2013        1/24/2013              3,752        203,249   

Paul D. Koonce

             

2013 Annual Incentive Plan (2)

        0        212,186        424,372       

2013 Cash Performance Grant (3)

        0        289,897        579,794       

2013 Restricted Stock Grant (4)

    2/1/2013        1/24/2013              5,352        289,918   

Robert M. Blue

             

2013 Annual Incentive Plan (2)

        0        52,584        105,167       

2013 Cash Performance Grant (3)

        0        43,200        86,400       

2013 Restricted Stock Grant (4)

    2/1/2013        1/24/2013              797        43,208   

Ashwini Sawhney

             

2013 Annual Incentive Plan (2)

        0        26,739        53,479       

2013 Cash Performance Grant (3)

        0        27,795        55,590       

2013 Restricted Stock Grant (4)

    2/1/2013        1/24/2013              513        27,804   

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Compensation for the NEOs listed in the table reflects only the applicable portion related to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in the year presented.

 

(1) On January 24, 2013, the CGN Committee approved the 2013 long-term incentive compensation awards for our officers, which consisted of a restricted stock grant and a cash performance grant. The 2013 restricted stock award was granted on February 1, 2013. Under the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, fair market value is defined as the closing price of Dominion common stock on the date of grant or, if that day is not a trading day, on the most recent trading day immediately preceding the date of grant. The fair market value for the February 1, 2013 restricted stock grant was $54.17 per share, which was Dominion’s closing stock price on February 1, 2013.
(2) Amounts represent the range of potential payouts under the 2013 AIP. Actual amounts paid under the 2013 AIP are found in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table . Under our AIP, officers are eligible for an annual performance-based award. The CGN Committee establishes target awards for each NEO based on his salary level and expressed as a percentage of the individual NEO’s base salary. The target award is the amount of cash that will be paid if the plan is fully funded and payout goals are achieved. For the 2013 AIP, funding was based on the achievement of consolidated operating earnings goals with the maximum funding capped at 200%, as explained under the Annual Incentive Plan section of the CD&A.
(3)

Amounts represent the range of potential payouts under the 2013 performance grant of our long-term incentive program. Payouts can range from 0% to 200% of the target award. Awards will be paid by March 15, 2015 depending on the achievement of performance goals for the two-year period ending

 

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  December 31, 2014. The amount earned will depend on the level of achievement of two performance metrics: TSR—50% and ROIC—50%. TSR measures Dominion’s share performance for the two-year period ended December 31, 2014 relative to the TSR of the companies that are listed as members of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Utilities Index as of the end of the performance period. ROIC goal achievement will be scored against 2013 and 2014 budget goals. See Exhibit 10.1 to Dominion’s Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2013 for TSR and ROIC goals.

The performance grant is forfeited in its entirety if an officer voluntarily terminates employment or is terminated with cause before the vesting date. The grants have pro-rated vesting for retirement, termination without cause, death or disability. In the case of retirement, pro-rated vesting will not occur if the CEO (or, for the CEO, the CGN Committee) determines the officer’s retirement is detrimental to the company. Payout for an officer who retires or whose employment is terminated without cause, is made following the end of the performance period so that the officer is rewarded only to the extent the performance goals are achieved. In the case of death or disability, payout is made as soon as possible to facilitate the administration of the officer’s estate or financial planning. The payout amount will be the greater of the officer’s target award or an amount based on the predicted performance used for compensation cost disclosure purposes in Dominion’s financial statements.

In the event of a change in control, the performance grant is vested in its entirety and payout of the performance grant will occur as soon as administratively feasible following the change in control date at an amount that is the greater of an officer’s target award or an amount based on the predicted performance used for compensation cost disclosure purposes in Dominion’s financial statements.

 

(4) The 2013 restricted stock grant fully vests at the end of three years. The restricted stock grant is forfeited in its entirety if an officer voluntarily terminates employment or is terminated with cause before the vesting date. The restricted stock grant provides for pro-rated vesting if an officer retires, dies, becomes disabled, is terminated without cause, or if there is a change in control. In the case of retirement, pro-rated vesting will not occur if the CEO (or for the CEO, the CGN Committee) determines the officer’s retirement is detrimental to the Company. In the event of a change in control, pro-rated vesting is provided as of the change in control date, and full vesting if an officer’s employment is terminated, or constructively terminated by the successor entity following the change in control date but before the scheduled vesting date. Dividends on the restricted shares are paid during the restricted period at the same rate declared by Dominion for all shareholders.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

The following table summarizes equity awards made to NEOs that were outstanding as of December 31, 2013. There were no unexercised or unexercisable option awards outstanding for any NEOs as of December 31, 2013.

 

    Stock Awards  

Name

  Number of Shares or Units of
Stock that Have Not Vested (#)
    Market Value of Shares or Units
of Stock That Have Not Vested  (1) ($)
 

Thomas F. Farrell II

    10,241 (2)     $ 662,490   
    8,843 (3)       572,054   
    9,877 (4)       638,943   
    14,347 (5)       928,107   

Mark F. McGettrick

    3,994 (2)       258,372   
    3,664 (3)       237,024   
    3,752 (4)       242,717   
    8,648 (6)       559,439   

Paul D. Koonce

    5,139 (2)       332,442   
    5,029 (3)       325,326   
    5,352 (4)       346,221   
    11,869 (6)       767,806   

Robert M. Blue

    793 (2)       51,299   
    685 (3)       44,313   
    797 (4)       51,558   

Ashwini Sawhney

    531 (2)       34,350   
    459 (3)       29,693   
    513 (4)       33,186   
    718 (7)       46,447   

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Compensation for the NEOs listed in the table reflects only the applicable portion related to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in the year presented.

 

(1) The market value is based on closing stock price of $64.69 on December 31, 2013.
(2) Shares scheduled to vest on February 1, 2014.
(3) Shares scheduled to vest on February 1, 2015.
(4) Shares scheduled to vest on February 1, 2016.
(5) Shares scheduled to vest on December 17, 2015. Amount includes dividends reinvested into additional shares that are restricted and subject to the same terms and conditions of the underlying restricted stock grant.
(6) Shares scheduled to vest on December 20, 2015. Amount includes dividends reinvested into additional shares that are restricted and subject to the same terms and conditions of the underlying restricted stock grant.
(7) Shares scheduled to vest on February 1, 2014. Amount includes dividends reinvested into additional shares that are restricted and subject to the same terms and conditions of the underlying restricted stock grant.

 

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Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table provides information about the value realized by NEOs during the year ended December 31, 2013 on vested restricted stock awards. There were no option exercises by NEOs in 2013.

 

     Stock Awards  

Name

   Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
     Value Realized
on Vesting
 

Thomas F. Farrell II

     11,903       $ 644,786   

Mark F. McGettrick

     4,178         226,322   

Paul D. Koonce

     5,973         323,557   

Robert M. Blue

     692         37,486   

Ashwini Sawhney

                         618                 33,477   

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Compensation for the NEOs listed in the table reflects only the applicable portion related to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in the year presented.

Pension Benefits

The following table shows the actuarial present value of accumulated benefits payable to NEOs, together with the number of years of benefit service credited to each NEO, under the plans listed in the table. Values are computed as of December 31, 2013, using the same interest rate and mortality assumptions used in determining the aggregate pension obligations disclosed in Dominion’s financial statements. The years of credited service and the present value of accumulated benefits were determined by the plan actuaries, using the appropriate accrued service, pay and other assumptions similar to those used for accounting and disclosure purposes. Please refer to Actuarial Assumptions Used to Calculate Pension Benefits for detailed information regarding these assumptions.

 

Name

  

Plan Name

   Number of Years
Credited Service (1)
     Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit (2)
 

Thomas F. Farrell II

   Dominion Pension Plan      18.00       $ 132,826   
   Benefit Restoration Plan      29.00         1,364,609   
   Supplemental Retirement Plan      29.00         1,641,696   

Mark F. McGettrick

   Dominion Pension Plan      29.50         257,309   
   Benefit Restoration Plan      30.00         1,040,840   
   Supplemental Retirement Plan      30.00         1,137,108   

Paul D. Koonce

   Dominion Pension Plan      15.00         269,732   
   Benefit Restoration Plan      15.00         385,656   
   Supplemental Retirement Plan      15.00         1,857,927   

Robert M. Blue

   Dominion Pension Plan      8.50         46,256   
   Benefit Restoration Plan      8.50         28,236   
   Supplemental Retirement Plan      8.50         88,683   

Ashwini Sawhney

   Dominion Pension Plan      30.00         341,590   
   Benefit Restoration Plan      30.00         17,758   
   Supplemental Retirement Plan                          30.00                         182,552   

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Compensation for the NEOs listed in the table reflects only the applicable portion related to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in the year presented.

 

(1)

Years of credited service shown in this column for the Pension Plan are actual years accrued by an NEO from his date of participation to December 31, 2013. Service for the Benefit Restoration Plan and the Supplemental Retirement Plan is the NEO’s actual credited service as of December 31, 2013 plus any potential total credited service to the plan maximum, including any extra years of credited service granted to Messrs. Farrell and McGettrick by the CGN Committee for the purpose of calculating benefits under these

 

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  plans. Please refer to the narrative below and under Dominion Retirement Benefit Restoration Plan, Dominion Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan and Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control for information about the requirements for receiving extra years of credited service and the amount credited, if any, for each NEO.
(2) The amounts in this column are based on actuarial assumptions that all of the NEOs would retire at the earliest age they become eligible for unreduced benefits, which is (i) age 60 for Messrs. Farrell, Koonce and Blue, (ii) age 64 for Mr. Sawhney and (ii) age 55 for Mr. McGettrick (when he would be treated as age 60 based on his five additional years of credited age). In addition, for purposes of calculating the Benefit Restoration Plan benefits for Messrs. Farrell and McGettrick, the amounts reflect additional credited years of service granted to them pursuant to their agreements with the company (see Dominion Retirement Benefit Restoration Plan ). If the amounts in this column did not include the additional years of credited service, the present value of the Benefit Restoration Plan benefit would be $618,251 lower for Mr. Farrell and $430,961 lower for Mr. McGettrick. Pension Plan and Supplemental Retirement Plan benefits amounts are not augmented by the additional service credit assumptions.

Dominion Pension Plan

The Dominion Pension Plan is a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan. All of the NEOs participate in the Dominion Pension Plan. The Dominion Pension Plan provides unreduced retirement benefits at termination of employment at or after age 65 or, with three years of service, at age 60. A participant who has attained age 55 with three years of service may elect early retirement benefits at a reduced amount. If a participant retires between ages 55 and 60, the benefit is reduced 0.25% per month for each month after age 58 and before age 60, and reduced 0.50% per month for each month between ages 55 and 58. All of the NEOs have more than three years of service.

The Dominion Pension Plan basic benefit is calculated using a formula based on (1) age at retirement; (2) final average earnings; (3) estimated Social Security benefits; and (4) credited service. Final average earnings are the average of the participant’s 60 highest consecutive months of base pay during the last 120 months worked. Final average earnings do not include compensation payable under the AIP, the value of equity awards, gains from the exercise of stock options, long-term cash incentive awards, perquisites or any other form of compensation other than base pay.

Credited service is measured in months, up to a maximum of 30 years of credited service. The estimated Social Security benefit taken into account is the assumed Social Security benefit payable starting at age 65 or actual retirement date, if later, assuming that the participant has no further employment after leaving Dominion. These factors are then applied in a formula.

The formula has different percentages for credited service through December 31, 2000 and on and after January 1, 2001. The benefit is the sum of the amounts from the following two formulas.

 

For credited service through December 31, 2000:

 

For credited service on or after January 1, 2001:

2.03% times Final Average Earnings times Credited Service before 2001     Minus         2.00% times estimated Social Security benefit times Credited Service before 2001   1.80% times Final Average Earnings times Credited Service after 2000     Minus         1.50% times estimated Social Security benefit times Credited Service after 2000

Credited service is limited to a total of 30 years for all parts of the formula and credited service after 2000 is limited to 30 years minus credited service before 2001.

Benefit payment options are (1) a single life annuity or (2) a choice of a 50%, 75% or 100% joint and survivor annuity. A Social Security leveling option is available with any of the benefit forms. The normal form of benefit is a single life annuity for unmarried participants and a 50% joint and survivor annuity for married

 

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participants. All of the payment options are actuarially equivalent in value to the single life annuity. The Social Security leveling option pays a larger benefit equal to the estimated Social Security benefit until the participant is age 62 and then reduced payments after age 62.

The Dominion Pension Plan also includes a special retirement account, which is in addition to the pension benefit. The special retirement account is credited with 2% of base pay each month as well as interest based on the 30-year Treasury bond rate set annually (2.88% in 2013). The special retirement account can be paid in a lump sum or paid in the form of an annuity benefit.

A participant becomes vested in his or her benefit after completing three years of service. A vested participant who terminates employment before age 55 can start receiving benefit payments calculated using terminated vested reduction factors at any time after attaining age 55. If payments begin before age 65, then the following reduction factors for the portion of the benefits earned after 2000 apply: age 64 – 9%; age 63 – 16%; age 62 – 23%; age 61 – 30%; age 60 – 35%; age 59 – 40%; age 58 – 44%; age 57 – 48%; age 56 – 52%; and age 55 – 55%.

The Code limits the amount of compensation that may be included in determining pension benefits under qualified pension plans. For 2013, the compensation limit was $255,000. The Code also limits the total annual benefit that may be provided to a participant under a qualified defined benefit plan. For 2013, this limitation was the lesser of (i) $205,000 or (ii) the average of the participant’s compensation during the three consecutive years in which the participant had the highest aggregate compensation.

Dominion Retirement Benefit Restoration Plan

The Dominion BRP is a nonqualified defined benefit pension plan designed to make up for benefit reductions under the Dominion Pension Plan due to the limits imposed by the Code.

A Dominion employee is eligible to participate in the BRP if (1) he or she is a member of management or a highly compensated employee, (2) his or her Dominion Pension Plan benefit is or has been limited by the Code compensation or benefit limits, and (3) he or she has been designated as a participant by the CGN Committee. A participant remains a participant until he or she ceases to be eligible for any reason other than retirement or until his or her status as a participant is revoked by the CGN Committee.

Upon retirement, a participant’s BRP benefit is calculated using the same formula (except that the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) salary limit is not applied) used to determine the participant’s default annuity form of benefit under the Dominion Pension Plan (single life annuity for unmarried participants and 50% joint and survivor annuity for married participants), and then subtracting the benefit the participant is entitled to receive under the Dominion Pension Plan. To accommodate the enactment of Section 409A of the Code, the portion of a participant’s BRP benefit that had accrued as of December 31, 2004 is frozen, but the calculation of the overall restoration benefit is not changed.

The restoration benefit is generally paid in the form of a single lump sum cash payment. However, a participant may elect to receive a single life or 50% or 100% joint and survivor annuity for the portion of his or her benefit that accrued prior to 2005. For the portion of his or her benefit that accrued in 2005 or later, a participant may also elect to receive a 75% joint and survivor annuity. The lump sum calculation includes an amount approximately equivalent to the amount of taxes the participant will owe on the lump sum payment so that the participant will have sufficient funds, on an after-tax basis, to purchase an annuity contract.

A participant who terminates employment before he or she is eligible for benefits under the Dominion Pension Plan generally is not entitled to a restoration benefit. Messrs. Farrell and McGettrick have been granted age and service credits for purposes of calculating their Dominion Pension Plan and BRP benefits. Per his letter agreement, Mr. Farrell was granted 25 years of service when he reached age 55 and will continue to accrue

 

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service as long as he remains employed. At age 60, Mr. Farrell’s benefits will be calculated based on 30 years of service, if he remains employed. Mr. McGettrick, having attained age 50, has earned benefits calculated based on five additional years of age and service. For each of these NEOs, the additional years of service count toward determining both the amount of benefits and the eligibility to receive them. For additional information regarding service credits, see Dominion Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan .

If a vested participant dies when he or she is retirement eligible (on or after age 55), the participant’s beneficiary will receive the restoration benefit in a single lump sum payment. If a participant dies while employed but before he or she has attained age 55 and the participant is married at the time of death, the participant’s spouse will receive a restoration benefit calculated in the same way (except that the IRS salary limit is not applied) as the 50% qualified pre-retirement survivor annuity payable under the Dominion Pension Plan and paid in a lump sum payment.

Dominion Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan

The Dominion ESRP is a nonqualified defined benefit plan that provides for an annual retirement benefit equal to 25% of a participant’s final cash compensation (base salary plus target annual incentive award) payable for a period of 10 years or, for certain participants designated by the CGN Committee, for the participant’s lifetime. To accommodate the enactment of Section 409A of the Code, the portion of a participant’s ESRP benefit that had accrued as of December 31, 2004 is frozen, but the calculation of the overall benefit is not changed. Effective July 1, 2013, the ESRP is closed to any new participants.

A Dominion employee is eligible to participate in the ESRP if (1) he or she is a member of management or a highly compensated employee, and (2) he or she has been designated as a participant by the CGN Committee. A participant remains a participant until he or she ceases to be eligible for any reason other than retirement or until his or her status as a participant is revoked by the CGN Committee.

A participant is entitled to the full ESRP benefit if he or she separates from service with Dominion after reaching age 55 and achieving 60 months of service. A participant who separates from service with Dominion with at least 60 months of service but who has not yet reached age 55 is entitled to a reduced, pro-rated retirement benefit. A participant who separates from service with Dominion with fewer than 60 months of service is generally not entitled to an ESRP benefit unless the participant separated from service on account of disability or death.

The ESRP benefit is generally paid in the form of a single lump sum cash payment. However, a participant may elect to receive the portion of his or her benefit that had accrued as of December 31, 2004 in monthly installments. For any new participants, the ESRP benefit must be paid in the form of a single lump sum cash payment. The lump sum calculation includes an amount approximately equivalent to the amount of taxes the participant will owe on the lump sum payment so that the participant will have sufficient funds, on an after-tax basis, to purchase a 10-year or lifetime annuity contract.

All of the NEOs except Messrs. Koonce and Blue are currently entitled to a full ESRP retirement benefit. If Messrs. Koonce and Blue terminate employment before they attain age 55, they will receive a pro-rated ESRP benefit. Based on the terms of their individual letter agreements, Messrs. Farrell, McGettrick and Koonce will receive an ESRP benefit calculated as a lifetime benefit. Mr. McGettrick has earned five years of additional age and service credit for purposes of computing his retirement benefits and eligibility for benefits under the ESRP, long-term incentive grants, and retiree medical and life insurance plans as he has met the requirement of remaining employed until he attained age 50.

Actuarial Assumptions Used to Calculate Pension Benefits

Actuarial assumptions used to calculate Dominion Pension Plan benefits are prescribed by the terms of the Dominion Pension Plan based on the Code and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation requirements. The present

 

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value of the accumulated benefit is calculated using actuarial and other factors as determined by the plan actuaries and approved by Dominion. Actuarial assumptions used for the December 31, 2013 benefit calculations shown in the Pension Benefits table include a discount rate of 5.30% to determine the present value of the future benefit obligations for the Dominion Pension Plan, BRP and ESRP and a lump sum interest rate of 4.55% to estimate the lump sum values of BRP and ESRP benefits. Each NEO is assumed to retire at the earliest age at which he is projected to become eligible for full, unreduced pension benefits. For purposes of estimating future eligibility for unreduced Dominion Pension Plan and ESRP benefits, the effect of future service is considered. Each NEO is assumed to commence Dominion Pension Plan payments at the same age as BRP payments. The longevity assumption used to determine the present value of benefits is the same assumption used for financial reporting of the Dominion Pension Plan liabilities, with no assumed mortality before retirement age. Assumed mortality after retirement is based on tables from the Society of Actuaries’ RP-2000 study, projected from 2000 to a point five years beyond the calculation date (this year, to 2018) with 100% of the Scale AA factors, and further adjusted for Dominion experience by using an age set-forward factor. For BRP and ESRP benefits, other actuarial assumptions include an assumed tax rate of 42%. BRP and ESRP benefits are assumed to be paid as lump sums; Dominion Pension Plan benefits are assumed to be paid as annuities.

The discount rate for calculating lump sum BRP and ESRP payments at the time an officer terminates employment is selected by Dominion’s Administrative Benefits Committee and adjusted periodically. For year 2013, a 4.61% discount rate was used to determine the lump sum payout amounts. The discount rate for each year will be based on a rolling average of the blended rate published by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation in October of the previous five years.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

Name

   Aggregate Earnings in
Last FY
(as of 12/31/2013)*
     Aggregate
Withdrawals/
Distributions
(as of 12/31/2013)
     Aggregate Balance at
Last FYE
(as of 12/31/2013)
 

Thomas F. Farrell II

   $ —         $                 —         $ —     

Mark F. McGettrick

     —           —           —     

Paul D. Koonce

                 104,038         —                           656,830   

Robert M. Blue

     —           —           —     

Ashwini Sawhney

     —           —           —     

 

  * No preferential earnings are paid and therefore no earnings from these plans are included in the Summary Compensation Table.

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Compensation for the NEOs listed in the table reflects only the applicable portion related to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in the year presented.

At this time, Dominion does not offer any nonqualified elective deferred compensation plans to its officers or other employees. The Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table reflects, in aggregate, the plan balances for two former plans offered to Dominion officers and other highly compensated employees: the Dominion Resources, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (“Frozen Deferred Compensation Plan”) and the Dominion Resources, Inc. Security Option Plan (“Frozen DSOP”), which were frozen as of December 31, 2004. Although the Frozen DSOP was an option plan rather than a deferred compensation plan, Dominion is including information regarding the plan and any balances in this table to make full disclosure about possible future payments to officers under Dominion’s employee benefit plans.

Frozen Deferred Compensation Plan

The Frozen Deferred Compensation Plan includes amounts previously deferred from one of the following categories of compensation: (i) salary; (ii) bonus; (iii) vesting restricted stock; and (iv) gains from stock option

 

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exercises. The plan also provided for company contributions of lost company 401(k) Plan match contributions and transfers from several Consolidated Natural Gas Company deferred compensation plans. The Frozen Deferred Compensation Plan offers 28 investment funds for the plan balances, including a Dominion Resources Stock Fund. Participants may change investment elections on any business day. Any vested restricted stock and gains from stock option exercises that were deferred were automatically allocated to the Dominion Resources Stock Fund and this allocation cannot be changed. Earnings are calculated based on the performance of the underlying investment fund. The following funds had rates of returns for 2013 as follows: Dominion Resources Stock Fund, 29.8%; and Dominion Fixed Income Fund, 3.01%.

The Dominion Fixed Income Fund is an investment option that provides a fixed rate of return each year based on a formula that is tied to the adjusted federal long-term rate published by the IRS in November prior to the beginning of the year. Dominion’s Asset Management Committee determines the rate based on its estimate of the rate of return on Dominion assets in the trust for the Frozen Deferred Compensation Plan.

The default benefit commencement date is February 28 after the year in which the participant retires, but the participant may select a different benefit commencement date in accordance with the plan. Participants may change their benefit commencement date election; however, a new election must be made at least six months before an existing benefit commencement date. Withdrawals less than six months prior to an existing benefit commencement date are subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Account balances must be fully paid out no later than the February 28 that is 10 calendar years after a participant retires or becomes disabled. If a participant retires from the company, he or she may continue to defer an account balance provided that the total balance is distributed by this deadline. In the event of termination of employment for reasons other than death, disability or retirement before an elected benefit commencement date, benefit payments will be distributed in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable. Hardship distributions, prior to an elected benefit commencement date, are available under certain limited circumstances.

Participants may elect to have their benefit paid in a lump sum payment or equal annual installments over a period of whole years from one to 10 years. Participants have the ability to change their distribution schedule for benefits under the plan by giving six months’ notice to the plan administrator. Once a participant begins receiving annual installment payments, the participant can make a one-time election to either (1) receive the remaining account balance in the form of a lump sum distribution or (2) change the remaining installment payment period. Any election must be approved by the company before it is effective. All distributions are made in cash with the exception of the Deferred Restricted Stock Account and the Deferred Stock Option Account, which are distributed in the form of Dominion common stock.

Frozen DSOP

The Frozen DSOP enabled employees to defer all or a portion of their salary and bonus and receive options on various mutual funds. Participants also received lost company match contributions to the 401(k) Plan in the form of options under this plan. DSOP options can be exercised at any time before their expiration date. On exercise, the participant receives the excess of the value, if any, of the underlying mutual funds over the strike price. The participant can currently choose among options on 27 mutual funds, and there is not a Dominion stock alternative or a fixed income fund. Participants may change options among the mutual funds on any business day. Benefits grow/decline based on the total return of the mutual funds selected. Any options that expire do not have any value. Options expire under the following terms:

 

    Options expire on the last day of the 120th month after retirement or disability;

 

    Options expire on the last day of the 24th month after the participant’s death (while employed);

 

    Options expire on the last day of the 12th month after the participant’s severance;

 

    Options expire on the 90th day after termination with cause; and

 

    Options expire on the last day of the 120th month after severance following a change in control.

 

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The NEOs that are participants in the Frozen DSOP held options on the publicly available mutual fund, Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index, which had a rate of return for 2013 of 0.07%.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change In Control

Under certain circumstances, the Company provides benefits to eligible employees upon termination of employment, including a termination of employment involving a change in control of the company, that are in addition to termination benefits for other employees in the same situation.

Change in Control

As discussed in the Employee and Executive Benefits section of the CD&A, Dominion has entered into an Employment Continuity Agreement with each of its officers, including the NEOs. Each agreement has a three-year term and is automatically extended annually for an additional year, unless cancelled by Dominion. Employment Continuity Agreements require two triggers for the payment of most benefits:

 

    There must be a change in control; and

 

    The executive must either be terminated without cause, or terminate his or her employment with the surviving company after a constructive termination. Constructive termination means the executive’s salary, incentive compensation or job responsibility is reduced after a change in control or the executive’s work location is relocated more than 50 miles without his or her consent.

For purposes of the Employment Continuity Agreements, a change in control will occur if (i) any person or group becomes a beneficial owner of 20% or more of the combined voting power of Dominion voting stock or (ii) as a direct or indirect result of, or in connection with, a cash tender or exchange offer, merger or other business combination, sale of assets, or contested election, the directors constituting the Dominion Board of Directors before any such transaction cease to represent a majority of Dominion’s or its successor’s Board within two years after the last of such transactions.

If an executive’s employment following a change in control is terminated without cause or due to a constructive termination, the executive will become entitled to the following termination benefits:

 

    Lump sum severance payment equal to three times base salary plus AIP award (determined as the greater of (i) the target annual award for the current year or (ii) the highest actual AIP payout for any one of the three years preceding the year in which the change in control occurs).

 

    Full vesting of benefits under ESRP and BRP with five years of additional credited age and five years of additional credited service from the change in control date.

 

    Group-term life insurance. If the officer elects to convert group-term insurance to an individual policy, the company pays the premiums for 12 months.

 

    Executive life insurance. Premium payments will continue to be paid by the company until the earlier of: (1) the fifth anniversary of the termination date, or (2) the later of the 10th anniversary of the policy or the date the officer attains age 64.

 

    Retiree medical coverage will be determined under the relevant plan with additional age and service credited as provided under an officer’s letter agreement (if any) and including five additional years credited to age and five additional years credited to service.

 

    Outplacement services for one year (up to $25,000).

 

    If any payments are classified as excess parachute payments for purposes of Section 280G of the IRC and the executive incurs the excise tax, the company will pay the executive an amount equal to the 280G excise tax plus a gross-up multiple.

 

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In January 2013, the CGN Committee approved the elimination of the excise tax gross up provision included in the Employment Continuity Agreement for any new officer elected after February 1, 2013.

The terms of awards made under the LTIP, rather than the terms of Employment Continuity Agreements, will determine the vesting of each award in the event of a change in control. These provisions are described in the Long-Term Incentive Program section of the CD&A and footnotes to the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table.

Other Post Employment Benefit for Mr. Farrell

Mr. Farrell will become entitled to a payment of one times salary upon his retirement as consideration for his agreement not to compete with the company for a two-year period following retirement. This agreement ensures that his knowledge and services will not be available to competitors for two years following his retirement date.

The following table provides the incremental payments that would be earned by each NEO if his employment had been terminated, or constructively terminated, as of December 31, 2013. These benefits are in addition to retirement benefits that would be payable on any termination of employment. Please refer to the Pension Benefits table for information related to the present value of accumulated retirement benefits payable to the NEOs.

 

Name

  Non-Qualified
Plan Payment
    Restricted
Stock (1)
    Performance
Grant (1)
    Non-Compete
Payments (2)
    Severance
Payments
    Retiree Medical
and Executive
Life Insurance (3)
    Outplacement
Services
    Excise Tax
& Tax
Gross-Up
    Total  

Thomas F. Farrell II (4)

                 

Retirement

  $ —        $ 1,204,842      $ 255,908      $ 172,662      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 1,633,412   

Death / Disability

    —          1,777,190        255,908        —          —          —          —          —          2,033,098   

Change in Control (5)

    133,470        1,241,106        279,172        —          1,271,121        —          3,185        —          2,928,054   

Mark F. McGettrick (4)

                 

Retirement

    —          476,814        97,204        —          —          —          —          —          574,018   

Death / Disability

    —          678,845        97,204        —          —          —          —          —          776,049   

Change in Control (5)

    —          820,838        106,042        —          829,625        —          4,348        —          1,760,853   

Paul D. Koonce

                 

Termination Without Cause

    —          636,883        138,646        —          —          —          —          —          775,529   

Voluntary Termination

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Termination With Cause

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Death / Disability

    —          914,163        138,646        —          —          —          —          —          1,052,809   

Change in Control (5)

    1,097,782        1,135,061        151,251        —          1,423,884        35,504        9,945        1,703,022        5,556,449   

Robert M. Blue

                 

Termination Without Cause

    —          94,011        20,661        —          —          —          —          —          114,672   

Voluntary Termination

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Termination With Cause

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Death / Disability

    —          94,011        20,661        —          —          —          —          —          114,672   

Change in Control (5)

    151,817        53,288        22,539        —          321,430        —          4,320        247,298        800,692   

Ashwini Sawhney (4)

                 

Retirement

    —          62,585        13,293        —          —          —          —          —          75,878   

Termination Without Cause

    —          107,740        13,293        —          —          —          —          —          121,033   

Death / Disability

    —          107,740        13,293        —          —          —          —          —          121,033   

Change in Control (5)

    —          81,212        14,502        —          237,092        —          4,633        —          337,439   

Note: The NEOs included in this table perform services for more than one subsidiary of Dominion. Compensation for the NEOs listed in the table reflects only the applicable portion related to their service for Dominion Gas and its subsidiaries in the year presented.

 

(1)

Grants made in 2011, 2012 and 2013 under the long-term incentive program vest pro rata upon termination without cause, death or disability. These grants vest pro rata upon retirement provided the CEO of Dominion (or in the case of the CEO, the CGN Committee) determines the NEO’s retirement is not detrimental to the company; amounts shown assume this determination was made. However, the December

 

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  2010 restricted stock award issued to Mr. Farrell and the December 2012 restricted stock awards issued to Messrs. McGettrick and Koonce do not vest prorated if the executive is terminated or leaves for any reason other than following change of control, death or disability. The amounts shown in the restricted stock column are based on the closing stock price of $64.69 on December 31, 2013.
(2) Pursuant to a letter agreement dated February 27, 2003, Mr. Farrell will be entitled to a special payment of one times salary upon retirement in exchange for a two-year non-compete agreement. Mr. Farrell would not be entitled to this non-compete payment in the event of his death.
(3) Amounts in this column represent the value of the annual incremental benefit the NEOs would receive for executive life insurance and retiree medical coverage. Mr. McGettrick is eligible for retiree medical and executive life insurance upon any termination due to his letter agreement. Messrs. Farrell and Sawhney are entitled to executive life insurance coverage and retiree medical benefit upon any termination since they are retirement eligible and have completed 10 years of service. Mr. Koonce is eligible for retiree medical and executive life insurance upon a change in control. Mr. Blue is not eligible for retiree medical or executive life insurance even upon a change in control because even with the extra age provided under the change in control this will not allow him to qualify for these benefits.
(4) For the NEOs who are eligible for retirement (Messrs. Farrell, McGettrick and Sawhney), this table above assumes they would retire in connection with any termination event, unless there is a greater benefit upon termination without cause.
(5) Change in control amounts assume that a change in control and a termination or constructive termination takes place on December 31, 2013. The amounts indicated upon a change in control are the incremental amounts attributable to five years of additional age and service credited pursuant to the Employment Continuity Agreements that each NEO would receive over the amounts payable upon a retirement (Messrs. Farrell, McGettrick and Sawhney) or termination without cause (Messrs. Koonce and Blue). The restricted stock and performance grant amounts represent the value of the awards upon a change in control that is above what would be received upon a retirement or termination without cause.

 

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SECURITIES OWNERSHIP

Dominion is the sole member of Dominion Gas. As of March 21, 2014, there were 581,604,130 shares of Dominion common stock outstanding.

The following table sets forth information as of March 21, 2014 with respect to the beneficial ownership of common shares of Dominion, our parent company, by:

 

    each Dominion Gas director;

 

    each of the Dominion Gas NEOs; and

 

    all Dominion Gas directors and executive officers as a group.

 

     Beneficial Ownership of Dominion Common
Stock as of March 21, 2014
 

Name of
Beneficial Owner

   Shares      Restricted
Shares
     Total (1)  

Thomas F. Farrell II

     666,943         322,383         989,326   

Mark F. McGettrick

     190,071         110,021         300,092   

Paul D. Koonce

     75,796         66,925         142,721   

Mark O. Webb

     5,681         3,430         9,111   

Michele L. Cardiff

     4,610         4,187         8,797   

Robert M. Blue

     27,136         12,265         39,401   

Ashwini Sawhney

     25,967         7,459         33,426   

All directors and executive officers as a group (5 persons) (2)

     943,101         506,946         1,450,047   

 

(1) No individual director or executive officer has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of shares within 60 days of March 21, 2014. Unless otherwise noted, all shares are held directly by the director or executive officer and such person has sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares. Includes shares as to which voting and/or investment power is shared with or controlled by another person as follows: Mr. Farrell, 20,000 (shares held jointly); Mr. Webb, 409 (shares held jointly) and 90 (shares held by spouse); and all directors and executive officers as a group, 20,499.
(2) Neither any individual director or executive officer, nor all of the directors or executive officers as a group, own more than 1 percent of the shares outstanding as of March 21, 2014.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Dominion Gas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion. Dominion Gas’ Board is comprised of Messrs. Farrell, McGettrick and Webb. These individuals are also executive officers of Dominion Gas, as well as Dominion and certain other Dominion subsidiaries. Related-person transactions have the potential to arise in circumstances that involve Dominion Gas’ directors and executive officers, and that involve Dominion and its subsidiaries and affiliates other than Dominion Gas.

Directors and Officers

Dominion’s Board of Directors, nearly all of whose members are independent, is primarily responsible for developing and implementing processes and controls to obtain information from its directors, executive officers and significant shareholders regarding related-person transactions in which Dominion, including Dominion Gas, is a participant and then determining, based on the facts and circumstances, whether a related person has a direct or indirect material interest in these transactions. The group of related persons subject to these processes and controls includes the Dominion Gas directors and executive officers.

The Dominion Board has adopted related party transaction guidelines for the purpose of identifying potential conflicts of interest arising out of financial transactions, arrangements and relations between Dominion and any related person that also apply to Dominion Gas. Under Dominion’s guidelines, a related person is a director, executive officer, director nominee, beneficial owner of more than 5% of Dominion’s common stock or any immediate family member of one of the foregoing persons. A related party transaction is any financial transaction, arrangement or relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness) or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships in excess of $120,000 in which Dominion (and/or any of its consolidated subsidiaries, including Dominion Gas) is a participant and in which the related person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

In determining whether a direct or indirect interest is material, the significance of the information to investors in light of all circumstances is considered. The importance of the interest to the person having the interest, the relationship of the parties to the transaction with each other and the amount involved are among the factors considered in determining the significance of the information to investors.

The CGN Committee of Dominion has reviewed certain categories of transactions and determined that transactions between Dominion (or Dominion Gas, as a consolidated subsidiary of Dominion) and a related person that fall within such categories will not result in the related person receiving a direct or indirect material interest. Under these guidelines, such transactions are not deemed related party transactions and, therefore, are not subject to review by the CGN Committee. The categories of excluded transactions include, among other items, compensation and expense reimbursements paid to directors and executive officers in the ordinary course of performing their duties; transactions with other companies where the related party’s only relationship is as an employee, if the aggregate amount involved does not exceed the greater of $1 million or 2% of that company’s gross revenues; and charitable contributions that are less than the greater of $1 million or 2% of the charity’s annual receipts. The full text of the guidelines can be found on Dominion’s website at http://www.dom.com/investors/corporategovernance/pdf/related_party_guidelines.pdf.

Dominion collects information about potential related party transactions in its annual questionnaires completed by directors and executive officers, including the directors and executive officers of Dominion Gas. Dominion’s management reviews the potential related party transactions and assesses whether any of the identified transactions constitutes a related party transaction. Any identified related party transaction is then reported to the CGN Committee. The CGN Committee reviews and considers relevant facts and circumstances and determines whether to approve or ratify the related party transactions identified. The CGN Committee may approve or ratify only those related party transactions that are in, or are not inconsistent with, the best interests of Dominion (or Dominion Gas, as a consolidated subsidiary of Dominion) and that are in compliance with Dominion’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct.

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2013, other than the related party transactions described below (in which Dominion Gas’ executive officers and directors had no interest other than their roles as executive officers of Dominion and its subsidiaries, including Dominion Gas, for which they were compensated in the ordinary course) and other transactions not required to be approved under Dominion’s related-party transaction guidelines, there were no related-party transactions involving Dominion Gas and its executive officers or directors.

Related Party Transactions

Dominion Gas engages in a variety of transactions with other Dominion subsidiaries and related parties. The terms of the transactions and agreements disclosed below were determined by and among these entities and, consequently, are not the result of arm’s length negotiations. These terms are not necessarily at least as favorable to the parties to these transactions and agreements as the terms that could have been obtained from unrelated third parties.

Issuance of Membership Interests

On September 30, 2013, Dominion contributed its wholly-owned subsidiaries DTI, East Ohio and Dominion Iroquois to Dominion Gas in exchange for 100% of its limited liability company membership interests.

Distributions

Dominion Gas paid cash distributions in the amount of $318 million to its parent, Dominion, during 2013 and expects to continue to make cash distributions to Dominion in the future.

Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreements

To meet our short-term borrowing needs, we have entered into the IRCA under which Dominion provides daily cash requirements not met by our internal cash flows. The IRCA has a limit of $2.5 billion. Similarly, we have entered into intercompany short-term credit agreements with several of our operating subsidiaries. Listed below are the individual credit limits for our direct subsidiaries:

 

East Ohio

   $ 800 million   

DTI

   $ 2 billion    

Dominion Iroquois

   $ 400 million   

Loans under the IRCA and each intercompany credit agreement are payable upon demand and accrue interest, payable monthly, at an interest rate equivalent to that of Dominion’s aggregate outstanding commercial paper borrowings. See Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Administrative Services Agreements

Each of Dominion Gas, DTI, East Ohio and Dominion Iroquois has entered into services agreements with DRS, a subsidiary of Dominion. Pursuant to these agreements, DRS may provide certain administrative, management and other services including, but not limited to, services related to accounting, auditing, legal and regulatory, information technology, human resources, operations, risk management, supply chain, rates, tax, corporate secretary, environmental compliance, customer services, energy marketing, treasury and finance, external affairs and office space and equipment. DRS provides these services at cost.

Tax Sharing Agreement

As a single member limited liability company that is disregarded for income tax purposes, we have entered into a tax agreement with our parent, Dominion. Our tax attributes, expected to be comprised primarily of net

 

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tax-deductible expenditures, will be included in Dominion’s tax returns. Our subsidiaries participate in a separate tax sharing agreement with Dominion and its subsidiaries. Each of the agreements governs the parties’ respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings and other matters regarding taxes.

Under the agreements, we and our subsidiaries will generally be entitled to receive payment from Dominion in respect of our tax attributes or tax benefits or any reduction of taxes when, and to the extent they are realized by Dominion. In addition, we and each of our subsidiaries will be obligated to pay to Dominion our respective share of taxes payable when, and to the extent, incurred by Dominion, determined as if returns had been filed on a standalone basis. The agreements also assign responsibilities for administrative matters, such as the filing of returns, payment of taxes due, retention of records and conduct of audits, examinations or similar proceedings. In addition, the agreements provide for cooperation and information sharing with respect to tax matters.

Dominion will be primarily responsible for preparing and filing any tax return with respect to the Dominion affiliated group for U.S. federal income tax purposes and with respect to any consolidated, combined, unitary or similar group for U.S. state or local income tax purposes or U.S. state or local non-income tax purposes that includes Dominion or any of its subsidiaries, including those that also include us and/or any of our subsidiaries. Dominion will also be responsible for preparing and filing any tax returns that include only one or more of our subsidiaries.

Dominion will be responsible for paying any U.S. federal, state or local income taxes and any U.S. state or local non-income taxes (and any related interest, penalties or audit adjustments and including those taxes attributable to our business or the business of our subsidiaries) reportable on a consolidated, combined or unitary return that includes Dominion or any of its subsidiaries (and us and/or any of our subsidiaries). Each of our subsidiaries and we will be responsible for our respective shares of any such taxes as would be applicable to us if the returns were prepared on a standalone basis. In addition, each of our subsidiaries will be responsible for any U.S. state or local income taxes and any U.S. state or local non-income taxes (and any related interest, penalties or audit adjustments) that are reportable on returns that include only such subsidiary.

Dominion will generally have exclusive authority to control tax contests related to any such tax return, including those tax returns that include only one or more of our subsidiaries.

Blue Racer Operations and Maintenance Agreements

DTI and East Ohio provide various operation and maintenance services to Blue Racer under two agreements. Both DTI and East Ohio are reimbursed for their costs to provide these services, including an allowance for indirect or overhead costs. These arrangements were established at arm’s length, and are considered reasonable as compared to the costs that would otherwise be experienced to obtain the subject operation and maintenance services. Blue Racer transactions with Dominion Gas for these services are included in the sales of natural gas and transportation and storage services to affiliates included in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Natural Gas, Transportation, Storage and Other Services

During 2013, Dominion Gas transacted for certain quantities of natural gas and other commodities at market prices in the ordinary course of business with the following subsidiaries of Dominion: Dominion Field Services, Inc. and Dominion Natrium Holdings, Inc. Additionally, during 2013, Dominion Gas provided transportation, storage, gathering and processing services to the following subsidiaries of Dominion with rates and conditions of service in accordance with FERC-regulated tariffs: Dominion Field Services, Inc., Dominion Natrium Holdings, Inc., Dominion Retail, Inc., Hope Gas, Inc., Virginia Power Energy Marketing, Inc. and Virginia Power Services Energy Corp., Inc. Natural gas imbalances occurred in connection with certain of these transactions resulting in imbalances receivable and payable at December 31, 2013 to Blue Racer and the following subsidiaries of

 

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Dominion: Dominion Cove Point LNG, LP, Dominion Field Services, Inc., Hope Gas, Inc. and Virginia Power Energy Marketing, Inc. Dominion Gas also provided storage, pooling and interstate transportation services to Dominion Retail, Inc. with rates and terms and conditions of service in accordance with an Ohio Commission-regulated tariff and FERC-regulated Statement of Operating Conditions. See Notes 2 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Commodity Derivatives

During 2013, Dominion Gas used derivative instruments to manage its exposure to the risk of market fluctuations in the price of natural gas and NGLs in its business operations. All of Dominion Gas’ commodity derivatives in 2013 were transacted with Virginia Power Energy Marketing, Inc., a subsidiary of Dominion. See Notes 7 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Employee Benefit Plans

Dominion Gas participates in certain Dominion benefit plans as described in Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Sales of Pipeline Systems

During 2013, Dominion Gas sold a pipeline system to Blue Racer. Also during 2013 and the first quarter of 2014, Dominion Gas sold several pipeline systems to Dominion Natrium Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Dominion. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

 

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

This section of the prospectus describes the exchange offer. Although we believe that the description describes the material terms of the exchange offer, this summary may not contain all of the information that is important to you. You should carefully read this entire prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal for a complete understanding of the exchange offer.

The term “holder” with respect to the exchange offer means any person in whose name Original Notes are registered on our books or the books of DTC, or any other person who has obtained a properly completed certificate of transfer from the registered holder, or any person whose Original Notes are held of record by DTC who desires to deliver such Original Notes by book-entry transfer at DTC.

Purpose and Effects of the Exchange Offer

On October 22, 2013 (the “issue date”), we sold to initial purchasers in a private placement $1.2 billion aggregate principal amount of our Original Notes consisting of (i) $400 million aggregate principal amount of Series A 1.05 % Senior Notes due November 1, 2016, (ii) $400 million aggregate principal amount of Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due November 1, 2023 and (iii) $400 million aggregate principal amount of Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due November 1, 2043. On or after the issue date, the Original Notes were offered and initially resold by the initial purchasers to “qualified institutional buyers” as defined in and in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

Also on October 22, 2013, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the Original Notes, pursuant to which we agreed to use our commercially reasonable efforts to (i) on or before April 21, 2014, file a registration statement on an appropriate registration form with the SEC with respect to a registered offer to exchange each series of Original Notes for new Exchange Notes with terms substantially identical in all material respects to such series of Original Notes (except that the Exchange Notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions or any increase in annual interest rate) and (ii) on or before July 21, 2014, cause the registration statement to be declared effective under the Securities Act.

The exchange offer will remain open for at least 20 business days (or longer if required by applicable law) after the date we mail notice of the exchange offer to holders of Original Notes. We will use our commercially reasonable efforts to complete the exchange offer for each series of Original Notes not later than 35 business days after the exchange offer registration statement becomes effective. Under existing interpretations of the SEC contained in several no-action letters to third parties, the Exchange Notes will generally be freely transferable after the exchange offer without further registration under the Securities Act, subject to the following exceptions. Any holder who intends to participate in the exchange offer for the purpose of distributing Exchange Notes and any broker-dealer who purchased Original Notes directly from us for resale pursuant to Rule 144A or any other available exemption under the Securities Act cannot rely on the no-action letters referenced above, will not be permitted or entitled to tender Original Notes in the exchange offer, and must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction. In addition, under applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC, our affiliates will not be permitted to exchange their Original Notes for Exchange Notes in the exchange offer.

If you wish to exchange Original Notes for Exchange Notes in the exchange offer, you will be required to make certain representations to the Company. These representations include the following:

 

    that any Exchange Notes received in the exchange offer are being acquired in the ordinary course of your business;

 

    that you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act;

 

   

that you are not our “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act; and

 

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    if you are a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Notes for your own account in exchange for Original Notes that you acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, that you will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act (or, to the extent permitted by law, make such a prospectus available to purchasers) in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes.

We are not making the exchange offer to, nor will we accept surrenders for exchange from, holders of Original Notes in any jurisdiction in which the exchange offer or its acceptance would not comply with applicable securities or blue sky laws.

Following the completion of the exchange offer, the holders of Notes will not have any further registration rights (except in the limited circumstances provided under the registration rights agreement), and the Original Notes will continue to be subject to certain restrictions on transfer. See “—Consequences of Failure to Exchange.” Accordingly, the liquidity of the market for the Original Notes could be adversely affected.

Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary and you should carefully consider whether to accept. We urge you to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on whether to participate in the exchange offer.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

The Original Notes that are not exchanged for Exchange Notes in the exchange offer will remain restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) of the Securities Act and subject to restrictions on transfer. Accordingly, such Original Notes may not be offered, sold, or otherwise transferred except:

 

  1) to us or any of our subsidiaries;

 

  2) pursuant to a registration statement which has been declared effective under the Securities Act;

 

  3) for so long as the Original Notes are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, to a person whom the seller reasonably believes is a qualified institutional buyer within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act, purchasing for its own account or for the account of another qualified institutional buyer to whom notice is given that the transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act;

 

  4) pursuant to offers and sales to non-U.S. persons that occur outside the United States within the meaning of Regulation S under the Exchange Act; or

 

  5) pursuant to any another available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

In all of the situations discussed above, the resale must be in accordance with the Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws. In the case of (4) and (5) above, we or the trustee under the Base Indenture and Supplemental Indentures that governs the Original Notes may require the delivery of an opinion of counsel, certifications and/or other information satisfactory to us and the trustee, prior to any offer, sale or other transfer.

To the extent Original Notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the principal amount of outstanding Original Notes will decrease. Accordingly, the liquidity of the market for the Original Notes could be adversely affected.

We may in the future seek to acquire untendered Original Notes in the open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any Original Notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer or to file a registration statement to permit resales of any untendered Original Notes.

Terms of the Exchange Offer

Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal, we will accept any and all Original Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn on or prior to the expiration

 

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date of the exchange offer. We will issue Exchange Notes in exchange for the same principal amount of Original Notes accepted in the exchange offer. The Exchange Notes will accrue interest on the same terms as the Original Notes; however, holders of the Original Notes accepted for exchange will not receive accrued interest thereon at the time of exchange; rather, all accrued interest on the Original Notes will become obligations under the Exchange Notes. Holders may tender some or all of their Original Notes pursuant to the exchange offer. However, Original Notes may be tendered only in principal amounts equal to $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

The form and terms of the Exchange Notes are the same as the form and terms of the Original Notes, except that the Exchange Notes will have been registered under the Securities Act and will not bear legends restricting their transfer pursuant to the Securities Act, and, except in the limited circumstances provided under the registration rights agreement, holders of the Exchange Notes will not be entitled to the rights of holders of Original Notes under the registration rights agreement.

The Exchange Notes will evidence the same debt as the Original Notes that they replace, and will be issued under, and be entitled to the benefits of, the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indentures which govern all of the Notes, including the payment of principal and interest.

We are sending this prospectus and the letter of transmittal to all registered holders of outstanding Original Notes. Only a registered holder of Original Notes or such holder’s legal representative or attorney-in-fact as reflected on the records of the trustee under the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indentures that govern the Original Notes may participate in the exchange offer. There will be no fixed record date for determining the holders of Original Notes entitled to participate in the exchange offer.

Holders of the Original Notes do not have any appraisal or dissenter’s rights under the Virginia Stock Corporation Act or the Base Indenture and Supplemental Indentures that govern the Original Notes in connection with the exchange offer. We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the SEC’s rules and regulations thereunder.

We will be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Original Notes when, as and if we have given written notice thereof to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders of the Original Notes for the purposes of receiving the Exchange Notes. The Exchange Notes delivered in the exchange offer will be issued promptly following the expiration of the exchange offer.

If any tendered Original Notes are not accepted for exchange because of an invalid tender, our withdrawal of the exchange offer, the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein or otherwise, certificates for any such unaccepted Original Notes will be returned, without expense, to the tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, promptly after the expiration date of the exchange offer or our withdrawal of the exchange offer, as applicable. Any acceptance, waiver of defect in a tender or rejection of a tender of Original Notes shall be at our sole discretion and shall be conclusive, final and binding.

Holders that tender Original Notes in the exchange offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of Original Notes in the exchange offer. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than certain taxes, in connection with the exchange offer. See “—Fees and Expenses.”

Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments

The term “expiration date” with respect to the exchange offer means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             , 2014 unless we, in our sole discretion, extend the exchange offer, in which case the term “expiration date” shall mean the latest date and time to which the exchange offer is extended.

 

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If we extend the exchange offer, we will notify the exchange agent of any extension by written notice and will make a public announcement thereof, each prior to 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to extend the exchange offer; if any of the conditions set forth below under “—Conditions to the Exchange Offer” have not been satisfied, to terminate the exchange offer; or to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner. We may effect any such extension, termination or amendment by giving written notice thereof to the exchange agent.

Except as specified in the second paragraph under this heading, we will make a public announcement of any such extension, termination or amendment as promptly as practicable. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner determined by us to constitute a material change, we will promptly disclose such amendment in a prospectus supplement that will be distributed to the registered holders of the Original Notes. The exchange offer will then be extended for a period of five to ten business days, as required by law, depending upon the significance of the amendment and the manner of disclosure to the registered holders.

We will make a timely release of a public announcement of any extension, termination or amendment to the exchange offer to an appropriate news agency. A public announcement of any extension of the exchange offer will disclose the approximate number of securities tendered as of the date of the announcement.

Procedures for Tendering Original Notes

Tenders of Original Notes

The tender by a holder of Original Notes pursuant to any of the procedures set forth below will constitute the tendering holder’s acceptance of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer. Our acceptance for exchange of Original Notes tendered pursuant to any of the procedures described below will constitute a binding agreement between such tendering holder and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the exchange offer. Only holders are authorized to tender their Original Notes. The procedures by which Original Notes may be tendered by beneficial owners that are not holders will depend upon the manner in which the Original Notes are held.

DTC has authorized DTC participants that are beneficial owners of Original Notes through DTC to tender their Original Notes as if they were holders. To effect a tender, DTC participants should either (1) complete and sign the letter of transmittal or a facsimile thereof, have the signature thereon guaranteed if required by Instruction 2 of the letter of transmittal and deliver the letter of transmittal or such facsimile pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth below under “—Book-Entry Delivery Procedures” or (2) transmit their acceptance to DTC through the DTC Automated Tender Offer Program (“ATOP”), for which the exchange offer will be eligible, and follow the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth below under “—Book-Entry Delivery Procedures.”

Tender of Original Notes Held in Physical Form

To tender Original Notes held in physical form in the exchange offer:

 

    the exchange agent must receive, at the address set forth in this prospectus, a properly completed letter of transmittal applicable to such Original Notes (or a facsimile thereof) duly executed by the tendering holder and any other documents the letter of transmittal requires, and tendered Original Notes must be received by the exchange agent at such address (or delivery effected through the deposit of Original Notes into the exchange agent’s account with DTC and making book-entry delivery as set forth below) on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer; or

 

    the tendering holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer.

Letters of transmittal and Original Notes should be sent only to the exchange agent and should not be sent to us.

 

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Tender of Original Notes Held through a Custodian

To tender Original Notes that a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee holds of record, the beneficial owner thereof must instruct such holder to tender the Original Notes on the beneficial owner’s behalf. A letter of instructions from the record owner to the beneficial owner may be included in the materials provided along with this prospectus, which the beneficial owner may use to instruct the registered holder of such beneficial owner’s Original Notes to effect the tender.

Tender of Original Notes Held through DTC

To tender Original Notes that are held through DTC, DTC participants on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer should either:

 

    properly complete and duly execute the letter of transmittal (or a facsimile thereof) and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, and deliver the letter of transmittal or such facsimile pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth below; or

 

    transmit their acceptance through ATOP, for which the exchange offer will be eligible, and DTC will then edit and verify the acceptance and send an Agent’s Message to the exchange agent for its acceptance.

The term “Agent’s Message” means a message transmitted by DTC to, and received by, the exchange agent, and forming a part of the Book-Entry Confirmation (as defined below), which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in DTC tendering the Original Notes and that such participant has received the letter of transmittal, agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal and we may enforce such agreement against such participant.

Tendered Original Notes held through DTC must be delivered to the exchange agent pursuant to the book-entry delivery procedures set forth below or the tendering DTC participant must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below.

The method of delivery of Original Notes and letters of transmittal, any required signature guarantees and all other required documents, including delivery through DTC and any acceptance or Agent’s Message transmitted through ATOP, is at the election and risk of the person tendering Original Notes and delivering letters of transmittal. If you use ATOP to tender, you must allow sufficient time for completion of the ATOP procedures during normal business hours of DTC on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer. Except as otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, tender and delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the exchange agent. If delivery is by mail, it is suggested that the holder use properly insured, registered mail with return receipt requested, and that the mailing be made sufficiently in advance of the expiration date of the exchange offer to permit delivery to the exchange agent on or prior to such date.

Except as provided below, unless the Original Notes being tendered are deposited with the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer (accompanied by a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal or a properly transmitted Agent’s Message), we may, at our option, reject such tender. Exchange of Exchange Notes for Original Notes will be made only against deposit of the tendered Original Notes and delivery of all other required documents.

Book-Entry Delivery Procedures

The exchange agent will establish accounts with respect to the Original Notes at DTC for purposes of the exchange offer within two business days after the date of this prospectus, and any financial institution that is a participant in DTC may make book-entry delivery of the Original Notes by causing DTC to transfer such Original Notes into the exchange agent’s account in accordance with DTC’s procedures for such transfer.

 

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However, although delivery of Original Notes may be effected through book-entry at DTC, the letter of transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature guarantees or an Agent’s Message in connection with a book-entry transfer, and any other required documents, must, in any case, be transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at its address set forth in this prospectus on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, or compliance must be made with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below. Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent. The confirmation of a book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at DTC as described above is referred to as a Book-Entry Confirmation.

Signature Guarantees

Signatures on all letters of transmittal must be guaranteed by a recognized member of the Medallion Signature Guarantee Program or by any other “eligible guarantor institution,” as that term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act, either of which we refer to as an “ Eligible Institution,” unless the Original Notes tendered thereby are tendered (1) by a registered holder of Original Notes (or by a participant in DTC whose name appears on a DTC security position listing as the owner of such Original Notes) that has not completed either the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” on the letter of transmittal or (2) for the account of an Eligible Institution. See Instruction 5 of the letter of transmittal. In addition, if the Original Notes are registered in the name of a person other than the signer of the letter of transmittal or if Original Notes not accepted for exchange or not tendered for exchange are to be returned to a person other than the registered holder, then the signature on the letter of transmittal accompanying the tendered Original Notes must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution as described above. See Instruction 5 of the letter of transmittal.

Guaranteed Delivery

If you wish to tender your Original Notes but they are not immediately available or if you cannot deliver your Original Notes, the letter of transmittal and any other required documents to the exchange agent or comply with the applicable procedures under ATOP on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, you may tender if:

 

    the tender is made by or through an Eligible Institution;

 

    on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer, the exchange agent receives from that Eligible Institution either a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery by facsimile transmission, mail, courier or overnight delivery or a properly transmitted Agent’s Message relating to a notice of guaranteed delivery:

 

    stating your name and address, the certificate number or numbers of your Original Notes and the principal amount of Original Notes tendered;

 

    stating that the tender is being made thereby; and

 

    guaranteeing that, within three business days after the expiration date of the exchange offer, the letter of transmittal or a facsimile thereof or an Agent’s Message in lieu thereof, together with the Original Notes or a Book-Entry Confirmation, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, will be deposited by the Eligible Institution with the exchange agent; and

 

    the exchange agent receives such properly completed and executed letter of transmittal or facsimile or Agent’s Message, as well as all tendered Original Notes in proper form for transfer or a Book-Entry Confirmation, and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal, within three business days after the expiration date of the exchange offer.

Upon written request to the exchange agent, the exchange agent will send a notice of guaranteed delivery to you if you wish to tender your Original Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures described above.

 

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Determination of Validity

All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of tendered Original Notes will be determined by us in our sole discretion, which determination will be conclusive, final and binding. Alternative, conditional or contingent tenders of Original Notes will not be considered valid and may not be accepted. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all Original Notes not properly tendered or any Original Notes our acceptance of which, in the opinion of our counsel, would be unlawful.

We also reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular Original Notes. The interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer (including the instructions in the letter of transmittal) by us will be conclusive, final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Original Notes must be cured within such time as we shall determine.

Although we intend to notify holders of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Original Notes through the exchange agent, none of we, the exchange agent or any other person is under any duty to give such notification, nor shall we or they incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of Original Notes will not be deemed to have been made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived.

Any Original Notes received by the exchange agent that are not validly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived, or if Original Notes are submitted in a principal amount greater than the principal amount of Original Notes being tendered by a tendering holder, such unaccepted or non-exchanged Original Notes will either be:

 

    returned by the exchange agent to the tendering holder; or

 

    in the case of Original Notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agent’s account at DTC pursuant to the book-entry delivery procedures described above, credited to an account maintained with DTC.

Withdrawal of Tenders

Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Original Notes in the exchange offer may be withdrawn at any time on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer. To be effective, a written or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the exchange agent at its address set forth in this prospectus on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer. Any such notice of withdrawal must:

 

    specify the name of the person having deposited the Original Notes to be withdrawn;

 

    identify the Original Notes to be withdrawn, including the certificate number or numbers of the particular certificate or certificates evidencing the Original Notes (unless such Original Notes were tendered by book-entry transfer), and aggregate principal amount of such Original Notes; and

 

    be signed by the holder in the same manner as the original signature on the letter of transmittal (including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by documents of transfer sufficient to have the trustee under the Base Indenture and Supplemental Indentures that govern the Original Notes register the transfer of the Original Notes into the name of the person withdrawing such Original Notes.

If Original Notes have been delivered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer set forth in “—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Book-Entry Delivery Procedures,” any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with such withdrawn Original Notes and must otherwise comply with DTC procedures.

If the Original Notes to be withdrawn have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, a signed notice of withdrawal meeting the requirements discussed above is effective immediately upon written or facsimile notice of withdrawal even if physical release is not yet effected. A withdrawal of tendered Original Notes can only be accomplished in accordance with these procedures.

 

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All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of notices of withdrawal will be determined by us in our sole discretion, which determination shall be conclusive, final and binding on all parties. No withdrawal of tendered Original Notes will be deemed to have been properly made until all defects or irregularities have been cured or expressly waived. Neither we, the guarantors, the exchange agent nor any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defects or irregularities in any notice of withdrawal, nor shall we or they incur any liability for failure to give any such notification. Any Original Notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer and no Exchange Notes will be issued with respect thereto unless the Original Notes so withdrawn are retendered on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn Original Notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described above under “—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes” at any time on or prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer.

Any Original Notes which have been tendered but which are not accepted for exchange due to the rejection of the tender due to uncured defects or the prior termination of the exchange offer, or which have been validly withdrawn, will be returned to the holder thereof, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, promptly following the expiration date of the exchange offer or the termination of the exchange offer, as applicable, or, if so requested in a notice of withdrawal, promptly after receipt by us of the notice of withdrawal, without cost to such holder.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

The exchange offer is not subject to any conditions, other than that:

 

    the exchange offer, or the making of any exchange by a holder, does not violate applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC;

 

    there shall not have been instituted, threatened or be pending any action or proceeding before or by any court, governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or instrumentality, or by any other person, in connection with the exchange offer, that would or might, in our reasonable judgment, prohibit, prevent, restrict or delay completion of the exchange offer;

 

    no order, statute, rule, regulation, executive order, stay, decree, judgment or injunction shall have been proposed, enacted, entered, issued, promulgated, enforced or deemed applicable by any court or governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or instrumentality that, in our reasonable judgment, would or might prohibit, prevent, restrict or delay completion of the exchange offer;

 

    there shall not have occurred or be likely to occur any event affecting the business, operations, properties, condition (financial or otherwise), assets, liabilities or prospects of us, our subsidiaries or our affiliates that, in our reasonable judgment, would or might prohibit, prevent, restrict or delay completion of the exchange offer;

 

    the trustee under the Base Indenture and Supplemental Indentures that govern the Notes shall not have objected in any respect to or taken any action that could, in our reasonable judgment, adversely affect the completion of the exchange offer, or shall have taken any action that challenges the validity or effectiveness of the procedures used by us in soliciting or the making of the exchange offer; and

 

   

there shall not have occurred (a) any general suspension of, or limitation on prices for, trading in the United States securities or financial markets, (b) a material impairment in the trading market for debt securities, (c) a declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in respect of banks in the United States, (d) any limitation (whether or not mandatory) by any government or governmental, administrative or regulatory authority or agency, domestic or foreign, or other event that, in our reasonable judgment, might affect the extension of credit by banks or other lending institutions, (e) an outbreak or escalation of hostilities or acts of terrorism involving the United States or a declaration of a national emergency or war by the United States or any other calamity or crisis or any other change in political, financial or economic conditions, if the effect of any such event, in our

 

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sole judgment, makes it impractical or inadvisable to proceed with the exchange offer or (f) in the case of any of the foregoing existing on the date hereof, a material acceleration or worsening thereof.

If we determine in our reasonable judgment that any of the conditions to the exchange offer are not satisfied, we may:

 

    refuse to accept any Original Notes and return all tendered Original Notes to the tendering holders;

 

    terminate the exchange offer;

 

    extend the exchange offer and retain all tendered Original Notes, subject, however, to the rights of holders to withdraw such tendered Original Notes; or

 

    waive such unsatisfied conditions with respect to the exchange offer and accept all validly tendered Original Notes that have not been validly withdrawn. If such waiver constitutes a material change to the exchange offer, we will promptly disclose such waiver by means of a prospectus supplement that will be distributed to the registered holders of the Original Notes, and will extend the exchange offer for a period of five to ten business days, depending upon the significance of the waiver and the manner of disclosure to the registered holders, if the exchange offer would otherwise expire during such five to ten business day period.

Other than those under federal securities laws, there are no federal or state regulatory requirements that we must comply with and there are no approvals that we must obtain in connection with the exchange offer.

Exchange Agent

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas will serve as exchange agent for the exchange offer. You should direct questions and requests for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal and requests for notices of guaranteed delivery and other documents to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

By Mail, Overnight Mail or Courier:

DB Services Americas, Inc.

Attention: Reorg. Department

5022 Gate Parkway, Suite 200

Jacksonville, FL 32256

By Facsimile Transmission (Eligible Institutions Only):

(615) 866-3889

Confirm by Telephone:

(877) 843-9767

For Information Call:

(877) 843-9767

DB.Reorg@db.com

Fees and Expenses

We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders. The principal solicitation is being made by mail or electronic transmission to DTC by the exchange agent; however, additional solicitations may be made by electronic transmission, telecopy, telephone or in person by our or our affiliates’ officers and regular employees.

 

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No dealer manager has been retained in connection with the exchange offer and no payments will be made to brokers, dealers or others soliciting acceptance of the exchange offer. However, reasonable and customary fees will be paid to the exchange agent for its services and it will be reimbursed for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

Our out-of-pocket expenses for the exchange offer will include fees and expenses of the exchange agent and the trustee under the Base Indenture and Supplemental Indentures that governs the Notes, accounting and legal fees and printing costs, among others.

Transfer Taxes

We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of the Original Notes pursuant to the exchange offer. If, however, a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of the Original Notes pursuant to the exchange offer, then the amount of any such transfer tax (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such tax or exemption therefrom is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such transfer tax will be billed directly to such tendering holder.

Accounting Treatment

We will record the Exchange Notes at the same carrying value as the Original Notes, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of the exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes. The costs associated with the exchange offer will be expensed as incurred.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES

Set forth below is a description of the specific terms of the Notes. The term “Notes” includes the Original Notes and the Exchange Notes. The Notes will be issued under an Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2013 between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (the “Base Indenture”), supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, the Second Supplemental Indenture and the Third Supplemental Indenture, each dated as of October 1, 2013 between the Company and the trustee (collectively, the “Supplemental Indentures”). The Original Notes were issued in a private placement transaction that is not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act, and the Exchange Notes will be issued pursuant to the exchange offering. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indentures and those made part of the Base Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”).

The following description is not complete in every respect and only serves as a summary of the material provisions of the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indentures and the Notes. It does not restate those agreements in their entirety. We urge you to read the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indentures in their entirety, because they, and not this description, define your rights as holders of the Notes. Copies of the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indentures are available as set forth below under “— Additional Information.” You can find the definitions of certain terms used in this description under the subheading “— Certain Definitions.” In this description, the term “Company,” “us,” “our” or “we” refers only to Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and not to any of our subsidiaries.

The registered holder of a Note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes. Only registered holders will have rights under the Base Indenture and the Supplemental Indentures.

General

Each series of Notes will be an unsecured senior obligation of the Company. The Series A Senior Notes will be initially limited in aggregate principal amount to $400,000,000. The Series B Senior Notes will be initially limited in aggregate principal amount to $400,000,000. The Series C Senior Notes will be initially limited in aggregate principal amount to $400,000,000. We may, without the consent of the existing holders of the Notes, issue additional notes having the same ranking and the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as any of the Series A, Series B or Series C Senior Notes. Any additional notes having such similar terms, together with any of the Series A, Series B or Series C Senior Notes, as applicable, will constitute a single series of notes under the Base Indenture.

The entire principal amount of the Series A Senior Notes will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, on November 1, 2016. The entire principal amount of the Series B Senior Notes will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, on November 1, 2023. The entire principal amount of the Series C Senior Notes will mature and become due and payable, together with any accrued and unpaid interest, on November 1, 2043. The Notes are not subject to any sinking fund provision. The Notes are available for purchase in denominations of $2,000 and any greater integral multiple of $1,000.

Ranking

The Notes are our direct, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations, will rank equally with all of our other senior unsecured debt, will be senior in right of payment to all of our subordinated indebtedness, and will be effectively subordinated to our secured debt, if any.

Because we are a holding company and conduct all of our operations through our subsidiaries, our ability to meet our obligations under the Notes is dependent on the earnings and cash flows of those subsidiaries and the

 

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ability of those subsidiaries to pay dividends or to advance or repay funds to us. Holders of Notes will generally have a junior position to claims of creditors of our subsidiaries, including trade creditors, debtholders, secured creditors, taxing authorities, guarantee holders and any preferred stockholders. As of December 31, 2013, our subsidiaries had no outstanding long-term debt (including securities due within one year).

The Base Indenture and Supplemental Indentures contain no restrictions on the amount of additional indebtedness that we or our subsidiaries may incur. We and our subsidiaries expect to incur additional indebtedness from time to time. The Notes are not guaranteed by Dominion, its subsidiaries or our subsidiaries.

Interest

The Series A Senior Notes will bear interest at the rate of 1.05% per year from the date of original issuance. The Series B Senior Notes will bear interest at the rate of 3.55% per year from the date of original issuance. The Series C Senior Notes will bear interest at the rate of 4.80% per year from the date of original issuance.

Interest is payable on each series of Notes semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year (each, an “Interest Payment Date”). The initial Interest Payment Date for each of the Series A, Series B and Series C Senior Notes is May 1, 2014.

The amount of interest payable will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. If any date on which interest is payable on the Notes is not a business day, then payment of the interest payable on that date will be made on the next succeeding day which is a business day (and without any interest or other payment in respect of any delay), with the same force and effect as if made on such date.

So long as the Notes remain in book-entry only form, the record date for each Interest Payment Date will be the close of business on the business day before the applicable Interest Payment Date. If the Notes are not in book-entry only form, the record date for each Interest Payment Date will be the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day before the applicable Interest Payment Date (whether or not a business day); however, interest payable at maturity or upon redemption or repurchase will be paid to the person to whom principal is payable.

Methods of Receiving Payments on the Notes

We will pay or cause to be paid all principal, interest and premium, if any, on the Notes in the manner described under “— Same-Day Settlement and Payment” below.

Paying Agent and Registrar for the Notes

The trustee will initially act as paying agent and registrar. We may change the paying agent or registrar without prior notice to the holders of the Notes, and we or any of our subsidiaries may act as paying agent or registrar.

Transfer and Exchange

A holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Supplemental Indentures. The registrar and the trustee may require a holder to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents in connection with a transfer of Notes. No service charges will be imposed by us, the trustee or the registrar for any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, but holders may be required to pay all taxes due on transfer or exchange. We are not required to transfer or exchange any Note selected for redemption.

 

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Optional Redemption

The Series A Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time, and at our option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

 

    100% of the principal amount of the Series A Senior Notes then outstanding to be redeemed, or

 

    the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate, plus 10 basis points, as calculated by an Independent Investment Banker,

plus, in either of the above cases, accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date.

The Series B Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part at any time and from time to time prior to August 1, 2023, at our option, at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

 

    100% of the principal amount of the Series B Senior Notes then outstanding to be redeemed, or

 

    the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate, plus 15 basis points, as calculated by an Independent Investment Banker,

plus, in either of the above cases, accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date.

In addition, the Series B Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part at any time and from time to time on or after August 1, 2023, at our option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Series B Senior Notes then outstanding to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the Redemption Date.

The Series C Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part at any time and from time to time prior to May 1, 2043, at our option at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

 

    100% of the principal amount of the Series C Senior Notes then outstanding to be redeemed, or

 

    the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate, plus 20 basis points, as calculated by an Independent Investment Banker,

plus, in either of the above cases, accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date.

In addition, the Series C Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part at any time and from time to time on or after May 1, 2043, at our option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Series C Senior Notes then outstanding to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the Redemption Date.

We will send or cause to be sent a notice of redemption at least 20 days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each holder of Notes to be redeemed.

If less than all of the Notes of any series are to be redeemed at any time, the trustee will select such Notes for redemption from the outstanding Notes of such series not previously called for redemption on a pro rata basis or by lot (or such other method as the trustee deems fair or appropriate in each case in accordance with the

 

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applicable procedures of DTC). No Notes of $2,000 or less can be redeemed in part. The trustee shall not be liable for selections made by it in accordance with this section.

If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that Note will state the portion of the principal amount of that Note that is to be redeemed. A new Note of the same series and in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note will be issued in the name of the holder of Notes upon cancellation of the original Note. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

Certain Covenants

Except as set forth in this “Description of Notes,” neither we nor any of our subsidiaries will be restricted by the Base Indenture from incurring additional indebtedness or other obligations, from making distributions or paying dividends on our or our subsidiaries’ equity interests or from purchasing our or our subsidiaries’ equity interests. The Base Indenture does not require the maintenance of any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity. In addition, the Base Indenture does not contain any provisions that would require us to repurchase or redeem any of the Notes in situations that may adversely affect the creditworthiness of the Notes.

Limitation on Liens

While any of the Notes are outstanding, we are not permitted to create liens upon any Principal Property (as defined below) or upon any shares of stock of any Material Subsidiary (as defined below), which we now own or will own in the future, to secure any of our debt, unless at the same time we provide that the Notes will also be secured by that lien on an equal and ratable basis. However, we are generally permitted to create the following types of liens:

 

  (1) purchase money liens on future property acquired by us; liens of any kind existing on property or shares of stock at the time they are acquired by us; conditional sales agreements and other title retention agreements on future property acquired by us (as long as none of those liens cover any of our other properties);

 

  (2) liens on our property or any shares of stock of any Material Subsidiary that existed as of the date the Notes were first issued; liens on the shares of stock of any corporation, which liens existed at the time that corporation became a Material Subsidiary; certain liens typically incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

  (3) liens in favor of the United States (or any State), any foreign country or any department, agency or instrumentality or political subdivision of those jurisdictions, to secure payments pursuant to any contract or statute or to secure any debt incurred for the purpose of financing the purchase price or the cost of constructing or improving the property subject to those liens, including, for example liens to secure debt of the pollution control or industrial revenue bond type;

 

  (4) debt that we may issue in connection with a consolidation or merger of Dominion or any Material Subsidiary with or into any other company (including any of our affiliates or Material Subsidiaries) in exchange for secured debt of that company (“Third Party Debt”) as long as that debt (i) is secured by a mortgage on all or a portion of the property of that company, (ii) prohibits secured debt from being incurred by that company, unless the Third Party Debt is secured on an equal and ratable basis, or (iii) prohibits secured debt from being incurred by that company;

 

  (5) debt of another company that we must assume in connection with a consolidation or merger of that company, with respect to which any of our property is subjected to a lien;

 

  (6) liens on any property that we acquire, construct, develop or improve after the date the Notes are first issued that are created before or within 18 months after the acquisition, construction, development or improvement of the property and secure the payment of the purchase price or related costs;

 

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  (7) liens in favor of us, our Material Subsidiaries or our wholly-owned subsidiaries;

 

  (8) the replacement, extension or renewal of any lien referred to above in clauses (1) through (7) as long as the amount secured by the liens or the property subject to the liens is not increased; and

 

  (9) any other lien not covered by clauses (1) through (8) above as long as immediately after the creation of the lien the aggregate principal amount of debt secured by all liens created or assumed under this clause (9) does not exceed 10% of the members’ equity, as shown on the company’s consolidated balance sheet for the accounting period occurring immediately prior to the creation or assumption of such lien.

When we use the term “lien” in this section, we mean any mortgage, lien, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance of any kind; “Material Subsidiary” means each of our subsidiaries whose total assets (as determined in accordance with GAAP in the United States) represent at least 20% of our total assets on a consolidated basis; and “Principal Property” means any of our plants or facilities located in the United States that in the opinion of our Board or management is of material importance to the business conducted by us and our consolidated subsidiaries taken as whole.

Consolidation, Merger or Sale

We will not merge or consolidate with any other entity or sell or convey all or substantially all of our assets to any person unless (i) either we are the continuing corporation, or the successor entity (if other than us) is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of any domestic for foreign jurisdiction and such corporation expressly assumes by supplemental indenture the due and punctual payment of the principal of and interest on the Securities and the performance of all of the covenants of the Base Indenture to be performed by us, which supplemental indenture will be in a form satisfactory to the trustee, and executed and delivered to the trustee by such entity, (ii) immediately after such merger or consolidation, or such sale or conveyance, there is no event of default under the Base Indenture and (iii) we have delivered to the trustee an officer’s certificate and opinion of counsel stating that such transaction and such supplemental indenture comply with the Base Indenture.

In case of any such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer, such successor will succeed to and be substituted for us, with the same effect as if it had been named as us in the Base Indenture, and in the event of any such conveyance or transfer, we will be discharged of all of our obligations and covenants under the Base Indenture and the Securities.

Reports

The Base Indenture provides that we will:

 

  (1) file with the trustee, within 15 days after we have filed the same with the SEC, unless such reports are available on the SEC’s EDGAR filing system (or any successor thereto), copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents, and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which we may be required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if we are not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of said Sections, then we shall file with the trustee and the SEC, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the SEC, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents, and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations provided, however, that the trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine whether or not such information, documents or reports have been filed pursuant to the EDGAR filing system (or its successor);

 

  (2)

file with the trustee and the SEC, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the SEC, such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by us with

 

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  the conditions and covenants of the Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations; and

 

  (3) transmit to the holders of the Notes within 30 days after the filing thereof with the trustee, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by us pursuant to clauses (1) and (2) of this paragraph as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the SEC.

Events of Default

Event of Default when used in the Base Indenture means any of the following with respect to Securities of any series:

 

    failure to pay the principal or any premium on any Security of that series when due;

 

    with respect to the Securities, failure to deposit any sinking fund payment for any Security of that series, when due, that continues for 60 days;

 

    failure to pay any interest on any Securities of that series, when due, that continues for 60 days; provided that, if applicable, for this purpose, the date on which interest is due is the date on which we are required to make payment following any deferral of interest payments by us under the terms of the applicable series of Securities that permit such deferrals;

 

    failure to perform any other covenant in the Base Indenture or any Security in that series (other than a covenant expressly included solely for the benefit of other series and certain other covenants) that continues for 90 days after the trustee or the holders of at least 33% of the outstanding Securities of that series give written notice of the default;

 

    certain events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company; or

 

    any other Event of Default included in the Base Indenture or any supplemental indenture.

In the case of a general covenant default described above where notice of default is provided by the trustee, the trustee may extend the grace period. In addition, if holders of a particular series have given a notice of default, then holders of at least the same percentage of Securities of that series, together with the trustee, may also extend the grace period. The grace period will be automatically extended if we have initiated and are diligently pursuing corrective action.

An Event of Default for a particular series of Securities does not necessarily constitute an Event of Default for any other series of Securities issued under the Indenture. Additional events of default may be established for a particular series and, if established, will be described in the applicable offering memorandum, prospectus supplement or other offering materials.

If an Event of Default for any series of Securities occurs and continues, the trustee or the holders of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series may declare the entire principal of all the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately. If this happens, subject to certain conditions, the holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of that series can void the declaration.

The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of Securities of any default (except in the payment of principal or interest) if it considers the withholding of notice to be in the best interests of the holders. Other than its duties in case of a default, a trustee is not obligated to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Base Indenture at the request, order or direction of any holders, unless the holders offer the trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it. If they provide this indemnification or security, the holders of a majority in principal amount of any series of Securities may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding or any remedy available to the trustee, or exercising any power conferred upon the trustee, for any series of Securities. However, the trustee must give the holders of Securities notice of any default to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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The holder of any Security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal, any premium and, within certain limitations, any interest on that Security on its maturity date or redemption date and to enforce those payments.

Modification of Indenture; Waiver

Under the Base Indenture, our rights and obligations and the rights of the holders may be modified with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Securities of such series affected by the modification. No modification of the principal or interest payment terms, and no modification reducing the percentage required for modifications, is effective against any holder without its consent. In addition, we may supplement the Indenture to create new series of Securities and for certain other purposes, without the consent of any holders of Securities.

The holders of a majority of the outstanding Securities of any series under the Indenture with respect to which a default has occurred and is continuing may waive a default for all the Securities of that series, except a default in the payment of principal or interest, or any premium, on any Securities or a default with respect to a covenant or provision which cannot be amended or modified without the consent of the holder of each outstanding Security of the series affected.

Satisfaction; Discharge

We may discharge all our obligations (except those described below) to holders of the Securities issued under the Base Indenture, which Securities have not already been delivered to the trustee for cancellation and which either have become due and payable or are by their terms due and payable within one year, or are to be called for redemption within one year, by depositing with the trustee an amount certified to be sufficient to pay when due the principal, interest and premium, if any, on all outstanding Securities. However, certain of our obligations under the Base Indenture will survive, including with respect to the following:

 

    remaining rights to register the transfer, conversion, substitution or exchange of Securities of the applicable series;

 

    rights of holders to receive payments of principal of, and any interest on, the Securities of the applicable series, and other rights, duties and obligations of the holders of Securities with respect to any amounts deposited with the trustee; and

 

    the rights, obligations, indemnification and immunities of the trustee under the Indenture.

Under U.S. federal income tax law as in effect as of the date of this prospectus, a discharge may be treated as an exchange of the related Securities. Each holder might be required to recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the holder’s cost or other tax basis for the Securities and the value of the holder’s interest in the defeasance trust. Holders might be required to include as income a different amount than would be includable without the discharge. We urge prospective investors to consult their own tax advisors as to the consequences of a discharge, including the applicability and effect of tax laws other than U.S. federal income tax law.

Defeasance

Unless we elect differently in the applicable Supplemental Indenture, we will be discharged from our obligations on the Securities at any time if we deposit with the trustee sufficient cash or Government Securities to pay the principal, interest, any premium and any other sums due to the stated maturity date or a redemption date of the Securities of the series. If this happens, the holders of the Securities will not be entitled to the benefits of the Base Indenture, except for registration of transfer and exchange of Securities, and replacement of lost, stolen or mutilated Securities.

In order to exercise legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, we must deliver an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of

 

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the defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same time as would otherwise have been the case (and in the case of a legal defeasance, such opinion shall be based on a change in law or a ruling of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service).

No Personal Liability

Neither any affiliate, director, officer, member, employee, incorporator, manager or owner of any membership interest, as such, will have any liability for any of our obligations under the Notes, Base Indenture, Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

The Trustee

The trustee under the Base Indenture and Supplemental Indentures is Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas. The trustee will administer its corporate trust business at 60 Wall Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10005 or such other address as the trustee may notify to the Company from time to time. Certain of our affiliates maintain banking relationships with Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas. Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas also serves as trustee under other indentures under which certain of our affiliates have issued securities. Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas and its affiliates have, in the past, purchased securities of our affiliates, and are likely to purchase in the future, our securities and securities of our affiliates.

Governing Law

The Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indentures and the Notes of each series will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

Additional Information

Anyone who receives this prospectus may obtain a copy of the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indentures or the registration rights agreement without charge by writing to Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Attention: Secretary.

Depositary Procedures

The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream is provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. We take no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urge investors to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the “Participants”) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the initial purchasers), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC’s system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the “Indirect Participants”). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and Indirect Participants.

 

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DTC has also advised us that, pursuant to procedures established by it:

(1) upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of Participants designated by the initial purchasers with portions of the principal amount of the Global Notes; and

(2) ownership of these interests in the Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of these interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the Participants) or by the Participants and the Indirect Participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes).

Investors in the Global Notes who are Participants may hold their interests therein directly through DTC. Investors in the Global Notes who are not Participants may hold their interests therein indirectly through organizations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) that are Participants. Euroclear and Clearstream may hold interests in the Global Notes on behalf of their participants through customers’ securities accounts in their respective names on the books of their respective depositories, which are Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of Euroclear, and Citibank, N.A., as operator of Clearstream. All interests in a Global Note, including those held through Euroclear or Clearstream, may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or Clearstream may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of such systems.

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain Persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to such Persons will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of Participants, which in turn act on behalf of Indirect Participants, the ability of a Person having beneficial interests in a Global Note to pledge such interests to Persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.

Except as described below, owners of a beneficial interest in the Global Notes will not be entitled to have notes registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of Certificated Notes and will not be considered the registered owners or “Holders” thereof under the Base Indenture for any purpose.

Payments in respect of the principal of, and interest and premium, if any, on a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to DTC in its capacity as the registered Holder under the Base Indenture. Under the terms of the Base Indenture, the Company and the trustee will treat the Persons in whose names the notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners of the notes for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other purposes. Consequently, neither the Company, the trustee nor any agent of any of them has or will have any responsibility or liability for:

(1) any aspect of DTC’s records or any Participant’s or Indirect Participant’s records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTC’s records or any Participant’s or Indirect Participant’s records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes; or

(2) any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of its Participants or Indirect Participants.

DTC has advised us that its current practice, at the due date of any payment in respect of securities such as the Notes, is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive payment on such payment date. Each relevant Participant is credited with an amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal amount of the Notes as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of Notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect Participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the trustee or us. Neither the Company nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of its Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the Notes, and the Company and the trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.

 

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Transfers between Participants will be effected in accordance with DTC’s procedures, and will be settled in same-day funds, and transfers between participants in Euroclear and Clearstream will be effected in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.

Cross-market transfers between the Participants in DTC, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC’s rules on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by its depositary; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant Global Note in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear or Clearstream.

DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a Holder of Notes only at the direction of one or more Participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in the Global Notes and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes as to which such Participant or Participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the Notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes for Certificated Notes, and to distribute such Notes to its Participants.

Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the Global Notes among participants in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and may discontinue such procedures at any time. Neither we nor the trustee or any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes

A Global Note of any series is exchangeable for Certificated Notes of such series in minimum denominations of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof only if:

(1) DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for such Global Notes or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act when it is required to be so registered and, in either case, we fail to appoint a successor depositary within 90 days after the date of such notice from DTC;

(2) we, at our option and subject to the procedures of DTC, determine that a Global Note is exchangeable for a Certificated Note and we deliver a Certified Note in definitive form to DTC; or

(3) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Notes of such series.

In all cases, Certificated Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests in Global Notes will be registered in the names requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures).

Same-Day Settlement and Payment

We will make payments in respect of the Notes represented by the Global Notes (including principal, interest and premium, if any) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Global Note Holder. We will make all payments of principal, interest and premium, if any, with respect to Certificated Notes (i) to holders having an aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000 or less, by check mailed to

 

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such holder’s registered address or (ii) to holders having an aggregate principal amount of more than $2,000,000, by check mailed to such holder’s registered address or, upon application by a holder to the registrar not later than the relevant record date or in the case of payments of principal or premium, if any, not later than 15 days prior to the principal payment date, by wire transfer in immediately available funds to that holder’s account within the United States (subject to surrender of the Certificated Note in the case of payments of principal or premium), which application shall remain in effect until the holder notifies the registrar to the contrary in writing. The Notes represented by the Global Notes are expected to be eligible to trade in DTC’s Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such Notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. The Company expects that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will also be settled in immediately available funds.

Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in a Global Note from a Participant in DTC will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. DTC has advised us that cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a Global Note by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a Participant in DTC will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTC’s settlement date.

Certain Definitions

Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Base Indenture and Supplemental Indentures. Reference is made to the Base Indenture and Supplemental Indentures for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.

“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Redemption Date:

 

    the yield, under the heading which represents the average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently published statistical release designated “H.15(519)” or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities,” for the maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue related to the Notes being redeemed (if no maturity is within three months before or after the Remaining Life (as defined below), yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to such Comparable Treasury Issue will be determined and the Adjusted Treasury Rate will be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight line basis, rounding to the nearest month); or

 

    if such release (or any successor release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such yields, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of such Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for such Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such Redemption Date.

The Adjusted Treasury Rate will be calculated no later than the second Business Day preceding the Redemption Date.

“Board of Directors” means the board of directors of the Company or any committee of that board duly authorized to act generally or in any particular respect for the Company hereunder.

“Business Day” means a day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday, (ii) a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to remain closed or (iii) a day on which the Corporate Trust Office is closed for business.

 

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“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the remaining term of such Notes (Remaining Life).

“Comparable Treasury Price” for any Redemption Date means (i) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for the Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (ii) if the Independent Investment Banker obtains fewer than five such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.

“Equity Securities” means equity ownership of any class of security any entity whether now or hereafter authorized regardless of whether such equity ownership shall be limited to a fixed sum or percentage in respect of the rights of the holders thereof to participate in dividends and in the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Equity Securities, with respect to the Company, includes membership interests of the Company.

“Government Obligations” means (i) direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which obligations or guarantees the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged and which are not callable or redeemable at the issuer’s option, (ii) repurchase agreements with respect to debt obligations referred to in clause (i) above and (iii) money market accounts that invest solely in the debt obligations referred to in clause (i) and/or repurchase agreements referred to in clause (ii) above.

“Indebtedness” means (a) any liability of the Company (i) for borrowed money, or under any reimbursement obligation relating to a letter of credit, or (ii) evidenced by a bond, note, debenture or similar instrument, or (iii) for payment obligations arising under any conditional sale or other title retention arrangement (including a purchase money obligation) given in connection with the acquisition of any businesses, properties or assets of any kind, or (iv) for the payment of money relating to a lease obligation if at the time the lease was entered into it was a capital lease; (b) any liability of others described in the preceding clause (a) that the Company has guaranteed or that is otherwise its legal liability; and (c) any amendment, supplement, modification, deferral, renewal, extension or refunding of any liability of the types referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above.

“Independent Investment Banker” means any of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and their respective successors, as selected by us, or if any such firm is unwilling or unable to serve as such, an independent investment and banking institution of national standing appointed by us.

“Lien” means any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other encumbrance of any kind.

“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

“Primary Treasury Dealer” means a primary United States government securities dealer in the United States as designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means:

 

    RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. and their respective affiliates or successors; provided that, if any such firm or its successors ceases to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, we will substitute another Primary Treasury Dealer; and

 

    up to two other Primary Treasury Dealers selected by us.

 

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“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue related to the Notes being redeemed (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent Investment Banker at 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such Redemption Date.

“Security” or “Securities” means any note or notes, bond or bonds, debenture or debentures, or any other evidences of indebtedness, as the case may be, authenticated and delivered under the Base Indenture.

 

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BOOK-ENTRY PROCEDURES AND SETTLEMENT

Upon issuance, the Exchange Notes will be represented by one or more fully registered global certificates. Each global certificate is deposited with the trustee on behalf of DTC as its custodian and is registered in the name of DTC or a nominee of DTC. DTC is thus the only registered holder of these securities.

The following is based on information furnished to us by DTC:

DTC, the world’s largest securities depository, is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for over 3.5 million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues, and money market instruments (from over 100 countries) that DTC’s participants (“Direct Participants”) deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among Direct Participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between Direct Participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (“DTCC”). DTCC is the holding company for DTC, National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated subsidiaries. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or indirectly (Indirect Participants). DTC has a Standard & Poor’s rating of AA+. The DTC Rules applicable to its Participants are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. More information about DTC can be found at http://www.dtcc.com.

Purchases of the Exchange Notes under the DTC system must be made by or through Direct Participants, which will receive a credit for the Exchange Notes on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Exchange Note (“Beneficial Owner”) is in turn to be recorded on the Direct and Indirect Participants’ records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase. Beneficial Owners are, however, expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the Exchange Notes are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of Direct and Indirect Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the Exchange Notes, except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the Exchange Notes is discontinued.

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all of the Exchange Notes deposited by Direct Participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of the Exchange Notes with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial Owners of the Exchange Notes; DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such Exchange Notes are credited, which may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Direct and Indirect Participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

 

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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following discusses material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes in the exchange offer. This discussion is based on the Code, original and proposed Treasury Regulations, revenue rulings, administrative interpretations and judicial decisions now in effect, all of which are subject to change possibly with retroactive effect. Except as specifically set forth herein, this discussion deals only with Notes held as “capital assets” within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. This discussion does not purport to address all U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to holders in light of their particular circumstances or to holders subject to special tax rules, such as banks, insurance companies or other financial institutions, dealers in securities or foreign currencies, tax-exempt investors, holders subject to the U.S. federal alternative minimum tax, or persons holding the Notes as part of a hedging transaction, straddle, conversion transaction, or other integrated transaction.

The exchange of the Original Notes for the Exchange Notes in the exchange offer should not constitute a taxable event or exchange for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and thus will have no U.S. federal income tax consequences to holders of Original Notes. Each Exchange Note received pursuant to the exchange offer will instead be treated as a continuation of the Original Note for which it is exchanged. As such, there should be no change in a holder’s adjusted tax basis in the Exchange Notes, and the holder’s holding period in the Exchange Notes should be the same as that applicable to the Original Notes. In addition, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of the Exchange Notes should be the same as those applicable to the Original Notes.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, we have not sought and we do not expect to seek any ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the previous discussion. As such, there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with such statements and conclusions. Thus, all persons that exchange Original Notes for Exchange Notes in the exchange offer are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors with regard to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to their particular situations as well as any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or foreign jurisdiction.

The preceding discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations is not tax advice. In light of each prospective investor’s particular circumstances, each prospective investor is encouraged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the particular U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of exchanging Original Notes for, holding and disposing of Exchange Notes, including the consequences of any proposed change in applicable laws.

 

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ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

The following is a summary of certain considerations associated with acquiring, holding or disposing of the Notes by an employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”)), a plan (as defined in Section 4975(e)(1) of the Code), plans or other arrangements that are subject to provisions under any federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws or regulations that are similar to such provisions of the Code or ERISA (“Similar Laws”) and/or an entity whose underlying assets include “plan assets” (within the meaning of the regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor set forth in 29 C.F.R. § 2510.3-101, as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA) by reason of a plan’s investment in such entities (each, a “Plan”).

General Fiduciary Matters

ERISA generally imposes certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries of an employee benefit plan subject to Title 1 of ERISA (“ERISA Plan”). Under ERISA, any person (1) who has or exercises any discretionary authority or control respecting the management of an ERISA Plan or exercises any authority or control respecting the management or disposition of the assets of an ERISA Plan, (2) who renders investment advice for a fee or other compensation, direct or indirect, with respect to any moneys or other property of an ERISA Plan (or has any authority or responsibility to do so) or (3) who has any discretionary authority or responsibility in the administration of an ERISA Plan is generally considered to be a fiduciary of the ERISA Plan.

In considering an investment in the Notes of a portion of the assets of any Plan, or whether a Plan should continue to hold or dispose of Notes previously acquired, a fiduciary should determine whether the investment, holding or disposition is in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the Plan and the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code or any Similar Laws relating to a fiduciary’s duties to the Plan including, without limitation, the prudence, diversification, delegation of control and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA, the Code and any other applicable Similar Laws.

Prohibited Transaction Issues

Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit ERISA Plans and individual retirement accounts and other plans which are subject to Section 4975 of the Code (“IRAs”) from engaging in specified transactions involving plan assets with persons or entities who are “parties in interest,” within the meaning of ERISA, or “disqualified persons,” within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code, unless an exemption is available, including (without limitation) Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption (PTCE) 91-38 (regarding bank collective investment funds), PTCE 90-1 (regarding insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTCE 84-14 (regarding independent qualified professional asset managers), PTCE 95-60 (regarding insurance company general accounts) or PTCE 96-23 (regarding in-house asset managers).

The Notes should not be purchased, held or disposed of by any person investing assets of any Plan, unless such purchase, holding or disposition will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA and the Code or similar violation of any applicable Similar Laws.

Representation

Accordingly, by its exchange of a Note, each investor and subsequent transferee of a Note will be deemed to have represented and warranted, from the date of its original acquisition of the Note through to and including the date of its final disposition of such Note, that either (i) no portion of the assets used by such investor or transferee to acquire and hold the Notes constitutes assets of any Plan or (ii) none of the acquisition, holding or disposition of the Notes by such investor or transferee constitutes a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or similar violation under any applicable Similar Laws.

 

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The foregoing discussion is general in nature and is not intended to be all-inclusive. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in fiduciary breaches or non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries, or other persons considering purchasing , holding or disposing of the Notes on behalf of, or with the assets of, any Plan, consult with their counsel regarding the potential applicability of the fiduciary and prohibited transaction requirements of ERISA, the Code and other Similar Laws. The acquisition, holding or disposition of Notes by a Plan is in no respect a representation by Dominion Gas or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or any representative thereof that such an acquisition, holding or disposition satisfies the applicable requirements of ERISA, the Code or any other Similar Laws.

 

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Each broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of Exchange Notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Original Notes where such Original Notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, provided that such broker-dealer notifies the Company to that effect by so indicating on the letter of transmittal. We have agreed that, starting on the date of the completion of the exchange offer to which this prospectus relates, for up to 180 days following completion of the exchange offer, we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale.

We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes or from any sale of Exchange Notes by broker-dealers. Exchange Notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the Exchange Notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such Exchange Notes. Any broker-dealer that resells Exchange Notes received for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such Exchange Notes may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of Exchange Notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver a prospectus and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal also states that any holder participating in this exchange offer will have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Original Notes or the Exchange Notes within the meaning of the Securities Act.

For a period of 180 days after the completion of the exchange offer, we will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the Original Notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the Exchange Notes and certain other legal matters relating to the exchange offer will be passed upon for us by McGuireWoods LLP, Richmond, Virginia.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, included in this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein. Such financial statements are included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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DEFINITIONS USED IN CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following abbreviations or acronyms used are defined below:

 

Abbreviation or Acronym

  

Definition

ABO    Accumulated benefit obligation
AFUDC    Allowance for funds used during construction
AMR    Automated meter reading program deployed by East Ohio
AOCI    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Appalachian Gateway Project    DTI project that provides firm transportation services for new Appalachian gas supplies in West Virginia and southwestern Pennsylvania to an interconnection with Texas Eastern Transmission, LP at Oakford, Pennsylvania
AROs    Asset retirement obligations
bcf    Billion cubic feet
Blue Racer    Blue Racer Midstream, LLC, Dominion’s joint venture with Caiman Energy II, LLC
CAA    Clean Air Act
CAP    IRS Compliance Assurance Process
CERCLA    Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980
Company    Dominion Gas
Dominion    The legal entity, Dominion Resources, Inc., one or more of Dominion Resources, Inc.’s consolidated subsidiaries or operating segments or the entirety of Dominion Resources, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries
Dominion Gas    The entirety of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries
Dominion Iroquois    Dominion Iroquois, Inc., which holds a 24.72% general partnership interest in Iroquois
DRS    Dominion Resources Services, Inc.
DTI    Dominion Transmission, Inc.
E&P    Exploration and production
East Ohio    The East Ohio Gas Company, doing business as Dominion East Ohio
EGWP    Employer Group Waiver Plan
EPA    Environmental Protection Agency
ERISA    The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
ERM    Enterprise Risk Management
FERC    Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
GAAP    U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
GHG    Greenhouse gas

 

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Abbreviation or Acronym

  

Definition

Hope    Hope Gas, Inc., doing business as Dominion Hope
House Bill 95    Ohio utility reform legislation effective September 2011
IRCA    Intercompany revolving credit agreement
Iroquois    Iroquois Gas Transmission System L.P.
IRS    Internal Revenue Service
Joint Committee    U.S. Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation
LIFO    Last-in-first-out inventory method
Line TPL-2A    An approximately 11-mile, 30-inch gas gathering pipeline extending from Tuscarawas County, Ohio to Harrison County, Ohio
Line TL-388    A 37-mile, 24-inch gas gathering pipeline extending from Texas Eastern, LP in Noble County, Ohio to its terminus at Dominion’s Gilmore Station in Tuscarawas County, Ohio
Line TL-404    An approximately 26-mile, 24- and 30- inch gas gathering pipeline that extends from Wetzel County, West Virginia to Monroe County, Ohio
Medicare Act    The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
Medicare Part D    Prescription drug benefit introduced in the Medicare Act
NAV    Net asset value
NGLs    Natural gas liquids
Northern System    Collection of approximately 131 miles of various diameter natural gas pipelines in Ohio
NO X    Nitrogen oxide
NSPS    New Source Performance Standards
Ohio Commission    Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PIPP    Percentage of Income Payment Plan deployed by East Ohio
PIR    Pipeline Infrastructure Replacement program deployed by East Ohio
REIT    Real estate investment trust
SEC    Securities and Exchange Commission
U.S.    United States of America
UEX Rider    Uncollectible Expense Rider deployed by East Ohio
VEBA    Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association
VIE    Variable interest entity
West Ohio    Dominion West Ohio Gas Division, a division of East Ohio
Western System    Collection of approximately 212 miles of various diameter natural gas pipelines and three compressor stations in Ohio

 

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I NDEX TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page
Number
 

Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     F-3   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     F-4   

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Equity at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 and for the years then ended

     F-7   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

     F-8   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-9   

 

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors of

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

Richmond, Virginia 23219

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc.) (the “Company”) at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits 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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits 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 effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

March 28, 2014

Richmond, Virginia

 

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Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

Year Ended December 31,

   2013      2012      2011  
(millions)                     

Operating Revenue (1)

   $ 1,937       $ 1,677       $ 1,878   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Expenses

        

Purchased gas (1)

     323         235         346   

Other energy-related purchases

     93         41         18   

Other operations and maintenance

        

Affiliated suppliers

     70         112         109   

Other (2)(3)

     353         223         541   

Depreciation and amortization

     188         176         163   

Other taxes

     148         140         145   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     1,175         927         1,322   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations

     762         750         556   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other income

     28         37         37   

Interest and related charges (1)

     28         40         44   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations before income taxes

     762         747         549   

Income tax expense

     301         288         207   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income

   $ 461       $ 459       $ 342   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) See Note 20 for amounts attributable to affiliates.
(2) Includes gains on the sales of assets of $122 million and $176 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
(3) See Note 3 for amounts attributable to affiliates.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 

Year Ended December 31,

   2013      2012     2011  
(millions)                    

Net income

   $ 461       $ 459      $ 342   

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

       

Net deferred gains (losses) on derivatives-hedging activities, net of $(27), $(10) and $46 tax

     39         13        (70

Changes in net unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit costs, net of $(18), $5 and $9 tax

     26         (7     (14

Amounts reclassified to net income:

       

Net derivative losses-hedging activities, net of $(5), $(13) and $(26) tax

     11         20        40   

Net pension and other postretirement benefit costs, net of $(4), $(4) and $(3) tax

     6         5        5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     82         31        (39
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 543       $ 490      $ 303   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

At December 31,

   2013     2012  
(millions)             

ASSETS

    

Current Assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 8      $ 12   

Customer receivables (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $5 and $4)

     311        271   

Other receivables (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1 at both dates)

     2        10   

Affiliated receivables

     41        74   

Affiliated advances

     —          75   

Prepayments

     67        80   

Inventories:

    

Materials and supplies

     56        56   

Gas stored

     7        7   

Deferred income taxes

     89        102   

Regulatory assets

     79        71   

Other (1)

     141        58   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     801        816   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments

     106        103   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment

    

Property, plant and equipment

     8,240        7,809   

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (2,421     (2,326
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment, net

     5,819        5,483   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Charges and Other Assets

    

Goodwill

     545        552   

Intangible assets, net

     82        84   

Regulatory assets

     285        414   

Pension and other postretirement benefit assets (1)

     1,436        1,204   

Other (1)

     68        33   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred charges and other assets

     2,416        2,287   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 9,142      $ 8,689   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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At December 31,

   2013     2012  
(millions)             

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Current Liabilities

    

Affiliated securities due within one year

   $ —        $ 64   

Accounts payable

     277        239   

Payables to affiliates

     45        37   

Affiliated current borrowings

     1,342        1,887   

Accrued interest, payroll and taxes

     209        161   

Other (1)

     197        248   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     2,070        2,636   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt

    

Long-term debt

     1,198        —     

Affiliated long-term debt

     —          505   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

     1,198        505   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

    

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

     1,977        1,832   

Other (1)

     470        440   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

     2,447        2,272   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     5,715        5,413   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (see Note 18)

    

Equity

    

Membership interests

     3,485        3,416   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (58     (140
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     3,427        3,276   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 9,142      $ 8,689   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) See Note 20 for amounts attributable to affiliates.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

Consolidated Statements of Equity

 

     Membership Interests     Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total  
(millions)                   

December 31, 2010

   $ 3,049      $ (132   $ 2,917   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     342          342   

Distributions

     (224       (224

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

       (39     (39
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2011

     3,167        (171     2,996   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     459          459   

Distributions

     (210       (210

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

       31        31   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

     3,416        (140     3,276   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     461          461   

Equity contribution from parent

     6          6   

Distributions

     (398       (398

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

       82        82   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

December 31, 2013

   $ 3,485      $ (58   $ 3,427   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

Year Ended December 31,

   2013     2012     2011  
(millions)                   

Operating Activities

      

Net income

   $ 461      $ 459      $ 342   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Gains on sales of assets

     (122     (176     —     

Depreciation and amortization

     188        176        163   

Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits

     102        294        139   

Other adjustments

     (3     2        2   

Changes in:

      

Accounts receivable

     (17     63        140   

Affiliated receivables

     2        (3     (4

Prepayments

     13        (9     15   

Inventories

     —          5        (8

Accounts payable

     62        (52     (178

Payables to affiliates

     8        (12     (14

Accrued interest, payroll and taxes

     48        (43     (18

Other operating assets and liabilities

     (44     (75     3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     698        629        582   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities

      

Plant construction and other property additions

     (650     (928     (710

Proceeds from sale of assets to an affiliate

     113        —          —     

Proceeds from sale of assets

     82        —          —     

Advances to affiliate, net

     (5     (14     (10

Other

     —          (10     (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (460     (952     (727
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities

      

Issuance (repayment) of affiliated current borrowings, net

     (545     549        382   

Repayment and acquisition of affiliated long-term debt

     (569     (10     (11

Issuance of long-term debt

     1,200        —          —     

Distribution payments

     (318     (210     (224

Other

     (10     —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (242     329        147   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (4     6        2   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     12        6        4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   $ 8      $ 12      $ 6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

      

Cash paid during the year for:

      

Interest and related charges, excluding capitalized amounts

   $ 31      $ 43      $ 44   

Income taxes

     148        67        76   

Significant noncash investing and financing activities:

      

Accrued capital expenditures

     42        62        88   

Extinguishment of affiliated long-term debt in exchange for assets sold to affiliate

     —          187        —     

Distribution of non-cash asset (account receivable) to parent

     80        —          —     

Proceeds from sale of assets to affiliate not yet received

     30        61        —     

Conversion of affiliated current borrowings to membership interests

     —          61        —     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Financial Statements.  

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

N OTE 1. B ASIS OF P RESENTATION AND N ATURE OF O PERATIONS

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, a holding company formed on September 12, 2013, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion, one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy. Dominion’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, DTI, East Ohio and Dominion Iroquois were contributed to Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC on September 30, 2013. This transaction was considered to be a reorganization of entities under common control and therefore the transfer of net assets to Dominion Gas was recognized at Dominion’s basis in the net assets contributed. In addition, at the transfer effective date, the transaction was accounted for as if the transfer occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented, and prior years have been retroactively adjusted.

Dominion Gas is a single member limited liability company. In accordance with the Virginia Limited Liability Company Act and Dominion Gas’ operating agreement, Dominion, as the sole member of Dominion Gas, is not obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of Dominion Gas solely by reason of being a member of Dominion Gas. Dominion Gas has one class of membership interests, which is owned entirely by Dominion.

Dominion Gas’ operations include a regulated interstate natural gas transmission pipeline and underground storage system in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and Midwest states, regulated gas transportation and distribution operations in Ohio, and gas gathering and processing activities primarily in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Dominion Gas manages its daily operations through one primary operating segment: Dominion Energy. It also reports a Corporate and Other segment that primarily includes specific items attributable to its operating segment that are not included in profit measures evaluated by executive management in assessing the segment’s performance and the effect of certain items recorded at Dominion Gas as a result of the recognition of Dominion’s basis in the net assets contributed.

See Note 21 for further discussion of Dominion Gas’ operating segment.

N OTE 2. S IGNIFICANT A CCOUNTING P OLICIES

General

Dominion Gas makes certain estimates and assumptions in preparing its Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues, expenses and cash flows for the periods presented. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the wholly-owned subsidiaries, after eliminating intercompany accounts and transactions.

Dominion Gas reports certain contracts, instruments and investments at fair value. See Note 6 for further information on fair value measurements.

Dominion Gas participates in certain Dominion-sponsored pension and other postretirement benefit plans. See Note 17 for further information on these plans.

Operating Revenue

Operating revenue is recorded on the basis of services rendered, commodities delivered or contracts settled and includes amounts yet to be billed to customers. The Company collects sales taxes; however, these amounts are

 

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excluded from revenue. Dominion Gas’ customer receivables at December 31, 2013 and 2012 included $106 million and $29 million, respectively, of accrued unbilled revenue based on estimated amounts of natural gas delivered but not yet billed to its utility customers.

The primary types of sales and service activities reported as operating revenue for Dominion Gas are as follows:

 

    Regulated gas sales consist primarily of state-regulated retail natural gas sales and related distribution services;

 

    Nonregulated gas sales consist primarily of sales of natural gas production at market-based rates and contracted fixed prices and sales of gas purchased from third parties. Revenue from sales of gas production is recognized based on actual volumes of gas sold to purchasers and is reported net of royalties;

 

    Gas transportation and storage consists primarily of regulated sales of gathering, transmission, distribution and storage services. Also included are regulated gas distribution charges to retail distribution service customers opting for alternate suppliers;

 

    NGL revenue consists primarily of sales of NGL production and condensate, extracted products and associated derivative activity; and

 

    Other revenue consists primarily of miscellaneous service revenue, gas processing and handling revenue and gathering revenue.

Purchased Gas—Deferred Costs

Where permitted by the Ohio Commission, the differences between East Ohio’s actual purchased gas expenses and the related levels of recovery for these expenses in current rates are deferred and matched against recoveries in future periods. The deferral of costs in excess of current period fuel rate recovery is recognized as a regulatory asset, while rate recovery in excess of current period fuel expenses is recognized as a regulatory liability.

Of the cost of energy purchases to serve utility customers, virtually all of East Ohio’s gas purchases are either subject to deferral accounting or are recovered from the customer in the same accounting period as the sale.

Income Taxes

Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Financial Statements include the income taxes of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, East Ohio, DTI and Dominion Iroquois. Although Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, a single member limited liability company, is disregarded for income tax purposes, a provision for income taxes is recognized to reflect the inclusion of its business activities in the tax returns of its parent, Dominion. Under an agreement to be executed with Dominion in 2014, Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, as a separate company, will be compensated for its tax benefits or will pay Dominion its share, if any, of taxes payable. Dominion Gas’ subsidiaries are included in Dominion’s consolidated federal income tax return. In addition, where applicable, Dominion Gas’ subsidiaries are included in combined income tax returns for Dominion and its subsidiaries which are filed in various states; otherwise, separate state income tax returns are filed. Dominion Gas’ subsidiaries participate in an intercompany tax sharing agreement with Dominion and its subsidiaries. Current income taxes are recognized based on taxable income or loss, determined on a separate company basis.

Under the agreements, if Dominion Gas or its subsidiaries incurs a net operating loss, recognition of current income tax benefits is limited to refunds of prior year taxes obtained by the carryback of the net operating loss or to the extent the net operating loss is absorbed by the taxable income of other Dominion consolidated group members. Otherwise, the net operating loss is carried forward and is recognized as a deferred tax asset until realized.

 

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Accounting for income taxes involves an asset and liability approach. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are provided, representing future effects on income taxes for temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Accordingly, deferred taxes are recognized for the future consequences of different treatments used for the reporting of transactions in financial accounting and income tax returns. Dominion Gas establishes a valuation allowance when it is more-likely-than-not that all, or a portion, of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Where the treatment of temporary differences is different for rate-regulated operations, a regulatory asset is recognized if it is probable that future revenues will be provided for the payment of deferred tax liabilities.

Dominion Gas recognizes positions taken, or expected to be taken, in income tax returns that are more-likely-than-not to be realized, assuming that the position will be examined by tax authorities with full knowledge of all relevant information.

If it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax position, or some portion thereof, will be sustained, the related tax benefits are not recognized in the financial statements. Unrecognized tax benefits may result in an increase in income taxes payable, a reduction of income tax refunds receivable or changes in deferred taxes. Also, when uncertainty about the deductibility of an amount is limited to the timing of such deductibility, the increase in income taxes payable (or reduction in tax refunds receivable) is accompanied by a decrease in deferred tax liabilities. Except when such amounts are presented net with amounts receivable from or amounts prepaid to tax authorities, noncurrent income taxes payable related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified in other deferred credits and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and current payables are included in accrued interest, payroll and taxes on the consolidated balance sheets.

Dominion Gas recognizes changes in estimated interest payable on net underpayments of income taxes in interest expense. Changes in interest receivable related to net overpayments of income taxes and estimated penalties that may result from the settlement of some uncertain tax positions are recognized in other income. Dominion Gas recognized interest expense of $1 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, and less than $1 million of penalties on net underpayments in each year. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, Dominion Gas had accrued interest payable of $2 million and less than $1 million of penalties at the end of each year.

At December 31, 2013, the Consolidated Balance Sheet included $17 million of current federal income taxes payable, $23 million of current state income taxes payable, $1 million of current state income taxes receivable, $7 million of noncurrent state income taxes payable and $20 million noncurrent state income taxes receivable.

At December 31, 2012, the Consolidated Balance Sheet included $18 million of current federal income taxes receivable, $4 million of current state income taxes payable, $1 million of noncurrent federal income taxes payable, $7 million of noncurrent state income taxes payable and $20 million noncurrent state income taxes receivable.

Investment tax credits are deferred in the year qualifying property is placed in service and amortized over the service lives of the properties giving rise to the credits.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Current banking arrangements generally do not require checks to be funded until they are presented for payment. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, Dominion Gas’ accounts payable included $7 million and $8 million, respectively, of checks outstanding but not yet presented for payment. For purposes of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash in banks and temporary investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.

 

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Derivative Instruments

Dominion Gas uses derivative instruments such as physical and financial forwards, futures and swaps to manage commodity price and interest rate risks.

All derivatives, except those for which an exception applies, are required to be reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Derivative contracts representing unrealized gain positions are reported as derivative assets. Derivative contracts representing unrealized losses are reported as derivative liabilities. One of the exceptions to fair value accounting, normal purchases and normal sales, may be elected when the contract satisfies certain criteria, including a requirement that physical delivery of the underlying commodity is probable. Expenses and revenues resulting from deliveries under normal purchase contracts and normal sales contracts, respectively, are included in earnings at the time of contract performance. Dominion Gas classifies its derivatives as either current or non-current assets or liabilities based on the anticipated settlement date.

Dominion Gas does not offset amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral against amounts recognized for derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, Dominion Gas did not have any margin assets or liabilities related to cash collateral.

Derivative Instruments Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments

Dominion Gas designates a substantial portion of its derivative instruments as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. The cash flow hedging strategies are primarily used to hedge the variable price risk associated with the purchase and sale of natural gas and sale of NGLs and the variable interest rate risk associated with forecasted future debt issuances. For all derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item is formally documented, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for using the hedging instrument at the inception of the hedge. For transactions in which Dominion Gas is hedging the variability of cash flows, changes in the fair value of the derivative are reported in AOCI, to the extent effective at offsetting changes in the hedged item, until earnings are affected by the hedged item. Dominion Gas assesses whether the hedging relationship between the derivative and the hedged item is highly effective at offsetting changes in cash flows, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis. Any change in fair value of the derivative that is not effective at offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item is recognized currently in earnings. Also, Dominion Gas may elect to exclude certain gains or losses on hedging instruments from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, which are recognized currently in earnings. Dominion Gas discontinues hedge accounting prospectively for derivatives that have ceased to be highly effective hedges or for which the forecasted transaction is determined to be no longer probable. Dominion Gas reclassifies any derivative gains or losses reported in AOCI to earnings when the forecasted item is included in earnings, if it should occur, or earlier, if it becomes probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur. For derivative instruments that are accounted for as cash flow hedges, the cash flows from the derivatives and from the related hedged items are classified in operating cash flows.

Dominion entered into interest rate derivative instruments to hedge its forecasted interest payments related to planned debt issuances in 2013 and 2014. These interest rate derivative instruments were designated by Dominion as cash flow hedges in 2012 and 2013, prior to the formation of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC. For purposes of the Dominion Gas financial statements, the derivative balances, AOCI balance, and any income statement impact related to these interest rate derivative instruments entered into by Dominion have been, and will continue to be, included in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Financial Statements as the forecasted interest payments related to the debt issuances will now occur at Dominion Gas.

Gains and losses on derivatives designated as hedges, when recognized, and gains and losses on hedging instruments determined to be ineffective are included in operating revenue, operating expenses and interest and related charges in Dominion Gas’ Statements of Income based on the nature of the underlying risk.

 

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Valuation Methods

See Note 6 for further information about fair value measurements and associated valuation methods for derivatives. See Note 7 for further information on derivatives.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment is recorded at lower of original cost or fair value, if impaired. Capitalized costs include labor, materials and other direct and indirect costs such as asset retirement costs, AFUDC and overhead costs. The cost of repairs and maintenance, including minor additions and replacements, is generally charged to expense as it is incurred.

In 2013, 2012 and 2011, Dominion Gas capitalized AFUDC to property, plant and equipment of $5 million, $23 million and $17 million, respectively.

The undepreciated cost of gas utility and transmission property subject to cost-of-service rate regulation, less salvage value, is generally charged to accumulated depreciation at retirement. Cost of removal collections from utility customers not representing AROs are recorded as regulatory liabilities. Dominion Gas also records gains and losses on sales of assets based upon the difference between the proceeds received, if any, and the property’s net book value. For property subject to cost-of-service rate regulation that will be retired or abandoned significantly before the end of its useful life, the net carrying value is reclassified from plant-in-service when it becomes probable it will be retired or abandoned.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed on the straight-line method based on projected service lives. Dominion Gas’ average composite depreciation rates on utility property, plant and equipment are as follows:

 

                                                        

Year Ended December 31,

   2013      2012      2011  
(percent)                     

Transmission

     2.43         2.35         2.47   

Distribution

     2.50         2.66         2.65   

Storage

     2.43         2.58         2.45   

Gas gathering and processing

     2.39         2.50         2.52   

General and other

     5.93         6.09         6.26   

In 2013, Dominion Gas revised the depreciation rates for East Ohio to reflect the results of a new depreciation study. This change resulted in a decrease of $8 million ($5 million after-tax) in depreciation expense in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Statements of Income.

Depreciation and amortization related to Dominion Gas’ nonutility property, plant and equipment and E&P properties was immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Long-Lived and Intangible Assets

Dominion Gas performs an evaluation for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of long-lived assets or intangible assets with finite lives may not be recoverable. A long-lived or intangible asset is written down to fair value if the sum of its expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than its carrying amount. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities

The accounting for Dominion Gas’ regulated gas operations differs from the accounting for nonregulated operations in that the Company is required to reflect the effect of rate regulation in its Consolidated Financial

 

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Statements. For regulated businesses subject to cost-of-service rate regulation, regulatory practices that assign costs to accounting periods may differ from accounting methods generally applied by nonregulated companies. When it is probable that regulators will permit the recovery of current costs through future rates charged to customers, these costs that otherwise would be expensed by nonregulated companies are deferred as regulatory assets. Likewise, regulatory liabilities are recognized when it is probable that regulators will require customer refunds through future rates or when revenue is collected from customers for expenditures that have yet to be incurred. Generally, regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized into income over the period authorized by the regulator.

Dominion Gas evaluates whether or not recovery of its regulatory assets through future rates is probable and makes various assumptions in its analyses. The expectations of future recovery are generally based on orders issued by regulatory commissions or historical experience, as well as discussions with applicable regulatory authorities. If recovery of a regulatory asset is determined to be less than probable, it will be written off in the period such assessment is made.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Dominion Gas recognizes AROs at fair value as incurred or when sufficient information becomes available to determine a reasonable estimate of the fair value of future retirement activities to be performed. These amounts are generally capitalized as costs of the related tangible long-lived assets. Since relevant market information is not available, fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses. At least annually, the Company evaluates the key assumptions underlying its AROs including estimates of the amounts and timing of future cash flows associated with retirement activities. AROs are adjusted when significant changes in these assumptions are identified. Dominion Gas reports accretion of AROs associated with its natural gas pipeline and storage well assets as an adjustment to the related regulatory liabilities when revenue is recoverable from customers for AROs. Accretion of all other AROs is reported in other operations and maintenance expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

Dominion Gas defers and amortizes debt issuance costs and debt premiums or discounts over the expected lives of the respective debt issues, considering maturity dates and, if applicable, redemption rights held by others. As permitted by regulatory authorities, gains or losses resulting from the refinancing of debt allocable to utility operations subject to cost-based rate regulation are deferred and amortized over the lives of the new issuances.

Non-Marketable Investments

Dominion Gas accounts for illiquid and privately held securities for which market prices or quotations are not readily available under the equity method as it has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee. Dominion Gas records equity method adjustments in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income including: its proportionate share of investee income or loss, gains or losses resulting from investee capital transactions, amortization of certain differences between the carrying value and the equity in the net assets of the investee at the date of investment and other adjustments required by the equity method.

Inventories

Materials and supplies inventories are valued primarily using the weighted-average cost method. Stored gas inventory used in East Ohio distribution operations is valued using the LIFO method. Under the LIFO method, stored gas inventory was valued at $7 million at both December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Based on the average price of gas purchased during 2013 and 2012, the cost of replacing the current portion of stored gas inventory exceeded the amount stated on a LIFO basis by approximately $77 million and $69 million, respectively.

 

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Gas Imbalances

Natural gas imbalances occur when the physical amount of natural gas delivered from, or received by, a pipeline system or storage facility differs from the contractual amount of natural gas delivered or received. Dominion Gas values these imbalances due to, or from, shippers and operators at an appropriate index price at period end, subject to the terms of its tariff for regulated entities. Imbalances are primarily settled in-kind. Imbalances due to Dominion Gas from other parties are reported in other current assets and imbalances that Dominion Gas owes to other parties are reported in other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Goodwill

Dominion Gas evaluates goodwill for impairment annually as of April 1 and whenever an event occurs or circumstances change in the interim that would more-likely-than-not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.

N OTE 3. D ISPOSITIONS

Sales of Pipeline Systems

In December 2012, Dominion Gas sold two pipeline systems to an affiliate for consideration of $248 million, consisting of $61 million in cash proceeds and the extinguishment of affiliated long-term debt of $187 million. The sale also resulted in a gain of approximately $176 million ($110 million after-tax).

In March 2013, Dominion Gas sold Line TL-404 to an affiliate and received approximately $47 million in cash proceeds resulting in an approximately $25 million ($14 million after-tax) gain.

In August 2013, Dominion Gas sold Line TPL-2A to an affiliate and received approximately $5 million in cash proceeds resulting in an approximately $2 million ($1 million after-tax) gain.

In September 2013, Dominion Gas sold Line TL-388 to Blue Racer and received approximately $78 million in cash proceeds resulting in an approximately $74 million ($41 million after-tax) gain.

In December 2013, Dominion Gas sold the Western System to an affiliate for $30 million in cash proceeds resulting in an approximately $3 million ($2 million after-tax) gain.

In March 2014, Dominion Gas sold the Northern System to an affiliate for $84 million in cash proceeds resulting in an approximately $50 million ($30 million after-tax) gain.

All gains discussed above are recorded in other operations and maintenance expense in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Statements of Income.

N OTE 4. O PERATING R EVENUE

Dominion Gas’ operating revenue consists of the following:

 

Year Ended December 31,

   2013      2012      2011  
(millions)                     

Gas sales:

        

Regulated

   $ 202       $ 138       $ 170   

Nonregulated

     32         28         103   

Gas transportation and storage

     1,338         1,188         1,284   

NGL revenue

     292         275         260   

Other

     73         48         61   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating revenue

   $     1,937       $     1,677       $     1,878   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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N OTE 5. I NCOME T AXES

Judgment and the use of estimates are required in developing the provision for income taxes and reporting of tax-related assets and liabilities. The interpretation of tax laws involves uncertainty, since tax authorities may interpret the laws differently. Dominion Gas is routinely audited by federal and state tax authorities. Ultimate resolution of income tax matters may result in favorable or unfavorable impacts to net income and cash flows, and adjustments to tax-related assets and liabilities could be material.

On January 2, 2013, U.S. federal legislation was enacted that provides an extension of the 50% bonus depreciation allowance for qualifying capital expenditures incurred through 2013.

In September 2013, the IRS issued final regulations that provide guidance to taxpayers on the treatment of amounts paid to acquire, produce or improve tangible property, including whether expenditures should be deducted as repairs or capitalized and depreciated on tax returns. The final regulations include a number of safe harbor tax accounting methods which a taxpayer may choose to elect and, if adopted, will not be challenged by the IRS. In addition, the IRS reissued certain temporary regulations that were also issued concurrently as proposed regulations regarding property dispositions. Although the final regulations are effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, anticipated IRS procedural guidance for natural gas pipeline assets has not yet been issued. Although changes in tax accounting methods would be effective prospectively, implementation of certain changes requires a calculation of the cumulative effect of the change on prior years. Under IRS procedural guidance issued in January 2014, if such cumulative effect increases taxable income, it is includible in taxable income over a four-year period, beginning with the year of the change. However, if such cumulative effect decreases taxable income, the entire amount is includible in taxable income in the year of the change.

Changes in tax treatment elected by Dominion Gas or required by the regulations will impact income taxes payable, cash flows from operations and deferred taxes. Except to the extent the implementation impacts deferred taxes and, therefore, the rate base used to establish customer rates for regulated utilities, results of operations are not expected to be materially affected.

Details of income tax expense were as follows:

 

                                                        

Year Ended December 31,

   2013      2012 (1)     2011 (2)  
(millions)                    

Current:

       

Federal

   $ 158       $ (8   $ 54   

State

     41         2        14   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current expense (benefit)

     199         (6     68   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred:

       

Federal

     92         257        122   

State

     10         37        17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred expense

     102         294        139   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total income tax expense

   $     301       $     288      $     207   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) In 2012, the current federal income tax benefit includes a $75 million benefit related to the carryback of one subsidiary’s 2012 net operating loss.
(2) In 2011, the deferred federal income tax expense includes a $9 million benefit related to one subsidiary’s 2011 net operating loss that is expected to be used in future years.

 

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The statutory U.S. federal income tax rate reconciles to the effective income tax rate as follows:

 

                                                        

Year Ended December 31,

   2013     2012     2011  

U.S. statutory rate

     35.0     35.0     35.0

Increases (reductions) resulting from:

      

State taxes, net of federal benefit

     4.3        3.4        3.6   

AFUDC—equity

     (0.1     (0.6     (0.6

Other, net

     0.3        0.7        (0.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

         39.5         38.5         37.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company’s deferred income taxes consist of the following:

 

                                     

At December 31,

   2013     2012  
(millions)             

Deferred income taxes:

    

Total deferred income tax assets

   $ 216      $ 260   

Total deferred income tax liabilities

     2,103        1,989   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net deferred income tax liabilities

   $ 1,887      $ 1,729   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred income taxes:

    

Plant and equipment, primarily depreciation method and basis differences

   $ 1,266      $ 1,199   

Deferred state income taxes

     182        163   

Federal benefit of deferred state income taxes

     (64     (57

Pension benefits

     522        474   

Other postretirement benefits

     (13     (15

Loss and credit carryforwards

     (10     (9

Other

     4        (26
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net deferred income tax liabilities

   $ 1,887      $ 1,729   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dominion Gas had no valuation allowances at December 31, 2013 and 2012.

At December 31, 2013, Dominion Gas had the following deductible loss carryforwards:

 

    Federal loss carryforwards of $28 million that expire if unutilized during the period 2031 through 2033; and

 

    State loss carryforwards of $4 million that expire if unutilized during the period 2031 through 2032.

Dominion Gas had no credit carryforwards at December 31, 2013.

A reconciliation of changes in Dominion Gas’ unrecognized tax benefits follows:

 

                                                        
     2013     2012      2011  
(millions)                    

Balance at January 1

   $ 30      $ 30       $ 35   

Decreases-prior period positions

     (1     —           (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   $     29      $     30       $     30   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Certain unrecognized tax benefits, or portions thereof, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. Changes in these unrecognized tax benefits may result from remeasurement of amounts expected to be realized, settlements with tax authorities and expiration of statutes of limitations. These unrecognized tax benefits were $19 million, $20 million and $20 million at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The change in

 

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these unrecognized tax benefits affected income tax expense by less than $1 million in 2013 and 2012 and decreased income tax expense by $2 million in 2011.

In January 2012, the Appellate Division of the IRS informed Dominion that the Joint Committee had completed its review of the settlement of tax years 2004 and 2005 for Dominion and its consolidated subsidiaries.

In April 2012, the IRS issued its Revenue Agent Report for Dominion’s consolidated tax returns for tax years 2006 and 2007, reflecting no unresolved issues for Dominion Gas.

The IRS examination of tax years 2008, 2009 and 2010 began in the first quarter of 2012 and was later expanded to include examination of the 2011 tax year. The audit concluded in late 2013, reflecting no unresolved issues for Dominion Gas. The earliest tax year remaining open for examination of Dominion’s federal tax returns is 2012.

Effective for its 2014 tax year, Dominion has been accepted into the CAP. The CAP is a method of identifying and resolving tax issues through open, cooperative, and transparent interaction between the IRS and taxpayers prior to the filing of a return. Through the CAP, Dominion will have the opportunity to resolve complex tax matters with the IRS before filing its federal income tax returns, thus achieving certainty for such tax return filing positions accepted by the IRS. Under a Pre-CAP plan, the IRS audit of tax years 2012 and 2013 will begin in early 2014.

After considering the possibility of potential changes in the status of its remaining unrecognized tax benefits, Dominion Gas has concluded that no significant changes are reasonably possible to occur in 2014.

For each of the major states in which Dominion Gas operates, the earliest tax year remaining open for examination is as follows:

 

State

   Earliest
Open Tax Year
 

Pennsylvania

     2010   

West Virginia

     2010   

New York

     2007   

Dominion Gas is also obligated to report adjustments resulting from IRS settlements to state tax authorities. In addition, if Dominion Gas utilizes operating losses or tax credits generated in years for which the statute of limitations has expired, such amounts are subject to examination.

N OTE 6. F AIR V ALUE M EASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. However, the use of a mid-market pricing convention (the mid-point between bid and ask prices) is permitted. Fair values are based on assumptions that market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in valuation techniques and the inputs to valuations. This includes not only the credit standing of counterparties involved and the impact of credit enhancements but also the impact of Dominion Gas’ own nonperformance risk on its liabilities. Fair value measurements assume that the transaction occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability (the market with the most volume and activity for the asset or liability from the perspective of the reporting entity), or in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability (the market in which the reporting entity would be able to maximize the amount received or minimize the amount paid). Dominion Gas applies fair value measurements to certain assets and liabilities including commodity and interest rate derivative instruments and investments held in pension and other postretirement plan trusts, in accordance with the requirements described above. Dominion Gas applies credit adjustments to its derivative fair values in accordance with the requirements described above. These credit adjustments are currently not material to the derivative fair values.

 

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Inputs and Assumptions

Dominion Gas maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Fair value is based on actively-quoted market prices, if available. In the absence of actively-quoted market prices, Dominion Gas seeks price information from external sources, including broker quotes and industry publications. When evaluating pricing information provided by brokers and other pricing services, Dominion Gas considers whether the broker is willing and able to trade at the quoted price, if the broker quotes are based on an active market or an inactive market and the extent to which brokers are utilizing a particular model if pricing is not readily available. If pricing information from external sources is not available or if Dominion Gas believes that observable pricing is not indicative of fair value, judgment is required to develop the estimates of fair value. In those cases Dominion Gas must estimate prices based on available historical and near-term future price information and certain statistical methods, including regression analysis, that reflect its market assumptions.

Dominion Gas’ commodity derivative valuations are prepared by Dominion’s ERM department. The ERM department reports directly to Dominion’s CFO. The ERM department creates daily mark-to-market valuations for Dominion Gas’ derivative transactions using computer-based statistical models. The inputs that go into the mark-to-market valuations are transactional information stored in the systems of record and market pricing information that resides in data warehouse databases. The majority of forward prices are automatically uploaded into the data warehouse databases from various third party sources. Inputs obtained from third party sources are evaluated for reliability considering the reputation, independence, market presence, and methodology used by the third party. If forward prices are not available from third party sources, then the ERM department models the forward prices based on other available market data. A team consisting of risk management and risk quantitative analysts meets each business day to assess the validity of market prices and mark-to-market valuations. During this meeting, the changes in mark-to-market valuations from period to period are examined and qualified against historical expectations. If any discrepancies are identified during this process, the mark-to-market valuations or the market pricing information is evaluated further and adjusted, if necessary.

The inputs and assumptions used in measuring fair value include the following:

For commodity derivative contracts:

 

    Forward commodity prices

 

    Transaction prices

 

    Volumes

 

    Commodity location

 

    Interest rates

 

    Credit quality of counterparties and Dominion Gas

 

    Credit enhancements

 

    Time value

For interest rate derivative contracts:

 

    Interest rate curves

 

    Credit quality of counterparties and Dominion Gas

 

    Volumes

 

    Credit enhancements

 

    Time value

 

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For investments:

 

    Quoted securities prices and indices

 

    Securities trading information including volume and restrictions

 

    Maturity

 

    Interest rates

 

    Credit quality

 

    NAV (only for alternative investments)

Dominion Gas regularly evaluates and validates the inputs used to estimate fair value by a number of methods, including review and verification models, as well as various market price verification procedures such as the use of pricing services and multiple broker quotes to support the various commodities and investments in which it transacts.

Levels

Dominion Gas also utilizes the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels:

 

    Level 1-Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that Dominion Gas has the ability to access at the measurement date. Instruments categorized in Level 1 primarily consist of financial instruments such as the majority of exchange-traded derivatives and exchange-listed equities, mutual funds and certain Treasury securities held in benefit plan trust funds.

 

    Level 2-Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived from observable market data by correlation or other means. Instruments categorized in Level 2 primarily include non-exchange traded derivatives such as over-the-counter commodity swaps, interest rate swaps and certain Treasury securities, money market funds, common/collective trust funds and corporate, state and municipal debt securities held in benefit plan trust funds.

 

    Level 3-Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Instruments categorized in Level 3 consist of NGL contracts and alternative investments, consisting of investments in partnerships, joint ventures and other alternative investments, held in benefit plan trust funds.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In these cases, the lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability.

For derivative contracts, Dominion Gas recognizes transfers among Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 based on fair values as of the first day of the month in which the transfer occurs. Transfers out of Level 3 represent assets and liabilities that were previously classified as Level 3 for which the inputs became observable for classification in either Level 1 or Level 2. Because the activity and liquidity of commodity markets vary substantially between regions and time periods, the availability of observable inputs for substantially the full term and value of Dominion Gas’ over-the-counter derivative contracts is subject to change.

 

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Level 3 Valuations

Fair value measurements are categorized as Level 3 when a significant amount of price or other inputs that are considered to be unobservable are used in their valuations. For NGL derivatives, market illiquidity requires a valuation based on proxy markets that do not always correlate to the actual instrument, therefore they are categorized as Level 3. Alternative investments are categorized as Level 3 due to the absence of quoted market prices, illiquidity and the long-term nature of these assets. These investments are generally valued using NAV based on the proportionate share of the fair value as determined by reference to the most recent audited fair value financial statements or fair value statements provided by the investment manager adjusted for any significant events occurring between the investment manager’s and Dominion Gas’ measurement date.

Dominion Gas enters into certain derivative contracts such as physical and financial forwards, futures and swaps, which are considered Level 3 as they have one or more inputs that are not observable and are significant to the valuation. The discounted cash flow method is used to value Level 3 physical and financial forwards and futures contracts. The discounted cash flow model calculates mark-to-market valuations based on forward market prices, original transaction prices, volumes, risk-free rate of return, and credit spreads. For Level 3 fair value measurements, the forward market prices are considered unobservable. The unobservable inputs are developed and substantiated using historical information, available market data, third-party data, and statistical analysis. Periodically, inputs to valuation models are reviewed and revised as needed, based on historical information, updated market data, market liquidity and relationships, and changes in third-party pricing sources.

The following table presents Dominion Gas’ quantitative information about Level 3 derivative fair value measurements at December 31, 2013. The range and weighted average are presented in dollars for market price inputs.

 

     Fair Value
(millions)
    

Valuation Technique

  

Unobservable Input

   Range      Weighted
Average (1)
 

Assets:

              

Physical and Financial Forwards and Futures:

              

NGLs

   $ 6       Discounted Cash Flow    Market Price (per Gal)  (2)      1 - 3                     1   
  

 

 

             

Total assets

   $ 6               
  

 

 

             

Liabilities:

              

Physical and Financial Forwards and Futures:

              

NGLs

   $ 12       Discounted Cash Flow    Market Price (per Gal)  (2)      1 - 3         1   
  

 

 

             

Total liabilities

   $         12               
  

 

 

             

 

(1) Averages weighted by volume.
(2) Represents market prices beyond defined terms for Levels 1 & 2.

Sensitivity of the fair value measurements to changes in the significant unobservable inputs is as follows:

 

Significant Unobservable Inputs

  

Position

   Change to Input    Impact on Fair Value
Measurement
Market Price    Buy    Increase (decrease)    Gain (loss)
Market Price    Sell    Increase (decrease)    Loss (gain)

Non-recurring Fair Value Measurements

In June 2013, Dominion Gas purchased certain natural gas infrastructure facilities that were previously leased from third parties. The purchase price was based on terms in the lease, which exceeded current market

 

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pricing. As a result of the purchase price and expected losses, Dominion Gas recorded an impairment charge of $49 million ($29 million after-tax) in other operations and maintenance expense in its Consolidated Statements of Income, to write down the long-lived assets to their estimated fair values of less than $1 million. As management was not aware of any recent market transactions for comparable assets with sufficient transparency to develop a market approach to fair value, Dominion Gas used the income approach (discounted cash flows) to estimate the fair value of the assets in this impairment test. This was considered a Level 3 fair value measurement due to the use of significant unobservable inputs, including estimates of future production and other commodity prices.

Also in June 2013, Dominion Gas recorded an impairment charge of $6 million ($4 million after-tax) in other operations and maintenance expense in its Consolidated Statements of Income, to write off previously capitalized costs following the cancellation of two development projects.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

Fair value measurements are separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy with a separate reconciliation of fair value measurements categorized as Level 3. Fair value disclosures for assets held in Dominion Gas’ pension and other postretirement benefit plans are presented in Note 17.

The following table presents Dominion Gas’ assets and liabilities for commodity and interest rate derivatives that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for each hierarchy level, including both current and noncurrent portions:

 

                                                                           
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
(millions)                            

At December 31, 2013

           

Assets:

           

Commodity

   $ —         $ —         $ 6       $ 6   

Interest rate

     —           34         —           34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ —         $ 34       $ 6       $ 40   

Liabilities:

  

Commodity

   $ —         $ 13       $ 12       $ 25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2012

  

Assets:

  

Commodity

   $ —         $ —         $ 14       $ 14   

Liabilities:

  

Commodity

   $ —         $ 23       $ 26       $ 49   

Interest rate

     —           41         —           41   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   $ —         $ 64       $ 26       $ 90   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table presents the net change in the assets and liabilities for derivatives measured at fair value on a recurring basis and included in the Level 3 fair value category:

 

                                                        
     2013     2012     2011  
(millions)                   

Balance at January 1,

   $ (12   $ (98   $ (64

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):

      

Included in earnings

     1        (15     (58

Included in other comprehensive income (loss)

     3        86        (34

Settlements

     2        15        58   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31,

   $ (6   $ (12   $ (98
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The gains and losses included in earnings in the Level 3 fair value category were classified in operating revenue in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. There were no unrealized gains and losses included in earnings in the Level 3 fair value category relating to assets/liabilities still held at the reporting date for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

In accordance with GAAP, Dominion Gas reports certain contracts and instruments at fair value. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, customer and other receivables, short-term debt, affiliated long-term debt and accounts payable are estimated to be substantially the same as their fair values. The carrying value of affiliated long-term debt approximates its fair value since it is intercompany in nature and has no active market. For Dominion Gas’ financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value, the carrying amounts and fair values are as follows:

 

                                     
     December 31, 2013  
     Carrying
Amount
     Estimated
Fair Value (1)
 
(millions)              

Long-term debt (2)

   $ 1,198       $ 1,169   

 

(1) Fair value is estimated using market prices, where available, and interest rates currently available for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. All fair value measurements are classified as Level 2.
(2) Carrying amount includes amounts which represent the unamortized discount.

N OTE 7. D ERIVATIVES AND H EDGE A CCOUNTING A CTIVITIES

Dominion Gas is exposed to the impact of market fluctuations in the price of natural gas and NGLs, which are purchased and sold, respectively, and interest rate risks in its business operations. Dominion Gas uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to these risks and designates certain derivative instruments as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. See Note 6 for further information about fair value measurements and associated valuation methods for derivatives.

Balance Sheet Presentation

Derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross on Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheets. Dominion Gas’ derivative contracts consist of over-the-counter transactions. Over-the-counter contracts are bilateral contracts that are transacted directly with a third party. Certain over-the-counter contracts contain contractual rights of setoff through contract default provisions. In addition, the contracts are subject to conditional rights of setoff through counterparty nonperformance, insolvency, or other conditions.

In general, most non-affiliate over-the-counter transactions are subject to collateral requirements. Types of collateral for over-the-counter contracts include cash, letters of credit, and in some cases other forms of security, none of which are subject to restrictions. Certain accounts receivable and accounts payable recognized on Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheets, as well as letters of credit and other forms of security, all of which are not included in the tables below, are subject to offset under contract netting provisions and would reduce the net exposure.

 

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The tables below present Dominion Gas’ derivative asset and liability balances by type of financial instrument, before and after the effects of offsetting.

 

    December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  
    Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
    Net Amounts of
Assets Presented in
the Consolidated
Balance Sheet
    Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
    Net Amounts of
Assets Presented in
the Consolidated
Balance Sheet
 
(millions)                  

Interest rate contracts:

           

Over-the-counter

  $ 34      $ —        $ 34      $ —        $ —        $ —     

Commodity contracts:

           

Over-the-counter

    6        —          6        14        —          14   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total derivatives, subject to a master netting or similar arrangement (1)

  $ 40      $ —        $ 40      $ 14      $ —        $ 14   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) At December 31, 2013, the total derivative asset balance contains $40 million of current assets, which is presented in other current assets in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. At December 31, 2012, the total derivative asset balance contains $9 million of current assets, which is presented in other current assets, and $5 million of noncurrent derivative assets, which is presented in other deferred charges and other assets in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

    December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  
          Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the
Consolidated Balance
Sheet
                Gross Amounts Not
Offset in the
Consolidated Balance
Sheet
       
    Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
    Financial
Instruments
    Cash
Collateral
Received
    Net
Amounts
    Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
    Financial
Instruments
    Cash
Collateral
Received
    Net
Amounts
 
(millions)                                                

Interest rate contracts:

               

Over-the-counter

  $ 34      $ —        $ —        $ 34      $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     

Commodity contracts:

               

Over-the-counter

    6        6        —          —          14        14        —          —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 40      $ 6      $ —        $ 34      $ 14      $ 14      $ —        $ —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  
    Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
    Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
    Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities
    Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
    Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
 
(millions)                  

Interest rate contracts:

     

Over-the-counter

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 41      $ —        $ 41   

Commodity contracts:

         

Over-the-counter

    25        —          25        49        —          49   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total derivatives, subject to a master netting or similar arrangement (1)

  $ 25      $ —        $ 25      $ 90      $ —        $ 90   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) At December 31, 2013, the total derivative liability balance contains $25 million of current liabilities, which is presented in other current liabilities in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheet. At December 31, 2012, the total derivative liability balance contains $68 million of current liabilities, which is presented in other current liabilities and $22 million of noncurrent derivative liabilities, which is presented in other deferred credits and other liabilities in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

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    December 31, 2013     December 31, 2012  
          Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
                Gross Amounts Not Offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet
       
    Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
    Financial
Instruments
    Cash
Collateral
Paid
    Net
Amounts
    Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
    Financial
Instruments
    Cash
Collateral
Paid
    Net
Amounts
 
(millions)                                                

Interest rate contracts:

               

Over-the-counter

  $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 41      $ —        $ —        $ 41   

Commodity contracts:

               

Over-the-counter

    25        6        —          19        49        14        —          35   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 25      $ 6      $ —        $ 19      $ 90      $ 14      $ —        $ 76   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Volumes

The following table presents the volume of Dominion Gas’ derivative activity as of December 31, 2013. These volumes are based on open derivative positions and represent the combined absolute value of their long and short positions, except in the case of offsetting transactions, for which they represent the absolute value of the net volume of their long and short positions.

 

     Current      Noncurrent  

Natural Gas (bcf):

     

Fixed price

     5         —     

Basis

     4         —     

NGLs (gallons)

     115,542,000         —     

Interest rate

   $ 450,000,000       $ —     

Ineffectiveness and AOCI

For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, gains or losses on hedging instruments determined to be ineffective were not material.

The following table presents selected information related to losses on cash flow hedges included in AOCI in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013:

 

     AOCI
After-Tax
    Amounts Expected
to be Reclassified
to Earnings during
the next 12
Months After-Tax
    Maximum
Term
 
(millions)                   

Commodities:

      

Natural Gas

   $ (8   $ (8     12 months   

NGLs

     (5     (5     12 months   

Interest rate

     16        (1     126 months   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total

   $ 3      $ (14  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

The amounts that will be reclassified from AOCI to earnings will generally be offset by the recognition of the hedged transactions (e.g., anticipated sales) in earnings, thereby achieving the realization of prices contemplated by the underlying risk management strategies and will vary from the expected amounts presented above as a result of changes in market prices and interest rates.

 

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Fair Value and Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments

The following tables present the fair values of Dominion Gas’ commodity and interest rate derivatives and where they are presented in its Consolidated Balance Sheets:

 

     Fair Value -
Derivatives under
Hedge Accounting
     Fair Value -
Derivatives not
under Hedge
Accounting
     Total
Fair Value
 
(millions)                     

At December 31, 2013

        

ASSETS

        

Current Assets

        

Commodity

   $ 6       $ —         $ 6   

Interest rate

     34         —           34   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current derivative assets (1)

     40         —           40   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets

   $ 40       $ —         $ 40   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

        

Current Liabilities

        

Commodity

   $ 25       $ —         $ 25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current derivative liabilities (2)

     25         —           25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

   $ 25       $ —         $ 25   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2012

        

ASSETS

        

Current Assets

        

Commodity

   $ 9       $ —         $ 9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current derivative assets (1)

     9         —           9   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncurrent Assets

        

Commodity

     5         —           5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noncurrent derivative assets (3)

     5         —           5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative assets

   $ 14       $ —         $ 14   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LIABILITIES

        

Current Liabilities

        

Commodity

   $ 27       $ —         $ 27   

Interest rate

     41         —           41   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current derivative liabilities (2)

     68         —           68   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncurrent Liabilities

        

Commodity

     22         —           22   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total noncurrent derivative liabilities (4)

     22         —           22   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

   $ 90       $ —         $ 90   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Current derivative assets are presented in other current assets in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2) Current derivative liabilities are presented in other current liabilities in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(3) Noncurrent derivative assets are presented in other deferred charges and other assets in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(4) Noncurrent derivative liabilities are presented in other deferred credits and other liabilities in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

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The following tables present the gains and losses on Dominion Gas’ derivatives, as well as where the associated activity is presented in its Consolidated Balance Sheets and Statements of Income:

 

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships

   Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
on Derivatives
(Effective Portion) (1)
    Amount of
Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from
AOCI to Income
 
(millions)             

Year Ended December 31, 2013

    

Derivative Type and Location of Gains (Losses)

    

Commodity

    

Operating revenue

     $ (2

Purchased gas

       (14
    

 

 

 

Total commodity

   $ (2   $ (16
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest rate (2)

     68        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 66      $ (16
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2012

    

Derivative Type and Location of Gains (Losses)

    

Commodity

    

Operating revenue

     $ (15

Purchased gas

       (18
    

 

 

 

Total commodity

   $ 64      $ (33
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest rate (2)

     (41     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 23      $ (33
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31, 2011

    

Derivative Type and Location of Gains (Losses)

    

Operating revenue

     $ (58

Purchased gas

       (8
    

 

 

 

Total commodity

   $ (116   $ (66
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Amounts deferred into AOCI have no associated effect in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2) Amounts recorded in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Statements of Income are classified in interest and related charges.

N OTE 8. I NVESTMENTS

Equity Method Investment

Dominion Gas accounts for the following investment under the equity method of accounting:

 

Company

   Ownership%             Investment Balance              Description  
As of December 31,      2013      2012     
(millions)                           

Iroquois

     24.72   $ 105       $ 102         Gas transmission system   
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total

     $ 105       $ 102      
    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

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Dominion Gas’ equity earnings on this investment totaled $22 million in 2013 and $23 million in 2012 and 2011. Dominion Gas received distributions from this investment of $19 million in 2013 and $25 million in 2012 and 2011. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying amount of Dominion Gas’ investment exceeded its share of underlying equity in net assets by approximately $8 million. The differences reflect equity method goodwill and are not being amortized.

N OTE 9. P ROPERTY , P LANT AND E QUIPMENT

Major classes of property, plant and equipment and their respective balances for Dominion Gas are as follows:

 

                                 

At December 31,

   2013      2012  
(millions)              

Utility:

     

Transmission

   $ 3,407       $ 3,234   

Distribution

     2,333         2,126   

Storage

     1,314         1,276   

Gas gathering and processing

     783         813   

General and other

     103         101   

Plant under construction

     175         146   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total utility

     8,115         7,696   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Nonutility:

     

E&P properties being amortized and other

     125         113   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total nonutility

     125         113   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total property, plant and equipment

   $ 8,240       $ 7,809   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

There were no significant E&P properties under development, as defined by the SEC, excluded from amortization at December 31, 2013. As gas and oil reserves are proved through drilling or as properties are deemed to be impaired, excluded costs and any related reserves are transferred on an ongoing, well-by-well basis into the amortization calculation.

Assignment of Marcellus Acreage

In December 2013, DTI closed on agreements with two natural gas producers to convey approximately 100,000 acres of Marcellus Shale development rights underneath several of its natural gas storage fields. The agreements provide for payments to DTI, subject to customary adjustments, of approximately $200 million over a period of nine years, and an overriding royalty interest in gas produced from the acreage. In 2013, Dominion Gas received approximately $100 million in cash proceeds, resulting in an approximately $20 million ($12 million-after tax) gain and approximately $80 million deferred revenue, which will be recognized over the remaining terms of the agreements.

 

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N OTE 10. G OODWILL AND I NTANGIBLE A SSETS

Goodwill

The changes in Dominion Gas’ carrying amount and segment allocation of goodwill are presented below:

 

     Dominion
Energy
    Corporate and
Other (1)
     Total  
(millions)                    

Balance at December 31, 2011 (2)

   $ 563      $ —         $ 563   

Asset disposition adjustment (3)

     (11     —           (11
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012 (2)

   $ 552      $ —         $ 552   

Asset disposition adjustment (3)

     (7     —           (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013 (2)

   $ 545      $ —         $ 545   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Goodwill recorded at the Corporate and Other segment is allocated to the primary operating segment for goodwill impairment testing purposes.
(2) There are no accumulated impairment losses.
(3) Related to assets sold or contributed to an affiliate or Blue Racer.

Other Intangible Assets

Dominion Gas’ intangible assets are subject to amortization over their estimated useful lives. Dominion Gas’ amortization expense for intangible assets was $16 million, $15 million and $12 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In 2013, Dominion Gas acquired $27 million of intangible assets, primarily representing software, with an estimated weighted-average amortization period of approximately 9 years. The components of intangible assets are as follows:

 

At December 31,

   2013      2012  
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
 
(millions)                            

Software, licenses and other

   $ 180       $ 98       $ 173       $ 89   

Annual amortization expense for these intangible assets is estimated to be as follows:

 

                                                                                                             
     2014      2015      2016      2017      2018  
(millions)                                   

Dominion Gas

   $     17       $     16       $     15       $     12       $     11   

 

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N OTE 11. R EGULATORY A SSETS AND L IABILITIES

Regulatory assets and liabilities include the following:

 

                                           

At December 31,

   2013      2012  
(millions)              

Regulatory assets:

     

Unrecovered gas costs (1)

   $ 40       $ 48   

Deferred rate adjustment clause costs (2)

     24         —     

Bad debt tracker (3)

     11         18   

Other

     4         5   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Regulatory assets-current

     79         71   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit costs (4)

     194         317   

Deferred rate adjustment clause costs (2)

     59         47   

Income taxes recoverable through future rates (5)

     24         23   

Other postretirement benefit costs (6)

     7         15   

Other

     1         12   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Regulatory assets-non-current

     285         414   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total regulatory assets

   $ 364       $ 485   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Regulatory liabilities:

     

PIPP (7)

   $ 76       $ 100   

Other

     3         3   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Regulatory liabilities-current (8)

     79         103   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Provision for future cost of removal and AROs (9)

     177         183   

Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit costs (4)

     18         2   

Other

     8         7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Regulatory liabilities-non-current (10)

     203         192   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total regulatory liabilities

   $     282       $     295   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Reflects unrecovered gas costs at East Ohio, which are recovered through filings with the Ohio Commission.
(2) Reflects deferrals of costs associated with certain current and prospective rider projects. See Note 12 for more information.
(3) Represents East Ohio’s deferrals for the UEX Rider which are recovered through rates which are filed annually. Most of East Ohio’s bad debt expense is recovered either through the UEX Rider or the PIPP Rider.
(4) Represents unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit costs expected to be recovered through future rates generally over the expected remaining service period of plan participants.
(5) Amounts to be recovered through future rates to pay income taxes that become payable when rate revenue is provided to recover AFUDC-equity and depreciation of property, plant and equipment for which deferred income taxes were not recognized for ratemaking purposes, including amounts attributable to tax rate changes.
(6) Primarily reflects costs recognized in excess of amounts included in regulated rates charged by Dominion Gas’ regulated gas operations before rates were updated to reflect a change in accounting method for other postretirement benefit costs.
(7) Under PIPP, eligible customers can receive energy assistance based on their ability to pay. The difference between the customer’s total bill and the PIPP plan amount is deferred and collected or returned annually under the PIPP rider according to East Ohio tariff provisions. See Note 12 for more information regarding PIPP.

 

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(8) Current regulatory liabilities are presented in other current liabilities in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(9) Rates charged to customers by Dominion Gas’ regulated businesses include a provision for the cost of future activities to remove assets that are expected to be incurred at the time of retirement.
(10) Non-current regulatory liabilities are presented in other deferred credits and other liabilities in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheets.

At December 31, 2013, approximately $56 million of regulatory assets represented past expenditures on which Dominion Gas does not currently earn a return. The majority of these expenditures are expected to be recovered within one year.

N OTE 12. R EGULATORY M ATTERS

Ohio Regulation

PIR Program

In 2008, East Ohio began PIR, aimed at replacing approximately 20% of its pipeline system, or approximately 4,100 miles, over a 25-year period. In February 2013, East Ohio filed an application with the Ohio Commission to adjust the cost recovery charge for costs associated with PIR investments for the calendar year 2012 and cumulatively. The application included total gross plant investment for 2012 of $148 million, cumulative gross plant investment of $511 million, and a revenue requirement of $67 million. In April 2013, the Ohio Commission issued an order approving the rates, which became effective in May 2013.

In February 2014, East Ohio filed an application requesting approval to adjust the PIR cost recovery rates for 2013 costs. The filing reflects gross plant investment for 2013 of $164 million, cumulative gross plant investment of $674 million and an estimated revenue requirement of $89 million. This case is pending.

PIPP Plus Program

Under the Ohio PIPP Plus Program, eligible customers can receive energy assistance based on their ability to pay their bill. The difference between the customer’s total bill and the PIPP payment plan amount is deferred and collected under the PIPP rider in accordance with the rules of the Ohio Commission. In July 2013, the Ohio Commission approved East Ohio’s annual update of the PIPP Rider, which reflects the refund over the next year of an over-recovery of accumulated arrearages of approximately $91 million as of March 31, 2013, net of projected deferred program costs of approximately $54 million for the period from April 2013 through June 2014.

UEX Rider

East Ohio has approval for a UEX Rider through which it recovers the bad debt expense of most customers not participating in the PIPP Plus Program. The UEX Rider is adjusted annually to achieve dollar for dollar recovery of East Ohio’s actual write-offs of uncollectible amounts. In July 2013, the Ohio Commission approved East Ohio’s update of the UEX Rider, which reflected the elimination of accumulated unrecovered bad debt expense of approximately $3 million as of March 31, 2013, and recovery of prospective bad debt expense projected to total approximately $24 million for the twelve-month period from April 2013 to March 2014.

House Bill 95

Ohio enacted utility reform legislation under House Bill 95, which became effective in September 2011. This law updates natural gas legislation by enabling gas companies to include more up-to-date cost levels when filing rate cases. It also allows gas companies to seek approval of capital expenditure plans under which gas companies can recognize carrying costs on associated capital investments placed in service and can defer the carrying costs plus depreciation and property tax expenses for recovery from ratepayers in the future.

 

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In December 2012, East Ohio filed an application requesting authority to implement a capital expenditure program for 2013 capital expenditures totaling $93 million. The Ohio Commission approved East Ohio’s application in October 2013. In December 2013, East Ohio filed an application requesting authority to implement a capital expenditure program for 2014 capital expenditures totaling $110 million, subject to the provisions approved for the initial application. This case is pending.

AMR Program

In 2007, East Ohio began updating or exchanging mechanical meters with automated meter reading technology for its 1.2 million customers in Ohio. A device attached to the meters uses radio frequencies and computerized technology to transmit gas usage information to specially-equipped company vehicles driving through neighborhoods.

In February 2012, East Ohio filed an application with the Ohio Commission to update its AMR cost recovery rate to recover costs associated with AMR deployment for the calendar year 2011. The application included a total gross plant investment of approximately $17 million, a cumulative gross plant investment of approximately $90 million and a revenue requirement of approximately $8 million. In October 2012, the Ohio Commission issued an order approving the total gross plant investment and the cumulative gross plant investment as proposed and a revenue requirement of approximately $6 million. Also in October 2012, East Ohio filed a motion to stay the implementation of the reduced cost recovery rate and an application for rehearing, which were denied by the Ohio Commission in December 2012. The reduced cost recovery rate became effective for bills issued on or after October 10, 2012 and East Ohio was required to reimburse customers who were billed at the higher cost recovery rate. Also in December 2012, East Ohio filed a notice of appeal of the Ohio Commission’s October 2012 order with the Ohio Supreme Court. This case is pending.

In March 2013, East Ohio filed an application with the Ohio Commission to adjust its AMR cost recovery rate to recover costs associated with AMR deployment for the calendar year 2012. In April 2013, the Ohio Commission approved the application which included a total gross plant investment of approximately $1 million, a cumulative gross plant investment of approximately $91 million and a revenue requirement of approximately $5 million.

In February 2014, East Ohio filed an application with the Ohio Commission to adjust its AMR cost recovery rate to recover costs associated with AMR deployment for the calendar year 2013. The filing reflects a cumulative gross plant investment of $91 million and an estimated revenue requirement of approximately $8 million. This case is pending. The AMR program approved by the Ohio Commission is now complete. Although no further capital investment will be added, East Ohio is approved to recover depreciation, property taxes, carrying charges and a return until East Ohio has another rate case.

FERC Regulation

DTI Fuel Settlement

In mid-2013, DTI received concerns about its fuel retainage percentages and apparent over-recovery of fuel costs during certain time periods reflected in its annual fuel reports. In December 2013, DTI submitted for FERC approval a stipulation and agreement addressing, among other things, reductions in its fuel retainage percentages and a rate moratorium through 2016.

In February 2014, FERC approved the stipulation and agreement. The reduced fuel retainage percentages are effective January 1, 2014. DTI implemented the reduced fuel retainage percentages March 1, 2014. DTI will provide refunds with interest reflecting the value of the difference between the actual quantities of fuel retained for the months of January and February 2014 and the quantities that would have been retained using the reduced percentages. This agreement is expected to reduce DTI’s revenues by approximately $35 million in 2014.

 

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N OTE 13. A SSET R ETIREMENT O BLIGATIONS

AROs represent obligations that result from laws, statutes, contracts and regulations related to the eventual retirement of certain long-lived assets. Dominion Gas’ AROs primarily include the plugging and abandoning of gas and oil wells and the interim retirement of natural gas gathering, storage, transmission and distribution pipeline components.

Dominion Gas has also identified, but not recognized, AROs related to gas storage wells in its underground natural gas storage network. The Company currently does not have sufficient information to estimate a reasonable range of expected retirement dates for these assets, other than for an immaterial number of wells, since their economic lives can be extended indefinitely through regular repair and maintenance and currently there is no plan to retire or dispose of these storage wells. As a result, a settlement date is not determinable. AROs for these assets will be reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements when sufficient information becomes available to determine a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the activities to be performed. The Company continues to monitor operational and strategic developments to identify when sufficient information exists to reasonably estimate a retirement date for these assets. The changes to AROs during 2012 and 2013 were as follows:

 

     Amount  
(millions)       

AROs at December 31, 2011 (1)

   $ 131   

Obligations incurred during the period

     1   

Obligations settled during the period

     (6

Accretion

     8   

Other

     (1
  

 

 

 

AROs at December 31, 2012 (2)

   $         133   
  

 

 

 

Obligations incurred during the period

     8   

Obligations settled during the period

     (13

Accretion

     8   

Other

     1   
  

 

 

 

AROs at December 31, 2013 (1)(2)

   $ 137   
  

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes $5 million and $2 million reported in other current liabilities at December 31, 2011 and 2013, respectively.
(2) Presented in other deferred credits and other liabilities in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheets.

N OTE 14. V ARIABLE I NTEREST E NTITIES

The primary beneficiary of a VIE is required to consolidate the VIE and to disclose certain information about its significant variable interests in the VIE. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the entity that has both 1) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and 2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Dominion Gas purchased shared services from DRS, an affiliated VIE, of approximately $115 million, $107 million, and $105 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Dominion Gas determined that it is not the most closely associated entity with DRS and therefore not the primary beneficiary. DRS provides accounting, legal, finance and certain administrative and technical services to all Dominion subsidiaries, including Dominion Gas. Dominion Gas has no obligation to absorb more than its allocated share of DRS costs.

 

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N OTE 15. L ONG -T ERM D EBT

 

At December 31,

   2013
Weighted-
average
Coupon (1)
    2013     2012  
(millions, except percentages)       

Unsecured Senior Notes, 1.05% to 4.8%, due 2016 to 2043

     3.13   $ 1,200      $ —     

Notes payable to parent:

      

6.34% to 8.95%, due 2013 to 2016

       —          440   

5.17% and 6.95%, due 2019 and 2027

       —          129   
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC total principal

     $ 1,200      $ 569   

Affiliated securities due within one year

       —          (64

Unamortized discount

       (2     —     
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC total long-term debt

     $ 1,198      $ 505   
    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents weighted-average coupon rates for debt outstanding as of December 31, 2013.

Based on stated maturity dates rather than early redemption dates that could be elected by instrument holders, the scheduled principal payments of long-term debt at December 31, 2013, were as follows:

 

     2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     Thereafter     Total  
(millions, except percentages)                         
   $ —        $ —        $ 400      $ —        $ —        $ 800      $ 1,200   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average Coupon

     —       —       1.05     —       —       4.18  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

See Note 20 for more information regarding affiliated borrowings.

N OTE 16. E QUITY

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Presented in the table below is a summary of AOCI by component:

 

At December 31,

   2013     2012  
(millions)             

Net deferred gains (losses) on derivatives-hedging activities, net of tax of $(1) and $31

   $ 3      $ (47

Net unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit costs, net of tax of $43 and $65

     (61     (93
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total AOCI

   $ (58   $ (140
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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The following table presents Dominion Gas’ changes in AOCI by component, net of tax:

 

     Deferred gains and
losses on derivatives-
hedging activities
    Unrecognized pension
and other
postretirement benefit
costs
    Total  
(millions)                   

Year Ended December 31, 2013

      

Beginning balance

   $ (47   $ (93   $ (140

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications: gains (losses)

     39        26        65   

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income: (gains) losses (1)

     11        6        17   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income

     50        32        82   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 3      $ (61   $ (58
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) See table below for details about these reclassifications.

The following table presents Dominion Gas’ reclassifications out of AOCI by component:

 

Details about AOCI components

   Amounts reclassified from
AOCI
   

Affected line item in the Consolidated

Statements of Income

(millions)           

Year Ended December 31, 2013

    

Deferred (gains) and losses on derivatives-hedging activities:

    

Commodity contracts

   $ 2      Operating revenue
     14      Purchased gas
  

 

 

   

Total

     16     

Tax

     (5   Income tax expense
  

 

 

   

Total, net of tax

   $ 11     
  

 

 

   

Unrecognized pension and other postretirement benefit costs:

    

Prior service costs

   $ 1      Other operations and maintenance

Actuarial losses

     9      Other operations and maintenance
  

 

 

   

Total

     10     

Tax

     (4   Income tax expense
  

 

 

   

Total, net of tax

   $ 6     
  

 

 

   

N OTE 17. E MPLOYEE B ENEFIT P LANS

Dominion Gas participates in retirement benefit plans sponsored by Dominion which provide certain retirement benefits to eligible active employees, retirees and qualifying dependents of Dominion Gas. Under the terms of its benefit plans, Dominion reserves the right to change, modify or terminate the plans. From time to time in the past, benefits have changed, and some of these changes have reduced benefits.

Pension benefits for Dominion Gas employees not represented by collective bargaining units are covered by the Dominion Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan sponsored by Dominion that provides benefits to

 

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multiple Dominion subsidiaries. Pension benefits for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units are covered by separate pension plans for East Ohio and, for DTI, a plan that provides benefits to employees of both DTI and Hope. Employee compensation is the basis for allocating pension costs and obligations between DTI and Hope and determining East Ohio’s share of total pension costs. Retirement benefits payable under all plans are based primarily on years of service, age and the employee’s compensation. As a participating employer, Dominion Gas is subject to Dominion’s funding policy, which is to contribute annually an amount that is in accordance with the provisions of ERISA.

Retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits for Dominion Gas employees not represented by collective bargaining units are covered by the Dominion Retiree Health and Welfare Plan, a plan sponsored by Dominion that provides certain retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits to multiple Dominion subsidiaries. Retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units are covered by separate other postretirement benefit plans for East Ohio and, for DTI, a plan that provides benefits to both DTI and Hope. Employee headcount is the basis for allocating other postretirement benefit costs and obligations between DTI and Hope and determining East Ohio’s share of total other postretirement benefit costs. Annual employee premiums are based on several factors such as age, retirement date and years of service.

Effective June 30, 2013, West Ohio pension and other postretirement benefit plans, represented by collective bargaining units, were merged into East Ohio pension and other postretirement benefit plans, represented by collective bargaining units.

Pension and other postretirement benefit costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels and years of service), the level of contributions made to the plans and earnings on plan assets. These costs may also be affected by changes in key assumptions, including expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, discount rates, healthcare cost trend rates and the rate of compensation increases.

Dominion Gas uses December 31 as the measurement date for all of the employee benefit plans in which it participates. Dominion Gas uses the market-related value of pension plan assets to determine the expected return on plan assets, a component of net periodic pension cost. The market-related value recognizes changes in fair value on a straight-line basis over a four-year period, which reduces year-to-year volatility. Changes in fair value are measured as the difference between the expected and actual plan asset returns, including dividends, interest and realized and unrealized investment gains and losses. Since the market-related value recognizes changes in fair value over a four-year period, the future market-related value of pension plan assets will be impacted as previously unrecognized changes in fair value are recognized.

The pension and other postretirement benefit plans in which Dominion Gas participates hold investments in trusts to fund employee benefit payments. Aggregate actual returns for pension and other postretirement plan assets for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units were $214 million in 2013 and $164 million in 2012, versus expected returns of $125 million and $112 million, respectively. Differences between actual and expected returns on plan assets are accumulated and amortized during future periods. As such, any investment-related declines in these trusts will result in future increases in the periodic cost recognized for such employee benefit plans and will be included in the determination of the amount of cash to be contributed to the employee benefit plans.

The Medicare Act introduced a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree healthcare benefit plans that provide a prescription drug benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. Dominion determined that the prescription drug benefit offered under its other postretirement benefit plans is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. Dominion Gas received a federal subsidy of $1 million for each of 2013 and 2012. Effective January 1, 2013, Dominion changed its method of receiving the subsidy under Medicare Part D for retiree prescription drug coverage from the Retiree Drug Subsidy to the EGWP. As a result of the adoption of the EGWP, Dominion Gas will begin to receive an increased level of Medicare Part D subsidies, in the form of reduced costs rather than a direct reimbursement, over the next few years.

 

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Dominion Gas remeasured all of its pension and other postretirement benefit plans in the second quarter of 2013. For employees represented by collective bargaining units, the remeasurement resulted in a reduction in the pension benefit obligation of approximately $28 million and a reduction in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation of approximately $9 million. The impact of the remeasurement on net periodic benefit cost (credit) was recognized prospectively from the remeasurement date and reduced net periodic benefit cost for 2013, for employees represented by collective bargaining units, by approximately $2 million. The discount rate used for the remeasurement was 4.8% for the pension plans and 4.7% for the other postretirement benefit plans. All other assumptions used for the remeasurement were consistent with the measurement as of December 31, 2012.

Funded Status

The following table summarizes the changes in pension plan and other postretirement benefit plan obligations and plan assets for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units, and includes a statement of the plans’ funded status:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement
Benefits
 

Year Ended December 31,

   2013     2012     2013     2012  
(millions, except percentages)                         

Changes in benefit obligation:

        

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

   $ 607      $ 518      $ 287      $ 260   

Service cost

     13        11        7        7   

Interest cost

     27        28        12        14   

Benefits paid

     (27     (25     (17     (18

Actuarial (gains) losses during the year

     (57     75        (21     23   

Medicare Part D reimbursement

     —          —          1        1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

   $ 563      $ 607      $ 269      $ 287   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in fair value of plan assets:

        

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 1,254      $ 1,142      $ 242      $ 221   

Actual return on plan assets

     176        137        38        28   

Employer contributions

     —          —          10        11   

Benefits paid

     (27     (25     (17     (18
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 1,403      $ 1,254      $ 273      $ 242   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Funded status at end of year

   $ 840      $ 647      $ 4      $ (45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31:

        

Noncurrent pension and other postretirement benefit assets

   $ 840      $ 647      $ 19      $ 8   

Noncurrent pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities (1)

     —          —          (15     (53
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net amount recognized

   $ 840      $ 647      $ 4      $ (45
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Significant assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31:

        

Discount rate

     5.2     4.4     5.0     4.4

Weighted average rate of increase for compensation

     3.93     3.93     3.93     3.93

 

(1) Reflected in other deferred credits and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The ABO for the defined benefit pension plans covering Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units was $534 million and $570 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

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Under Dominion funding policies, Dominion evaluates plan funding requirements annually, usually in the fourth quarter after receiving updated plan information from its actuary. Based on the funded status of each plan and other factors, Dominion determines the amount of contributions for the current year, if any, at that time. During 2013, Dominion Gas made no contributions to the qualified defined benefit pension plans and no contributions are currently expected in 2014. In July 2012, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21 st Century Act was signed into law. This Act includes an increase in the interest rates used to determine plan sponsors’ pension contributions for required funding purposes. These new interest rates are expected to reduce required pension contributions through 2015. Dominion Gas believes that required pension contributions will rise subsequent to 2015, resulting in little net impact to cumulative required contributions over a 10-year period.

Certain regulatory authorities have held that amounts recovered in utility customers’ rates for other postretirement benefits, in excess of benefits actually paid during the year, must be deposited in trust funds dedicated for the sole purpose of paying such benefits. Accordingly, Dominion Gas funds other postretirement benefit costs through VEBAs. Dominion Gas’ contributions to VEBAs, for both employees represented by collective bargaining units and employees not represented by collective bargaining units, were $12 million for 2013 and $16 million for 2012. Dominion Gas expects to contribute approximately $12 million to VEBAs in 2014.

Dominion Gas does not expect any pension or other postretirement plan assets to be returned during 2014.

The following table provides information on the benefit obligations and fair value of plan assets for plans covering Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units with a benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:

 

          Other Postretirement     
Benefits
 

As of December 31,

   2013      2012  
(millions)              

Benefit obligation

   $ 147       $ 166   

Fair value of plan assets

     132         113   

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

 

     Estimated Future Benefit Payments  
     Pension Benefits      Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
(millions)              

2014

   $ 32       $ 18   

2015

     34         19   

2016

     36         20   

2017

     37         20   

2018

     38         21   

2019-2023

     203         104   

Plan Assets

As a participating employer in various pension plans sponsored by Dominion, Dominion Gas is subject to Dominion’s investment policies for such plans. Dominion’s overall objective for investing its pension and other postretirement plan assets is to achieve appropriate long-term rates of return commensurate with prudent levels of risk. To minimize risk, funds are broadly diversified among asset classes, investment strategies and investment advisors. The strategic target asset allocation for its pension funds is 28% U.S. equity, 18% non-U.S. equity, 33% fixed income, 3% real estate and 18% other alternative investments. U.S. equity includes investments in large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap companies located in the United States. Non-U.S. equity includes investments in

 

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large-cap and small-cap companies located outside of the United States including both developed and emerging markets. A common/collective trust fund is a pooled fund operated by a bank or trust company for investment of the assets of various organizations and individuals in a well-diversified portfolio. Fixed income includes corporate debt instruments of companies from diversified industries and U.S. Treasuries. The U.S. equity, non-U.S. equity and fixed income investments are in individual securities as well as mutual funds. Real estate includes equity REITs and investments in partnerships. Other alternative investments include partnership investments in private equity, debt and hedge funds that follow several different strategies.

Strategic investment policies are established for the prefunded benefit plans in which Dominion Gas participates based upon periodic asset/liability studies. Factors considered in setting the investment policy include employee demographics, liability growth rates, future discount rates, the funded status of the plans and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. Deviations from the plans’ strategic allocation are a function of Dominion’s assessments regarding short-term risk and reward opportunities in the capital markets and/or short-term market movements which result in the plans’ actual asset allocations varying from the strategic target asset allocations. Through periodic rebalancing, actual allocations are brought back in line with the target. Future asset/liability studies will focus on strategies to further reduce pension and other postretirement plan risk, while still achieving attractive levels of returns. Financial derivatives may be used to obtain or manage market exposures and to hedge assets and liabilities.

For fair value measurement policies and procedures related to pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets, see Note 6.

The fair values of pension plan assets, for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units by asset category are as follows:

 

     Fair Value Measurements  
     Pension Plans  

At December 31,

   2013      2012  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
(millions)                                                        

Cash equivalents

   $ 12       $ 29       $ —         $ 41       $ —         $ 44       $ —         $ 44   

U.S. equity:

                       

Large Cap

     280         —           —           280         209         23         —           232   

Other

     118         —           —           118         96         23         —           119   

Non-U.S. equity:

                       

Large Cap

     72         —           —           72         71         15         —           86   

Other

     90         —           —           90         51         38         —           89   

Common/collective trust funds

     —           318         —           318         —           —           —           —     

Fixed income:

                       

Corporate debt instruments

     10         103         —           113         6         232         —           238   

U.S. Treasury securities and agency debentures

     1         52         —           53         75         69         —           144   

State and municipal

     16         24         —           40         —           16         —           16   

Other securities

     2         11         —           13         1         10         —           11   

Real estate

                       

REITs

     7         —           —           7         7         —           —           7   

Partnerships

     —           —           52         52         —           —           72         72   

Partnerships:

                       

Private equity

     —           —           122         122         —           —           103         103   

Debt

     —           —           41         41         —           —           43         43   

Hedge funds

     —           —           43         43         —           —           50         50   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 608       $ 537       $ 258       $ 1,403       $ 516       $ 470       $ 268       $ 1,254   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The fair values of other postretirement plan assets for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units by asset category are as follows:

 

     Fair Value Measurements  
     Other Postretirement Plans  

At December 31,

   2013      2012  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  
(millions)                                                        

Cash equivalents

   $ —         $ 3       $ —         $ 3       $ —         $ 1       $ —         $ 1   

U.S. equity:

                       

Large Cap

     104         —           —           104         86         —           —           86   

Other

     —           —           —           —           —           13         —           13   

Non-U.S. equity:

                       

Large Cap

     26         —           —           26         20         —           —           20   

Common/collective trust funds

     —           119         —           119         —           —           —           —     

Fixed income:

                       

Corporate debt instruments

     —           —           —           —           —           29         —           29   

U.S. Treasury securities and agency debentures

     —           —           —           —           —           68         —           68   

State and municipal

     —           —           —           —           —           1         —           1   

Real estate—partnerships

     —           —           2         2         —           —           3         3   

Partnerships:

                       

Private equity

     —           —           12         12         —           —           13         13   

Debt

     —           —           7         7         —           —           8         8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 130       $ 122       $ 21       $ 273       $ 106       $ 112       $ 24       $ 242   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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The following table presents the changes in pension and other postretirement plan assets for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units that are measured at fair value and included in the Level 3 fair value category:

 

     Fair Value Measurements using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)  
     Pension Plans     Other Postretirement Plans  
     Real Estate     Private
Equity
    Debt     Hedge
Funds
    Total     Real Estate     Private
Equity
    Debt     Total  
(millions)                                                       

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 59      $ 87      $ 58      $ 76      $ 280      $ 3      $ 15      $ 10      $ 28   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets:

                  

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

     10        16        2        2        30        —          3        1        4   

Relating to assets sold during the period

     (2     (7     (2     (3     (14     —          (1     —          (1

Purchases

     12        16        7        10        45        —          2        1        3   

Sales

     (11     (13     (11     (21     (56     —          (4     (2     (6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 68      $ 99      $ 54      $ 64      $ 285      $ 3      $ 15      $ 10      $ 28   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets:

                  

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

     6        12        4        4        26        —          (1     (1     (2

Relating to assets sold during the period

     (2     (9     (2     —          (13     —          2        1        3   

Purchases

     7        17        3        —          27        —          1        —          1   

Sales

     (7     (16     (16     (18     (57     —          (4     (2     (6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

   $ 72      $ 103      $ 43      $ 50      $ 268      $ 3      $ 13      $ 8      $ 24   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets:

                  

Relating to assets still held at the reporting date

     4        24        7        5        40        (1     2        1        2   

Relating to assets sold during the period

     (8     (10     (7     (1     (26     —          —          —          —     

Purchases

     1        25        7        —          33        —          1        —          1   

Sales

     (17     (20     (9     (11     (57     —          (4     (2     (6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

   $ 52      $ 122      $ 41      $ 43      $ 258      $ 2      $ 12      $ 7      $ 21   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investments in Common/Collective Trust Funds in Dominion Gas’ pension and other postretirement plans are stated at fair value as determined by the issuer of the Common/Collective Trust Funds based on the fair value of the underlying investments. The Common/Collective Trusts do not have any unfunded commitments, and do not have any applicable liquidation periods or defined terms/periods to be held. The majority of the Common/Collective Trust Funds have limited withdrawal or redemption rights during the term of the investment. Strategies of the Common/Collective Trust Funds are as follows:

 

    Wells Fargo Closed End Bond Trust-The Fund invests in stocks, bonds or a combination of both. Shares of the Fund are traded on a stock exchange and are subject to market risk like stocks, bonds and mutual funds. The Fund may invest in a less liquid portfolio of stocks and bonds because the fund does not need to sell securities to meet shareholder redemptions as mutual funds in order to keep a percentage of its portfolio in cash to pay back investors who withdraw shares.

 

   

JPMorgan Core Bond Trust-The Fund seeks to maximize total return by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of intermediate- and long-term debt securities. The Fund invests primarily in investment-grade bonds; it generally maintains an average weighted maturity between four and

 

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12 years. It may shorten its average weighted maturity if deemed appropriate for temporary defensive purposes.

 

    SSgA Russell 2000 Value Index Common Trust-The Fund measures the performance of the small-cap value segment of the U.S. equity universe. The Russell 2000 Value Index is constructed to provide a comprehensive and unbiased barometer for the small-cap value segment. The Index is completely reconstituted annually to ensure larger stocks do not distort the performance and characteristics of the true small cap opportunity set and that the represented companies continue to reflect value characteristics.

Net Periodic Benefit (Credit) Cost

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost is reflected in other operations and maintenance expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The components of the provision for net periodic benefit (credit) cost and amounts recognized in other comprehensive income and regulatory assets and liabilities for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits     Other Postretirement Benefits  

Year Ended December 31,

   2013     2012     2011     2013     2012     2011  
(millions, except percentages)                                     

Service cost

   $ 13      $ 11      $ 10      $ 7      $ 7      $ 7   

Interest cost

     27        28        28        12        14        15   

Expected return on plan assets

     (106     (96     (97     (19     (16     (16

Amortization of prior service (credit) cost

     1        1        1        (3     (4     (4

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     26        26        22        2        1        3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost

   $ (39   $ (30   $ (36   $ (1   $ 2      $ 5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income and regulatory assets and liabilities:

            

Current year net actuarial (gain) loss

   $ (127   $ 35      $ 64      $ (40   $ 12      $ (9

Less amounts included in net periodic benefit cost:

            

Amortization of prior service credit (cost)

     (1     (1     (1     3        4        4   

Amortization of net actuarial loss

     (26     (26     (22     (2     (1     (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recognized in other comprehensive income and regulatory assets and liabilities

   $ (154   $ 8      $ 41      $ (39   $ 15      $ (8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Significant assumptions used to determine periodic cost:

            

Discount rate

     4.4%-4.8     5.5     5.9     4.4%-4.7     5.5     5.9

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

     8.5     8.5     8.5     7.75     7.75     7.75

Weighted average rate of increase for compensation

     3.93     3.93     4.4     3.93     3.93     4.4

Healthcare cost trend rate (1)

           7     7     7

Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) (1)

           4.6     4.6     4.6

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate (1)

           2062        2061        2060   

 

(1) Assumptions used to determine periodic cost for the following year.

 

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The components of AOCI and regulatory assets and liabilities for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units that have not been recognized as components of periodic benefit (credit) cost are as follows:

 

     Pension Benefits      Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 

At December 31,

   2013      2012      2013     2012  
(millions)                           

Net actuarial loss

   $ 279       $ 433       $ 3      $ 44   

Prior service (credit) cost

     2         3         (4     (7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total (1)

   $ 281       $ 436       $ (1   $ 37   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) As of December 31, 2013, of the $281 million related to pension benefits, $104 million is included in AOCI, with the remainder included in regulatory assets and liabilities; the $(1) million related to other postretirement benefits is included entirely in regulatory assets and liabilities. As of December 31, 2012, of the $436 million related to pension benefits, $158 million is included in AOCI, with the remainder included in regulatory assets and liabilities; the $37 million related to other postretirement benefits is included entirely in regulatory assets and liabilities.

The following table provides the components of AOCI and regulatory assets and liabilities for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units as of December 31, 2013 that are expected to be amortized as components of periodic benefit (credit) cost in 2014:

 

    

Pension

Benefits

     Other
Postretirement
Benefits
 
(millions)      

Net actuarial loss

   $ 18       $ —     

Prior service cost

     1         (2

Dominion determines the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets for the pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans in which Dominion Gas participates by using a combination of:

 

    Expected inflation and risk-free interest rate assumptions;

 

    Historical return analysis to determine long term historic returns as well as historic risk premiums for various asset classes;

 

    Expected future risk premiums, asset volatilities and correlations;

 

    Forecasts of an independent investment advisor;

 

    Forward-looking return expectations derived from the yield on long-term bonds and the expected long-term returns of major stock market indices; and

 

    Investment allocation of plan assets.

Dominion determines discount rates from analyses of AA/Aa rated bonds with cash flows matching the expected payments to be made under the plans in which Dominion Gas participates.

 

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Assumed healthcare cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the retiree healthcare plans in which Dominion Gas participates. A one percentage point change in assumed healthcare cost trend rates, for Dominion Gas employees represented by collective bargaining units, would have had the following effects:

 

     Other Postretirement Benefits  
     One percentage
point increase
     One percentage
point decrease
 
(millions)      

Effect on net periodic cost for 2014

   $ 4       $ (3

Effect on other postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 2013

     28         (23

An internal Dominion committee selects the final assumptions used for the pension and other postretirement plans in which Dominion Gas participates, including discount rates, expected long-term rates of return and healthcare cost trend rates.

Employees Not Represented by Collective Bargaining Units

Pension benefits for Dominion Gas employees not represented by a collective bargaining unit are covered by the Dominion Pension Plan described above. As a participating employer, Dominion Gas is subject to Dominion’s funding policy, which is to contribute annually an amount that is in accordance with ERISA. During 2013, Dominion Gas made no contributions to the Dominion Pension Plan, and no contributions to this plan are currently expected in 2014. Dominion Gas’ net periodic pension credit related to this plan and reflected in other operations and maintenance expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income was $27 million, $25 million and $34 million in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The funded status of various Dominion subsidiary groups and employee compensation are the basis for determining the share of total pension costs for participating Dominion subsidiaries. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, Dominion Gas’ amounts due from Dominion associated with this plan and reflected in noncurrent pension and other postretirement benefit assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, were $577 million and $549 million, respectively.

Retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits, for Dominion Gas employees not represented by collective bargaining units, are covered by the Dominion Retiree Health and Welfare Plan described above. Dominion Gas’ net periodic benefit cost related to this plan and reflected in other operations and maintenance expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income was less than $1 million, $3 million and $4 million for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Employee headcount is the basis for determining the share of total other postretirement benefit costs for participating Dominion subsidiaries. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, Dominion Gas’ liabilities to Dominion associated with this plan and reflected in other deferred credits and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were $14 million for both years. Dominion Gas’ contributions to VEBAs for employees not represented by collective bargaining units were $2 million and $5 million for 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Dominion holds investments in trusts to fund employee benefit payments for the pension and other postretirement benefit plans in which Dominion Gas’ employees participate. Any investment-related declines in these trusts will result in future increases in the periodic cost recognized for such employee benefit plans and will be included in the determination of the amount of cash that Dominion Gas will provide to Dominion for its share of employee benefit plan contributions.

Defined Contribution Plans

Dominion Gas also participates in Dominion-sponsored defined contribution employee savings plans, both specific to Dominion Gas and that cover multiple Dominion subsidiaries. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, Dominion Gas recognized $7 million, $6 million and $6 million, respectively, as employer matching contributions to these plans.

 

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N OTE 18. C OMMITMENTS AND C ONTINGENCIES

As a result of issues generated in the ordinary course of business, Dominion Gas is involved in legal proceedings before various courts and is periodically subject to governmental examinations (including by regulatory authorities), inquiries and investigations. Certain legal proceedings and governmental examinations involve demands for unspecified amounts of damages, are in an initial procedural phase, involve uncertainty as to the outcome of pending appeals or motions, or involve significant factual issues that need to be resolved, such that it is not possible for Dominion Gas to estimate a range of possible loss. For such matters that Dominion Gas cannot estimate, a statement to this effect is made in the description of the matter. Other matters may have progressed sufficiently through the litigation or investigative processes such that Dominion Gas is able to estimate a range of possible loss. For legal proceedings and governmental examinations for which Dominion Gas is able to reasonably estimate a range of possible losses, an estimated range of possible loss is provided, in excess of the accrued liability (if any) for such matters. Any accrued liability is recorded on a gross basis with a receivable also recorded for any probable insurance recoveries. Estimated ranges of loss are inclusive of legal fees and net of any anticipated insurance recoveries. Any estimated range is based on currently available information and involves elements of judgment and significant uncertainties. Any estimated range of possible loss may not represent Dominion Gas’ maximum possible loss exposure. The circumstances of such legal proceedings and governmental examinations will change from time to time and actual results may vary significantly from the current estimate. For current proceedings not specifically reported below, management does not anticipate that the liabilities, if any, arising from such proceedings would have a material effect on Dominion Gas’ financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

Environmental Matters

Dominion Gas is subject to costs resulting from a number of federal, state and local laws and regulations designed to protect human health and the environment. These laws and regulations affect future planning and existing operations. They can result in increased capital, operating and other costs as a result of compliance, remediation, containment and monitoring obligations.

A IR

The CAA, as amended, is a comprehensive program utilizing a broad range of regulatory tools to protect and preserve the nation’s air quality. At a minimum, states are required to establish regulatory programs to address all requirements of the CAA. However, states may choose to develop regulatory programs that are more restrictive. Some of Dominion Gas’ facilities are subject to the CAA’s permitting and other requirements.

In August 2010, the EPA issued revised National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines. The rule was amended in March 2011 and January 2013. The rule establishes emission standards for control of hazardous air pollutants for engines at smaller facilities, known as area sources. As a result of these regulations, Dominion Gas installed emissions controls on several engines. The Company has spent approximately $2 million to date and is evaluating further expenditures. Dominion Gas is unable to estimate the additional potential impacts on results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows related to this matter.

In August 2012, the EPA issued the first NSPS impacting the natural gas production and gathering sectors and made revisions to the NSPS for natural gas processing and transmission facilities. These rules establish equipment performance specifications and emissions standards for control of volatile organic chemical emissions for natural gas production wells, tanks, pneumatic controllers, and compressors in the upstream sector. Compliance with these rules began for installations and wells that were started after August 23, 2011. The cost to comply with the NSPS will be a direct result of the number of new wells and new equipment installations performed by Dominion Gas; therefore, Dominion Gas is unable to estimate the potential impacts on results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows related to this matter.

 

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In May 2010, the EPA issued the final Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V Greenhouse Gas Tailoring Rule that requires Dominion Gas to obtain permits for GHG emissions for new and modified facilities over certain emissions thresholds, and meet best available control technology for GHG emissions. The EPA has issued draft guidance for GHG permitting, including best available control technology. The cost to comply will be a direct result of new and modified facilities subject to this rule. Dominion Gas is unable to estimate the potential impacts on results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows related to this matter.

S OLID AND H AZARDOUS W ASTE

The CERCLA, as amended, provides for immediate response and removal actions coordinated by the EPA in the event of threatened releases of hazardous substances into the environment and authorizes the U.S. government either to clean up sites at which hazardous substances have created actual or potential environmental hazards or to order persons responsible for the situation to do so. Under the CERCLA, as amended, generators and transporters of hazardous substances, as well as past and present owners and operators of contaminated sites, can be jointly, severally, and strictly liable for the cost of cleanup. These potentially responsible parties can be ordered to perform a cleanup, be sued for costs associated with an EPA-directed cleanup, voluntarily settle with the U.S. government concerning their liability for cleanup costs, or voluntarily begin a site investigation and site remediation under state oversight.

From time to time, Dominion Gas may be identified as a potentially responsible party to a Superfund site. The EPA (or a state) can either allow such a party to conduct and pay for a remedial investigation, feasibility study and remedial action or conduct the remedial investigation and action itself and then seek reimbursement from the potentially responsible parties. Each party can be held jointly, severally and strictly liable for the cleanup costs. These parties can also bring contribution actions against each other and seek reimbursement from their insurance companies. As a result, Dominion Gas may be responsible for the costs of remedial investigation and actions under the Superfund law or other laws or regulations regarding the remediation of waste. Dominion Gas does not believe this will have a material effect on results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows.

Dominion Gas has determined that it is associated with 12 former manufactured gas plant sites. Studies conducted by other companies at their former manufactured gas plant sites have indicated that those sites contain coal tar and other potentially harmful materials. None of the 12 former sites with which Dominion Gas is associated is under investigation by any state or federal environmental agency. Due to the uncertainty surrounding these sites, Dominion Gas is unable to make an estimate of the potential financial statement impacts related to these sites.

Legal Matters

Following the completion of the Appalachian Gateway Project in 2012, DTI received multiple change order requests and other claims for additional payments from a pipeline contractor for the project. In July 2013, DTI filed a complaint in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia for breach of contract, accounting and declaratory relief. The contractor filed a motion to dismiss, or in the alternative, a motion to transfer venue to Pennsylvania and/or West Virginia, where the pipelines were constructed. DTI filed an opposition to the contractor’s motion in August 2013. In November 2013, the court granted the contractor’s motion on the basis that DTI must first comply with the dispute resolution process. Pursuant to the ruling, DTI intends to mediate the matter. This case is pending. DTI has accrued a liability of approximately $6 million for this matter. Dominion Gas cannot currently estimate additional financial statement impacts, but there could be a material impact on results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows.

 

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Lease Commitments

Dominion Gas leases various facilities, vehicles and equipment primarily under operating leases. Payments under certain leases are escalated based on an index such as the consumer price index. Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating and capital leases that have initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

     2014      2015      2016      2017      2018      Thereafter      Total  
(millions)                                                 

Dominion Gas

   $   20       $   17       $   15       $   15       $   15       $   43       $   125   

Rental expense for Dominion Gas totaled $15 million in each 2013, 2012 and 2011. The majority of rental expense is reflected in other operations and maintenance expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Surety Bonds

As of December 31, 2013 Dominion Gas had purchased $31 million of surety bonds. Under the terms of surety bonds, Dominion Gas is obligated to indemnify the respective surety bond company for any amounts paid.

Indemnifications

As part of commercial contract negotiations in the normal course of business, Dominion Gas may sometimes agree to make payments to compensate or indemnify other parties for possible future unfavorable financial consequences resulting from specified events. The specified events may involve an adverse judgment in a lawsuit or the imposition of additional taxes due to a change in tax law or interpretation of the tax law. Dominion Gas is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments under these contracts because events that would obligate it have not yet occurred or, if any such event has occurred, it has not been notified of its occurrence. However, at December 31, 2013, Dominion Gas believes future payments, if any, that could ultimately become payable under these contract provisions, would not have a material impact on its results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

N OTE 19. C REDIT R ISK

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss if counterparties fail to perform their contractual obligations. In order to minimize overall credit risk, credit policies are maintained, including the evaluation of counterparty financial condition. In addition, counterparties may make available collateral, including letters of credit, payment guarantees, or cash deposits.

Dominion Gas maintains a provision for credit losses based on factors surrounding the credit risk of its customers, historical trends and other information. Management believes, based on credit policies and the December 31, 2013 provision for credit losses, it is unlikely that a material adverse effect on financial position, results of operations or cash flows would occur as a result of counterparty nonperformance.

Dominion Gas transacts mainly with major companies in the energy industry and with residential and commercial energy consumers. These transactions principally occur in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the U.S. Dominion Gas does not believe that this geographic concentration contributes to its overall exposure to credit risk. In addition, as a result of its large and diverse customer base, Dominion Gas is not exposed to a significant concentration of credit risk for receivables arising from gas utility operations.

In 2013, DTI provided service to approximately 242 customers with 98% of its storage and transportation revenue being provided through firm services. The ten largest customers provided approximately 42% of the total storage and transportation revenue and the 30 largest provided approximately 74% of the total storage and transportation revenue of approximately $645 million. Approximately 97% of the transmission capacity under

 

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contract on DTI’s pipeline is subscribed with long-term contracts (two years or greater). The remaining 3% is contracted on a year-to-year basis. Less than 1% of firm transportation capacity is currently unsubscribed. All storage services are subscribed under long-term contracts.

East Ohio distributes natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers in Ohio using rates established by the Ohio Commission. Approximately 98% of East Ohio revenues are derived from its regulated gas distribution services. While individual customers of East Ohio have had increased amounts of bad debt in recent years, management believes that this concentration and bad debt risk is mitigated by the regulatory framework established by the Ohio Commission. See Note 12 for further information about Ohio’s PIPP and UEX Riders that mitigate East Ohio’s overall credit risk.

N OTE 20. R ELATED -P ARTY T RANSACTIONS

Dominion Gas engages in related party transactions primarily with other Dominion subsidiaries (affiliates). Dominion Gas’ receivable and payable balances with affiliates are settled based on contractual terms or on a monthly basis, depending on the nature of the underlying transactions. Dominion Gas’ subsidiaries are included in the Dominion consolidated federal income tax return. A discussion of the significant related party transactions follows.

Transactions with Affiliates

Dominion Gas transacts with affiliates for certain quantities of natural gas and other commodities at market prices in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, Dominion Gas provides transportation and storage services to affiliates. Dominion Gas also enters into certain other contracts with affiliates, which are presented separately from contracts involving commodities or services. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, all of Dominion Gas’ commodity derivatives are transacted with affiliates. See Note 7 for more information. Dominion Gas participates in certain Dominion benefit plans as described in Note 17. See Note 3 for information regarding sales of assets to an affiliate.

 

                                                        

Year Ended December 31,

   2013      2012      2011  
(millions)                     

Purchases of natural gas and transportation and storage services from affiliates

   $ 31       $ 14       $ 28   

Sales of natural gas and transportation and storage services to affiliates

         109             64             62   

DRS and affiliates provide certain administrative and technical services to Dominion Gas. Dominion Gas provides certain services to affiliates, including technical services. The costs of these services follow:

 

                                                        

Year Ended December 31,

   2013      2012      2011  
(millions)                     

Services provided by affiliates

   $     116       $   107       $   105   

Services provided by Dominion Gas to affiliates

     4         3         3   

Dominion Gas maintains gas imbalances with affiliates. The imbalances with affiliates follow:

 

                                     

At December 31,

   2013      2012  
(millions)              

Imbalances receivable from affiliates (1)

   $     6       $     20   

Imbalances payable to affiliates (2)

     1         —     

 

(1) Imbalances receivable from affiliates are presented in other current assets in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(2) Imbalances payable to affiliates are presented in other current liabilities in Dominion Gas’ Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

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Dominion Gas has the ability to borrow funds from Dominion under both short-term and long-term borrowing arrangements. There were $569 million in outstanding affiliated long-term borrowings, including securities due within one year, as of December 31, 2012. There were no long-term borrowings with Dominion as of December 31, 2013. Dominion Gas’ borrowings under the IRCA totaled $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2013. There were no borrowings under this agreement as of December 31, 2012. Dominion Gas’ outstanding borrowings, net of repayments, under the Dominion money pool totaled $1.9 billion as of December 31, 2012. There were no borrowings under the Dominion money pool as of December 31, 2013. Interest charges related to Dominion Gas’ total borrowings from Dominion were $35 million, $61 million, $59 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Dominion Gas’ outstanding advances, net of receipts, under the Dominion money pool totaled $75 million as of December 31, 2012. There were no advances under the IRCA as of December 31, 2013.

N OTE 21. O PERATING S EGMENT

Dominion Gas is organized primarily on the basis of products and services sold in the U.S. Dominion Energy, the Company’s primary operating segment, consists of natural gas transmission, storage, gathering, processing and distribution.

Dominion Gas also reports a Corporate and Other segment.

The Corporate and Other Segment primarily includes specific items attributable to Dominion Gas’ operating segment that are not included in profit measures evaluated by executive management in assessing the segment’s performance and the effect of certain items recorded at Dominion Gas as a result of the recognition of Dominion’s basis in the net assets contributed.

In 2013, Dominion Gas reported after-tax net expenses of $49 million in the Corporate and Other segment, with $41 million of these net expenses attributable to specific items related to its operating segment.

The net expenses for specific items in 2013 primarily related to the impact of the following items:

 

    $55 million ($33 million after-tax) of impairment charges related to certain natural gas infrastructure assets; and

 

    A $14 million ($8 million after-tax) charge primarily reflecting severance pay and other benefits related to workforce reductions.

In 2012, Dominion Gas reported after-tax net expenses of $10 million in the Corporate and Other segment, with none of these net expenses attributable to specific items related to its operating segment.

In 2011, Dominion Gas reported after-tax net expenses of $10 million in the Corporate and Other segment, including a $2 million benefit attributable to specific items related to its operating segment.

 

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The following table presents segment information pertaining to Dominion Gas’ operations:

 

Year Ended December 31,

   Dominion
Energy
     Corporate and
Other
    Consolidated
Total
 
(millions)                    

2013

       

Operating revenue

   $ 1,937       $ —        $ 1,937   

Depreciation and amortization

     188         —          188   

Equity in earnings of equity method investees

     22         —          22   

Interest income

     2         —          2   

Interest and related charges

     28         —          28   

Income tax expense

     333         (32     301   

Net income

     510         (49     461   

Investment in equity method investees

     105         —          105   

Capital expenditures

     650         —          650   

Total assets at December 31 (billions)

     8.5         0.6        9.1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

2012

       

Operating revenue

   $ 1,677       $ —        $ 1,677   

Depreciation and amortization

     176         —          176   

Equity in earnings of equity method investees

     23         —          23   

Interest income

     2         —          2   

Interest and related charges

     40         —          40   

Income tax expense

     293         (5     288   

Net income

     469         (10     459   

Investment in equity method investees

     102         —          102   

Capital expenditures

     928         —          928   

Total assets at December 31 (billions)

     8.0         0.7        8.7   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

2011

       

Operating revenue

   $ 1,878       $ —        $ 1,878   

Depreciation and amortization

     163         —          163   

Equity in earnings of equity method investees

     23         —          23   

Interest income

     2         —          2   

Interest and related charges

     44         —          44   

Income tax expense

     216         (9     207   

Net income

     352         (10     342   

Capital expenditures

     710         —          710   

 

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LOGO

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Section 13.1-1009 of the Virginia Limited Liability Company Act permits a Virginia limited liability company, subject to any standards and restrictions set forth in its articles of organization or operating agreement, to indemnify and hold harmless any member, manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever, and to pay for or reimburse any member, manager or other person for reasonable expenses incurred by such a person who is a party to a proceeding in advance of final disposition of the proceeding.

Our operating agreement requires us to indemnify and protect our directors and officers and Dominion, our sole member, against any and all claims, liabilities, costs and expenses (including, but not limited to, reasonable legal fees and costs) arising directly or indirectly from any suit, action, investigation or proceeding (whether formal or informal) brought or threatened against them that is based on their acts or omissions on behalf of us, unless such acts or omissions violate our operating agreement, constitute willful misconduct or result from a knowing violation of criminal law. However, under our operating agreement, we have no obligation to indemnify our directors, officers and Dominion to the extent they are entitled to be indemnified by another source, such as an insurance company.

 

ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit    Description
  3.1    Articles of Organization of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC (filed herewith).
  3.2    Operating Agreement of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC dated as of September 12, 2013 (filed herewith).
  4.1    Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 by and between Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (filed herewith).
  4.2    First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 by and between Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (filed herewith).
  4.3    Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 by and between Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (filed herewith).
  4.4    Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 by and between Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (filed herewith).
  4.5    Form of 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Note due 2016 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.2 above).
  4.6    Form of 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Note due 2023 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.3 above).
  4.7    Form of 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Note due 2043 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.4 above).
  5.1    Opinion of McGuireWoods LLP as to the validity of the Exchange Notes (filed herewith).
10.1      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 22, 2013 by and among Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., as the initial purchasers of the Notes (filed herewith).
10.2    Inter-Company Credit Agreement, dated October 17, 2013, between Dominion Resources, Inc. and Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC (filed herewith).

 

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Exhibit    Description
10.3    DRS Services Agreement, dated September 12, 2013, between Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and Dominion Resources Services, Inc. (filed herewith).
10.4    DRS Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2003, between Dominion Transmission Inc. and Dominion Resources Services, Inc. (filed herewith).
10.5    DRS Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2003, between The East Ohio Company and Dominion Resources Services, Inc. (filed herewith).
10.6    DRS Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2003, between Dominion Iroquois, Inc. and Dominion Resources Services, Inc. (filed herewith).
10.7    Dominion Resources, Inc. Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated effective December 17, 2004 (Exhibit 10.5, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489).
10.8    Form of Employment Continuity Agreement for certain officers of Dominion Resources, Inc. and Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, amended and restated July 15, 2003 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 filed August 11, 2003, File No. 1-8489), as amended March 31, 2006 (Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed April 4, 2006, File No. 1-8489).
10.9    Form of Employment Continuity Agreement for certain officers of Dominion Resources, Inc. and Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, dated January 24, 2013 (effective for certain officers elected subsequent to February 1, 2013) (Exhibit 10.9, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014, File No. 1-8489).
10.10    Dominion Resources, Inc. Retirement Benefit Restoration Plan, as amended and restated effective December 17, 2004 (Exhibit 10.6, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489).
10.11    Dominion Resources, Inc. Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective December 17, 2004 (Exhibit 10.7, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489).
10.12    Dominion Resources, Inc. New Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10.8, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489), as amended and restated effective July 1, 2013 (Exhibit 10.2, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 filed August 6, 2013, File No. 1-8489).
10.13    Dominion Resources, Inc. New Retirement Benefit Restoration Plan, effective January 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10.9, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489), as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (Exhibit 10.17, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 filed February 26, 2009, File No. 1-8489).
10.14    Dominion Resources, Inc. Executive Stock Purchase Tool Kit, effective September 1, 2001, amended and restated February 18, 2011 (Exhibit 10.22, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K filed February 28, 2011, File No. 1-8489).
10.15    Dominion Resources, Inc. Security Option Plan, effective January 1, 2003, amended December 31, 2004 and restated effective January 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10.13, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489).
10.16    Letter agreement between Dominion Resources, Inc. and Thomas F. Farrell II, dated February 27, 2003 (Exhibit 10.24, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 filed March 20, 2003, File No. 1-8489), as amended December 16, 2005 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 16, 2005, File No. 1-8489).

 

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Table of Contents
Exhibit    Description
10.17    Employment agreement dated February 13, 2007 between Dominion Resources Services, Inc. and Mark F. McGettrick (Exhibit 10.34, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 filed February 28, 2007, File No. 1-8489).
10.18    Supplemental retirement agreement dated October 22, 2003 between Dominion Resources, Inc. and Paul D. Koonce (Exhibit 10.18, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 filed March 1, 2004, File No. 1-2255).
10.19    Form of Advancement of Expenses for certain directors and officers of Dominion Resources, Inc., approved by the Dominion Resources, Inc. Board of Directors on October 24, 2008 (Exhibit 10.2, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 filed October 30, 2008, File No. 1-8489).
10.20    Dominion Resources, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, originally effective May 1, 2005, as amended and restated effective December 20, 2011 (Exhibit 10.32, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed February 28, 2012, File No. 1-8489).
10.21    Supplemental Retirement Agreement with Mark F. McGettrick effective May 19, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed May 20, 2010, File No. 1-8489).
10.22    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Mark F. McGettrick, and Paul D. Koonce approved December 17, 2012 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 21, 2012, File No. 1-8489).
10.23    2012 Performance Grant Plan under the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Program approved January 19, 2012 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed January 20, 2012, File No. 1-8489).
10.24    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2012 Long-term Incentive Program approved January 19, 2012 (Exhibit 10.2, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed January 20, 2012, File No. 1-8489).
10.25    2013 Performance Grant Plan under 2013 Long-Term Incentive Program approved January 24, 2013 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed January 25, 2013, File No. 1-8489).
10.26    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2013 Long-term Incentive Program approved January 24, 2013 (Exhibit 10.2, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed January 25, 2013, File No. 1-8489).
10.27    Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Thomas F. Farrell II, dated December 17, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 17, 2010, File No. 1-8489).
10.28    2014 Performance Grant Plan under 2014 Long-Term Incentive Program approved January 16, 2014 (Exhibit 10.40, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014, File No. 1-8489).
10.29    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Long-term Incentive Program approved January 16, 2014 (Exhibit 10.41, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014, File No. 1-8489).
10.30    Form of Special Performance Grant for Thomas F. Farrell II and Mark F. McGettrick approved January 16, 2014 (Exhibit 10.42, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014, File No. 1-8489).
10.31    Base salaries for named executive officers of Dominion Resources, Inc. (Exhibit 10.44, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014, File No. 1-8489).
12.1    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed herewith).

 

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Table of Contents
Exhibit    Description
21.1    Subsidiaries of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC (filed herewith).
23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (filed herewith).
23.2    Consent of McGuireWoods LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
25.1    Statement of Eligibility of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, on Form T-1 with respect to the Indenture (filed herewith).
99.1   

Survey Participants (filed herewith).

99.2    Form of Letter of Transmittal with respect to the Exchange Offer (filed herewith).
99.3    Form of Letter to The Depository Trust Company Participants regarding the Exchange Offer (filed herewith).
99.4    Form of Letter to Clients regarding the Exchange Offer (filed herewith).
99.5      Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (filed herewith).

 

ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS

(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser

 

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with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, each of the undersigned registrants undertake that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrants pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired or involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Richmond, the Commonwealth of Virginia, on the 4 th day of April, 2014.

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:   /s/    Thomas F. Farrell II        
  Thomas F. Farrell II
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. The officers and directors whose signatures appear below hereby constitute Mark O. Webb, Carter M. Reid, or Karen W. Doggett, any one of whom may act, as their true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power to sign on their behalf individually and in each capacity stated below and file all amendments and post-effective amendments to the registration statement making such changes in the registration statement as the registrant deems appropriate, and generally to do all things in their name in their capacities as officers and directors to enable the registrant to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933 and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/    Thomas F. Farrell II        

Thomas F. Farrell II

  

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

  April 4, 2014

/s/    Mark F. McGettrick        

Mark F. McGettrick

  

Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

  April 4, 2014

/s/    Mark O. Webb        

Mark O. Webb

  

Director

  April 4, 2014

/s/    Michele L. Cardiff        

Michele L. Cardiff

  

Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

  April 4, 2014

 

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Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit    Description
  3.1    Articles of Organization of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC (filed herewith).
  3.2    Operating Agreement of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC dated as of September 12, 2013 (filed herewith).
  4.1    Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 by and between Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (filed herewith).
  4.2    First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 by and between Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (filed herewith).
  4.3    Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 by and between Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (filed herewith).
  4.4    Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 by and between Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (filed herewith).
  4.5    Form of 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Note due 2016 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.2 above).
  4.6    Form of 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Note due 2023 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.3 above).
  4.7    Form of 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Note due 2043 (included as Exhibit A in Exhibit 4.4 above).
  5.1    Opinion of McGuireWoods LLP as to the validity of the Exchange Notes (filed herewith).
10.1      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 22, 2013 by and among Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., as the initial purchasers of the Notes (filed herewith).
10.2    Inter-Company Credit Agreement, dated October 17, 2013, between Dominion Resources, Inc. and Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC (filed herewith).
10.3    DRS Services Agreement, dated September 12, 2013, between Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and Dominion Resources Services, Inc. (filed herewith).
10.4    DRS Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2003, between Dominion Transmission Inc. and Dominion Resources Services, Inc. (filed herewith).
10.5    DRS Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2003, between The East Ohio Company and Dominion Resources Services, Inc. (filed herewith).
10.6    DRS Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2003, between Dominion Iroquois, Inc. and Dominion Resources Services, Inc. (filed herewith).
10.7    Dominion Resources, Inc. Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated effective December 17, 2004 (Exhibit 10.5, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489).
10.8    Form of Employment Continuity Agreement for certain officers of Dominion Resources, Inc. and Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, amended and restated July 15, 2003 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 filed August 11, 2003, File No. 1-8489), as amended March 31, 2006 (Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed April 4, 2006, File No. 1-8489).
10.9    Form of Employment Continuity Agreement for certain officers of Dominion Resources, Inc. and Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, dated January 24, 2013 (effective for certain officers elected subsequent to February 1, 2013) (Exhibit 10.9, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014, File No. 1-8489).

 

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Table of Contents
Exhibit    Description
10.10    Dominion Resources, Inc. Retirement Benefit Restoration Plan, as amended and restated effective December 17, 2004 (Exhibit 10.6, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489).
10.11    Dominion Resources, Inc. Executives’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective December 17, 2004 (Exhibit 10.7, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489).
10.12    Dominion Resources, Inc. New Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10.8, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489), as amended and restated effective July 1, 2013 (Exhibit 10.2, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 filed August 6, 2013, File No. 1-8489).
10.13    Dominion Resources, Inc. New Retirement Benefit Restoration Plan, effective January 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10.9, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489), as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (Exhibit 10.17, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 filed February 26, 2009, File No. 1-8489).
10.14    Dominion Resources, Inc. Executive Stock Purchase Tool Kit, effective September 1, 2001, amended and restated February 18, 2011 (Exhibit 10.22, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K filed February 28, 2011, File No. 1-8489).
10.15    Dominion Resources, Inc. Security Option Plan, effective January 1, 2003, amended December 31, 2004 and restated effective January 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10.13, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 23, 2004, File No. 1-8489).
10.16    Letter agreement between Dominion Resources, Inc. and Thomas F. Farrell II, dated February 27, 2003 (Exhibit 10.24, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 filed March 20, 2003, File No. 1-8489), as amended December 16, 2005 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 16, 2005, File No. 1-8489).
10.17    Employment agreement dated February 13, 2007 between Dominion Resources Services, Inc. and Mark F. McGettrick (Exhibit 10.34, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 filed February 28, 2007, File No. 1-8489).
10.18    Supplemental retirement agreement dated October 22, 2003 between Dominion Resources, Inc. and Paul D. Koonce (Exhibit 10.18, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 filed March 1, 2004, File No. 1-2255).
10.19    Form of Advancement of Expenses for certain directors and officers of Dominion Resources, Inc., approved by the Dominion Resources, Inc. Board of Directors on October 24, 2008 (Exhibit 10.2, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 filed October 30, 2008, File No. 1-8489).
10.20    Dominion Resources, Inc. 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, originally effective May 1, 2005, as amended and restated effective December 20, 2011 (Exhibit 10.32, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 filed February 28, 2012, File No. 1-8489).
10.21    Supplemental Retirement Agreement with Mark F. McGettrick effective May 19, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed May 20, 2010, File No. 1-8489).
10.22    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Mark F. McGettrick, and Paul D. Koonce approved December 17, 2012 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 21, 2012, File No. 1-8489).
10.23    2012 Performance Grant Plan under the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Program approved January 19, 2012 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed January 20, 2012, File No. 1-8489).

 

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Table of Contents
Exhibit    Description
10.24    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2012 Long-term Incentive Program approved January 19, 2012 (Exhibit 10.2, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed January 20, 2012, File No. 1-8489).
10.25    2013 Performance Grant Plan under 2013 Long-Term Incentive Program approved January 24, 2013 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed January 25, 2013, File No. 1-8489).
10.26    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2013 Long-term Incentive Program approved January 24, 2013 (Exhibit 10.2, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed January 25, 2013, File No. 1-8489).
10.27    Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Thomas F. Farrell II, dated December 17, 2010 (Exhibit 10.1, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 8-K filed December 17, 2010, File No. 1-8489).
10.28    2014 Performance Grant Plan under 2014 Long-Term Incentive Program approved January 16, 2014 (Exhibit 10.40, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014, File No. 1-8489).
10.29    Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2014 Long-term Incentive Program approved January 16, 2014 (Exhibit 10.41, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014, File No. 1-8489).
10.30    Form of Special Performance Grant for Thomas F. Farrell II and Mark F. McGettrick approved January 16, 2014 (Exhibit 10.42, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014, File No. 1-8489).
10.31    Base salaries for named executive officers of Dominion Resources, Inc. (Exhibit 10.44, Dominion Resources, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed February 28, 2014, File No. 1-8489).
12.1    Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed herewith).
21.1    Subsidiaries of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC (filed herewith).
23.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (filed herewith).
23.2    Consent of McGuireWoods LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
25.1    Statement of Eligibility of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, on Form T-1 with respect to the Indenture (filed herewith).
99.1   

Survey Participants (filed herewith).

99.2    Form of Letter of Transmittal with respect to the Exchange Offer (filed herewith).
99.3    Form of Letter to The Depository Trust Company Participants regarding the Exchange Offer (filed herewith).
99.4    Form of Letter to Clients regarding the Exchange Offer (filed herewith).
99.5    Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (filed herewith).

 

II-9

   LOGO

LLC-1011

(10/11)

  

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION

 

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

OF A VIRGINIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Pursuant to Chapter 12 of Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia the undersigned states as follows:

 

1. The name of the limited liability company is

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

 

(The name must contain the words limited company or limited liability company or the abbreviation L.C., LC, L.L.C. or LLC )

 

2.     A. The name of the limited liability company’s initial registered agent is

C T Corporation System.

 

 

  B. The initial registered agent is (mark appropriate box):

 

  (1) an INDIVIDUAL who is a resident of Virginia and

 

  ¨ a member or manager of the limited liability company.

 

  ¨ a member or manager of a limited liability company that is a member or manager of the limited liability company.

 

  ¨ an officer or director of a corporation that is a member or manager of the limited liability company.

 

  ¨ a general partner of a general or limited partnership that is a member or manager of the limited liability company.

 

  ¨ a trustee of a trust that is a member or manager of the limited liability company.

 

  ¨ a member of the Virginia State Bar.

OR

 

  (2)       x a domestic or foreign stock or nonstock corporation, limited liability company or registered limited liability partnership authorized to transact business in Virginia.

 

3.    A. The limited liability company’s initial registered office address, including the street and number, if any, which is identical to the business office of the initial registered agent, is

 

            4701 Cox Road, Suite 301   Glen Allen  

, VA

 

  23060-6802.
                    (number/street)   (city or town)             (zip)

 

  B. The registered office is located in the x county or ¨ city of Henrico .

 

4. The limited liability company’s principal office address, including the street and number, is

 

        120 Tredegar Street    Richmond    Virginia    23219.
        (number/street)    (city or town)    (state)      (zip)

Organizer(s):

 

/s/ David F Kurzawa

     

9/12/13

(signature)       (date)

David F Kurzawa

     

804.775.7471

(printed name)       (telephone number (optional))

 

PRIVACY ADVISORY: Information such as social security number, date of birth, maiden name, or financial institution account numbers is NOT required to be included in business entity documents filed with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission. Any information provided on these documents is subject to public

SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE REVERSE

VA040 - 11/04/2011 C T system Online

Exhibit 3.2

OPERATING AGREEMENT

OF

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

This Operating Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made as of the 12 th day of September, 2013, by and between DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company (the “Company”), and DOMINION RESOURCES, INC. (the “Sole Member”).

RECITALS

The Company was organized as a Virginia limited liability company on September 12, 2013.

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS, PURPOSE AND GENERAL MATTERS

1.1 General Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:

“Act” means the Virginia Limited Liability Company Act, as it may be amended or replaced from time to time. As of the date of this Agreement, the Act is set forth in sections 13.1-1000 through -1080 of Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia.

“Board” means the individuals who are authorized to manage the business and affairs of the Company pursuant to ARTICLE III.

“Board Member” means a member of the Board.

“Committee” means a committee of the Board appointed as provided in Section 6.1.

“Internal Revenue Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as it may be amended or replaced from time to time.

1.2 Purpose. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any lawful business. Without limiting the scope of the foregoing, the Company is authorized to engage in any activities related or incidental to serving as the parent holding company of subsidiaries engaged in the transmission and storage of natural gas in interstate commerce and in the distribution of natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers, including, without limitation, financing activities.


1.3 Limited Liability. No member or manager of the Company shall be personally obligated for any debt, obligation or liability of the Company solely by reason of being a member or acting as a manager, except as may be required by applicable law. Such limited liability shall exist to the maximum extent permitted by the Act.

1.4 Status of Agreement. This Agreement is intended to serve as an “operating agreement” within the meaning of the Act.

1.5 Term. The term of the Company shall commence on the date of its organization and shall continue in perpetuity until the dissolution of the Company in accordance with Article XII.

1.6 Qualifications in Other Jurisdictions. If required by law, the Company shall promptly qualify or register to transact business in all jurisdictions in which it transacts business as a foreign limited liability company.

1.7 Registered Office. The Company’s initial registered office and registered agent shall be as designated in its Articles of Organization. The Board shall be entitled to change such designations from time to time, in its discretion, subject to the requirements of the Act.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERSHIP

2.1 Admission of Additional Members. The Company shall not admit a member in addition to the Sole Member unless all of the following requirements are satisfied: (a) the Sole Member grants prior written consent to the admission of the additional member; (b) the Company and the Sole Member amend or replace this Agreement as may be necessary or appropriate for the purpose of addressing any issues raised by joint or multiple ownership of the Company, including (without limitation) changes to the status of the Company for federal income tax purposes; and (c) each person or entity who seeks to be admitted as a member of the Company executes this Agreement, as amended and restated, and makes any required capital contributions to the Company in full.

2.2 Resignation. The Sole Member shall not resign or withdraw from the Company, except by operation of law or as the result of a transfer of its entire interest in the Company in accordance with this Agreement.

 

- 2 -


ARTICLE III

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

3.1 Management by the Board. The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by or under the direction of its Board, each member of which is deemed a “manager” under the Act.

3.2 Authority of the Board. The Board shall have the authority to act on behalf of the Company to the maximum extent permitted by the Act. Without limiting the scope of the foregoing, the Board shall have the power on behalf and in the name of the Company to make all decisions and take all actions which they may deem necessary or desirable in connection with its business and affairs, including, without limitation, the following:

(a) managing the day-to-day operations of the Company;

(b) entering into, making and performing contracts, agreements and other undertakings binding upon the Company that may be necessary, appropriate or advisable in furtherance of the purposes of the Company and making all decisions and waivers thereunder;

(c) opening and maintaining bank and investment accounts and arrangements, drawing checks and other orders for the payment of money, and designating individuals with authority to sign or give instructions with respect to those accounts and arrangements;

(d) investing Company funds;

(e) maintaining the assets of the Company in good order;

(f) to the extent that funds of the Company are available therefor, paying debts and obligations of the Company;

(g) borrowing money or otherwise incurring indebtedness on such terms and conditions as the Board may deem appropriate and, in connection therewith, hypothecating, encumbering and/or granting security interests in the assets of the Company to secure the repayment of such monies or other indebtedness of the Company, provided that in no event shall any such borrowing be recourse to the Sole Member unless expressly agreed in writing by the Sole Member;

(h) executing instruments and documents, including, without limitation, checks, drafts, notes and other negotiable instruments, mortgages or deeds of trust, pledge agreements, security agreements, financing statements, documents providing for the acquisition, mortgaging or disposition of the Company’s property, assignments, bills of sale, leases and any other instruments or documents necessary, in the opinion of the Board or a duly elected or appointed officer of the Company, acting within the scope of his or her authority, to the business of the Company;

 

- 3 -


(i) entering into any and all other agreements with any other person, including, without limitation, the Sole Member, for any purpose in furtherance of the business of the Company, in such form as the Board or a duly elected or appointed officer of the Company, acting within the scope of his or her authority, may approve;

(j) the bringing or defending, paying, collecting, compromising, arbitrating, resorting to legal action, or other adjustment of claims or demands of or against the Company;

(k) selecting, removing and establishing and changing the authority and responsibility of officers, attorneys, accountants, and other advisers and consultants to the Company;

(l) obtaining insurance for the Company;

(m) taking all actions necessary to effectuate transactions; and

(n) such other matters as may be necessary or advisable in the good faith business judgment of the Board in connection with the operation of the business and conduct of affairs of the company and the accomplishment of the purposes of the Company.

The Board Members or their duly authorized appointees or officers of the Company may execute and deliver contracts and agreements on behalf of the Company in furtherance of the foregoing, without the consent of the Sole Member, and otherwise act for and bind the Company. Third parties may conclusively rely upon the act of the Board Members as evidence of the authority of the Board for all purposes in respect of their dealings with the Company.

3.3 Expenses and Reimbursement. The Company shall be responsible for all expenses, costs and liabilities arising from the management, organization or operation of the Company in accordance with this Agreement (“Company Expenses”). The Sole Member, the Board Members and the officers shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement from the Company to the extent, if any, that they incur any Company Expenses, unless such Company Expenses arose from a violation of this Agreement, willful misconduct or knowing violation of criminal law.

3.4 Compensation. No salary or other compensation shall be paid to the Board Members for the Board’s actions on behalf of the Company. The Board, in its sole discretion, shall determine the salaries or other compensation payable to the officers from time to time.

 

- 4 -


ARTICLE IV

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

4.1 Number, Term and Election. Board Members shall be elected by the Sole Member. The number of Board Members may be fixed or changed from time to time by the Sole Member, but shall not be less than one. Each Board Member shall hold office until his or her death, resignation, retirement or removal or until his or her successor is elected.

4.2 Removal; Vacancies. The Sole Member may remove any Board Member at any time, with or without cause. A vacancy on the Board, including a vacancy resulting from the removal of a Board Member or an increase in the number of Board Members, may be filled by (i) the Sole Member or (ii) the Board.

ARTICLE V

MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS

5.1 Annual and Regular Meetings. An annual meeting of the Board, which shall be considered a regular meeting, shall be held immediately following each annual meeting of shareholders of the Sole Member or at such other time as the Board may determine for the purpose of electing officers and carrying on such other business as may properly come before the meeting. The Board may also adopt a schedule of additional meetings which shall be considered regular meetings. Regular meetings shall be held at such times and at such places, within or without the Commonwealth of Virginia, as the Board shall designate from time to time. If no place is designated, regular meetings shall be held at the principal office of the Company.

5.2 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the Sole Member, the Chairman of the Board or a majority of the Board Members then in office and shall be held at such times and at such places, within or without the Commonwealth of Virginia, as the person or persons calling the meetings shall designate. If no such place is designated in the notice of a special meeting, it shall be held at the principal office of the Company.

5.3 Notice of Meetings. No notice need be given of regular meetings of the Board.

Notices of special meetings of the Board shall be given to each Board Member in person or delivered to his or her residence or business address (or such other place as he or she may have directed in writing) not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting by mail, electronic mail, messenger, telecopy, facsimile or other means of written communication or by telephoning such notice to him or her. Any such notice shall be given by the Secretary or the person or persons calling the meeting and shall set forth the time and place of the meeting and state the purpose for which it is called.

 

- 5 -


5.4 Waiver of Notice; Attendance at Meeting. A Board Member may waive any notice required by law or this Agreement before or after the date and time stated in the notice and such waiver shall be equivalent to the giving of such notice. Except as provided in the next paragraph of this Section 5.4, the waiver shall be in writing or reproduced from an electronic transmission, signed by the Board Member entitled to the notice and filed with the minutes or corporate records.

A Board Member’s attendance at or participation in a meeting waives any required notice to him or her of the meeting unless the Board Member, at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon his or her arrival, objects to holding the meeting or transacting business at the meeting and does not thereafter vote for or assent to action taken at the meeting.

5.5 Quorum; Voting. A majority of the number of Board Members then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Board. If a quorum is present when a vote is taken, the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board Members present is the act of the Board except as otherwise provided by law or this Agreement. A Board Member who is present at a meeting of the Board or a committee of the Board when limited liability company action is taken is deemed to have assented to the action taken unless (i) he or she objects, at the beginning of the meeting or promptly upon his or her arrival, to holding it or transacting specified business at the meeting or (ii) he or she votes against or abstains from the action taken.

5.6 Telephonic Meetings. The Board may permit any or all Board Members to participate in a regular or special meeting by or conduct the meeting through the use of any means of communication by which all Board Members participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting. A Board Member participating in a meeting by this means is deemed to be present in person at the meeting.

5.7 Action Without Meeting. Action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Board may be taken without a meeting if the action is taken by all members of the Board. The action shall be evidenced by one or more written consents stating the action taken, signed by each Board Member either before or after the action is taken and included in the minutes or filed with the Company’s records. The form of written consent may include an electronic transmission. Action taken under this Section 5.7 shall be effective when the last Board Member signs the consent unless the consent specifies a different effective date, in which event the action taken is effective as of the date specified therein, provided the consent states the date of execution by each Board Member.

 

- 6 -


ARTICLE VI

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

6.1 Committees and Powers. The Board may designate one or more Committees of the Board, which shall consist of one or more Board Members. Any such Committee may to the extent permitted by law exercise such powers and shall have such responsibilities as shall be specified in the designating resolution. A Committee of the Board may not (i) authorize distributions; (ii) approve, or propose to the Sole Member, action that is required by law to be approved by the Sole Member; (iii) fill vacancies on any Committee; (iv) authorize or approve reacquisition of member interests; or (v) authorize or approve the issuance or sale or contract for the sale of member interests. The Board shall have power at any time to fill vacancies in, to change the membership of, or to dissolve any such Committee. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prevent the Board from appointing one or more Committees consisting in whole or in part of persons who are not Board Members; provided, however, that no such Committee shall have or may exercise any authority of the Board.

6.2 Quorum and Manner of Acting. Each Committee shall keep written minutes of its proceedings and shall report such proceedings to the Board when required. The provisions of this Agreement governing meetings, action without meetings, notice and waiver of notice, and quorum and voting requirements of the Board apply to Committees of the Board established under Section 6.1.

6.3 Meetings and Notice. Each Committee shall fix the time and place of its meetings, unless the Board shall otherwise provide. Notice of meetings of any Committee shall be given to each member of the Committee in the manner provided for in Section 5.3.

ARTICLE VII

OFFICERS

7.1 Officers. The officers of the Company shall be a President and a Secretary and, in the discretion of the Board, a Chairman of the Board, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer and such other officers as may be deemed necessary or advisable to carry on the business of the Company. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person unless otherwise required by law.

7.2 Election; Term. Officers shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Board and may be elected at such other time or times as the Board shall determine. They shall hold office, unless removed, until the next annual meeting of the Board or until their successors are elected. Any officer may resign at any time upon written notice to the Board and such resignation shall be effective when notice is delivered unless the notice specifies a later effective date. Vacancies among the officers shall be filled by a vote of the Board or by the Sole Member.

 

- 7 -


7.3 Removal of Officers. The Board may remove any officer at any time, with or without cause.

7.4 Duties of Officers. The President and the other officers shall have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices as well as such powers and duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the Board. The President and each Vice President shall have authority to sign bonds, deeds and all manner of contracts necessary, expedient in or incident to the conduct of the Company’s business and to delegate such authority in accordance with the Company’s policies and procedures, in such manner as may be approved by the President.

ARTICLE VIII

CAPITAL AND DISTRIBUTIONS

8.1 Capital Contributions. The Sole Member has made an initial capital contribution to the Company as set forth on Exhibit A and shall be entitled (but not required) to make additional capital contributions to the Company. Such further capital contributions may be reflected on Exhibit A to this Agreement, which may be amended by the Board from time to time to reflect each additional capital contribution without the consent of the Sole Member.

8.2 Distributions. The Company shall make annual distributions of any cash amounts that, in the reasonable determination of the Board, are not necessary for the Company’s operations, expenses or reserves. The Board is entitled to authorize more frequent distributions of such cash amounts in the Board’s sole discretion.

ARTICLE IX

TRANSFER OF INTEREST

9.1 Restriction. Unless the Sole Member determines otherwise, in its sole discretion, the Sole Member shall be prohibited from assigning, selling, exchanging or otherwise transferring all or any part of its interest in the Company unless each prospective transferee tenders full payment of the required purchase price and executes a counterpart signature page of an amendment and restatement of this Agreement as a member of the Company.

9.2 Effect of Transfer. If the Sole Member transfers its entire interest in the Company in accordance with this Agreement, such transfer shall operate, upon completion, as the complete resignation or withdrawal of the Sole Member from the Company.

 

- 8 -


ARTICLE X

TAX MATTERS

10.1 Tax Classification. Unless the Sole Member elects otherwise, the Company shall be disregarded as an entity separate from the Sole Member for federal income tax purposes in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and regulation section 301.7701-3(b)(1)(ii) as promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department (or any successor regulation). Such disregard of separate entity status shall be solely for tax purposes.

10.2 Tax Filings. The Company (or the agent of the Company designated by the Board for such purposes) shall make such filings as may be required to maintain the tax classification elected by the Sole Member.

ARTICLE XI

INDEMNIFICATION AND REIMBURSEMENT

11.1 Definitions. As used in this Article, the term “Affiliate” shall refer to the Sole Member, the Board Members and the officers of the Company, and each employee, director and officer thereof.

11.2 Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify and protect each Affiliate against any and all claims, liabilities, costs and expenses (including but not limited to reasonable legal fees and costs) arising directly or indirectly from any suit, action, investigation or other proceeding (whether formal or informal) that is brought or threatened against an Affiliate and that is based on the acts or omissions of such Affiliate on behalf of the Company, unless such acts or omissions violated this Agreement, constituted willful misconduct or resulted from a knowing violation of criminal law. The Company shall have no obligation to indemnify an Affiliate to the extent, if any, that the Affiliate is entitled to be indemnified by another source, such as, without limitation, an insurance company.

11.3 Reimbursement. If an Affiliate incurs or pays any indemnified cost, the Company shall reimburse the Affiliate for the full amount of such indemnified cost. Such reimbursement shall be due promptly after the Company receives (a) a written request for reimbursement from the Affiliate; (b) all information necessary to establish the nature and amount of the indemnified cost that was incurred or paid by the Affiliate; and (c) a written agreement by the Affiliate to repay such reimbursement if the Company subsequently determines that the Affiliate was not entitled to indemnification or if the Affiliate subsequently receives reimbursement from another source, such as, without limitation, an insurance company.

 

- 9 -


ARTICLE XII

DISSOLUTION

12.1 Events of Dissolution. The Company shall dissolve upon the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) the written instruction of the Sole Member; (b) the sale or other transfer of all, or substantially all, of the Company’s non-cash assets; or (c) any event requiring dissolution under the Act.

12.2 Winding Up of Affairs. Upon the dissolution of the Company, the Board shall wind up the affairs of the Company. The Board shall determine the time, place, manner and other terms of any sales involving the Company’s assets and the discharge or assumption of its liabilities, with due regard to the activity and the condition of the Company and the relevant market and economic conditions.

12.3 Final Distributions. Upon the dissolution of the Company, and subject to the requirements of the Act, the Board shall distribute the assets of the Company in the following order of priority: (a) first, to any creditors of the Company; (b) second, to known and reasonably estimated costs of dissolution and winding up; (c) third, to any reserves established by the Board, in the sole discretion thereof, for contingent liabilities of the Company; and (d) fourth, to the Sole Member.

12.4 Filing of Certificate of Cancellation. Following the winding up of the Company, the Board shall be responsible for filing, if necessary, a Certificate of Cancellation on behalf of the Company with the State Corporation Commission of the Commonwealth of Virginia, together with any other documents required to terminate the Company and its legal existence.

ARTICLE XIII

ADMINISTRATION

13.1 Information and Records. The Company shall keep accurate and complete information and records as required by the Act at its principal office (the “Company Records”). The Company shall prepare and maintain its financial reports and records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis.

13.2 Inspection. Upon prior notice of at least two (2) business days to the Board and the Company, any designated representative of the Sole Member shall be entitled, during ordinary business hours, to inspect the Company Records and to copy them at the expense of the Sole Member.

 

- 10 -


ARTICLE XIV

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

14.1 Governing Law. The laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia (without regard to those laws involving choice of law) shall govern this Agreement and all matters relating to its interpretation or enforcement.

14.2 Modifications and Waivers. Modifications of this Agreement shall not be binding, valid or enforceable unless they are approved in writing by each of the parties. Any modification or waiver of a provision in this Agreement shall be limited to that provision and the occasion on which it occurred, and shall not be construed as a modification or waiver with respect to any other provision or occasion.

14.3 Enforceable Provisions. All provisions in this Agreement are severable and each valid and enforceable provision shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any judicial or other official declaration that certain provisions are invalid or unenforceable.

14.4 Captions and Headings. Captions and headings are used in this Agreement for convenience only and shall not affect its interpretation or enforcement. Terms such as “hereof,” “hereby,” “hereto,” “herein” and “hereunder” shall be deemed to refer to this Agreement as a whole, rather than to any particular provision.

14.5 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and enforceable against, the parties and all of their permitted assignees and successors in title or interest.

14.6 Exclusion of Third Party Benefit. This Agreement is not intended for the benefit of any person or entity who is not a party to this Agreement (including, without limitation, a creditor of the Company or the Sole Member) and no such person or entity shall have any rights in connection with this Agreement, whether for enforcement or otherwise.

14.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which shall constitute, when taken together, a single instrument.

 

- 11 -


WITNESS the following signatures:

 

The Sole Member :   DOMINION RESOURCES, INC.
  a Virginia corporation
  By:  

/s/ Thomas F. Farell II

    Thomas F. Farrell II
    President and Chief Executive Officer
The Company :   DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
  a Virginia limited liability company
  By:   Dominion Resources, Inc.
    a Virginia corporation
  By:  

/s/ Thomas F. Farrell II

    Thomas F. Farrell II
    President and Chief Executive Officer

 

- 12 -


Exhibit A

Capital Contribution(s)

 

Name of Member

   Amount of
Capital
Contribution
    

Type of
Contribution

   Effective Date of
Contribution

Dominion Resources, Inc.

   $ 10,000       Cash    September 12, 2013

Exhibit 4.1

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC,

ISSUER

to

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,

TRUSTEE

 

 

INDENTURE

Dated as of October 1, 2013

 

 

Senior Debt Securities


Reconciliation and tie between

Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the “Trust Indenture Act”)

and Indenture

 

Trust Indenture

   Act Section

       Indenture Section
Section 310(a)(1)      607
  (a)(2)      607
  (b)      608
Section 312(a)      701
  (b)      702
  (c)      702
Section 313(a)      703
  (b)(2)      703
  (c)      703
  (d)      703
Section 314(a)      704
  (c)(1)      102
  (c)(2)      102
  (e)      102
  (f)      102
Section 316(a) (last sentence)      101
  (a)(1)(A)              502, 512
  (a)(1)(B)      513
  (b)      508
Section 317(a)(1)      503
  (a)(2)      504
  (b)        1003
Section 318(a)      108

 

Note: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be part of the Indenture.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I     
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION   

Section 101.

 

Definitions.

     1   

Section 102.

 

Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

     10   

Section 103.

 

Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

     10   

Section 104.

 

Acts of Holders; Record Dates.

     12   

Section 105.

 

Notices, etc. to Trustee and Company.

     14   

Section 106.

 

Notice to Holders of Securities; Waiver.

     14   

Section 107.

 

Language of Notices.

     15   

Section 108.

 

Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.

     15   

Section 109.

 

Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

     15   

Section 110.

 

Successors and Assigns.

     15   

Section 111.

 

Separability Clause.

     15   

Section 112.

 

Benefits of Indenture.

     15   

Section 113.

 

Governing Law.

     16   

Section 114.

 

Non-Business Day.

     16   

Section 115.

 

Counterparts.

     16   

Section 116.

 

Judgment Currency.

     16   

Section 117.

 

U.S.A. Patriot Act.

     17   

Section 118.

 

Force Majeure.

     17   

Section 119.

 

Waiver of Jury Trial.

     17   

ARTICLE II

    

SECURITIES FORMS

    

Section 201.

 

Forms Generally.

     18   

Section 202.

 

Form of Face of Security.

     18   

Section 203.

 

Form of Reverse of Security.

     19   

Section 204.

 

Securities in Global Form.

     23   

Section 205.

 

Form of Legend for Global Securities.

     24   

Section 206.

 

Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.

     24   

Section 207.

 

Securities Repayable at the Option of Holders.

     25   

ARTICLE III

    

THE SECURITIES

    

Section 301.

 

Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.

     25   

Section 302.

 

Currency; Denominations.

     30   

Section 303.

 

Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

     30   

Section 304.

 

Temporary Securities.

     32   

Section 305.

 

Registration, Transfer and Exchange.

     32   

Section 306.

 

Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.

     35   

Section 307.

 

Payment of Interest and Certain Additional Amounts; Rights to Interest and Certain Additional Amounts Preserved.

     36   

Section 308.

 

Persons Deemed Owners.

     37   

Section 309.

 

Cancellation.

     38   

Section 310.

 

Computation of Interest.

     38   

Section 311.

 

CUSIP or ISIN Numbers.

     38   

 

i


ARTICLE IV     
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE   

Section 401.

 

Satisfaction and Discharge.

     39   

Section 402.

 

Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance.

     40   

Section 403.

 

Application of Trust Money.

     43   

Section 404.

 

Qualifying Trustee.

     44   

Section 405.

 

Reinstatement.

     44   
ARTICLE V     
REMEDIES     

Section 501.

 

Events of Default.

     44   

Section 502.

 

Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

     46   

Section 503.

 

Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

     47   

Section 504.

 

Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

     48   

Section 505.

 

Trustee may Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.

     49   

Section 506.

 

Application of Money Collected.

     49   

Section 507.

 

Limitation on Suits.

     49   

Section 508.

 

Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal and Any Premium, Interest and Additional Amounts.

     50   

Section 509.

 

Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

     50   

Section 510.

 

Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

     50   

Section 511.

 

Delay or Omission not Waiver.

     51   

Section 512.

 

Control by Holders of Securities.

     51   

Section 513.

 

Waiver of Past Defaults.

     51   

Section 514.

 

Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.

     52   

Section 515.

 

Undertaking for Costs.

     52   
ARTICLE VI     
THE TRUSTEE     

Section 601.

 

Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee.

     52   

Section 602.

 

Certain Rights of Trustee.

     53   

Section 603.

 

Notice of Defaults.

     54   

Section 604.

 

Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

     54   

Section 605.

 

May Hold Securities.

     55   

Section 606.

 

Money Held in Trust.

     55   

Section 607.

 

Compensation and Reimbursement.

     55   

Section 608.

 

Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

     57   

Section 609.

 

Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

     57   

Section 610.

 

Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

     58   

Section 611.

 

Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

     59   

Section 612.

 

Appointment of Authenticating Agent.

     60   

Section 613.

 

Conflicting Interests.

     62   

Section 614.

 

Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

     62   

 

ii


ARTICLE VII      
HOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY   

Section 701.

  

Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

     62   

Section 702.

  

Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

     62   

Section 703.

  

Reports by Trustee.

     63   

Section 704.

  

Reports by Company.

     63   
ARTICLE VIII      
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER   

Section 801.

  

Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.

     64   

Section 802.

  

Successor Person Substituted for Company.

     65   
ARTICLE IX      
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES   

Section 901.

  

Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.

     65   

Section 902.

  

Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.

     67   

Section 903.

  

Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

     68   

Section 904.

  

Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

     68   

Section 905.

  

Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.

     68   

Section 906.

  

Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.

     69   
ARTICLE X      
COVENANTS      

Section 1001.

  

Payment of Principal, Any Premium, Interest and Additional Amounts.

     69   

Section 1002.

  

Maintenance of Office or Agency.

     69   

Section 1003.

  

Money for Securities Payments to be Held in Trust.

     70   

Section 1004.

  

Additional Amounts.

     71   

Section 1005.

  

Preservation of Existence.

     71   

Section 1006.

  

Company Statement as to Compliance.

     72   

Section 1007.

  

Calculation of Original Issue Discount.

     72   

Section 1008.

  

Limitations on Liens.

     72   
ARTICLE XI      
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES   

Section 1101.

  

Applicability of Article.

     75   

Section 1102.

  

Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

     75   

Section 1103.

  

Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed.

     75   

Section 1104.

  

Notice of Redemption.

     76   

Section 1105.

  

Deposit of Redemption Price.

     78   

Section 1106.

  

Securities Payable on Redemption Date.

     78   

Section 1107.

  

Securities Redeemed in Part.

     78   

 

iii


ARTICLE XII     
SINKING FUNDS     

Section 1201.

 

Applicability of Article.

     79   

Section 1202.

 

Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.

     79   

Section 1203.

 

Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.

     80   
ARTICLE XIII     
REPAYMENT AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS   

Section 1301.

 

Applicability of Article.

     80   

Section 1302.

 

Repayment of Securities.

     80   

Section 1303.

 

Exercise of Option.

     80   

Section 1304.

 

When Securities Presented for Repayment Become Due and Payable.

     81   

Section 1305.

 

Securities Repaid in Part.

     82   

Section 1306.

 

Compliance with Exchange Act.

     82   
ARTICLE XIV     
SECURITIES IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES   

Section 1401.

 

Applicability of Article.

     82   
ARTICLE XV     
MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES   

Section 1501.

 

Purposes for Which Meetings may be Called.

     82   

Section 1502.

 

Call, Notice and Place of Meetings.

     82   

Section 1503.

 

Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings.

     83   

Section 1504.

 

Quorum; Action.

     84   

Section 1505.

 

Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings.

     84   

Section 1506.

 

Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings.

     85   
ARTICLE XVI     
IMMUNITY OF ORGANIZERS, MEMBERS, OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS   

Section 1601.

 

Indenture and Securities Solely Corporate Obligations.

     86   

 

iv


INDENTURE, dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “Indenture”), among DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC, a limited liability company duly organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia (hereinafter called the “Company”), having its principal executive office located at 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 and DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, a New York banking corporation, duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York (hereinafter called the “Trustee”), having its Corporate Trust Office located at 60 Wall Street, 27th Floor, New York, New York 10005.

RECITALS

The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its senior unsecured debentures, notes or other evidences of Indebtedness (hereinafter called the “Securities”), unlimited as to principal amount, to bear such rates of interest, to mature at such time or times, to be issued in one or more series and to have such other provisions as shall be fixed as hereinafter provided.

All things necessary to make this Indenture a legal, valid and binding agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

This Indenture is subject to the applicable provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder and shall be governed by such provisions.

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders (as herein defined) thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of any series thereof as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

Section 101. Definitions.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or unless the context otherwise requires, for all purposes of this Indenture:

(1) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article, and include the plural as well as the singular;

(2) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;

(3) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the terms “generally accepted accounting principles” or “GAAP” with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted in the United States of America at the date of such computation;

 

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(4) the words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereto” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section or other subdivision;

(5) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article” or a “Section” refers to an Article or a Section, as the case may be, of this Indenture; and

(6) the word “or” is always used inclusively (for example, the phrase “A or B” means “A or B or both,” not “either A or B but not both”).

Certain terms used principally in certain Articles hereof are defined in those Articles.

“Act,” when used with respect to any Holders, has the meaning specified in Section 104.

“Additional Amounts” means any additional amounts which are required hereby or by any Security, under circumstances specified herein or therein, to be paid by the Company in respect of certain taxes, assessments or other governmental charges imposed on Holders specified therein and which are owing to such Holders.

“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any specified Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

“Authenticating Agent” means any Person authorized by the Trustee pursuant to Section 612 to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of one or more series.

“Bankruptcy Law” has the meaning specified in Section 501.

“Board” means the board of the Company or any committee of that board duly authorized to act generally or in any particular respect for the Company hereunder.

“Business Day,” with respect to any Place of Payment or other location, means, unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities pursuant to Section 301, any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in such Place of Payment or other location are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to close.

“Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or, if at any time after the execution of this Indenture such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.

 

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“Company” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor Person.

“Company Request” and “Company Order” mean, respectively, a written request or order, as the case may be, signed in the name of the Company by any two Officers or by any Officer and either an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Corporate Secretary of the Company and delivered to the Trustee.

“Company Resolution” means a resolution of the Company, in the form of a resolution of the Board, in the form of a resolution of a duly constituted committee of the Board, or in the form of a resolution of two or more senior officers (that is, the Chairman of the Board, the President or any Vice President) of the Company, authorizing, ratifying, setting forth or otherwise validating agreements, execution and delivery of documents, the issuance, form and terms of Securities, or any other actions or proceedings pursuant or with respect to this Indenture.

“Conversion Event” means the cessation of use of (i) a Foreign Currency both by the government of the country or the confederation which issued such Foreign Currency and for the settlement of transactions by a central bank or other public institutions of or within the international banking community, or (ii) any currency unit or composite currency for the purposes for which it was established.

“Corporate Trust Office” means the designated office of the Trustee at which at any time its corporate trust business shall be administered, which office at the date hereof is located at Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, 60 Wall Street, 27th Floor, New York, New York 10005, Attention: Corporates Department, Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC Account Manager, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company, or the designated corporate trust office of any successor Trustee (or such other address as such successor Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company).

“Corporation” and “corporation” includes corporations, associations, limited liability companies and business trusts.

“Currency,” with respect to any payment, deposit or other transfer in respect of the principal of or any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security, means Dollars or the Foreign Currency, as the case may be, in which such payment, deposit or other transfer is required to be made by or pursuant to the terms hereof or such Security and, with respect to any other payment, deposit or transfer pursuant to or contemplated by the terms hereof or such Security, means Dollars.

“CUSIP Number” means the alphanumeric designation assigned to a Security by Standard & Poor’s Corporation, CUSIP Service Bureau.

“Custodian” has the meaning specified in Section 501.

“Defaulted Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 307.

 

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“Depositary” or “U.S. Depositary” means, with respect to any Security issuable or issued in the form of one or more Global Securities, the Person designated as U.S. Depositary or Depositary by the Company in or pursuant to this Indenture, which Person must be, to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and, if so provided with respect to any Security, any successor to such Person. If at any time there is more than one such Person, “U.S. Depositary” or “Depositary” shall mean, with respect to any Securities, the qualifying entity which has been appointed with respect to such Securities.

“Dollars” or “$” means a dollar or other equivalent unit of legal tender for payment of public or private debts in the United States of America.

“Equity Securities” means ownership interests in any class of equity security of any entity whether now or hereafter authorized regardless of whether such equity ownership shall be limited to a fixed sum or percentage in respect of the rights of the holders thereof to participate in dividends and in the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Equity Securities, with respect to the Company, includes membership interests of the Company.

“Equivalent Terms” has the meaning specified in Section 1102.

“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 501.

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and any successor statute thereto, in each case as amended from time to time.

“Expiration Date” has the meaning specified in Section 104.

“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

“Foreign Currency” means any currency, currency unit or composite currency, including, without limitation, the euro, issued by the government of one or more countries other than the United States of America or by any recognized confederation or association of such governments.

“Global Security” means a Security that evidences all or part of the Securities of any series that is issued to a Depositary or a nominee thereof for such series in accordance with Section 301(5).

“Government Obligations” means securities which are (i) direct obligations of the United States of America or the other government or governments in the confederation which issued the Foreign Currency in which the principal of or any premium or interest on such Security or any Additional Amounts in respect thereof shall be payable, in each case where the payment or payments thereunder are supported by the full faith and credit of such government or governments or (ii) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America or such other government or governments, in each case where the timely payment or payments thereunder are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America or such other government or governments, and which, in the case of (i) or (ii), are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer or issuers thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust

 

4


company as custodian with respect to any such Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of or other amount with respect to any such Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of or other amount with respect to the Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

“Holder,” in the case of any Registered Security, means the Person in whose name such Security is registered in the Security Register.

“Indebtedness” means (a) any liability of the Company (1) for borrowed money, or under any reimbursement obligation relating to a letter of credit, or (2) evidenced by a bond, note, debenture or similar instrument, or (3) for payment obligations arising under any conditional sale or other title retention arrangement (including a purchase money obligation) given in connection with the acquisition of any businesses, properties or assets of any kind, or (4) for the payment of money relating to a lease obligation if at the time the lease was entered into it was a capitalized lease; (b) any liability of others described in the preceding clause (a) that the Company has guaranteed or that is otherwise its legal liability; and (c) any amendment, supplement, modification, deferral, renewal, extension or refunding of any liability of the types referred to in clauses (a) and (b) above.

“Indenture” means this instrument as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and shall include the terms and provisions of any Security established pursuant to Section 301 (as such terms and provisions may be amended pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof) including, for all purposes of this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are deemed to be a part of and govern this instrument and any such supplemental indenture, respectively.

“independent registered public accounting firm” means a firm of accountants registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board that, with respect to the Company and any other obligor under the Securities, is an independent registered public accounting firm within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission thereunder, who may be the independent registered public accounting firm regularly retained by the Company or who may be another independent registered public accounting firm. Such firm shall be entitled to rely upon any Opinion of Counsel as to the interpretation of any legal matters relating to this Indenture or certificates required to be provided hereunder.

“Indexed Security” means a Security the terms of which provide that the principal amount thereof payable at Stated Maturity may be more or less than the principal face amount thereof at original issuance.

“Interest,” with respect to any Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity and, when used with respect to a Security which provides for the payment of Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1004, includes such Additional Amounts.

 

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“Interest Payment Date,” with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.

“Judgment Currency” has the meaning specified in Section 116.

“Lien” means any mortgage, lien, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance of any kind.

“Material Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Company whose total assets (as determined in accordance with GAAP) represent at least 20% of the total assets of the Company on a consolidated basis.

“Maturity,” with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, notice of redemption or repurchase, notice of option to elect repayment or otherwise, and includes a Redemption Date or Repayment Date.

“New York Banking Day” has the meaning specified in Section 116.

“Office” or “Agency,” with respect to any Securities, means an office or agency of the Company maintained or designated in a Place of Payment for such Securities pursuant to Section 1002 or any other office or agency of the Company maintained or designated for such Securities pursuant to Section 1002 or, to the extent designated or required by Section 1002 in lieu of such office or agency, the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

“Officer” means the Chairman of the Board, the President, any Vice President (whether or not designated by a number or word added before or after the title vice president), the Treasurer, the Corporate Secretary or the Controller of the Company.

“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed by two Officers or by any Officer and either an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Corporate Secretary of the Company, that, if required by the Trust Indenture Act, complies with the requirements of Section 314(e) of the Trust Indenture Act and is delivered to the Trustee.

“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be an employee of or counsel for the Company or other counsel that, if required by the Trust Indenture Act, complies with the requirements of Section 314(e) of the Trust Indenture Act.

“Original Issue Discount Security” means a Security issued pursuant to this Indenture which provides for declaration of an amount less than the principal face amount thereof to be due and payable upon acceleration pursuant to Section 502.

“Original Trustee” has the meaning specified in Section 301.

“Outstanding,” when used with respect to any Securities, means, as of the date of determination, all such Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

 

  (a) any such Security theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

 

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  (b) any such Security for whose payment at the Maturity thereof money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited pursuant hereto (other than pursuant to Section 402) with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities, provided that, if such Securities are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

 

  (c) any such Security with respect to which the Company has effected defeasance or covenant defeasance pursuant to Section 402, except to the extent provided in Section 402;

 

  (d) any such Security which has been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, unless there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Security is held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Security is a valid obligation of the Company; and

 

  (e) any such Security converted or exchanged as contemplated by this Indenture into Equity Securities or other securities, if the terms of such Security provide for such conversion or exchange pursuant to Section 301;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder or are present at a meeting of Holders of Securities for quorum purposes, (i) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that may be counted in making such determination and that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes shall be equal to the amount of the principal thereof that pursuant to the terms of such Original Issue Discount Security would be declared (or shall have been declared to be) due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration thereof pursuant to Section 502 at the time of such determination, and (ii) the principal amount of any Indexed Security that may be counted in making such determination and that shall be deemed outstanding for such purpose shall be equal to the principal face amount of such Indexed Security at original issuance, unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, and (iii) the principal amount of a Security denominated in a Foreign Currency shall be the Dollar equivalent, determined on the date of original issuance of such Security, of the principal amount (or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Security, the Dollar equivalent on the date of original issuance of such Security of the amount determined as provided in (i) above) of such Security, and (iv) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in making any such determination or relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned which shall have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes

 

7


to the satisfaction of the Trustee (A) the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and (B) that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or an Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor.

“Paying Agent” means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to, any Security on behalf of the Company.

“Periodic Offering” means an offering of Securities of a series from time to time the specific terms of which Securities, including without limitation the rate or rates of interest or formula for determining the rate or rates of interest thereon, if any, the Stated Maturity or Maturities thereof and the redemption provisions, if any, with respect thereto, are to be determined by the Company upon the issuance of such Securities.

“Person” means any individual, Corporation, partnership, joint venture, joint-stock company, limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

“Place of Payment,” with respect to any Security, means the place or places where the principal of, or any premium or interest on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to such Security are payable as provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or such Security.

“Predecessor Security” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same indebtedness as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a lost, destroyed, mutilated or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same indebtedness as the lost, destroyed, mutilated or stolen Security.

“Principal Property” means any plant or facility of the Company located in the United States that in the good faith opinion of the Board or management of the Company is of material importance to the business conducted by the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries taken as whole.

“Redemption Date,” with respect to any Security or portion thereof to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture or such Security.

“Redemption Price,” with respect to any Security or portion thereof to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed as determined by or pursuant to this Indenture or such Security.

“Registered Security” means any Security in the form established pursuant to Section 201 which is registered in the Security Register.

“Regular Record Date” for the interest payable on any Registered Security on any Interest Payment Date therefor means the date, if any, specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or such Security as the “Regular Record Date.”

“Repayment Date” shall mean, when used with respect to any Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, the date fixed for such repayment by or pursuant to such Security.

 

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“Repayment Price” shall mean, when used with respect to any Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, the price at which it is to be repaid pursuant to this Indenture.

“Required Currency” has the meaning specified in Section 116.

“Responsible Officer” means any officer of the Trustee in its corporate trust department and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

“Security” or “Securities” means any note or notes, bond or bonds, debenture or debentures, or any other evidences of indebtedness, as the case may be, authenticated and delivered under this Indenture; provided, however, that, if at any time there is more than one Person acting as Trustee under this Indenture, “Securities,” with respect to any such Person, shall mean Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, exclusive, however, of Securities of any series as to which such Person is not Trustee.

“Security Register” and “Security Registrar” have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.

“Series Trustee” has the meaning specified in Section 301.

“Special Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest on any Registered Security means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.

“Stated Maturity,” with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon or any Additional Amounts with respect thereto, means the date established by or pursuant to this Indenture or such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is, or such Additional Amounts are, due and payable.

“Subject Securities” has the meaning specified in Section 1008.

“Subsidiary” means an entity a majority of the outstanding equity of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or one or more Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more Subsidiaries.

“Third Party Debt” has the meaning specified in Section 1008.

“Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and any reference herein to the Trust Indenture Act or a particular provision thereof shall mean such Act or provision, as the case may be, as amended or replaced from time to time or as supplemented from time to time by rules or regulations adopted by the Commission under or in furtherance of the purposes of such Act or provision, as the case may be.

“Trustee” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such with respect to one or more series of Securities pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture or until a Trustee for a series of Securities shall have become such pursuant to Section 301(23) of this Indenture, and thereafter

 

9


“Trustee” shall mean each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder; provided, however, that if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” shall mean each such Person and as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

“United States,” except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or any Security, means the United States of America (including the states thereof and the District of Columbia), its territories and possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.

“United States Alien,” except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or any Security, means any Person who, for United States Federal income tax purposes, is a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien individual, a non-resident alien fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust, or a foreign partnership one or more of the members of which is, for United States Federal income tax purposes, a foreign corporation, a non-resident alien individual or a non-resident alien fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust.

“Vice President,” when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words (other than “assistant”) added before or after the title “Vice President.”

Section 102. Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Indenture, upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture or as may be required under the Trust Indenture Act, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents or any of them is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

Section 103. Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee.

In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

Any certificate or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon an Opinion of Counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the opinion with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company unless such counsel knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to such matters are erroneous.

 

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Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture or any Security, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

Whenever, subsequent to the receipt by the Trustee of any Company Resolution, Officers’ Certificate, Opinion of Counsel or other document or instrument, a clerical, typographical or other inadvertent or unintentional error or omission shall be discovered therein, a new document or instrument may be substituted therefor in corrected form with the same force and effect as if originally filed in the corrected form and, irrespective of the date or dates of the actual execution and/or delivery thereof, such substitute document or instrument shall be deemed to have been executed and/or delivered as of the date or dates required with respect to the document or instrument for which it is substituted. Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, if any such corrective document or instrument indicates that action has been taken by or at the request of the Company that could not have been taken had the original document or instrument not contained such error or omission, the action so taken shall not be invalidated or otherwise rendered ineffective but shall be and remain in full force and effect, except to the extent that such action was a result of willful misconduct or bad faith. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any Securities issued under the authority of such defective document or instrument shall nevertheless be the valid obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of this Indenture equally and ratably with all other Outstanding Securities, except as aforesaid.

 

 

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Section 104. Acts of Holders; Record Dates.

(1) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by or pursuant to this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing. Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided in or pursuant to this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders of Securities of such series may, alternatively, be embodied in and evidenced by the record of Holders of Securities of such series voting in favor thereof, either in person or by proxies duly appointed in writing, at any meeting of Holders of Securities of such series duly called and held in accordance with the provisions of Article Fifteen or a combination of such instruments and any such record. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record or both are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments and any such record (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments or so voting at any such meeting. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, or of the holding by any Person of a Security, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 315 of the Trust Indenture Act) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company and any agent of the Trustee or the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section. The record of any meeting of Holders of Securities shall be proved in the manner provided in Section 1506.

Without limiting the generality of this Section 104, unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, a Holder, including a U.S. Depositary that is a Holder of a Global Security, may make, give or take, by a proxy, or proxies, duly appointed in writing, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities to be made, given or taken by Holders, and a U.S. Depositary that is a Holder of a Global Security may provide its proxy or proxies to the direct or indirect participants therein or the beneficial owners of interests in any such Global Security through such U.S. Depositary’s standing instructions and customary practices.

(2) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved in any reasonable manner which the Trustee deems sufficient and in accordance with such reasonable rules as the Trustee may determine; and the Trustee may in any instance require further proof with respect to any of the matters referred to in this Section.

(3) The ownership, principal amount and serial numbers of Registered Securities held by any Person, and the date of the commencement and the date of the termination of holding the same, shall be proved by the Security Register.

(4) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act by the Holder of any Security shall bind every future Holder of the same Security and the Holder of every Security issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done or suffered to be done by the Trustee, any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such Act is made upon such Security.

 

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The Company may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Registered Securities of any series entitled to give, make or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be given, made or taken by Holders of Securities of such series; provided that the Company may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in the next paragraph. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Registered Securities of the relevant series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to take or revoke the relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Company from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be canceled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.

The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Registered Securities of any series entitled to join in the giving or making of (i) any Notice of Default, (ii) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 502, (iii) any request to institute proceedings referred to in Section 507(2) or (iv) any direction referred to in Section 512, in each case with respect to Securities of such series. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Registered Securities of such series on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction or to revoke the same, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to prevent the Trustee from setting a new record date for any action for which a record date has previously been set pursuant to this paragraph (whereupon the record date previously set shall automatically and with no action by any Person be canceled and of no effect), and nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to render ineffective any action taken by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on the date such action is taken. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Company’s expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be sent to the Company in writing and to each Holder of Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in Section 106.

With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto that sets such record dates may designate any day as the “Expiration Date” and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Registered Securities of the relevant series in the manner set forth in

 

13


Section 106, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section, the party hereto that sets such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 180th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Expiration Date shall be later than the 180th day after the applicable record date.

Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled hereunder to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Security may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Security or by one or more duly appointed agents each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.

Section 105. Notices, etc. to Trustee and Company.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

(1) the Trustee by any Holder or the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished, filed or sent electronically in PDF format in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, Attention: Corporates Department, Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC Account Manager, or by facsimile: (782) 578-4635, or

(2) the Company by the Trustee or any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, or sent electronically in PDF format, to the Company addressed to the attention of its Treasurer at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this instrument or at any other address previously furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company.

Section 106. Notice to Holders of Securities; Waiver.

Except as otherwise expressly provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of Securities of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given to Holders of Registered Securities if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, or sent in accordance with the Depositary’s applicable procedures in the case of a Global Security, to each Holder of a Registered Security affected by such event, at his address as it appears in the Security Register, not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice.

In any case where notice to Holders of Registered Securities is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder of a Registered Security shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders of Registered Securities given as provided herein. Any notice which is mailed in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given or provided. In the case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it shall be impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

 

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Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders of Securities shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

Section 107. Language of Notices.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election or waiver required or permitted under this Indenture shall be in the English language.

Section 108. Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.

If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with any duties under any required provision of the Trust Indenture Act imposed hereon by Section 318(c) thereof, such required provision shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act which may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.

Section 109. Effect of Headings and Table of Contents.

The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

Section 110. Successors and Assigns.

All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

Section 111. Separability Clause.

In case any provision in this Indenture or any Security shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 112. Benefits of Indenture.

Nothing in this Indenture or any Security, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto, any Security Registrar, any Paying Agent and their successors hereunder and the Holders of Securities, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

 

 

15


Section 113. Governing Law.

This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made or instruments entered into and, in each case, performed in said State.

Section 114. Non-Business Day.

Unless otherwise specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or any Securities, in any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, Stated Maturity or Maturity of any Security shall be a day other than a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Security other than a provision in any Security that specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu hereof) payment need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but such payment may be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date or at the Stated Maturity or Maturity, and no interest shall accrue on the amount payable on such date or at such time for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date, Stated Maturity, Maturity, as the case may be, to the next succeeding Business Day.

Section 115. Counterparts.

This Indenture may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which shall constitute but one and the same instrument. The exchange of copies of this Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original manually executed Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

Section 116. Judgment Currency.

The Company agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so under applicable law, that (a) if for the purpose of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert the sum due in respect of the principal of, or premium or interest, if any, or Additional Amounts on the Securities of any series (the “Required Currency”) into a currency in which a judgment will be rendered (the “Judgment Currency”), the rate of exchange used shall be the rate at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Trustee could purchase in The City of New York the Required Currency with the Judgment Currency on the New York Banking Day preceding that on which a final unappealable judgment is given and (b) its obligations under this Indenture to make payments in the Required Currency (i) shall not be discharged or satisfied by any tender, or any recovery pursuant to any judgment (whether or not entered in accordance with clause (a)), in any currency other than the Required Currency, except to the extent that such tender or recovery shall result in the actual receipt, by the payee, of the full amount of the Required Currency expressed to be payable in respect of such payments, (ii) shall be enforceable as an alternative or additional cause of action for the purpose of recovering in the Required Currency the amount, if any, by which such actual receipt shall fall short of the full amount of the Required Currency so expressed to be payable and (iii) shall not be affected by judgment being obtained for any other sum due under this Indenture. If the amount of Judgment Currency that could be so purchased is less than the amount due to a Holder or the Trustee, as the case may be, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Holder or the Trustee, as the case may

 

16


be, from and against all loss or damage arising out of, or as a result of, such deficiency. This indemnity shall constitute an obligation separate and independent from the other obligations contained in the Indenture or the Securities, shall give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by any Holder or the Trustee from time to time and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a liquidated sum in respect of an amount due hereunder or under any judgment or order. For purposes of the foregoing, “New York Banking Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or a legal holiday in The City of New York or a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York are authorized or obligated by law, regulation or executive order to be closed.

Section 117. U.S.A. Patriot Act.

The parties hereto acknowledge that in order to help the United States government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, pursuant to Federal regulations that became effective on October 1, 2003 (Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act) all financial institutions are required to obtain, verify, record and update information that identifies each person establishing a relationship or opening an account. The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide to the Trustee such information as it may request, from time to time, in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, including but not limited to the name, address, tax identification number and other information that will allow it to identify the individual or entity who is establishing the relationship or opening the account and may also ask for formation documents such as articles of incorporation or other identifying documents to be provided.

Section 118. Force Majeure.

The Trustee shall not incur any liability for not performing any act or fulfilling any duty, obligation or responsibility hereunder by reason of any occurrence beyond the control of the Trustee (including but not limited to any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, any act of God or war, civil unrest, local or national disturbance or disaster, any act of terrorism, or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or facsimile or other wire or communication facility).

Section 119. Waiver of Jury Trial.

EACH OF THE COMPANY AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

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ARTICLE II

SECURITIES FORMS

Section 201. Forms Generally.

Each Registered Security and temporary or permanent Global Security issued pursuant to this Indenture shall be in substantially the form set forth in this Article (with respect to Registered Securities) or in such other form as shall be established by or pursuant to a Company Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, shall have such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by or pursuant to this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officer executing such Security as evidenced by the Officer’s execution of such Security.

The Securities shall be issuable in registered form without coupons.

Definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved or produced by any combination of these methods on a steel engraved border or steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officer of the Company executing such Securities, as evidenced by the Officer’s execution of such Securities.

Section 202. Form of Face of Security.

[Insert any legend required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the regulations thereunder.]

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

 

No.         

   $         
   CUSIP No.         

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company duly organized and existing under the laws of Virginia (herein called the “Company,” which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to             , or registered assigns, the principal sum of             Dollars on             [if the Security is to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert - , and to pay interest thereon from             or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, [insert - semi-annually, quarterly, monthly or other description of the relevant payment period] on [            ,             ,] and             in each year, commencing             , at the rate of     % per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment [if applicable, insert - , provided that any principal and premium, and any such installment of interest, that is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of     % per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand]. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the [                    ] (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will

 

18


forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture].

[If the Security is not to bear interest prior to Maturity, insert - The principal of this Security shall not bear interest except in the case of a default in payment of principal upon acceleration, upon redemption or at Stated Maturity and in such case the overdue principal and any overdue premium shall bear interest at the rate of     % per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue principal or premium shall be payable on demand. Any such interest on overdue principal or premium which is not paid on demand shall bear interest at the rate of     % per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest on interest shall be legally enforceable), from the date of such demand until the amount so demanded is paid or made available for payment. Interest on any overdue interest shall be payable on demand.]

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and [if applicable, insert - any such] interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company maintained for that purpose in             , in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts [if applicable, insert - ; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register].

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Security set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
By  

 

Section 203. Form of Reverse of Security.

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of October 1, 2013 (herein called the “Indenture,” which term shall have the meaning assigned

 

19


to it in such instrument), between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee,” which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof [if applicable, insert - , limited in aggregate principal amount to $        ].

[If applicable, insert - The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 20 days notice, [if applicable, insert - (1) on             in any year commencing with the year         and ending with the year         through operation of the sinking fund for this series at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount, and (2)] at any time [if applicable, insert - on or after             , 20    ], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the following Redemption Prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount): If redeemed [if applicable, insert - on or before             ,     %, and if redeemed] during the 12-month period beginning             of the years indicated,

 

Year   Redemption Price   Year   Redemption Price
     
     
     

and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to     % of the principal amount, together in the case of any such redemption [if applicable, insert - (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise)] with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.]

[If applicable, insert - The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than 20 days notice, (1) on             in any year commencing with the year         and ending with the year         through operation of the sinking fund for this series at the Redemption Prices for redemption through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below, and (2) at any time [if applicable, insert - on or after             ], as a whole or in part, at the election of the Company, at the Redemption Prices for redemption otherwise than through operation of the sinking fund (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth in the table below: If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning             of the years indicated,

 

Year

   Redemption Price for
Redemption Through
Operation of the
Sinking Fund
   Redemption Price for
Redemption Otherwise Than
Through Operation

of the Sinking Fund
     
     
     

 

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and thereafter at a Redemption Price equal to     % of the principal amount, together in the case of any such redemption (whether through operation of the sinking fund or otherwise) with accrued interest to the Redemption Date, but interest installments whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to such Redemption Date will be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, of record at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates referred to on the face hereof, all as provided in the Indenture.]

[If applicable, insert - Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not, prior to             , redeem any Securities of this series as contemplated by [if applicable, insert - Clause (2) of] the preceding paragraph as a part of, or in anticipation of, any refunding operation by the application, directly or indirectly, of moneys borrowed having an interest cost to the Company (calculated in accordance with generally accepted financial practice) of less than     % per annum.]

[If applicable, insert - The sinking fund for this series provides for the redemption on             in each year beginning with the year             and ending with the year             of [if applicable, insert - not less than $            (“mandatory sinking fund”) and not more than] $            aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series. Securities of this series acquired or redeemed by the Company otherwise than through [if applicable, insert - mandatory] sinking fund payments may be credited against subsequent [if applicable, insert - mandatory] sinking fund payments otherwise required to be made [if applicable, insert - , in the inverse order in which they become due].]

[If the Security is subject to redemption of any kind, insert — In the event of redemption of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unredeemed portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.]

[If applicable, insert - The Securities of this series are not redeemable prior to Stated Maturity.]

[If applicable, insert - The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of [the entire indebtedness of this Security] [or] [certain restrictive covenants and Events of Default with respect to this Security] [, in each case] upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.]

[If the Security is not an Original Issue Discount Security, insert - If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.]

[If the Security is an Original Issue Discount Security, insert - If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series shall occur and be continuing, an amount of principal of the Securities of this series may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. Such amount shall be equal to [insert formula for determining the amount]. Upon payment (i) of the amount of principal so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal, premium and interest (in each case to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), all of the Company’s obligations in respect of the payment of the principal of and premium and interest, if any, on the Securities of this series shall terminate.]

 

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The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Security shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of this series, the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Securities of this series at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Securities of this series at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Security for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or any premium or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for herein.

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Securities of this series and of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like

 

22


aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series having the same Stated Maturity and of like tenor of any authorized denominations as requested by the Holder upon surrender of the Note or Notes to be exchanged at the office or agency of the Company.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Security that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

Section 204. Securities in Global Form.

Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or any Securities, the Securities shall not be issuable in global form. If Securities of a series shall be issuable in temporary or permanent global form, any such Security may provide that it or any number of such Securities shall represent the aggregate amount of all Outstanding Securities of such series (or such lesser amount as is permitted by the terms thereof) from time to time endorsed thereon and may also provide that the aggregate amount of Outstanding Securities represented thereby may from time to time be increased or reduced to reflect exchanges. Any endorsement of any Security in global form to reflect the amount, or any increase or decrease in the amount, or changes in the rights of Holders, of Outstanding Securities represented thereby shall be made in such manner and by such Person or Persons as shall be specified therein or in the Company Order to be delivered pursuant to Section 303 or 304 with respect thereto. Subject to the provisions of Section 303 and, if applicable, Section 304, the Trustee shall deliver and redeliver any Security in permanent global form in the manner and upon written instructions given by the Person or Persons specified therein or in the applicable Company Order.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 307, unless otherwise specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or any Securities, payment of principal of, any premium and interest on, and any Additional Amounts in respect of any Security in temporary or permanent global form shall be made to the Person or Persons specified therein.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 308 and except as provided in the preceding paragraph, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company and the Trustee shall treat as the Holder of such principal amount of Outstanding Securities represented by a Global Security in registered form, the Holder of such Global Security in registered form.

 

 

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Section 205. Form of Legend for Global Securities.

Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for the Securities evidenced thereby, every Global Security authenticated and delivered hereunder shall bear a legend in substantially the following form:

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF [THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY] ([55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK]) TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF [CEDE & CO.] OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF [THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY] AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO [CEDE & CO.], ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, [CEDE & CO.], HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE. EVERY SECURITY AUTHENTICATED AND DELIVERED UPON REGISTRATION OF, TRANSFER OF, OR IN EXCHANGE FOR OR IN LIEU OF, THIS SECURITY SHALL BE A GLOBAL SECURITY SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING, EXCEPT IN SUCH LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.

Section 206. Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication.

Subject to Section 612, the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

  [Date]     DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee
      By  

 

        Authorized Signatory

 

 

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Section 207. Securities Repayable at the Option of Holders.

If the Company shall establish pursuant to Section 301 that the Securities of a particular series are to be repaid before their Stated Maturity at the option of Holders thereof, then the face of such Securities may indicate the applicable Repayment Date(s) and Repayment Price(s), and such Securities may include the following provisions:

If so indicated on the face of the Security, the Company may be required to repurchase the Security at the option of the Holder, in whole or in part, on the Repayment Date(s) and at the applicable Repayment Price(s) so indicated on the face hereof, plus accrued interest, if any, to the applicable Repayment Date. On or before the applicable Repayment Date, the Company shall deposit with the Trustee money sufficient to pay the applicable Repayment Price and any interest accrued on the portion of this Security to be tendered for repayment. On and after such Repayment Date, interest will cease to accrue on this Security or any portion hereof tendered for repayment.

The repayment option may be exercised by the Holder of the Security for less than the entire principal amount hereof, but in that event, the principal amount hereof remaining outstanding after repayment must be in an authorized denomination. In the event of repurchase of the Security in part only, a new Security or Securities of this series and of like tenor for the unpurchased portion hereof will be issued in the name of the Holder hereof upon the cancellation hereof.

In order for this Security to be repaid, the Trustee must receive at least 60 days but not more than 180 days prior to the Repayment Date (i) the Security with the form entitled “Option to Elect Repayment” attached to the Security duly completed or (ii) a facsimile transmission or a letter from a member of a national securities exchange or FINRA or a commercial bank or trust company in the United States setting forth the name of the Holder of the Security, the principal amount of the Security, the principal amount of the Security to be repaid, the certificate number or a description of the tenor and terms of the Security, a statement that the option to elect repayment is being exercised thereby, and a guarantee that the Security to be repaid, together with the duly completed form entitled “Option to Elect Repayment” attached to the Security, will be received by the Trustee not later than the fifth Business Day after the date of such facsimile transmission or letter; however, such facsimile transmission or letter shall only be effective if the Security and duly completed form are received by the Trustee by such fifth Business Day. Such notice, once given, will be irrevocable unless waived by the Company.

Unless otherwise indicated on the face hereof, this Security will not be subject to repayment at the option of the Holder.

ARTICLE III

THE SECURITIES

Section 301. Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series.

The aggregate principal amount of Securities which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued in one or more series.

 

 

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With respect to any Securities to be authenticated and delivered hereunder, there shall be established in or pursuant to a Company Resolution and set forth in, or determined in the manner provided in, an Officers’ Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto prior to the issuance of any Securities of a series,

(1) the title of such Securities and the series in which such Securities shall be included;

(2) the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount thereof) at which the Securities will be issued;

(3) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of such title or the Securities of such series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration or transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of such series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 905 or 1107, upon repayment in part of any Registered Security of such series pursuant to Article Thirteen, upon surrender in part of any Registered Security for conversion or exchange into Equity Securities or other securities pursuant to its terms, or pursuant to the terms of such Securities);

(4) if such Securities are to be issuable as Registered Securities;

(5) if any of such Securities are to be issuable in global form, when any of such Securities are to be issuable in global form and (i) whether such Securities are to be issued in temporary or permanent global form or both, (ii) whether beneficial owners of interests in any such Global Security may exchange such interests for Securities of the same series and of like tenor and of any authorized form and denomination, and the circumstances under which any such exchanges may occur, if other than in the manner specified in Section 305, and (iii) the name of the Depositary or the U.S. Depositary, as the case may be, with respect to any Global Security;

(6) if any of such Securities are to be issuable in global form, the date as of which any such Global Security shall be dated (if other than the date of original issuance of the first of such Securities to be issued);

(7) [intentionally omitted];

(8) the date or dates, or the method or methods, if any, by which such date or dates shall be determined, on which the principal of such Securities is payable;

(9) the rate or rates at which such Securities shall bear interest, if any, or the method or methods, if any, by which such rate or rates are to be determined, the date or dates, if any, from which such interest shall accrue or the method or methods, if any, by which such date or dates are to be determined, the Interest Payment Dates, if any, on which such interest shall be payable and the Regular Record Date, if any, for the interest payable on Registered Securities on any Interest Payment Date, whether and under what circumstances Additional Amounts on such Securities or any of them shall be payable, the notice, if any, to Holders regarding the determination of interest on a floating rate Security and the manner of giving such notice, and the basis upon which interest shall be calculated if other than that of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, and the extent to

 

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which, or the manner in which, any interest payment or Additional Amounts on a Global Security on an Interest Payment Date will be paid and the manner in which any principal of or premium, if any, on any Global Security will be paid;

(10) if in addition to or other than the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, the place or places where the principal of, any premium and interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to such Securities shall be payable, any of such Securities that are Registered Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, any of such Securities may be surrendered for conversion or exchange and notices or demands to or upon the Company in respect of such Securities and this Indenture may be served;

(11) whether any of such Securities are to be redeemable at the option of the Company and, if so, the date or dates on which, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, or the method or methods, if any, by which such price or prices shall be determined, and the other terms and conditions upon which such Securities may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;

(12) if the Company is obligated to redeem or purchase any of such Securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provision or at the option of any Holder thereof and, if so, the date or dates on which, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the other terms and conditions upon which such Securities shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation, and any provisions for the remarketing of such Securities so redeemed or purchased;

(13) the denominations in which any of such Securities that are Registered Securities shall be issuable if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;

(14) whether the Securities of the series will be convertible into or exchangeable for Equity Securities and/or other securities, and if so, the terms and conditions upon which such Securities will be so convertible or exchangeable, and any deletions from or modifications or additions to this Indenture to permit or to facilitate the issuance of such convertible or exchangeable Securities or the administration thereof;

(15) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of any of such Securities that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502 or the method by which such portion is to be determined;

(16) if other than Dollars, the Foreign Currency in which payment of the principal of, any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any of such Securities shall be payable;

 

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(17) if the principal of, any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any of such Securities are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof or otherwise, in Dollars or in a Foreign Currency other than that in which such Securities are stated to be payable, the date or dates on which, the period or periods within which, and the other terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made, and the time and manner of determining the exchange rate between the Currency in which such Securities are stated to be payable and the Currency in which such Securities or any of them are to be paid pursuant to such election, and any deletions from or modifications of or additions to the terms of this Indenture to provide for or to facilitate the issuance of Securities denominated or payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof or otherwise, in a Foreign Currency;

(18) whether the amount of payments of principal of, any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to such Securities may be determined with reference to an index, formula or other method or methods (which index, formula or method or methods may be based, without limitation, on one or more Currencies, commodities, equity indices or other indices), and, if so, the terms and conditions upon which and the manner in which such amounts shall be determined and paid or payable;

(19) any deletions from, modifications of or additions to the Events of Default or covenants of the Company (including, without limitation, Section 1008) with respect to any of such Securities, whether or not such Events of Default or covenants are consistent with the Events of Default or covenants set forth herein;

(20) if either or both of Section 402(2) relating to defeasance or Section 402(3) relating to covenant defeasance shall not be applicable to the Securities of such series, or any covenants relating to the Securities of such series which shall be subject to covenant defeasance, and any deletions from, or modifications or additions to, the provisions of Article Four in respect of the Securities of such series;

(21) if any of such Securities are to be issuable upon the exercise of warrants, and the time, manner and place for such Securities to be authenticated and delivered;

(22) if any of such Securities are to be issuable in global form and are to be issuable in definitive form (whether upon original issue or upon exchange of a temporary Security) only upon receipt of certain certificates or other documents or satisfaction of other conditions, then the form and terms of such certificates, documents or conditions;

(23) (A) if other than the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this instrument (or a successor to such Person pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture) (for purposes of this clause (22), herein called the “Original Trustee”), the identity of a Trustee for the Securities of the series (a “Series Trustee”), and/or (B) if not the Original Trustee or the Series Trustee, the identity of each Security Registrar, Paying Agent or Authenticating Agent with respect to such Securities, and (C) such additions or changes to any provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood, anything contained herein or in any Company Resolution, Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, that (i) nothing

 

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herein shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust, (ii) each such Trustee shall be a trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee, (iii) the Series Trustee shall have all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the Original Trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the Securities of the series, (iv) the Original Trustee shall have no rights, powers, trusts and duties with respect to the Securities of the series, (v) no Trustee hereunder shall have any liability for any acts or omissions of any other Trustee hereunder and (vi) no appointment of a Series Trustee shall become effective until the acceptance of the appointment by the Series Trustee is evidenced in writing;

(24) the Person to whom any interest on a Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest;

(25) the nature and terms of the security for any secured Securities;

(26) the listing of the Securities on any securities exchange or the inclusion in any other market or quotation or trading system; and

(27) any other terms of such Securities (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture) and any deletions from or modifications or additions to this Indenture in respect of such Securities.

All Securities of any one series shall be substantially identical except as to Currency of payments due thereunder, denomination and the rate of interest, or method of determining the rate of interest, if any, Maturity, and the date from which interest, if any, shall accrue and except as may otherwise be provided by the Company in or pursuant to the Company Resolution and set forth in, or determined in the manner provided, in the Officers’ Certificate or in any indenture or indentures supplemental hereto pertaining to such series of Securities. The terms of the Securities of any series may provide, without limitation, that the Securities shall be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee on original issue from time to time upon written order of persons designated in the Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture and that such persons are authorized to determine, consistent with such Officers’ Certificate or any applicable supplemental indenture, such terms and conditions of the Securities of such series as are specified in such Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture. All Securities of any one series need not be issued at the same time and, unless otherwise so provided by the Company, a series may be reopened for issuances of additional Securities of such series or to establish additional terms of such series of Securities.

If any of the terms of the Securities of any series shall be established by action taken by or pursuant to a Company Resolution, the Company Resolution shall be delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Officers’ Certificate setting forth the terms or the manner of determining the terms of such series.

 

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Section 302. Currency; Denominations.

Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, the principal of, any premium and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities shall be payable in Dollars. Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, Registered Securities denominated in Dollars shall be issuable in registered form in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. Securities not denominated in Dollars shall be issuable in such denominations as are established with respect to such Securities in or pursuant to this Indenture.

Section 303. Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by any Officer. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities appertaining thereto may be manual or facsimile.

Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities executed by the Company, to the Trustee for authentication and, provided that the Company Resolution and Officers’ Certificate or supplemental indenture or indentures with respect to such Securities referred to in Section 301 and a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities have been delivered to the Trustee, the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order and subject to the provisions hereof and of such Securities shall authenticate and deliver such Securities; provided, however, that in the case of Securities offered in a Periodic Offering, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver such Securities from time to time in accordance with such other procedures acceptable to the Trustee as may be specified by or pursuant to a Company Order delivered to the Trustee prior to the time of the first authentication of Securities of such series. If the form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established by or pursuant to one or more Company Resolutions as permitted by Sections 201 and 301, in authenticating such Securities, and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Sections 315(a) through 315(d) of the Trust Indenture Act) shall be fully protected in relying upon,

(1) an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that:

(a) the form or forms and terms, or if all Securities of such series are not to be issued at one time, the manner of determining the terms of such Securities, have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

(b) all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of such Securities have been complied with and that such Securities, when completed by appropriate insertions, executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company, delivered by a duly authorized officer of the Company to the Trustee for authentication pursuant to this Indenture, and

 

30


authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute legally valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, arrangement, fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent transfer or other similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally, and subject to general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is sought in a proceeding in equity or at law); and

(c) this Indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act, if applicable;

and

(2) an Officers’ Certificate stating that, to the best knowledge of the Persons executing such certificate, no event which is, or after notice or lapse of time would become, an Event of Default with respect to any of the Securities shall have occurred and be continuing.

If all the Securities of any series are not to be issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Opinion of Counsel at the time of issuance of each Security, but such opinion shall be delivered at or before the time of issuance of the first Security of such series. After any such first delivery, any separate written request by the Company that the Trustee authenticate Securities of such series for original issue will be deemed to be a certification by the Company that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to authentication and delivery of such Securities continue to have been complied with.

The Trustee shall not be required to authenticate or to cause an Authenticating Agent to authenticate any Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will expose the Trustee to personal liability to existing Holders, affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee or if the Trustee, being advised by counsel, determines that such action may not lawfully be taken.

With respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the authorization by the Company of any of such Securities, the form and terms thereof and the legality, validity, binding effect and enforceability thereof, upon the Opinion of Counsel and the other documents delivered pursuant to Sections 201 and 301 and this Section, as applicable, in connection with the first authentication of Securities of such series.

Each Registered Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for in Section 206 or 612 executed by or on behalf of the Trustee or by the Authenticating Agent by the manual signature of one of its authorized signatories. Such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Security shall have been authenticated and delivered hereunder but never issued and sold by the Company, and the Company shall deliver such Security to the Trustee for cancellation as provided in Section 309, for all purposes of this Indenture such Security shall be deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder and shall never be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

Section 304. Temporary Securities.

Pending the preparation of definitive Securities, the Company may execute and deliver to the Trustee and, upon Company Order, the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the manner provided in Section 303, temporary Securities in lieu thereof which are printed, lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise produced, in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued, in registered form, and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officer of the Company executing such Securities may determine, as conclusively evidenced by his execution of such Securities. Such temporary Securities may be in global form.

Except in the case of temporary Securities in global form, which shall be exchanged in accordance with the provisions thereof, if temporary Securities are issued, the Company shall cause definitive Securities to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of the same series and containing terms and provisions that are identical to those of any temporary Securities, such temporary Securities shall be exchangeable for such definitive Securities upon surrender of such temporary Securities at an Office or Agency for such Securities, without charge to any Holder thereof. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Securities of authorized denominations of the same series and containing identical terms and provisions. Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture with respect to a temporary Global Security, until so exchanged the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.

Section 305. Registration, Transfer and Exchange.

With respect to the Registered Securities of each series, the Company shall cause to be kept a register (each such register being herein sometimes referred to as the “Security Register”) at an Office or Agency for such series in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of the Registered Securities of such series and of transfers of the Registered Securities of such series. Such Office or Agency shall be the “Security Registrar” for that series of Securities. Unless otherwise specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities, the Trustee shall be the initial Security Registrar for each series of Securities. The Company shall have the right to remove and replace from time to time the Security Registrar for any series of Securities; provided that no such removal or replacement shall be effective until a successor Security Registrar with respect to such series of Securities shall have been appointed by the Company and shall have accepted such appointment. In the event that the Trustee shall not be or shall cease to be Security Registrar with respect to a series of Securities, it shall have the right to examine the Security Register for such series at all reasonable times. There shall be only one Security Register for each series of Securities.

 

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Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Registered Security of any series at any Office or Agency for such series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Registered Securities of the same series denominated as authorized in or pursuant to this Indenture, of a like aggregate principal amount bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding and containing identical terms and provisions.

At the option of the Holder, Registered Securities of any series may be exchanged for other Registered Securities of the same series containing identical terms and provisions, in any authorized denominations, and of a like aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at any Office or Agency for such series. Whenever any Registered Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Registered Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, any Global Security shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities only if (i) the Depositary is at any time unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as Depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days of the date the Company is so informed in writing, (ii) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee a Company Order to the effect that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable, or (iii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Securities. If the beneficial owners of interests in a Global Security are entitled to exchange such interests for definitive Securities as the result of an event described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of the preceding sentence, then without unnecessary delay but in any event not later than the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee definitive Securities in such form and denominations as are required by or pursuant to this Indenture, and of the same series, containing identical terms and in aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Security, executed by the Company. On or after the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, such Global Security shall be surrendered from time to time by Trustee as custodian for the U.S. Depositary or such other Depositary as shall be specified in the Company Order with respect thereto, and in accordance with instructions given to the Trustee and the Trustee as custodian for the U.S. Depositary or such other Depositary, as the case may be (which instructions shall be in writing but need not be contained in or accompanied by an Officers’ Certificate or be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel), as shall be specified in the Company Order with respect thereto to the Trustee, as the Company’s agent for such purpose, to be exchanged, in whole or in part, for definitive Securities as described above without charge. The Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery, in exchange for each portion of such surrendered Global Security, a like aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations and of like tenor as the portion of such Global Security to be exchanged, which definitive Securities exchanged for the Global Security shall be issuable only in the form in which the Securities are issuable, as provided in or pursuant to this Indenture; provided, however, that no such exchanges may occur during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before any selection of Securities of the same series to be redeemed and ending on the relevant Redemption Date. Promptly following any such exchange in part, such Global Security shall be returned by the Trustee to such Depositary or the Trustee shall hold the Global Security as custodian for the U.S. Depositary, as the case may be, or such other Depositary or U.S. Depositary referred to above in accordance with the instructions of the

 

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Company referred to above. If a Registered Security is issued in exchange for any portion of a Global Security after the close of business at the Office or Agency for such Security where such exchange occurs on or after (i) any Regular Record Date for such Security and before the opening of business at such Office or Agency on the next Interest Payment Date, or (ii) any Special Record Date for such Security and before the opening of business at such Office or Agency on the related proposed date for payment of interest or Defaulted Interest, as the case may be, interest shall not be payable on such Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, in respect of such Registered Security, but shall be payable on such Interest Payment Date or proposed date for payment, as the case may be, only to the Person to whom interest in respect of such portion of such Global Security shall be payable in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company evidencing the same debt and entitling the Holders thereof to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

Every Registered Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange or redemption shall (if so required by the Company or the Security Registrar for such Security) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company, the Trustee and the Security Registrar for such Security duly executed by the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, or redemption of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge and any other expenses (including fees and expenses of the Trustee) that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 905 or 1107, upon repayment in part of any Registered Security pursuant to Article Thirteen, or upon surrender in part of any Registered Security for conversion or exchange into Equity Securities or other securities pursuant to its terms, in each case not involving any transfer.

Except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, the Company shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Securities during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the selection for redemption of Securities of like tenor and the same series under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of such selection, or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Registered Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except in the case of any Security to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be redeemed, or (iii) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Security which, in accordance with its terms, has been surrendered for repayment at the option of the Holder, except the portion, if any, of such Security not to be so repaid.

The provisions of Clauses (1), (2) and (3) below shall apply only to Global Securities:

(1) Each Registered Global Security authenticated under this Indenture shall be registered in the name of the Depositary designated for such Global Security or a nominee thereof and delivered to such Depositary or a nominee thereof or custodian therefor, and each such Global Security shall constitute a single Security for all purposes of this Indenture.

 

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(2) Any exchange or transfer of a Registered Global Security for other Securities may be made in whole or in part, and all Securities issued in exchange for or upon transfer of a Global Security or any portion thereof shall be registered in such names as the Depositary for such Global Security shall direct.

(3) Every Security authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for or in lieu of, a Global Security or any portion thereof, whether pursuant to this Section, Section 304, 306, 905 or 1107 or otherwise, shall be authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Security, unless such Security is registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary for such Global Security or a nominee thereof.

The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Security (including any transfers between or among participants of the Depositary or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Security) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

Section 306. Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 306, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series containing identical terms and of like principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

If there be delivered to the Company and to the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security, and (ii) such security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and, upon the Company’s written request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for or in lieu of any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series containing identical terms and of like principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 306, in case any mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security.

Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee and its agents and counsel) connected therewith.

 

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Every new Security issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute a separate obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities of such series duly issued hereunder.

The provisions of this Section, as amended or supplemented pursuant to this Indenture with respect to particular Securities or generally, shall be exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities.

Section 307. Payment of Interest and Certain Additional Amounts; Rights to Interest and Certain Additional Amounts Preserved.

Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, any interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to any Registered Security which shall be payable, and are punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered as of the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest.

Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, any interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to any Registered Security which shall be payable, but shall not be punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date for such Registered Security (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder thereof on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder; and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in Clause (1) or (2) below:

(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Person in whose name such Registered Security (or a Predecessor Security thereof) shall be registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing in an Officer’s Certificate of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on such Registered Security and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit on or prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when so deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Person entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this Clause provided. Thereupon, the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Holder of such Registered Security (or a Predecessor Security thereof) at his address as it appears in the Security Register or sent in accordance with the applicable procedures of the

 

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Depositary not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been sent as aforesaid, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Person in whose name such Registered Security (or a Predecessor Security thereof) shall be registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (2).

(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Security may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this Clause, such payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities of any particular series, at the option of the Company, interest on Registered Securities that bear interest may be paid by mailing a check to the address of the Holder of the Securities as such address shall appear in the Security Register or by transfer to an account maintained by the Holder with a bank located in the United States, provided that appropriate wire transfer instructions shall have been delivered by such Holder to the Paying Agent in writing at least five Business Days prior to the applicable date for payment of interest. The Paying Agent shall be entitled to conclusively rely on such wire transfer instructions until it receives notification from the applicable Holder of a change in such wire instructions.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section and Section 305, each Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Security.

Section 308. Persons Deemed Owners.

Prior to due presentment of a Registered Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Registered Security is registered in the Security Register as the owner of such Registered Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of, any premium and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to such Registered Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not any payment with respect to such Registered Security shall be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

No holder of any beneficial interest in any Global Security held on its behalf by a U.S. Depositary or Depositary shall have any rights under this Indenture with respect to such Global Security, and such U.S. Depositary or Depositary may be treated by the Company, the Trustee, and any agent of the Company or the Trustee as the owner of such Global Security for all purposes whatsoever. None of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Security Registrar will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. Neither the Trustee nor any agent shall have any responsibility or liability for any actions taken or not taken by any Depositary.

 

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Section 309. Cancellation.

All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer, exchange or conversion or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee, and any such Securities, as well as Securities surrendered directly to the Trustee for any such purpose, shall be canceled promptly by the Trustee. The Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities previously authenticated and delivered hereunder which the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Securities so delivered shall be canceled promptly by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by or pursuant to this Indenture. All canceled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of by the Trustee in accordance with its customary procedures.

Section 310. Computation of Interest.

Except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or in the Securities of any series, interest on the Securities shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

Section 311. CUSIP or ISIN Numbers.

The Company in issuing the Securities may use “CUSIP” or “ISIN” numbers (if then generally in use), and, if so, the Trustee or the Company shall use “CUSIP” or “ISIN” numbers in notices of redemption or repurchase as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of a redemption or repurchase and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Securities, and any such redemption or repurchase shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in “CUSIP” or “ISIN” numbers.

 

 

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ARTICLE IV

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE

Section 401. Satisfaction and Discharge.

Upon the direction of the Company by a Company Order, this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect with respect to any series of Securities specified in such Company Order, and the Trustee, on receipt of a Company Order, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series, when

(1) either

(a) all Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306, or (ii) Securities of such series for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Company and thereafter repaid to the Company or discharged from such trust, as provided in Section 1003) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(b) all such Securities of such series not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation

(i) have become due and payable, or

(ii) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

(iii) if redeemable at the option of the Company, are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,

and the Company, in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above, has deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for such purpose, money in the Currency in which such Securities are payable in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness on such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, including the principal of, any premium and interest on, and, to the extent that the Securities of such series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts thereon and the amount of any such Additional Amounts is at the time of deposit reasonably determinable by the Company (in the exercise by the Company of its sole and absolute discretion), any Additional Amounts with respect to such Securities, to the date of such deposit (in the case of Securities which have become due and payable) or to the Maturity thereof, as the case may be;

(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company with respect to the Outstanding Securities of such series; and

(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as to such series have been complied with.

In the event there are Securities of two or more series hereunder, the Trustee shall be required to execute an instrument acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture only if requested to do so with respect to Securities of such series as to which it is Trustee and if the other conditions thereto are met including, without limitation, the conditions in this Section 401.

 

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Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture with respect to any series of Securities, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607 and, if money shall have been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (b) of clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Company and the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series under Sections 305, 306, 403, 1002 and 1003, with respect to the payment of Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to such Securities as contemplated by Section 1004 (but only to the extent that the Additional Amounts payable with respect to such Securities exceed the amount deposited in respect of such Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 401(1)(b)), and with respect to any rights to convert or exchange such Securities into Equity Securities or other securities, shall survive.

Section 402. Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance.

(1) Unless, pursuant to Section 301, either or both of (i) defeasance of the Securities of or within a series under clause (2) of this Section 402 or (ii) covenant defeasance of the Securities of or within a series under clause (3) of this Section 402 shall not be applicable with respect to the Securities of such series, then such provisions, together with the other provisions of this Section 402 (with such modifications thereto as may be specified pursuant to Section 301 with respect to any Securities), shall be applicable to such Securities, and the Company may at its option by Company Resolution, at any time, with respect to such Securities, elect to have Section 402(2) or Section 402(3) be applied to such Outstanding Securities upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Section 402.

(2) Upon the Company’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section 402(2) with respect to any Securities of or within a series, the Company shall be deemed to have been discharged from its obligations with respect to such Outstanding Securities on the date the conditions set forth in clause (4) of this Section 402 are satisfied (hereinafter, “defeasance”). For this purpose, such defeasance means that the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness represented by such Outstanding Securities, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “Outstanding” only for the purposes of clause (5) of this Section 402 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) below, and to have satisfied all of its other obligations under such Securities and this Indenture insofar as such Securities are concerned (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (i) the rights of Holders of such Outstanding Securities to receive, solely from the trust fund described in clause (4) of this Section 402 and as more fully set forth in such Section, payments in respect of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on, and Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to, such Securities when such payments are due, and any rights of such Holder to convert or exchange such Securities into

 

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Equity Securities or other securities, (ii) the obligations of the Company and the Trustee with respect to such Securities under Sections 305, 306, 1002 and 1003, with respect to the payment of Additional Amounts, if any, on such Securities as contemplated by Section 1004 (but only to the extent that the Additional Amounts payable with respect to such Securities exceed the amount deposited in respect of such Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 402(4)(a) below), and with respect to any rights to convert or exchange such Securities into Equity Securities or other securities, (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee hereunder (including under Section 607) and (iv) this Section 402. The Company may exercise its option under this Section 402(2) notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under clause (3) of this Section 402 with respect to such Securities.

(3) Upon the Company’s exercise of the above option applicable to this Section 402(3) with respect to any Securities of or within a series, the Company shall be released from any covenant applicable to such Securities specified pursuant to Section 301(20), with respect to such Outstanding Securities on and after the date the conditions set forth in clause (4) of this Section 402 are satisfied (hereinafter, “covenant defeasance”), and such Securities shall thereafter be deemed to be not “Outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or Act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with any such covenant, but shall continue to be deemed “Outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder. For this purpose, such covenant defeasance means that, with respect to such Outstanding Securities, the Company may omit to comply with, and shall have no liability in respect of, any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a default or an Event of Default under Section 501(4) or 501(7) or otherwise, as the case may be, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Securities shall be unaffected thereby.

(4) The following shall be the conditions to application of clause (2) or (3) of this Section 402 to any Outstanding Securities of or within a series:

(a) The Company shall irrevocably have deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee (or another trustee satisfying the requirements of Section 608 who shall agree to comply with the provisions of this Section 402 applicable to it) as trust funds in trust for the purpose of making the following payments, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, (1) an amount in Dollars or in such Foreign Currency in which such Securities are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity, or (2) Government Obligations applicable to such Securities (determined on the basis of the Currency in which such Securities are then specified as payable at Stated Maturity) which through the scheduled payment of principal and interest in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide, not later than one day before the due date of any payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities, money in an amount, or (3) a combination thereof, in any case, in an amount, sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of such principal and interest, in the opinion of an independent registered public accounting firm expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which shall be applied by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) to pay and discharge, (y) the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on, and, to the extent that such Securities provide for the payment of Additional Amounts thereon and the amount of any such Additional Amounts is at the time of deposit reasonably determinable by the Company (in the exercise by the Company of its sole and absolute discretion), any Additional Amounts with respect to, such Outstanding Securities to and including the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest or the Redemption Date established pursuant to clause (d) below, if any, and (z) any mandatory sinking fund

 

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payments or analogous payments applicable to such Outstanding Securities on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of such Securities.

(b) Such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound.

(c) Solely in the case of an election under clause (2) of this Section 402, no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time or both would become an Event of Default with respect to such Securities shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit and, with respect to defeasance only, at any time during the period ending on the 91st day after the date of such deposit (it being understood that this condition shall not be deemed satisfied until the expiration of such period).

(d) If the Securities are to be redeemed prior to Stated Maturity (other than from mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments), notice of such redemption shall have been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee shall have been made.

(e) In the case of an election under clause (2) of this Section 402, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (i) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (ii) since the date of this Indenture, there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the Holders of such Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred.

(f) In the case of an election under clause (3) of this Section 402, the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that Holders of such Outstanding Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and covenant defeasance had not occurred.

(g) The Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance or covenant defeasance under clause (2) or (3) of this Section 402 (as the case may be) have been complied with.

(h) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 402(4), such defeasance or covenant defeasance shall be effected in compliance with any additional or substitute terms, conditions or limitations which may be imposed on the Company in connection therewith pursuant to Section 301.

 

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(5) Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and Government Obligations (or other property as may be provided pursuant to Section 301) (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 402(5) and Section 403, the “Trustee”) pursuant to clause (4) of Section 402 in respect of any Outstanding Securities of any series shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Securities of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal (and premium, if any) and interest and Additional Amounts, if any, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

Unless otherwise specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or any Securities, if, after a deposit referred to in Section 402(4)(a) has been made, (a) the Holder of a Security in respect of which such deposit was made is entitled to, and does, elect pursuant to Section 301 or the terms of such Security to receive payment in a Currency other than that in which the deposit pursuant to Section 402(4)(a) has been made in respect of such Security, or (b) a Conversion Event occurs in respect of the Foreign Currency in which the deposit pursuant to Section 402(4)(a) has been made, the indebtedness represented by such Security shall be deemed to have been, and will be, fully discharged and satisfied through the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any), and interest, if any, on, and Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to, such Security as the same becomes due out of the proceeds yielded by converting (from time to time as specified below in the case of any such election) the amount or other property deposited in respect of such Security into the Currency in which such Security becomes payable as a result of such election or Conversion Event based on (x) in the case of payments made pursuant to clause (a) above, the applicable market exchange rate for such Currency in effect on the second Business Day prior to each payment date, or (y) with respect to a Conversion Event, the applicable market exchange rate for such Foreign Currency in effect (as nearly as feasible) at the time of the Conversion Event.

The Company shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge, imposed on or assessed against the Government Obligations deposited pursuant to this Section 402 or the principal or interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders of such Outstanding Securities.

Anything in this Section 402 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any money or Government Obligations (or other property and any proceeds therefrom) held by it as provided in clause (4) of this Section 402 which, in the opinion of an independent registered public accounting firm expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect a defeasance or covenant defeasance, as applicable, in accordance with this Section 402.

Section 403. Application of Trust Money.

Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003, all money and Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying Trustee) pursuant to Section 401 or 402 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of

 

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the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Company acting as its own Paying Agent) as the Trustee (or other qualifying Trustee) may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal, premium, interest and Additional Amounts for whose payment such money has or Government Obligations have been deposited with or received by the Trustee (or other qualifying Trustee); but such money and Government Obligations need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

Section 404. Qualifying Trustee.

Any trustee appointed pursuant to Section 402 for the purpose of holding money or Government Obligations deposited pursuant to that Section shall be appointed under an agreement in form acceptable to the Trustee and shall provide to the Trustee a certificate of such trustee, upon which certificate the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely, that all conditions precedent provided for herein to the related defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with. In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any acts or omissions of said trustee.

Section 405. Reinstatement.

If the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) is unable to apply any money or Government Obligations in accordance with Section 401 or 402, as applicable, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Company’s obligations under this Indenture and the Securities shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 401 or 402 until such time as the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee) is permitted to apply all such money or Government Obligations in accordance with Section 401 or 402, as applicable; provided, however, that if the Company has made any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any Securities because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money or Government Obligations held by the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee).

ARTICLE V

REMEDIES

Section 501. Events of Default.

“Event of Default,” wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, means any one of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or be effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body) unless such event is specifically deleted or modified in or pursuant to the supplemental indenture, Company Resolution or Officers’ Certificate establishing the terms of such series pursuant to this Indenture:

(1) default in the payment of any interest on, or any Additional Amounts payable in respect of any interest on, any Security of such series when such interest or such Additional Amounts become due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 60 days; or

 

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(2) default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on, or any Additional Amounts payable in respect of the principal of or premium, if any, on, any Security of such series when due upon Maturity; or

(3) default in the payment of any sinking fund payment, or analogous provision, when and as due by the terms of a Security of such series, and continuance of such default for a period of 60 days; or

(4) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture or any Security of such series (other than (i) a covenant or warranty for which the consequences of breach or nonperformance are addressed (a) elsewhere in this Section 501 or (b) in such Security or (ii) a covenant or warranty which has expressly been included in this Indenture or a Security of a series, whether or not by means of a supplemental indenture, solely for the benefit of Securities of a series other than such series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 33% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder, unless the Trustee, or the Trustee and the Holders of a principal amount of Securities of such series not less than the principal amount of Securities the Holders of which gave such notice, as the case may be, shall agree in writing to an extension of such period prior to its expiration; provided, however, that the Trustee, or the Trustee and the Holders of such principal amount of Securities of such series, as the case may be, shall be deemed to have agreed to an extension of such period if corrective action is initiated by the Company within such period and is being diligently pursued; or

(5) the Company pursuant to or under or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

(a) commences a voluntary case or proceeding;

(b) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case or proceeding or the commencement of any case against it;

(c) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property;

(d) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;

(e) files a petition in bankruptcy or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief; or

(f) consents to the filing of such petition or the appointment of or taking possession by a Custodian; or

 

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(6) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

(a) is for relief against the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding, or adjudicates the Company insolvent or bankrupt;

(b) appoints a Custodian of the Company or for any substantial part of its property; or

(c) orders the winding up or liquidation of the Company;

and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days; or

(7) any other Event of Default provided in or pursuant to this Indenture with respect to Securities of such series.

“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, United States Code, or any similar Federal or state law for the relief of debtors. “Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

Section 502. Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 33% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series may declare the principal of all the Securities of such series, or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Securities of such series, to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by the Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal or such lesser amount shall become immediately due and payable.

At any time after Securities of any series have been accelerated and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if

(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum of money sufficient to pay

(a) all overdue installments of any interest on any Securities of such series and any Additional Amounts with respect thereto,

(b) the principal of and any premium on any Securities of such series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and any Additional Amounts with respect thereto and, to the extent the payment of such interest is lawful, interest thereon at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities,

 

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(c) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue installments of any interest and any Additional Amounts with respect thereto at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities, and

(d) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607; and

(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of such series, other than the non-payment of the principal of, any premium and interest on, and any Additional Amounts with respect to Securities of such series which shall have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, shall have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Section 503. Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

The Company covenants that if

(1) default is made in the payment of any installment of interest on or any Additional Amounts payable in respect of any interest on, any Security when such interest or Additional Amounts shall have become due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or

(2) default is made in the payment of the principal of or any premium on, or any Additional Amounts payable in respect of the principal of or any premium on, any Security at its Maturity,

the Company shall, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount of money then due and payable with respect to such Securities, with interest upon the overdue principal, any premium and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, upon any overdue installments of interest and Additional Amounts at the rate or rates borne by or provided for in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount of money as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel and all other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607.

If the Company fails to pay the money it is required to pay the Trustee pursuant to the preceding paragraph forthwith upon the demand of the Trustee, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the money so due and unpaid, and may prosecute such proceeding to judgment or final decree, and may enforce the same against the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities and collect the monies adjudged or decreed to be payable in the manner provided by law out of the property of the Company or any other obligor upon such Securities, wherever situated.

 

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If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee shall deem most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or such Securities or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein or therein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

Section 504. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of any overdue principal, premium, interest or Additional Amounts) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise, to take any and all actions authorized under the Trust Indenture Act in order to have claims of the Holders and the Trustee allowed in any such proceeding. In particular, the Trustee shall be authorized

(1) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount, or such lesser amount as may be provided for in the Securities of such series, of the principal and any premium, interest and Additional Amounts owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents or counsel) and of the Holders of Securities allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

(2) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder of Securities to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders of Securities, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607.

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder of a Security any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Securities or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder of a Security in any such proceeding; provided, however, that the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders, vote for the election of a trustee in bankruptcy or similar official and be a member of a creditors’ or other similar committee.

 

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Section 505. Trustee may Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or any of the Securities may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery or judgment, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, shall be for the ratable benefit of each and every Holder of a Security in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

Section 506. Application of Money Collected.

Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal, or any premium, interest or Additional Amounts, upon presentation of the Securities, and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee and its agents and counsel and any predecessor Trustee under Section 607;

SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid upon the Securities for principal and any premium, interest and Additional Amounts in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the aggregate amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium, interest and Additional Amounts, respectively; and

THIRD: The balance, if any, to the Person or Persons entitled thereto.

Section 507. Limitation on Suits.

No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless

(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series;

(2) the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

 

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(4) the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

(5) no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series;

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture or any Security to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other such Holders or Holders of Securities of any other series, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all such Holders.

Section 508. Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal and Any Premium, Interest and Additional Amounts.

Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of, any premium and (subject to Sections 305 and 307) interest on, and any Additional Amounts with respect to such Security, as the case may be, on the respective Stated Maturity or Maturities therefor specified in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date or, in the case of repayment at the option of such Holder, on the Repayment Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such right shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not such actions or forbearances are unduly prejudicial to such Holders).

Section 509. Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

If the Trustee or any Holder of a Security has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case the Company, the Trustee and each such Holder shall, subject to any determination in such proceeding, be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder, and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and each such Holder shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

Section 510. Rights and Remedies Cumulative.

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to each and every Holder of a Security is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy, to the extent permitted by law, shall be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not, to the extent permitted by law, prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

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Section 511. Delay or Omission not Waiver.

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Security to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to any Holder of a Security may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by such Holder, as the case may be.

Section 512. Control by Holders of Securities.

The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series, provided that

(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture or with the Securities of any series,

(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction,

(3) such direction is not unduly prejudicial to the rights of the other Holders of Securities of such series not joining in such action, and

(4) subject to the provisions of Section 601, the Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Trustee in good faith shall, by a Responsible Officer or Officers of the Trustee, determine that the proceeding so directed would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

Section 513. Waiver of Past Defaults.

The Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series may, by written notice to the Trustee, waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default

(1) in the payment of the principal of, any premium or interest on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to, any Security of such series, or

(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article Nine cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.

Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

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Section 514. Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws.

The Company covenants that (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company expressly waives (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

Section 515. Undertaking for Costs.

All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by his acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of any undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in such suit having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section 515 shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in principal amount of Outstanding Securities of any series, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on or Additional Amounts, if any, with respect to any Security on or after the respective Stated Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date, and, in the case of repayment, on or after the Repayment Date) or for the enforcement of the right, if any, to convert or exchange any Security into Equity Securities or other securities in accordance with its terms.

ARTICLE VI

THE TRUSTEE

Section 601. Certain Duties and Responsibilities of Trustee.

The duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as provided by Section 315 of the Trust Indenture Act, and no implied duties, covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any liability, financial or otherwise, in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it. Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.

 

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Section 602. Certain Rights of Trustee.

Subject to Sections 315(a) through 315(d) of the Trust Indenture Act and the provisions of Section 601 hereof:

(1) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, coupon or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

(2) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or a Company Order and any resolution of the Company or the Board may be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Resolution;

(3) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence shall be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officers’ Certificate;

(4) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

(5) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by or pursuant to this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of Securities of any series pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holders shall have offered and provided to the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

(6) the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, coupon or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine, during business hours and upon reasonable notice, the books, records and premises of the Company, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Company and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation;

(7) the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;

 

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(8) no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any liability, financial or otherwise, in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it;

(9) the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered, or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;

(10) in no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action;

(11) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture;

(12) the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder;

(13) the Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder; and

(14) the Trustee may request that the Company deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture.

Section 603. Notice of Defaults.

If a default occurs hereunder with respect to Securities of any series, the Trustee shall give the Holders of Securities of such series notice of such default as and to the extent provided by the Trust Indenture Act, provided that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 501(4) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 30 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term “Default” means any event which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series.

Section 604. Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company and neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent assumes any responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities. Neither the Trustee nor any Authenticating Agent shall be accountable for the use or application by the Company of the Securities or the proceeds thereof.

 

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Section 605. May Hold Securities.

The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other Person that may be an agent of the Trustee or the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 310(b) and 311 of the Trust Indenture Act, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other Person.

Section 606. Money Held in Trust.

Except as provided in Section 403 and Section 1003, money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law and shall be held uninvested. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed in writing with the Company.

Section 607. Compensation and Reimbursement.

The Company agrees:

(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as shall be agreed to in writing between the Company and the Trustee for all services rendered by the Trustee hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);

(2) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to the Trustee’s negligence or willful misconduct; and

(3) to indemnify the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee and their agents, officers and directors for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability, damage, claims or expense incurred without negligence or willful misconduct on their part, including taxes other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending themselves against any claim (whether asserted by the Company, or any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of their powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent that any such loss, liability, damage, claims or expense was due to the Trustee’s negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.

As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities of any series upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except funds held in trust for the payment of principal of, and premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to particular Securities.

 

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Without limiting any rights available to the Trustee under applicable law, any compensation or expense incurred by the Trustee after a default specified by Section 501(5) or (6) is intended to constitute an expense of administration under any then applicable bankruptcy or insolvency law. “Trustee” for purposes of this Section 607 shall include any predecessor Trustee but the negligence or willful misconduct of any Trustee shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee under this Section 607.

The rights, protections and indemnities afforded to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 607 shall survive the resignation and removal of the Trustee and the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture.

 

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Section 608. Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a Corporation, organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, eligible under Section 310(a)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act to act as trustee under an indenture qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and that has a combined capital and surplus (computed in accordance with Section 310(a)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act) of at least $50,000,000 subject to supervision or examination by Federal or state authority. If at any time the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.

Section 609. Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor.

(1) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee pursuant to Section 610. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 610 shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, or within 30 days after the action to remove the Trustee, as applicable, the Trustee resigning or being removed, as the case may be, may petition any court of competent jurisdiction at the expense of the Company for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to such series.

(2) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company.

(3) The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and the Company.

(4) If at any time:

(a) the Trustee shall fail to comply with the obligations imposed upon it under Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act (subject to the penultimate paragraph thereof) with respect to Securities of any series after written request therefor by the Company or any Holder of a Security of such series who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months, or

(b) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 608 and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or any such Holder, or

(c) the Trustee shall become incapable of acting or shall be adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property shall be appointed or any public officer shall take charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,

then, in any such case, (i) the Company, by or pursuant to a Company Resolution, may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities or the Securities of such series and appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees, or (ii) subject to Section 315(e) of the Trust Indenture Act, any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months

 

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may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities of such series and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

(5) If the Trustee shall resign, be removed or become incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by or pursuant to a Company Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 610. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall be appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 610, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series shall have been so appointed by the Company or the Holders of Securities and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 610, any Holder of a Security who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

(6) The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series by mailing written notice of such event by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to the Holders of Registered Securities, if any, of such series as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register. Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

Section 610. Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

(1) Upon the appointment hereunder of any successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties hereunder of the retiring Trustee; but, on the written request of the Company or such successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee, upon payment of its charges, shall execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and, subject to Section 1003, shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder, subject nevertheless to its lien, if any, provided for in Section 607.

 

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(2) Upon the appointment hereunder of any successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and such successor Trustee shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (i) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, such successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (ii) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (iii) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust, that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee and that no Trustee shall be responsible for any notice given to, or received by, or any act or failure to act on the part of any other Trustee hereunder, and, upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein, such retiring Trustee shall have no further responsibility for the exercise of rights and powers or for the performance of the duties and obligations vested in the Trustee under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates other than as hereinafter expressly set forth, and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or such successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee, upon payment of its charges with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor relates and subject to Section 1003 shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee, to the extent contemplated by such supplemental indenture, the property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, subject to its lien, if any, provided for in Section 607.

(3) Upon request of any Person appointed hereunder as a successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) of this Section, as the case may be.

(4) No Person shall accept its appointment hereunder as a successor Trustee unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Person shall be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act and eligible under this Article.

Section 611. Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

Any Corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any Corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of

 

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the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated but not delivered by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities.

Section 612. Appointment of Authenticating Agent.

The Trustee may appoint one or more Authenticating Agents acceptable to the Company, and at the Company’s expense, with respect to one or more series of Securities which shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of that or those series issued upon original issue, exchange, registration of transfer, partial redemption or partial repayment, or pursuant to Section 306, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent.

Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and, except as provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, shall at all times be a Corporation that would be permitted by the Trust Indenture Act to act as trustee under an indenture qualified under the Trust Indenture Act, is authorized under applicable law and by its charter to act as an Authenticating Agent and has a combined capital and surplus (computed in accordance with Section 310(a)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act) of at least $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal or State authority. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

Any Corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any Corporation succeeding to all or substantially all of the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall be the successor of such Authenticating Agent hereunder, provided such Corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions

 

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of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall mail written notice of such appointment by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders of Registered Securities, if any, of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent shall serve, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register. Any successor Authenticating Agent, upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder, shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section.

The Company agrees to pay each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section. If the Trustee makes such payments, it shall be entitled to be reimbursed for such payments, subject to the provisions of Section 607.

The provisions of Sections 308, 604 and 605 shall be applicable to each Authenticating Agent.

If an Authenticating Agent is appointed with respect to one or more series of Securities pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to or in lieu of the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication in substantially the following form:

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

  [Date]     DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS,
      As Trustee
      By  

 

        As Authenticating Agent
      By  

 

        Authorized Signatory

If all of the Securities of any series may not be originally issued at one time, and if the Trustee does not have an office capable of authenticating Securities upon original issuance located in a Place of Payment where the Company wishes to have Securities of such series authenticated upon original issuance, the Trustee, if so requested in writing (which writing need not be accompanied by or contained in an Officers’ Certificate by the Company), shall appoint in accordance with this Section and such procedures as shall be acceptable to the Trustee an Authenticating Agent having an office in a Place of Payment designated by the Company with respect to such series of Securities.

 

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Section 613. Conflicting Interests.

If the Trustee has or shall acquire a conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall either eliminate such interest or resign, to the extent and in the manner provided by, and subject to the provisions of, the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. To the extent permitted by such Act, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to Securities of more than one series.

Section 614. Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

If and when the Trustee shall be or become a creditor of the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities), the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act regarding the collection of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor).

ARTICLE VII

HOLDERS LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

Section 701. Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

In accordance with Section 312(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Company shall furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee

(1) semi-annually with respect to Securities of each series not later than August 1 and February 1 of each year or upon such other dates as are set forth in or pursuant to the Company Resolution or indenture supplemental hereto authorizing such series, a list, in each case in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of Holders as of the preceding July 15 and January 15, as the case may be, and

(2) at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished, provided, however, that so long as the Trustee is the Security Registrar no such list shall be required to be furnished.

Section 702. Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

The Trustee shall comply with the obligations imposed upon it pursuant to Section 312 of the Trust Indenture Act. The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the Trust Indenture Act.

 

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Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or any Security Registrar shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any information as to the names and addresses of the Holders of Securities in accordance with Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, regardless of the source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under Section 312(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 703. Reports by Trustee.

(1) Within 60 days after July 15 of each year commencing with the first July 15 following the first issuance of Securities pursuant to Section 301, if required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall transmit, pursuant to Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, a brief report dated as of such July 15 with respect to any of the events specified in said Section 313(a) which may have occurred since the later of the immediately preceding July 15 and the date of this Indenture.

(2) The Trustee shall transmit the reports required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act at the times specified therein.

(3) Reports pursuant to this Section shall be transmitted in the manner and to the Persons required by Sections 313(c) and 313(d) of the Trust Indenture Act. The Company will notify the Trustee in writing when any Securities are listed on any stock exchange and of any delisting thereof.

Section 704. Reports by Company.

The Company, pursuant to Section 314(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, shall:

(1) file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is required to file the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) which the Company may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of said Sections, then it shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports which may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations;

(2) file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company, with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations; and

 

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(3) transmit within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, in the manner and to the extent provided in Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Section as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.

Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

All information, documents and reports described in this Section 704 and filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system or any successor system shall be deemed to be filed with the Trustee as of the time they are filed via such system; provided, however, that the Trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine whether or not such information, documents or reports have been filed pursuant to the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system or any successor system.

ARTICLE VIII

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER

Section 801. Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms.

The Company shall not consolidate with or merge into any other Corporation or convey or transfer its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, and no Person shall consolidate with or merge into the Company or convey or transfer its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to the Company, unless:

(1) in case the Company shall consolidate with or merge into another Corporation or convey or transfer its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, the Corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance or transfer the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a Corporation organized and existing under the laws of any domestic or foreign jurisdiction, and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to all the Securities and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;

(2) immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default, and no event which, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have happened and be continuing; and

(3) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance or transfer and such supplemental indenture, if any, comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been complied with.

 

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The conversion of the Company from its then-existing form of legal entity to another form of legal entity contemplated under the definition of “Corporation” (as set forth herein), as permitted by applicable law, shall be treated as a “merger” for purposes of this Indenture.

Section 802. Successor Person Substituted for Company.

Upon any consolidation or merger by the Company with or into any other Corporation, or any conveyance or transfer by the Company of its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person in accordance with Section 801, the successor Corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the successor Person to which such conveyance or transfer is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Corporation or successor Person, as applicable, had been named as the Company herein; and in the event of any such conveyance or transfer, the Company (which term shall for this purpose mean the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this Indenture or any successor Person which shall theretofore become such in the manner described in Section 801) shall be discharged from all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities and may be dissolved and liquidated.

ARTICLE IX

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

Section 901. Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders.

Without the consent of any Holders of Securities, the Company (when authorized by or pursuant to a Company Resolution) and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company, and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company contained herein and in the Securities; or

(2) to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (as shall be specified in such supplemental indenture or indentures) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or

(3) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to change or eliminate any restrictions on the payment of principal of, any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to Securities, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form, provided any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect; or

 

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(4) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301; or

(5) to provide for the issuance of additional Securities in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Indenture; or

(6) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 610; or

(7) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture; provided, that, no such action shall adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series then Outstanding in any material respect; or

(8) to add to, delete from or revise the conditions, limitations and restrictions on the authorized amount, terms or purposes of issue, authentication and delivery of Securities, as herein set forth; or

(9) to add any additional Events of Default with respect to all or any series of Securities (as shall be specified in such supplemental indenture); or

(10) to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of Securities pursuant to Article Four, provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of any Holder of a Security of such series or any other Security in any material respect; or

(11) to secure the Securities pursuant to Section 1008 or otherwise; or

(12) to make provisions with respect to conversion or exchange rights of Holders of Securities of any series; or

(13) to amend or supplement any provision contained herein or in any indenture supplemental hereto (which amendment or supplement may apply to one or more series of Securities or to one or more Securities within any series as specified in such supplemental indenture or indentures), provided that such amendment or supplement does not apply to any Outstanding Security issued prior to the date of such supplemental indenture and entitled to the benefits of such provision; or

(14) to amend or supplement any provision contained herein or in any indenture supplemental hereto that does not adversely affect the rights or interests of any Holder of Securities; or

(15) to amend or supplement any provision contained herein or in any indenture supplemental hereto (which amendment or supplement may apply to one or

 

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more series of Securities or to one or more Securities within any series as specified in such supplemental indenture or indentures) to conform the terms of the Indenture or the supplemental indenture to the descriptions thereof appearing in a preliminary prospectus, prospectus, prospectus supplement (including any pricing term sheet), offering memorandum or offering circular relating to such Securities as evidenced by an Officer’s Certificate; or

(16) to amend or supplement any provision contained herein or in any indenture supplemental hereto to the extent necessary to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act or under any similar federal statute subsequently enacted, and to add to this Indenture such other provisions as may be expressly required under the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 902. Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.

With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority of the aggregate in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series affected by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company (when authorized by or pursuant to a Company Resolution), and the Trustee may enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of the Securities of such series or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby, shall

(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any premium or installment of interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate (or modify the calculation of such rate) of interest thereon or any Additional Amounts with respect thereto, or any premium payable upon the redemption or repayment thereof or otherwise, or change the obligation of the Company to pay Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 1004, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502 or the amount thereof provable in bankruptcy pursuant to Section 504, adversely affect the right of repayment at the option of any Holder as contemplated by Article Thirteen, or change the Place of Payment, Currency in which the principal of, any premium or interest on, or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date or, in the case of repayment at the option of the Holder, on or after the Repayment Date), or

(2) reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver of certain defaults hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Indenture, or reduce the requirements of Section 1504 for quorum or voting, or

 

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(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section or Section 513, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby; provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any Holder with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes in this Section, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 610 and 901(6), or

(4) make any change that adversely affects the right to convert or exchange any Security for Equity Securities or other securities in accordance with its terms.

A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which shall have been included expressly and solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or which modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.

It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders of Securities under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof.

Section 903. Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

As a condition to executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trust created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 315 of the Trust Indenture Act) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such supplemental indenture is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture which affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

Section 904. Effect of Supplemental Indentures.

Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of a Security theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

Section 905. Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures.

Securities of any series authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company shall so determine, new Securities of any series so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series.

 

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Section 906. Conformity with Trust Indenture Act.

Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

ARTICLE X

COVENANTS

Section 1001. Payment of Principal, Any Premium, Interest and Additional Amounts.

The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of each series that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of, any premium and interest on and any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of such series in accordance with the terms thereof and this Indenture. Such payment shall be made to the Paying Agent no later than 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the date such payment is to be made.

Section 1002. Maintenance of Office or Agency.

The Company shall maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an Office or Agency where Securities of such series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities of such series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, where Securities of such series that are convertible or exchangeable may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of such series relating thereto and this Indenture may be served. The Company will give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such Office or Agency. If at any time the Company shall fail to maintain any such required Office or Agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and the Company hereby appoints the Trustee as its agent to receive all such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands.

The Company may also from time to time designate one or more other Offices or Agencies where the Securities of one or more series may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations; provided, however, that no such designation or rescission shall in any manner relieve the Company of its obligation to maintain an Office or Agency in each Place of Payment for Securities of any series for such purposes. The Company shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other Office or Agency. Unless otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture, the Company hereby designates as the Place of Payment for each series of Securities the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, and initially appoints the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as the Company’s Office or Agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York for such purpose. The Company may subsequently appoint a different Office or Agency in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York for the Securities of any series.

 

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Section 1003. Money for Securities Payments to be Held in Trust.

If the Company shall at any time act as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, it shall, on or before each due date of the principal of, any premium or interest on or Additional Amounts with respect to any of the Securities of such series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum in the Currency or Currencies in which the Securities of such series are payable (except as otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for the Securities of such series) sufficient to pay the principal or any premium, interest or Additional Amounts so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided, and shall promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

Whenever the Company shall have one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it shall, on or prior to each due date of the principal of, any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Securities of such series, deposit with any Paying Agent a sum (in the Currency or Currencies described in the preceding paragraph) sufficient to pay the principal or any premium, interest or Additional Amounts so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

The Company shall cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee a written instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent shall:

(1) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal of, any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to Securities of such series in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as provided in or pursuant to this Indenture;

(2) give the Trustee written notice of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of such series) in the making of any payment of principal, any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to the Securities of such series; and

(3) at any time during the continuance of any such default, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums so held in trust by such Paying Agent.

The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same terms as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such sums.

Except as otherwise provided herein or pursuant hereto, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the

 

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principal of, any premium or interest on or any Additional Amounts with respect to any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal or any such premium or interest or any such Additional Amounts shall have become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.

Section 1004. Additional Amounts.

If any Securities of a series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, the Company agrees to pay to the Holder of any such Security Additional Amounts as provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or such Securities. Whenever in this Indenture there is mentioned, in any context, the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on, or in respect of, any Security of any series or the net proceeds received on the sale or exchange of any Security of any series, such mention shall be deemed to include mention of the payment of Additional Amounts provided by the terms of such series established hereby or pursuant hereto to the extent that, in such context, Additional Amounts are, were or would be payable in respect thereof pursuant to such terms, and express mention of the payment of Additional Amounts (if applicable) in any provision hereof shall not be construed as excluding Additional Amounts in those provisions hereof where such express mention is not made.

Except as otherwise provided in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities of any series, if the Securities of a series provide for the payment of Additional Amounts, at least 10 days prior to the first Interest Payment Date with respect to such series of Securities (or if the Securities of such series shall not bear interest prior to Maturity, the first day on which a payment of principal is made), and at least 10 days prior to each date of payment of principal or interest if there has been any change with respect to the matters set forth in the below-mentioned Officers’ Certificate, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee and the principal Paying Agent or Paying Agents, if other than the Trustee, an Officers’ Certificate instructing the Trustee and such Paying Agent or Paying Agents whether such payment of principal of and premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Securities of such series shall be made to Holders of Securities of such series who are United States Aliens without withholding for or on account of any tax, assessment or other governmental charge described in the Securities of such series. If any such withholding shall be required, then such Officers’ Certificate shall specify by country the amount, if any, required to be withheld on such payments to such Holders of Securities, and the Company agrees to pay to the Trustee or such Paying Agent the Additional Amounts required by the terms of such Securities. The Company covenants to indemnify the Trustee and any Paying Agent for, and to hold them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense reasonably incurred without negligence or willful misconduct on their part arising out of or in connection with actions taken or omitted by any of them in reliance on any Officers’ Certificate furnished pursuant to this Section.

Section 1005. Preservation of Existence.

Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its limited liability company existence and the rights (charter and statutory) and franchises of the Company; provided, however, that the Company

 

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shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company, and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to the Holders.

Section 1006. Company Statement as to Compliance.

The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, an Officers’ Certificate (which need not comply with Section 102), stating as to each signer, that

(1) a review of the activities of the Company during such year and of performance under this Indenture has been made under his or her supervision; and

(2) to the best of his or her knowledge, based on such review, (a) the Company has fulfilled all its obligations under and complied with all covenants and conditions contained in this Indenture throughout such year, or, if there has been a default in the fulfillment of any such covenant, condition or obligation, specifying each such default known to him or her and the nature and status thereof, and (b) no event has occurred and is continuing which is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default under Section 501, or, if such an event has occurred and is continuing, specifying each such event known to him or her and the nature and status thereof.

At least one of the Person’s signing such Officers’ Certificate shall be the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer.

Section 1007. Calculation of Original Issue Discount.

The Company shall file with the Trustee promptly after the end of each calendar year (i) a written notice specifying the amount of original issue discount (including daily rates and accrual periods) accrued on Outstanding Securities, if any, as of the end of such year and (ii) such other specific information relating to such original issue discount as may then be relevant under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

Section 1008. Limitations on Liens.

Unless, pursuant to Section 301, this Section shall not be applicable with respect to the Securities of such series, the Company shall not, while any of the Subject Securities remain Outstanding, create, or suffer to be created or to exist, any Lien upon any Principal Property of the Company or upon any shares of stock of any Material Subsidiary of the Company, whether such Principal Property is, or shares of stock are, now owned or hereafter acquired, to secure any indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company, unless it shall make effective provision whereby the Subject Securities then Outstanding shall be secured by such Lien equally and ratably with any and all indebtedness for borrowed money thereby secured so long as any such indebtedness shall be so secured; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 1008 shall be construed to prevent the Company from creating, or from suffering to be created or to exist, any Liens, or any agreements, with respect to:

(1) purchase money mortgages, or other purchase money liens, pledges, security interests or encumbrances of any kind upon property hereafter acquired by the Company, or Liens of any kind existing on any property or any shares of stock or other securities at the time of the acquisition thereof (including Liens which exist on any property or any shares of stock or other securities of a Person which is consolidated with or merged with or into the Company or which transfers or leases all or substantially all of its properties to the Company), or conditional sales agreements or other title retention agreements and leases in the nature of title retention agreements with respect to any property hereafter acquired; provided, however, that no such Lien shall extend to or cover any other property of the Company; or

 

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(2) Liens upon any property of the Company or any shares of stock or other securities of any Material Subsidiary of the Company existing as of the date of the initial issuance of the Subject Securities or upon the shares of stock or other securities of any legal entity, which Liens existed at the time such entity became a Material Subsidiary of the Company; liens for taxes or assessments or other governmental charges or levies; pledges to secure other governmental charges or levies; pledges or deposits to secure obligations under worker’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation, including liens of judgments thereunder which are not currently dischargeable; pledges or deposits to secure performance in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money) or leases to which the Company is a party; pledges or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of the Company; builders’, materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, warehousemen’s, workers’, repairmen’s, operators’, landlords’ or other like liens in the ordinary course of business, or deposits to obtain the release of such liens; pledges or deposits to secure, or in lieu of, surety, stay, appeal, indemnity, customs, performance or return-of-money bonds; other pledges or deposits for similar purposes in the ordinary course of business; liens created by or resulting from any litigation or proceeding which at the time is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; liens incurred in connection with the issuance of bankers’ acceptances and lines of credit, bankers’ liens or rights of offset and any security given in the ordinary course of business to banks or others to secure any indebtedness payable on demand or maturing within 12 months of the date that such indebtedness is originally incurred; liens incurred in connection with repurchase, swap or other similar agreements (including, without limitation, commodity price, currency exchange and interest rate protection agreements); leases made, or existing on property acquired, in the ordinary course of business; liens securing industrial revenue or pollution control bonds; liens, pledges, security interests or other encumbrances on any property arising in connection with any defeasance, covenant defeasance or in-substance defeasance of indebtedness of the Company, including any Securities; liens created in connection with, and created to secure, a non-recourse obligation; zoning restrictions, easements, licenses, rights-of-way, restrictions on the use of property or minor irregularities in title thereto, which do not, in the opinion of the Company, materially impair the use of such property in the operation of the business of the Company or the value of such property for the purpose of such business; or

(3) Liens in favor of the United States, any foreign country or any department, agency or instrumentality or political subdivision of any such jurisdiction, to secure

 

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partial, progress, advance or other payments pursuant to any contract or statute or to secure any indebtedness incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or the cost of constructing or improving the property subject to such mortgages, including, without limitation, mortgages to secure indebtedness of the pollution control or industrial revenue bond type; or

(4) indebtedness which may be issued by the Company in connection with a consolidation or merger of the Company or any Material Subsidiary of the Company with or into any other Person (which may be an Affiliate of the Company or any Material Subsidiary of the Company) in exchange for or otherwise in substitution for secured indebtedness of such Person (“Third Party Debt”) which by its terms (i) is secured by a mortgage on all or a portion of the property of such Person, (ii) prohibits secured indebtedness from being incurred by such Person, unless the Third Party Debt shall be secured equally and ratably with such secured indebtedness or (iii) prohibits secured indebtedness from being incurred by such Person; or

(5) indebtedness of any Person which is required to be assumed by the Company in connection with a consolidation or merger of such Person, with respect to which any property of the Company is subjected to a Lien; or

(6) Liens of any kind upon any property acquired, constructed, developed or improved by the Company (whether alone or in association with others) after the date of initial issuance of the Subject Securities which are created prior to, at the time of, or within 18 months after such acquisition (or in the case of property constructed, developed or improved, after the completion of such construction, development or improvement and commencement of full commercial operation of such property, whichever is later) to secure or provide for the payment of any part of the purchase price or cost thereof; provided that in the case of such construction, development or improvement the Liens shall not apply to any property theretofore owned by the Company other than theretofore unimproved real property; or

(7) Liens in favor of the Company, one or more Material Subsidiaries of the Company, one or more wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Company or any of the foregoing in combination; or

(8) the replacement, extension or renewal (or successive replacements, extensions or renewals), as a whole or in part, of any Lien, or of any agreement, referred to above in clauses (1) through (7) inclusive, or the replacement, extension or renewal (not exceeding the principal amount of indebtedness secured thereby together with any premium, interest, fee or expense payable in connection with any such replacement, extension or renewal) of the indebtedness secured thereby; provided that such replacement, extension or renewal is limited to all or a part of the same property that secured the Lien replaced, extended or renewed (plus improvements thereon or additions or accessions thereto); or

(9) any other Lien not excepted by the foregoing clauses (1) through (8); provided that immediately after the creation or assumption of such Lien, the aggregate principal amount of indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company secured by all

 

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Liens created or assumed under the provisions of this clause (9) shall not exceed an amount equal to 10% of the members’ equity of the Company, as shown on its consolidated balance sheet for the accounting period occurring immediately prior to the creation or assumption of such Lien.

“Subject Securities” means Securities other than Securities to which the covenant in this Section 1008 is not applicable pursuant to Section 301.

ARTICLE XI

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

Section 1101. Applicability of Article.

Redemption of Securities of any series at the option of the Company as permitted or required by the terms of such Securities shall be made in accordance with the terms of such Securities and (except as otherwise provided herein or pursuant hereto) this Article.

Section 1102. Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by or pursuant to a Company Resolution. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all of the Securities of any series, the Company shall, at least 10 Business Days prior to the date the notice of redemption is to be sent (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee in writing of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed and, in the event that the Company shall determine that the Securities of any series to be redeemed shall be selected from Securities of such series having the same issue date, interest rate or interest rate formula, Stated Maturity and other terms (the “Equivalent Terms”), the Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of such Equivalent Terms. In the case of any redemption of Securities (a) prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture or (b) pursuant to an election of the Company which is subject to a condition specified in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officers’ Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction or condition.

Section 1103. Selection by Trustee of Securities to be Redeemed.

If less than all of the Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all of the Securities of any series with Equivalent Terms are to be redeemed) or if less than all of the Securities of any series with Equivalent Terms are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 45 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee from the Outstanding Securities of such series or from the Outstanding Securities of such series with Equivalent Terms, as the case may be, not previously called for redemption, by lot, pro rata or such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate, each in accordance with the procedures of the Depositary, and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions of the principal amount of Registered Securities of such series; provided, however, that no such partial redemption shall reduce the portion of the principal amount of a Registered Security of such series not redeemed to less than the minimum denomination for a Security of such series established herein or pursuant hereto.

 

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The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Security Registrar (if other than itself) in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities which has been or is to be redeemed.

Unless otherwise specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities of any series, if any Security selected for partial redemption is converted or exchanged for Equity Securities or other securities in part before termination of the conversion or exchange right with respect to the portion of the Security so selected, the converted or exchanged portion of such Security shall be deemed (so far as may be) to be the portion selected for redemption. Securities which have been converted or exchanged during a selection of Securities to be redeemed shall be treated by the Trustee as Outstanding for the purpose of such selection.

The Trustee shall not be liable for selections made by it in accordance with this Section 1103.

Section 1104. Notice of Redemption.

Notice of redemption shall be given in the manner provided in Section 106, not less than 20 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date unless in accordance with a satisfaction and discharge pursuant to Section 401 to the Holders of Securities to be redeemed. Failure to give notice by mailing in the manner herein provided to the Holder of any Registered Securities designated for redemption as a whole or in part, or any defect in the notice to any such Holder, shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Securities or portion thereof. Any notice that is mailed to the Holder of any Registered Securities in the manner herein provided shall be conclusively presumed to have been duly given, whether or not such Holder receives the notice.

All notices of redemption shall state:

(1) the Redemption Date,

(2) the Redemption Price, or if not then ascertainable, the manner of calculation thereof,

(3) if less than all Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed (unless all of the Securities of any series with Equivalent Terms are to be redeemed), the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amount) of the particular Security or Securities to be redeemed,

(4) in case any Security is to be redeemed in part only, the notice which relates to such Security shall state that on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender

 

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of such Security, the Holder of such Security will receive, without charge, a new Security or Securities of authorized denominations for the principal amount thereof remaining unredeemed,

(5) that, on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price shall become due and payable upon each such Security or portion thereof to be redeemed, and, if applicable, that interest thereon shall cease to accrue on and after said date,

(6) the place or places where such Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price and any accrued interest and Additional Amounts pertaining thereto,

(7) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case,

(8) in the case of Securities of any series that are convertible or exchangeable into Equity Securities or other securities, the conversion or exchange price or rate, the date or dates on which the right to convert or exchange the principal of the Securities of such series to be redeemed will commence or terminate and the place or places where such Securities may be surrendered for conversion or exchange, and

(9) the CUSIP number or the Euroclear or the Cedel reference numbers of such Securities, if any (or any other numbers used by a U.S. Depositary or Depositary to identify such Securities).

A notice of redemption published as contemplated by Section 106 need not identify particular Registered Securities to be redeemed.

Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities in accordance with Section 301, with respect to any redemption of Securities at the election of the Company, unless, upon the giving of notice of such redemption, defeasance shall have been effected with respect to such Securities pursuant to Section 402, such notice may state that such redemption shall be conditional upon the receipt by the Trustee or the Paying Agent(s) for such Securities, on or prior to the date fixed for such redemption, of money sufficient to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on such Securities and that if such money shall not have been so received such notice shall be of no force or effect and the Company shall not be required to redeem such Securities. In the event that such notice of redemption contains such a condition and such money is not so received, the redemption shall not be made and within a reasonable time thereafter notice shall be given, in the manner in which the notice of redemption was given, that such money was not so received and such redemption was not required to be made, and the Trustee or Paying Agent(s) for the Securities otherwise to have been redeemed shall promptly return to the Holders thereof any of such Securities which had been surrendered for payment upon such redemption.

Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, on Company Request, in accordance with Section 1102 hereof, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

 

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The Company shall give the Trustee written notice of the amount of any Redemption Price that is subject to calculation, promptly after the calculation thereof and the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on the same.

Section 1105. Deposit of Redemption Price.

On or prior to 10:00 a.m. New York City time on any Redemption Date, the Company shall deposit, with respect to the Securities of any series called for redemption pursuant to Section 1104, with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money in the applicable Currency sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date, unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301 for or in the Securities of such series) any accrued interest on and Additional Amounts with respect thereto, all such Securities or portions thereof which are to be redeemed on that date.

Section 1106. Securities Payable on Redemption Date.

Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Securities so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified, subject to the fourth paragraph of Section 1104, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with any accrued interest and Additional Amounts to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that, except as otherwise specified in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Registered Securities of such series, installments of interest on Registered Securities whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the Regular Record Dates therefor according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.

If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium, until paid, shall bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security.

Section 1107. Securities Redeemed in Part.

Any Registered Security which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at any Office or Agency for such Security (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing) and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Registered Security or Securities of the same series, containing identical terms and provisions, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered. If a Security in global form is so surrendered, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the U.S. Depositary or other Depositary for such Security (or the custodian with respect to such Depositary) in global form as shall be specified in the Company Order with respect thereto to the Trustee, without service charge, a new Security in global form in a denomination equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security in global form so surrendered.

 

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ARTICLE XII

SINKING FUNDS

Section 1201. Applicability of Article.

The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to any sinking fund for the retirement of Securities of a series, except as otherwise permitted or required in or pursuant to this Indenture or any Security of such series issued pursuant to this Indenture.

The minimum amount of any sinking fund payment provided for by the terms of Securities of any series is herein referred to as a “mandatory sinking fund payment,” and any payment in excess of such minimum amount provided for by the terms of Securities of such series is herein referred to as an “optional sinking fund payment.” If provided for by the terms of Securities of any series, the cash amount of any sinking fund payment may be subject to reduction as provided in Section 1202. Each sinking fund payment shall be applied to the redemption of Securities of any series as provided for by the terms of Securities of such series and this Indenture.

Section 1202. Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.

The Company may, in satisfaction of all or any part of any sinking fund payment with respect to the Securities of any series to be made pursuant to the terms of such Securities (1) deliver Outstanding Securities of such series (other than any of such Securities previously called for redemption or any of such Securities in respect of which cash shall have been released to the Company), and (2) apply as a credit Securities of such series which have been redeemed either at the election of the Company pursuant to the terms of such series of Securities or through the application of permitted optional sinking fund payments pursuant to the terms of such Securities, provided that such Securities have not been previously so credited. Such Securities shall be received and credited for such purpose by the Trustee at the Redemption Price specified in such Securities for redemption through operation of the sinking fund and the amount of such sinking fund payment shall be reduced accordingly. If as a result of the delivery or credit of Securities of any series in lieu of cash payments pursuant to this Section 1202, the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed in order to exhaust the aforesaid cash payment shall be less than $100,000, the Trustee need not call Securities of such series for redemption, except upon Company Request, and such cash payment shall be held by the Trustee or a Paying Agent and applied to the next succeeding sinking fund payment, provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent shall at the request of the Company from time to time pay over and deliver to the Company any cash payment so being held by the Trustee or such Paying Agent upon delivery by the Company to the Trustee of Securities of that series purchased by the Company having an unpaid principal amount equal to the cash payment requested to be released to the Company.

 

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Section 1203. Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.

Not less than 75 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying the amount of the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by payment of cash and the portion thereof, if any, which is to be satisfied by delivering and crediting of Securities of that series pursuant to Section 1202, the basis for such credit, that such Securities have not been previously so credited and the optional amount, if any, to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so credited and not theretofore delivered. If such Officers’ Certificate shall specify an optional amount to be added in cash to the next ensuing mandatory sinking fund payment, the Company shall thereupon be obligated to pay the amount therein specified. Not less than 45 days before each such sinking fund payment date the Trustee shall select the Securities to be redeemed upon such sinking fund payment date in the manner specified in Section 1103 and cause notice of the redemption thereof to be given in the name of and at the expense of the Company in the manner provided in Section 1104. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1106 and 1107.

ARTICLE XIII

REPAYMENT AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS

Section 1301. Applicability of Article.

Repayment of Securities of any series before their Stated Maturity at the option of Holders thereof shall be made in accordance with the terms of such Securities and (except as otherwise specified by the terms of such series established pursuant to Section 301) in accordance with this Article.

Section 1302. Repayment of Securities.

Securities of any series subject to repayment in whole or in part at the option of the Holders thereof will, unless otherwise provided in the terms of such Securities, be repaid at a price equal to the principal amount thereof, together with interest, if any, thereon accrued to the Repayment Date specified in or pursuant to the terms of such Securities. The Company covenants that on or before the Repayment Date it will deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Company is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 1003) an amount of money sufficient to pay the principal (or, if so provided by the terms of the Securities of any series, a percentage of the principal) of, and (except if the Repayment Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities or portions thereof, as the case may be, to be repaid on such date.

Section 1303. Exercise of Option.

Securities of any series subject to repayment at the option of the Holders thereof will contain an “Option to Elect Repayment” form on such Securities. In order for any Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, the Trustee must receive at the Place of Payment therefor specified in the terms of such Security (or at such other place or places of which the Company shall from time to time notify the Holders of such Securities) not earlier than 180 days nor later

 

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than 60 days prior to the Repayment Date (1) the Security so providing for such repayment together with the “Option to Elect Repayment” form duly completed by the Holder (or by the Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing) or (2) a facsimile transmission or a letter from a member of a national securities exchange, or FINRA, or a commercial bank or trust company in the United States setting forth the name of the Holder of Security, the principal amount of the Security, the amount of the Security to be repaid, the certificate number or a description of the tenor and terms of the Security, a statement that the option to elect repayment is being exercised thereby and a guarantee that the Security to be repaid, together with the duly completed form entitled “Option to Elect Repayment,” will be received by the Trustee not later than the fifth Business Day after the date of such facsimile transmission or letter; provided, however, that such facsimile transmission or letter shall only be effective if such Security and form duly completed are received by the Trustee by such fifth Business Day. If less than the entire principal amount of such Security is to be repaid in accordance with the terms of such Security, the principal amount of such Security to be repaid, in increments of the minimum denomination for Securities of such series, and the denomination or denominations of the Security or Securities to be issued to the Holder for the portion of the principal amount of such Security surrendered that is not to be repaid, must be specified. The principal amount of any Security providing for repayment at the option of the Holder thereof may not be repaid in part if, following such repayment, the unpaid principal amount of such Security would be less than the minimum authorized denomination of Securities of the series of which such Security to be repaid is a part. Except as otherwise may be provided by the terms of any Security providing for repayment at the option of the Holder thereof, exercise of the repayment option by the Holder shall be irrevocable unless waived by the Company.

Section 1304. When Securities Presented for Repayment Become Due and Payable.

If the Securities of any series providing for repayment at the option of the Holders thereof shall have been surrendered as provided in this Article and as provided by or pursuant to the terms of such Securities, such Securities or the portions thereof, as the case may be, to be repaid shall become due and payable and shall be paid by the Company on the Repayment Date therein specified, and on and after such Repayment Date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of such Securities on such Repayment Date) such Securities so to be repaid shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for repayment in accordance with such provisions, the principal amount of such Security so to be repaid shall be paid by the Company, together with accrued interest, if any, to the Repayment Date; provided that, installments of interest, if any, whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Repayment Date shall be payable (but without interest thereon, unless the Company shall default in the payment thereof) to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.

If the principal amount of any Security surrendered for repayment shall not be so repaid upon surrender thereof, such principal amount (together with interest, if any, thereon accrued to such Repayment Date) shall, until paid, bear interest from the Repayment Date at the rate of interest set forth in such Security.

 

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Section 1305. Securities Repaid in Part.

Upon surrender of any Registered Security which is to be repaid in part only (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing), the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security, without service charge and at the expense of the Company, a new Registered Security or Securities of the same series, Stated Maturity and original issue date of any authorized denomination specified by the Holder, in an aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the portion of the principal of such Security so surrendered which is not to be repaid.

Section 1306. Compliance with Exchange Act.

In connection with any repayment of Securities pursuant to this Article, the Company will comply with the provisions of Rule 13e-4, Rule 14e-1 and any other tender offer rules under the Exchange Act, if required, and will file Schedule 13E-4 or any other schedule, if required.

ARTICLE XIV

SECURITIES IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES

Section 1401. Applicability of Article.

Whenever this Indenture provides for any distribution to Holders of Securities of any series in which not all of such Securities are denominated in the same Currency, in the absence of any provision to the contrary in or pursuant to this Indenture or the Securities of such series, any amount in respect of any Security denominated in a Currency other than Dollars shall be treated for any such distribution as that amount of Dollars that could be obtained for such amount on such reasonable basis of exchange and as of the record date with respect to Registered Securities of such series (if any) for such distribution (or, if there shall be no applicable record date, such other date reasonably proximate to the date of such distribution) as the Company may specify in a written notice to the Trustee or, in the absence of such written notice, as the Trustee may determine.

ARTICLE XV

MEETINGS OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES

Section 1501. Purposes for Which Meetings may be Called.

A meeting of Holders of Securities of any series may be called at any time and from time to time pursuant to this Article to make, give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act provided by this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders of Securities of such series.

Section 1502. Call, Notice and Place of Meetings.

(1) The Trustee may at any time call a meeting of Holders of Securities of any series for any purpose specified in Section 1501, to be held at such time and at such place as the Trustee shall determine. Notice of every meeting of Holders of Securities of any series, setting forth the

 

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time and the place of such meeting and in general terms the action proposed to be taken at such meeting, shall be given, in the manner provided in Section 106, not less than 21 nor more than 180 days prior to the date fixed for the meeting.

(2) In case at any time the Company (by or pursuant to a Company Resolution) or the Holders of at least 10% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series shall have requested the Trustee to call a meeting of the Holders of Securities of such series for any purpose specified in Section 1501, by written request setting forth in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken at the meeting, and the Trustee shall not have mailed notice of or made the first publication of the notice of such meeting within 21 days after receipt of such request (whichever shall be required pursuant to Section 106) or shall not thereafter proceed to cause the meeting to be held as provided herein, then the Company or the Holders of Securities of such series in the amount above specified, as the case may be, may determine the time and the place in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, for such meeting and may call such meeting for such purposes by giving notice thereof as provided in clause (1) of this Section.

Section 1503. Persons Entitled to Vote at Meetings.

To be entitled to vote at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series, a Person shall be (1) a Holder of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series, or (2) a Person appointed by an instrument in writing as proxy for a Holder or Holders of one or more Outstanding Securities of such series by such Holder or Holders. The only Persons who shall be entitled to be present or to speak at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be the Persons entitled to vote at such meeting and their counsel, any representatives of the Trustee and its counsel and any representatives of the Company and its counsel.

 

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Section 1504. Quorum; Action.

The Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series shall constitute a quorum for a meeting of Holders of Securities of such series; provided, however, that if any action is to be taken at such meeting with respect to a consent or waiver which this Indenture expressly provides may be given by the Holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series, the Persons entitled to vote 66-2/3% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of a quorum within 30 minutes after the time appointed for any such meeting, the meeting shall, if convened at the request of Holders of Securities of such series, be dissolved. In any other case the meeting may be adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such meeting. In the absence of a quorum at any such adjourned meeting, such adjourned meeting may be further adjourned for a period of not less than 10 days as determined by the chairman of the meeting prior to the adjournment of such adjourned meeting. Notice of the reconvening of any adjourned meeting shall be given as provided in Section 1502(1), except that such notice need be given only once not less than five days prior to the date on which the meeting is scheduled to be reconvened. Notice of the reconvening of an adjourned meeting shall state expressly the percentage, as provided above, of the principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series which shall constitute a quorum.

Except as limited by the proviso to Section 902, any resolution presented to a meeting or adjourned meeting duly reconvened at which a quorum is present as aforesaid may be adopted only by the affirmative vote of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series; provided, however, that, except as limited by the proviso to Section 902, any resolution with respect to any consent or waiver which this Indenture expressly provides may be given by the Holders of at least 66-2/3% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly convened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid only by the affirmative vote of the Holders of 66-2/3% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series; and provided, further, that, except as limited by the proviso to Section 902, any resolution with respect to any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act which this Indenture expressly provides may be made, given or taken by the Holders of a specified percentage, which is less than a majority, in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of a series may be adopted at a meeting or an adjourned meeting duly reconvened and at which a quorum is present as aforesaid by the affirmative vote of the Holders of such specified percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series.

Any resolution passed or decision taken at any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly held in accordance with this Section shall be binding on all the Holders of Securities of such series, whether or not such Holders were present or represented at the meeting.

Section 1505. Determination of Voting Rights; Conduct and Adjournment of Meetings.

(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee may make such reasonable regulations as it may deem advisable for any meeting of Holders of Securities of such series in regard to proof of the holding of Securities of such series and of the appointment of proxies and in regard to the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes, the submission and

 

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examination of proxies, certificates and other evidence of the right to vote, and such other matters concerning the conduct of the meeting as it shall deem appropriate. Except as otherwise permitted or required by any such regulations, the holding of Securities shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104 and the appointment of any proxy shall be proved in the manner specified in Section 104. Such regulations may provide that written instruments appointing proxies, regular on their face, may be presumed valid and genuine without the proof specified in Section 104 or other proof.

(2) The Trustee shall, by an instrument in writing, appoint a temporary chairman of the meeting, unless the meeting shall have been called by the Company or by Holders of Securities as provided in Section 1502(2), in which case the Company or the Holders of Securities of the series calling the meeting, as the case may be, shall in like manner appoint a temporary chairman. A permanent chairman and a permanent secretary of the meeting shall be elected by vote of the Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting.

(3) At any meeting, each Holder of a Security of such series or proxy shall be entitled to one vote for each minimum denomination of principal amount of Securities of such series held or represented by him; provided, however, that no vote shall be cast or counted at any meeting in respect of any Security challenged as not Outstanding and ruled by the chairman of the meeting to be not Outstanding. The chairman of the meeting shall have no right to vote, except as a Holder of a Security of such series or proxy.

(4) Any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series duly called pursuant to Section 1502 at which a quorum is present may be adjourned from time to time by Persons entitled to vote a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series represented at the meeting; and the meeting may be held as so adjourned without further notice.

Section 1506. Counting Votes and Recording Action of Meetings.

The vote upon any resolution submitted to any meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be by written ballots on which shall be subscribed the signatures of the Holders of Securities of such series or of their representatives by proxy and the principal amounts and serial numbers of the Outstanding Securities of such series held or represented by them. The permanent chairman of the meeting shall appoint two inspectors of votes who shall count all votes cast at the meeting for or against any resolution and who shall make and file with the secretary of the meeting their verified written reports in triplicate of all votes cast at the meeting. A record, at least in triplicate, of the proceedings of each meeting of Holders of Securities of any series shall be prepared by the secretary of the meeting and there shall be attached to said record the original reports of the inspectors of votes on any vote by ballot taken thereat and affidavits by one or more persons having knowledge of the facts setting forth a copy of the notice of the meeting and showing that said notice was given as provided in Section 1502 and, if applicable, Section 1504. Each copy shall be signed and verified by the affidavits of the permanent chairman and secretary of the meeting and one such copy shall be delivered to the Company, and another to the Trustee to be preserved by the Trustee, the latter to have attached thereto the ballots voted at the meeting. Any record so signed and verified shall be conclusive evidence of the matters therein stated.

 

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ARTICLE XVI

IMMUNITY OF ORGANIZERS, MEMBERS,

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

Section 1601. Indenture and Securities Solely Corporate Obligations.

No recourse for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, and no recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of the Company in this Indenture or in any supplemental indenture, or in any Security, or because of the creation of any indebtedness represented thereby, shall be had against any organizer, member, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or of any successor entity, either directly or through the Company or any successor entity, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being expressly understood that all such liability is hereby expressly waived and released as a condition of, and as a consideration for, the execution of this Indenture and the issue of the Securities.

*     *     *     *     *

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ G. Scott Hetzer

Name:   G. Scott Hetzer
Title:   Senior Vice President – Tax and Treasurer
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee
By:   Deutsche Bank National Trust Company
By:  

/s/ Jacqueline Bartnick

Name:   Jacqueline Bartnick
Title:   Director
By:  

/s/ Michael Dunlaevy

Name:   Michael Dunlaevy
Title:   Director

 

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Exhibit 4.2

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

Issuer

AND

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS

Trustee

 

 

First Supplemental Indenture

Dated as of October 1, 2013

 

 

$400,000,000

2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes

due 2016


TABLE OF CONTENTS*

 

ARTICLE I

2013 SERIES A 1.05% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2016

  

  

SECTION 101. Establishment

     1   

SECTION 102. Definitions

     2   

SECTION 103. Payment of Principal and Interest

     5   

SECTION 104. Denominations

     6   

SECTION 105. Global Securities

     6   

SECTION 106. Redemption

     7   

SECTION 107. Sinking Fund

     8   

SECTION 108. Interest on Overdue Amounts

     8   

SECTION 109. Paying Agent

     8   

SECTION 110. Registration Default

     8   

SECTION 111. Reports by Company

     8   

ARTICLE II

TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE

  

  

SECTION 201. Transfer and Exchange of Global Securities

     9   

SECTION 202. Restricted Legend

     9   

SECTION 203. Removal of Restricted Legend

     10   

SECTION 204. Registration of Transfer or Exchange

     11   

SECTION 205. Preservation of Information

     11   

SECTION 206. Acknowledgement of Restrictions; Indemnification; No Obligation of Trustee

     11   

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

  

  

SECTION 301. Ratification and Incorporation of Base Indenture

     12   

SECTION 302. Executed in Counterparts

     12   

SECTION 303. Assignment

     12   

SECTION 304. Trustee’s Disclaimer

     13   

 

 

* This Table of Contents does not constitute part of the Indenture or have any bearing upon the interpretation of any of its terms and provisions.


THIS FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE is made as of the 1st day of October, 2013, by and between DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company, having its principal office at 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 (the “Company”), and DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, a New York banking corporation, as Trustee, having a corporate trust office at 60 Wall Street, 27 th Floor, New York, New York 10005 (herein called the “Trustee”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore entered into a Senior Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013, between the Company and the Trustee (as amended, restated or otherwise modified, the “Base Indenture”);

WHEREAS, the Base Indenture is incorporated herein by this reference and the Base Indenture, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, and as may be hereafter supplemented or amended from time to time, is herein called the “Indenture”;

WHEREAS, under the Base Indenture, a new series of Securities may at any time be established in accordance with the provisions of the Base Indenture and the terms of such series may be described by a supplemental indenture executed by the Company and the Trustee;

WHEREAS, the Company proposes to create under the Indenture a new series of Securities;

WHEREAS, additional Securities of other series hereafter established, except as may be limited in the Base Indenture as at the time supplemented and modified, may be issued from time to time pursuant to the Indenture as at the time supplemented and modified;

WHEREAS, all conditions necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture and to make it a valid and binding obligation of the Company have been done or performed.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

2013 SERIES A 1.05% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2016

SECTION 101. Establishment . There is hereby established a new series of Securities to be issued under the Indenture, to be designated as the Company’s 2013 Series A Senior Notes due 2016.

There are to be authenticated and delivered $400,000,000 principal amount of Series A Senior Notes, and such principal amount of the Series A Senior Notes may be increased from


time to time pursuant to the penultimate paragraph of Section 301 of the Base Indenture. All Series A Senior Notes need not be issued at the same time and such series may be reopened at any time, without the consent of any Holder, for issuances of additional Series A Senior Notes. Any such additional Series A Senior Notes will have the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as those initially issued. Further Series A Senior Notes may also be authenticated and delivered as provided by Sections 304, 305, 306, 905 or 1107 of the Base Indenture. Exchange Notes may be issued in exchange for Initial Series A Senior Notes.

The Series A Senior Notes shall be issued in definitive fully registered form without coupons, in substantially the form set out in Exhibit A hereto. The entire initially issued principal amount of the Series A Senior Notes shall initially be evidenced by one or more certificates issued to Cede & Co., as nominee for The Depository Trust Company.

The form of the Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication for the Series A Senior Notes shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit B hereto.

Each Series A Senior Note shall be dated the date of authentication thereof and shall bear interest from the date of original issuance thereof or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for.

SECTION 102. Definitions . The following defined terms used herein shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the meanings specified below. Capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Base Indenture. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to a “Section” refers to a Section of this First Supplemental Indenture.

“Additional Interest” has the meaning set forth in Section 110.

“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Redemption Date: (i) the yield, under the heading which represents the average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently published statistical release designated “H.15(519)” or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities,” for the maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue (if no maturity is within three months before or after the Remaining Life, yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue will be determined and the Adjusted Treasury Rate will be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight line basis, rounding to the nearest month); or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such yields, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such Redemption Date.

“Business Day” means a day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday, (ii) a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to remain closed or (iii) a day on which the Corporate Trust Office is closed for business.

 

2


“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Series A Senior Notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the Remaining Life.

“Comparable Treasury Price” for any Redemption Date means (i) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (ii) if the Independent Investment Banker obtains fewer than five such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.

“Distribution Compliance Period” as the meaning set forth in Section 204.

“Exchange Notes” means any securities issued by the Company pursuant to the Exchange Offer or otherwise pursuant to an effective Registration and containing terms identical in all material respects to the Initial Series A Senior Notes for which they are exchanged except that (i) interest thereon shall accrue from the last date on which interest was paid on the Initial Series A Senior Notes or, if no such interest has been paid, from the Original Issue Date, (ii) the Exchange Notes will not contain the Restricted Legend and will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions and (iii) the Exchange Notes will not contain terms with respect to the payment of Additional Interest for failure to comply with the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Exchange Offer” means the exchange offer by the Company of the Exchange Notes for Initial Series A Senior Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Independent Investment Banker” means any of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., and their respective affiliates or successors, as selected by the Company, or if any such firm is unwilling or unable to serve as such, an independent investment and banking institution of national standing appointed by the Company.

“Initial Series A Senior Notes” means the Series A Senior Notes issued under this First Supplemental Indenture which are not Exchange Notes.

“Interest Payment Dates” means May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2014.

“Original Issue Date” means October 22, 2013.

“Outstanding,” when used with respect to the Series A Senior Notes, means, as of the date of determination, all Series A Senior Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered under the Indenture, except:

(i) Series A Senior Notes theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

(ii) Series A Senior Notes for whose payment at the Maturity thereof money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited (other than pursuant to Section 402 of the Base Indenture) with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set

 

3


aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Series A Senior Notes, provided that, if such Series A Senior Notes are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

(iii) Series A Senior Notes with respect to which the Company has effected defeasance or covenant defeasance pursuant to Section 402 of the Base Indenture, except to the extent provided in Section 402 of the Base Indenture; and

(iv) Series A Senior Notes that have been paid pursuant to Section 306 of the Base Indenture or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Series A Senior Notes have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the Indenture, other than any such Series A Senior Notes in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Series A Senior Notes are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Series A Senior Notes are valid obligations of the Company;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Series A Senior Notes have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the Indenture or are present at a meeting of Holders of Series A Senior Notes for quorum purposes, Series A Senior Notes owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Series A Senior Notes or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in making any such determination or relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Series A Senior Notes which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Series A Senior Notes so owned which shall have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee (A) the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Series A Senior Notes and (B) that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Series A Senior Notes or an Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor.

“Primary Treasury Dealer” means a primary United States government securities dealer in the United States as designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., and their respective affiliates or successors; provided that, if any such firm or its successors ceases to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, the Company shall substitute another Primary Treasury Dealer.

“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent Investment Banker at 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the third Business Day preceding such Redemption Date.

 

4


“Registration” means a registered exchange offer for the Series A Senior Notes by the Company or other registration of the Series A Senior Notes under the Securities Act pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Registration Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 110.

“Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2013, among the Company and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., as the initial purchasers of the Series A Senior Notes.

“Regular Record Date” means, with respect to each Interest Payment Date, the close of business on the Business Day preceding such Interest Payment Date; provided, that with respect to Series A Senior Notes that are not represented by one or more Global Securities, the Regular Record Date shall be the close of business on the 15th calendar day (whether or not a Business Day) preceding such Interest Payment Date.

“Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

“Regulation S Global Security” has the meaning set forth in Section 105.

“Remaining Life” means the remaining term in years and months of the Series A Senior Notes.

“Restricted Legend” has the meaning set forth in Section 202.

“Restricted Security” has the meaning set forth in Section 202.

“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

“Rule 144A Global Security” has the meaning set forth in Section 105.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

“Series A Senior Notes” means the Initial Series A Senior Notes and any Exchange Notes to be issued and exchanged for any Initial Series A Senior Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement and this First Supplemental Indenture.

“Stated Maturity” means November 1, 2016.

The terms “Company,” “Trustee,” “Base Indenture,” and “Indenture” shall have the respective meanings set forth in the recitals to this First Supplemental Indenture and the paragraph preceding such recitals.

SECTION 103. Payment of Principal and Interest . The principal of the Series A Senior Notes shall be due at the Stated Maturity (unless earlier redeemed). The unpaid principal amount of the Series A Senior Notes shall bear interest at the rate of 1.05% per annum until paid or duly provided for, such interest to accrue from the Original Issue Date or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for. Interest shall be paid

 

5


semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date to the Person in whose name the Series A Senior Notes are registered on the Regular Record Date for such Interest Payment Date; provided that interest payable at the Stated Maturity of principal or on a Redemption Date as provided herein will be paid to the Person to whom principal is payable. Any such interest that is not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holders on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person or Persons in whose name the Series A Senior Notes are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the Trustee (in accordance with Section 307 of the Base Indenture), notice whereof shall be given to Holders of the Series A Senior Notes not less than ten (10) days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange, if any, on which the Series A Senior Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by any such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Base Indenture.

Payments of interest on the Series A Senior Notes will include interest accrued to but excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates. Interest payments for the Series A Senior Notes shall be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the Series A Senior Notes is not a Business Day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or payment in respect of any such delay), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable.

Payment of the principal and interest on the Series A Senior Notes shall be made at the office of the Paying Agent in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts, with any such payment that is due at the Stated Maturity of any Series A Senior Notes, upon redemption or repurchase being made upon surrender of such Series A Senior Notes to the Paying Agent. Payments of interest (including interest on any Interest Payment Date) will be made, subject to such surrender where applicable, at the option of the Company, (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register or (ii) by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Trustee at least sixteen (16) days prior to the date for payment by the Person entitled thereto. In the event that any date on which principal and interest is payable on the Series A Senior Notes is not a Business Day, then payment of the principal and interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or payment in respect of any such delay), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable.

SECTION 104. Denominations . The Series A Senior Notes may be issued in denominations of $2,000, or any greater integral multiple of $1,000.

SECTION 105. Global Securities . The Series A Senior Notes offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A will be initially issued in the form of one or more Global Securities (the “Rule 144A Global Security”), and the Series A Senior Notes offered and sold in offshore transactions to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S will be initially issued in the form of one or more Global Securities (the “Regulation S Global Security”), in each case registered in the name of the Depositary (which shall be The Depository Trust Company) or its nominee. Except under the limited circumstances described below, Series A Senior Notes

 

6


represented by such Global Securities will not be exchangeable for, and will not otherwise be issuable as, Series A Senior Notes in definitive form registered in names other than the Depositary or its nominee. The Global Securities described above may not be transferred except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or its nominee.

Owners of beneficial interests in such a Global Security will not be considered the Holders thereof for any purpose under the Indenture, and no Global Security representing a Series A Senior Note shall be exchangeable, except for another Global Security of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee or to a successor Depositary or its nominee or except as described below. The rights of Holders of such Global Security shall be exercised only through the Depositary.

A Global Security shall be exchangeable for Series A Senior Notes registered in the names of persons other than the Depositary or its nominee only if (i) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a Depositary for such Global Security and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days of receipt by the Company of such notification, or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when the Depositary is required to be so registered to act as such Depositary and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days after it becomes aware of such cessation, (ii) the Company in its sole discretion, and subject to the procedures of the Depositary, determines that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable, in which case Series A Senior Notes in definitive form will be printed and delivered to the Depositary, or (iii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Series A Senior Notes. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for Series A Senior Notes registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct.

SECTION 106. Redemption . The Series A Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part at any time and from time to time at the option of the Company, at a Redemption Price equal to the greater of:

(i) 100% of the principal amount of Series A Senior Notes then Outstanding to be so redeemed, or

(ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate, plus 10 basis points, as calculated by an Independent Investment Banker,

plus, in either of the above cases, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the Redemption Date.

The Adjusted Treasury Rate shall be calculated no later than the second Business Day preceding the Redemption Date.

 

7


Unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Redemption Price, on and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Series A Senior Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

In the event of the redemption of the Series A Senior Notes in part only, a new Series A Senior Note or Notes for the unredeemed portion will be issued in the name or names of the Holders thereof upon surrender thereof.

The Company shall notify the Trustee of the Redemption Price in writing promptly after the calculation thereof and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for such calculation. The notice of redemption shall be sent in accordance with the terms of the Base Indenture.

SECTION 107. Sinking Fund . The Series A Senior Notes shall not have a sinking fund.

SECTION 108. Interest on Overdue Amounts . Any principal of and installment of interest on the Series A Senior Notes that is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of 1.05% (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand.

SECTION 109. Paying Agent . The Trustee shall initially serve as Paying Agent with respect to the Series A Senior Notes, with the Place of Payment initially being the Corporate Trust Office.

SECTION 110. Registration Default . In the event that a Registration Default (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) occurs, the Company shall pay additional interest (in addition to the interest otherwise due) (“Additional Interest”) to the Holder during the first 90-day period beginning the day following such Registration Default in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum (regardless of the number of Registration Defaults), increasing by 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, until and including the date such Registration Default ends (as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement), up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum. The Company shall pay amounts due in respect of Additional Interest on each Interest Payment Date (or, if the Company shall default in the payment of interest on any Interest Payment Date, on the date such interest is otherwise paid as provided in the Base Indenture).

SECTION 111. Reports by Company . The Company shall, if the Company is not then subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and because the Commission has not promulgated any rules or regulations for issuers in the Company’s circumstances, until such time as the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide to the Trustee and all Holders of Series A Senior Notes, upon request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act unless such information is available on the Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system or any successor system; provided, however, that the Trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine whether or not such information has been filed pursuant to the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system or any successor system.

 

8


Delivery of information to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 111 is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants under the Indenture (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

ARTICLE II

TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE

SECTION 201. Transfer and Exchange of Global Securities . The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Securities shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with this First Supplemental Indenture (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of the Depositary therefor.

SECTION 202. Restricted Legend .. Except as otherwise provided in Section 203 and as indicated on Exhibit A, each Series A Senior Note that is an Initial Series A Senior Note (each a “Restricted Security”) shall bear the following legend (the “Restricted Legend”) on the face thereof:

THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.

THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (V) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(A)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) THAT IS ACQUIRING THE NOTE FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY

 

9


DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (V) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE.

THE HOLDER AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.

THE HOLDER AGREES THAT, BEFORE THE HOLDER OFFERS, SELLS OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERS THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE, THE COMPANY MAY REQUIRE THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE TO DELIVER A WRITTEN OPINION, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT IT REASONABLY REQUIRES TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH PROPOSED TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.

AS USED IN THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “U.S. PERSON” AND “UNITED STATES” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY RULE 902 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

SECTION 203. Removal of Restricted Legend . The Company may instruct the Trustee in writing to cancel any Series A Senior Note and, upon receipt of a Company Order, authenticate an Exchange Note of like tenor and amount, registered in the name of the Holder thereof (or its transferee), that does not bear the Restricted Legend, and the Trustee will comply with such instruction:

(i) if the Company determines (upon the advice of counsel and such other certifications and evidence as the Company may reasonably require) that a Series A Senior Note is eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or a successor provision) and that the Restricted Legend is no longer necessary or appropriate in order to ensure that subsequent transfers of such Series A Senior Note (or a beneficial interest therein) are effected in compliance with the Securities Act; or

(ii) if an Initial Series A Senior Note is sold pursuant to an effective Registration, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement (if applicable) or otherwise; or

(iii) if an Initial Series A Senior Note is exchanged for an Exchange Note pursuant to the Exchange Offer;

provided, however, that in such circumstances, the Trustee shall require an Opinion of Counsel and an Officer’s Certificate prior to authenticating an Exchange Note.

 

10


SECTION 204. Registration of Transfer or Exchange . The registration of transfer or exchange of any Series A Senior Note (or a beneficial interest therein) that bears the Restricted Legend may only be made in compliance with the provisions of the Restricted Legend and as set forth below.

(i) Prior to the 40th day after the later of the commencement of the offering of the Series A Senior Notes and the Original Issue Date (such period through and including such 40th day, the “Distribution Compliance Period”), transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Security to a transferee who takes delivery of such interest through a Rule 144A Global Security of that series will be made only upon receipt by the Trustee of a written certification from the transferor of the beneficial interest to the effect that such transfer is being made to a Person whom the transferor reasonably believes is purchasing for its own account or accounts as to which it exercises sole investment discretion and is a QIB in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and the requirements of applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction.

(ii) Transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security to a transferee who takes delivery through the Regulation S Global Security of that series, whether before or after the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, will be made only upon receipt by the Trustee of a certification from the transferor to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S or Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that, if such transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, the interest transferred will be held immediately thereafter through Euroclear Bank S.A./NV, as operator of the Euroclear System or Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme, Luxembourg.

(iii) Any beneficial interest in one of the Global Securities that is transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in another Global Security of that series will, upon transfer, cease to be an interest in the initial Global Security of that series and will become an interest in the other Global Security of that series and, accordingly, will thereafter be subject to all transfer restrictions, if any, and other procedures applicable to beneficial interests in such other Global Security of that series for as long as it remains such an interest.

SECTION 205. Preservation of Information . The Trustee will retain copies of all certificates, opinions and other documents received in connection with the registration of transfer or exchange of a Series A Senior Note (or a beneficial interest therein) in accordance with its customary policy, and the Company will have the right to request copies thereof at any reasonable time upon written notice to the Trustee.

SECTION 206. Acknowledgement of Restrictions; Indemnification; No Obligation of Trustee . By its acceptance of any Series A Senior Note bearing the Restricted Legend, each Holder of such a Series A Senior Note acknowledges the restrictions on registrations of transfer or exchange of such Series A Senior Note set forth in this First Supplemental Indenture and in the Restricted Legend and agrees that it will register the transfer or exchange of such Series A Senior Note only as provided in this First Supplemental Indenture. The Security Registrar shall not register a transfer or exchange of any Series A Senior Note unless such transfer or exchange complies with the restrictions on transfer or exchange of such Series A Senior Note set forth in this First Supplemental Indenture. In connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Series A Senior Notes, each Holder agrees by its acceptance of the Series A Senior Notes to furnish the Security Registrar or the Company such certifications, legal opinions or other

 

11


information as either of them may reasonably require to confirm that such registration of transfer or exchange is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act; provided that the Security Registrar shall not be required to determine (but may rely on a determination made by the Company with respect to) the sufficiency of any such certifications, legal opinions or other information.

The Security Registrar shall retain copies of all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to the Indenture in accordance with its customary policy. The Company shall have the right to request copies of all such letters, notices or other written communications at any reasonable time upon the giving of written notice to the Security Registrar.

Each Holder of a Series A Senior Note agrees to indemnify the Company and the Trustee against any liability that may result from the transfer, exchange or assignment of such Holder’s Series A Senior Note in violation of any provision of this First Supplemental Indenture and/or applicable United States Federal or state securities law.

The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer or exchange imposed under this First Supplemental Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any registrations of transfer or exchange of any interest in any Series A Senior Note (including any transfers between or among members of, or participants in, the Depositary or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Security) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this First Supplemental Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 301. Ratification and Incorporation of Base Indenture . As supplemented hereby, the Base Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed by the Company, and the Base Indenture and this First Supplemental Indenture shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

SECTION 302. Executed in Counterparts . This First Supplemental Indenture may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. The exchange of copies of this First Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original manually executed First Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

SECTION 303. Assignment . The Company shall have the right at all times to assign any of its rights or obligations under the Indenture with respect to the Series A Senior Notes to a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; provided that, in the event of any such assignment, the Company shall remain primarily liable for the performance of all such obligations. The Indenture may also be assigned by the Company in connection with a transaction described in Article Eight of the Base Indenture.

 

12


SECTION 304. Trustee’s Disclaimer . All of the provisions contained in the Base Indenture in respect of the rights, powers, privileges, protections, duties and immunities of the Trustee, including without limitation its right to be indemnified, shall be applicable in respect of the Series A Senior Notes and of this First Supplemental Indenture as fully and with like effect as if set forth herein in full. The Trustee accepts the amendments of the Indenture effected by this First Supplemental Indenture, but on the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, including the terms and provisions defining and limiting the liabilities and responsibilities of the Trustee. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or with respect to any of the recitals or statements contained herein, all of which recitals or statements are made solely by the Company, or for or with respect to (i) the validity or sufficiency of this First Supplemental Indenture or any of the terms or provision hereof, (ii) the proper authorization hereof by the Company by action or otherwise, (iii) the due execution hereof by the Company, or (iv) the consequences of any amendment herein provided for, and the Trustee makes no representation with respect to any such matters.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

13


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto has caused this instrument to be signed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized officer, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ James P. Carney

Name:   James P. Carney
Title:   Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee
By: Deutsche Bank National Trust Company
By:  

/s/ Jacqueline Bartnick

Name:   Jacqueline Bartnick
Title:   Director
By:  

/s/ Michael Dunlaevy

Name:   Michael Dunlaevy
Title:   Director

 

14


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF

2013 SERIES A 1.05% SENIOR NOTE

DUE 2016

[UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF [CEDE & CO.] OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO [CEDE & CO.], ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, [CEDE & CO.], HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]**

[THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE. EVERY SERIES A SENIOR NOTE AUTHENTICATED AND DELIVERED UPON REGISTRATION OF, TRANSFER OF, OR IN EXCHANGE FOR OR IN LIEU OF, THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE SHALL BE A GLOBAL SECURITY SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING, EXCEPT IN SUCH LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.]**

[THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.]***

[THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A

 

 

** Insert in Global Securities.
*** Insert in Restricted Securities.


QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (V) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(A)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) THAT IS ACQUIRING THE NOTE FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (V) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE.]***

[THE HOLDER AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.]***

[THE HOLDER AGREES THAT, BEFORE THE HOLDER OFFERS, SELLS OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERS THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE, THE COMPANY MAY REQUIRE THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE TO DELIVER A WRITTEN OPINION, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT IT REASONABLY REQUIRES TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH PROPOSED TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.]***

[AS USED IN THIS SERIES A SENIOR NOTE, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “U.S. PERSON” AND “UNITED STATES” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY RULE 902 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.]***

 

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

$        

2013 SERIES A 1.05% SENIOR NOTE

DUE 2016

 

No. R-                CUSIP No. [    ]

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company duly organized and existing under the laws of Virginia (herein called the “Company,” which term includes any successor

 

2


Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [Cede & Co.]**, or registered assigns (the “Holder”), the principal sum of                    Dollars ($        )[, subject to the increases and decreases set forth in Schedule I hereto]** on November 1, 2016 and to pay interest thereon from October 22, 2013 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2014 at the rate of 1.05% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment, provided that any principal, and any such installment of interest, that is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of 1.05% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Series A Senior Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest; provided that the interest payable at Stated Maturity or on a Redemption Date will be paid to the Person to whom principal is payable. The Regular Record Date shall be the close of business on the Business Day preceding such Interest Payment Date; provided, that with respect to Series A Senior Notes that are not represented by one or more Global Securities, the Regular Record Date shall be the close of business on the 15th calendar day (whether or not a Business Day) preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Series A Senior Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Series A Senior Notes not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Series A Senior Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

[The Company is a party to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2013, among the Company and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., as the initial purchasers of the Series A Senior Notes (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). In the event that a Registration Default (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) occurs, the Company shall pay additional interest (in addition to the interest otherwise due) (“Additional Interest”) to the Holder during the first 90-day period beginning the day following such Registration Default in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum (regardless of the number of Registration Defaults), increasing by 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, until and including the date such Registration Default ends (as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement), up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum. The Company shall pay amounts due in respect of Additional Interest on each Interest Payment Date (or, if the Company shall default in the payment of interest on any Interest Payment Date, on the date such interest is otherwise paid as provided in the Indenture).]***

Payments of interest on the Series A Senior Notes will include interest accrued to but excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates. Interest payments for the Series A Senior Notes shall be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the Series A Senior Notes is not a Business Day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next

 

3


succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or payment in respect of any such delay), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable.

Payment of the principal of and interest on this Series A Senior Note will be made at the office of the Paying Agent, in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts, with any such payment that is due at the Stated Maturity of any Series A Senior Note, upon redemption or repurchase being made upon surrender of such Series A Senior Note to such office or agency; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest, subject to such surrender where applicable, may be made (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register or (ii) by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Trustee at least sixteen (16) days prior to the date for payment by the Person entitled thereto.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Series A Senior Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Series A Senior Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

  Dated:     DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
      By:  

 

      Name:  

 

      Title:  

 

 

4


[REVERSE OF 2013 SERIES A 1.05% SENIOR NOTE]

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “Base Indenture”), as supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “First Supplemental Indenture” and together with the Base Indenture, as it may be hereafter supplemented or amended from time to time, the “Indenture,” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), by and between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (the “Trustee”), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof (the “Series A Senior Notes”) which is unlimited in aggregate principal amount.

The Series A Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

If an Event of Default with respect to Series A Senior Notes shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Series A Senior Notes may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee for the series of Securities affected, with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Series A Senior Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Series A Senior Note and of any Series A Senior Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Series A Senior Note.

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Series A Senior Note shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Series A Senior Notes, the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Series A Senior Notes at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Series A Senior Notes at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Series A Senior Note for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or premium, if any, or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for herein.

 

5


No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Series A Senior Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Series A Senior Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Series A Senior Note is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Series A Senior Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Series A Senior Note are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Series A Senior Notes of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Series A Senior Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and any greater integral multiple of $1,000. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Series A Senior Notes are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Series A Senior Notes having the same Stated Maturity and of like tenor of any authorized denominations as requested by the Holder upon surrender of the Series A Senior Note or Series A Senior Notes to be exchanged at the office or agency of the Company.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Series A Senior Note for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Series A Senior Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Series A Senior Note that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

6


ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM -    as tenants in common  
TEN ENT -    as tenants by the entireties  
JT TEN -    as joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common

 

UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -   

 

  Custodian for
   (Cust)  
  

 

 
   (Minor)  
   Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act of  
  

 

 
   (State)  

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not on the above list.             

 

 

 

7


FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s) and transfer(s) unto

 

 

  .
(please insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee)

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE

the within Series A Senior Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing

 

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

agent to transfer said Series A Senior Note on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:                  ,             

 

 

NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever.

 

8


DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

2013 SERIES A SENIOR NOTE

DUE 2016

No. R-    

SCHEDULE I**

The following increases or decreases in this Global Security have been made:

 

Date of increase or
decrease and reason
for the change in
principal amount
  Amount of decrease
in principal amount
of this Global
Security
  Amount of increase
in principal amount
of this Global
Security
  Principal amount of
this Global Security
following such
decrease or increase
  Signature of
authorized signatory
of Trustee
       
       
       

 

9


EXHIBIT B

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee
By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

 

10

Exhibit 4.3

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

Issuer

AND

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS

Trustee

 

 

Second Supplemental Indenture

Dated as of October 1, 2013

 

 

$400,000,000

2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes

due 2023


TABLE OF CONTENTS*

 

ARTICLE I

2013 SERIES B 3.55% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2023

  

  

SECTION 101. Establishment

     1   

SECTION 102. Definitions

     2   

SECTION 103. Payment of Principal and Interest

     5   

SECTION 104. Denominations

     6   

SECTION 105. Global Securities

     6   

SECTION 106. Redemption

     7   

SECTION 107. Sinking Fund

     8   

SECTION 108. Interest on Overdue Amounts

     8   

SECTION 109. Paying Agent

     8   

SECTION 110. Registration Default

     8   

SECTION 111. Reports by Company

     8   

ARTICLE II

TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE

  

  

SECTION 201. Transfer and Exchange of Global Securities

     9   

SECTION 202. Restricted Legend

     9   

SECTION 203. Removal of Restricted Legend

     10   

SECTION 204. Registration of Transfer or Exchange

     11   

SECTION 205. Preservation of Information

     11   
SECTION 206. Acknowledgement of Restrictions; Indemnification; No Obligation of Trustee      11   

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

  

  

SECTION 301. Ratification and Incorporation of Base Indenture

     12   

SECTION 302. Executed in Counterparts

     12   

SECTION 303. Assignment

     12   
SECTION 304. Trustee’s Disclaimer      13   

 

 

* This Table of Contents does not constitute part of the Indenture or have any bearing upon the interpretation of any of its terms and provisions.


THIS SECOND SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE is made as of the 1st day of October, 2013, by and between DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company, having its principal office at 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 (the “Company”), and DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, a New York banking corporation, as Trustee, having a corporate trust office at 60 Wall Street, 27 th Floor, New York, New York 10005 (herein called the “Trustee”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore entered into a Senior Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013, between the Company and the Trustee (as amended, restated or otherwise modified, the “Base Indenture”);

WHEREAS, the Base Indenture is incorporated herein by this reference and the Base Indenture, as heretofore supplemented, and as further supplemented by this Second Supplemental Indenture, and as may be hereafter supplemented or amended from time to time, is herein called the “Indenture”;

WHEREAS, under the Base Indenture, a new series of Securities may at any time be established in accordance with the provisions of the Base Indenture and the terms of such series may be described by a supplemental indenture executed by the Company and the Trustee;

WHEREAS, the Company proposes to create under the Indenture a new series of Securities;

WHEREAS, additional Securities of other series hereafter established, except as may be limited in the Base Indenture as at the time supplemented and modified, may be issued from time to time pursuant to the Indenture as at the time supplemented and modified;

WHEREAS, all conditions necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Second Supplemental Indenture and to make it a valid and binding obligation of the Company have been done or performed.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

2013 SERIES B 3.55% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2023

SECTION 101. Establishment . There is hereby established a new series of Securities to be issued under the Indenture, to be designated as the Company’s 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023.


There are to be authenticated and delivered $400,000,000 principal amount of Series B Senior Notes, and such principal amount of the Series B Senior Notes may be increased from time to time pursuant to the penultimate paragraph of Section 301 of the Base Indenture. All Series B Senior Notes need not be issued at the same time and such series may be reopened at any time, without the consent of any Holder, for issuances of additional Series B Senior Notes. Any such additional Series B Senior Notes will have the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as those initially issued. Further Series B Senior Notes may also be authenticated and delivered as provided by Sections 304, 305, 306, 905 or 1107 of the Base Indenture. Exchange Notes may be issued in exchange for Initial Series B Senior Notes.

The Series B Senior Notes shall be issued in definitive fully registered form without coupons, in substantially the form set out in Exhibit A hereto. The entire initially issued principal amount of the Series B Senior Notes shall initially be evidenced by one or more certificates issued to Cede & Co., as nominee for The Depository Trust Company.

The form of the Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication for the Series B Senior Notes shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit B hereto.

Each Series B Senior Note shall be dated the date of authentication thereof and shall bear interest from the date of original issuance thereof or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for.

SECTION 102. Definitions . The following defined terms used herein shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the meanings specified below. Capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Base Indenture. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to a “Section” refers to a Section of this Second Supplemental Indenture.

“Additional Interest” has the meaning set forth in Section 110.

“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Redemption Date: (i) the yield, under the heading which represents the average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently published statistical release designated “H.15(519)” or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities,” for the maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue (if no maturity is within three months before or after the Remaining Life, yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue will be determined and the Adjusted Treasury Rate will be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight line basis, rounding to the nearest month); or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such yields, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such Redemption Date.

“Business Day” means a day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday, (ii) a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to remain closed or (iii) a day on which the Corporate Trust Office is closed for business.

 

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“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Series B Senior Notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the Remaining Life.

“Comparable Treasury Price” for any Redemption Date means (i) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (ii) if the Independent Investment Banker obtains fewer than five such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.

“Distribution Compliance Period” as the meaning set forth in Section 204.

“Exchange Notes” means any securities issued by the Company pursuant to the Exchange Offer or otherwise pursuant to an effective Registration and containing terms identical in all material respects to the Initial Series B Senior Notes for which they are exchanged except that (i) interest thereon shall accrue from the last date on which interest was paid on the Initial Series B Senior Notes or, if no such interest has been paid, from the Original Issue Date, (ii) the Exchange Notes will not contain the Restricted Legend and will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions and (iii) the Exchange Notes will not contain terms with respect to the payment of Additional Interest for failure to comply with the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Exchange Offer” means the exchange offer by the Company of the Exchange Notes for Initial Series B Senior Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Independent Investment Banker” means any of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., and their respective affiliates or successors, as selected by the Company, or if any such firm is unwilling or unable to serve as such, an independent investment and banking institution of national standing appointed by the Company.

“Initial Series B Senior Notes” means the Series B Senior Notes issued under this Second Supplemental Indenture which are not Exchange Notes.

“Interest Payment Dates” means May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2014.

“Original Issue Date” means October 22, 2013.

“Outstanding,” when used with respect to the Series B Senior Notes, means, as of the date of determination, all Series B Senior Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered under the Indenture, except:

(i) Series B Senior Notes theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

(ii) Series B Senior Notes for whose payment at the Maturity thereof money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited (other than pursuant to Section 402 of the Base Indenture) with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set

 

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aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Series B Senior Notes, provided that, if such Series B Senior Notes are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

(iii) Series B Senior Notes with respect to which the Company has effected defeasance or covenant defeasance pursuant to Section 402 of the Base Indenture, except to the extent provided in Section 402 of the Base Indenture; and

(iv) Series B Senior Notes that have been paid pursuant to Section 306 of the Base Indenture or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Series B Senior Notes have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the Indenture, other than any such Series B Senior Notes in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Series B Senior Notes are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Series B Senior Notes are valid obligations of the Company;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Series B Senior Notes have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the Indenture or are present at a meeting of Holders of Series B Senior Notes for quorum purposes, Series B Senior Notes owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Series B Senior Notes or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in making any such determination or relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Series B Senior Notes which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Series B Senior Notes so owned which shall have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee (A) the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Series B Senior Notes and (B) that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Series B Senior Notes or an Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor.

“Primary Treasury Dealer” means a primary United States government securities dealer in the United States as designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., and their respective affiliates or successors; provided that, if any such firm or its successors ceases to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, the Company shall substitute another Primary Treasury Dealer.

“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent Investment Banker at 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the third Business Day preceding such Redemption Date.

 

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“Registration” means a registered exchange offer for the Series B Senior Notes by the Company or other registration of the Series B Senior Notes under the Securities Act pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Registration Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 110.

“Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2013, among the Company and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., as the initial purchasers of the Series B Senior Notes.

“Regular Record Date” means, with respect to each Interest Payment Date, the close of business on the Business Day preceding such Interest Payment Date; provided, that with respect to Series B Senior Notes that are not represented by one or more Global Securities, the Regular Record Date shall be the close of business on the 15th calendar day (whether or not a Business Day) preceding such Interest Payment Date.

“Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

“Regulation S Global Security” has the meaning set forth in Section 105.

“Remaining Life” means the remaining term in years and months of the Series B Senior Notes.

“Restricted Legend” has the meaning set forth in Section 202.

“Restricted Security” has the meaning set forth in Section 202.

“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

“Rule 144A Global Security” has the meaning set forth in Section 105.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

“Series B Senior Notes” means the Initial Series B Senior Notes and any Exchange Notes to be issued and exchanged for any Initial Series B Senior Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement and this Second Supplemental Indenture.

“Stated Maturity” means November 1, 2023.

The terms “Company,” “Trustee,” “Base Indenture,” and “Indenture” shall have the respective meanings set forth in the recitals to this Second Supplemental Indenture and the paragraph preceding such recitals.

SECTION 103. Payment of Principal and Interest . The principal of the Series B Senior Notes shall be due at the Stated Maturity (unless earlier redeemed). The unpaid principal amount of the Series B Senior Notes shall bear interest at the rate of 3.55% per annum until paid or duly provided for, such interest to accrue from the Original Issue Date or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for. Interest shall be paid

 

5


semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date to the Person in whose name the Series B Senior Notes are registered on the Regular Record Date for such Interest Payment Date; provided that interest payable at the Stated Maturity of principal or on a Redemption Date as provided herein will be paid to the Person to whom principal is payable. Any such interest that is not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holders on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person or Persons in whose name the Series B Senior Notes are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the Trustee (in accordance with Section 307 of the Base Indenture), notice whereof shall be given to Holders of the Series B Senior Notes not less than ten (10) days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange, if any, on which the Series B Senior Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by any such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Base Indenture.

Payments of interest on the Series B Senior Notes will include interest accrued to but excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates. Interest payments for the Series B Senior Notes shall be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the Series B Senior Notes is not a Business Day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or payment in respect of any such delay), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable.

Payment of the principal and interest on the Series B Senior Notes shall be made at the office of the Paying Agent in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts, with any such payment that is due at the Stated Maturity of any Series B Senior Notes, upon redemption or repurchase being made upon surrender of such Series B Senior Notes to the Paying Agent. Payments of interest (including interest on any Interest Payment Date) will be made, subject to such surrender where applicable, at the option of the Company, (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register or (ii) by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Trustee at least sixteen (16) days prior to the date for payment by the Person entitled thereto. In the event that any date on which principal and interest is payable on the Series B Senior Notes is not a Business Day, then payment of the principal and interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or payment in respect of any such delay), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable.

SECTION 104. Denominations . The Series B Senior Notes may be issued in denominations of $2,000, or any greater integral multiple of $1,000.

SECTION 105. Global Securities . The Series B Senior Notes offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A will be initially issued in the form of one or more Global Securities (the “Rule 144A Global Security”), and the Series B Senior Notes offered and sold in offshore transactions to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S will be initially issued in the form of one or more Global Securities (the “Regulation S Global Security”), in each case registered in the name of the Depositary (which shall be The Depository Trust Company) or its nominee. Except under the limited circumstances described below, Series B Senior Notes

 

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represented by such Global Securities will not be exchangeable for, and will not otherwise be issuable as, Series B Senior Notes in definitive form registered in names other than the Depositary or its nominee. The Global Securities described above may not be transferred except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or its nominee.

Owners of beneficial interests in such a Global Security will not be considered the Holders thereof for any purpose under the Indenture, and no Global Security representing a Series B Senior Note shall be exchangeable, except for another Global Security of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee or to a successor Depositary or its nominee or except as described below. The rights of Holders of such Global Security shall be exercised only through the Depositary.

A Global Security shall be exchangeable for Series B Senior Notes registered in the names of persons other than the Depositary or its nominee only if (i) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a Depositary for such Global Security and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days of receipt by the Company of such notification, or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when the Depositary is required to be so registered to act as such Depositary and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days after it becomes aware of such cessation, (ii) the Company in its sole discretion, and subject to the procedures of the Depositary, determines that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable, in which case Series B Senior Notes in definitive form will be printed and delivered to the Depositary, or (iii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Series B Senior Notes. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for Series B Senior Notes registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct.

SECTION 106. Redemption . Prior to August 1, 2023, the Series B Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part at any time and from time to time at the option of the Company, at a Redemption Price equal to the greater of:

(i) 100% of the principal amount of Series B Senior Notes then Outstanding to be so redeemed, or

(ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate, plus 15 basis points, as calculated by an Independent Investment Banker,

plus, in either of the above cases, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the Redemption Date. On or after August 1, 2023, the Series B Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at the option of the Company, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount of Series B Senior Notes then Outstanding to be so redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the Redemption Date.

 

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The Adjusted Treasury Rate shall be calculated no later than the second Business Day preceding the Redemption Date.

Unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Redemption Price, on and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Series B Senior Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

In the event of the redemption of the Series B Senior Notes in part only, a new Series B Senior Note or Notes for the unredeemed portion will be issued in the name or names of the Holders thereof upon surrender thereof.

The Company shall notify the Trustee of the Redemption Price in writing promptly after the calculation thereof and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for such calculation. The notice of redemption shall be sent in accordance with the terms of the Base Indenture.

SECTION 107. Sinking Fund . The Series B Senior Notes shall not have a sinking fund.

SECTION 108. Interest on Overdue Amounts . Any principal of and installment of interest on the Series B Senior Notes that is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of 3.55% (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand.

SECTION 109. Paying Agent . The Trustee shall initially serve as Paying Agent with respect to the Series B Senior Notes, with the Place of Payment initially being the Corporate Trust Office.

SECTION 110. Registration Default . In the event that a Registration Default (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) occurs, the Company shall pay additional interest (in addition to the interest otherwise due) (“Additional Interest”) to the Holder during the first 90-day period beginning the day following such Registration Default in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum (regardless of the number of Registration Defaults), increasing by 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, until and including the date such Registration Default ends (as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement), up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum. The Company shall pay amounts due in respect of Additional Interest on each Interest Payment Date (or, if the Company shall default in the payment of interest on any Interest Payment Date, on the date such interest is otherwise paid as provided in the Base Indenture).

SECTION 111. Reports by Company . The Company shall, if the Company is not then subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and because the Commission has not promulgated any rules or regulations for issuers in the Company’s circumstances, until such time as the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide to the Trustee and all Holders of Series B Senior Notes, upon request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act unless such information is available on the Commission’s

 

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Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system or any successor system; provided, however, that the Trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine whether or not such information has been filed pursuant to the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system or any successor system.

Delivery of information to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 111 is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants under the Indenture (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

ARTICLE II

TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE

SECTION 201. Transfer and Exchange of Global Securities . The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Securities shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with this Second Supplemental Indenture (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of the Depositary therefor.

SECTION 202. Restricted Legend . Except as otherwise provided in Section 203 and as indicated on Exhibit A, each Series B Senior Note that is an Initial Series B Senior Note (each a “Restricted Security”) shall bear the following legend (the “Restricted Legend”) on the face thereof:

THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.

THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (V) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(A)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) THAT IS ACQUIRING THE NOTE FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN INSTITUTIONAL

 

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“ACCREDITED INVESTOR” FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (V) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE.

THE HOLDER AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.

THE HOLDER AGREES THAT, BEFORE THE HOLDER OFFERS, SELLS OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERS THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE, THE COMPANY MAY REQUIRE THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE TO DELIVER A WRITTEN OPINION, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT IT REASONABLY REQUIRES TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH PROPOSED TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.

AS USED IN THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “U.S. PERSON” AND “UNITED STATES” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY RULE 902 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

SECTION 203. Removal of Restricted Legend . The Company may instruct the Trustee in writing to cancel any Series B Senior Note and, upon receipt of a Company Order, authenticate an Exchange Note of like tenor and amount, registered in the name of the Holder thereof (or its transferee), that does not bear the Restricted Legend, and the Trustee will comply with such instruction:

(i) if the Company determines (upon the advice of counsel and such other certifications and evidence as the Company may reasonably require) that a Series B Senior Note is eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or a successor provision) and that the Restricted Legend is no longer necessary or appropriate in order to ensure that subsequent transfers of such Series B Senior Note (or a beneficial interest therein) are effected in compliance with the Securities Act; or

(ii) if an Initial Series B Senior Note is sold pursuant to an effective Registration, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement (if applicable) or otherwise; or

(iii) if an Initial Series B Senior Note is exchanged for an Exchange Note pursuant to the Exchange Offer;

provided, however, that in such circumstances, the Trustee shall require an Opinion of Counsel and an Officer’s Certificate prior to authenticating an Exchange Note.

 

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SECTION 204. Registration of Transfer or Exchange . The registration of transfer or exchange of any Series B Senior Note (or a beneficial interest therein) that bears the Restricted Legend may only be made in compliance with the provisions of the Restricted Legend and as set forth below.

(i) Prior to the 40th day after the later of the commencement of the offering of the Series B Senior Notes and the Original Issue Date (such period through and including such 40th day, the “Distribution Compliance Period”), transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Security to a transferee who takes delivery of such interest through a Rule 144A Global Security of that series will be made only upon receipt by the Trustee of a written certification from the transferor of the beneficial interest to the effect that such transfer is being made to a Person whom the transferor reasonably believes is purchasing for its own account or accounts as to which it exercises sole investment discretion and is a QIB in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and the requirements of applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction.

(ii) Transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security to a transferee who takes delivery through the Regulation S Global Security of that series, whether before or after the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, will be made only upon receipt by the Trustee of a certification from the transferor to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S or Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that, if such transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, the interest transferred will be held immediately thereafter through Euroclear Bank S.A./NV, as operator of the Euroclear System or Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme, Luxembourg.

(iii) Any beneficial interest in one of the Global Securities that is transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in another Global Security of that series will, upon transfer, cease to be an interest in the initial Global Security of that series and will become an interest in the other Global Security of that series and, accordingly, will thereafter be subject to all transfer restrictions, if any, and other procedures applicable to beneficial interests in such other Global Security of that series for as long as it remains such an interest.

SECTION 205. Preservation of Information . The Trustee will retain copies of all certificates, opinions and other documents received in connection with the registration of transfer or exchange of a Series B Senior Note (or a beneficial interest therein) in accordance with its customary policy, and the Company will have the right to request copies thereof at any reasonable time upon written notice to the Trustee.

SECTION 206. Acknowledgement of Restrictions; Indemnification; No Obligation of Trustee . By its acceptance of any Series B Senior Note bearing the Restricted Legend, each Holder of such a Series B Senior Note acknowledges the restrictions on registrations of transfer or exchange of such Series B Senior Note set forth in this Second Supplemental Indenture and in the Restricted Legend and agrees that it will register the transfer or exchange of such Series B Senior Note only as provided in this Second Supplemental Indenture. The Security Registrar shall not register a transfer or exchange of any Series B Senior Note unless such transfer or exchange complies with the restrictions on transfer or exchange of such Series B Senior Note set forth in this Second Supplemental Indenture. In connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Series B Senior Notes, each Holder agrees by its acceptance of the Series B Senior Notes to furnish the Security Registrar or the Company such certifications, legal opinions or

 

11


other information as either of them may reasonably require to confirm that such registration of transfer or exchange is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act; provided that the Security Registrar shall not be required to determine (but may rely on a determination made by the Company with respect to) the sufficiency of any such certifications, legal opinions or other information.

The Security Registrar shall retain copies of all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to the Indenture in accordance with its customary policy. The Company shall have the right to request copies of all such letters, notices or other written communications at any reasonable time upon the giving of written notice to the Security Registrar.

Each Holder of a Series B Senior Note agrees to indemnify the Company and the Trustee against any liability that may result from the transfer, exchange or assignment of such Holder’s Series B Senior Note in violation of any provision of this Second Supplemental Indenture and/or applicable United States Federal or state securities law.

The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer or exchange imposed under this Second Supplemental Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any registrations of transfer or exchange of any interest in any Series B Senior Note (including any transfers between or among members of, or participants in, the Depositary or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Security) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Second Supplemental Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 301. Ratification and Incorporation of Base Indenture . As supplemented hereby, the Base Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed by the Company, and the Base Indenture and this Second Supplemental Indenture shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

SECTION 302. Executed in Counterparts . This Second Supplemental Indenture may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. The exchange of copies of this Second Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Second Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original manually executed Second Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

SECTION 303. Assignment . The Company shall have the right at all times to assign any of its rights or obligations under the Indenture with respect to the Series B Senior Notes to a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; provided that, in the event of any such assignment, the Company shall remain primarily liable for the performance of all such obligations. The Indenture may also be assigned by the Company in connection with a transaction described in Article Eight of the Base Indenture.

 

12


SECTION 304. Trustee’s Disclaimer . All of the provisions contained in the Base Indenture in respect of the rights, powers, privileges, protections, duties and immunities of the Trustee, including without limitation its right to be indemnified, shall be applicable in respect of the Series B Senior Notes and of this Second Supplemental Indenture as fully and with like effect as if set forth herein in full. The Trustee accepts the amendments of the Indenture effected by this Second Supplemental Indenture, but on the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, including the terms and provisions defining and limiting the liabilities and responsibilities of the Trustee. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or with respect to any of the recitals or statements contained herein, all of which recitals or statements are made solely by the Company, or for or with respect to (i) the validity or sufficiency of this Second Supplemental Indenture or any of the terms or provision hereof, (ii) the proper authorization hereof by the Company by action or otherwise, (iii) the due execution hereof by the Company, or (iv) the consequences of any amendment herein provided for, and the Trustee makes no representation with respect to any such matters.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

13


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto has caused this instrument to be signed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized officer, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ James P. Carney

Name:   James P. Carney
Title:   Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee
By:   Deutsche Bank National Trust Company
By:  

/s/ Jacqueline Bartnick

Name:   Jacqueline Bartnick
Title:   Director
By:  

/s/ Michael Dunlaevy

Name:   Michael Dunlaevy
Title:   Director

 

14


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF

2013 SERIES B 3.55% SENIOR NOTE

DUE 2023

[UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF [CEDE & CO.] OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO [CEDE & CO.], ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, [CEDE & CO.], HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]**

[THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE. EVERY SERIES B SENIOR NOTE AUTHENTICATED AND DELIVERED UPON REGISTRATION OF, TRANSFER OF, OR IN EXCHANGE FOR OR IN LIEU OF, THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE SHALL BE A GLOBAL SECURITY SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING, EXCEPT IN SUCH LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.]**

[THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.]***

[THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A

 

 

** Insert in Global Securities.
*** Insert in Restricted Securities.

 


QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (V) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(A)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) THAT IS ACQUIRING THE NOTE FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (V) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE.]***

[THE HOLDER AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.]***

[THE HOLDER AGREES THAT, BEFORE THE HOLDER OFFERS, SELLS OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERS THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE, THE COMPANY MAY REQUIRE THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE TO DELIVER A WRITTEN OPINION, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT IT REASONABLY REQUIRES TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH PROPOSED TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.]***

[AS USED IN THIS SERIES B SENIOR NOTE, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “U.S. PERSON” AND “UNITED STATES” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY RULE 902 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.]***

 

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

$            

2013 SERIES B 3.55% SENIOR NOTE

DUE 2023

 

No. R-    CUSIP No. [    ]

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company duly organized and existing under the laws of Virginia (herein called the “Company,” which term includes any successor

 

2


Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [Cede & Co.]**, or registered assigns (the “Holder”), the principal sum of                     Dollars ($        )[, subject to the increases and decreases set forth in Schedule I hereto]** on November 1, 2023 and to pay interest thereon from October 22, 2013 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2014 at the rate of 3.55% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment, provided that any principal, and any such installment of interest, that is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of 3.55% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Series B Senior Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest; provided that the interest payable at Stated Maturity or on a Redemption Date will be paid to the Person to whom principal is payable. The Regular Record Date shall be the close of business on the Business Day preceding such Interest Payment Date; provided, that with respect to Series B Senior Notes that are not represented by one or more Global Securities, the Regular Record Date shall be the close of business on the 15th calendar day (whether or not a Business Day) preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Series B Senior Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Series B Senior Notes not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Series B Senior Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

[The Company is a party to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2013, among the Company and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., as the initial purchasers of the Series B Senior Notes (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). In the event that a Registration Default (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) occurs, the Company shall pay additional interest (in addition to the interest otherwise due) (“Additional Interest”) to the Holder during the first 90-day period beginning the day following such Registration Default in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum (regardless of the number of Registration Defaults), increasing by 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, until and including the date such Registration Default ends (as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement), up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum. The Company shall pay amounts due in respect of Additional Interest on each Interest Payment Date (or, if the Company shall default in the payment of interest on any Interest Payment Date, on the date such interest is otherwise paid as provided in the Indenture).]***

Payments of interest on the Series B Senior Notes will include interest accrued to but excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates. Interest payments for the Series B Senior Notes shall be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the Series B Senior Notes is not a Business Day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next

 

3


succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or payment in respect of any such delay), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable.

Payment of the principal of and interest on this Series B Senior Note will be made at the office of the Paying Agent, in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts, with any such payment that is due at the Stated Maturity of any Series B Senior Note, upon redemption or repurchase being made upon surrender of such Series B Senior Note to such office or agency; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest, subject to such surrender where applicable, may be made (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register or (ii) by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Trustee at least sixteen (16) days prior to the date for payment by the Person entitled thereto.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Series B Senior Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Series B Senior Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

  Dated:     DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
      By:  

 

      Name:  

 

      Title:  

 

 

4


[REVERSE OF 2013 SERIES B 3.55% SENIOR NOTE]

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “Base Indenture”), as heretofore supplemented and as further supplemented by a Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “Second Supplemental Indenture” and together with the Base Indenture, as it may be hereafter supplemented or amended from time to time, the “Indenture,” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), by and between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (the “Trustee”), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof (the “Series B Senior Notes”) which is unlimited in aggregate principal amount.

The Series B Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

If an Event of Default with respect to Series B Senior Notes shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Series B Senior Notes may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee for the series of Securities affected, with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Series B Senior Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Series B Senior Note and of any Series B Senior Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Series B Senior Note.

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Series B Senior Note shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Series B Senior Notes, the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Series B Senior Notes at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Series B Senior Notes at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Series B Senior Note for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or premium, if any, or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for herein.

 

5


No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Series B Senior Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Series B Senior Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Series B Senior Note is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Series B Senior Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Series B Senior Note are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Series B Senior Notes of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Series B Senior Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and any greater integral multiple of $1,000. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Series B Senior Notes are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Series B Senior Notes having the same Stated Maturity and of like tenor of any authorized denominations as requested by the Holder upon surrender of the Series B Senior Note or Series B Senior Notes to be exchanged at the office or agency of the Company.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Series B Senior Note for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Series B Senior Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Series B Senior Note that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

6


ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM -    as tenants in common   
TEN ENT -    as tenants by the entireties   
JT TEN -    as joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -   

 

   Custodian for
   (Cust)   
  

 

  
   (Minor)   
   Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act of   
  

 

  
   (State)   
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not on the above list.                

 

  

 

7


FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s) and transfer(s) unto

 

 

  .
(please insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee)  

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE  
the within Series B Senior Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing  

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

agent to transfer said Series B Senior Note on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated:                  ,             

 

 

NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever.

 

8


DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

2013 SERIES B 3.55% SENIOR NOTE

DUE 2023

No. R-    

SCHEDULE I**

The following increases or decreases in this Global Security have been made:

 

Date of increase or
decrease and reason
for the change in
principal amount
  Amount of decrease
in principal amount
of this Global
Security
  Amount of increase
in principal amount
of this Global
Security
  Principal amount of
this Global Security
following such
decrease or increase
  Signature of
authorized signatory
of Trustee
       
       
       

 

9


EXHIBIT B

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee
By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

 

10

Exhibit 4.4

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

Issuer

AND

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS

Trustee

 

 

Third Supplemental Indenture

Dated as of October 1, 2013

 

 

$400,000,000

2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes

due 2043


TABLE OF CONTENTS*

ARTICLE I

2013 SERIES C 4.80% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2043

SECTION 101.

   Establishment    2

SECTION 102.

   Definitions    2

SECTION 103.

   Payment of Principal and Interest    5

SECTION 104.

   Denominations    6

SECTION 105.

   Global Securities    6

SECTION 106.

   Redemption    7

SECTION 107.

   Sinking Fund    8

SECTION 108.

   Interest on Overdue Amounts    8

SECTION 109.

   Paying Agent    8

SECTION 110.

   Registration Default    8

SECTION 111.

   Reports by Company    8

ARTICLE II

TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE

SECTION 201.

   Transfer and Exchange of Global Securities    9

SECTION 202.

   Restricted Legend.    9

SECTION 203.

   Removal of Restricted Legend    10

SECTION 204.

   Registration of Transfer or Exchange    11

SECTION 205.

   Preservation of Information    11

SECTION 206.

   Acknowledgement of Restrictions; Indemnification; No Obligation of Trustee    11

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 301.

   Ratification and Incorporation of Base Indenture    12

SECTION 302.

   Executed in Counterparts    12

SECTION 303.

   Assignment    12

SECTION 304.

   Trustee’s Disclaimer    13

 

 

* This Table of Contents does not constitute part of the Indenture or have any bearing upon the interpretation of any of its terms and provisions.


THIS THIRD SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE is made as of the 1st day of October, 2013, by and between DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company, having its principal office at 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 (the “Company”), and DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, a New York banking corporation, as Trustee, having a corporate trust office at 60 Wall Street, 27 th Floor, New York, New York 10005 (herein called the “Trustee”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore entered into a Senior Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013, between the Company and the Trustee (as amended, restated or otherwise modified, the “Base Indenture”);

WHEREAS, the Base Indenture is incorporated herein by this reference and the Base Indenture, as heretofore supplemented, and as further supplemented by this Third Supplemental Indenture, and as may be hereafter supplemented or amended from time to time, is herein called the “Indenture”;

WHEREAS, under the Base Indenture, a new series of Securities may at any time be established in accordance with the provisions of the Base Indenture and the terms of such series may be described by a supplemental indenture executed by the Company and the Trustee;

WHEREAS, the Company proposes to create under the Indenture a new series of Securities;

WHEREAS, additional Securities of other series hereafter established, except as may be limited in the Base Indenture as at the time supplemented and modified, may be issued from time to time pursuant to the Indenture as at the time supplemented and modified;

WHEREAS, all conditions necessary to authorize the execution and delivery of this Third Supplemental Indenture and to make it a valid and binding obligation of the Company have been done or performed.


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and obligations set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

2013 SERIES C 4.80% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2043

SECTION 101. Establishment . There is hereby established a new series of Securities to be issued under the Indenture, to be designated as the Company’s 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043.

There are to be authenticated and delivered $400,000,000 principal amount of Series C Senior Notes, and such principal amount of the Series C Senior Notes may be increased from time to time pursuant to the penultimate paragraph of Section 301 of the Base Indenture. All Series C Senior Notes need not be issued at the same time and such series may be reopened at any time, without the consent of any Holder, for issuances of additional Series C Senior Notes. Any such additional Series C Senior Notes will have the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as those initially issued. Further Series C Senior Notes may also be authenticated and delivered as provided by Sections 304, 305, 306, 905 or 1107 of the Base Indenture. Exchange Notes may be issued in exchange for Initial Series C Senior Notes.

The Series C Senior Notes shall be issued in definitive fully registered form without coupons, in substantially the form set out in Exhibit A hereto. The entire initially issued principal amount of the Series C Senior Notes shall initially be evidenced by one or more certificates issued to Cede & Co., as nominee for The Depository Trust Company.

The form of the Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication for the Series C Senior Notes shall be in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit B hereto.

Each Series C Senior Note shall be dated the date of authentication thereof and shall bear interest from the date of original issuance thereof or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for.

SECTION 102. Definitions . The following defined terms used herein shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the meanings specified below. Capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Base Indenture. Unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to a “Section” refers to a Section of this Third Supplemental Indenture.

“Additional Interest” has the meaning set forth in Section 110.

“Adjusted Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any Redemption Date: (i) the yield, under the heading which represents the average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently published statistical release designated “H.15(519)” or any successor publication which is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption “Treasury Constant Maturities,” for the maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue (if no maturity is within three months before or after the Remaining Life, yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue will be determined and the Adjusted Treasury Rate will be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight line basis, rounding to the nearest month); or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such yields, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such Redemption Date.

“Business Day” means a day other than (i) a Saturday or a Sunday, (ii) a day on which banks in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to remain closed or (iii) a day on which the Corporate Trust Office is closed for business.

 

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“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Series C Senior Notes to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to the Remaining Life.

“Comparable Treasury Price” for any Redemption Date means (i) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such Redemption Date, after excluding the highest and lowest Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (ii) if the Independent Investment Banker obtains fewer than five such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.

“Distribution Compliance Period” as the meaning set forth in Section 204.

“Exchange Notes” means any securities issued by the Company pursuant to the Exchange Offer or otherwise pursuant to an effective Registration and containing terms identical in all material respects to the Initial Series C Senior Notes for which they are exchanged except that (i) interest thereon shall accrue from the last date on which interest was paid on the Initial Series C Senior Notes or, if no such interest has been paid, from the Original Issue Date, (ii) the Exchange Notes will not contain the Restricted Legend and will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions and (iii) the Exchange Notes will not contain terms with respect to the payment of Additional Interest for failure to comply with the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Exchange Offer” means the exchange offer by the Company of the Exchange Notes for Initial Series C Senior Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Independent Investment Banker” means any of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., and their respective affiliates or successors, as selected by the Company, or if any such firm is unwilling or unable to serve as such, an independent investment and banking institution of national standing appointed by the Company.

“Initial Series C Senior Notes” means the Series C Senior Notes issued under this Third Supplemental Indenture which are not Exchange Notes.

“Interest Payment Dates” means May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2014.

“Original Issue Date” means October 22, 2013.

“Outstanding,” when used with respect to the Series C Senior Notes, means, as of the date of determination, all Series C Senior Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered under the Indenture, except:

(i) Series C Senior Notes theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

(ii) Series C Senior Notes for whose payment at the Maturity thereof money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited (other than pursuant to Section 402 of the Base Indenture) with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company) in trust or set

 

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aside and segregated in trust by the Company (if the Company shall act as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Series C Senior Notes, provided that, if such Series C Senior Notes are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

(iii) Series C Senior Notes with respect to which the Company has effected defeasance or covenant defeasance pursuant to Section 402 of the Base Indenture, except to the extent provided in Section 402 of the Base Indenture; and

(iv) Series C Senior Notes that have been paid pursuant to Section 306 of the Base Indenture or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Series C Senior Notes have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to the Indenture, other than any such Series C Senior Notes in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Series C Senior Notes are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Series C Senior Notes are valid obligations of the Company;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Series C Senior Notes have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under the Indenture or are present at a meeting of Holders of Series C Senior Notes for quorum purposes, Series C Senior Notes owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Series C Senior Notes or any Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in making any such determination or relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Series C Senior Notes which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee actually knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Series C Senior Notes so owned which shall have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee (A) the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Series C Senior Notes and (B) that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Series C Senior Notes or an Affiliate of the Company or such other obligor.

“Primary Treasury Dealer” means a primary United States government securities dealer in the United States as designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

“QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

“Reference Treasury Dealer” means RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., and their respective affiliates or successors; provided that, if any such firm or its successors ceases to be a Primary Treasury Dealer, the Company shall substitute another Primary Treasury Dealer.

“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any Redemption Date, the average, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent Investment Banker at 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on the third Business Day preceding such Redemption Date.

 

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“Registration” means a registered exchange offer for the Series C Senior Notes by the Company or other registration of the Series C Senior Notes under the Securities Act pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

“Registration Default” has the meaning set forth in Section 110.

“Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2013, among the Company and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., as the initial purchasers of the Series C Senior Notes.

“Regular Record Date” means, with respect to each Interest Payment Date, the close of business on the Business Day preceding such Interest Payment Date; provided, that with respect to Series C Senior Notes that are not represented by one or more Global Securities, the Regular Record Date shall be the close of business on the 15th calendar day (whether or not a Business Day) preceding such Interest Payment Date.

“Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

“Regulation S Global Security” has the meaning set forth in Section 105.

“Remaining Life” means the remaining term in years and months of the Series C Senior Notes.

“Restricted Legend” has the meaning set forth in Section 202.

“Restricted Security” has the meaning set forth in Section 202.

“Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

“Rule 144A Global Security” has the meaning set forth in Section 105.

“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

“Series C Senior Notes” means the Initial Series C Senior Notes and any Exchange Notes to be issued and exchanged for any Initial Series C Senior Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement and this Third Supplemental Indenture.

“Stated Maturity” means November 1, 2043.

The terms “Company,” “Trustee,” “Base Indenture,” and “Indenture” shall have the respective meanings set forth in the recitals to this Third Supplemental Indenture and the paragraph preceding such recitals.

SECTION 103. Payment of Principal and Interest . The principal of the Series C Senior Notes shall be due at the Stated Maturity (unless earlier redeemed). The unpaid principal amount of the Series C Senior Notes shall bear interest at the rate of 4.80% per annum until paid or duly provided for, such interest to accrue from the Original Issue Date or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for. Interest shall be paid

 

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semi-annually in arrears on each Interest Payment Date to the Person in whose name the Series C Senior Notes are registered on the Regular Record Date for such Interest Payment Date; provided that interest payable at the Stated Maturity of principal or on a Redemption Date as provided herein will be paid to the Person to whom principal is payable. Any such interest that is not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holders on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person or Persons in whose name the Series C Senior Notes are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such defaulted interest to be fixed by the Trustee (in accordance with Section 307 of the Base Indenture), notice whereof shall be given to Holders of the Series C Senior Notes not less than ten (10) days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange, if any, on which the Series C Senior Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by any such exchange, all as more fully provided in the Base Indenture.

Payments of interest on the Series C Senior Notes will include interest accrued to but excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates. Interest payments for the Series C Senior Notes shall be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the Series C Senior Notes is not a Business Day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or payment in respect of any such delay), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable.

Payment of the principal and interest on the Series C Senior Notes shall be made at the office of the Paying Agent in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts, with any such payment that is due at the Stated Maturity of any Series C Senior Notes, upon redemption or repurchase being made upon surrender of such Series C Senior Notes to the Paying Agent. Payments of interest (including interest on any Interest Payment Date) will be made, subject to such surrender where applicable, at the option of the Company, (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register or (ii) by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Trustee at least sixteen (16) days prior to the date for payment by the Person entitled thereto. In the event that any date on which principal and interest is payable on the Series C Senior Notes is not a Business Day, then payment of the principal and interest payable on such date will be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or payment in respect of any such delay), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable.

SECTION 104. Denominations . The Series C Senior Notes may be issued in denominations of $2,000, or any greater integral multiple of $1,000.

SECTION 105. Global Securities . The Series C Senior Notes offered and sold to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A will be initially issued in the form of one or more Global Securities (the “Rule 144A Global Security”), and the Series C Senior Notes offered and sold in offshore transactions to non-U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S will be initially issued in the form of one or more Global Securities (the “Regulation S Global Security”), in each case registered in the name of the Depositary (which shall be The Depository Trust Company) or its nominee. Except under the limited circumstances described below, Series C Senior Notes

 

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represented by such Global Securities will not be exchangeable for, and will not otherwise be issuable as, Series C Senior Notes in definitive form registered in names other than the Depositary or its nominee. The Global Securities described above may not be transferred except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or to a successor Depositary or its nominee.

Owners of beneficial interests in such a Global Security will not be considered the Holders thereof for any purpose under the Indenture, and no Global Security representing a Series C Senior Note shall be exchangeable, except for another Global Security of like denomination and tenor to be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee or to a successor Depositary or its nominee or except as described below. The rights of Holders of such Global Security shall be exercised only through the Depositary.

A Global Security shall be exchangeable for Series C Senior Notes registered in the names of persons other than the Depositary or its nominee only if (i) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a Depositary for such Global Security and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days of receipt by the Company of such notification, or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when the Depositary is required to be so registered to act as such Depositary and no successor Depositary shall have been appointed by the Company within 90 days after it becomes aware of such cessation, (ii) the Company in its sole discretion, and subject to the procedures of the Depositary, determines that such Global Security shall be so exchangeable, in which case Series C Senior Notes in definitive form will be printed and delivered to the Depositary, or (iii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to the Series C Senior Notes. Any Global Security that is exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be exchangeable for Series C Senior Notes registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct.

SECTION 106. Redemption . Prior to May 1, 2043, the Series C Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part at any time and from time to time at the option of the Company, at a Redemption Price equal to the greater of:

(i) 100% of the principal amount of Series C Senior Notes then Outstanding to be so redeemed, or

(ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (not including any portion of such payments of interest accrued as of the Redemption Date) discounted to the Redemption Date on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate, plus 20 basis points, as calculated by an Independent Investment Banker,

plus, in either of the above cases, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the Redemption Date. On or after May 1, 2043, the Series C Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at the option of the Company, at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the principal amount of Series C Senior Notes then Outstanding to be so redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the Redemption Date.

 

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The Adjusted Treasury Rate shall be calculated no later than the second Business Day preceding the Redemption Date.

Unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Redemption Price, on and after the Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on the Series C Senior Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

In the event of the redemption of the Series C Senior Notes in part only, a new Series C Senior Note or Notes for the unredeemed portion will be issued in the name or names of the Holders thereof upon surrender thereof.

The Company shall notify the Trustee of the Redemption Price in writing promptly after the calculation thereof and the Trustee shall have no responsibility for such calculation. The notice of redemption shall be sent in accordance with the terms of the Base Indenture.

SECTION 107. Sinking Fund . The Series C Senior Notes shall not have a sinking fund.

SECTION 108. Interest on Overdue Amounts . Any principal of and installment of interest on the Series C Senior Notes that is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of 4.80% (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand.

SECTION 109. Paying Agent . The Trustee shall initially serve as Paying Agent with respect to the Series C Senior Notes, with the Place of Payment initially being the Corporate Trust Office.

SECTION 110. Registration Default . In the event that a Registration Default (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) occurs, the Company shall pay additional interest (in addition to the interest otherwise due) (“Additional Interest”) to the Holder during the first 90-day period beginning the day following such Registration Default in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum (regardless of the number of Registration Defaults), increasing by 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, until and including the date such Registration Default ends (as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement), up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum. The Company shall pay amounts due in respect of Additional Interest on each Interest Payment Date (or, if the Company shall default in the payment of interest on any Interest Payment Date, on the date such interest is otherwise paid as provided in the Base Indenture).

SECTION 111. Reports by Company . The Company shall, if the Company is not then subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and because the Commission has not promulgated any rules or regulations for issuers in the Company’s circumstances, until such time as the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, provide to the Trustee and all Holders of Series C Senior Notes, upon request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act unless such information is available on the Commission’s

 

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Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system or any successor system; provided, however, that the Trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine whether or not such information has been filed pursuant to the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system or any successor system.

Delivery of information to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 111 is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Company’s compliance with any of its covenants under the Indenture (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers’ Certificates).

ARTICLE II

TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE

SECTION 201. Transfer and Exchange of Global Securities . The transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Securities shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with this Third Supplemental Indenture (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of the Depositary therefor.

SECTION 202. Restricted Legend . Except as otherwise provided in Section 203 and as indicated on Exhibit A, each Series C Senior Note that is an Initial Series C Senior Note (each a “Restricted Security”) shall bear the following legend (the “Restricted Legend”) on the face thereof:

THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.

THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (V) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(A)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) THAT IS ACQUIRING THE NOTE FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN INSTITUTIONAL

 

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“ACCREDITED INVESTOR” FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (V) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE.

THE HOLDER AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.

THE HOLDER AGREES THAT, BEFORE THE HOLDER OFFERS, SELLS OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERS THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE, THE COMPANY MAY REQUIRE THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE TO DELIVER A WRITTEN OPINION, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT IT REASONABLY REQUIRES TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH PROPOSED TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.

AS USED IN THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “U.S. PERSON” AND “UNITED STATES” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY RULE 902 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

SECTION 203. Removal of Restricted Legend . The Company may instruct the Trustee in writing to cancel any Series C Senior Note and, upon receipt of a Company Order, authenticate an Exchange Note of like tenor and amount, registered in the name of the Holder thereof (or its transferee), that does not bear the Restricted Legend, and the Trustee will comply with such instruction:

(i) if the Company determines (upon the advice of counsel and such other certifications and evidence as the Company may reasonably require) that a Series C Senior Note is eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or a successor provision) and that the Restricted Legend is no longer necessary or appropriate in order to ensure that subsequent transfers of such Series C Senior Note (or a beneficial interest therein) are effected in compliance with the Securities Act; or

(ii) if an Initial Series C Senior Note is sold pursuant to an effective Registration, pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement (if applicable) or otherwise; or

(iii) if an Initial Series C Senior Note is exchanged for an Exchange Note pursuant to the Exchange Offer;

provided, however, that in such circumstances, the Trustee shall require an Opinion of Counsel and an Officer’s Certificate prior to authenticating an Exchange Note.

 

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SECTION 204. Registration of Transfer or Exchange . The registration of transfer or exchange of any Series C Senior Note (or a beneficial interest therein) that bears the Restricted Legend may only be made in compliance with the provisions of the Restricted Legend and as set forth below.

(i) Prior to the 40th day after the later of the commencement of the offering of the Series C Senior Notes and the Original Issue Date (such period through and including such 40th day, the “Distribution Compliance Period”), transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Security to a transferee who takes delivery of such interest through a Rule 144A Global Security of that series will be made only upon receipt by the Trustee of a written certification from the transferor of the beneficial interest to the effect that such transfer is being made to a Person whom the transferor reasonably believes is purchasing for its own account or accounts as to which it exercises sole investment discretion and is a QIB in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and the requirements of applicable securities laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction.

(ii) Transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Security to a transferee who takes delivery through the Regulation S Global Security of that series, whether before or after the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, will be made only upon receipt by the Trustee of a certification from the transferor to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Rule 904 of Regulation S or Rule 144 under the Securities Act and that, if such transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, the interest transferred will be held immediately thereafter through Euroclear Bank S.A./NV, as operator of the Euroclear System or Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme, Luxembourg.

(iii) Any beneficial interest in one of the Global Securities that is transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in another Global Security of that series will, upon transfer, cease to be an interest in the initial Global Security of that series and will become an interest in the other Global Security of that series and, accordingly, will thereafter be subject to all transfer restrictions, if any, and other procedures applicable to beneficial interests in such other Global Security of that series for as long as it remains such an interest.

SECTION 205. Preservation of Information . The Trustee will retain copies of all certificates, opinions and other documents received in connection with the registration of transfer or exchange of a Series C Senior Note (or a beneficial interest therein) in accordance with its customary policy, and the Company will have the right to request copies thereof at any reasonable time upon written notice to the Trustee.

SECTION 206. Acknowledgement of Restrictions; Indemnification; No Obligation of Trustee . By its acceptance of any Series C Senior Note bearing the Restricted Legend, each Holder of such a Series C Senior Note acknowledges the restrictions on registrations of transfer or exchange of such Series C Senior Note set forth in this Third Supplemental Indenture and in the Restricted Legend and agrees that it will register the transfer or exchange of such Series C Senior Note only as provided in this Third Supplemental Indenture. The Security Registrar shall not register a transfer or exchange of any Series C Senior Note unless such transfer or exchange complies with the restrictions on transfer or exchange of such Series C Senior Note set forth in this Third Supplemental Indenture. In connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Series C Senior Notes, each Holder agrees by its acceptance of the Series C Senior Notes to furnish the Security Registrar or the Company such certifications, legal opinions or other

 

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information as either of them may reasonably require to confirm that such registration of transfer or exchange is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act; provided that the Security Registrar shall not be required to determine (but may rely on a determination made by the Company with respect to) the sufficiency of any such certifications, legal opinions or other information.

The Security Registrar shall retain copies of all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to the Indenture in accordance with its customary policy. The Company shall have the right to request copies of all such letters, notices or other written communications at any reasonable time upon the giving of written notice to the Security Registrar.

Each Holder of a Series C Senior Note agrees to indemnify the Company and the Trustee against any liability that may result from the transfer, exchange or assignment of such Holder’s Series C Senior Note in violation of any provision of this Third Supplemental Indenture and/or applicable United States Federal or state securities law.

The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer or exchange imposed under this Third Supplemental Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any registrations of transfer or exchange of any interest in any Series C Senior Note (including any transfers between or among members of, or participants in, the Depositary or beneficial owners of interests in any Global Security) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Third Supplemental Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SECTION 301. Ratification and Incorporation of Base Indenture . As supplemented hereby, the Base Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed by the Company, and the Base Indenture and this Third Supplemental Indenture shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

SECTION 302. Executed in Counterparts . This Third Supplemental Indenture may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, and such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. The exchange of copies of this Third Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Third Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original manually executed Third Supplemental Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes.

SECTION 303. Assignment . The Company shall have the right at all times to assign any of its rights or obligations under the Indenture with respect to the Series C Senior Notes to a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; provided that, in the event of any such assignment, the Company shall remain primarily liable for the performance of all such obligations. The Indenture may also be assigned by the Company in connection with a transaction described in Article Eight of the Base Indenture.

 

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SECTION 304. Trustee’s Disclaimer . All of the provisions contained in the Base Indenture in respect of the rights, powers, privileges, protections, duties and immunities of the Trustee, including without limitation its right to be indemnified, shall be applicable in respect of the Series C Senior Notes and of this Third Supplemental Indenture as fully and with like effect as if set forth herein in full. The Trustee accepts the amendments of the Indenture effected by this Third Supplemental Indenture, but on the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, including the terms and provisions defining and limiting the liabilities and responsibilities of the Trustee. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or with respect to any of the recitals or statements contained herein, all of which recitals or statements are made solely by the Company, or for or with respect to (i) the validity or sufficiency of this Third Supplemental Indenture or any of the terms or provision hereof, (ii) the proper authorization hereof by the Company by action or otherwise, (iii) the due execution hereof by the Company, or (iv) the consequences of any amendment herein provided for, and the Trustee makes no representation with respect to any such matters.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each party hereto has caused this instrument to be signed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized officer, all as of the day and year first above written.

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ James P. Carney

Name:   James P. Carney
Title:   Vice President and Assistant Treasurer
DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as Trustee
By:   Deutsche Bank National Trust Company
By:  

/s/ Jacqueline Bartnick

Name:   Jacqueline Bartnick
Title:   Director
By:  

/s/ Michael Dunlaevy

Name:   Michael Dunlaevy
Title:   Director

 

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EXHIBIT A

FORM OF

2013 SERIES C 4.80% SENIOR NOTE

DUE 2043

[UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF [CEDE & CO.] OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO [CEDE & CO.], ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, [CEDE & CO.], HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.]**

[THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF. THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE MAY NOT BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A SECURITY REGISTERED, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE IN WHOLE OR IN PART MAY BE REGISTERED, IN THE NAME OF ANY PERSON OTHER THAN SUCH DEPOSITARY OR A NOMINEE THEREOF, EXCEPT IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE. EVERY SERIES C SENIOR NOTE AUTHENTICATED AND DELIVERED UPON REGISTRATION OF, TRANSFER OF, OR IN EXCHANGE FOR OR IN LIEU OF, THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE SHALL BE A GLOBAL SECURITY SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING, EXCEPT IN SUCH LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES.]**

[THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE (OR ITS PREDECESSOR) WAS ORIGINALLY ISSUED IN A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), AND THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM. EACH PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE SELLER OF THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE MAY BE RELYING ON THE EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144A THEREUNDER.]***

[THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE AGREES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMPANY THAT (A) THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE MAY BE OFFERED, RESOLD, PLEDGED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED, ONLY (I) IN THE UNITED STATES TO A PERSON WHOM THE SELLER REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A

 

 

** Insert in Global Securities.
*** Insert in Restricted Securities.

 


QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) IN A TRANSACTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF RULE 144A, (II) OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 904 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (III) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT PROVIDED BY RULE 144 THEREUNDER (IF AVAILABLE), (IV) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (V) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 501(A)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) OF REGULATION D UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) THAT IS ACQUIRING THE NOTE FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT, OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF SUCH AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” FOR INVESTMENT PURPOSES AND NOT WITH A VIEW TO, OR FOR OFFER OR SALE IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY DISTRIBUTION IN VIOLATION OF THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH OF CASES (I) THROUGH (V) IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND (B) THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY ANY PURCHASER OF THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE FROM IT OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN CLAUSE (A) ABOVE.]***

[THE HOLDER AGREES THAT IT WILL DELIVER TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE OR AN INTEREST HEREIN IS TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND.]***

[THE HOLDER AGREES THAT, BEFORE THE HOLDER OFFERS, SELLS OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERS THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE, THE COMPANY MAY REQUIRE THE HOLDER OF THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE TO DELIVER A WRITTEN OPINION, CERTIFICATIONS AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT IT REASONABLY REQUIRES TO CONFIRM THAT SUCH PROPOSED TRANSFER IS BEING MADE PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES.]***

[AS USED IN THIS SERIES C SENIOR NOTE, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “U.S. PERSON” AND “UNITED STATES” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY RULE 902 OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.]***

 

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

 

 

$        

2013 SERIES C 4.80% SENIOR NOTE

DUE 2043

 

No. R-    CUSIP No. [    ]

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, a limited liability company duly organized and existing under the laws of Virginia (herein called the “Company,” which term includes any successor

 

2


Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [Cede & Co.]**, or registered assigns (the “Holder”), the principal sum of                      Dollars ($        )[, subject to the increases and decreases set forth in Schedule I hereto]** on November 1, 2043 and to pay interest thereon from October 22, 2013 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2014 at the rate of 4.80% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment, provided that any principal, and any such installment of interest, that is overdue shall bear interest at the rate of 4.80% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), from the dates such amounts are due until they are paid or made available for payment, and such interest shall be payable on demand. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Series C Senior Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest; provided that the interest payable at Stated Maturity or on a Redemption Date will be paid to the Person to whom principal is payable. The Regular Record Date shall be the close of business on the Business Day preceding such Interest Payment Date; provided, that with respect to Series C Senior Notes that are not represented by one or more Global Securities, the Regular Record Date shall be the close of business on the 15th calendar day (whether or not a Business Day) preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Series C Senior Note (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Series C Senior Notes not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Series C Senior Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in said Indenture.

[The Company is a party to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of October 22, 2013, among the Company and RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc. and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc., as the initial purchasers of the Series C Senior Notes (the “Registration Rights Agreement”). In the event that a Registration Default (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) occurs, the Company shall pay additional interest (in addition to the interest otherwise due) (“Additional Interest”) to the Holder during the first 90-day period beginning the day following such Registration Default in an amount equal to 0.25% per annum (regardless of the number of Registration Defaults), increasing by 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, until and including the date such Registration Default ends (as provided in the Registration Rights Agreement), up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum. The Company shall pay amounts due in respect of Additional Interest on each Interest Payment Date (or, if the Company shall default in the payment of interest on any Interest Payment Date, on the date such interest is otherwise paid as provided in the Indenture).]***

Payments of interest on the Series C Senior Notes will include interest accrued to but excluding the respective Interest Payment Dates. Interest payments for the Series C Senior Notes shall be computed and paid on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. In the event that any date on which interest is payable on the Series C Senior Notes is not a Business Day, then payment of the interest payable on such date will be made on the next

 

3


succeeding day that is a Business Day (and without any interest or payment in respect of any such delay), in each case with the same force and effect as if made on the date the payment was originally payable.

Payment of the principal of and interest on this Series C Senior Note will be made at the office of the Paying Agent, in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts, with any such payment that is due at the Stated Maturity of any Series C Senior Note, upon redemption or repurchase being made upon surrender of such Series C Senior Note to such office or agency; provided, however, that at the option of the Company payment of interest, subject to such surrender where applicable, may be made (i) by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security Register or (ii) by wire transfer at such place and to such account at a banking institution in the United States as may be designated in writing to the Trustee at least sixteen (16) days prior to the date for payment by the Person entitled thereto.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Series C Senior Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual signature, this Series C Senior Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

  Dated:     DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
      By:  

 

      Name:  

 

      Title:  

 

 

4


[REVERSE OF 2013 SERIES C 4.80% SENIOR NOTE]

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (herein called the “Securities”), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “Base Indenture”), as heretofore supplemented and as further supplemented by a Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “Third Supplemental Indenture” and together with the Base Indenture, as it may be hereafter supplemented or amended from time to time, the “Indenture,” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), by and between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (the “Trustee”), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. This Security is one of the series designated on the face hereof (the “Series C Senior Notes”) which is unlimited in aggregate principal amount.

The Series C Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

If an Event of Default with respect to Series C Senior Notes shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Series C Senior Notes may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.

The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee for the series of Securities affected, with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to waive certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Series C Senior Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Series C Senior Note and of any Series C Senior Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Series C Senior Note.

As provided in and subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder of this Series C Senior Note shall not have the right to institute any proceeding with respect to the Indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee or for any other remedy thereunder, unless such Holder shall have previously given the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Series C Senior Notes, the Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the Series C Senior Notes at the time Outstanding shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default as Trustee and offered the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it, and the Trustee shall not have received from the Holders of a majority in principal amount of Series C Senior Notes at the time Outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request, and shall have failed to institute any such proceeding for 60 days after receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity. The foregoing shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Holder of this Series C Senior Note for the enforcement of any payment of principal hereof or premium, if any, or interest hereon on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for herein.

 

5


No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Series C Senior Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Series C Senior Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Series C Senior Note is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this Series C Senior Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Series C Senior Note are payable, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Series C Senior Notes of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

The Series C Senior Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and any greater integral multiple of $1,000. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, Series C Senior Notes are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Series C Senior Notes having the same Stated Maturity and of like tenor of any authorized denominations as requested by the Holder upon surrender of the Series C Senior Note or Series C Senior Notes to be exchanged at the office or agency of the Company.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

Prior to due presentment of this Series C Senior Note for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Series C Senior Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

All terms used in this Series C Senior Note that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

 

6


ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM -   as tenants in common  
TEN ENT -   as tenants by the entireties  
JT TEN -   as joint tenants with rights of survivorship and not as tenants in common
UNIF GIFT MIN ACT -  

 

  Custodian for
  (Cust)  
 

 

 
  (Minor)  
  Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act of  
 

 

 
  (State)  
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not on the above list.              

 

 

 

7


FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s) and transfer(s) unto

 

 

  .
(please insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee)

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .
PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE
the within Series C Senior Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .

 

  .
agent to transfer said Series C Senior Note on the books of the Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.  

Dated:                  ,             

 

NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within instrument in every particular without alteration or enlargement, or any change whatever.

 

8


DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

2013 SERIES C 4.80% SENIOR NOTE

DUE 2043

No. R-    

SCHEDULE I**

The following increases or decreases in this Global Security have been made:

 

Date of increase or
decrease and reason
for the change in
principal amount
  Amount of decrease
in principal amount
of this Global
Security
  Amount of increase
in principal amount
of this Global
Security
  Principal amount of
this Global Security
following such
decrease or increase
  Signature of
authorized signatory
of Trustee
       
       
       

 

9


EXHIBIT B

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, as
Trustee
By:  

 

  Authorized Signatory

 

10

Exhibit 5.1

McGuireWoods LLP

One James Center

Richmond, Virginia 23219

April 4, 2014

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

120 Tredegar Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special counsel to Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company (the “ Company ”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “ Registration Statement ”), filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Act ”). The Registration Statement relates to the Company’s offer to exchange (i) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 which have been registered under the Act (the “ Exchange Series A Senior Notes ”) for a like principal amount of the Company’s issued and outstanding unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “ Original Series A Senior Notes ” and, together with the Exchange Series A Senior Notes, the “ Series A Senior Notes ”), (ii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 which have been registered under the Act (the “ Exchange Series B Senior Notes ”) for a like principal amount of the Company’s issued and outstanding unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “ Original Series B Senior Notes ” and, together with the Exchange Series B Senior Notes, the “ Series B Senior Notes ”); and (iii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 which have been registered under the Act (the “ Exchange Series C Senior Notes ”) for a like principal amount of the Company’s issued and outstanding unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “ Original Series C Senior Notes ” and, together with the Exchange Series C Senior Notes, the “ Series C Senior Notes ”). The term “ Exchange Notes ” refers collectively to the Exchange Series A Senior Notes, the Exchange Series B Senior Notes and the Exchange Series C Senior Notes. The term “ Original Notes ” refers collectively to the Original Series A Senior Notes, the Original Series B Senior Notes and the Original Series C Senior Notes. The term “ Notes ” refers to both the Original Notes and the Exchange Notes. The exchange of the Exchange Notes for the Original Notes will be made pursuant to an exchange offer (the “ Exchange Offer ”) described in the Registration Statement. This opinion letter is being furnished in accordance with the requirements of Item 21 of Form S-4 and Item 601(b)(5)(i) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Act. Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Registration Statement or the Indenture.

The Original Notes were, and the Exchange Notes will be, issued under an Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “ Base Indenture ”) between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”), supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture with respect to the Series A Senior Notes, the Second Supplemental Indenture with respect to the Series B Senior Notes and the Third Supplemental Indenture with respect to the Series C Senior Notes, each dated as of October 1, 2013, between the Company and the Trustee (collectively, the “ Supplemental Indentures ”). The term “ Indenture ” refers to the Base


Indenture, as supplemented by the Supplemental Indentures. The terms of the Exchange Notes are identical in all material respects to the terms of the Original Notes, except that when the Registration Statement becomes effective, the Exchange Notes will be registered under the Act and will not contain restrictions on transfer, registration rights or provisions for additional interest.

Documents Reviewed

In connection with this opinion letter, we have examined the following documents:

 

  (a) the Registration Statement;

 

  (b) the Prospectus;

 

  (c) the Base Indenture;

 

  (d) the First Supplemental Indenture;

 

  (e) the Second Supplemental Indenture;

 

  (f) the Third Supplemental Indenture; and

 

  (g) the forms of the Exchange Series A Notes, the Exchange Series B Notes and the Exchange Series C Notes referred to in Exhibits 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7 to the Registration Statement, respectively.

The documents referred to in clauses (c) through (g) above are referred to collectively as the “ Subject Documents ”) and each, individually, as a “ Subject Document ”).

In addition we have examined and relied upon the following:

(i) a certificate from the assistant secretary of the Company certifying as to (A) true and correct copies of the articles of organization and the operating agreement of the Company (the “ Organizational Documents ”), and (B) resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company effective October 1, 2013 authorizing in principle the issuance and sale of the Notes and the filing of the Registration Statement and an approval of authorized officers of the Company effective October 17, 2013 relating to the issuance and sale of the Notes by the Company.

(ii) a certificate dated April 3, 2014 issued by the State Corporation Commission of the Commonwealth of Virginia, attesting to the limited liability company status of the Company in the Commonwealth of Virginia (the “ Status Certificate ”); and

(iii) originals, or copies identified to our satisfaction as being true copies, of such other records, documents and instruments as we have deemed necessary for the purposes of this opinion letter.

Applicable Law ” means the law of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of New York and the relevant laws of the United States.

 

2


Assumptions Underlying Our Opinions

For all purposes of the opinions expressed herein, we have assumed, without independent investigation, the following:

(a) Factual Matters . To the extent that we have reviewed and relied upon (i) certificates of the Company or authorized representatives thereof and (ii) certificates and assurances from public officials, all of such certificates, representations and assurances are accurate with regard to factual matters.

(b) Signatures . The signatures of individuals who have signed the Subject Documents are genuine and (other than those of individuals signing on behalf of the Company) authorized.

(c) Authentic and Conforming Documents . All documents submitted to us as originals are authentic, complete and accurate, and all documents submitted to us as copies conform to authentic original documents.

(d) Organizational Status, Power and Authority and Legal Capacity of Certain Parties . All parties to the Subject Documents are, and were at the respective times the Subject Documents included in the Indenture were executed and delivered, validly existing and in good standing in their respective jurisdictions of formation and have, and had at the respective times the Subject Documents included in the Indenture were executed and delivered, the capacity and full power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the Subject Documents and the documents required or permitted to be delivered and performed thereunder, except that no such assumption is made as to the Company. All individuals who have signed each Subject Document had the legal capacity to execute such Subject Document.

(e) Authorization, Execution and Delivery of Subject Documents . The Subject Documents and the documents required or permitted to be delivered thereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company, business trust, partnership or other action on the part of the parties thereto and have been duly executed and delivered by such parties, except that no such assumption is made as to the Company.

(f) Subject Documents Binding on Certain Parties . The Subject Documents and the documents required or permitted to be delivered thereunder are valid and binding obligations enforceable against the parties thereto in accordance with their terms, except that no such assumption is made as to the Company.

(g) Governing Law of Certain Documents . The parties to the Indenture have agreed that the Subject Documents included therein are governed by the laws of the State of New York.

(h) Noncontravention . Neither the issuance of the Exchange Notes by the Company nor the execution and delivery of the Subject Documents by any party thereto nor the performance by such party of its obligations thereunder will conflict with or result in a breach of (i) the certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws, certificate or articles of organization, operating agreement, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, trust agreement or other similar organizational documents of any such party, except that no such assumption is made with respect to the Company as to its Organizational Documents, (ii) any law or regulation of any jurisdiction applicable to any such party, except that no such assumption is made with respect to the Company as to any Applicable Law or (iii) any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court

 

3


or governmental instrumentality or agency applicable to any such party or any agreement or instrument to which any such party may be a party or by which its properties are subject or bound, except that no such assumption is made with respect to the Company as to the Subject Documents.

(i) Governmental Approvals . All consents, approvals and authorizations of, or filings with, all governmental authorities that are required as a condition to the issuance of the Exchange Notes or to the execution and delivery of the Subject Documents by the parties thereto or the performance by such parties of their obligations thereunder have been obtained or made, except that no such assumption is made with respect to any consent, approval, authorization or filing that is applicable to the Company.

(j) No Mutual Mistake, Amendments, etc . There has not been any mutual mistake of fact, fraud, duress or undue influence in connection with the issuance of the Exchange Notes as contemplated by the Registration Statement and Prospectus. There are no oral or written statements or agreements that modify, amend or vary, or purport to amend or vary, any of the terms of the Subject Documents, except in the case of the terms of the Base Indenture applicable to the Exchange Notes, for the First Supplemental Indenture, the Second Supplemental Indenture and the Third Supplemental Indenture.

Our Opinions

Based on and subject to the foregoing and the exclusions, qualifications, limitations and other assumptions set forth in this opinion letter, we are of the opinion that:

1. Organizational Status . Based solely upon its Status Certificate, the Company is a validly existing limited liability company under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

2. Power and Authority . The Company has the limited liability company power and authority to issue the Exchange Notes.

3. Validity . When (i) the Exchange Notes have been duly executed and delivered in exchange for validly tendered Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer as contemplated by the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and (ii) the Exchange Notes have been authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, the Exchange Notes will constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms.

Matters Excluded from Our Opinions

We express no opinion with respect to the following matters:

(a) Indemnification and Change of Control . The enforceability of any agreement of the Company in a Subject Document relating to (i) indemnification, contribution or exculpation from costs, expenses or other liabilities or (ii) changes in the organizational control or ownership of the Company, which agreement (in the case of clause (i) or clause (ii)) is contrary to public policy or applicable law.

(b) Jurisdiction, Venue, etc . The enforceability of any agreement of the Company in a Subject Document to submit to the jurisdiction of any specific federal or state court (other than

 

4


the enforceability in a court of the State of New York of any such agreement to submit to the jurisdiction of a court of the State of New York), to waive any objection to the laying of the venue, to waive the defense of forum non conveniens in any action or proceeding referred to therein, to waive trial by jury, to effect service of process in any particular manner or to establish evidentiary standards, and any agreement of the Company regarding the choice of law governing a Subject Document (other than the enforceability in a court of the State of New York or in a federal court sitting in the State of New York and applying New York law to any such agreement that the laws of the State of New York shall govern a Subject Document).

Qualifications and Limitations Applicable to Our Opinions

The opinions set forth above are subject to the following qualifications and limitations:

(a) Applicable Law . Our opinions are limited to the Applicable Law, and we do not express any opinion concerning any other law.

(b) Bankruptcy . Our opinions are subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency (including, without limitation, laws relating to preferences, fraudulent transfers and equitable subordination), reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

(c) Equitable Principles . Our opinions are subject to the effect of general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing. In applying such principles, a court, among other things, might limit the availability of specific equitable remedies (such as injunctive relief and the remedy of specific performance), might not allow a creditor to accelerate maturity of debt or exercise other remedies upon the occurrence of a default deemed immaterial or for non-credit reasons or might decline to order a debtor to perform covenants in a Subject Document.

(d) Unenforceability of Certain Provisions . Provisions contained in the Subject Documents which require waivers or amendments to be made only in writing may be unenforceable or ineffective, in whole or in part. The inclusion of such provisions, however, does not render any Subject Document invalid as a whole .

(e) Choice of New York Law and Forum . To the extent that our opinions relate to the enforceability of the choice of New York law or any choice of New York forum provisions of any Subject Document, our opinion is rendered in reliance upon N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §§ 5-1401 and 5-1402 and N.Y. CPLR 327(b) and is subject to the qualification that such enforceability may be limited by principles of public policy, comity and constitutionality. We express no opinion as to whether a United States federal court would have subject-matter or personal jurisdiction over a controversy arising under the Subject Documents.

Miscellaneous

The foregoing opinion is being furnished only for the purpose referred to in the first paragraph of this opinion letter. Our opinions are based on statutes, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations which are subject to change. We undertake no responsibility to update or supplement these opinions subsequent to the effective date of the Registration Statement. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the

 

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Registration Statement and to references to us under the heading “Legal Matters” in the Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement relating to the Exchange Notes. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ McGuireWoods LLP

 

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Exhibit 10.1

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT dated October 22, 2013 (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into by and among Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company (the “ Company ”), and the initial purchasers listed in Schedule I to the Purchase Agreement (as defined below) (the “ Initial Purchasers ”).

The Company and the Initial Purchasers are parties to the Purchase Agreement dated October 17, 2013 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), which provides for the sale by the Company to the Initial Purchasers of (i) $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 1.05% Series A Senior Notes due 2016 (the “ Series A Senior Notes ”), (ii) $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 3.55% Series B Senior Notes due 2023 (the “ Series B Senior Notes ”) and (iii) $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 4.80% Series C Senior Notes due 2043 (the “ Series C Senior Notes ” and, together with the Series A Senior Notes and the Series B Senior Notes, the “ Securities ”). As an inducement to the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to provide to the Initial Purchasers and their direct and indirect transferees the registration rights set forth in this Agreement. The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the closing under the Purchase Agreement.

In consideration of the foregoing, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Business Day ” shall mean any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City or Richmond, Virginia are authorized or required by law to remain closed.

Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble, including any successor of the Company.

Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.

Exchange Dates ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(ii) hereof.

Exchange Offer ” shall mean the exchange offer by the Company of Exchange Securities of each series for Registrable Securities of such series pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Offer Registration ” shall mean a registration under the Securities Act effected pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement ” shall mean an exchange offer registration statement on Form S-4 (or, if applicable, on another appropriate form) and all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

Exchange Securities ” shall mean senior notes of a series issued by the Company under the Indenture, containing terms identical to the applicable series of Securities (except that the Exchange Securities will not be subject to restrictions on transfer or to any increase in annual interest rate for failure to comply with this Agreement) and to be offered to Holders in exchange for Registrable Securities of such series pursuant to the Exchange Offer for such series.


FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

Free Writing Prospectus ” means each free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) prepared by or on behalf of the Company or used or referred to by the Company in connection with the sale of the Registrable Securities or the Exchange Securities.

Holders ” shall mean the Initial Purchasers, for so long as they own any Registrable Securities, and each of their successors, assigns and direct and indirect transferees who become owners of Registrable Securities under the Indenture; provided that, for purposes of Section 4 and Section 5 hereof, the term “Holders” shall include Participating Broker-Dealers, and provided that whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Securities is required hereunder, any Registrable Securities owned directly or indirectly by the Company or any of its affiliates shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage or amount.

Indemnified Person ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.

Indemnifying Person ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.

Indenture ” shall mean the Indenture dated as of October 1, 2013, between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, the Second Supplemental Indenture and the Third Supplemental Indenture, each dated as of October 1, 2013 and each between the Company and the Trustee, and as the same may be further supplemented and amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

Initial Purchasers ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Inspector ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(xv) hereof.

Issuer Information ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) hereof.

Majority Holders ” shall mean the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Registrable Securities.

Notice and Questionnaire ” shall mean a notice of registration statement and selling security holder questionnaire distributed to a Holder by the Company upon receipt of a Shelf Request from such Holder.

Officers’ Certificate ” shall have the meaning specified in the Indenture.

Participating Broker-Dealers ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.

Participating Holder ” shall mean any Holder of Registrable Securities that has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company in accordance with Section 2(b) hereof.

Person ” shall mean an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

Prospectus ” shall mean the prospectus included in, or, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities Act, deemed a part of, a Registration Statement, including any preliminary prospectus, and any such prospectus as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, including a prospectus supplement with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Shelf Registration Statement, and by all other amendments and supplements to such prospectus, and in each case including any document incorporated by reference therein.

 

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Purchase Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Registrable Securities ” shall mean the Securities; provided that the Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities upon the earliest to occur of the following: (i) when a Registration Statement with respect to such Securities has become effective under the Securities Act and such Securities have been exchanged or disposed of pursuant to such Registration Statement; (ii) when such Securities cease to be outstanding; (iii) except in the case of Securities that otherwise remain Registrable Securities and that are ineligible to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer, when the Exchange Offer is consummated; (iv) when such Securities are sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (but not Rule 144A) or (v) the date that is three years after the date of this Agreement, provided that such date shall be extended by the number of days of any permitted extension pursuant to Section 3(d) hereof.

Registration Default ” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not filed with the SEC on or prior to the Target Filing Date; (ii) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not declared effective by the SEC on or prior to the Target Effective Date; (iii) the Exchange Offer is not completed on or prior to the Target Registration Date; (iv) a Shelf Registration Statement is required to be filed but is not filed or declared effective (or does not become automatically effective) within the respective time periods set forth herein; (v) the Shelf Registration Statement, if required by this Agreement, has become effective and thereafter ceases to be effective or the Prospectus contained therein ceases to be usable for resales of Registrable Securities, in each case whether or not permitted by this Agreement, at any time during the Shelf Effectiveness Period, and such failure to remain effective or usable for resales of Registrable Securities exists for more than 90 days (whether or not consecutive) in any 12-month period or (vi) the Shelf Registration Statement, if required by this Agreement, has become effective and thereafter, on more than two occasions of at least 30 consecutive days in any 12-month period during the Shelf Effectiveness Period, the Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be effective or the Prospectus contained therein ceases to be usable for resales of Registrable Securities, in each case whether or not permitted by this Agreement.

Registration Expenses ” shall mean any and all expenses incident to performance of or compliance by the Company with this Agreement, including without limitation: (i) all SEC, stock exchange or FINRA registration and filing fees, (ii) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with compliance with state securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel for any Underwriters or Holders in connection with blue sky qualification of any Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities), (iii) all expenses of the Company in preparing or assisting in preparing, word processing, printing and distributing any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, any underwriting agreements, securities sales agreements or other similar agreements and any other documents relating to the performance of and compliance with this Agreement, (iv) all rating agency fees incurred by the Company (including with respect to maintaining ratings of the Securities), (v) all fees and disbursements relating to the qualification of the Indenture under applicable securities laws, (vi) the fees and disbursements of the Trustee and its counsel, (vii) the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel for the

 

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Participating Holders (which counsel shall be selected by the Participating Holders holding a majority of the aggregate principal amount of Registrable Securities held by such Participating Holders and which counsel may also be counsel for the Initial Purchasers) and (viii) the fees and disbursements of the independent registered public accountants of the Company, including the expenses of any special audits or “comfort” letters required by or incident to the performance of and compliance with this Agreement, but excluding fees and expenses of counsel to the Underwriters (other than fees and expenses set forth in clause (ii) above) or the Holders and underwriting discounts and commissions, brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of Registrable Securities by a Holder.

Registration Statement ” shall mean any registration statement of the Company that covers any of the Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and all amendments and supplements to any such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

SEC ” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.

Shelf Effectiveness Period ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.

Shelf Registration ” shall mean a registration effected pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof.

Shelf Registration Statement ” shall mean a “shelf” registration statement of the Company that covers all or a portion of the Registrable Securities (but no other securities unless approved by a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities included on such Registration Statement held by the Participating Holders) on an appropriate form under Rule 415 under the Securities Act, or any similar rule that may be adopted by the SEC, and all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.

Shelf Request ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.

Staff ” shall mean the staff of the SEC.

Suspension Actions ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(e) hereof.

Target Effective Date ” shall mean July 21, 2014.

Target Filing Date ” shall mean April 21, 2014.

Target Registration Date ” shall mean the date that is 35 Business Days following the date that the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC.

Trust Indenture Act ” shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended from time to time.

Trustee ” shall mean the trustee with respect to the Securities under the Indenture.

Underwriter ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(e) hereof.

Underwritten Offering ” shall mean an offering in which Registrable Securities are sold to an Underwriter for reoffering to the public.

 

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2. Registration Under the Securities Act .

(a) To the extent not prohibited by any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (x) cause to be filed an Exchange Offer Registration Statement on or prior to the Target Filing Date covering an offer to the Holders to exchange all the Registrable Securities for Exchange Securities and (y) have such Exchange Offer Registration Statement become effective on or before the Target Effective Date and remain effective until 180 days after the last Exchange Date for use by one or more Participating Broker-Dealers. The Company shall commence the Exchange Offer for each series promptly after the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC and use its commercially reasonable efforts to complete the Exchange Offer for such series on or prior to the Target Registration Date.

After the Exchange Offer Registration Statement has become effective, the Company shall commence the Exchange Offer for each series of Registrable Securities by mailing the related Prospectus, appropriate letters of transmittal and other accompanying documents to each Holder stating, in addition to such other disclosures as are required by applicable law, substantially the following:

(i) that such Exchange Offer is being made pursuant to this Agreement and that all Registrable Securities of such series validly tendered and not properly withdrawn will be accepted for exchange;

(ii) the dates of acceptance for exchange (which shall be a period of at least 20 Business Days from the date such notice is mailed) (each, an “ Exchange Date ”);

(iii) that any Registrable Security not tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest but will not retain any rights under this Agreement, except as otherwise specified herein;

(iv) that any Holder electing to have a Registrable Security of a series exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer for such series will be required to (A) surrender such Registrable Security, together with the appropriate letters of transmittal, to the institution and at the address and in the manner specified in the notice, or (B) effect such exchange otherwise in compliance with the applicable procedures of the depositary for such Registrable Security, in each case prior to the close of business on the last Exchange Date with respect to such Exchange Offer; and

(v) that any Holder of Registrable Securities of a series will be entitled to withdraw its election, not later than the close of business on the last Exchange Date with respect to the Exchange Offer for such series, by (A) sending to the institution and at the address specified in the notice, a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of such Holder, the principal amount of Registrable Securities delivered for exchange and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its election to have such Securities exchanged or (B) effecting such withdrawal in compliance with the applicable procedures of the depositary for the Registrable Securities.

As a condition to participating in an Exchange Offer, a Holder will be required to represent to the Company that (1) any Exchange Securities to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (2) at the time of the commencement of such Exchange Offer it has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in the distribution (within the

 

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meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Securities in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act, (3) it is not an “affiliate” (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Company and (4) if such Holder is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Securities for its own account in exchange for Registrable Securities that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, then such Holder will deliver a Prospectus (or, to the extent permitted by law, make available a Prospectus to purchasers) in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities.

As soon as practicable after the last Exchange Date with respect to an Exchange Offer for Registrable Securities of a series, the Company shall:

(i) accept for exchange Registrable Securities of such series or portions thereof validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to such Exchange Offer; and

(ii) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation all Registrable Securities of such series or portions thereof so accepted for exchange by the Company and issue, and cause the Trustee to promptly authenticate and deliver to each Holder, Exchange Securities of such series equal in principal amount to the principal amount of the Registrable Securities of such series tendered by such Holder.

The Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to complete each Exchange Offer as provided above and shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and other applicable laws and regulations in connection with each Exchange Offer. No Exchange Offer shall be subject to any conditions, other than that the Exchange Offer does not violate any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff.

(b) If (i) the Company determines that the Exchange Offer provided for in Section 2(a) hereof is not available or the Exchange Offer for Registrable Securities of a series may not be completed as soon as practicable after the last Exchange Date with respect to such Exchange Offer because it would violate any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff, (ii) such Exchange Offer is not for any other reason completed by the Target Registration Date or (iii) prior to the last Exchange Date with respect to such Exchange Offer, the Company receives a written request (a “ Shelf Request ”) from any Holder representing that it holds Registrable Securities of the applicable series that are or were ineligible to be exchanged in such Exchange Offer, the Company shall (x) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be filed within 60 days after such determination, date or Shelf Request, as the case may be, a Shelf Registration Statement providing for the sale of all the Registrable Securities of such series by the Holders thereof and to have such Shelf Registration Statement become effective; provided that (a) no Holder will be entitled to have any Registrable Securities included in any Shelf Registration Statement, or entitled to use the Prospectus forming a part of such Shelf Registration Statement, until such Holder shall have delivered a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire and provided such other information regarding such Holder to the Company as is contemplated by Section 3(b) hereof, and (b) the Company shall be under no obligation to file any such Shelf Registration Statement before it is obligated to file an Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof; and (y) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective by the SEC or to become automatically effective in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission on or prior to 150 days after such filing obligation arises (or, if later, the Target Effective Date).

 

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If the Company is required to file a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to clause (iii) of the preceding sentence, the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to file and have become effective both an Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof with respect to all Registrable Securities and a Shelf Registration Statement (which may be a combined Registration Statement with the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) with respect to offers and sales of Registrable Securities held by the Initial Purchasers after completion of the Exchange Offer.

The Company agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective until the Securities covered thereby cease to be Registrable Securities (the “ Shelf Effectiveness Period ”). The Company further agrees to supplement or amend the Shelf Registration Statement, the related Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus if required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company for such Shelf Registration Statement or by the Securities Act or by any other rules and regulations thereunder or if reasonably requested by a Participating Holder of Registrable Securities with respect to information relating to such Holder, and to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause any such amendment to become effective, if required, and such Shelf Registration Statement, Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, to become usable as soon as thereafter practicable. The Company agrees to furnish to the Participating Holders copies of any such supplement or amendment promptly after its being used or filed with the SEC, as requested by the Participating Holders.

(c) The Company shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection with any registration pursuant to Section 2(a) or Section 2(b) hereof. Each Holder shall pay all underwriting discounts and commissions, brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of such Holder’s Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.

(d) An Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC. A Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC or is automatically effective upon filing with the SEC as provided by Rule 462 under the Securities Act.

If a Registration Default occurs with respect to a series of Registrable Securities, the interest rate on the Registrable Securities of such series will be increased by (i) 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period beginning on the day immediately following such Registration Default and (ii) an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, in each case until and including the date such Registration Default ends, up to a maximum increase of 1.00% per annum. A Registration Default ends when the Securities of such series cease to be Registrable Securities or, if earlier, (1) in the case of a Registration Default under clause (i) or (ii) of the definition thereof, when the Exchange Offer for such series is completed or when the Shelf Registration Statement covering such Registrable Securities becomes effective or, (2) in the case of a Registration Default under clause (iii) or clause (iv) of the definition thereof, when the Shelf Registration Statement again becomes effective or the Prospectus again becomes usable. If at any time more than one Registration Default has occurred and is continuing, then, until the next date that there is no Registration Default, the increase in interest rate provided for by this paragraph shall apply as if there occurred a single Registration Default that begins on the date that the earliest such Registration Default occurred and ends on such next date that there is no Registration Default.

 

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Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if the applicable Exchange Offer is consummated, any Holder who was, at the time such Exchange Offer was pending and consummated, eligible to exchange, and did not validly tender or withdrew, its Securities for Exchange Securities in such Exchange Offer will not be entitled to receive any additional interest pursuant to the preceding paragraph, and such Securities will no longer constitute Registrable Securities hereunder.

(e) The Company shall be entitled to suspend its obligation to file any amendment to a Shelf Registration Statement, furnish any supplement or amendment to a Prospectus included in a Shelf Registration Statement or any Free Writing Prospectus, make any other filing with the SEC that would be incorporated by reference into a Shelf Registration Statement, cause a Shelf Registration Statement to remain effective or the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus usable or take any similar action (collectively, “ Suspension Actions ”) if there is a possible acquisition or business combination or other transaction, business development or event involving the Company or its subsidiaries that may require disclosure in the Shelf Registration Statement or Prospectus and the Company determines that such disclosure is not in the best interest of the Company and its sole member or obtaining any financial statements relating to any such acquisition or business combination required to be included in the Shelf Registration Statement or Prospectus would be impracticable. Upon the occurrence of any of the conditions described in the foregoing sentence, the Company shall give prompt notice of the delay or suspension (but not the basis thereof) to the Participating Holders. Upon the termination of such condition, the Company shall promptly proceed with all Suspension Actions that were delayed or suspended and, if required, shall give prompt notice to the Participating Holders of the cessation of the delay or suspension (but not the basis thereof).

(f) Without limiting the remedies available to the Initial Purchasers and the Holders, the Company acknowledges that any failure by the Company to comply with its obligations under Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof may result in material irreparable injury to the Initial Purchasers or the Holders for which there is no adequate remedy at law, that it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries precisely and that, in the event of any such failure, the Initial Purchasers or any Holder may obtain such relief as may be required to specifically enforce the Company’s obligations under Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof.

3. Registration Procedures .

(a) In connection with its obligations pursuant to Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof, the Company shall:

(i) prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement on the appropriate form under the Securities Act, which form (A) shall be selected by the Company, (B) shall, in the case of a Shelf Registration, be available for the sale of the Registrable Securities by the Participating Holders thereof and (C) shall comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the applicable form and include or incorporate by reference all financial statements required by the SEC to be filed therewith; and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective for the applicable period in accordance with Section 2 hereof;

(ii) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to each Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the applicable period in accordance with Section 2 hereof and cause each

 

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Prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement and, as so supplemented, to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act; and keep each Prospectus current during the period described in Section 4(3) of, and Rule 174 under, the Securities Act that is applicable to transactions by brokers or dealers with respect to the Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities;

(iii) to the extent any Free Writing Prospectus is used, file with the SEC any Free Writing Prospectus that is required to be filed by the Company with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act and to retain a copy of any Free Writing Prospectus not required to be filed;

(iv) in the case of a Shelf Registration, furnish to each Participating Holder, to counsel for the Initial Purchasers, to counsel for such Participating Holders and to each Underwriter of an Underwritten Offering of Registrable Securities, if any, without charge, as many copies of each Prospectus, preliminary prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto, as such Participating Holder, counsel or Underwriter may reasonably request in order to facilitate the sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities thereunder; and, subject to Section 3(c) hereof, the Company consents to the use of such Prospectus, preliminary prospectus or such Free Writing Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto in accordance with applicable law by each of the Participating Holders and any such Underwriters in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by and in the manner described in such Prospectus, preliminary prospectus or such Free Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto in accordance with applicable law;

(v) use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities under all applicable state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions of the United States as any Participating Holder shall reasonably request in writing by the time the applicable Registration Statement becomes effective; cooperate with such Participating Holders in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA; and do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each Participating Holder to complete the disposition in each such jurisdiction of the Registrable Securities owned by such Participating Holder; provided that the Company shall not be required to (1) qualify as a foreign corporation or other entity or as a dealer in securities in any such jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to so qualify, (2) file any general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction or (3) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction if it is not otherwise so subject;

(vi) notify counsel for the Initial Purchasers and, in the case of a Shelf Registration, notify each Participating Holder and counsel for such Participating Holders promptly and, if requested by any such Participating Holder or counsel, confirm such notice in writing (1) when a Registration Statement has become effective, when any post-effective amendment thereto has been filed and becomes effective, when any Free Writing Prospectus has been filed or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus has been filed, (2) of the issuance by the SEC or any state securities authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, including the receipt by the Company of any notice of objection of the SEC to the use of a Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act, (3) if, between the applicable effective

 

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date of a Shelf Registration Statement and the closing of any sale of Registrable Securities covered thereby, the representations and warranties of the Company contained in any underwriting agreement, securities sales agreement or other similar agreement, if any, relating to an offering of such Registrable Securities cease to be true and correct in all material respects or if the Company receives any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation of any proceeding for such purpose, (4) of the happening of any event during the period a Registration Statement is effective that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading and (5) of any determination by the Company that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus would be appropriate;

(vii) notify counsel for the Initial Purchasers and, in the case of a Shelf Registration, notify each Participating Holder and counsel for such Participating Holders promptly and, if requested by any such Participating Holder or counsel, confirm such notice in writing, of any request by the SEC or any state securities authority for amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement, Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or for additional information after the Registration Statement has become effective;

(viii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or, in the case of a Shelf Registration, the resolution of any objection of the SEC pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act, including by filing an amendment to such Registration Statement on the proper form, as soon as reasonably practicable and provide prompt notice to each Holder or Participating Holder of the withdrawal of any such order or such resolution;

(ix) in the case of a Shelf Registration, furnish to each Participating Holder, without charge, upon request, at least one conformed copy of each Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto (without any documents incorporated therein by reference or exhibits thereto, unless requested), if such documents are not available via EDGAR;

(x) in the case of a Shelf Registration, cooperate with the Participating Holders to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends and enable such Registrable Securities to be issued in such denominations and, in the case of certificated securities, registered in such names (consistent with the provisions of the Indenture) as such Participating Holders may reasonably request at least one Business Day prior to the closing of any sale of Registrable Securities;

(xi) upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by Section 3(a)(vi)(4) hereof, use its commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and file promptly with the SEC a supplement or post-effective amendment to the applicable Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered (or, to the extent permitted by law, made available) to purchasers of the Registrable Securities, such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be,

 

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will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and the Company shall notify the Participating Holders (in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement) and the Initial Purchasers and any Participating Broker-Dealers known to the Company (in the case of an Exchange Offer Registration Statement) to suspend use of the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus within one Business Day after the occurrence of such an event, and such Participating Holders, such Participating Broker-Dealers and the Initial Purchasers, as applicable, hereby agree to suspend use of the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, until the Company has amended or supplemented the Prospectus or the Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, to correct such misstatement or omission;

(xii) a reasonable time prior to the filing of any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus, any amendment to a Registration Statement or amendment or supplement to a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus, provide copies of such document to the Initial Purchasers and their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, to the Participating Holders and their counsel) and make such of the representatives of the Company as shall be reasonably requested by the Initial Purchasers or their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Participating Holders or their counsel) available for discussion of such document; and the Company shall not, at any time after initial filing of a Registration Statement, use or file any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus, any amendment of or supplement to a Registration Statement or a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus, of which the Initial Purchasers and their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Participating Holders and their counsel) shall not have previously been advised and furnished a copy or to which the Initial Purchasers or their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Participating Holders or their counsel) shall reasonably object in writing;

(xiii) obtain a CUSIP number for all Exchange Securities of each series or Registrable Securities of each series, as the case may be, not later than the initial effective date of a Registration Statement;

(xiv) cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act in connection with the registration of the Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities, as the case may be; cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders to effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for the Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the Trust Indenture Act; and execute, and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, all documents as may be required to effect such changes and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the SEC to enable the Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner;

(xv) in the case of a Shelf Registration, make available for inspection by a representative of the Participating Holders (an “ Inspector ”), any Underwriters participating in any disposition pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement, one firm of attorneys and one firm of accountants designated by a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Registrable Securities held by the Participating Holders and one firm of attorneys and one firm of accountants designated by such Underwriters, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, all pertinent financial and other records, documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries reasonably requested by any such Inspector, Underwriter,

 

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attorney or accountant, and cause the respective officers and employees of the Company to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector, Underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with a Shelf Registration Statement and customary due diligence related to the offering and sale of Registrable Securities thereunder, subject to such confidentiality agreements as the Company may reasonably require and to any applicable privilege;

(xvi) in the case of a Shelf Registration, use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities covered thereby to be listed on any securities exchange or any automated quotation system on which similar senior unconvertible debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company are then listed if requested by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement, to the extent such Registrable Securities satisfy applicable listing requirements;

(xvii) if reasonably requested by any Participating Holder, promptly include or incorporate by reference in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information with respect to such Participating Holder as such Participating Holder reasonably requests to be included therein and make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or such post-effective amendment as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company has received notification of the matters to be so included in such filing; and

(xviii) in the case of a Shelf Registration, enter into such customary agreements and take all such other actions in connection therewith (including those requested by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement) in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities including, but not limited to, an Underwritten Offering and in such connection, (1) to the extent possible, make such representations and warranties to the Participating Holders and any Underwriters of such Registrable Securities with respect to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries and the Registration Statement, Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus and documents incorporated by reference or deemed incorporated by reference, if any, in each case, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in underwritten offerings and consistent with the applicable representations and warranties in the Purchase Agreement and confirm the same if and when requested, (2) in connection with an Underwritten Offering, obtain opinions of counsel to the Company (which counsel and opinions, in form, scope and substance, shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Participating Holders and such Underwriters and their respective counsel) addressed to each Participating Holder and Underwriter of Registrable Securities, covering the matters customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings and consistent with the opinions delivered pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, (3) in connection with an Underwritten Offering, obtain “comfort” letters from the independent registered public accountants of the Company (and, if necessary, any other registered public accountant of any subsidiary of the Company, or of any business acquired by the Company for which financial statements and financial data are or are required to be included in the Registration Statement) addressed to each Participating Holder (to the extent permitted by applicable professional standards) and Underwriter of Registrable Securities, such letters to be in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in “comfort” letters in connection with underwritten offerings, including but not limited to financial information contained in any preliminary prospectus, Prospectus or Free Writing

 

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Prospectus and (4) in connection with an Underwritten Offering, deliver such documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities being sold or the Underwriters, and which are customarily delivered in underwritten offerings, to evidence the continued validity of the representations and warranties made pursuant to clause (1) above and to evidence compliance with any customary conditions contained in an underwriting agreement.

(b) In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company may require, as a condition to including such Holder’s Registrable Securities in such Shelf Registration Statement, each Holder of Registrable Securities to furnish to the Company a Notice and Questionnaire and such other information regarding such Holder and the proposed disposition by such Holder of such Registrable Securities as the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing and require such Holder to agree in writing to be bound by all provisions of this Agreement applicable to such Holder. Each Holder of Registrable Securities as to which any Shelf Registration is being effected agrees to furnish promptly to the Company all information required to be disclosed so that the information previously furnished to the Company by such Holder is not materially misleading and does not omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances under which they were made.

(c) Each Participating Holder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(a)(vi)(2) or Section 3(a)(vi)(4) hereof, such Participating Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement until such Participating Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus contemplated by Section 3(a)(xi) hereof and, if so directed by the Company, such Participating Holder will deliver to the Company all copies in its possession, other than permanent file copies then in such Participating Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities that is current at the time of receipt of such notice.

(d) If the Company shall give any notice to suspend the disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement, the Company shall extend the period during which such Registration Statement shall be maintained effective pursuant to this Agreement by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when the Holders of such Registrable Securities shall have received copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus necessary to resume such dispositions or notice that such amendment or supplement is not necessary.

(e) The Participating Holders who desire to do so may sell such Registrable Securities in an Underwritten Offering. In any such Underwritten Offering, the investment bank or investment banks and manager or managers (each an “ Underwriter ”) that will administer the offering will be selected by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities included in such offering, subject in each case to consent by the Company (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

(f) No Holder of Registrable Securities may participate in any Underwritten Offering hereunder unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder’s Registrable Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled hereunder to

 

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approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

4. Participation of Broker-Dealers in Exchange Offer .

(a) The Staff has taken the position that any broker-dealer that receives Exchange Securities for its own account in the Exchange Offer in exchange for Securities that were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities (a “ Participating Broker-Dealer ”) may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities.

The Company understands that it is the Staff’s position that if the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement includes a plan of distribution containing a statement to the above effect and the means by which Participating Broker-Dealers may resell the Exchange Securities, without naming the Participating Broker-Dealers or specifying the amount of Exchange Securities owned by them, such Prospectus may be delivered by Participating Broker-Dealers (or, to the extent permitted by law, made available to purchasers) to satisfy their prospectus delivery obligation under the Securities Act in connection with resales of Exchange Securities for their own accounts, so long as the Prospectus otherwise meets the requirements of the Securities Act.

(b) In light of the above, and notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to amend or supplement the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement for a period of up to 180 days after the last Exchange Date (as such period may be extended pursuant to Section 3(d) hereof), if requested by one or more Participating Broker-Dealers, in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of any Exchange Securities by Participating Broker-Dealers consistent with the positions of the Staff recited in Section 4(a) above. The Company further agrees that Participating Broker-Dealers shall be authorized to deliver such Prospectus (or, to the extent permitted by law, make available) during such period in connection with the resales contemplated by this Section 4.

(c) The Initial Purchasers shall have no liability to the Company or any Holder with respect to any request that they may make pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof.

5. Indemnification and Contribution .

(a) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Initial Purchaser and each Holder, their respective affiliates, directors and officers and each Person, if any, who controls any Initial Purchaser or any Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities (including, without limitation, legal fees and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with defending or investigating any suit, action, proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or several, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon (1) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or (2) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Prospectus, any Free Writing

 

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Prospectus or any “issuer information” (“ Issuer Information ”) filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission in any such document in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to any Initial Purchaser or information relating to any selling Holder furnished to the Company in writing through the Initial Purchasers or any Holder respectively, expressly for use therein. In connection with any Underwritten Offering permitted by Section 3, the Company will also indemnify the Underwriters, if any, selling brokers, dealers and similar securities industry professionals participating in the distribution, their respective affiliates and each Person who controls such Persons (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holders, if requested in writing in advance by a selling Holder in connection with any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus or any Issuer Information.

(b) Each Holder agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Initial Purchasers and the other selling Holders, the directors of the Company, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement, and each Person, if any, who controls the Company, any Initial Purchaser and any other selling Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in paragraph (a) above, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to such Holder furnished to the Company in writing by such Holder expressly for use in any Registration Statement, any Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus.

(c) If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be instituted involving any Person in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant to either paragraph (a) or (b) above, such Person (the “ Indemnified Person ”) shall promptly notify the Person against whom such indemnification may be sought (the “ Indemnifying Person ”) in writing; provided that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under paragraph (a) or (b) above except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure and that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Person otherwise than under paragraph (a) or (b) above. If any such suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be instituted involving any Indemnified Person and it shall have notified the Indemnifying Persons thereof, upon request of the Indemnified Person, the Indemnifying Person shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person to represent the Indemnified Person and any others entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 that the Indemnifying Person may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding, as incurred. In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Person unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the contrary; (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably

 

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satisfactory to the Indemnified Person; (iii) the Indemnified Person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Person; or (iv) the named parties to any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them. It is understood and agreed that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in respect of the legal expenses of any indemnified party in connection with any proceeding or related proceedings in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred. Any such separate firm (x) for any Initial Purchaser, its affiliates, directors and officers and any control Persons of such Initial Purchaser shall be designated in writing by the Initial Purchasers, (y) for any Holder, its directors and officers and any control Persons of such Holder shall be designated in writing by the Majority Holders and (z) in all other cases shall be designated in writing by the Company. The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an Indemnified Person shall have requested that an Indemnifying Person reimburse the Indemnified Person for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by this paragraph, the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by the Indemnifying Person of such request and (ii) the Indemnifying Person shall not have reimbursed the Indemnified Person in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No Indemnifying Person shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement (A) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (B) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person.

(d) If the indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) above is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and of the Holders, on the other, in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations, including relative benefit. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or by the Holders on the other and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

 

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(e) The Company and the Holders agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 5 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (d) above. The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in paragraph (d) above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders’ obligations under this paragraph (e) to contribute are several in proportion to the purchase price of their respective holdings and not joint. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

(f) The remedies provided for in this Section 5 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies that may otherwise be available to any Indemnified Person at law or in equity.

(g) The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 5 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Initial Purchasers or any Holder or any Person controlling any Initial Purchaser or any Holder, or by or on behalf of the Company or the officers or directors of or any Person controlling the Company, (iii) acceptance of any of the Exchange Securities and (iv) any sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement.

6. General .

(a) No Inconsistent Agreements. The Company represents, warrants and agrees that (i) the rights granted to the Holders hereunder do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of any other outstanding securities issued or guaranteed by the Company under any other agreement and (ii) the Company has not entered into, or on or after the date of this Agreement will not enter into, any agreement that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders of Registrable Securities in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.

(b) Amendments and Waivers. The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given unless the Company has obtained the written consent of Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Registrable Securities affected by such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent; provided that no amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent to any departure from the provisions of Section 5 hereof shall be effective as against any Holder of Registrable Securities unless consented to in writing by such Holder. Any amendments, modifications, supplements, waivers or consents pursuant to this Section 6(b) shall be by a writing executed by each of the parties hereto. Each Holder of Registrable Securities outstanding at the time of any such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent thereafter shall be bound by any such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent effected pursuant to this Section 6(b), whether or not any notice, writing or marking indicating such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent appears on the Registrable Securities or is delivered to such Holder. Each Holder may waive compliance with respect to any obligation of the Company under this Agreement as it may apply or be enforced by such particular Holder.

 

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(c) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, registered first-class mail, telecopier, electronic mail or any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery (i) if to a Holder, at the most current address given by such Holder to the Company by means of a notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c), which address initially is, with respect to the Initial Purchasers, the address set forth in the Purchase Agreement; (ii) if to the Company, initially at the applicable address set forth in the Purchase Agreement and thereafter at such other address, notice of which is given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c); and (iii) to such other persons at their respective addresses as provided in the Purchase Agreement and thereafter at such other address, notice of which is given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c). All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; three Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; when receipt is acknowledged, if sent via electronic mail and on the next Business Day if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery. Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee, at the address and via the method specified in the Indenture.

(d) Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors, assigns and transferees of each of the parties, including, without limitation and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders; provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Registrable Securities in violation of the terms of the Purchase Agreement or the Indenture. If any transferee of any Holder shall acquire Registrable Securities in any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to all the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities such Person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement and such Person shall be entitled to receive the benefits hereof. The Initial Purchasers (in their capacity as Initial Purchasers) shall have no liability or obligation to the Company with respect to any failure by a Holder to comply with, or any breach by any Holder of, any of the obligations of such Holder under this Agreement.

(e) Third Party Beneficiaries. Each Holder shall be a third party beneficiary to the agreements made hereunder between the Company, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, and shall have the right to enforce such agreements directly to the extent it deems such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights or the rights of other Holders hereunder.

(f) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

(g) Headings. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, are not a part of this Agreement and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

(h) Governing Law. This Agreement, and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to applicable principles of conflicts of laws to the extent the laws of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.

 

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(i) Entire Agreement; Severability. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all oral statements and prior writings with respect thereto. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable or against public policy, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions contained herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated. The Company and the Initial Purchasers shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, void or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, void or unenforceable provisions.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ James P. Carney

  Name:   James P. Carney
  Title:   Vice President and Assistant Treasurer

 

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Confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written:

 

RBC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC
By:  

/s/ Scott G. Primrose

Authorized Signatory
Name:   Scott G. Primrose
Title:   Authorized Signatory
RBS SECURITIES INC.
By:  

/s/ Matthew Schiffman

Authorized Signatory
Name:   Matthew Schiffman
Title:   Vice President
SCOTIA CAPITAL (USA) INC.
By:  

/s/ Paul McKeown

Authorized Signatory
Name:   Paul McKeown
Title:   Managing Director

 

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Exhibit 10.2

$2,500,000,000

INTER-COMPANY CREDIT AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

DOMINION RESOURCES, INC.

AND

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

Dated as of October 17, 2013


INTER-COMPANY CREDIT AGREEMENT

This Inter-Company Credit Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of October 17, 2013, is by and between DOMINION RESOURCES, INC. (“DRI”), a Virginia corporation, and DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC (“DGH”), a Virginia limited liability and wholly owned subsidiary of DRI (each of DRI and DGH referred to as a “party,” and collectively, the “parties”).

ARTICLE I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1.01 Definitions .

Available Credit ” means, as of any day, $2,500,000,000 less the aggregate amount of Loans then outstanding.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law or other governmental action to close in New York, New York; provided that such day is also a day on which DRI is open for business.

Base Rate ” means, as of any day, the effective dollar-weighted average rate of interest on DRI’s outstanding commercial paper and/or revolving credit borrowings. If no such DRI borrowings are outstanding on the date of any outstanding Loan, then the interest rate for such day shall be equal to One Month LIBOR as of the date of such determination, plus the basis point spread above One Month LIBOR, as it existed and was determined at the date of DRI’s most recent commercial paper borrowing, that was payable by DRI with respect to such borrowing.

Drawdown Date ” means a Business Day selected by DGH upon which all or any portion of any Loan shall be funded.

Dollars or $ ” means lawful money of the United States of America.

Effective Date ” shall be such day as this Agreement becomes effective pursuant to Section 4.06 hereof.

Final Maturity Date ” means: (i) the Regular Maturity Date (as the same may be extended pursuant to Section 2.08 of this Agreement); or (ii) such earlier termination date as may occur pursuant to Section 3.01 or 3.02 hereof. If the Final Maturity Date is not a Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day shall be deemed to be the Final Maturity Date.

Indebtedness ” means (i) all indebtedness or other obligations of DGH for borrowed money, including without limitation the Note; (ii) all indebtedness or other obligations of any other Person for borrowed money in respect of which DGH is liable, contingently or otherwise, to pay or advance money or property as guarantor, endorser or otherwise (except as endorser for collection in the ordinary course of business); and (iii) all financing lease obligations of DGH.


Interest Payment Date ” means, except as may be otherwise agreed by DRI and DGH, the fifteenth (15 th ) day of each month and any date upon which 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the Loans is due and payable. If an Interest Payment Date falls on a date which is not a Business Day, such Interest Payment Date shall be deemed to be the immediately preceding Business Day.

Loan ” means a loan made to DGH under Section 2.01 of this Agreement.

Note ” means the promissory note of DGH, payable to the order of DRI and substantially in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit A, evidencing at any given time the Loans outstanding under this Agreement, as the same may be amended, modified, supplemented, renewed or extended from time to time and any replacement thereof or substitution therefor.

One Month LIBOR ” shall mean the rate per annum appearing on Reuters Page LIBOR01 Page (or any successor page) as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in U.S. Dollars having a one month maturity at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the date of determination.

Person ” means an individual, corporation, partnership, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

Regular Maturity Date ” means the date which is one (1) year from the Effective Date of this Agreement, as the same may be extended pursuant to Section 2.08 to this Agreement.

Section 1.02 Interpretation of Definitions . All definitions in the singular shall, unless the context specifies otherwise, include and mean the plural, and all references to the masculine gender shall include the feminine; and vice versa.

Section 1.03 Accounting Terms . All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistent with those applied in the preparation of DGH’s and/or DRI’s financial statements, and any financial data submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in accordance with such principles.

ARTICLE II

CONCERNING THE LOANS

Section 2.01 Loans . During the period from the Effective Date to and including the Final Maturity Date, DRI agrees to make Loans to DGH upon the terms and conditions set forth herein in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed $2,500,000,000; provided, however, that DRI retains sole and absolute discretion to approve or reject any request for a Loan by DGH. During the term of this Agreement, to but excluding the Final Maturity Date, DGH, at its option without penalty or premium, may from time to time repay all or any part of any Loan as provided in Section 2.06 hereof, and may re-borrow any amount of such Loan that has been repaid. The entire unpaid principal balance of the Note, together with interest accrued thereon, shall be due and payable in full on the Final Maturity Date.

 

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Section 2.02 Requests for Loans; Accounting . DGH agrees to keep DRI and Dominion Resources Services, Inc. advised of its short-term borrowing needs, and any requests for Loans hereunder shall be for a proposed amount and Drawdown Date consistent with such short-term borrowing needs. DRI reserves the right to require DGH to deliver a prompt written confirmation of any oral request for a Loan, together with, if requested by DRI, a general statement of the contemplated disposition of the proceeds. No Loan shall be in excess of the Available Credit, and no part of any Loan may mature later than the Final Maturity Date. Increases and decreases in the amounts due and payable by DGH under this Agreement and the Note shall be evidenced by book entries, and DRI shall maintain a current daily accounting of all Loans to DGH under this Agreement. Such accounting shall be maintained in electronic format and shall indicate the Base Rate in effect from time to time. Upon request, DRI shall provide DGH copies of such current accounting.

Section 2.03 Interest on the Loan . Daily interest at the Base Rate on the outstanding principal balance of the Loans shall be determined by DRI as of the close of each Business Day. The rate to be used for any day other than a Business Day will be the Base Rate on the immediately preceding Business Day. All accrued and unpaid interest on all Loans shall be due and payable by DGH on each Interest Payment Date.

Section 2.04 The Note . DGH’s obligation to repay the outstanding balance of each Loan shall be evidenced by the Note. The Note shall be executed by a duly authorized officer of DGH and delivered to DRI on the Effective Date. The Note shall be payable to the order of DRI at its offices in the City of Richmond, Virginia, and shall mature on the Final Maturity Date (subject to the terms of Article III hereof). The Loans and the Note evidencing the Loans shall accrue interest at the Base Rate as provided in Section 2.03 hereof, which interest shall be payable at the offices of DRI in the City of Richmond, Virginia at the times specified in Section 2.03. Upon payment in full on the Final Maturity Date of the outstanding principal balance of the Note and all interest accrued thereon, DRI shall promptly return such Note marked “Cancelled” to DGH.

Section 2.05 Funding and Repayment . Each Loan shall be made in Dollars in immediately available funds on the Drawdown Date. All Loans shall be made in the form of open account advances, repayable not more than one year from the date of the first advance. All or any portion of each Loan is payable on demand of DRI. All repayments and prepayments by DGH of principal and all payments by DGH of interest shall be made without deduction, set off, abatement, suspension, deferment, defense or counterclaim, on or before the due date of repayment or payment, and shall be made in Dollars in immediately available funds. All payments received from DGH shall be applied as follows: first, to the payment of interest due on the Loans; and second, to the repayment of principal due on the Loans.

Section 2.06 Optional Prepayments . DGH may, at its option, prepay all or any part of the Loans at any time and from time to time without penalty or premium.

Section 2.07 Use of Loan Proceeds . The proceeds of the Loans may be used by DGH or its subsidiaries for any lawful purpose.

 

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Section 2.08 Automatic Extension of Regular Maturity Date . If, on or before the day which is ninety (90) days prior to the then Regular Maturity Date of this Agreement, neither of the parties to this Agreement shall have given notice to the other party that it wishes this Agreement to expire on said Regular Maturity Date, then said Regular Maturity Date shall be deemed to have been extended automatically for an additional one (1) year period.

ARTICLE III

TERMINATION

Section 3.01 Termination of Agreement . Anything in this Agreement or the Note to the contrary notwithstanding, if any of the following events shall occur and be continuing, DRI, at its option, shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and/or to make the outstanding principal amount of the Loans and interest thereon immediately due and payable upon written or oral notice to DGH, without the requirement of any further notice, demand or presentment of the Note for payment, all of which are expressly waived by DGH:

(a) DGH shall fail to pay any Indebtedness or any interest or premium thereon owing by DGH to any Person when due or within any grace period applicable thereto, whether such Indebtedness shall become due by scheduled maturity, by required prepayment, by acceleration, by demand or otherwise; or DGH shall fail to perform any term, covenant or agreement on its part to be performed under this Agreement, the Note or any other agreement or instrument evidencing or securing or relating to any Indebtedness owing by DGH when required to be performed, if such failure permits the acceleration of the maturity of such Indebtedness, unless such failure to perform shall have been waived by the holder or holders of such Indebtedness prior to any acceleration hereunder;

(b) This Agreement or the Note shall at any time for any reason cease to be in full force and effect or shall be declared to be null and void, or the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or the Note shall be contested by any Person, or DGH shall deny that it has any or further liability or obligation hereunder and thereunder; or

(c) DGH shall have entered against it an order for relief as a bankrupt or insolvent, or admit in writing its inability to pay its just debts as they mature, or make an assignment for the benefit of the creditors; or DGH shall apply for or consent to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar officer for it or for all or any substantial part of its property, or any such person shall be appointed without the application or consent of DGH and such appointment shall continue unstayed or undischarged for a period of sixty (60) days; or DGH shall institute (by petition, application, answer, consent or otherwise) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, readjustment of debt, dissolution, liquidation or similar proceedings relating to it under the laws of any jurisdiction; or any such proceeding shall be instituted (by petition, application or otherwise) against DGH and shall remain unstayed or undismissed for a period of sixty (60) days; or any judgment, writ, warrant or attachment of execution or similar process shall be issued or levied against a substantial part of the assets of DGH and such judgment, writ, or similar process shall not be released, stayed, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy.

 

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Section 3.02 Termination by Notice . This Agreement may be terminated by either party by providing notice to the other at least ninety (90) days in advance of their desire to terminate this Agreement. The termination date as specified in such notice shall then become the Final Maturity Date, with all of the provisions of Article II which pertain to the Loans and the Note to remain applicable thereto.

ARTICLE IV

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 4.01 Books and Records . DGH covenants and agrees that, so long as this Agreement shall remain in effect, DGH will keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries will be made of all dealings or transactions of or in relation to its business and affairs.

Section 4.02 Notices . Any communications between the parties hereto or notices provided herein to be given may be given by mailing or otherwise delivering the same to the Treasurer of DRI, c/o 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, and to the President of DGH, c/o 120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or to such other officers or addresses as either party may in writing hereinafter specify.

Section 4.03 Waivers: Remedies Cumulative or Other Instruments Evidencing Indebtedness . No delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to DRI under this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or remedy nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such right, power or remedy. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of DRI of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part of DRI of any provision or condition of this Agreement, must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing. Any such waiver shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach or default under this Agreement or of any provision or condition of this Agreement. All remedies, either under this Agreement, the Note, statute or rule of law or equity, or otherwise afforded to DRI, shall be cumulative and not alternative and may be exercised concurrently or alternatively.

Section 4.04 Governing Law . This Agreement, the Note and any other instrument or agreement now or hereafter required hereunder, shall be governed by, and construed under, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Section 4.05 Restrictions . As long as this Agreement remains in effect, DGH shall not, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge or other security interest or any preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind whatsoever (including without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement and any capitalized lease obligation having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing), upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, without the consent of DRI, except for liens created in the ordinary course of business and liens in existence on the date hereof, as previously disclosed in writing to DRI.

 

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Section 4.06 Effectiveness . This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by DRI and DGH.

Section 4.07 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in as many counterparts as may be deemed necessary or convenient, all of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

Section 4.08 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or the Note or the application thereof to any party thereto shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, (i) the remainder of this Agreement and the Note, and (ii) the application of such invalid or unenforceable provisions to any other person thereto, shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

Section 4.09 Amendments . No amendment of any provision of this Agreement or the Note shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by DGH and DRI.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement by their duly authorized officers, as of the date first above written.

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

/s/ James P. Carney

Title:   VP and Assistant Treasurer

 

DOMINION RESOURCES, INC.
By:  

/s/ James P. Carney

Title:   VP and Assistant Treasurer

 

 

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EXHIBIT A

INTER-COMPANY CREDIT NOTE

 

$2,500,000,000   Richmond, Virginia
  October 17, 2013

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company (the “Company”), for value received and in consideration of the execution and delivery by DOMINION RESOURCES, INC., a Virginia corporation (“DRI”), of that certain Inter-Company Credit Agreement, dated as of October 17, 2013, (the “Agreement”), hereby promises to pay to the order of DRI, on demand, and in any event on or before one (1) year from the Effective Date of the Agreement, or such other date as shall then be the Final Maturity Date under the Agreement, the principal sum of Two Billion Five Hundred Million Dollars ($2,500,000,000), or so much thereof as may be outstanding hereunder at such time.

The Company also unconditionally promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this Note outstanding from time to time, until such principal amount is paid in full, at the rates, at the time and in the manner specified in the Agreement and in accordance with the provisions thereof. Nothing contained in this Note or in the Agreement shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of a rate of interest in excess of the maximum rate permitted by any applicable law.

This Note is issued by the Company pursuant to the Agreement, to which reference is made for certain terms and conditions applicable hereto. Defined terms used in this Note shall, unless the context otherwise requires, have the same meanings assigned to them in the Agreement.

Both the principal of this Note and interest hereon are payable in lawful money of the United States of America, which will be immediately available on the day when payment shall become due, at the offices of DRI in the City of Richmond, Virginia. Interest shall be paid on overdue principal hereof and, to the extent legally enforceable, on overdue interest, at the Base Rate as in effect from time to time plus two hundred (200) basis points.

The outstanding principal amount of this Note shall be automatically increased or decreased upon and to the same extent of any increase or decrease in the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Loans made under the Agreement; provided, however, that at no time shall the outstanding principal amount of this Note exceed $2,500,000,000. Increases and decreases in the amounts due and payable by the Company under this Agreement and the Note shall be evidenced in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. Upon payment in full on the Final Maturity Date of the principal of and interest on this Note, this Note shall be canceled and returned to the Company and shall be of no further operation or effect. The obligation of the Company to make the payments required to be made on this Note and under the Agreement and to perform and observe the other agreements on its part contained herein and therein shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be subject to diminution by set off, counterclaim, defense, abatement or otherwise.


All Loans made under the Agreement shall be made in the form of open account advances, repayable not more than one year from the date of the first advance. All or any portion of the outstanding principal balance hereof, together with interest accrued thereon, shall be payable on demand by DRI. Without limiting the foregoing, upon the occurrence of an event giving rise to a right on the part of DRI to terminate the Agreement under Section 3.01 thereof, the maturity of this Note may, at the discretion of DRI, be accelerated and the principal balance hereof, together with interest accrued thereon, may be declared immediately due and payable as provided in the Agreement.

Presentment for payment, demand, protest and notice of demand, notice of dishonor, notice of non-payment and all other notices are hereby waived by the Company, except to the extent expressly provided in the Agreement. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any rights hereunder on the part of the holder hereof shall operate as a waiver of such rights.

This Note is issued with the intent that it shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC has caused this Note to be duly executed in its name by its duly authorized officer all as of the 17 th day of October, 2013 .

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
By:  

 

Title:  

 

Exhibit 10.3

DRS Services Agreement

This DRS Services Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 12th day of September, 2013, by and between DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company (the “Company”), and DOMINION RESOURCES SERVICES, INC., a Virginia corporation (“DRS”). DRS is sometimes referred to herein as “Service Company.”

WHEREAS, each of the Company and DRS is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc., a Virginia corporation and a “holding company” as defined in the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 that is subject to regulation as such under that Act by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“Dominion”);

WHEREAS, the Company is a newly-created holding company for Dominion natural gas transmission and distribution entities like Dominion Transmission, Inc. and The East Ohio Gas Company;

WHEREAS, DRS has been formed for the purpose of providing administrative, management and other services to Dominion and its subsidiaries (“Dominion Companies”) as a subsidiary service company; and

WHEREAS, the Company believes that it is in the interest of the Company to provide for an arrangement whereby the Company may, from time to time and at the option of the Company, agree to purchase such administrative, management and other services as set forth in Exhibit I hereto from DRS;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

I. SERVICES OFFERED . Exhibit I hereto lists and describes all of the services that are available from DRS. DRS hereby offers to supply those services to the Company. Such services are and will be provided to the Company only at the request of the Company. DRS will provide such requested services using personnel from DRS and, if necessary, from nonaffiliated third parties in accordance with Section III herein.

II. INITIAL SERVICES SELECTED . Exhibit II lists the services from Exhibit I that (i) the Company hereby agrees to receive from DRS and (ii) DRS hereby agrees to provide to the Company.

III. PERSONNEL . DRS will provide services by utilizing the services of such executives, accountants, financial advisers, technical advisers, attorneys, engineers, geologists and other persons as have the necessary qualifications.


If necessary, DRS, after consultation with the Company, may also arrange for the services of nonaffiliated experts, consultants and attorneys in connection with the performance of any of the services supplied under this Agreement.

IV. COMPENSATION AND ALLOCATION . As and to the extent required by law, DRS will provide such services at cost. Exhibit III hereof contains rules and methods for determining and allocating costs for DRS.

V. EFFECTIVE DATE . This Agreement is effective as of September 12, 2013 (the “Effective Date”).

VI. TERM . This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in effect unless terminated earlier pursuant to Section VII(C).

VII. TERMINATION AND MODIFICATION .

A. Modification of Services. The Company may modify its selection of services at any time during the calendar year by giving DRS written notice of the additional services it wishes to receive, and/or the services it no longer wishes to receive, in Exhibit I from DRS. The requested modification in services shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar month beginning at least thirty (30) days after the Company sent written notice to DRS.

B. Modification of Other Terms and Conditions. No other amendment, change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid, unless made in writing and signed by all parties hereto.

C. Termination of this Agreement. The Company may terminate this Agreement by providing sixty (60) days advance written notice of such termination to DRS. DRS may terminate this Agreement by providing sixty (60) days advance written notice of such termination to the Company.

This Agreement shall be subject to the approval of any state commission or other state regulatory body whose approval is, by the laws of said state, a legal prerequisite to the execution and delivery or the performance of this Agreement.

 

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VIII. NOTICE . Where written notice is required by this Agreement, said notice shall be deemed given when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

 

  a. To the Company:

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

120 Tredegar Street

Richmond, VA 23219

With a Copy to:

Dominion Resources Services, Inc.

Law Department

120 Tredegar Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Attention: Managing Counsel and State Regulatory Team

 

  b. To DRS:

Dominion Resources Services, Inc.

120 Tredegar Street

Richmond, VA 23219

With a Copy to:

Dominion Resources Services, Inc.

Law Department

120 Tredegar Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Attention: Managing Counsel and State Regulatory Team

IX. GOVERNING LAW . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Virginia, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions.

X. ENTIRE AGREEMENT . This Agreement, together with its exhibits, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter, and effective upon the execution of this Agreement by the respective parties hereof and thereto, any and all prior agreements, understandings or representations with respect to this subject matter are hereby terminated and cancelled in their entirety and are of no further force and effect.

XI. WAIVER . No waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision hereof.

 

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XII. ASSIGNMENT . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the parties and their respective successors and assigns. No assignment of this Agreement or any party’s rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be made without the other party’s consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned; provided, however, that, subject to the requirements of applicable state and federal regulatory law, either party may assign its rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement to an “affiliated interest,” without the consent of the other party.

XIII. SEVERABILITY . If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall in no way be affected or impaired thereby.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above mentioned.

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC
By  

/s/ Ashwini Sawhney

  Name:   Ashwini Sawhney
  Title:   Vice President - Accounting
DOMINION RESOURCES SERVICES, INC.
By  

/s/ Carter M. Reid

  Name:   Carter M. Reid
  Title:   Senior Vice President Administrative Services, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary

 

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EXHIBIT I

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES OFFERED BY DRS

UNDER THIS DRS SERVICES AGREEMENT

1. Accounting . Provide advice and assistance to Dominion Companies in accounting matters (development of accounting practices, procedures and controls, the maintenance of the general ledger and related subsidiary systems, the preparation and analysis of financial reports, and the processing of certain accounts such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll).

2. Auditing . Periodically audit the accounting records and other records maintained by Dominion Companies and coordinate their examination, where applicable, with that of independent public accountants. The audit staff will report on their examination and submit recommendations, as appropriate, on improving methods of internal control and accounting procedures.

3. Legal and Regulatory . Provide advice and assistance with respect to legal and regulatory issues as well as regulatory compliance and matters under federal and state laws.

4. Information Technology, Electronic Transmission and Computer Services . Provide the organization and resources for the operation of an information technology function (development, implementation and operation of a centralized data processing facility and the management of a telecommunications network, and the central processing of computerized applications and support of individual applications in Dominion Companies). Develop, implement, and process those computerized applications for Dominion Companies that can be economically best accomplished on a centralized basis. Develop, implement, and process information technology risk management services and services for the secure protection and transmission of critical and sensitive data.

5. Software/Hardware Pooling . Accept from Dominion Companies ownership of and rights to use, assign, license or sub-license all software owned, acquired or developed by or for Dominion Companies which Dominion Companies can and do transfer or assign to it and computer system hardware used with software and enhancements to which DRS has legal right. Preserve and protect the rights to all such software to the extent reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances; license Dominion Companies, on a non-exclusive, no-charge or at-cost basis, to use all software which DRS has the right to sell, license or sub-license; and, at the relevant Dominion Companies’ expense, permit Dominion Companies to enhance any such software and license others to use all such software and enhancements to the extent that DRS shall have the legal right to so permit.

6. Human Resources . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the formulation and administration of human resources policies and programs relating to the relevant


Dominion Companies’ labor relations, personnel administration, training, wage and salary administration, staffing and safety. Direct and administer all medical, health, and employee benefit and pension plans of Dominion Companies. Provide systems of physical examination for employment and other purposes and direct and administer programs for the prevention of sickness. Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the administration of such plans and prepare and maintain records of employee and company accounts under the said plans, together with such statistical data and reports as are pertinent to the plans.

7. Operations . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the following matters relating to operational capacity: (i) the preparation and coordination of studying, consulting, planning, designing, inspecting and engineering and construction of energy and electric transmission and substation plant facilities of each Dominion Company and of the Dominion Companies as a whole, (ii) the planning, engineering (including maps and records) and construction operations of Dominion Companies, (iii) the performance of operations support services, plant and facilities operation, generation outage support, and maintenance and management services, and (iv) the planning, formulation and implementation of load retention, load shaping and conservation and efficiency programs, and integrated resource planning for supply-side plans and demand-side management programs. Develop long-range operational programs for Dominion Companies and advise and assist each such Dominion Company in the coordination of such programs with the programs of the other Dominion Companies, subject to federal and state codes and standards of conduct, as applicable. Manage Dominion Companies’ purchase, movement, transfer, and accounting of nuclear fuel and gas volumes.

8. Executive and Administrative . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the solution of major problems and in the formulation and execution of the general plans and policies of Dominion Companies. Advise and assist Dominion Companies as to operations, the issuance of securities, the preparation of filings arising out of or required by the various federal and state securities, business, public utilities and corporation laws, the selection of executive and administrative personnel, the representation of Dominion Companies before regulatory bodies, proposals for capital expenditures, budgets, financing, acquisition and disposition of properties, expansion of business, rate structures, public relationships and related matters.

9. Business Services . Perform: (i) general business support services (printing, mailing, records management and maintenance, and administrative and office services across the enterprise), (ii) office facilities operation (building maintenance and property management, lease/sublease management, and property sales services across the enterprise), (iii) security (physical security support, background investigations, and investigative services across the enterprise), (iv) travel (business-related ticketing, itinerary coordination, and reservations for airlines, train, rental cars, and hotels/lodging for Dominion employees), (v) aviation (maintenance, operations, and aviation-related services for corporate-owned aircraft), and (vi) fleet services (fleet systems support, management of the acquisition/disposal function, maintenance functions, and fleet management across the entire enterprise).

10. Risk Management . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in securing requisite insurance, in the purchase and administration of all property, casualty and marine insurance, in the settlement of insured claims and in providing risk prevention advice.

 

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11. Corporate Planning . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the study and planning of operations, budgets, economic forecasts, capital expenditures and special projects.

12. Supply Chain . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the procurement of real and personal property, materials, supplies and services, conduct purchase negotiations, prepare procurement agreements and administer programs of material control.

13. Rates . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the analysis of their rate structure in the formulation of rate policies, and in the negotiation of large contracts. Advise and assist Dominion Companies in proceedings before regulatory bodies involving the rates and operations of Dominion Companies and of other competitors where such rates and operations directly or indirectly affect Dominion Companies.

14. Research . Investigate and conduct research into problems relating to production, utilization, testing, manufacture, transmission, storage and distribution of energy. Keep abreast of and evaluate for Dominion Companies all research developments and programs of significance affecting Dominion Companies and the energy industry, conduct research and development in promising areas and advise and assist in the solution of technical problems arising out of Dominion Companies’ operations.

15. Tax . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the preparation of federal, state and other tax returns, generally advise Dominion Companies as to any problems involving taxes, and provide due diligence in connection with acquisitions.

16. Corporate Secretary . Provide all necessary functions required of a publicly held corporation. Coordinate information and activities among shareholders, the transfer agent, and Board of Directors. Provide direct services to security holders. Prepare and file required annual and interim reports to shareholders and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Conduct the annual meeting of shareholders and ensure proper maintenance of corporate records.

17. Investor Relations . Provide fair and accurate analysis of Dominion and its operating subsidiaries and its outlook within the financial community. Enhance Dominion’s position in the energy industry. Balance and diversify shareholder investment in Dominion through a wide range of activities. Provide feedback to Dominion and its operating subsidiaries regarding investor concerns, trading and ownerships. Hold periodic analysts meetings, and provide various operating data as requested or required by investors.

18. Environmental Compliance . Provide consulting, cleanup, environmental permitting, environmental compliance support, biological and chemical services, environmental reporting, and environmental compliance plan preparation as required by Dominion Companies to ensure full compliance with applicable environmental statutes and regulations. Track state and federal environmental regulations. Provide summaries and guidance for Dominion Company personnel to ensure ongoing compliance.

 

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19. Customer Services . Provide services and systems dedicated to customer service, billing, remittance, credit, collections, customer relations, call centers, energy conservation support and metering.

20. Energy Marketing . Provide services and systems dedicated to energy marketing and trading of energy commodities, specifically the provision of all services related to emissions products, renewable energy products, environmental commodities (commodities derived from environmental attributes associated with qualifying types of generation that are required for compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws, as well as any voluntary additional reductions that the Company has elected to complete). Provide market, credit and operational risk management services and development of marketing and sales programs in physical and financial markets.

21. Treasury/Finance . Provide services related to managing all administrative activities associated with financing and the management of capital structure; cash, credit and risk management activities; investment and commercial banking relationships; oversight of decommissioning trust funds and general financing activities.

22. External Affairs . Provide services in support of corporate strategies for managing relationships with federal, state and local governments, agencies and legislative bodies. Formulate and assist with public relations, advertising, and external/internal communications programs and with the administration of corporate contribution and community affairs programs.

23. Office Space and Equipment . Provide use of land, buildings, furnishings, and equipment, and all costs related to these assets – i.e. , property taxes, utilities, and maintenance.

 

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EXHIBIT II

SERVICES THE COMPANY AGREES TO RECEIVE FROM DRS

 

SERVICE        YES   NO
1.    Accounting   X  
2.    Auditing   X  
3.    Legal and Regulatory   X  
4.    Information Technology, Electronic Transmission and Computer Services   X  
5.    Software/Hardware Pooling   X  
6.    Human Resources   X  
7.    Operations   X  
8.    Executive and Administrative   X  
9.    Business Services   X  
10.    Risk Management   X  
11.    Corporate Planning   X  
12.    Supply Chain   X  
13.    Rates   X  
14.    Research   X  
15.    Tax   X  
16.    Corporate Secretary   X  
17.    Investor Relations   X  
18.    Environmental Compliance   X  
19.    Customer Services   X  
20.    Energy Marketing   X  
21.    Treasury/Finance   X  
22.    External Affairs   X  
23.    Office Space and Equipment   X  


EXHIBIT III

METHODS OF ALLOCATION FOR DRS

DRS shall allocate costs among companies receiving service from it under this and similar service contracts using the following methods:

 

I. The costs of rendering service by DRS will include all costs of doing business including interest on debt but excluding a return for the use of equity capital for which no charge will be made to Dominion Companies.

 

II. A.       DRS will maintain a separate record of the expenses of each department. The expenses of each department will include:

 

  1. those expenses that are directly attributable to such department, and

 

  2. an appropriate portion of those office and housekeeping expenses that are not directly attributable to a department but which are necessary to the operation of such department.

 

  B. Expenses of the department will include salaries and wages of employees, rent and utilities, materials and supplies, depreciation, and all other expenses attributable to the department. The expenses of a department will not include:

 

  1. those incremental out-of-pocket expenses that are incurred for the direct benefit and convenience of an individual Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies,

 

  2. DRS overhead expenses that are attributable to maintaining the corporate existence of DRS, and all other incidental overhead expenses including those auditing fees, internal auditing department expenses and accounting department expenses attributable to DRS.

 

  C. DRS will establish annual budgets for controlling the expenses of each department and for determining estimated costs to be included in interim monthly billing.

 

III. A.       Employees in each department will be divided into two groups:

 

  1. Group A will include those employees rendering service to Dominion Companies, and

 

  2. Group B will include those office and general service employees, such as secretaries, file clerks and administrative assistants, who generally assist employees in Group A or render other housekeeping services and who are not engaged directly in rendering service to each Dominion Company or a group of Dominion Companies.


  B. Expenses set forth in Section II. above will be separated to show:

 

  1. salaries and wages of Group A employees, and

 

  2. all other expenses of the department.

 

  C. There will be attributed to each dollar of a Group A employee’s salary or wage, that percentage of all other expenses of such employee’s department (as defined in B above), that such employee’s salary or wage is to the total Group A salaries and wages of that department.

 

  D. Group A employees in each department will maintain a record of the time they are employed in rendering service to each Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies. An hourly rate will be determined by dividing the total expense attributable to a Group A employee as determined under subsection C above by the productive hours reported by such employee.

 

IV. The charge to the Dominion Company for a particular service will be determined by multiplying the hours reported by Group A employees in rendering such service to each Dominion Company by the hourly rates applicable to such employees. When such employees render service to a group of Dominion Companies, the charge to each Dominion Company will be determined by multiplying the hours attributable to the Dominion Company under the allocation formulas set forth in Section IX of this Exhibit by the hourly rates applicable to such employees.

 

V. To the extent appropriate and practical, the foregoing computations of hourly rates and charges may be determined for groups of employees within reasonable salary range limits.

 

VI. Those expenses of DRS that are not included in the annual expense of a department under Section II above will be charged to Dominion Companies receiving service as follows:

 

  A. Incremental out-of-pocket costs incurred for the direct benefit and convenience of a Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies will be charged directly to such Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies. Such costs incurred for a group of Dominion Companies will be allocated on the basis of an appropriate formula.

 

  B. DRS overhead expenses referred to in Section II above will be charged to the Dominion Company either on the proportion of direct charges to that Dominion Company or under the allocation formulas set forth in Section IX of this Exhibit.

 

2


VII. Notwithstanding the foregoing basis of determining cost allocations for billing purposes, cost allocations for certain services involving machine operations, production or service units, or facilities cost will be determined on an appropriate basis established by DRS.

 

VIII. Monthly bills will be issued for the services rendered to the Dominion Company on an actual basis. However, if such actual information is not available at the time of preparation of the monthly bill, estimates may be used. Estimates will normally be predicated on service department budgets and estimated productive hours of employees for the year. At the end of each quarter, estimated figures will be revised and adjustments will be made in amounts billed to give effect to such revision.

 

IX. When Group A employees render services to a group of Dominion Companies, the following formulas shall be used to allocate the time of such employees to the individual Dominion Companies receiving such service (Each Dominion Company metric/Total Dominion Companies’ metrics):

 

  A. The Service Department or Function formulas to be used when employees render services to all Dominion Companies participating in such service, for the services indicated are set forth below.

 

Service Department

or Function

  

Basis of Allocation

Accounting:   
Payroll Processing    Number of Dominion Company employees on the previous December 31 st .
Accounts Payable Processing    Number of Dominion Company accounts payable documents processed during the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Fixed Assets Accounting    Dominion Company fixed assets added, retired or transferred during the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Accounts Receivable Processing    Number of Dominion Company payments processed during the preceding year ended December 31 st .

 

3


Service Department

or Function

  

Basis of Allocation

Information Technology, Electronic Transmission and Computer Services and Software/Hardware Pooling:   
LDC/EDC Computer Applications    Number of Dominion Company customers at the end of the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Other Computer Applications, including Software/Hardware Pooling    Number of Dominion Company users or usage of specific computer systems at the end of the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Network Computer Applications    Number of Dominion Company network devices at the end of the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Telecommunications Applications    Number of Dominion Company telecommunications units at the end of the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Human Resources:   
Human Resources    The number of Dominion Company employees as of the preceding December 31 st .
Business Services:   
Energy Services    Dominion Company energy sale and deliveries for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Facility Services    Square footage of Dominion Company office space as of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Fleet Administration    Number of Dominion Company vehicles as of the preceding December 31 st .
Security    The number of Dominion Company employees as of the preceding December 31 st .
Gas Supply    Throughput of gas volumes purchased for each Dominion Company for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Risk Management:   
Risk Management    Dominion Company insurance premiums for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Corporate Planning:   
Corporate Planning    Total Dominion Company capitalization (Debt and Equity) recorded at preceding December 31 st .
Supply Chain:   
Purchasing    Dollar value of Dominion Company purchases for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Materials Management    Dominion Company material inventory assets as of the preceding year ended December 31 st .

 

4


Service Department

or Function

  

Basis of Allocation

Tax:   
Tax Accounting and Compliance    The sum of the total income and total deductions as reported for Dominion Consolidated Federal Income Tax purposes on the last return filed.
Customer Services:   
Customer Payment (Remittance) Processing    Number of Dominion Company customer payments processed during the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Treasury/ Finance:   
Treasury and Cash Management    Total Dominion Company capitalization (Debt and Equity) recorded at preceding December 31 st .
Research    Dominion Company gross revenues recorded during the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Office Space and Equipment:   
Corporate Office and Electricity    Headcount at corporate offices as of the previous December 31st.

 

  B. Company Group Formulas to be used in the absence of a Service Department or Function formula or when service rendered by employees is for a different group of Dominion Companies than those companies regularly participating in such service:

 

Company Group    Basis of Allocation
All Dominion Companies (includes all Dominion Companies except DRS)   

Prior to December 1, 2013 : Total operating expenses, excluding purchased gas expense, purchased power expense (including fuel expense), other purchased products and royalties for the preceding year ended December 31 st for the affected Dominion Companies.

 

Effective December 1, 2013 : Total operating expenses, excluding purchased gas expense, purchased power expense (including fuel expense), other purchased products and royalties, depreciation, depletion, and amortization, and taxes other than income for the preceding year ended December 31 st for the affected Dominion Companies.

 

5


  C. If the use of a basis of allocation would result in an inequity because of a change in operations or organization, then DRS may adjust the basis to effect an equitable distribution.

 

6

Exhibit 10.4

DRS Services Agreement

This DRS Services Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 1st day of January, 2003, by and between Dominion Transmission, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and DOMINION RESOURCES SERVICES, INC., a Virginia corporation, (“DRS”). DRS is sometimes referred to herein as “Service Company”.

WHEREAS, each of the Company and DRS is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc. (“Dominion”), a registered holding company subject to regulation as such by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (“1935 Act”);

WHEREAS, DRS has been formed for the purpose of providing administrative, management and other services to Dominion and its subsidiaries (“Dominion Companies”) as a subsidiary service company under Rule 88 of the rules and regulations of the SEC for implementation of the 1935 Act, 17 C.F.R. Section 250.88;

WHEREAS, the Company believes that it is in the interest of the Company to provide for an arrangement whereby the Company may, from time to time and at the option of the Company, agree to purchase such administrative, management and other services from DRS;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

I. SERVICES OFFERED . Exhibit I hereto lists and describes all of the services that are available from DRS. DRS hereby offers to supply those services to the Company. Such services are and will be provided to the Company only at the request of the Company.

II. SERVICES SELECTED .

A. Initial Selection of Services. Exhibit II lists the services the Company hereby agrees to receive from DRS.

B. Annual Selection of Services. DRS shall send an annual service proposal form to the Company on or about December 1 listing services proposed for the coming calendar year. By December 31, the Company shall notify DRS of the services the Company has elected to receive from DRS during the following calendar year.

III. PERSONNEL . The DRS will provide services by utilizing the services of such executives, accountants, financial advisers, technical advisers, attorneys, engineers, geologists and other persons as have the necessary qualifications.


If necessary, DRS, after consultation with the Company, may also arrange for the services of nonaffiliated experts, consultants and attorneys in connection with the performance of any of the services supplied under this Agreement.

IV. COMPENSATION AND ALLOCATION . As and to the extent required by law, DRS will provide such services at cost. Exhibit III hereof contains rules for determining and allocating costs for DRS.

V. TERMINATION AND MODIFICATION .

A. Modification of Services. The Company may modify its selection of services at any time during the calendar year by giving DRS written notice of the additional services it wishes to receive, and/or the services it no longer wishes to receive, from DRS. The requested modification in services shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar month beginning at least thirty (30) days after the Company sent written notice to DRS.

B. Modification of Other Terms and Conditions. No other amendment, change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid, unless made in writing and signed by all parties hereto.

C. Termination of this Agreement. The Company may terminate this Agreement by providing sixty (60) days advance written notice of such termination to DRS. DRS may terminate this Agreement by providing sixty (60) days advance written notice of such termination to the Company.

This Agreement is subject to termination or modification at any time to the extent its performance may conflict with the provisions of the 1935 Act, or with any rule, regulation or order of the SEC adopted before or after the making of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be subject to the approval of any state commission or other state regulatory body whose approval is, by the laws of said state, a legal prerequisite to the execution and delivery or the performance of this Agreement.

VI. NOTICE . Where written notice is required by this Agreement, said notice shall be deemed given when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

 

  a. To the Company:

Dominion Transmission, Inc.

445 West Main Street

Clarksburg, WV 26301

 

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  b. To DRS:

Dominion Resources Services, Inc.

120 Tredegar Street

Richmond, VA 23219

VII. GOVERNING LAW . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Virginia, without regard to their conflict of laws provisions.

VIII. ENTIRE AGREEMENT . This Agreement, together with its exhibits, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter, and effective upon the execution of this Agreement by the respective parties hereof and thereto, any and all prior agreements, understandings or representations with respect to this subject matter are hereby terminated and cancelled in their entirety and are of no further force and effect.

IX. WAIVER . No waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision hereof.

X. ASSIGNMENT . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the parties and their respective successors and assigns. No assignment of this Agreement or any party’s rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be made without the other party’s consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned; provided, however, that, subject to the requirements of applicable state and federal regulatory law, either party may assign its rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement to an affiliate as that term is defined in the 1935 Act, without the consent of the other party.

XI. SEVERABILITY . If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall in no way be affected or impaired thereby.

XII. EFFECTIVE DATE . This Agreement is effective as of January 1, 2003.

 

3


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above mentioned.

 

DOMINION TRANSMISSION, INC.
By  

/s/ Lee D. Katz

  Lee D. Katz
  Controller
DOMINION RESOURCES SERVICES, INC.
By  

/s/ Mary C. Doswell

  Mary C. Doswell
  President

 

 

4


EXHIBIT I

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES OFFERED BY DRS

UNDER THIS DRS SERVICES AGREEMENT

1. Accounting . Provide advice and assistance to Dominion Companies in accounting matters, including the development of accounting practices, procedures and controls, the maintenance of the general ledger and related subsidiary systems, the preparation and analysis of financial reports, and the processing of certain accounts such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.

2. Auditing . Periodically audit the accounting records and other records maintained by Dominion Companies and coordinate their examination, where applicable, with that of independent public accountants. The audit staff will report on their examination and submit recommendations, as appropriate, on improving methods of internal control and accounting procedures.

3. Legal and Regulatory . Provide advice and assistance with respect to legal and regulatory issues as well as regulatory compliance, including 1935 Act authorizations and compliance and regulatory matters under other Federal and State laws.

4. Information Technology, Electronic Transmission and Computer Services . Provide the organization and resources for the operation of an information technology function including the development, implementation and operation of a centralized data processing facility and the management of a telecommunications network. This function includes the central processing of computerized applications and support of individual applications in Dominion Companies. Develop, implement, and process those computerized applications for Dominion Companies that can be economically best accomplished on a centralized basis.

5. Software Pooling . Accept from Dominion Companies ownership of and rights to use, assign, license or sub-license all software owned, acquired or developed by or for Dominion Companies which Dominion Companies can and do transfer or assign to it. Preserve and protect the rights to all such software to the extent reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances; license Dominion Companies, on a non-exclusive, no-charge or at-cost basis, to use all software which DRS has the right to sell, license or sub-license; and, at the relevant Dominion Companies’ expense, permit Dominion Companies to enhance any such software and license others to use all such software and enhancements to the extent that DRS shall have the legal right to so permit.

6. Employee Benefits/Pension Investment . Provide central accounting for employee benefit and pension plans of Dominion Companies. Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the administration of such plans and prepare and maintain records of employee and company accounts under the said plans, together with such statistical data and reports as are pertinent to the plans.


7. Human Resources . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the formulation and administration of human resources policies and programs relating to the relevant Dominion Companies’ labor relations, personnel administration, training, wage and salary administration and safety.

8. Operations . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the study, planning, engineering and construction of energy plant facilities of each Dominion Company and of the Dominion Companies as a whole, and advise, assist and manage the planning, engineering (including maps and records) and construction operations of Dominion Companies. Develop long-range operational programs for all the Dominion Companies and advise and assist each such Dominion Company in the coordination of such programs with the programs of the other Dominion Companies.

9. Executive and Administrative . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the solution of major problems and in the formulation and execution of the general plans and policies of Dominion Companies. Advise and assist Dominion Companies as to operations, the issuance of securities, the preparation of filings arising out of or required by the various Federal and State securities, business, public utilities and corporation laws, the selection of executive and administrative personnel, the representation of Dominion Companies before regulatory bodies, proposals for capital expenditures, budgets, financing, acquisition and disposition of properties, expansion of business, rate structures, public relationships and other related matters.

10. Business and Operations Services . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in all matters relating to operational capacity and the preparation and coordination of operating studies. Manage Dominion Companies’ purchase, movement, transfer and accounting of fuel and gas volumes. Compile and communicate information relevant to company operation. Perform general business and operations support services, including business, plant and facilities operation, maintenance and management, travel, aviation, fleet and mail services.

11. Exploration and Development . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in all geological and exploration matters including the acquisition and surrender of acreage and the development of underground storage facilities.

12. Risk Management . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in securing requisite insurance, in the purchase and administration of all property, casualty and marine insurance, in the settlement of insured claims and in providing risk prevention advice.

13. Marketing . Plan, formulate and implement marketing programs, as well as provide associated marketing services to assist Dominion Companies with improving customer satisfaction, load retention and shaping, growth of energy sales and deliveries, energy conservation and efficiency. Assist Dominion Companies in carrying out policies and programs for the development of plant locations and of industrial, commercial and wholesale markets and assist with community redevelopment and rehabilitation programs.

 

2


14. Medical . Direct and administer all medical and health activities of Dominion Companies. Provide systems of physical examination for employment and other purposes and direct and administer programs for the prevention of sickness.

15. Corporate Planning . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the study and planning of operations, budgets, economic forecasts, capital expenditures and special projects.

16. Supply Chain . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the procurement of real and personal property, materials, supplies and services, conduct purchase negotiations, prepare procurement agreements and administer programs of material control.

17. Rates . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the analysis of their rate structure in the formulation of rate policies, and in the negotiation of large contracts. Advise and assist Dominion Companies in proceedings before regulatory bodies involving the rates and operations of Dominion Companies and of other competitors where such rates and operations directly or indirectly affect Dominion Companies.

18. Research . Investigate and conduct research into problems relating to production, utilization, testing, manufacture, transmission, storage and distribution of energy. Keep abreast of and evaluate for Dominion Companies all research developments and programs of significance affecting Dominion Companies and the energy industry, conduct research and development in promising areas and advise and assist in the solution of technical problems arising out of Dominion Companies’ operations.

19. Tax . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the preparation of Federal and other tax returns, and generally advise Dominion Companies as to any problems involving taxes including the provision of due diligence in connection with acquisitions.

20. Corporate Secretary . Provide all necessary functions required of a publicly held corporation. Coordinate information and activities among shareholders, the transfer agent, and Board of Directors. Provide direct services to security holders. Prepare and file required annual and interim reports to shareholders and the SEC. Conduct the annual meeting of shareholders and ensure proper maintenance of corporate records.

21. Investor Relations . Provide fair and accurate analysis of Dominion and its operating subsidiaries and its outlook within the financial community. Enhance Dominion’s position in the energy industry. Balance and diversify shareholder investment in Dominion through a wide range of activities. Provide feedback to Dominion and its operating subsidiaries regarding investor concerns, trading and ownerships. Hold periodic analysts meetings, and provide various operating data as requested or required by investors.

22. Environmental Compliance . Provide consulting, cleanup, and other activities as required by Dominion Companies to ensure full compliance with applicable environmental statutes and regulations.

 

3


23. Customer Services . Provide services and systems dedicated to customer service, including billing, remittance, credit, collections, customer relations, call centers, energy conservation support and metering.

24. Energy Marketing . Provide services and systems dedicated to energy marketing, including marketing and trading of energy commodities, and energy price risk management and development of marketing and sales programs in physical and financial markets.

25. Treasury/Finance . Provide services related to managing all administrative activities associated with financing, including management of capital structure; cash, credit and risk management activities; investment and commercial banking relationships; oversight of decommissioning trust funds and general financing activities.

26. External Affairs . Provide services in support of corporate strategies for managing relationships with federal, state and local governments, agencies and legislative bodies. Formulate and assist with public relations, advertising, and external/internal communications programs and with the administration of corporate contribution and community affairs programs.

 

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EXHIBIT II

SERVICES THE COMPANY AGREES TO RECEIVE FROM DRS

 

SERVICE    YES    NO

1.

  

Accounting

   X   

2.

  

Auditing

   X   

3.

  

Legal and Regulatory

   X   

4.

  

Information Technology, Electric Transmission and Computer Services

   X   

5.

  

Software Pooling

   X   

6.

  

Employee Benefits/Pension Investment

   X   

7.

  

Human Resources

   X   

8.

  

Operations

   X   

9.

  

Executive and Administrative

   X   

10.

  

Business and Operations Services

   X   

11.

  

Exploration and Development

   X   

12.

  

Risk Management

   X   

13.

  

Marketing

   X   

14.

  

Medical

   X   

15.

  

Corporate Planning

   X   

16.

  

Supply Chain

   X   

17.

  

Rates

   X   

18.

  

Research

   X   

19.

  

Tax

   X   

20.

  

Corporate Secretary

   X   

21.

  

Investor Relations

   X   

22.

  

Environmental Compliance

   X   

23.

  

Customer Services

   X   

24.

  

Energy Marketing

   X   

25.

  

Treasury/Finance

   X   

26.

  

External Affairs

   X   


EXHIBIT III

METHODS OF ALLOCATION FOR DRS

DRS shall allocate costs among companies receiving service from it under this and similar service contracts using the following methods:

 

I The costs of rendering service by DRS will include all costs of doing business including interest on debt but excluding a return for the use of equity capital for which no charge will be made to Dominion Companies.

 

II A. DRS will maintain a separate record of the expenses of each department. The expenses of each department will include:

 

  1. those expenses that are directly attributable to such department, and

 

  2. an appropriate portion of those office and housekeeping expenses that are not directly attributable to a department but which are necessary to the operation of such department.

 

  B. Expenses of the department will include salaries and wages of employees, rent and utilities, materials and supplies, depreciation, and all other expenses attributable to the department. The expenses of a department will not include:

 

  1. those incremental out-of-pocket expenses that are incurred for the direct benefit and convenience of an individual Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies,

 

  2. DRS overhead expenses that are attributable to maintaining the corporate existence of DRS, and all other incidental overhead expenses including those auditing fees, internal auditing department expenses and accounting department expenses attributable to DRS.

 

  C. DRS will establish annual budgets for controlling the expenses of each department and for determining estimated costs to be included in interim monthly billing.

 

III A. Employees in each department will be divided into two groups:

 

  1. Group A will include those employees rendering service to Dominion Companies, and

 

  2.

Group B will include those office and general service employees, such as secretaries, file clerks and administrative assistants, who generally assist


  employees in Group A or render other housekeeping services and who are not engaged directly in rendering service to each Dominion Company or a group of Dominion Companies.

 

  B. Expenses set forth in Section II. above will be separated to show:

 

  1. salaries and wages of Group A employees, and

 

  2. all other expenses of the department.

 

  C. There will be attributed to each dollar of a Group A employee’s salary or wage, that percentage of all other expenses of such employee’s department (as defined in B above), that such employee’s salary or wage is to the total Group A salaries and wages of that department.

 

  D. Group A employees in each department will maintain a record of the time they are employed in rendering service to each Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies. An hourly rate will be determined by dividing the total expense attributable to a Group A employee as determined under subsection C above by the productive hours reported by such employee.

 

IV The charge to the Dominion Company for a particular service will be determined by multiplying the hours reported by Group A employees in rendering such service to each Dominion Company by the hourly rates applicable to such employees. When such employees render service to a group of Dominion Companies, the charge to each Dominion Company will be determined by multiplying the hours attributable to the Dominion Company under the allocation formulas set forth in Section IX of this Exhibit by the hourly rates applicable to such employees.

 

V To the extent appropriate and practical, the foregoing computations of hourly rates and charges may be determined for groups of employees within reasonable salary range limits.

 

VI Those expenses of DRS that are not included in the annual expense of a department under Section II. above will be charged to Dominion Companies receiving service as follows:

 

  A. Incremental out-of-pocket costs incurred for the direct benefit and convenience of a Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies will be charged directly to such Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies. Such costs incurred for a group of Dominion Companies will be allocated on the basis of an appropriate formula.

 

  B. DRS overhead expenses referred to in Section II above will be charged to the Dominion Company either on the proportion of direct charges to that Dominion Company or under the allocation formulas set forth in Section IX of this Exhibit.

 

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VII Notwithstanding the foregoing basis of determining cost allocations for billing purposes, cost allocations for certain services involving machine operations, production or service units, or facilities cost will be determined on an appropriate basis established by DRS.

 

VIII Monthly bills will be issued for the services rendered to the Dominion Company on an actual basis. However, if such actual information is not available at the time of preparation of the monthly bill, estimates may be used. Estimates will normally be predicated on service department budgets and estimated productive hours of employees for the year. At the end of each quarter, estimated figures will be revised and adjustments will be made in amounts billed to give effect to such revision.

 

IX When Group A employees render services to a group of Dominion Companies, the following formulas shall be used to allocate the time of such employees to the individual Dominion Companies receiving such service:

 

  A. The Service Department or Function formulas to be used when employees render services to all Dominion Companies participating in such service, for the services indicated are set forth below.

 

Service Department
or Function

  

Basis of Allocation

Accounting:   
Payroll Processing    Number of employees on the previous December 31 st .
Accounts Payable Processing    Number of accounts payable documents processed during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Fixed Assets Accounting    Dominion Company fixed assets added, retired or transferred during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Accounts Receivable Processing    Number of payments processed during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Information Technology, Electronic Transmission, and Computer Services:   
LDC/EDC Computer Applications    Number of customers at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Other Computer Applications    Number of users or usage of specific computer systems at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Network Computer Applications    Number of network devices at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Telecommunications Applications    Number of telecommunications units at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st

 

3


Service Department
or Function

  

Basis of Allocation

Employee Benefits/Pension Investment:   
Employee Benefits/ Pension Investments    The number of employee and annuitant accounts as of the preceding December 31st.
Human Resources:   
Human Resources    The number of employees as of the preceding December 31st.
Business and Operations Services:   
Energy Services    Energy sale and deliveries for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Facility Services    Square footage of office space as of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Fleet Administration    Number of vehicles as of the preceding December 31st
Security    The number of employees as of the preceding December 31st.
Gas Supply    Gas volumes purchased for each Dominion Company for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Risk Management:   
Risk Management    Insurance premiums for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Marketing:   
Shared Projects    Annual marketing plan expenses for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Other Indirect Costs    Total marketing direct and shared project costs billed to each Dominion Company for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Medical:   
Medical Services    Number of employees on the previous December 31 st .

 

4


Corporate Planning:   
Corporate Planning    Total capitalization recorded at preceding December 31st.
Supply Chain:   
Purchasing    Dollar value of purchases for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Materials Management    Material inventory assets as of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Tax:   
Tax Accounting and Compliance    The sum of the total income and total deductions as reported for Federal Income Tax purposes on the last return filed.
Customer Services:   
Customer Payment (Remittance) Processing    Number of customer payments processed during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Other Customer Services    For metering, the number of gas or electric meters for the preceding year ended December 31 st ; otherwise the number of customers for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Treasury/ Finance:   
Treasury and Cash Management    Total capitalization recorded at preceding December 31 st .
Rates    Total regulated company operating expenses, excluding purchased gas expense, purchased power expense (including fuel expense), other purchased products and royalties, for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Research    Gross revenues recorded during the preceding year ended December 31st.

 

5


  B. Company Group Formulas to be used in the absence of a service department or function formula or when service rendered by employees is for a different group of Dominion Companies than those companies regularly participating in such service:

 

Company Group    Basis of Allocation
All Dominion Companies (includes all Dominion Companies except DRS)    Total operating expenses, excluding purchased gas expense, purchased power expense (including fuel expense), other purchased products and royalties, for the preceding year ended December 31 st for the affected Dominion Companies.

 

  C. If the use of a basis of allocation would result in an inequity because of a change in operations or organization, then DRS may adjust the basis to effect an equitable distribution.

 

6

Exhibit 10.5

DRS Services Agreement

This DRS Services Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 1st day of January, 2003, by and The East Ohio Gas Company, an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), and DOMINION RESOURCES SERVICES, INC., a Virginia corporation, (“DRS”). DRS is sometimes referred to herein as “Service Company”.

WHEREAS, each of the Company and DRS is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc. (“Dominion”), a registered holding company subject to regulation as such by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (“1935 Act”);

WHEREAS, DRS has been formed for the purpose of providing administrative, management and other services to Dominion and its subsidiaries (“Dominion Companies”) as a subsidiary service company under Rule 88 of the rules and regulations of the SEC for implementation of the 1935 Act, 17 C.F.R. Section 250.88;

WHEREAS, the Company believes that it is in the interest of the Company to provide for an arrangement whereby the Company may, from time to time and at the option of the Company, agree to purchase such administrative, management and other services from DRS;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

I. SERVICES OFFERED . Exhibit I hereto lists and describes all of the services that are available from DRS. DRS hereby offers to supply those services to the Company. Such services are and will be provided to the Company only at the request of the Company.

II. SERVICES SELECTED .

A. Initial Selection of Services. Exhibit II lists the services the Company hereby agrees to receive from DRS.

B. Annual Selection of Services. DRS shall send an annual service proposal form to the Company on or about December 1 listing services proposed for the coming calendar year. By December 31, the Company shall notify DRS of the services the Company has elected to receive from DRS during the following calendar year.

III. PERSONNEL . The DRS will provide services by utilizing the services of such executives, accountants, financial advisers, technical advisers, attorneys, engineers, geologists and other persons as have the necessary qualifications.


If necessary, DRS, after consultation with the Company, may also arrange for the services of nonaffiliated experts, consultants and attorneys in connection with the performance of any of the services supplied under this Agreement.

IV. COMPENSATION AND ALLOCATION . As and to the extent required by law, DRS will provide such services at cost. Exhibit III hereof contains rules for determining and allocating costs for DRS.

V. TERMINATION AND MODIFICATION .

A. Modification of Services. The Company may modify its selection of services at any time during the calendar year by giving DRS written notice of the additional services it wishes to receive, and/or the services it no longer wishes to receive, from DRS. The requested modification in services shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar month beginning at least thirty (30) days after the Company sent written notice to DRS.

B. Modification of Other Terms and Conditions. No other amendment, change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid, unless made in writing and signed by all parties hereto.

C. Termination of this Agreement. The Company may terminate this Agreement by providing sixty (60) days advance written notice of such termination to DRS. DRS may terminate this Agreement by providing sixty (60) days advance written notice of such termination to the Company.

This Agreement is subject to termination or modification at any time to the extent its performance may conflict with the provisions of the 1935 Act, or with any rule, regulation or order of the SEC adopted before or after the making of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be subject to the approval of any state commission or other state regulatory body whose approval is, by the laws of said state, a legal prerequisite to the execution and delivery or the performance of this Agreement.

 

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VI. NOTICE . Where written notice is required by this Agreement, said notice shall be deemed given when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

 

  a. To the Company:

The East Ohio Gas Company

1717 East Ninth Street

Cleveland, OH 44114

 

  b. To DRS:

Dominion Resources Services, Inc.

120 Tredegar Street

Richmond, VA 23219

VII. GOVERNING LAW . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Virginia, without regard to their conflict of laws provisions.

VIII. ENTIRE AGREEMENT . This Agreement, together with its exhibits, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter, and effective upon the execution of this Agreement by the respective parties hereof and thereto, any and all prior agreements, understandings or representations with respect to this subject matter are hereby terminated and cancelled in their entirety and are of no further force and effect.

IX. WAIVER . No waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision hereof.

X. ASSIGNMENT . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the parties and their respective successors and assigns. No assignment of this Agreement or any party’s rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be made without the other party’s consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned; provided, however, that, subject to the requirements of applicable state and federal regulatory law, either party may assign its rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement to an affiliate as that term is defined in the 1935 Act, without the consent of the other party.

XI. SEVERABILITY . If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall in no way be affected or impaired thereby.

XII. EFFECTIVE DATE . This Agreement is effective as of January 1, 2003.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above mentioned.

 

THE EAST OHIO GAS COMPANY
By  

/s/ G. Scott Hetzer

  G. Scott Hetzer
  Senior Vice President and Treasurer
DOMINION RESOURCES SERVICES, INC.
By  

/s/ Mary C. Doswell

  Mary C. Doswell
  President

 

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EXHIBIT I

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES OFFERED BY DRS

UNDER THIS DRS SERVICES AGREEMENT

1. Accounting . Provide advice and assistance to Dominion Companies in accounting matters, including the development of accounting practices, procedures and controls, the maintenance of the general ledger and related subsidiary systems, the preparation and analysis of financial reports, and the processing of certain accounts such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.

2. Auditing . Periodically audit the accounting records and other records maintained by Dominion Companies and coordinate their examination, where applicable, with that of independent public accountants. The audit staff will report on their examination and submit recommendations, as appropriate, on improving methods of internal control and accounting procedures.

3. Legal and Regulatory . Provide advice and assistance with respect to legal and regulatory issues as well as regulatory compliance, including 1935 Act authorizations and compliance and regulatory matters under other Federal and State laws.

4. Information Technology, Electronic Transmission and Computer Services . Provide the organization and resources for the operation of an information technology function including the development, implementation and operation of a centralized data processing facility and the management of a telecommunications network. This function includes the central processing of computerized applications and support of individual applications in Dominion Companies. Develop, implement, and process those computerized applications for Dominion Companies that can be economically best accomplished on a centralized basis.

5. Software Pooling . Accept from Dominion Companies ownership of and rights to use, assign, license or sub-license all software owned, acquired or developed by or for Dominion Companies which Dominion Companies can and do transfer or assign to it. Preserve and protect the rights to all such software to the extent reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances; license Dominion Companies, on a non-exclusive, no-charge or at-cost basis, to use all software which DRS has the right to sell, license or sub-license; and, at the relevant Dominion Companies’ expense, permit Dominion Companies to enhance any such software and license others to use all such software and enhancements to the extent that DRS shall have the legal right to so permit.

6. Employee Benefits/Pension Investment . Provide central accounting for employee benefit and pension plans of Dominion Companies. Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the administration of such plans and prepare and maintain records of employee and company accounts under the said plans, together with such statistical data and reports as are pertinent to the plans.


7. Human Resources . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the formulation and administration of human resources policies and programs relating to the relevant Dominion Companies’ labor relations, personnel administration, training, wage and salary administration and safety.

8. Operations . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the study, planning, engineering and construction of energy plant facilities of each Dominion Company and of the Dominion Companies as a whole, and advise, assist and manage the planning, engineering (including maps and records) and construction operations of Dominion Companies. Develop long-range operational programs for all the Dominion Companies and advise and assist each such Dominion Company in the coordination of such programs with the programs of the other Dominion Companies.

9. Executive and Administrative . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the solution of major problems and in the formulation and execution of the general plans and policies of Dominion Companies. Advise and assist Dominion Companies as to operations, the issuance of securities, the preparation of filings arising out of or required by the various Federal and State securities, business, public utilities and corporation laws, the selection of executive and administrative personnel, the representation of Dominion Companies before regulatory bodies, proposals for capital expenditures, budgets, financing, acquisition and disposition of properties, expansion of business, rate structures, public relationships and other related matters.

10. Business and Operations Services . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in all matters relating to operational capacity and the preparation and coordination of operating studies. Manage Dominion Companies’ purchase, movement, transfer and accounting of fuel and gas volumes. Compile and communicate information relevant to company operation. Perform general business and operations support services, including business, plant and facilities operation, maintenance and management, travel, aviation, fleet and mail services.

11. Exploration and Development . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in all geological and exploration matters including the acquisition and surrender of acreage and the development of underground storage facilities.

12. Risk Management . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in securing requisite insurance, in the purchase and administration of all property, casualty and marine insurance, in the settlement of insured claims and in providing risk prevention advice.

13. Marketing . Plan, formulate and implement marketing programs, as well as provide associated marketing services to assist Dominion Companies with improving customer satisfaction, load retention and shaping, growth of energy sales and deliveries, energy conservation and efficiency. Assist Dominion Companies in carrying out policies and programs for the development of plant locations and of industrial, commercial and wholesale markets and assist with community redevelopment and rehabilitation programs.

 

2


14. Medical . Direct and administer all medical and health activities of Dominion Companies. Provide systems of physical examination for employment and other purposes and direct and administer programs for the prevention of sickness.

15. Corporate Planning . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the study and planning of operations, budgets, economic forecasts, capital expenditures and special projects.

16. Supply Chain . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the procurement of real and personal property, materials, supplies and services, conduct purchase negotiations, prepare procurement agreements and administer programs of material control.

17. Rates . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the analysis of their rate structure in the formulation of rate policies, and in the negotiation of large contracts. Advise and assist Dominion Companies in proceedings before regulatory bodies involving the rates and operations of Dominion Companies and of other competitors where such rates and operations directly or indirectly affect Dominion Companies.

18. Research . Investigate and conduct research into problems relating to production, utilization, testing, manufacture, transmission, storage and distribution of energy. Keep abreast of and evaluate for Dominion Companies all research developments and programs of significance affecting Dominion Companies and the energy industry, conduct research and development in promising areas and advise and assist in the solution of technical problems arising out of Dominion Companies’ operations.

19. Tax . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the preparation of Federal and other tax returns, and generally advise Dominion Companies as to any problems involving taxes including the provision of due diligence in connection with acquisitions.

20. Corporate Secretary . Provide all necessary functions required of a publicly held corporation. Coordinate information and activities among shareholders, the transfer agent, and Board of Directors. Provide direct services to security holders. Prepare and file required annual and interim reports to shareholders and the SEC. Conduct the annual meeting of shareholders and ensure proper maintenance of corporate records.

21. Investor Relations . Provide fair and accurate analysis of Dominion and its operating subsidiaries and its outlook within the financial community. Enhance Dominion’s position in the energy industry. Balance and diversify shareholder investment in Dominion through a wide range of activities. Provide feedback to Dominion and its operating subsidiaries regarding investor concerns, trading and ownerships. Hold periodic analysts meetings, and provide various operating data as requested or required by investors.

22. Environmental Compliance . Provide consulting, cleanup, and other activities as required by Dominion Companies to ensure full compliance with applicable environmental statutes and regulations.

 

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23. Customer Services . Provide services and systems dedicated to customer service, including billing, remittance, credit, collections, customer relations, call centers, energy conservation support and metering.

24. Energy Marketing . Provide services and systems dedicated to energy marketing, including marketing and trading of energy commodities, and energy price risk management and development of marketing and sales programs in physical and financial markets.

25. Treasury/Finance . Provide services related to managing all administrative activities associated with financing, including management of capital structure; cash, credit and risk management activities; investment and commercial banking relationships; oversight of decommissioning trust funds and general financing activities.

26. External Affairs . Provide services in support of corporate strategies for managing relationships with federal, state and local governments, agencies and legislative bodies. Formulate and assist with public relations, advertising, and external/internal communications programs and with the administration of corporate contribution and community affairs programs.

 

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EXHIBIT II

SERVICES THE COMPANY AGREES TO RECEIVE FROM DRS

 

SERVICE    YES    NO
1.    Accounting    X   
2.    Auditing    X   
3.    Legal and Regulatory    X   
4.    Information Technology, Electric Transmission and Computer Services    X   
5.    Software Pooling    X   
6.    Employee Benefits/Pension Investment    X   
7.    Human Resources    X   
8.    Operations    X   
9.    Executive and Administrative    X   
10.    Business and Operations Services    X   
11.    Exploration and Development    X   
12.    Risk Management    X   
13.    Marketing    X   
14.    Medical    X   
15.    Corporate Planning    X   
16.    Supply Chain    X   
17.    Rates    X   
18.    Research    X   
19.    Tax    X   
20.    Corporate Secretary    X   
21.    Investor Relations    X   
22.    Environmental Compliance    X   
23.    Customer Services    X   
24.    Energy Marketing    X   
25.    Treasury/Finance    X   
26.    External Affairs    X   


EXHIBIT III

METHODS OF ALLOCATION FOR DRS

DRS shall allocate costs among companies receiving service from it under this and similar service contracts using the following methods:

 

I The costs of rendering service by DRS will include all costs of doing business including interest on debt but excluding a return for the use of equity capital for which no charge will be made to Dominion Companies.

 

II A. DRS will maintain a separate record of the expenses of each department. The expenses of each department will include:

 

  1. those expenses that are directly attributable to such department, and

 

  2. an appropriate portion of those office and housekeeping expenses that are not directly attributable to a department but which are necessary to the operation of such department.

 

  B. Expenses of the department will include salaries and wages of employees, rent and utilities, materials and supplies, depreciation, and all other expenses attributable to the department. The expenses of a department will not include:

 

  1. those incremental out-of-pocket expenses that are incurred for the direct benefit and convenience of an individual Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies,

 

  2. DRS overhead expenses that are attributable to maintaining the corporate existence of DRS, and all other incidental overhead expenses including those auditing fees, internal auditing department expenses and accounting department expenses attributable to DRS.

 

  C. DRS will establish annual budgets for controlling the expenses of each department and for determining estimated costs to be included in interim monthly billing.

 

III A. Employees in each department will be divided into two groups:

 

  1. Group A will include those employees rendering service to Dominion Companies, and

 

  2.

Group B will include those office and general service employees, such as secretaries, file clerks and administrative assistants, who generally assist


  employees in Group A or render other housekeeping services and who are not engaged directly in rendering service to each Dominion Company or a group of Dominion Companies.

 

  B. Expenses set forth in Section II. above will be separated to show:

 

  1. salaries and wages of Group A employees, and

 

  2. all other expenses of the department.

 

  C. There will be attributed to each dollar of a Group A employee’s salary or wage, that percentage of all other expenses of such employee’s department (as defined in B above), that such employee’s salary or wage is to the total Group A salaries and wages of that department.

 

  D. Group A employees in each department will maintain a record of the time they are employed in rendering service to each Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies. An hourly rate will be determined by dividing the total expense attributable to a Group A employee as determined under subsection C above by the productive hours reported by such employee.

 

IV The charge to the Dominion Company for a particular service will be determined by multiplying the hours reported by Group A employees in rendering such service to each Dominion Company by the hourly rates applicable to such employees. When such employees render service to a group of Dominion Companies, the charge to each Dominion Company will be determined by multiplying the hours attributable to the Dominion Company under the allocation formulas set forth in Section IX of this Exhibit by the hourly rates applicable to such employees.

 

V To the extent appropriate and practical, the foregoing computations of hourly rates and charges may be determined for groups of employees within reasonable salary range limits.

 

VI Those expenses of DRS that are not included in the annual expense of a department under Section II. above will be charged to Dominion Companies receiving service as follows:

 

  A. Incremental out-of-pocket costs incurred for the direct benefit and convenience of a Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies will be charged directly to such Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies. Such costs incurred for a group of Dominion Companies will be allocated on the basis of an appropriate formula.

 

  B. DRS overhead expenses referred to in Section II above will be charged to the Dominion Company either on the proportion of direct charges to that Dominion Company or under the allocation formulas set forth in Section IX of this Exhibit.

 

2


VII Notwithstanding the foregoing basis of determining cost allocations for billing purposes, cost allocations for certain services involving machine operations, production or service units, or facilities cost will be determined on an appropriate basis established by DRS.

 

VIII Monthly bills will be issued for the services rendered to the Dominion Company on an actual basis. However, if such actual information is not available at the time of preparation of the monthly bill, estimates may be used. Estimates will normally be predicated on service department budgets and estimated productive hours of employees for the year. At the end of each quarter, estimated figures will be revised and adjustments will be made in amounts billed to give effect to such revision.

 

IX When Group A employees render services to a group of Dominion Companies, the following formulas shall be used to allocate the time of such employees to the individual Dominion Companies receiving such service:

 

  A. The Service Department or Function formulas to be used when employees render services to all Dominion Companies participating in such service, for the services indicated are set forth below.

 

Service Department

or Function

  

Basis of Allocation

Accounting:   
Payroll Processing    Number of employees on the previous December 31 st .
Accounts Payable Processing    Number of accounts payable documents processed during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Fixed Assets Accounting    Dominion Company fixed assets added, retired or transferred during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Accounts Receivable Processing    Number of payments processed during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Information Technology, Electronic Transmission, and Computer Services:   
LDC/EDC Computer Applications    Number of customers at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Other Computer Applications    Number of users or usage of specific computer systems at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Network Computer Applications    Number of network devices at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Telecommunications Applications    Number of telecommunications units at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st

 

3


Service Department

or Function

  

Basis of Allocation

Employee Benefits/Pension Investment:   
Employee Benefits/Pension Investments    The number of employee and annuitant accounts as of the preceding December 31st.
Human Resources:   
Human Resources    The number of employees as of the preceding December 31st.
Business and Operations Services:   
Energy Services    Energy sale and deliveries for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Facility Services    Square footage of office space as of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Fleet Administration    Number of vehicles as of the preceding December 31st
Security    The number of employees as of the preceding December 31st.
Gas Supply    Gas volumes purchased for each Dominion Company for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Risk Management:   
Risk Management    Insurance premiums for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Marketing:   
Shared Projects    Annual marketing plan expenses for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Other Indirect Costs    Total marketing direct and shared project costs billed to each Dominion Company for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Medical:   
Medical Services    Number of employees on the previous December 31 st .

 

4


Corporate Planning:   
Corporate Planning    Total capitalization recorded at preceding December 31st.
Supply Chain:   
Purchasing    Dollar value of purchases for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Materials Management    Material inventory assets as of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Tax:   
Tax Accounting and Compliance    The sum of the total income and total deductions as reported for Federal Income Tax purposes on the last return filed.
Customer Services:   
Customer Payment (Remittance) Processing    Number of customer payments processed during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Other Customer Services    For metering, the number of gas or electric meters for the preceding year ended December 31 st ; otherwise the number of customers for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Treasury/ Finance:   
Treasury and Cash Management    Total capitalization recorded at preceding December 31 st .
Rates    Total regulated company operating expenses, excluding purchased gas expense, purchased power expense (including fuel expense), other purchased products and royalties, for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Research    Gross revenues recorded during the preceding year ended December 31st.

 

5


  B. Company Group Formulas to be used in the absence of a service department or function formula or when service rendered by employees is for a different group of Dominion Companies than those companies regularly participating in such service:

 

Company Group    Basis of Allocation
All Dominion Companies (includes all Dominion Companies except DRS)    Total operating expenses, excluding purchased gas expense, purchased power expense (including fuel expense), other purchased products and royalties, for the preceding year ended December 31 st for the affected Dominion Companies.

 

  C. If the use of a basis of allocation would result in an inequity because of a change in operations or organization, then DRS may adjust the basis to effect an equitable distribution.

 

6

Exhibit 10.6

DRS Services Agreement

This DRS Services Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of the 1st day of January, 2003, by and between Dominion Iroquois, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and DOMINION RESOURCES SERVICES, INC., a Virginia corporation, (“DRS”). DRS is sometimes referred to herein as “Service Company”.

WHEREAS, each of the Company and DRS is a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc. (“Dominion”), a registered holding company subject to regulation as such by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (“1935 Act”);

WHEREAS, DRS has been formed for the purpose of providing administrative, management and other services to Dominion and its subsidiaries (“Dominion Companies”) as a subsidiary service company under Rule 88 of the rules and regulations of the SEC for implementation of the 1935 Act, 17 C.F.R. Section 250.88;

WHEREAS, the Company believes that it is in the interest of the Company to provide for an arrangement whereby the Company may, from time to time and at the option of the Company, agree to purchase such administrative, management and other services from DRS;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

I. SERVICES OFFERED . Exhibit I hereto lists and describes all of the services that are available from DRS. DRS hereby offers to supply those services to the Company. Such services are and will be provided to the Company only at the request of the Company.

II. SERVICES SELECTED .

A. Initial Selection of Services. Exhibit II lists the services the Company hereby agrees to receive from DRS.

B. Annual Selection of Services. DRS shall send an annual service proposal form to the Company on or about December 1 listing services proposed for the coming calendar year. By December 31, the Company shall notify DRS of the services the Company has elected to receive from DRS during the following calendar year.

III. PERSONNEL . The DRS will provide services by utilizing the services of such executives, accountants, financial advisers, technical advisers, attorneys, engineers, geologists and other persons as have the necessary qualifications.


If necessary, DRS, after consultation with the Company, may also arrange for the services of nonaffiliated experts, consultants and attorneys in connection with the performance of any of the services supplied under this Agreement.

IV. COMPENSATION AND ALLOCATION . As and to the extent required by law, DRS will provide such services at cost. Exhibit III hereof contains rules for determining and allocating costs for DRS.

V. TERMINATION AND MODIFICATION .

A. Modification of Services. The Company may modify its selection of services at any time during the calendar year by giving DRS written notice of the additional services it wishes to receive, and/or the services it no longer wishes to receive, from DRS. The requested modification in services shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar month beginning at least thirty (30) days after the Company sent written notice to DRS.

B. Modification of Other Terms and Conditions. No other amendment, change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid, unless made in writing and signed by all parties hereto.

C. Termination of this Agreement. The Company may terminate this Agreement by providing sixty (60) days advance written notice of such termination to DRS. DRS may terminate this Agreement by providing sixty (60) days advance written notice of such termination to the Company.

This Agreement is subject to termination or modification at any time to the extent its performance may conflict with the provisions of the 1935 Act, or with any rule, regulation or order of the SEC adopted before or after the making of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be subject to the approval of any state commission or other state regulatory body whose approval is, by the laws of said state, a legal prerequisite to the execution and delivery or the performance of this Agreement.

 

2


VI. NOTICE . Where written notice is required by this Agreement, said notice shall be deemed given when mailed by United States registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

 

  a. To the Company:

Dominion Iroquois, Inc.

445 W. Main Street

Clarksburg, WV 26301

 

  b. To DRS:

Dominion Resources Services, Inc.

120 Tredegar Street

Richmond, VA 23219

VII. GOVERNING LAW . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Virginia, without regard to their conflict of laws provisions.

VIII. ENTIRE AGREEMENT . This Agreement, together with its exhibits, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties with respect to its subject matter, and effective upon the execution of this Agreement by the respective parties hereof and thereto, any and all prior agreements, understandings or representations with respect to this subject matter are hereby terminated and cancelled in their entirety and are of no further force and effect.

IX. WAIVER . No waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any preceding or succeeding breach of the same or any other provision hereof.

X. ASSIGNMENT . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the parties and their respective successors and assigns. No assignment of this Agreement or any party’s rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be made without the other party’s consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned; provided, however, that, subject to the requirements of applicable state and federal regulatory law, either party may assign its rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement to an affiliate as that term is defined in the 1935 Act, without the consent of the other party.

XI. SEVERABILITY . If any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall in no way be affected or impaired thereby.

XII. EFFECTIVE DATE . This Agreement is effective as of January 1, 2003.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above mentioned.

 

DOMINION IROQUOIS, INC.
By  

/s/ Lee D. Katz

  Lee D. Katz
  Controller
DOMINION RESOURCES SERVICES, INC.
By  

/s/ Mary C. Doswell

  Mary C. Doswell
  President

 

4


EXHIBIT I

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES OFFERED BY DRS

UNDER THIS DRS SERVICES AGREEMENT

1. Accounting . Provide advice and assistance to Dominion Companies in accounting matters, including the development of accounting practices, procedures and controls, the maintenance of the general ledger and related subsidiary systems, the preparation and analysis of financial reports, and the processing of certain accounts such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.

2. Auditing . Periodically audit the accounting records and other records maintained by Dominion Companies and coordinate their examination, where applicable, with that of independent public accountants. The audit staff will report on their examination and submit recommendations, as appropriate, on improving methods of internal control and accounting procedures.

3. Legal and Regulatory . Provide advice and assistance with respect to legal and regulatory issues as well as regulatory compliance, including 1935 Act authorizations and compliance and regulatory matters under other Federal and State laws.

4. Information Technology, Electronic Transmission and Computer Services . Provide the organization and resources for the operation of an information technology function including the development, implementation and operation of a centralized data processing facility and the management of a telecommunications network. This function includes the central processing of computerized applications and support of individual applications in Dominion Companies. Develop, implement, and process those computerized applications for Dominion Companies that can be economically best accomplished on a centralized basis.

5. Software Pooling . Accept from Dominion Companies ownership of and rights to use, assign, license or sub-license all software owned, acquired or developed by or for Dominion Companies which Dominion Companies can and do transfer or assign to it. Preserve and protect the rights to all such software to the extent reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances; license Dominion Companies, on a non-exclusive, no-charge or at-cost basis, to use all software which DRS has the right to sell, license or sub-license; and, at the relevant Dominion Companies’ expense, permit Dominion Companies to enhance any such software and license others to use all such software and enhancements to the extent that DRS shall have the legal right to so permit.

6. Employee Benefits/Pension Investment . Provide central accounting for employee benefit and pension plans of Dominion Companies. Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the administration of such plans and prepare and maintain records of employee and company accounts under the said plans, together with such statistical data and reports as are pertinent to the plans.


7. Human Resources . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the formulation and administration of human resources policies and programs relating to the relevant Dominion Companies’ labor relations, personnel administration, training, wage and salary administration and safety.

8. Operations . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the study, planning, engineering and construction of energy plant facilities of each Dominion Company and of the Dominion Companies as a whole, and advise, assist and manage the planning, engineering (including maps and records) and construction operations of Dominion Companies. Develop long-range operational programs for all the Dominion Companies and advise and assist each such Dominion Company in the coordination of such programs with the programs of the other Dominion Companies.

9. Executive and Administrative . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the solution of major problems and in the formulation and execution of the general plans and policies of Dominion Companies. Advise and assist Dominion Companies as to operations, the issuance of securities, the preparation of filings arising out of or required by the various Federal and State securities, business, public utilities and corporation laws, the selection of executive and administrative personnel, the representation of Dominion Companies before regulatory bodies, proposals for capital expenditures, budgets, financing, acquisition and disposition of properties, expansion of business, rate structures, public relationships and other related matters.

10. Business and Operations Services . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in all matters relating to operational capacity and the preparation and coordination of operating studies. Manage Dominion Companies’ purchase, movement, transfer and accounting of fuel and gas volumes. Compile and communicate information relevant to company operation. Perform general business and operations support services, including business, plant and facilities operation, maintenance and management, travel, aviation, fleet and mail services.

11. Exploration and Development . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in all geological and exploration matters including the acquisition and surrender of acreage and the development of underground storage facilities.

12. Risk Management . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in securing requisite insurance, in the purchase and administration of all property, casualty and marine insurance, in the settlement of insured claims and in providing risk prevention advice.

13. Marketing . Plan, formulate and implement marketing programs, as well as provide associated marketing services to assist Dominion Companies with improving customer satisfaction, load retention and shaping, growth of energy sales and deliveries, energy conservation and efficiency. Assist Dominion Companies in carrying out policies and programs for the development of plant locations and of industrial, commercial and wholesale markets and assist with community redevelopment and rehabilitation programs.

 

2


14. Medical . Direct and administer all medical and health activities of Dominion Companies. Provide systems of physical examination for employment and other purposes and direct and administer programs for the prevention of sickness.

15. Corporate Planning . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the study and planning of operations, budgets, economic forecasts, capital expenditures and special projects.

16. Supply Chain . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the procurement of real and personal property, materials, supplies and services, conduct purchase negotiations, prepare procurement agreements and administer programs of material control.

17. Rates . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the analysis of their rate structure in the formulation of rate policies, and in the negotiation of large contracts. Advise and assist Dominion Companies in proceedings before regulatory bodies involving the rates and operations of Dominion Companies and of other competitors where such rates and operations directly or indirectly affect Dominion Companies.

18. Research . Investigate and conduct research into problems relating to production, utilization, testing, manufacture, transmission, storage and distribution of energy. Keep abreast of and evaluate for Dominion Companies all research developments and programs of significance affecting Dominion Companies and the energy industry, conduct research and development in promising areas and advise and assist in the solution of technical problems arising out of Dominion Companies’ operations.

19. Tax . Advise and assist Dominion Companies in the preparation of Federal and other tax returns, and generally advise Dominion Companies as to any problems involving taxes including the provision of due diligence in connection with acquisitions.

20. Corporate Secretary . Provide all necessary functions required of a publicly held corporation. Coordinate information and activities among shareholders, the transfer agent, and Board of Directors. Provide direct services to security holders. Prepare and file required annual and interim reports to shareholders and the SEC. Conduct the annual meeting of shareholders and ensure proper maintenance of corporate records.

21. Investor Relations . Provide fair and accurate analysis of Dominion and its operating subsidiaries and its outlook within the financial community. Enhance Dominion’s position in the energy industry. Balance and diversify shareholder investment in Dominion through a wide range of activities. Provide feedback to Dominion and its operating subsidiaries regarding investor concerns, trading and ownerships. Hold periodic analysts meetings, and provide various operating data as requested or required by investors.

22. Environmental Compliance . Provide consulting, cleanup, and other activities as required by Dominion Companies to ensure full compliance with applicable environmental statutes and regulations.

 

3


23. Customer Services . Provide services and systems dedicated to customer service, including billing, remittance, credit, collections, customer relations, call centers, energy conservation support and metering.

24. Energy Marketing . Provide services and systems dedicated to energy marketing, including marketing and trading of energy commodities, and energy price risk management and development of marketing and sales programs in physical and financial markets.

25. Treasury/Finance . Provide services related to managing all administrative activities associated with financing, including management of capital structure; cash, credit and risk management activities; investment and commercial banking relationships; oversight of decommissioning trust funds and general financing activities.

26. External Affairs . Provide services in support of corporate strategies for managing relationships with federal, state and local governments, agencies and legislative bodies. Formulate and assist with public relations, advertising, and external/internal communications programs and with the administration of corporate contribution and community affairs programs.

 

4


EXHIBIT II

SERVICES THE COMPANY AGREES TO RECEIVE FROM DRS

 

SERVICE    YES    NO
1.    Accounting       X
2.    Auditing    X   
3.    Legal and Regulatory       X
4.    Information Technology, Electric Transmission and Computer Services    X   
5.    Software Pooling       X
6.    Employee Benefits/Pension Investment       X
7.    Human Resources       X
8.    Operations       X
9.    Executive and Administrative       X
10.    Business and Operations Services       X
11.    Exploration and Development       X
12.    Risk Management    X   
13.    Marketing       X
14.    Medical       X
15.    Corporate Planning       X
16.    Supply Chain       X
17.    Rates       X
18.    Research       X
19.    Tax       X
20.    Corporate Secretary    X   
21.    Investor Relations       X
22.    Environmental Compliance       X
23.    Customer Services       X
24.    Energy Marketing       X
25.    Treasury/Finance    X   
26.    External Affairs       X


EXHIBIT III

METHODS OF ALLOCATION FOR DRS

DRS shall allocate costs among companies receiving service from it under this and similar service contracts using the following methods:

 

I The costs of rendering service by DRS will include all costs of doing business including interest on debt but excluding a return for the use of equity capital for which no charge will be made to Dominion Companies.

 

II A. DRS will maintain a separate record of the expenses of each department. The expenses of each department will include:

 

  1. those expenses that are directly attributable to such department, and

 

  2. an appropriate portion of those office and housekeeping expenses that are not directly attributable to a department but which are necessary to the operation of such department.

 

  B. Expenses of the department will include salaries and wages of employees, rent and utilities, materials and supplies, depreciation, and all other expenses attributable to the department. The expenses of a department will not include:

 

  1. those incremental out-of-pocket expenses that are incurred for the direct benefit and convenience of an individual Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies,

 

  2. DRS overhead expenses that are attributable to maintaining the corporate existence of DRS, and all other incidental overhead expenses including those auditing fees, internal auditing department expenses and accounting department expenses attributable to DRS.

 

  C. DRS will establish annual budgets for controlling the expenses of each department and for determining estimated costs to be included in interim monthly billing.

 

III A. Employees in each department will be divided into two groups:

 

  1. Group A will include those employees rendering service to Dominion Companies, and

 

  2.

Group B will include those office and general service employees, such as secretaries, file clerks and administrative assistants, who generally assist


  employees in Group A or render other housekeeping services and who are not engaged directly in rendering service to each Dominion Company or a group of Dominion Companies.

 

  B. Expenses set forth in Section II. above will be separated to show:

 

  1. salaries and wages of Group A employees, and

 

  2. all other expenses of the department.

 

  C. There will be attributed to each dollar of a Group A employee’s salary or wage, that percentage of all other expenses of such employee’s department (as defined in B above), that such employee’s salary or wage is to the total Group A salaries and wages of that department.

 

  D. Group A employees in each department will maintain a record of the time they are employed in rendering service to each Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies. An hourly rate will be determined by dividing the total expense attributable to a Group A employee as determined under subsection C above by the productive hours reported by such employee.

 

IV The charge to the Dominion Company for a particular service will be determined by multiplying the hours reported by Group A employees in rendering such service to each Dominion Company by the hourly rates applicable to such employees. When such employees render service to a group of Dominion Companies, the charge to each Dominion Company will be determined by multiplying the hours attributable to the Dominion Company under the allocation formulas set forth in Section IX of this Exhibit by the hourly rates applicable to such employees.

 

V To the extent appropriate and practical, the foregoing computations of hourly rates and charges may be determined for groups of employees within reasonable salary range limits.

 

VI Those expenses of DRS that are not included in the annual expense of a department under Section II. above will be charged to Dominion Companies receiving service as follows:

 

  A. Incremental out-of-pocket costs incurred for the direct benefit and convenience of a Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies will be charged directly to such Dominion Company or group of Dominion Companies. Such costs incurred for a group of Dominion Companies will be allocated on the basis of an appropriate formula.

 

  B. DRS overhead expenses referred to in Section II above will be charged to the Dominion Company either on the proportion of direct charges to that Dominion Company or under the allocation formulas set forth in Section IX of this Exhibit.

 

2


VII Notwithstanding the foregoing basis of determining cost allocations for billing purposes, cost allocations for certain services involving machine operations, production or service units, or facilities cost will be determined on an appropriate basis established by DRS.

 

VIII Monthly bills will be issued for the services rendered to the Dominion Company on an actual basis. However, if such actual information is not available at the time of preparation of the monthly bill, estimates may be used. Estimates will normally be predicated on service department budgets and estimated productive hours of employees for the year. At the end of each quarter, estimated figures will be revised and adjustments will be made in amounts billed to give effect to such revision.

 

IX When Group A employees render services to a group of Dominion Companies, the following formulas shall be used to allocate the time of such employees to the individual Dominion Companies receiving such service:

 

  A. The Service Department or Function formulas to be used when employees render services to all Dominion Companies participating in such service, for the services indicated are set forth below.

 

Service Department

or Function

  

Basis of Allocation

Accounting:   
Payroll Processing    Number of employees on the previous December 31 st .
Accounts Payable Processing    Number of accounts payable documents processed during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Fixed Assets Accounting    Dominion Company fixed assets added, retired or transferred during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Accounts Receivable Processing    Number of payments processed during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Information Technology, Electronic Transmission, and Computer Services:   
LDC/EDC Computer Applications    Number of customers at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Other Computer Applications    Number of users or usage of specific computer systems at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Network Computer Applications    Number of network devices at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Telecommunications Applications    Number of telecommunications units at the end of the preceding year ended December 31st

 

3


Service Department

or Function

  

Basis of Allocation

Employee Benefits/Pension Investment:   
Employee Benefits/Pension Investments    The number of employee and annuitant accounts as of the preceding December 31st.
Human Resources:   
Human Resources    The number of employees as of the preceding December 31st.
Business and Operations Services:   
Energy Services    Energy sale and deliveries for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Facility Services    Square footage of office space as of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Fleet Administration    Number of vehicles as of the preceding December 31st
Security    The number of employees as of the preceding December 31st.
Gas Supply    Gas volumes purchased for each Dominion Company for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Risk Management:   
Risk Management    Insurance premiums for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Marketing:   
Shared Projects    Annual marketing plan expenses for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Other Indirect Costs    Total marketing direct and shared project costs billed to each Dominion Company for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Medical:   
Medical Services    Number of employees on the previous December 31 st .

 

4


Corporate Planning:   
Corporate Planning    Total capitalization recorded at preceding December 31st.
Supply Chain:   
Purchasing    Dollar value of purchases for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Materials Management    Material inventory assets as of the preceding year ended December 31st.
Tax:   
Tax Accounting and Compliance    The sum of the total income and total deductions as reported for Federal Income Tax purposes on the last return filed.
Customer Services:   
Customer Payment (Remittance) Processing    Number of customer payments processed during the preceding year ended December 31st.
Other Customer Services    For metering, the number of gas or electric meters for the preceding year ended December 31 st ; otherwise the number of customers for the preceding year ended December 31 st .
Treasury/ Finance:   
Treasury and Cash Management    Total capitalization recorded at preceding December 31 st .
Rates    Total regulated company operating expenses, excluding purchased gas expense, purchased power expense (including fuel expense), other purchased products and royalties, for the preceding year ended December 31st.
Research    Gross revenues recorded during the preceding year ended December 31st.

 

5


  B. Company Group Formulas to be used in the absence of a service department or function formula or when service rendered by employees is for a different group of Dominion Companies than those companies regularly participating in such service:

 

Company Group    Basis of Allocation
All Dominion Companies (includes all Dominion Companies except DRS)    Total operating expenses, excluding purchased gas expense, purchased power expense (including fuel expense), other purchased products and royalties, for the preceding year ended December 31 st for the affected Dominion Companies.

 

  C. If the use of a basis of allocation would result in an inequity because of a change in operations or organization, then DRS may adjust the basis to effect an equitable distribution.

 

6

Exhibit 12.1

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

(millions of dollars)

 

     Years Ended December, 31  
     2013     2012      2011      2010     2009  

Earnings, as defined:

            

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense

   $ 762      $ 747       $ 549       $ 1,601      $ 488   

Distributed income from unconsolidated investees, less equity in earnings

     (2     2         2         (4     11   

Fixed charges included in income

     43        65         64         76        76   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total earnings, as defined

   $ 803      $ 814       $ 615       $ 1,673      $ 575   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fixed charges, as defined:

            

Interest charges

   $ 30      $ 51       $ 51       $ 65      $ 66   

Rental interest factor

     13        14         13         11        10   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed charges, as defined

   $ 43      $ 65       $ 64       $ 76      $ 76   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

     18.67        12.52         9.61         22.01        7.57   

Exhibit 21.1

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

Subsidiaries of Registrant

As of April 1, 2014

 

Name

  

Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

  

Name Under Which Business is Conducted

Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC    Virginia    Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC

Dominion Iroquois, Inc.

   Delaware   

Dominion Iroquois, Inc.

Dominion Transmission, Inc.

   Delaware   

Dominion Transmission, Inc.

Dominion Brine, LLC

   Delaware   

Dominion Brine, LLC

Tioga Properties, LLC

   Delaware   

Tioga Properties, LLC

Farmington Properties, Inc.

   Pennsylvania   

Farmington Properties, Inc.

NE Hub Partners, L.L.C.

   Delaware   

NE Hub Partners, L.L.C.

NE Hub Partners, L.P.

   Delaware   

NE Hub Partners, L.P.

The East Ohio Gas Company

   Ohio   

Dominion East Ohio

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of our report dated March 28, 2014, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in such Prospectus.

Yours truly,

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

April 4, 2014

Richmond, Virginia

Exhibit 25.1

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM T-1

 

 

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939

OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

 

¨ CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b)(2)

 

 

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS

(formerly BANKERS TRUST COMPANY)

(Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

NEW YORK   13-4941247

(Jurisdiction of Incorporation or

organization if not a U.S. national bank)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification no.)

60 WALL STREET

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

  10005
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas

Attention: Lynne Malina

Legal Department

60 Wall Street, 37th Floor

New York, New York 10005

(212) 250 – 0677

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

 

 

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

(Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Virginia   46-3639580

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

120 Tredegar Street

Richmond, Virginia

  23219
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

 

2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

(Title of the Indenture securities)

 

 

 


Item 1. General Information.

Furnish the following information as to the trustee.

 

  (a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.

 

Name

  

Address

Federal Reserve Bank (2nd District)    New York, NY
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation    Washington, D.C.
New York State Banking Department    Albany, NY

 

  (b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

Yes.

Item 2. Affiliations with Obligor.

If the obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee, describe each such affiliation.

None.

 

Item 3. -15. Not Applicable

 

Item 16. List of Exhibits.

 

Exhibit 1 -    Restated Organization Certificate of Bankers Trust Company dated August 6, 1998, Certificate of Amendment of the Organization Certificate of Bankers Trust Company dated September 25, 1998, Certificate of Amendment of the Organization Certificate of Bankers Trust Company dated December 16, 1998, and Certificate of Amendment of the Organization Certificate of Bankers Trust Company dated February 27, 2002 - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 filed with Form T-1 Statement, Registration No. 333-157637-01.
Exhibit 2 -    Certificate of Authority to commence business - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 filed with Form T-1 Statement, Registration No. 333-157637-01.
Exhibit 3 -    Authorization of the Trustee to exercise corporate trust powers - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 filed with Form T-1 Statement, Registration No. 333-157637-01.
Exhibit 4 -    Existing By-Laws of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as amended on April 15, 2002 business - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 filed with Form T-1 Statement, Registration No. 333-157637-01.
Exhibit 5 -    Not applicable.


Exhibit 6 -    Consent of Bankers Trust Company required by Section 321(b) of the Act. - business - Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 6 filed with Form T-1 Statement, Registration No. 333-157637-01.
Exhibit 7 -    The latest report of condition of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas dated as of December 31, 2013. Copy attached.
Exhibit 8 -    Not Applicable.
Exhibit 9 -    Not Applicable.


SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the trustee, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in The City of New York, and State of New York, on this 24th day of March, 2014.

 

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS
        By:  

/s/ CAROL NG

  CAROL NG
  VICE PRESIDENT


DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS

     

FFIEC 031

Page 16 of 74

RC-1

Legal Title of Bank         

NEW YORK

     
City         
NY    10005      

 

     
State    Zip Code      
FDIC Certificate Number: 00623         

Consolidated Report of Condition for Insured Banks

and Savings Associations for December 31, 2013

All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last business day of the quarter.

Schedule RC—Balance Sheet

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands        

    RCFD   Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou      

Assets

         

  1.

  

Cash and balances due from depository institutions (from Schedule RC-A):

         
  

a.

  

Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin (1)

      0081     134,000      1.a
  

b.

  

Interest-bearing balances (2)

      0071     18,845,000      1.b

  2.

  

Securities:

         
  

a.

  

Held-to-maturity securities (from Schedule RC-B, column A)

      1754     0      2.a
  

b.

  

Available-for-sale securities (from Schedule RC-B, column D)

      1773     14,000      2.b

  3.

  

Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell:

      RCON    
  

a.

  

Federal funds sold in domestic offices

      B987     123,000      3.a
            RCFD    
  

b.

  

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (3)

      B989     15,200,000      3.b

  4.

  

Loans and lease financing receivables (from Schedule RC-C):

         
  

a.

  

Loans and leases held for sale

      5369     0      4.a
  

b.

  

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

  B528     19,907,000          4.b
  

c.

  

LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses

  3123     69,000          4.c
  

d.

  

Loans and leases, net of unearned income and allowance (item 4.b minus 4.c)

      B529     19,838,000      4.d

  5.

  

Trading assets (from Schedule RC-D)

      3545     362,000      5

  6.

  

Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)

      2145     43,000      6

  7.

  

Other real estate owned (from Schedule RC-M)

      2150     2,000      7

  8.

  

Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies

      2130     0      8

  9.

  

Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures

      3656     0      9

10.

  

Intangible assets:

         
  

a.

  

Goodwill

      3163     0      10.a
  

b.

  

Other intangible assets (from Schedule RC-M)

      0426     44,000      10.b

11.

  

Other assets (from Schedule RC-F)

      2160     1,154,000      11
             

 

 

   

12.

  

Total assets (sum of items 1 through 11)

      2170     55,759,000      12
             

 

 

   

 

(1) Includes cash items in process of collection and unposted debits.
(2) Includes time certificates of deposit not held for trading.
(3) Includes all securities resale agreements in domestic and foreign offices, regardless of maturity.


DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS

      FFIEC 031
Legal Title of Bank          Page 16a of 74
FDIC Certificate Number: 00623          RC-1a

Schedule RC—Continued

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands        

     RCON    Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou       

Liabilities

              

13.

  

Deposits:

              
  

a.

  

In domestic offices (sum of totals of columns A and C from Schedule RC-E, part I)

         2200      38,271,000       13.a
     

(1) Noninterest-bearing (4)

   6631      26,730,000             13.a.1
     

(2) Interest-bearing

   6636      11,541,000             13.a.2
  

b.

  

In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs

         RCFN      
     

(from Schedule RC-E, part II)

         2200      2,715,000       13.b
     

(1) Noninterest-bearing

   6631      290,000             13.b.1
     

(2) Interest-bearing

   6636      2,425,000             13.b.2

14.

  

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

         RCON      
  

a.

  

Federal funds purchased in domestic offices (5)

         B993      3,940,000       14.a
               RCFD      
  

b.

  

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (6)

         B995      0       14.b

15.

  

Trading liabilities (from Schedule RC-D)

         3548      11,000       15

16.

  

Other borrowed money (includes mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases) (from Schedule RC-M)

         3190      59,000       16

17.

  

and 18. Not applicable

              

 

(4) Includes noninterest-bearing demand, time, and savings deposits.
(5) Report overnight Federal Home Loan Bank advances in Schedule RC, item 16, “Other borrowed money.”
(6) Includes all securities repurchase agreements in domestic and foreign offices, regardless of maturity.


DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS

      FFIEC 031
Legal Title of Bank          Page 17 of 7
FDIC Certificate Number: 00623          RC-2

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands        

   RCFD    Tril | Bil | Mil | Thou       
Liabilities—Continued               

19.

  

Subordinated notes and debentures (1)

         3200      0       19

20.

  

Other liabilities (from Schedule RC-G)

         2930      1,444,000       20
                 

 

 

    

21.

  

Total liabilities (sum of items 13 through 20)

         2948      46,440,000       21
                 

 

 

    

22.

  

Not applicable

              

Equity Capital

              

Bank Equity Capital

              

23.

  

Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus

         3838      0       23

24.

  

Common stock

         3230      2,127,000       24

25.

  

Surplus (excludes all surplus related to preferred stock)

         3839      594,000       25

26.

  

a. Retained earnings

         3632      6,313,000       26.a
   b.   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (2)

         B530      82,000       26.b
   c.   

Other equity capital components (3)

         A130      0       26.c
                 

 

 

    

27.

  

a. Total bank equity capital (sum of items 23 through 26.c)

         3210      9,116,000       27.a
                 

 

 

    
   b.   

Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries

         3000      203,000       27.b
                 

 

 

    

28.

  

Total equity capital (sum of items 27.a and 27.b)

         G105      9,319,000       28
                 

 

 

    

29.

  

Total liabilities and equity capital (sum of items 21 and 28)

         3300      55,759,000       29
                 

 

 

    

Memoranda

              

To be reported with the March Report of Condition.

              

1.

  

Indicate in the box at the right the number of the statement below that best describes the most comprehensive level of auditing work performed for the bank by independent external auditors as of any date during 2012

         RCFD
6724
    
 
Number
N/A
  
  
   M.1

1 = Independent audit of the bank conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm which submits a report on the bank

2 = Independent audit of the bank’s parent holding company conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm which submits a report on the consolidated holding company (but not on the bank separately)

3 = Attestation on bank management’s assertion on the effectiveness of the bank’s internal control over financial reporting by a certified public accounting firm.

  

4 = Directors’ examination of the bank conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards by a certified public accounting firm (may be required by state chartering authority)

5 = Directors’ examination of the bank performed by other external auditors (may be required by state chartering authority)

6 = Review of the bank’s financial statements by external auditors

7 = Compilation of the bank’s financial statements by external auditors

8 = Other audit procedures (excluding tax preparation work)

9 = No external audit work

  
  

To be reported with the March Report of Condition.

      RCON          MM / DD         

2.

  

Bank’s fiscal year-end date

         8678    N/A    M.2

 

(1) Includes limited-life preferred stock and related surplus.
(2) Includes, but is not limited to, net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, accumulated net gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, and accumulated defined benefit pension and other post retirement plan adjustments.
(3) Includes treasury stock and unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan shares.

Exhibit 99.1

Survey Participants

Towers Watson CDB General Industry Executive, Towers Watson CDB Energy Services Executive, and AonHewitt IEHRA Energy Industry survey participants (applicable to both Messrs. Blue and Sawhney):

 

3M

A.O. Smith

Abbott Laboratories

Accenture

ACH Food

Acxiom

Adecco

AEI Services

Aerojet

AES

Agilent Technologies

Agrium

Air Liquide

Air Products and Chemicals

Alcatel-Lucent

Alcoa

Allergan

Allete

Alliant Energy

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company

AMC Entertainment

Ameren

American Crystal Sugar

American Electric Power

American Sugar Refining

Americas Styrenics

AmerisourceBergen

AMETEK

Amgen

AMSTED Industries

Anixter International

APL

Appleton Papers

ARAMARK

Arby’s Restaurant Group

Archer Daniels Midland

Arctic Cat

Aricent Group

Arkansas Electric Cooperatives

Arkema

Armstrong World Industries

Arrow Electronics

Ashland

Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.

AstraZeneca

AT&T

ATC Management

Atmos Energy

Atos IT Solutions and Services

Automatic Data Processing

Avant Energy, Inc.

Avaya

Avis Budget Group

Avista

Babcock & Wilcox

Babcock Power

BAE Systems

Ball

Barnes Group

BASF

Battelle Energy Alliance LLC

Baxter International

Bayer AG

Bayer Business & Technology Services

Bayer CropScience

Bayer HealthCare

BD - Becton Dickinson

Beam

Bechtel Systems & Infrastructure Inc

Best Buy

BG US Services

Big Lots

Black Hills

Bob Evans Farms

Boehringer Ingelheim

Boeing

Booz Allen Hamilton

Boralex Hydro Operations Inc.

BorgWarner

Boston Scientific

Brady

BrightSource Energy Inc.

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Brunswick

Bunge

Burlington Northern Santa Fe

Bush Brothers

CA, Inc.

Caithness Energy, LLC

Calpine Corporation

Capital Power Corporation

Cardinal Health

CareFusion

Cargill

Carlson

Carmeuse North America Group

Carnival

Carpenter Technology

Catalent Pharma Solutions

Catalyst Health Solutions

Caterpillar

Celanese Americas

Celestica

CenterPoint Energy

Century Aluminum

CEVA Logistics

CGI Technologies & Solutions

CH Energy Group

CH2M Hill

Chemtura

Cheniere Energy

Chevron Global Power

Chiquita Brands

CHS

Cintas

Cisco Systems

Clear Channel Communications

Cliffs Natural Resources

Cloud Peak Energy

CMS Energy

Coach

Coca-Cola

Coinstar

Colgate-Palmolive

Colorado Springs Utilities

Columbia Sportswear

Comcast

Compass Group

ConAgra Foods

Consolidated Edison

Continental Automotive Systems

ConvaTec

Convergys

Cooper Industries

Corning

Covance

Covanta Holding Corporation

Covidien

Crosstex Energy

Crown Castle

CSC

CSX

Cummins

Curtiss-Wright

CVS Caremark

Daiichi Sankyo

Daimler Trucks North America

Danaher

Darden Restaurants

Dean Foods

Deckers Outdoor

Dell

Delta Air Lines

Deluxe

Dentsply

Deseret Generation and Transmission Cooperative

Dex One

DIRECTV Group

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group

Dollar Tree

Dominion Resources

Domtar

Donaldson

Dow Corning

DTE Energy

Duke Energy

DuPont

Duquesne Light Holdings Inc.

Dynegy

E.W. Scripps

Eastman Chemical

Eaton

eBay

Ecolab

Edison International

Edison Mission Energy

Eisai, Inc.

El Paso Corporation

El Paso Electric

ElectriCities of North Carolina

Eli Lilly

EMC

Emerson Electric

Enbridge Energy

EnCana Oil & Gas USA

Endo Health Solutions

Energen

Energy Future Holdings

Energy Northwest

Energy Systems Group

EnergySource LLC

Enpower Management Corp.

EnPro Industries

Entegra Power Group, LLC

Entergy

Enterprise Products Partners

enXco, Inc.

 


EQT Corporation

Equifax

Equity Office Properties

Ericsson

ESRI

Essential Power LLC

Essilor of America

Estee Lauder

Esterline Technologies

Euro-Pro Operating

Exelis

Exelon

Expedia

Experian Americas

Express Scripts

Exterran

Federal-Mogul

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

Fidessa Group

FirstEnergy

Florida Municipal Power Agency

Fluor

Ford

Forest Laboratories

Foster Wheeler Corporation

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold

GAF Materials

Gap

Garland Power & Light

Gates

GATX

Gavilon

GCL Solar Energy, Inc.

GDF Suez Energy Resources NA

GenCorp

General Atomics

General Dynamics

General Mills

General Motors

GenOn Energy

Gilead Sciences

GlaxoSmithKline

Globecomm Systems

Globeleq Inc.

Goodrich

Graco

Great River Energy

Green Mountain

GROWMARK

GTECH

GWF Power Systems

H.B. Fuller

Hanesbrands

Hanger Orthopedic Group

Harland Clarke

Harman International Industries

Harsco

Hasbro

Herman Miller

Hershey

Hertz

Hess Corporation

Hewlett-Packard

Hexcel

Hilton Worldwide

Hitachi Data Systems

HNI

HNTB

Hoffmann-La Roche

Honeywell

Hormel Foods

Hostess Brands

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing

Hovnanian Enterprises

HTC Corporation

Hunt Consolidated

Hutchinson Technology

Iberdrola Renewables

IBM

ICF International, Inc.

Idaho Power

IDEXX Laboratories

IGS Energy, Inc.

IHI Power Corporation

Illinois Tool Works

Ingersoll-Rand

Integrys Energy Group

Intel

Intercontinental Hotels

International Data Group

International Flavors & Fragrances

International Game Technology

International Paper

Invenergy LLC

ION Geophysical

IPR - GDF SUEZ North America

Irvine

Itron

ITT - Corporate

J.M. Smucker

J.R. Simplot

Jabil Circuit

Jack-in-the-Box

Jacobs Engineering

JetBlue Airways

Johns-Manville

Johnson & Johnson

Johnson Controls

Kaman Industrial Technologies

Kansas City Southern

Kao Brands

KB Home

KBR

Kellogg

Kelly Services

Kennametal

Keystone Foods

Kimberly-Clark

Kimco Realty

Kinder Morgan

Kinross Gold

Koch Industries

Kohler

Kyocera Corporation

L-3 Communications

Land O’Lakes

Leggett and Platt

Lend Lease

Lenovo

Leprino Foods

Level 3 Communications

Lexmark International

LG&E and KU Energy

Life Technologies

LifeCell

Limited

Lincoln Electric

L’Oreal

Lorillard Tobacco

Lower Colorado River Authority

LSG Sky Chefs

LyondellBasell

Magellan Midstream Partners

Makino

Manitowoc

Marriott International

Martin Marietta Materials

Mary Kay

Mattel

Matthews International

McDonald’s

McGraw-Hill

MDU Resources

MeadWestvaco

Medicines Company

Medtronic

Merck & Co

Meredith

MGE Energy

Micron Technology

Microsoft

MidAmerican Energy

Milacron

MillerCoors

Mohegan Sun Casino

Molson Coors Brewing

Monsanto

Mosaic

Motorola Mobility

Motorola Solutions

Murphy Oil

Mylan

Nash-Finch

Navigant Consulting

Navistar International

NBTY

Nebraska Public Power District

Neoris USA

Nestle USA

NeuStar

New Mexico Gas Company

New York Power Authority

Newmont Mining

NewPage

NextEra Energy

Nextera Energy Resources LLC

Nissan North America

Nokia

Norfolk Southern

North American Energy Services

Northeast Utilities

Northern Star Generation Services Company LLC

Northrop Grumman

NorthWestern Energy

Novartis Consumer Health

Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals

Novus International

NRG Energy

NSTAR

Nu Skin Enterprises

NV Energy

NW Natural

Nypro

Occidental Petroleum

Office Depot

OGE Energy

Oglethorpe Power

Ohio Valley Electric

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative

 


Omaha Public Power

Omnicare

OMNOVA Solutions

OSI Restaurant Partners

Owens Corning

Pacific Gas & Electric

Pall Corporation

Parker Hannifin

Parsons

PCL Constructors

Pepco Holdings

Performance Food Group

Pfizer

Pinnacle West Capital

Pitney Bowes

Plexus

PNM Resources

Polaris Industries

Polymer Group

PolyOne

Portland General Electric

Potash

PPG Industries

PPL

Prairie State Generating Company, LLC

Praxair

Primary Energy Recycling

Progress Energy

Proliance Holdings

Public Service Enterprise Group

Public Utility District #1 of Chelan County

Puget Energy

Puget Sound Energy, Inc.

Pulte Homes

Purdue Pharma

Quest Diagnostics

Quintiles

R.R. Donnelley

Ralcorp Holdings

Rayonier

Regency Centers

Research in Motion

Revlon

Ricardo

Rio Tinto

Roche Diagnostics

Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Collins

Rohm Semiconductor USA

Rolls-Royce North America

S.C. Johnson & Son

Sabre

SAIC

Salt River Project

Sanofi-Aventis

SAS Institute

SCA Americas

SCANA

Schlumberger

Schreiber Foods

Schwan’s

Scientific Research Corporation

Scotts Miracle-Gro

Seagate Technology

Sealed Air

Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Sempra Energy

ServiceMaster Company

ShawCor

Sherwin-Williams

Shire Pharmaceuticals

Siemens AG

Siemens Corporation

Sigma-Aldrich

Snap-on

Sodexo

Solvay America

Sonoco Products

Sony Corporation

South Jersey Gas

Southern Company

Southern Union Company

Southwest Generation Operating Company LLC

Space Systems Loral

Spectra Energy

Sprague Energy

Sprint Nextel

SPX

Staples

Star West Generation LLC

Starbucks Coffee Company

Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Statoil

Stepan Company

STP Nuclear Operating

Stryker

Sundt Construction

Sunoco, Inc.

Swagelok

Syngenta Crop Protection

Sysco

Targa Resources

Target

Taubman Centers

TE Connectivity

Tech Data

TECO Energy

TeleTech Holdings

Tenaska Energy Inc.

Tennessee Valley Authority

Teradata

Terex

Terra-Gen Operating Company

Textron

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thomson Reuters

Time Warner

T-Mobile USA

Topaz Power Group LLC

Toro

Tower International

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America

TransCanada

Transocean

Trepp

Trident Seafoods

Trinity Industries

Tronox

TRW Automotive

Tupperware Brands

Tyson Foods

UGI

UIL Holdings

Underwriters Laboratories

Unilever United States

Union Pacific Corporation

UniSource Energy

Unisys

United Rentals

United States Cellular

United Technologies

Unitil

UPS

URENCO USA

URS

Valero Energy

Valmont Industries

Vectren

Verizon

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Viacom

Viad

VistaPrint

Vulcan Materials

VWR International

Walt Disney

Warner Chilcott

Waste Management

Watson Pharmaceuticals

Wellhead Electric Company, Inc.

Wendy’s Group

Westar Energy

Westinghouse Electric Company LLC

Westlake Chemical

Weyerhaeuser

Whirlpool

Williams Companies

Wisconsin Energy

Wm. Wrigley Jr.

Wolf Creek Nuclear

Xcel Energy

Xerox

Xylem

YRC Worldwide

Yum Brands

Zebra Technologies

 

 

Mercer Energy Industry General Benchmark, Hildebrandt Law, and Equilar Top 25-Greater than $15 Billion survey participants (applicable to Mr. Blue only):

 

3M

7-Eleven, Inc.

A. O. Smith Corporation

AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah Insurance Exchange

AB Volvo

Abbott Laboratories

Abraxas Petroleum Corporation

Ace Hardware Corporation

ACE LTD

AECOM Technology Corporation

Aerojet Corporation

Aetna, Inc.

Afren Resources USA, Inc.

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

 


AGL Resources

Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.

AK Steel Corporation

Akamai Technologies

Aker Solutions

Akzo Nobel

Alcoa Inc.

Allergan, Inc.

Alliance Pipeline

Alliant Energy Corporation

Allianz Life Insurance Co. of N. A.

ALLSTATE

Altera Corporation

Alticor Inc.

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company

Ameren

AMERICAN EXPRESS

American Family Insurance

American General Life Companies

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP

American Midstream Partners, LP

American Transmission Company

AMERISOURCEBERGEN

AMGEN

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

ANGLO AMERICAN PLC

Apache Corporation

Apollo Group

ARCELORMITTAL

Arch Coal, Inc.

ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

ARROW ELECTRONICS INC

Ashland Inc.

Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.

AT&T

Atlas Energy, L.P.

Aux Sable Liquid Products

Avaya Inc.

AVNET

AXA Equitable

BAE SYSTEMS PLC

Baker Hughes, Inc.

BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA

Barclays Bank plc

BASF Corporation

Basic Energy Services, LP

Baytex Energy USA Ltd.

BB&T Corporation

BCE INC

Belo Corp.

BHP Billiton Petroleum

Black & Veatch Corporation

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island

Blue Shield of California

BMW of North America, LLC

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Boardwalk Pipeline Partners L.P.

BOEING

Boise Cascade, LLC

Boise Inc.

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.

Boston Scientific Corporation

BP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

BreitBurn Energy Partners LP.

BreitBurn Management Company

BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB

Brookfield Renewable Power - US

Brunswick Corporation

Buckeye Partners, L.P.

Burnett Oil Co., Inc

C. R. Bard, Inc.

Caesars Entertainment Corporation

Calfrac Well Services Corporation

California ISO

Callaway Golf Company

Calpine Corporation

Cameron International

Campbell Soup Company

CARDINAL HEALTH

CareFusion Corporation

Cargill Incorporated

Carlsberg Breweries A/S

CARNIVAL

Caterpillar Inc.

CenterPoint Energy

Centrica Energy

CenturyLink

Cerner Corporation

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

CGGVeritas Services (US), Inc.

Chemtura Corporation

Chesapeake Energy

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP

Chico’s FAS, Inc.

CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

CHS Inc.

CIGNA

Cimarex Energy Co.

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Citation Oil & Gas Corp.

Citgo Petroleum Corporation

CMS Energy

CNA Insurance

CNH

Cobalt International Energy

Coca-Cola Company, The

Collective Brands, Inc.

Colonial Pipeline Company

ConAgra Foods, Inc.

ConocoPhillips

Copano Energy, LLC

Core Laboratories

Covanta Holding Corporation

Crosstex Energy Services, LP

CSX Corporation

Cummins, Inc.

CVR Energy, Inc.

CVS CAREMARK

Dana Holding Corporation

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Davis Petroleum Corp.

DaVita Inc.

DCP Midstream

Deere & Company

Dell Inc.

Delphi Automotive, LLP

Delta Air Lines, Inc.

Denbury Resources, Inc.

Det Norske Veritas (USA) Inc.

DEUTSCHE BANK

Devon Energy

Dexco Polymers

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc.

Dignity Health

DIRECTV, Inc.

DM Petroleum Operations

Dominion Resources Inc.

Dover Corporation

Dow Chemical Company, The

DQE Holdings LLC

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group

Dresser-Rand Company

DTE Energy Corporation

Duke Energy Corporation

Dun & Bradstreet

Eastman Chemical Company

Eaton Corporation

Ecolab

EDF Trading Resources, LLC

Edison Mission Energy

El Paso Corporation

Electrolux AB

EMC

ENBRIDGE INC

Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.

Endeavour International Corporation

Endeavour North America

Enerflex Energy Systems, Inc

Energen Corporation

Energy Future Holdings Corporation

EnergySolutions

Enerplus Resources (USA) Corporation

EnerVest Energy Partners, LP

EnerVest Operating, LLC

EnerVest, Ltd

Eni US Operating Company, Inc.

ENSCO International, Inc.

Ensign United States Drilling, Inc.

Entegra Power Services, LLC

EOG Resources, Inc.

EQT

Equal Energy US Inc.

ERIN Engineering and Research, Inc.

Essential Power LLC

Estee Lauder Companies Inc., The

EXCO Resources, Inc.

Exelon Corporation

Explorer Pipeline

EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING CO.

Exterran Holdings, Inc.

EXXON MOBIL

Fasken Oil and Ranch, Ltd.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

FedEx Corporation

FedEx Ground Package Systems, Inc.

Ferro Corporation

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company

First Data Corporation

First Solar

FirstEnergy Corp.

Fiserv, Inc.

FLUOR

FMC Technologies, Inc.

FORD MOTOR

Forest Oil Corporation

Fossil, Inc.

FREDDIE MAC

FREEPORT MCMORAN COPPER & GOLD

Gap, The

 


General Mills, Inc.

Genesis Energy

GKN

GlaxoSmithkline

Great Plains Energy

Great River Energy

Halcn Resources Corporation

Halliburton

Hanesbrands Inc.

Hartford Financial Services Group, The

Hasbro, Inc.

HCA, Inc.

Health Care Service Corporation

HEINEKEN N.V.

Helix ESG Inc.

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Hershey Company, The

Hess Corporation

Hewlett-Packard Company

Hilcorp Energy Company

HollyFrontier Corporation

Home Depot Inc., The

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ

HSBC

HUMANA

Hunt Consolidated Inc. - Hunt Oil Company

HUSKY ENERGY INC

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS

ING U.S.

Insight Enterprises, Inc.

INTEL

INTERNATIONAL PAPER

ION Geophysical Corporation

J. C. PENNEY

Jabil Circuit, Inc.

Jack in the Box Inc.

JetBlue Airways

Johnson & Johnson

JOHNSON CONTROLS

J-W Energy Company

JX Nippon Oil Exploration (USA) Limited

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.

Kennametal Inc.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Kinder Morgan

KOHLS CORP

KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV

Kosmos Energy, LLC

Laredo Petroleum, Inc.

Legacy Reserves, LP

Legend Natural Gas, LLC

Lennox International Inc.

Level 3 Communications

Levi Strauss & Co.

Lexmark International, Inc.

LG&E-KU Services

Liberty Mutual Group

Linn Energy, LLC

Lloyds Banking Group plc

LOBLAW COMPANIES LIMITED

LOCKHEED MARTIN

LOWES COMPANIES

LSI Corporation

LyondellBasell

LYONDELLBASELL INDUSTRIES N.V.

M&T Bank

MACY’S

Magellan Midstream Holdings, LP

ManpowerGroup

Marathon Oil Corporation

MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP

MarkWest Energy Partners LP

Marquis Alliance Energy Group USA Inc.

Mass Mutual Financial Group

Maxum Petroleum

Mayo Clinic

McDonald’s Corporation

McMoRan Exploration Co.

MCX Exploration (USA), Ltd.

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

Medtronic Inc.

Merck & Co., Inc.

MetLife Inc.

Michelin North America,Inc.

Micron Technology, Inc.

MicroSeismic

Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.) Inc.

Mitsui E&P USA LLC

Molson Coors Brewing Company

Mosaic Company, The

Motorola Solutions Inc.

Munich Reinsurance America, Inc.

Murphy Oil Corporation

Mutual of Omaha Companies, The

Nalco, an Ecolab Company

National Railroad Passenger Corporation

Nationwide Insurance

Nestle USA, Inc.

NetApp, Inc.

New York Life Insurance Company

New York Power Authority

Newfield Exploration

Nexen Petroleum USA, Inc.

NextEra Energy, Inc.

Nike, Inc.

NiSource, Inc.

Noble Energy, Inc.

Norsk Hydro ASA

Northeast Utilities

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Northwest Natural Gas

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, The

Novo Nordisk A/S

NSTAR Electric & Gas Corporation

NV Energy, Inc.

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

Oceaneering International, Inc.

OfficeMax Incorporated

OGE Energy Corporation

Olympus Corporation of the Americas

ONEOK, Inc.

Oxy - Thums Long Beach

PACCAR

Pacific Gas & Electric Corporation

Parallel Petroleum LLC

Pasadena Refining System Inc.

Pason Systems USA Corp.

PDC Energy

Pep Boys, The

PHILIP MORRIS INTERNATIONAL

Piedmont Natural Gas

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation

Pioneer Natural Resources USA

Pitney Bowes Inc.

PJM Interconnection

Plains All American Pipeline, L.P.

Plains Exploration & Production Company

Popular, Inc.

Praxair, Inc.

Precision Drilling Holdings Company

Premier Natural Resources

Procter & Gamble

Prudential Financial Inc.

Public Service Enterprise Group Inc.

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS INC

Puget Sound Energy

QEP Resources, Inc.

Quicksilver Resources Inc.

R Lacy Services, Ltd.

Range Resources

Raymond James Financial

RAYTHEON

Reef Subsea

Regency Energy Partners LP

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated

Repsol Services Company

Resolute Natural Resources Company, LLC

Reyes Holdings, LLC

Rhodia Inc.

RKI Exploration & Production

Rosewood Resources, Inc.

Rowan Companies, Inc.

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA

Royal DSM NV

ROYAL DUTCH SHELL

SAFEWAY

SandRidge Energy, Inc.

Sasol North America

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)

SCANA Corporation

Schlumberger Oilfield Services

Seadrill Americas

Sears Holding Company

Selective Insurance Company of America

SemGroup Corporation

Sempra Energy

ServiceMaster Company, The

Shaw Industries Group, Inc.

ShawCor, Ltd.

Siemens Corporation

Smith & Nephew plc

Sodexo, Inc

Solvay America, Inc.

Sony Electronics, Inc.

Southern California Edison Company

Southern Company Services

Southwestern Energy Company

Spartan Stores, Inc.

Spectra Energy

Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.

Sprague Operating Resources, LLC

Sprint Nextel Corporation

St. Joseph Health System

Stanford University

Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

Staples

State Farm Insurance

State Street Corporation

 


Statoil USA

Stryker

Sun Products Corporation, The

SUNCOR ENERGY INC

SunGard Data Systems

Sunoco Logistics

SunTrust Banks, Inc.

Superior Energy Services, Inc.

Superior Natural Gas Corporation

Talisman Energy Inc.

Target Corporation

TE Connectivity Ltd.

TECH DATA

Technip USA

Tecpetrol Operating LLC

Tellus Operating Group, LLC

Tennessee Valley Authority

TESORO

Texas Instruments Incorporated

Textron Inc.

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company

Thomson Reuters Corporation

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

TIAA-CREF

TIBCO Software Inc.

Tim Hortons Inc.

Time Inc.

Time Warner Cable Inc.

Time Warner Inc.

TJX COMPANIES

Total E&P USA, Inc.

TransCanada Corporation

Transocean

Travelers Companies, Inc., The

Trinity Health

TRW AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

TYSON FOODS

Unilever

Union Bank, N.A.

Unisys Corporation

Unit Corporation

UNITED CONTINENTAL HOLDINGS, INC.

United Parcel Service, Inc.

UNITED STATES STEEL

UNITED TECHNOLOGIES

UNITEDHEALTH GROUP

University of California

USA Compression Partners, LLC

VALERO ENERGY

Vanguard Group Inc., The

Varian Medical Systems, Inc.

Verado Energy, Inc.

Verizon Communications

Vestas Wind Technology America

Visa Inc.

W. C. Bradley Co.

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

W. R. Grace & Co.

Walgreen Co.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

WALT DISNEY

Washington Gas

Waste Management, Inc.

Wawa, Inc.

Weatherford International

WellPoint, Inc.

Wells Fargo and Company

WESCO International, Inc.

WHIRLPOOL

Whiting Petroleum Corporation

Williams Companies Inc., The

Xcel Energy LLC

Xerox Corporation

 

 

Mercer Executive and Equilar Top 25-Energy survey participants (applicable to Mr. Sawhney only):

 

3PS, Inc.

7-Eleven, Inc.

A & E Television Networks

AAA National Office

AAA Northern California, Nevada and Utah

AarhusKarlshamn USA Inc.

AB Mauri Food Inc.

AB Vista

ABB Concise Optical Group

Abbott Laboratories

ABQ Health Partners

Accident Fund Insurance Company of America

ACS Technologies

Actavis Inc.

ACTIVE POWER INC

Acuity Brands Inc.

Aditi Technologies

Adva Optical Networking North America, Inc.

Advocate Healthcare

AECOM Technology Corporation

Aeronix, Inc.

AET Inc. Ltd.

Aetna, Inc.

AFC Enterprises, Inc.

Aflac Incorporated

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank

Aggreko International

AGL Resources

Agnesian HealthCare

AgriBank, FCB

Agropur Cooperative

Ahlstrom USA

Aimia Proprietary Loyalty US Inc.

AIPSO

Air Liquide

Akzo Nobel, Inc.

Alea North America

Alegent Health

Alexian Brothers Health System

Alfa Laval, Inc.

Alion Science and Technology

Allegiance Health

Allergan, Inc.

Alliance Data Systems

Alliant Techsystems

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America

Allina Health System

Ally Financial, Inc.

ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Altana

Altarum Institute

Altria

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company

Amcor Rigid Plastics

AMEC Americas

American Airlines, Inc.

American Cancer Society

American Century Investments

American College of Emergency Physicians

American Dental Partners, Inc.

American Express

American Family Insurance

American Financial Group, Inc.

American Heart Association

American Home Mortgage Servicing, Inc.

American Institute of Physics

American International Group, Inc.

American Medical Association

American Red Cross

American Transmission Company

American University

Amerigroup Corporation

AmeriPride Services Inc.

Ameriprise Financial

Ameristar Casinos, Inc.

Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation

Amherst H. Wilder Foundation

Ammeraal Beltech, Inc.

Amtrak

Amway

ANADARKO PETROLEUM

Anchor Lamina America Inc.

Andrews Kurth LLP

ANH Refractories Company

Ann, Inc.

Anne Arundel Medical Center

APACHE

Apartment Investment and Management Co.

Apex Systems, Inc.

APL Ltd.

Apollo Group

Arbella Insurance Group

Arby’s Restaurant Group

ARC RESOURCES LTD.

Arc Worldwide

Arch Coal, Inc.

Archstone

Argo Group - US

Argonne National Laboratory

ArjoHuntleigh NA

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield

Arlington County Government

Arnold and Porter, LLP

Arrow Electronics, Inc.

ARTEL, LLC

Arthrex, Inc.

Asahi Kasei Plastics N.A. Inc.

Ascena Retail Group, Inc.

Ascend Learning LLC

Ascom (Schweiz) AG

ASM America, Inc.

Asset Acceptance Capital Corp.

Association of American Medical Colleges

Asurion

 


Atkins North America

Atlantic Capital Bank

AtlantiCare

Atmos Energy

Atria Senior Living Group

Aurora Health Care

Auto Club Group

Automatic Data Processing (ADP)

Automobile Club of Southern California

AutoNation, Inc.

AutoZone, Inc.

AvalonBay Communities, Inc.

Avery Dennison Corporation

Avis Budget Group Inc.

Aviva USA

Avon Products, Inc.

AXA Equitable

Axcess Financial Services, Inc.

AXIS Specialty US Services, Inc.

Axxis Drilling, Inc.

AZZ Inc.

B&H Photo

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bain & Company

BAKER HUGHES

Balfour Beatty Construction

Ball Corporation

Banco Popular North America

Bare Escentuals

Barilla America Inc.

Bart & Associates, Inc.

Battelle

Baxter International Inc.

Baylor College of Medicine

Baylor Health Care System

Baystate Health, Inc.

Bechtel Corporation

Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc.

Belden, Inc

Belk, Inc.

Belo Corp.

Bentley University

Berkshire Health Systems

BERRY PETROLEUM

Best Buy Company, Inc.

Big Lots, Inc.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

BILL BARRETT

BJC HealthCare

BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.

Black & Veatch Corporation

BloodSource

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Blue Cross of Idaho Health Service, Inc.

Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania

Blue Shield of California

BlueCross BlueShield of Florida

BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas City

BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana

BlueCross BlueShield of Nebraska

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

BlueLinx Corporation

BMW Financial Services NA, LLC

BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC

BMW of North America, LLC

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Boart Longyear

Boddie Noell Enterprises, Inc.

Boeing Employees Credit Union

Boise Cascade, LLC

Boise Inc.

BONAVISTA ENERGY CORP

Boston College

Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan

Boy Scouts of America

BP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Brady Corporation

Branch Banking & Trust Company

BREITBURN ENERGY PARTNERS L.P.

Bremer Financial Corporation

Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

Bristow Group

Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.

Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.

Brookfield Renewable Power

Brookhaven National Laboratory

Brookstone, Inc.

Broward Health

Brown and Caldwell

BRP US, Inc.

Bryan Cave LLP

BSH Home Appliances Corporation

Buckeye Partners, L.P.

Buckingham Asset Management, LLC

Burlington Coat Factory

C&S Wholesale Grocers

Cablevision Systems Corporation

CACI International, Inc.

Calamos Investments

California Casualty Management Company

California Dental Association

California Hospital Association

California Institute of Technology

California ISO

California Pizza Kitchen

CAMAC ENERGY INC.

Cambia Health Solutions

CAMERON INTERNATIONAL

Campari America

Campbell Soup Company

Canadian Pacific US

Capella Education Company

Capital One Financial Corp.

Cardinal Health, Inc.

Career Education Corporation

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

CareFusion Corporation

Cargill, Inc.

Caribou Coffee Company

Carlson

CarMax, Inc.

Carmeuse North America

Carnegie Mellon University

Carolinas Healthcare System

Carpenter Technology Corporation

Carter’s, Inc.

Casey Family Programs

Catholic Charities Health and Human Services

Catholic Financial Life

Catholic Health Initiatives

CDM Smith, Inc.

CDS Global, Inc.

Cedars-Sinai Health System

Celestica

Cemex, Inc. US

Cengage Learning

CenterPoint Energy

Central Georgia Health System - The Medical Center of Central Georgia

CENTRICA PLC

Centura Health

CenturyLink

CertusBank

CEVA Logistics Americas

CGI Technologies and Solutions, Inc. US

CH2MHill

Checkpoint Systems Inc.

Chelan County Public Utility District

Chemetall - US Inc.

Chemetall Lithium

Chicago Board Options Exchange

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Children’s Hospital Boston

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Children’s Hospital of Orange County

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota

Children’s Medical Center of Dallas

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chiquita Brands International, Inc.

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Christopher & Banks

CHRISTUS Health

CHS Inc.

Cimarex Energy Co.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Cinetic Automation

Cinetic Landis Corp.

Cinetic Sorting Corp.

Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas

Citi - Citi North America, Operations & Technology

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation

Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc.

City and County of Denver

City National Bank

City of Dublin

City of Fort Worth

City of Garland

City of Hope

City of Houston

Classified Ventures, LLC

Clean Harbors Environmental Services

Clemens Family Corporation

Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co., Inc.

Cleveland Clinic

Cloud Peak Energy Resources

CNA Financial Corporation

CNH America LLC

CNO Financial Group, Inc.

Coats North America

COBALT INTERNATIONAL ENERGY

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

Coca-Cola Refreshments

 


Coffeyville Resources Nitrogen Fertilizers, LLC

Coinstar, Inc.

Colgate-Palmolive Company

College of DuPage

Collin County

Colonial Pipeline Company

Colorado Springs Utilities

Columbian Chemicals Company

Columbus McKinnon Corporation

Comcast Corporation

Comerica, Inc.

Community Health Network

Community Health Systems

Compass Bank

Compass Group North America

Computer Sciences Corporation

Computershare

Concorde Career Colleges Inc.

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

Constellation Brands, Inc.

Convergys Corporation

Con-way Inc.

CORE LABORATORIES N V

CoreLogic, Inc.

Corn Products

Cornell University

Corning, Inc.

Country Financial

Covance, Inc.

Covanta Energy

Covenant Health

Coventry Health Care, Inc.

Cox Enterprises, Inc.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

Crayola LLC

Credit Acceptance Corporation

Credit Suisse AG

Crocs, Inc.

Crowe Horwath LLP

Crowley Maritime Corporation

Crown Castle International Corporation

Crum & Forster

CSA International

CSL International, Inc.

Cubic Corporation

Cummins, Inc.

CUNA Mutual Group

Curtiss-Wright Corporation

CVS Caremark

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

Dairy Management, Inc.

Dallas Central Appraisal District

Danaher Motion

Danfoss US

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Dassault Falcon Jet Corporation

Dawn Food Products

Day & Zimmermann Group, Inc.

Daymar Colleges Group, LLC

DBP Holdings Corp.

DCI Marketing

Dean Foods Company

Deckers Outdoor Corporation

Deere & Company

Del Monte Foods Company

DeLaval Inc.

Delhaize America

Deloitte Services LP

DeLorme Publishing Co., Inc.

DENBURY RESOURCES INC

Denso Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc.

Denver Health & Hospital Authority

Denver Public Schools

DePaul University

Devon Energy

DeVry, Inc.

Dex One Corporation

DHL Express - USA

DHL Regional Services, Inc.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Diebold, Incorporated

Digital Generation, Inc.

DineEquity, Inc.

Direct Supply, Inc.

Discovery Communications

DISH Network Corp.

Diversey Inc.

DLA Piper US, LLP

DnB NOR Bank

Dockwise USA

Doherty Employment Group

Dole Food Company, Inc.

Dollar General Corporation

Dollar Tree, Inc.

Dominion Resources, Inc.

Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

Domtar Corporation

Doosan Infracore International, Inc.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Dover Corporation

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group

DRS Technologies

Drummond Company, Inc.

DSC Logistics

DSI Underground Systems, Inc.

DST Systems, Inc.

Duke Energy Corporation

Duke University Health System

Dun & Bradstreet Corporation

Dunkin’ Brands, Inc.

Duquesne Light Holdings, Inc.

DxID, LLC

Dynegy, Inc.

DYWIDAG-Systems International USA Inc.

Early Warning Services

Ecolab

ECONET, Inc.

ED&F Man Holdings, Inc.

Edison Mission Energy

Education Management Corporation

Edward Hospital & Health Services

Edward Jones

Edwards Lifesciences, LLC

El Paso Corporation

Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT, Inc.)

Elevations Credit Union

Elizabeth Arden, Inc.

Elkay Manufacturing Company

Elsevier

EMCOR Group, Inc.

EMD Serono

Emdeon Corporation

Employers Mutual Casualty Company

ENBRIDGE INC

ENCANA CORP

Energen Corporation

Energy Future Holdings Corporation

EnergySolutions

EnPro Industries, Inc.

ENSCO International, Inc.

Enterprise Products Partners L.P.

EOG Resources, Inc.

Equity Residential

Erickson Living

Erie Insurance Group

Ernst & Young, LLP

Essentia Health

Essilor of America

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc.

Esurance Insurance Services, Inc.

Exel, a DP-DHL Company

Exelis Inc.

Exelon Corporation

Exempla Healthcare, Inc.

Exeter Hospital

Express Scripts, Inc.

Exterran

EXXON MOBIL

Faegre Baker Daniels

FairPoint Communications

Fairview Health Services

Faithful+Gould

Farm Credit Bank of Texas

Farm Credit of New Mexico

Farm Credit West

Farmland Foods, Inc.

FBL Financial Group, Inc.

FCCI Services Inc.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta

Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh

Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Federal Reserve Information Technology

Federal-Mogul Corporation

Federated Investors

FedEx

Fennemore Craig, P.C.

Fenwick & West, LLP

Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.

Ferrellgas

Ferrovial

Festo US

Fidelis Care of New York

Fidelity National Information Services

Fifth Third Bancorp

FINRA

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company

First American Corporation

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

First Data Corporation

First Financial Bank

First Interstate BancSystem, Inc.

First Midwest Bank, Inc.

First National Bank of Omaha

First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company

FirstEnergy Corporation

FirstGroup America

 


Fiskars Brands, Inc.

Fives North American Combustion, Inc.

Fives, Inc.

Fletcher Allen Health Care

Fluor Corporation

FMR, LLC

Follett Corporation

Foot Locker, Inc.

Forest City Enterprises

Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc.

Fox Networks Group

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Freedom Communications, Inc.

Freeman Companies

Fremont Group

Fresenius Medical Care NA

Friedkin Companies, Inc.

FrieslandCampina USA LP

Froedtert & Community Health

F-Secure, Inc. North America

Fulton Financial Corporation

G&K Services, Inc.

Gambro, Inc.

Gamfi AGL US

Gardner Denver

Gartner, Inc.

Gate Gourmet, Inc.

Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc.

GATX Corporation

Gazette Communications

GCI Communication Corp.

GEICO

Geisinger Health System

GELITA USA

GENCO

GenCorp, Inc.

General Cigar Company

General Dynamics Corporation

General Kinematics

General Mills, Inc.

General Motors

General Nutrition, Inc.

General Parts International, Inc.

Generali USA Life Reassurance Company

GenOn Energy

Gentiva Health Services

Genuine Parts

Genworth Financial

Geodis Supply Chain Optimisation

George Washington University

Georgia Health Sciences Medical Center

Georgia Institute of Technology

GeoVera Holdings, Inc.

Getinge Sourcing LLC

Giant Eagle, Inc.

Giesecke & Devrient US

GKN America Corporation

Global Payments, Inc.

GOJO Industries, Inc.

Golden Horizons LLC

Golub Corporation

Goodmans Interior Structures

Goodrich Corporation

GOODRICH PETROLEUM

Goodwill Industries, Omaha

Graco Inc.

Grady Health System

Grange Mutual Casualty Company

Grant Thornton LLP

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority

Great-West Life & Annuity

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc

Greenheck Fan Corporation

GreenStone Farm Credit Services

Greif, Inc.

Greyhound Lines, Inc

Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company

Group Health Cooperative

GROWMARK, Inc.

Grundfos Pumps Corporation

Guess?, Inc.

H&R Block, Inc.

H. J. Heinz Company - Heinz North America

Haldex, Inc.

Halliburton Company

Hancock Holding Company

Hanesbrands, Inc.

HarbourVest Partners, LLC

Harden Healthcare

Harlan Laboratories, Inc.

Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Harris Associates L.P.

Harris County Auditor’s Office

Harris County Hospital District

Harris Teeter, Inc.

Harsco Corporation

Hartford HealthCare

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Harvard University

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates

Hasbro, Inc.

Hastings Mutual Insurance Company

Hawaiian Electric Company

HBM Inc.

HCA

HD Supply, Inc.

Health Care Service Corporation

Health First, Inc.

Health Net, Inc.

HealthEast Care System

HealthNow New York, Inc.

HealthPartners

HealthSpring, Inc.

Heartland Regional Medical Center

H-E-B

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Hella Corporate Center USA Inc. (HCCU)

Hella Inc.

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

Hempel (USA), Inc.

Hendrick Medical Center

Henkel Corporation

Henniges Automotive

Henry Ford Health System

Herbalife Ltd.

Herman Miller, Inc.

HESS

Highlights for Children

Highmark

HighMount Exploration & Production LLC

HILCORP ENERGY COMPANY

Hilton Worldwide Corporation

Hines Interests, LLP

HNI Corporation

HNTB Companies

Hoag Hospital

Holland America Line

HollyFrontier Corporation

Holy Spirit Hospital

Home Box Office

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Hormel Foods Corporation

Hospital Sisters Health System

Hostess Brands, Inc.

Hot Topic, Inc.

Houghton Mifflin Company

Hoya Surgical Optics - Americas

HRN Performance Solutions

Hu-Friedy Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Humana, Inc.

Hunt Consolidated

Hunter Douglas Inc.

Hunter Industries

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated

Hunton & Williams, LLP

Huron Consulting Group

HUSKY ENERGY INC

Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. - US

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hypertherm

Hyundai Information Service North America

Hyundai Motor America

ICL

ICL Industrial Products

Idaho Power Company

IDEXX Laboratories

IKEA Distribution Services, Inc

Illinois Tool Works

IMC, Inc.

IMG Worldwide

IMS Health

Independence Blue Cross

Independent Health Association, Inc.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance

ING North America Insurance Corporation - US Financial Services

Ingram Industries, Inc.

Ingram Micro, Inc.

Inova Health System

Insight

Insperity

Institute of Nuclear Power Operations

Intelsat Corporation

Intelsat General Corporation

InterContinental Hotels Group Americas

Intermountain Health Care, Inc.

International Imaging Materials, Inc.

International Paper Company

Interpublic Group of Companies

Intrepid Potash, Inc.

Invesco Ltd.

Investment Company Institute

IPA

Iron Mountain Incorporated

Itochu International, Inc. North America

IVANHOE ENERGY INC

J. C. Penney Company, Inc.

J. Paul Getty Trust

J.R. Simplot Company

Jabil Circuit, Inc.

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.

 


James Hardie Industries, SE

Jefferson County Public Schools

JetBlue Airways

JM Family Enterprises

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Inc.

Jockey International, Inc.

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc

John Hancock Financial Services, Inc.

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Johns Hopkins HealthCare, LLC

Johns Manville

Johnson Controls, Inc.

Johnson Financial Group

Johnsonville Sausage, LLC

Jones Lang LaSalle

Jostens, Inc.

Joy Mining Machinery

JPS Health Network

Judicial Council of California

Kansas City Southern Railway

Kao Brands Company

Kao Specialties Americas LLC

KAR Auction Services, Inc.

KBR, Inc.

Kellogg Company

Kelly Services Inc.

Kelsey-Seybold Clinic

Kemper Home Service Companies

Kemper Preferred

Kennametal Inc.

Kent State University

Kewaunee Scientific Corporation

KeyCorp

Keystone Foods, LLC

Kforce Inc.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

KINDER MORGAN ENERGY PARTNERS

Kindred Healthcare, Inc.

Kiwanis International, Inc.

Knowledge Learning Corporation

Kohler Company

Kohl’s Corporation

Kone, Inc.

KOSMOS ENERGY LTD.

Kuehne + Nagel

KULICKE & SOFFA INDUSTRIES, INC.

L.L.Bean, Inc.

Laboratory Corporation of America

Lancaster General

Land O’Lakes, Inc.

Latham & Watkins LLP

Laureate Education, Inc.

Lawson Products, Inc.

Legacy Health

Legal & General America, Inc.

Leggett & Platt, Incorporated

LEGO Systems, Inc.

Leica Geosystems

Lend Lease

Leo Burnett USA

Leupold & Stevens, Inc.

LexisNexis Group - US Corporate and Federal Markets

LG&E and KU Energy LLC

Lhoist North America

Liberty Mutual Group

Lieberman Research Worldwide

Lifetime Healthcare Companies, Inc.

Lifetouch, Inc.

Limited Brands, Inc.

Link-Belt Construction Equipment Company

LM Wind Power Blades

Logan’s Roadhouse

Lonza North America Inc.

Loparex, LLC

Lord & Taylor

Lorillard Inc.

Los Angeles Unified School District

Louis Vuitton North America Inc.

Lower Colorado River Authority

LPL Financial

LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG

Lubrizol Corporation

Luck Companies Corporation

Luvata Franklin, Inc.

Luxottica Retail US

Macy’s, Inc.

Madison Square Garden

MAG Americas

MAG Global Services

Magellan Health Services

Magellan Midstream Holdings, LP

Magna Donnelly Corporation - Magna Services of America Group

Magnesium Products of America Inc.

Main Line Health, Inc.

Main Street America Group

MANN+HUMMEL USA, Inc.

Mannington Mills

Manpower, Inc.

ManTech International Corporation

MAPFRE Insurance

Maquet Getinge Group

MARATHON OIL CORP

MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP

Marc Jacobs International LLC

Maricopa County Community College District

Maricopa Integrated Health Systems

Maritz, Inc.

Marriott International

Mars North America

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.

Marshfield Clinic

Mary Kay, Inc.

Mary Washington Healthcare

Maryland Procurement Office

Masco Corporation - Decorative Architectural Group, Behr Processing Corporation

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MassMutual Life Insurance Company

MasterCard Incorporated

Matrix Medical Network

Matson Navigation Company

Matthews International Corporation

Maxum Petroleum

Mayo Foundation

McCain Foods USA, Inc.

McDermott International, Inc.

McDonald’s Corporation

McGladrey & Pullen

McGraw-Hill Education

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

MeadWestvaco Corporation

Medical College of Wisconsin

Medical Mutual of Ohio

MedStar Health

Medtronic, Inc.

Memorial Hermann

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercury Insurance Group

Mercy Corps

Meritor, Inc.

Merrill Corporation

Metalsa Structural Products, Inc.

Methodist Health System

MetLife

MFS Investment Management

MGIC Investment Corp.

Michael Baker Corporation

Michaels Stores, Inc.

Michelin North America, Inc.

Michigan Auto Insurance Placement Facility

MillerCoors LLC

Mills-Peninsula Health Services

Mine Safety Appliances Company

Mitsui & Co. (USA), Inc.

Modern Woodmen of America

ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc.

Moet Hennessy USA

Mohawk Industries Inc.

Molex

Molina Healthcare

Molson Coors Brewing Company

Momentive Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

MoneyGram International, Inc.

Monsanto Company

Moore & Van Allen, PLLC

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Morrison & Foerster, LLP

Mountain States Health Alliance

MTS Systems Corporation

Munich Reinsurance America, Inc.

MURPHY OIL

Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha - Mutual of Omaha Bank

MWH Global, Inc.

Mylan Inc.

Nalco Holding Company

Nash-Finch Company

National Association of Home Builders

National Church Residences

National Futures Association

National Interstate Insurance Company

National Louis University

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (NRUCFC)

Nationwide Insurance

Nature’s Sunshine Products

Nautilus, Inc.

Navigant Consulting, Inc.

Navistar, Inc.

Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM)

Navy Federal Credit Union

NCCI Holdings, Inc.

NCH Corporation

Neighborhood Health Plan

Nestl USA, Inc.

NetJets, Inc.

Netorian LLC

 


New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.

New York Community Bancorp, Inc.

New York Life Insurance Company

New York Power Authority

New York Presbyterian Healthcare System

New York University

NEWFIELD EXPLORATION

NewPage Group, Inc.

NEXEN INC

Nexen Petroleum USA, Inc.

NextEra Energy, Inc.

Niagara Bottling, LLC

NJM Insurance Group

Noble Corporation

NOBLE ENERGY

Nordstrom, Inc. - Nordstrom fsb

Norfolk Southern Corporation

North American Construction Services, Ltd

North American Hoganas Inc.

Northeast Georgia Health System, Inc.

Northern Arizona University

Northern Trust Corporation

NorthShore University HealthSystem

Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern University

Norton Healthcare

Nova Healthcare Administrators, Inc.

Novant Health, Inc.

Novartis Animal Health US, Inc.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Novartis US, Consumer Health

Novelis

Novo Nordisk Inc.

NRG ENERGY

NTT Data Inc

NuStar Energy LP

Nutricia North America

NYU Langone Medical Center

O`Reilly Auto Parts, Inc

Oak Ridge Associated Universities

Oakland County Government

Oakwood Healthcare, Inc.

Oc Business Services

Office Depot

OfficeMax Incorporated

OGE Energy Corporation

Oglethorpe Power Corporation

OGLETHORPE POWER CORPORATION

OhioHealth

Ohly Americas

Oil States Industries, Inc.- Arlington

OIL STATES INTERNATIONAL

Old Dominion Electric Cooperative

Old National Bancorp

O’Melveny & Myers LLP

Omnicare, Inc.

OneBeacon Insurance

Orange County Government

Orange County’s Credit Union

Orbital Sciences Corporation

Orica USA Inc.

Oriental Trading Company, Inc.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP

OSI Industries, LLC

OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC

Owens Corning

PACCAR

PACE OIL & GAS LTD.

PACIFIC ETHANOL

Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Pacific Life Insurance Company

Packaging Corporation of America

Pall Corporation

Palmetto Health

Palos Community Hospital

Pandora Holding US

Panduit Corporation

Papa John’s International, Inc.

Paramount Pictures

Park Nicollet Health Services

Parker Hannifin Corporation

Parkland Health & Hospital System

Parkview Health

Parsons Brinckerhoff

Parsons Corporation

Partners HealthCare

Patterson Companies

Patton Boggs LLP

Peabody Energy Corporation

PeaceHealth

Pearson Education

Peet’s Coffee & Tea

PEMCO Insurance

PENGROWTH ENERGY CORP

Penn National Insurance

Pennsylvania Higher Education Authority Agency

Pentagon Federal Credit Union

Pentair Inc.

People’s United Bank

Pepperdine University Information Technology Division

Performance Food Group

Perrigo Company

Personnel Board of Jefferson County

PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.

Pharmavite, LLC

PharMerica, Inc.

PHH Arval

PHH Corporation

Philip Morris International, Inc.

Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation

Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Phoenix Companies

PHOENIX Process Equipment Company

Pier 1 Imports, Inc.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation

Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.

Piper Jaffray Companies

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

PJM Interconnection

PLAINS ALL AMERICAN PIPELINE

Plains Exploration & Production Company

Plante & Moran, PLLC

Plexus Corporation

Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc.

Pochet of America, Inc.

Polaris Industries, Inc.

Polymer Technologies

PolyOne Corporation

Port Authority of Allegheny County

Port of Portland

Port of Seattle

Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc.

Ports America, Inc.

Post Holdings Inc

PPD, Inc

PPG Industries, Inc.

PPL Corporation

Praxair, Inc.

PRECISION DRILLING CORP

Preformed Line Products Company

Pressure Chemical Co.

Prime Therapeutics LLC

Principal Financial Group

Printpack, Inc.

PrivateBancorp, Inc.

ProBuild Holdings, Inc.

Progressive Corporation

Protective Life Corporation

Providence Health & Services in Oregon

PSA Healthcare

PSCU Financial Services

PSS World Medical, Inc.

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board

Publix Super Markets, Inc.

Puget Sound Energy

PulteGroup, Inc.

PZ Cussons Beauty

QBE The Americas

QEP Resources, Inc

QTI Human Resources, Inc.

Qualipac America

Questar Corporation

QVC, Inc.

Radian Group

Rakuten LinkShare Corporation

Ralcorp Holdings, Inc.

Raley’s

RAND Corporation

Raymond James Financial

RBC Wealth Management

Red Bull North America

Regency Centers Corporation

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Regions Financial Corporation

Reichhold, Inc.

Renaissance Learning, Inc.

Republic National Distributing Company

Republic Underwriters Insurance Company

Restaurant Application Development

Restaurant Technology Services, LLC

Rexel Holdings USA

Rexnord Corp.

Reynolds American, Inc.

Rich Products Corporation

Ricoh Americas Corporation

Ridgewood Savings Bank

Rio Tinto plc US

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers

Rite Aid Corporation

Riviana Foods, Inc.

RLI Insurance Company

Robert Bosch LLC

Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, LLP

Roche Diagnostics US

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

Rockwell Collins, Inc.

Rollins, Inc.

Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc.

Rowan Companies, Inc.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

 


ROYAL DUTCH SHELL

RR Donnelley & Sons

Rush University Medical Center

RWE Trading Americas Inc.

Ryder Systems, Inc.

S&C Electric Company

Sabre Holdings Corporation

SAE International

Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.

Sage North America

SAIF Corporation

Saint Agnes Medical Center

Saks, Inc.

Samsung Telecommunications America

San Antonio Federal Credit Union

San Antonio Water System

Sandoz, Inc.

SANDRIDGE ENERGY INC

Sauer-Danfoss

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC

Save the Children Federation, Inc.

Savvis, Inc.

SBA Communications Corporation

SC Johnson

SCANA Corporation

SCF Arizona

Schlumberger Limited - Schlumberger Oilfield Services

Schneider National, Inc.

Scholle Corporation

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

Scottrade, Inc.

Scripps Health

Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.

SCS Engineers

Searles Valley Minerals

Seattle Children’s Hospital

Securian Financial Group

Selective Insurance Company of America

Sentara Healthcare

Sentry Insurance

Sephora USA

Sequent, Inc.

Service Corporation International

Seton Healthcare Family

Sharp HealthCare

Shearman & Sterling LLP

Shure Incorporated

Sidley Austin, LLP

Siemens Corporation

Sigma Foods Inc.

Simon Property Group

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.

SIRVA, Inc.

Skilled Healthcare, LLC

SM ENERGY

SMART Technologies Corporation

Smiths Medical, Inc.

SMSC Gaming Enterprises

Society of Manufacturing Engineers

Sodexo USA

Solera Holdings, Inc.

Solo Cup Company

Solutia Inc.

Sothebys

Southeastern Freight Lines

Southern California Regional Rail Authority

Southern Company

Southern States Cooperative

Southwest Airlines

Southwestern Energy Company

Sovereign Bank Corporation

Space Systems/Loral

Spartan Light Metal Products Inc.

Spectra Energy Corp.

Spectrum Health System

Sprague Operating Resources, LLC

SPX Corporation

SRC - Tec

SRC Inc

St. Elizabeth Health System

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Luke’s Health System

Stampin’ Up, Inc.

StanCorp Financial Group

Stanford University

Stanford University Medical Center

Stantec Inc.

Staples, Inc.

Starwood Vacation Ownership

State Farm Insurance

State of North Carolina

State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio

Steelcase, Inc.

STG, Inc.

Storck USA L.P.

Straumann USA

Stryker Corporation

Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc.

Sumitomo Electric - Carbide Manufacturing, Inc.

Summa Health System

Sun Life Financial (US)

SUNCOR ENERGY INC

Sunrise Medical (US) LLC

Sunsweet Growers, Inc.

Superior Essex, Inc.

SuperMedia

SuperValu

Sutter Health

Swagelok Company

Swedish Health Services

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated

Symetra Financial

Synovus Financial Corporation

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.

TALISMAN ENERGY

Target Corporation

TAS Energy Inc.

Taubman Centers, Inc.

Taylor Industries

Taylor Morrison, Inc.

TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.

TDS Telecom

TE Connectivity

Teach For America

Teceptrol Operating LLC

TECO Energy, Inc.

TeleTech Holdings, Inc.

Tellabs

Tenaris, Inc. USA

Tenet Healthcare Corporation

Tennant Company

Terumo BCT

TESORO

Tetra Pak International S.A.

Texas Association of School Boards

Texas Industries, Inc.

Texas Mutual Insurance Company

Texas State University-San Marcos

Texon USA, Inc.

Textainer

Textron Inc.

The Allstate Corporation

The AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies

The Boston Consulting Group

The Capital Group Companies

The Carson Companies

The Casey Group, Inc.

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

The Children’s Mercy Hospital

The Chubb Corporation

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Coca-Cola Company

The Donna Karan Company LLC

The E. W. Scripps Company

The Employers Association

The Ford Foundation

The Frost National Bank

The Golden 1 Credit Union

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

The Hershey Company

The Hertz Corporation

The Irvine Company

The Johns Hopkins Hospital

The Johns Hopkins University

The Joint Commission

The Medical University of South Carolina Hospital Authority

The Methodist Hospital System

The MITRE Corporation

The Mosaic Company

The Motorists Insurance Group

The National Academies

The New York Times Company

The Nielsen Company

The NORDAM Group

The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Medical Center

The Outsource Group

The Pampered Chef Ltd

The Pantry, Inc.

The Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Hershey Medical Center

The Pew Charitable Trusts

The Polyclinic

The Schwan Food Company

The ServiceMaster Company

The Sherwin-Williams Company

the SI Organization, Inc.

The Sierra Club Foundation

The Sundt Companies, Inc.

The TJX Companies, Inc.

The Toro Company

The Travelers Companies, Inc.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Arizona

The University of Chicago

 


The University of Chicago Medical Center

The University of Iowa

The University of Kansas Hospital

The University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas System

The Valspar Corporation

The Vanguard Group, Inc.

The Walt Disney Company

The Weather Channel

The Wendy’s Company

The Williams Companies, Inc.

The Woodbridge Group

Theodor Wille Intertrade, Inc.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

ThyssenKrupp Elevator

TI Automotive

TIAA-CREF

Tiffany & Co.

Tim Hortons USA Inc.

Time Warner Cable

Time Warner, Inc.

TMEIC Corporation

TMK IPSCO

Tomkins Corporation

Toray Plastics (America), Inc.

Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc.

Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, Inc.

Toys R Us, Inc.

Tractor Supply Company

Transamerica

TRANSCANADA CORP

Transocean, Inc.

Travis County

Trinidad Drilling LP

Trinity Health

TriWest Healthcare Alliance

Troy Corporation

True North Communications

Truman Medical Centers

Trustmark Companies

TSYS Core

TTX Company

Tupperware Brands Corporation

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

Tyco Fire & Security

Under Armour, Inc.

Union Tank Car Company

Uni-Select USA, Inc.

Unisys Corporation

UNIT CORP

United Parcel Service

United Rentals, Inc.

United Services Automobile Association

United States Cellular Corporation

United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC)

United States Olympic Committee

United States Steel Corporation

United Stationers Supply Company

United Water

UnitedHealth Group

Universal Health Services, Inc.

Universal Orlando

Universal Technical Institute

University at Buffalo

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

University of Central Florida

University of Colorado Hospital

University of Houston

University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Maryland Medical Center

University of Maryland University College

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Notre Dame

University of Pennsylvania

University of Southern California

University of Virginia Health System

UNUM Group

UPM-Kymmene, Inc.

Uponor, Inc.

URS Corporation Infrastructure and Environment Division

US Bancorp

US Federal Credit Union

US Foods

USG Corporation

Utah Transit Authority

UTi Worldwide Inc.

Vail Resorts, Inc.

Valassis Communications, Inc.

Valero Energy Corporation

Valley National Bank

VANTAGE DRILLING

Vantiv, Inc.

Vectren Corporation

Velocity Technology Solutions, Inc.

Ventura Foods, LLC

Veolia Water North America

Verisign Inc

Vermeer Corporation

Verso Paper Corp.

Vestas Americas

Vestergaard Frandsen Inc.

Vinson & Elkins, LLP

Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS)

Visiting Nurse Service of New York

Visteon Corporation

VITAS Healthcare Corporation

Volvo Group North America - 3P

Vonage Holdings Corporation

VW Credit, Inc.

VWR International

W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Waddell & Reed

Wake County Government

Wake Forest University

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Washington Hospital Center

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission

Waste Management, Inc.

Weaver and Tidwell, LLP

Weber Aircraft LLC

Webster Financial Corporation

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP

Weir SPM

WellCare Health Plans

WellPoint, Inc.

Wells Enterprises, Inc

Wells Fargo & Company

WellSpan Health

WellStar Health System

WESCO International, Inc.

West Penn Allegheny Health System

Western & Southern Financial Group

Western Digital

Western Michigan University

Westlake Chemical Corporation

Weston Solutions, Inc.

Westwood College

WGL Holdings, Inc. - Washington Gas

Wheaton College

Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Whip Mix Corporation

Whole Foods Market, Inc.

William Blair & Company, LLC

William Marsh Rice University

Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP

Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company

Wolters Kluwer NA

World Vision

Worthington Industries

WPX ENERGY, INC.

Wright Express Corporation

Wyndham Worldwide

Xcel Energy Inc.

XL America

Xylem Inc.

Yamaha Corporation of America

Yellow Pages Group USA

Yeshiva University

Zale Corporation

Zebra Technologies Corporation

Zeon Corp.

Zimmer Holdings, Inc.

Zions Bancorporation

Zumtobel US

Zurich North America

 

Exhibit 99.2

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

Letter of Transmittal

Offer to Exchange

Up to $400,000,000 of 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

Up to $400,000,000 of 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

Up to $400,000,000 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

 

The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on                  , 2014, unless extended (the “Expiration Date”). Original Notes (defined below) tendered in the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

Deliver to the Exchange Agent:

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas

By Mail, Overnight Mail or Courier:

DB Services Americas, Inc.

Attention: Reorg Department

5022 Gate Parkway, Suite 200

Jacksonville, FL 32256

By Facsimile Transmission (Eligible Institutions Only):

(615) 866-3889

Confirm by Telephone:

(877) 843-9767

For Information Call:

(877) 843-9767

DB.Reorg@db.com

Delivery of this letter of transmittal to an address other than as set forth above or transmission via facsimile to a number other than the one listed above will not constitute a valid delivery. The instructions accompanying this letter of transmittal should be read carefully before this letter of transmittal is completed. Receipt of incomplete, inaccurate or defective letters of transmittal will not constitute valid delivery. We may waive defects and irregularities with respect to your tender of Original Notes (as defined below), but we are not required to do so and may not do so.

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt and review of the prospectus dated                  , 2014 (the “Prospectus”) of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) and this letter of transmittal. These two documents together constitute the Company’s offer to exchange (i) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Exchange Series A Senior Notes”) for any and all of


its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Original Series A Senior Notes”); (ii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Exchange Series B Senior Notes”) for any and all of its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Original Series B Senior Notes”); and (iii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “Exchange Series C Senior Notes,” and together with the Exchange Series A Senior Notes and Exchange Series B Senior Notes, the “Exchange Notes”) for any and all of its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “Original Series C Senior Notes,” and together with the Original Series A Senior Notes and Original Series B Senior Notes, the “Original Notes”). The offer to exchange the Exchange Notes for the Original Notes is referred to as the “Exchange Offer.”

The Company reserves the right, at any time or from time to time, to extend the period of time during which the Exchange Offer is open, in its discretion, in which event the term “Expiration Date” shall mean the latest date to which the Exchange Offer is extended. The Company shall notify Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (the “Exchange Agent”) of any such extension by written notice and shall make a public announcement thereof no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled Expiration Date.

This letter of transmittal is to be used by a holder of Original Notes (i) if certificates representing Original Notes are to be physically delivered herewith; or (ii) if delivery of Original Notes is to be made by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by the Exchange Agent at The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Book-Entry Delivery Procedures” and an “agent’s message” is not delivered or being transmitted through DTC’s Automated Tender Offer Program (“ATOP”) as described in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Tender of Original Notes Held through DTC.”

Tenders by book-entry transfer may also be made by delivering an agent’s message in lieu of this letter of transmittal pursuant to ATOP. See the procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Tender of Original Notes Held through DTC.” The undersigned should allow sufficient time for completion of the ATOP procedures with DTC if such procedures are used for tendering Original Notes on or prior to the Expiration Date. Holders of Original Notes whose Original Notes are not immediately available, or who are unable to physically deliver their Original Notes, this letter of transmittal and all other documents required hereby to the Exchange Agent or to comply with the applicable procedures under DTC’s ATOP on or prior to the Expiration Date, may tender their Original Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Guaranteed Delivery.” See Instruction 2 of this letter of transmittal.

Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.

The term “holder” with respect to the Exchange Offer means any person in whose name Original Notes are registered on the books of the registrar for the Original Notes, any person who holds Original Notes and has obtained a properly completed bond power from the registered holder of such Original Notes or any participant in the DTC system whose name appears on a security position listing as the holder of Original Notes and who desires to deliver such Original Notes by book-entry transfer at DTC. The undersigned has completed, executed and delivered this letter of transmittal to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take with respect to the Exchange Offer. Holders who wish to tender their Original Notes must complete this letter of transmittal in its entirety (unless such Original Notes are to be tendered by book-entry transfer and an agent’s message is delivered in lieu hereof pursuant to DTC’s ATOP).

Please read this entire letter of transmittal and the Prospectus carefully before checking any box below. The instructions included with this letter of transmittal must be followed. Questions and requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Prospectus and this letter of transmittal may be directed to the Exchange Agent. See Instruction 13 of this letter of transmittal.


List below the Original Notes tendered under this letter of transmittal. If the space below is inadequate, list the registered numbers and principal amounts on a separate signed schedule and affix the list to this letter of transmittal.

If tendering Original Series A Senior Notes:

 

DESCRIPTION OF ORIGINAL SERIES A SENIOR NOTES
        

Name(s) and Address(es) of

Registered Holder(s)

(Please fill in, if blank)

  

Certificate
Number(s)*

    

Aggregate Principal
Amount of Original

Series A Senior Notes

  

Principal
Amount
Tendered**

        
        
        
        
        
     

 

  

 

     Total         
     

 

  

 

 

*   Need not be completed if notes are being tendered by book-entry transfer.
**   Unless otherwise indicated, a holder will be deemed to have tendered the entire aggregate principal amount represented by such notes. All tenders must be in principal amounts equal to $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

If tendering Original Series B Senior Notes:

 

DESCRIPTION OF ORIGINAL SERIES B SENIOR NOTES
        

Name(s) and Address(es) of

Registered Holder(s)

(Please fill in, if blank)

  

Certificate
Number(s)*

    

Aggregate Principal
Amount of Original
Series B Senior Notes

  

Principal
Amount
Tendered**

        
        
        
        
        
     

 

  

 

     Total         
     

 

  

 

 

*   Need not be completed if notes are being tendered by book-entry transfer.
**   Unless otherwise indicated, a holder will be deemed to have tendered the entire aggregate principal amount represented by such notes. All tenders must be in principal amounts equal to $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

If tendering Original Series C Senior Notes:

 

DESCRIPTION OF ORIGINAL SERIES C SENIOR NOTES
        

Name(s) and Address(es) of

Registered Holder(s)

(Please fill in, if blank)

  

Certificate
Number(s)*

    

Aggregate Principal
Amount of Original
Series C Senior Notes

  

Principal
Amount
Tendered**

        
        
        
        
        
     

 

  

 

     Total         
     

 

  

 

 

*   Need not be completed if notes are being tendered by book-entry transfer.
**   Unless otherwise indicated, a holder will be deemed to have tendered the entire aggregate principal amount represented by such notes. All tenders must be in principal amounts equal to $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.


¨    CHECK HERE IF TENDERED ORIGINAL NOTES ARE ENCLOSED HEREWITH.
¨    CHECK HERE AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING IF TENDERED ORIGINAL NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH DTC (FOR USE BY ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS ONLY):
   Name of Tendering Institution:                                                                                                                                                    
   DTC Account Number(s):                                                                                                                                                            
   Transaction Code Number(s):                                                                                                                                                    
¨    CHECK HERE AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING IF TENDERED ORIGINAL NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY EITHER ENCLOSED HEREWITH OR PREVIOUSLY DELIVERED TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT (COPY ATTACHED) (FOR USE BY ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS ONLY):
   Name(s) of Registered Holder(s) of Original Notes:                                                                                                                   
   Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:                                                                                                                   
   Window Ticket Number (if available):                                                                                                                                            
   Name of Eligible Institution that Guaranteed Delivery:                                                                                                               
   DTC Account Number(s) (if delivered by book-entry transfer):                                                                                                   
   Transaction Code Number(s) (if delivered by book-entry transfer):                                                                                           
   Name of Tendering Institution (if delivered by book-entry transfer):                                                                                           
¨    CHECK HERE AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO:
   Name:                                                                                                                                                                                             
   Address:                                                                                                                                                                                         
   Telephone/Facsimile No. for Notices:                                                                                                                                            


SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW

PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby tenders to the Company for exchange the principal amount of Original Notes indicated above. Subject to and effective upon the acceptance for exchange of the principal amount of Original Notes tendered in accordance with this letter of transmittal, the undersigned hereby exchanges, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Company all right, title and interest in and to such Original Notes tendered for exchange hereby.

The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent as the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact for the undersigned (with full knowledge that said Exchange Agent also acts as the agent for the Company in connection with the Exchange Offer) with respect to the tendered Original Notes with full power of substitution to (i) deliver such Original Notes, or transfer ownership of such Original Notes on the account books maintained by DTC, to the Company, as applicable, and deliver all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity, and (ii) present such Original Notes for transfer on the books of the Company and receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Original Notes, all in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer. The power of attorney granted in this paragraph shall be deemed to be irrevocable and coupled with an interest.

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, exchange, assign and transfer the Original Notes tendered hereby and to acquire the Exchange Notes issuable upon the exchange of such tendered Original Notes, and that the Company will acquire good and unencumbered title to such Original Notes, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim or right, when the same are accepted for exchange by the Company.

The undersigned acknowledges that the Exchange Offer is being made in reliance upon interpretations set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available June 5, 1991), Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc. (available June 5, 1991), Shearman & Sterling (available July 2, 1993) and other similar no-action letters (the “Prior No-Action Letters”), and that the Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by a holder thereof (other than any holder that is an “affiliate” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act (except for prospectus delivery obligations applicable to certain broker-dealers), provided that such Exchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holder’s business and such holder is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of such Exchange Notes within the meaning of the Securities Act. The SEC has not, however, considered the Exchange Offer in the context of a no-action letter, and there can be no assurance that the staff of the SEC would make a similar determination with respect to the Exchange Offer as it has in other circumstances.

The undersigned hereby further represents to the Company that (i) any Exchange Notes received in the Exchange Offer are being acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such Exchange Notes, whether or not the undersigned, (ii) neither the undersigned nor any such other person has any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Original Notes or the Exchange Notes in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act, and (iii) neither the undersigned nor any such other person is an “affiliate” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act.

If the undersigned is not a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of Exchange Notes. If the undersigned is a broker-dealer, it represents that it will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Original Notes that it acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities and it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act (or, to the extent permitted by law, make such a prospectus available to purchasers) in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering (or, to the extent permitted by law, making available) such a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.


The undersigned acknowledges that if the undersigned is tendering Original Notes in the Exchange Offer with the intention of participating in any manner in a distribution of the Exchange Notes (i) the undersigned cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC set forth in the Prior No-Action Letters and, in the absence of an exemption therefrom, must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction of the Exchange Notes, in which case the registration statement must contain the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or Item 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC, and (ii) failure to comply with such requirements in such instance could result in the undersigned incurring liability for which the undersigned is not indemnified by the Company.

The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Exchange Agent or the Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the exchange, assignment and transfer of the Original Notes tendered hereby, including the transfer of such Original Notes on the account books maintained by DTC.

For purposes of the Exchange Offer, the Company shall be deemed to have accepted for exchange validly tendered Original Notes when, as and if the Company gives written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent. Any tendered Original Notes that are not accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer for any reason will be returned, without expense, to the undersigned, unless otherwise provided under “Special Issuance Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” below, promptly after the Expiration Date or the Company’s withdrawal of the Exchange Offer, as applicable. See Instructions 6 and 7 of this letter of transmittal.

All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred by this letter of transmittal shall not be affected by, and shall survive, the death, incapacity or dissolution of the undersigned, and every obligation of the undersigned under this letter of transmittal shall be binding upon the undersigned’s successors, assigns, heirs, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy and legal representatives. This tender may be withdrawn only in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Withdrawal of Tenders.”

The undersigned acknowledges that the acceptance by the Company of properly tendered Original Notes pursuant to the procedures described in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes” and in the instructions hereto will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer.

The Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer.” The undersigned recognizes that as a result of these conditions (which may be waived, in whole or in part, by the Company), the Company may not be required to exchange any of the Original Notes tendered hereby.

Unless otherwise indicated under “Special Issuance Instructions” below, please issue the Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Original Notes accepted for exchange, and return any Original Notes not validly tendered or not exchanged, in the name(s) of the undersigned (or, in the case of a book-entry delivery of Original Notes, please credit the account indicated above maintained at DTC). Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under “Special Delivery Instructions,” please mail or deliver the Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Original Notes accepted for exchange and any Original Notes not validly tendered or not exchanged (and accompanying documents, as appropriate) to the undersigned at the address shown below the signature(s) of the undersigned. In the event that both “Special Issuance Instructions” and “Special Delivery Instructions” are completed, please issue the Exchange Notes issued in exchange for the Original Notes accepted for exchange in the name(s) of, and return any Original Notes not validly tendered or not exchanged to, the person(s) (or account(s)) so indicated. The undersigned recognizes that the Company has no obligation pursuant to the “Special Issuance Instructions” and the “Special Delivery Instructions” to transfer any Original Notes from the name of the registered holder(s) thereof if the Company does not accept for exchange any of the Original Notes so tendered for exchange.


SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS

(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 5, 6 AND 7)

To be completed ONLY if (i) Original Notes in a principal amount not validly tendered or not accepted for exchange, or Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Original Notes accepted for exchange, are to be issued in the name of someone other than the undersigned or (ii) Original Notes tendered by book-entry transfer that are not exchanged are to be returned by credit to an account maintained at DTC other than the DTC Account Number set forth above. Issue Exchange Notes and/or Original Notes to:

 

Name(s):  

 

 

Address:  

 

 

 

( Include Zip Code)

 

 

(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number)

(See Instruction 8 Below)

 

¨   Credit unexchanged Original Notes delivered by book-entry transfer to the DTC account number set forth below:

 

DTC Account Number:  

 

SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

(SEE INSTRUCTIONS 5, 6 AND 7)

To be completed ONLY if Original Notes in a principal amount not tendered or not accepted for exchange, or Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Original Notes accepted for exchange, are to be mailed or delivered to someone other than the undersigned, or to the undersigned at an address other than that shown below the signature(s) of the undersigned. Mail or deliver Exchange Notes and/or Original Notes to:

 

Name(s):  

 

 

Address:  

 

 

 

( Include Zip Code)

 

 

(Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number)

(See Instruction 8 Below)


IMPORTANT

PLEASE SIGN AND DATE HERE WHETHER OR NOT

ORIGINAL NOTES ARE BEING PHYSICALLY TENDERED HEREBY

(See Instructions 1 and 5 and Complete Accompanying Substitute Form W-9 Below)

 

 

 

 

(Signature(s) of Registered Holder(s) of Original Notes or Authorized Signatory)

Dated:                                                  

(The above lines must be signed by the registered holder(s) of Original Notes as the name(s) of such registered holder(s) appear(s) on the Original Notes or on a security position listing, or by person(s) authorized to become registered holder(s) by a properly completed bond power from the registered holder(s), a copy of which must be transmitted with this letter of transmittal. If Original Notes to which this letter of transmittal relates are held of record by two or more joint holders, then all such holders must sign this letter of transmittal. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, then such person must (i) set forth his or her full title below and (ii) unless waived by the Company, submit evidence satisfactory to the Company of such person’s authority to act. See Instruction 5.)

 

Name(s):  

 

 

Capacity (Full Title):  

 

 

Address:  

 

(Include Zip Code)

 

Area Code and Telephone Number:  

 

 

Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number:  

 


MEDALLION SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

(If Required by Instruction 5)

Certain signatures must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution (as defined in Instruction 2 below). Please read Instruction 5 of this letter of transmittal to determine whether a signature guarantee is required for the tender of your Original Notes.

 

 

Signature(s) Guaranteed by an Eligible Institution:                                                                                                                            

(Authorized Signature)

 

 

(Title)

 

 

(Name of Firm)

 

 

(Address, Include ZIP Code)

 

 

(Area Code and Telephone Number)

  Dated:                                                                                               


INSTRUCTIONS TO LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

FORMING PART OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER

1.  Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal and Original Notes or Agent’s Message and Book-Entry Confirmations.  All physically delivered Original Notes or any confirmation of a book-entry transfer to the Exchange Agent’s account at DTC of Original Notes tendered by book-entry transfer (a “Book-Entry Confirmation”), as well as a properly completed and duly executed copy of this letter of transmittal or a facsimile hereof (or an agent’s message in lieu hereof pursuant to DTC’s ATOP), and any other documents required by this letter of transmittal, must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, or the tendering holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in Instruction 2 below prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

The method of delivery of the tendered Original Notes, this letter of transmittal and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent is at the election and risk of the tendering holder and the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent. If delivery is by mail, then registered mail with return receipt requested and proper insurance is advised. However, it is recommended that, instead of delivery by mail, the tendering holder use an overnight or courier service. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure delivery to the Exchange Agent before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. NO LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR ORIGINAL NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE COMPANY. Neither the Company nor the Exchange Agent is under any obligation to notify any tendering holder of the Company’s acceptance of any tendered Original Notes prior to the Expiration Date.

2.  Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.  Holders who wish to tender their Original Notes and (a) whose Original Notes are not immediately available, (b) who cannot deliver their Original Notes, this letter of transmittal and any other documents required hereby to the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date or (c) who are unable to comply with the applicable procedures under DTC’s ATOP prior to the Expiration Date, may tender their Original Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus.

Pursuant to such procedures: (i) such tender must be made by or through a firm that is a member of a registered national securities exchange or of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or an “eligible guarantor institution” within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in each case that is a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents’ Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Program or the Stock Exchanges’ Medallion Program approved by the Securities Transfer Association Inc. (each, an “Eligible Institution”); (ii) prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent must have received from that Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery (by facsimile transmission, mail, courier or overnight delivery) or a properly transmitted agent’s message relating to a notice of guaranteed delivery setting forth the name and address of the holder of the Original Notes, the registration number(s) of such Original Notes and the total principal amount of Original Notes tendered, stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date, this letter of transmittal (or a facsimile hereof or an agent’s message in lieu hereof) together with the Original Notes in proper form for transfer (or a Book-Entry Confirmation) and any other documents required hereby will be deposited by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent; and (iii) this letter of transmittal (or a facsimile hereof or an agent’s message in lieu hereof) together with the certificates for all physically tendered Original Notes in proper form for transfer (or Book-Entry Confirmation, as the case may be) and all other documents required hereby are received by the Exchange Agent within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date.

Any holder of Original Notes who wishes to tender Original Notes pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described above must ensure that the Exchange Agent receives the notice of guaranteed delivery prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Upon request to the Exchange Agent, a notice of guaranteed delivery will be sent to holders who wish to tender their Original Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.

See “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Guaranteed Delivery” in the Prospectus.


3.  Tender by Holder.  Only a registered holder of Original Notes (or the legal representative or attorney-in-fact of such registered holder), or a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of Original Notes, may tender such Original Notes in the Exchange Offer. Any beneficial holder of Original Notes who is not the registered holder and who wishes to tender should promptly arrange with the registered holder to execute and deliver this letter of transmittal on his, her or its behalf or must, prior to completing and executing this letter of transmittal and delivering his, her or its Original Notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Original Notes in such holder’s name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder.

4.  Partial Tenders.  Tenders of Original Notes will be accepted only in principal amounts equal to $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. If less than the entire principal amount of any Original Notes is tendered, the tendering holder should fill in the principal amount tendered in the fourth column of the applicable box above. The entire principal amount of Original Notes delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated. If the entire principal amount of all Original Notes held by a holder is not tendered, then Original Notes for the principal amount of Original Notes not tendered and Exchange Notes issued in exchange for any Original Notes accepted will be delivered or mailed to the holder, unless otherwise indicated under “Special Issuance Instructions” or “Special Delivery Instructions” in this letter of transmittal, promptly after the Expiration Date.

5.  Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal; Bond Powers and Endorsements; Medallion Guarantee of Signatures.  If this letter of transmittal (or a facsimile hereof) is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Original Notes tendered hereby, the signature(s) must correspond exactly with the name(s) as written on the face of the tendered Original Notes without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If this letter of transmittal (or a facsimile hereof) is signed by a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Original Notes, the signature must correspond exactly with the name as it appears on the security position listing as the holder of the Original Notes without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If any tendered Original Notes are owned of record by two or more joint owners, all such owners must sign this letter of transmittal. If any tendered Original Notes are held in different names, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate copies of this letter of transmittal as there are different names in which tendered Original Notes are held.

If this letter of transmittal (or a facsimile hereof) is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Original Notes tendered hereby and the Exchange Notes to be issued in exchange therefor are to be issued (and any untendered principal amount of Original Notes is to be reissued) to the registered holder(s), then such holder(s) need not and should not endorse any tendered Original Notes, nor provide a separate bond power. In any other case, such holder(s) must either properly endorse the Original Notes tendered or transmit a properly completed separate bond power with this letter of transmittal, with the signature(s) on the endorsement or bond power guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

If this letter of transmittal (or a facsimile hereof) or any tendered Original Notes or bond powers are signed by one or more trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and, unless waived by the Company, evidence satisfactory to the Company of their authority to act must be submitted with this letter of transmittal.

No signature guarantee is required if: (i) this letter of transmittal (or a facsimile hereof) is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Original Notes tendered hereby (or by a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the tendered Original Notes) and the Exchange Notes are to be issued directly to such registered holder(s) (or, if signed by a participant in DTC, deposited to such participant’s account at DTC) and neither the box entitled “Special Issuance Instructions” nor the box entitled “Special Delivery Instructions” has been completed, or (ii) the Original Notes tendered hereby are tendered for the account of an Eligible Institution. In all other cases, all signatures on this letter of transmittal (or a facsimile hereof) must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

6.  Special Issuance and Delivery Instructions.  Tendering holders should indicate, in the applicable box or boxes, the name and address to which Exchange Notes or substitute Original Notes for principal amounts not tendered or not accepted for exchange are to be issued or sent, if different from the name and address of the person


signing this letter of transmittal. In the case of issuance in a different name, the taxpayer identification or social security number (see Instruction 8) of the person named must also be indicated. Holders tendering Original Notes by book-entry transfer may request that Original Notes not exchanged be credited to such account maintained at DTC as such holder may designate hereon. If no such instructions are given, such Original Notes not exchanged will be returned to the name and address (or account number) of the person signing this letter of transmittal.

7.  Transfer Taxes.  The Company will pay or cause to be paid all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however, Exchange Notes or Original Notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Original Notes tendered hereby, or if tendered Original Notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing this letter of transmittal, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with this letter of transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder and the Exchange Agent will retain possession of an amount of Exchange Notes with a face amount at least equal to the amount of such transfer taxes due by such tendering holder pending receipt by the Exchange Agent of the amount of such taxes.

8.  Important Tax Information.  Under U.S. federal income tax law, a holder of Exchange Notes may be subject to backup withholding on reportable payments received in respect of the Exchange Notes unless the holder provides the Exchange Agent with its correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”) and certain other information on Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) Substitute Form W-9, which is included herein. If the Exchange Agent is not provided with the correct TIN, a holder may be subject to a penalty imposed by the IRS, and backup withholding (currently at a rate of 28%) may apply to any reportable payments made to such holder. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the U.S. federal income tax liability of a person subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained, provided that the required information is timely provided to the IRS.

To prevent backup withholding on reportable payments in respect of the Exchange Notes, each holder that is a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes must provide such holder’s correct TIN by completing the enclosed Substitute Form W-9, certifying that (i) the TIN provided on the Substitute Form W-9 is correct (or that the holder is awaiting a TIN), (ii) the holder is not subject to backup withholding because (x) the holder is exempt from backup withholding, (y) the holder has not been notified by the IRS that he or she is subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (z) the IRS has notified the holder that he or she is no longer subject to backup withholding, and (iii) the holder is a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes (including a U.S. resident alien). If the Exchange Notes will be registered in more than one name or will not be in the name of the actual owner, consult the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 or the instructions to IRS Form W-9, which may be obtained from the Exchange Agent or by accessing the IRS’ website at www.irs.gov, for information on which TIN to report.

If a holder does not have a TIN, that holder should consult the instructions on IRS Form W-9 concerning applying for a TIN, check the box in Part III of the Substitute Form W-9, write “applied for” in lieu of its TIN and sign and date the form and the Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number. Checking this box, writing “applied for” on the form and signing such certificate means that such holder has already applied for a TIN or that such holder intends to apply for one in the near future. If the holder provides the signed Certificate of Awaiting Taxpayer Identification Number with the Substitute Form W-9, 28% of all reportable payments made to such holder will be withheld, but will be refunded if the holder provides a certified TIN within 60 days.

A non-U.S. holder may qualify as an exempt recipient by submitting to the Exchange Agent a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN or other appropriate IRS Form W-8, signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to that holder’s exempt status. Non-U.S. holders are urged to consult with their tax advisors to determine which IRS Form W-8 is appropriate. The applicable IRS Form W-8 can be obtained from the Exchange Agent or the IRS website at www.irs.gov.


Additional information is provided in the enclosed Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9.

9.  Validity of Tenders.  All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of tendered Original Notes will be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, which determination will be conclusive, final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any and all Original Notes not properly tendered or any Original Notes the Company’s acceptance of which would, in the opinion of the Company’s counsel, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the right to waive any conditions of the Exchange Offer or defects or irregularities of tenders as to particular Original Notes. The Company’s interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the instructions in this letter of transmittal) shall be conclusive, final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of Original Notes must be cured within such time as the Company shall determine. Neither the Company, the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Original Notes nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such notification.

10.  Waiver of Conditions.  The Company reserves the absolute right to waive, in whole or in part, any of the conditions to the Exchange Offer set forth in the Prospectus.

11.  No Conditional Tender.  No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tender of Original Notes will be accepted.

12.  Mutilated, Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Original Notes.  Any holder whose Original Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed should contact the Exchange Agent at the address indicated above for further instructions. This letter of transmittal and the related documents cannot be processed until the procedures for replacing mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed Original Notes have been followed.

13.  Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies.  Questions and requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Prospectus or this letter of transmittal may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address or facsimile number set forth on the cover page of this letter of transmittal. Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.

14.  Withdrawal.  Tenders may be withdrawn only pursuant to the limited withdrawal rights set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Withdrawal of Tenders.”

IMPORTANT: This letter of transmittal (or a facsimile hereof or an agent’s message in lieu hereof), together with the Original Notes delivered by book-entry transfer or in physical form, must be received by the Exchange Agent, or the notice of guaranteed delivery must be received by the Exchange Agent, prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.


GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO GIVE THE PAYOR. Social Security numbers (“ SSN ”) have nine digits separated by two hyphens: i.e., 000-00-0000. Employer identification numbers (“ EIN ”) have nine digits separated by only one hyphen: i.e., 00-0000000. The table below will help determine the number to give the payor.

 

Give this type of account

  

Give the name and SSN of:

  

Give this type of account

  

Give the name and
EIN of:

1.      

   Individual    The individual   

6.      

   Disregarded entity not owned by an individual    The owner (3)

2.      

   Two or more individuals (joint account)    The actual owner of the account or, if combined funds, the first individual on the account (1)   

7.      

   A valid trust, estate, or pension trust    Legal entity (4)

3.      

   Custodian account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act)    The minor (2)   

8.      

   Corporate or LLC electing corporate status on Form 8832    The corporation

4.      

   a. The usual revocable savings trust account (grantor is also trustee)    The grantor-trustee (1)   

9.      

   Association, club, religious, charitable, educational, or other tax-exempt organization    The organization
   b. So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under State law   

The actual owner (1)

        

5.      

   Sole proprietorship or single-owner LLC    The owner (3)   

10.    

   Partnership or multi-member LLC    The partnership
        

11.    

   A broker or registered nominee    The broker or nominee
        

12.    

   Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as a State or local government, school district or prison) that receives agricultural program payments    The public entity

 

(1) List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has an SSN, that person’s number must be furnished.
(2) Circle the minor’s name and furnish the minor’s SSN.
(3) You must show your individual name, but you may also enter your business or “doing-business-as” name. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one).
(4) List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the identifying number of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.)

NOTE: If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed.


GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTION FORM W-9

 

Obtaining a Number

If you don’t have a taxpayer identification number or you don’t know your number, obtain Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Number Card, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, at the local office of the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service and apply for a number.

Payees specifically exempted from backup withholding on ALL payments include the following:

An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), or an individual retirement plan.

The United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof.

A State, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or any political subdivision or instrumentality thereof.

A foreign government, a political subdivision of a foreign government, or any agency or instrumentality thereof.

An international organization or any agency, or instrumentality thereof.

Payees that may not be subject to backup withholding include the following:

A corporation.

A financial institution.

A registered dealer in securities or commodities registered in the U.S. or a possession of the U.S.

A real estate investment trust.

A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a).

An entity registered at all times under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

A foreign central bank of issue.

An exempt charitable remainder trust described in section 664, or a non-exempt trust described in section 4947(a)(1).

A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian.

Payments of dividends and patronage dividends not generally subject to backup withholding include the following:

Payments to nonresident aliens subject to withholding under section 1441.

Payments to partnership not engaged in a trade or business in the U.S. and which have at least one nonresident partner.

Payments of patronage dividends where the amount received is not paid in money.

Payments made by certain foreign organizations.

Payments of interest not generally subject to backup withholding include the following:

Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals.

 

Note: You may be subject to backup withholding if this interest is $600 or more and is paid in the course of the payor’s trade or business and you have not provided your correct taxpayer identification number to the payor.

Payments of tax-exempt interest

Payments described in section 6049(b)(5) to nonresident aliens.

Payments made by certain foreign organizations.

 


Exempt payees described above should file Form W-9 to avoid possible erroneous backup withholding. FILE THIS FORM WITH THE PAYOR, FURNISH YOUR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, WRITE “EXEMPT” ON THE FACE OF THE FORM, AND RETURN IT TO THE PAYOR. IF THE PAYMENTS ARE INTEREST, DIVIDENDS, OR PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS, ALSO SIGN AND DATE THE FORM.

If you are a nonresident alien or foreign entity not subject to backup withholding, please complete, sign and return an appropriate Form W8 (which may be obtained from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service’s website at www.irs.gov ) to establish your exemption from backup withholding.

Certain payments other than interest, dividends, and patronage dividends that are not subject to information reporting are also not subject to backup withholding. For details, see the regulations under sections 6041, 6041A(a), 6045, and 6050A.

Privacy Act Notice. —Section 6109 requires most recipients of dividend, interest, or other payments to give taxpayer identification numbers to payors who must report the payments to IRS. The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes. Payors must be given the numbers whether or not recipients are

required to file tax returns. Payors must generally withhold 28% of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not furnish a taxpayer identification number to a payor. Certain penalties may also apply.

Penalties

(1) Penalty for Failure to Furnish Taxpayer Identification Number. — If you fail to furnish your taxpayer identification number to a payor, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.

(2) Civil Penalty for False Information With Respect to Withholding.—If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis which results in no imposition of backup withholding, you are subject to a penalty of $500.

(3) Criminal Penalty for Falsifying Information. —Falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR TAX ADVISOR OR THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

 


SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

To Be Completed by All Tendering Noteholders

(See Instruction 5)

Sign this Substitute Form W-9 in Addition to the Signature(s) Required Above

PAYOR’S NAME: DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

 

Name:

 

        

Address:

 

        
     

SUBSTITUTE

FORM W-9

 

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

 

Payor’s Request for Taxpayer

Identification Number (“TIN”)

  Part I —Please provide your Taxpayer Identification Number in the box to the right and certify by signing and dating below.                                                       

Social Security Number

 

                                            

Employer Identification Number

 

 

PART II—Certification.

 

Under penalties of perjury, I certify that:

 

(1)         The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer Identification Number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me), and

 

(2)         I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding, and

 

(3)         I am a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien).

 

Part III —Awaiting TIN ¨

 

Part IV —Exempt ¨

 

 

Certification Instructions. You must cross out item (2) in Part 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding because of underreporting interest or dividends on your tax return. However, if after being notified by the IRS that you were subject to backup withholding you received another notification from the IRS that you were no longer subject to backup withholding, do not cross out item (2). If you are exempt from backup withholding, check the box in Part IV above.

 

Signature:                                                                   Date:                                                      

 

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE

IF YOU CHECKED THE BOX IN PART III OF THE SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9

 

 

CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

 

I certify under penalty of perjury that a taxpayer identification number has not been issued to me, and either (a) I have mailed or delivered an application to receive a taxpayer identification number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social Security Administration Office, or (b) I intend to mail or deliver an application in the near future. I understand that if I do not provide a taxpayer identification number to the Exchange Agent, 28% of all reportable payments made to me will be withheld, but will be refunded if I provide a certified taxpayer identification number within 60 days.

 

Signature:                                                                   Date:                                                      

 

 

NOTE:     IF YOU ARE A U.S. SHAREHOLDER, FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 28% OF ANY PAYMENTS MADE TO YOU PURSUANT TO THE OFFER. FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS, PLEASE REVIEW THE ENCLOSED GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9.

 

Exhibit 99.3

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

Letter to The Depository Trust Company Participants

Offer to Exchange

Up to $400,000,000 of 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

Up to $400,000,000 of 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

Up to $400,000,000 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

 

The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on                  , 2014, unless extended (the “Expiration Date”). Original Notes (defined below) tendered in the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

To The Depository Trust Company Participants:

We are enclosing a prospectus dated                  , 2014 (the “Prospectus”) of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) and the related letter of transmittal. These two documents together constitute the Company’s offer to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) (i) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Exchange Series A Senior Notes”) for any and all of its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Original Series A Senior Notes”); (ii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Exchange Series B Senior Notes”) for any and all of its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Original Series B Senior Notes”); and (iii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “Exchange Series C Senior Notes,” and together with the Exchange Series A Senior Notes and Exchange Series B Senior Notes, the “Exchange Notes”) for any and all of its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “Original Series C Senior Notes,” and together with the Original Series A Senior Notes and Original Series B Senior Notes, the “Original Notes”). Additionally, we have included a notice of guaranteed delivery and a letter that may be sent to your clients for whose account you hold Original Notes in your name or the name of your nominee, with space provided for obtaining such client’s instruction with regard to the Exchange Offer.

We urge you to contact your clients promptly. Please note that the Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                 , 2014, unless extended.

The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of Original Notes being tendered for exchange.

Pursuant to the letter of transmittal, each holder of Original Notes will represent to the Company that (i) any Exchange Notes received in the Exchange Offer are being acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such Exchange Notes, (ii) such person has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act, (iii) such person is not an “affiliate” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and (iv) if such person is a broker dealer, it will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in


exchange for Original Notes that it acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, and it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act (or, to the extent permitted by law, make such a prospectus available to purchasers) in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering (or, to the extent permitted by law, making available) such a prospectus, it will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

The enclosed letter to clients contains an authorization by the beneficial owners of the Original Notes for you to make the foregoing representations.

The Company will not pay any fee or commission to any broker or dealer or to any other person (other than the Exchange Agent) in connection with the solicitation of tenders of Original Notes under the Exchange Offer. The Company will pay or cause to be paid any transfer taxes payable on the transfer of Original Notes to it, except as otherwise provided in Instruction 7 of the enclosed letter of transmittal.

The Exchange Offer is not being made to (nor will the surrender of Original Notes be accepted from or on behalf of) holders in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Exchange Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.

No person has been authorized to give any information with respect to the Exchange Offer, or to make any representation in connection therewith, other than those contained in the Prospectus and the related letter of transmittal. If made or given, such recommendation or any such information or representation must not be relied on as having been authorized by the Company.

Additional copies of the enclosed materials may be obtained by contacting the Exchange Agent as set forth in the letter of transmittal.

Very truly yours,

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

Exhibit 99.4

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

Letter to Clients

Offer to Exchange

Up to $400,000,000 of 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

Up to $400,000,000 of 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

Up to $400,000,000 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

 

The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on                 , 2014, unless extended (the “Expiration Date”). Original Notes (defined below) tendered in the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

To Our Clients:

We are enclosing with this letter a prospectus dated                 , 2014 (the “Prospectus”) of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) and the related letter of transmittal. These two documents together constitute the Company’s offer to exchange (i) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Exchange Series A Senior Notes”) for any and all of its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Original Series A Senior Notes”); (ii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Exchange Series B Senior Notes”) for any and all of its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Original Series B Senior Notes”); and (iii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “Exchange Series C Senior Notes,” and together with the Exchange Series A Senior Notes and Exchange Series B Senior Notes, the “Exchange Notes”) for any and all of its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “Original Series C Senior Notes,” and together with the Original Series A Senior Notes and Original Series B Senior Notes, the “Original Notes”). The offer to exchange the Exchange Notes for the Original Notes is referred to as the “Exchange Offer.” The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of Original Notes being tendered for exchange.

We are the holder of record of Original Notes held by us for your own account. A tender of your Original Notes held by us can be made only by us as the record holder according to your instructions. The letter of transmittal is furnished to you for your information only and cannot be used by you to tender Original Notes held by us for your account.

We request that you provide written instructions to us, in the form attached hereto, as to whether you wish to tender any or all of the Original Notes held by us for your account under the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer. We also request that you confirm that we may, on your behalf, make the representations contained in the letter of transmittal.

Pursuant to the letter of transmittal, each holder of Original Notes will represent to the Company that (i) any Exchange Notes received in the Exchange Offer are being acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person receiving such Exchange Notes, (ii) such person has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate


in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)) of the Exchange Notes in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act, (iii) such person is not an “affiliate” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and (iv) if such person is a broker dealer, it will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Original Notes that it acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, and it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act (or, to the extent permitted by law, make such a prospectus available to purchasers) in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering (or, to the extent permitted by law, making available) such a prospectus, it will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

The Exchange Offer is not being made to (nor will the surrender of Original Notes be accepted from or on behalf of) holders in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance of the Exchange Offer would not be in compliance with the laws of such jurisdiction.

No person has been authorized to give any information with respect to the Exchange Offer, or to make any representation in connection therewith, other than those contained in the Prospectus and the related letter of transmittal. If made or given, such recommendation or any such information or representation must not be relied on as having been authorized by the Company.

Very truly yours,


PLEASE RETURN YOUR INSTRUCTIONS TO US IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE WITH AMPLE TIME TO PERMIT US TO SUBMIT A TENDER ON YOUR BEHALF PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER.

INSTRUCTIONS TO REGISTERED HOLDER

AND/OR DTC PARTICIPANT

To Registered Holder and/or DTC Participant:

The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt and review of the prospectus dated                 , 2014 (the “Prospectus”) of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) and the related letter of transmittal. These two documents together constitute the Company’s offer to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) (i) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Exchange Series A Senior Notes”) for any and all of its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Original Series A Senior Notes”); (ii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Exchange Series B Senior Notes”) for any and all of its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Original Series B Senior Notes”); and (iii) up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “Exchange Series C Senior Notes,” and together with the Exchange Series A Senior Notes and Exchange Series B Senior Notes, the “Exchange Notes”) for any and all of its $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “Original Series C Senior Notes,” and together with the Original Series A Senior Notes and Original Series B Senior Notes, the “Original Notes”).

This will instruct you, the registered holder and/or DTC participant, as to the action to be taken by you relating to the Exchange Offer for the Original Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned.

The aggregate principal amount of the Original Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned is:

 

Title of Series

   Principal Amount
(Fill in Amount)
 

2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

   $                        

2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

   $     

2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

   $     

With respect to the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby instructs you ( check appropriate box) :

¨    To TENDER all Original Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned.

¨    To TENDER the following amount of Original Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned:

 

Title of Series

   Principal Amount
(Fill in Amount)
(minimum $2,000 and
integral multiples of

$1,000 in excess thereof)
 

2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

   $                        

2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

   $     

2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

   $     

¨    NOT to TENDER any Original Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned.

If no box is checked, a signed and returned Instruction to Registered Holder and/or DTC Participant will be deemed to instruct you to tender all Original Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned.


If the undersigned instructs you to tender the Original Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned, it is understood that you are authorized to make, on behalf of the undersigned (and the undersigned, by its signature below, hereby makes to you), the representations contained in the letter of transmittal that are to be made with respect to the undersigned as a beneficial owner, including, but not limited to, the representations that (i) any Exchange Notes received in the Exchange Offer are being acquired in the ordinary course of business of the undersigned, (ii) the undersigned has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act, (iii) the undersigned is not an “affiliate” of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and (iv) if the undersigned is a broker dealer, it will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Original Notes that it acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, and it acknowledges that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act (or, to the extent permitted by law, make such a prospectus available to purchasers) in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering (or, to the extent permitted by law, making available) such a prospectus, it will not be deemed to admit that it is an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act.

SIGN HERE

 

Name of beneficial owner(s):  

 

 

Signature(s):  

 

 

Name(s) ( please print ):  

 

 

Address:  

 

 

Telephone Number:  

 

 

Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number:  

 

 

Date:  

 

Exhibit 99.5

DOMINION GAS HOLDINGS, LLC

Notice of Guaranteed Delivery

Offer to Exchange

Up to $400,000,000 of 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016

Up to $400,000,000 of 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023

Up to $400,000,000 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,

for all outstanding unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043

This form, or one substantially equivalent hereto, must be used by a holder to accept the Exchange Offer of Dominion Gas Holdings, LLC (the “Company”) and tender outstanding (i) unregistered 2013 Series A 1.05% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Original Series A Senior Notes”), (ii) unregistered 2013 Series B 3.55% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Original Series B Senior Notes”), and/or (iii) unregistered 2013 Series C 4.80% Senior Notes due 2043 (the “Original Series C Senior Notes,” and together with the Original Series A Senior Notes and Original Series B Senior Notes, the “Original Notes”) to Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as exchange agent (the “Exchange Agent”), pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Guaranteed Delivery” in the prospectus of the Company dated , 2014 (the “Prospectus”) and in Instruction 2 to the related letter of transmittal. Any holder who wishes to tender Original Notes pursuant to such guaranteed delivery procedures must ensure that the Exchange Agent receives this notice of guaranteed delivery, properly completed and duly executed, prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date (as defined below). Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the letter of transmittal.

 

The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time on                 , 2014, unless extended (the “Expiration Date”). Original Notes tendered in the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date.

Deliver to the Exchange Agent:

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas

By Mail, Overnight Mail or Courier:

DB Services Americas, Inc.

Attention: Reorg Department

5022 Gate Parkway, Suite 200

Jacksonville, FL 32256

By Facsimile Transmission (Eligible Institutions Only):

(615) 866-3889

Confirm by Telephone:

(877) 843-9767

For Information Call:

(877) 843-9767

DB.Reorg@db.com


Delivery of this notice of guaranteed delivery to an address other than as set forth above or transmission via facsimile to a number other than the one listed above will not constitute a valid delivery. The instructions accompanying this notice of guaranteed delivery should be read carefully before this notice of guaranteed delivery is completed.

This notice of guaranteed delivery is not to be used to guarantee signatures. If a signature on a letter of transmittal is required to be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution under the instructions thereto, that signature guarantee must appear in the applicable space in the box provided in the letter of transmittal for signature guarantees.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The undersigned hereby tenders to the Company, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the related letter of transmittal, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the principal amount of Original Notes set forth below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Guaranteed Delivery” and in Instruction 2 of the letter of transmittal.

If tendering Original Series A Senior Notes:

 

Certificate Number(s) of Original

Notes or Account Number at DTC

 

Aggregate Principal Amount

Represented

 

Aggregate Principal Amount

Tendered*

   
   
   
   

If tendering Original Series B Senior Notes:

 

Certificate Number(s) of Original

Notes or Account Number at DTC

 

Aggregate Principal Amount

Represented

 

Aggregate Principal Amount

Tendered*

   
   
   
   

If tendering Original Series C Senior Notes:

 

Certificate Number(s) of Original

Notes or Account Number at DTC

 

Aggregate Principal Amount

Represented

 

Aggregate Principal Amount

Tendered*

   
   
   
   

 

* Unless otherwise indicated, a holder will be deemed to have tendered the entire aggregate principal amount represented by such notes. All tenders must be in principal amounts equal to $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.


PLEASE SIGN AND COMPLETE

 

Name of Registered Holder(s):       Signature(s):   

 

     

 

  

 

     

 

  
Dated:                              , 2014         

 

Address:   

 

  
  

 

  
   (Include Zip Code)   

 

Area Code and Telephone Number:  

 

  

THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY MUST BE SIGNED BY THE REGISTERED HOLDER(S) OF THE TENDERED ORIGINAL NOTES EXACTLY AS THE NAME(S) OF SUCH PERSON(S) APPEAR(S) ON THE CERTIFICATE(S) FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTES OR ON A SECURITY POSITION LISTING AS THE OWNER OF THE ORIGINAL NOTES, OR BY PERSON(S) AUTHORIZED TO BECOME HOLDER(S) BY ENDORSEMENTS AND DOCUMENTS TRANSMITTED WITH THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY. IF SIGNATURE IS BY A TRUSTEE, EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, GUARDIAN, ATTORNEY-IN-FACT, OFFICERS OF A CORPORATION OR OTHER PERSON ACTING IN A FIDUCIARY OR REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY, SUCH PERSON MUST PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

Please Type or Print

 

Name(s):

  

 

  

 

Capacity:

  

 

  

 

Address(es):   

 

  
   (Include Zip Code)   

 

Area Code and Telephone Number:

  

 

  


GUARANTEE

(Not to be used for Signature Guarantees)

The undersigned, a firm that is a member of a registered national securities exchange or of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or an “eligible guarantor institution” within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (in each case that is a participant in the Securities Transfer Agents’ Medallion Program, the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Program or the Stock Exchanges’ Medallion Program approved by the Securities Transfer Association Inc.), hereby guarantees deposit with the Exchange Agent of the letter of transmittal (or a facsimile thereof or an agent’s message in lieu thereof), together with the Original Notes tendered hereby in proper form for transfer (or confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such Original Notes into the Exchange Agent’s account at DTC described in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Book-Entry Delivery Procedures” and in the letter of transmittal) and any other required documents, all by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days following the Expiration Date.

 

Name of Firm:   

 

     

 

         (Authorized Signature)

 

Address:   

 

      Name:   

 

  

 

      Title:   

 

            (Please Type or Print)

 

Area Code and Telephone Number:                                         

       Date:                                  , 2014

DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL NOTES WITH THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY. ACTUAL SURRENDER OF ORIGINAL NOTES MUST BE MADE PURSUANT TO, AND BE ACCOMPANIED BY, A PROPERLY COMPLETED AND DULY EXECUTED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (OR AN AGENT’S MESSAGE IN LIEU THEREOF) AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS.


INSTRUCTIONS TO NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY

1.  Delivery of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.  A properly completed and duly executed copy of this notice of guaranteed delivery (or a facsimile hereof or an agent’s message relating to a notice of guaranteed delivery in lieu hereof) and any other documents required by this notice of guaranteed delivery must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. Delivery of such notice of guaranteed delivery may be made by facsimile transmission, mail, courier or overnight delivery. The method of delivery of this notice of guaranteed delivery and any other required documents to the Exchange Agent is at the election and risk of the tendering holder, and the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received or confirmed by the Exchange Agent . If delivery is by mail, then registered mail with return receipt requested and proper insurance is advised. However, it is recommended that, instead of delivery by mail, the tendering holder use an overnight or courier service. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure delivery to the Exchange Agent before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date. A description of guaranteed delivery procedures is set forth in the Prospectus under the caption “The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Original Notes—Guaranteed Delivery” and in Instruction 2 of the related letter of transmittal.

2.  Signatures on this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.  If this notice of guaranteed delivery (or a facsimile hereof) is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Original Notes referred to herein, the signature(s) must correspond exactly with the name(s) as written on the face of the Original Notes without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If this notice of guaranteed delivery (or a facsimile hereof) is signed by a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Original Notes, the signature must correspond exactly with the name as it appears on the security position listing as the owner of the Original Notes without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.

If this notice of guaranteed delivery (or a facsimile hereof) is signed by a person other than the registered holder(s) of any Original Notes or a participant in DTC whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Original Notes, this notice of guaranteed delivery must be accompanied by appropriate bond powers, signed as the name(s) of the registered holder(s) appear(s) on the Original Notes or signed as the name of the participant appears on DTC’s security position listing.

If this notice of guaranteed delivery (or a facsimile hereof) or bond powers are signed by one or more trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of a corporation or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and, unless waived by the Company, should submit herewith evidence satisfactory to the Company of such person’s authority to so act.

3.  Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies.  Questions and requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Prospectus, the letter of transmittal or this notice of guaranteed delivery may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address or facsimile number set forth on the cover page of this notice of guaranteed delivery. Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.