# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000315256
**File Stem:** 0001104659-26-017877
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 553797
**Document Hash:** fc70ce47a909ff3c88d195627ecb816e
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-26-017877.hdr.sgml**: 20260220

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-26-017877

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: POSASR

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 22

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260220

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260220

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20260220

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** EVERSOURCE ENERGY
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000072741
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 042147929
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MA
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** POSASR
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-286362
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26656740

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 300 CADWELL DRIVE
- **CITY:** SPRINGFIELD
- **STATE:** MA
- **ZIP:** 01104
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 8606655000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 107 SELDEN ST
- **CITY:** BERLIN
- **STATE:** CT
- **ZIP:** 06037-1616

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** NORTHEAST UTILITIES
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20041201

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** NORTHEAST UTILITIES SYSTEM
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19961121
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** PUBLIC SERVICE CO OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000315256
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 020181050
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** NH
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** POSASR
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-286362-02
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26656741

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 780 N. COMMERCIAL STREET
- **CITY:** MANCHESTER
- **STATE:** NH
- **ZIP:** 03105-0330
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 6036694000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 780 N. COMMERCIAL STREET
- **CITY:** MANCHESTER
- **STATE:** NH
- **ZIP:** 03105-0330
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** NSTAR ELECTRIC CO
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000013372
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 041278810
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MA
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** POSASR
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-286362-03
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26656743

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 800 BOYLSTON ST
- **STREET 2:** P1600
- **CITY:** BOSTON
- **STATE:** MA
- **ZIP:** 02199
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 6174242000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 800 BOYLSTON ST
- **STREET 2:** P1600
- **CITY:** BOSTON
- **STATE:** MA
- **ZIP:** 02199

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** BOSTON EDISON CO
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703
**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** CONNECTICUT LIGHT & POWER CO
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000023426
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 060303850
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** CT
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** POSASR
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-286362-01
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26656742

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 107 SELDEN STREET
- **CITY:** BERLIN
- **STATE:** CT
- **ZIP:** 06037-1616
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** (860)665-5000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 107 SELDEN STREET
- **CITY:** BERLIN
- **STATE:** CT
- **ZIP:** 06037

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 20, 2026

#### Registration Nos. 333-286362, 333-286362-01, 333-286362-02, 333-286362-03

#### UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549

#### POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO

#### FORM S-3

#### REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
**EVERSOURCE ENERGY** 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Massachusetts** <br> (State of Incorporation)  | **04-2147929** <br> (IRS Employer Identification Number)  |

---

#### 300 Cadwell Drive, Springfield, MA 01104, Telephone number: (800) 286-5000
**THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY** 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Connecticut** <br> (State of Incorporation)  | **06-0303850** <br> (IRS Employer Identification Number)  |

---

#### 107 Selden Street, Berlin, CT 06037, Telephone number: (800) 286-5000
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Principal Executive Offices)

**NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY** 

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Massachusetts** <br> (State of Incorporation)  | **04-1278810** <br> (IRS Employer Identification Number)  |

---

#### 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199, Telephone Number: (800) 286-5000
**PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE**

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **New Hampshire** <br> (State of Incorporation)  | **02-0181050** <br> (IRS Employer Identification Number)  |

---

#### Energy Park, 780 Commercial Street, Manchester, NH 03101, Telephone number: (800) 286-5000
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Principal Executive Offices)

#### Gregory B. Butler Executive Vice President and General Counsel Eversource Energy 56 Prospect Street Hartford, CT 06103 (800) 286-5000
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code of Agent for Service for each Registrant)

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement, as determined by market conditions and other factors.

If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, 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, please 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(c) 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 registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☒

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Large <br> Accelerated <br> Filer**  | **Accelerated <br> Filer**  | **Non- <br> Accelerated <br> Filer**  | **Smaller <br> Reporting <br> Company**  | **Emerging <br> Growth <br> Company**  |
| EVERSOURCE ENERGY | ☒  | ☐  | ☐  | ☐  | ☐  |
| THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY | ☐  | ☐  | ☒  | ☐  | ☐  |
| NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY | ☐  | ☐  | ☒  | ☐  | ☐  |
| PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE | ☐  | ☐  | ☒  | ☐  | ☐  |

---

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.

EVERSOURCE ENERGY

☐

THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY

☐

NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY

☐

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

☐

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement on Form S-3 (File Nos. 333-286362, 333-286362-01, 333-286362-02, 333-286362-03) of Eversource Energy, The Connecticut Light and Power Company, NSTAR Electric Company and Public Service Company of New Hampshire (the "Registration Statement") is filed by Eversource Energy to add junior subordinated notes of Eversource Energy as a class of securities registered on the Registration Statement.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### PROSPECTUS

### EVERSOURCE ENERGY

### Senior Notes, Junior Subordinated Notes, Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Warrants, Share Purchase Contracts, Share Purchase Units

### THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY

### First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds

### NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY

### Debt Securities

### PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

### First Mortgage Bonds
Eversource Energy may from time to time offer and sell, in one or more classes or series, separately or together, and in amounts, at prices and on other terms and conditions that will be determined at the time of the offering, Senior Notes, Junior Subordinated Notes, Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Warrants, Share Purchase Contracts and Share Purchase Units, or any combination of the foregoing, either individually or as units comprised of two or more other securities. Senior Notes, Junior Subordinated Notes, Preferred Shares, Warrants, Share Purchase Contracts and Share Purchase Units may be convertible into or exchangeable for Common Shares or other securities.

In addition, The Connecticut Light and Power Company may from time to time offer and sell First and Refunding Mortgage Bonds; NSTAR Electric Company may from time to time offer and sell Debt Securities; and Public Service Company of New Hampshire may from time to time offer and sell First Mortgage Bonds. These securities may be offered and sold in one or more classes or series, separately or together, and in amounts, at prices and on other terms and conditions that will be determined at the time of the offering. Each of The Connecticut Light and Power Company, NSTAR Electric Company and Public Service Company of New Hampshire is doing business as Eversource Energy.

The common shares of Eversource Energy are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ES." Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, the other securities described in this prospectus will not be listed on a national securities exchange.

We will provide specific terms of these offerings and securities in one or more supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus, the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest. This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

 **Investing in these securities involves certain risks. See "Risk Factors" on page [5](#tRIFA) and included in any accompanying prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement for a discussion of the factors you should carefully consider before investing in our securities.** 

We may offer these securities directly or through underwriters, agents or dealers, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. The supplements to this prospectus will describe the terms of any particular plan of distribution, including any underwriting arrangements or commissions. See the "Plan of Distribution" section beginning on page 41 of this prospectus for more information.

 **Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.** 

#### The date of this prospectus is February 20, 2026.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### **TABLE OF CONTENTS**

#### PROSPECTUS

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS](#tATP)  | [1](#tATP) |
| [WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION](#tWYCF)  | [2](#tWYCF) |
|  [SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM <br> ACT OF 1995](#tSHSU)  | [3](#tSHSU) |
| [RISK FACTORS](#tRIFA)  | [5](#tRIFA) |
| [THE REGISTRANTS](#tTHRE)  | [6](#tTHRE) |
| [USE OF PROCEEDS](#tUOP)  | [8](#tUOP) |
| [GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES WE MAY SELL](#tGDOT)  | [9](#tGDOT) |
| [GLOBAL SECURITIES](#tGLSE)  | [36](#tGLSE) |
| [PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION](#tPOD)  | [40](#tPOD) |
| [LEGAL OPINIONS](#tLEOP)  | [42](#tLEOP) |
| [EXPERTS](#tEXP)  | [42](#tEXP) |

---

 **We are responsible for the information contained and incorporated by reference in this prospectus, in any accompanying prospectus supplement, and in any related free writing prospectus we prepare or authorize. We have not authorized anyone to give you any other information, and we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. If you are in a jurisdiction where offers to sell, or solicitations of offers to purchase, the securities offered by this document are unlawful, or if you are a person to whom it is unlawful to direct these types of activities, then the offer presented in this document does not extend to you. The information contained in this document speaks only as of the date of this document, unless the information specifically indicates that another date applies.** 

i

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that the Registrants filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) utilizing an automatic shelf registration process. Under this shelf process, each Registrant may, from time to time, sell any one or a combination of its securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell any of the securities, we will describe in an accompanying prospectus supplement the type, amount or number and other terms and conditions of the securities being offered, the price at which the securities are being offered, and the plan of distribution for the securities. The specific terms of the offered securities may vary from the general terms of the securities described in this prospectus, and accordingly the description of the securities contained in this prospectus is subject to, and qualified by reference to, the specific terms of the offered securities contained in the accompanied prospectus supplement. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since the date of this prospectus.

The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus, including information about the Registrants. You should assume that the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of the applicable document. Therefore, for a complete understanding of the offered securities, you should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described in this prospectus under the caption "Where You Can Find More Information."

For more detailed information about the securities, you can also read the exhibits to the registration statement. Those exhibits have been either filed with the registration statement or incorporated by reference to earlier SEC filings listed in the registration statement.

In this prospectus, "Eversource Energy" or the "Company" refers to Eversource Energy, a voluntary association and Massachusetts business trust; "CL&P" refers to The Connecticut Light and Power Company, doing business as Eversource Energy; "NSTAR Electric" refers to NSTAR Electric Company, doing business as Eversource Energy; and "PSNH" refers to Public Service Company of New Hampshire, doing business as Eversource Energy. The terms "we," "us" and "our" refer to Eversource Energy when discussing the securities to be issued by Eversource Energy; CL&P when discussing the securities to be issued by CL&P; NSTAR Electric when discussing the securities to be issued by NSTAR Electric; and PSNH when discussing the securities to be issued by PSNH, and collectively to all the Registrants where the context requires. "Registrants" refers to Eversource Energy, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, collectively.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Eversource Energy, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of l934, as amended (Exchange Act), and therefore each Registrant files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our filings are available to the public on the Internet at the SEC's home page at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of these filings are also available at our website: http://www.eversource.com. Information contained on or available through our website is not a part of this prospectus.

#### Incorporation by Reference
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. Each Registrant incorporates by reference the documents listed below related to such Registrant and any future filings such Registrant makes with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, excluding, in each case, information deemed furnished and not filed with the SEC pursuant to its rules and regulations, until we sell all the securities to which this prospectus relates, or the offering is otherwise terminated.

Eversource Energy:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • [Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000162828026008461/es-20251231.htm).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • [Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 30, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465926008649/tm264502d1_8k.htm).

CL&P:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • [Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000162828026008461/es-20251231.htm).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • [Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 30, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465926008649/tm264502d1_8k.htm).

NSTAR Electric:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • [Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000162828026008461/es-20251231.htm).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • [Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 30, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465926008649/tm264502d1_8k.htm).

PSNH:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • [Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 17, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000162828026008461/es-20251231.htm).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • [Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 30, 2026](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465926008649/tm264502d1_8k.htm).

Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement will be deemed modified, superseded or replaced for purposes of this prospectus and the prospectus supplement to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or the prospectus supplement modifies, supersedes or replaces such statement.

We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus but not delivered with this prospectus. We will deliver this information upon written or oral request and provide this information at no cost to the requester. You should direct your requests to:

Matthew P. Fallon

Assistant Treasurer, Corporate Finance and Cash Management

Eversource Energy

247 Station Drive

Westwood, MA 02090

(860) 665-6242

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
We make statements in this prospectus and in the documents we incorporate by reference that are statements concerning our expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, assumptions of future events, future financial performance or growth and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can generally identify our forward-looking statements through the use of words or phrases such as "estimate," "expect," "pending," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "project," "believe," "forecast," "should," "could," and other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those included in our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations, estimates, assumptions or projections of management and are not guarantees of future performance. These expectations, estimates, assumptions or projections may vary materially from actual results. Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to, and are accompanied by, the following important factors that may cause our actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contained in our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • cyber events or breaches, including acts of war or terrorism, affecting our systems or the systems of third parties on which we rely,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • unauthorized access to, and the misappropriation of, confidential and proprietary Company, customer, employee, financial or system operating information,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • actions or inaction of local, state and federal regulatory, public policy and taxing bodies,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • changes in laws, regulations, Presidential executive orders or regulatory policy, including compliance with laws and regulations, which may impact the cost of compliance and strategic initiatives of the Company,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • adverse publicity, which can harm our reputation, influence legislative and regulatory bodies, and result in unfavorable outcomes,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • variability in the costs and final investment returns of the Revolution Wind and South Fork Wind offshore wind projects as it relates to the purchase price post-closing adjustment under the terms of the sale agreement for these projects,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the ability to qualify for investment tax credits,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • extreme weather, including severe storms, due to the impacts of climate change, and fluctuations in weather patterns,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • adequacy, contamination of, or disruption in, our water supplies,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • physical attacks or grid disturbances that may damage and disrupt our electric transmission and electric, natural gas, and water distribution systems,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • ability or inability to commence and complete our major strategic development projects and opportunities,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • breakdown, failure of, or damage to operating equipment, information technology systems, or processes of our transmission and distribution systems,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • changes in levels or timing of capital expenditures, including unplanned expenditures and increased capital expenditure requirements,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • changes in business conditions, which could include disruptive technology or development of alternative energy sources related to our current or future business model,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • substandard performance of third-party suppliers and service providers, or counterparties not meeting their obligations,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • limits on our access to, or increases in, the cost of capital, including disruptions in the capital markets or other events that make our access to necessary capital more difficult or costly,

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • changes in economic conditions, including impact on interest rates, tax policies, tariffs and customer demand and payment ability,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • changes in accounting standards and financial reporting regulations,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • actions of rating agencies, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • other presently unknown or unforeseen factors.

Other risk factors are detailed from time to time in reports filed by the Registrants with the SEC and we encourage you to consult such disclosures.

All such factors are difficult to predict, contain uncertainties that may materially affect our actual results, many of which are beyond the control of the Registrants. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, each speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by the federal securities laws, the Registrants undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for each Registrant's management to predict all of such factors, nor can such management assess the impact of each such factor on the business of such Registrant or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results of such Registrant to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### RISK FACTORS
Investing in each Registrant's securities involves risks. Before purchasing any securities offered, you should carefully consider the risk factors that are incorporated by reference herein from the section captioned "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as applicable, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus and any prospectus supplements and any other information that we have incorporated by reference, including annual, quarterly and other reports filed with the SEC subsequent to the date hereof. Any of these risks, as well as other risks and uncertainties, could harm or otherwise impact our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. See also "Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995" in this prospectus.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### THE REGISTRANTS

#### EVERSOURCE ENERGY
Eversource Energy, a voluntary association and Massachusetts business trust, is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts and Hartford, Connecticut and is a public utility holding company subject to the regulation of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005.

Eversource Energy is engaged primarily in the energy delivery business, providing franchised retail electric service to approximately 3.5 million customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire through three wholly-owned subsidiaries, CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH, each of which is doing business as Eversource Energy, franchised retail natural gas service to more than 897,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Connecticut and Massachusetts through three wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries, Eversource Gas Company of Massachusetts, NSTAR Gas Company and Yankee Gas Services Company, each of which is doing business as Eversource Energy, and water services to approximately 249,000 residential, commercial, industrial, municipal and fire protection and other customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire through five separate regulated water utilities, Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut, Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts, Inc., Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire, Abenaki Water Company and The Torrington Water Company. A portion of the storage of natural gas supply for NSTAR Gas during the winter heating season is provided by Hopkinton LNG Corp., an indirect, wholly- owned subsidiary of Eversource Energy. Eversource Energy has a service company, Eversource Energy Service Company, which provides management and support services to Eversource Energy and its subsidiaries, including CL&P, NSTAR Electric and PSNH. Eversource Energy's subsidiaries are regulated in virtually all aspects of their business by various federal and state agencies, including the SEC, the FERC, and various state and/or local regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over the industry and the service areas in which each company operates.

Eversource Energy's previous offshore wind business included 50 percent ownership interests in each of North East Offshore LLC and South Fork Class B Member, LLC. In the third quarter of 2024, Eversource sold its interest in these entities, and in doing so, sold its interests in the Revolution Wind project, the South Fork Wind project, and the Sunrise Wind project. Eversource's current offshore wind business is comprised only of a noncontrolling tax equity investment in South Fork Wind as of the date hereof.

On January 27, 2025, Eversource Energy entered into a definitive agreement to sell Aquarion Water Company, a holding company that owns all five separate regulated water utilities described above. On November 19, 2025, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority ("PURA") denied an application to approve the sale of the Aquarion Water Company. On January 15, 2026, the Connecticut Superior Court issued a decision on the appeal of PURA's denial, sustaining the appeal and remanding back to PURA. A final decision is expected by PURA on March 25, 2026. Eversource plans to use the net proceeds from sale to pay down parent company debt.

The principal executive office of Eversource Energy is located at 300 Cadwell Drive, Springfield, Massachusetts 01104. The general business offices of Eversource Energy are located at 800 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02199 and 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. Its telephone number is (800) 286-5000.

#### THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY
The Connecticut Light and Power Company, doing business as Eversource Energy (CL&P), a Connecticut corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eversource Energy. CL&P is engaged in the purchase, transmission, delivery and sale of electricity to its residential, commercial and industrial customers. As of December 31, 2025, CL&P furnished retail franchise electric service to approximately 1.32 million customers in 157 cities and towns in Connecticut. CL&P does not own any electric generation facilities.

The principal executive and business offices of CL&P are located at 107 Selden Street, Berlin, Connecticut 06037, and its telephone number is (800) 286-5000.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY
NSTAR Electric Company, doing business as Eversource Energy (NSTAR Electric), a Massachusetts corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eversource Energy. NSTAR Electric is engaged in the purchase, transmission, delivery and sale of electricity to its residential, commercial and industrial customers. As of December 31, 2025, NSTAR Electric furnished retail franchise electric service to approximately 1.62 million customers in 159 cities and towns in eastern and western Massachusetts, including Boston, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and the greater Springfield metropolitan area. NSTAR Electric does not own any generating facilities used to supply customers and purchases its energy requirements from competitive energy suppliers. NSTAR Electric owns, operates and maintains a total of 70 MW of solar power facilities on twenty-two sites in Massachusetts. NSTAR Electric will sell energy from these facilities into the ISO New England Inc. (ISO-NE) market, with proceeds credited to customers. NSTAR Electric also has one wholly-owned subsidiary, Harbor Electric Energy Company, that provides retail distribution and other services to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.

The principal executive and business offices of NSTAR Electric are located at 800 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02199, and its telephone number is (800) 286-5000.

#### PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Public Service Company of New Hampshire, doing business as Eversource Energy (PSNH), a New Hampshire corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eversource Energy. PSNH is primarily engaged in the purchase, transmission, delivery and sale of electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers. As of December 31, 2025, PSNH furnished retail franchise electric service to approximately 549,000 retail customers in 206 cities and towns in New Hampshire. PSNH has two active wholly-owned subsidiaries: Properties, Inc., a real estate company, and PSNH Funding LLC 3, a bankruptcy remote, special purpose, wholly-owned, consolidated subsidiary of PSNH formed solely to issue rate reduction bonds to finance PSNH's unrecovered remaining costs associated with the divestiture of its generation assets. PSNH does not own any electric generation facilities.

The principal executive and business offices of PSNH are located at Energy Park, 780 North Commercial Street, Manchester, New Hampshire 03101, and its telephone number is (800) 286-5000.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### USE OF PROCEEDS
We intend to use the net proceeds we receive from issuance of the securities offered under this prospectus for general corporate purposes, unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement relating to a specific issue of securities. General corporate purposes may include, but are not limited to, financing and operating activities, capital expenditures, acquisitions, maintenance of our assets and refinancing our existing indebtedness. Until we apply the proceeds from a sale of securities to the intended purposes, we may temporarily invest them in short-term, interest-bearing obligations.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES WE MAY SELL

#### EVERSOURCE ENERGY

#### Senior Notes, Junior Subordinated Notes, Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Warrants, Share Purchase Contracts and Share Purchase Units
*General*. The following is a summary description of the material terms of Eversource Energy's Senior Notes, Junior Subordinated Notes, Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Warrants, Share Purchase Contracts and Share Purchase Units and the provisions of Eversource Energy's Declaration of Trust. It also summarizes relevant provisions of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act, or MBCA. Since the terms of our Declaration of Trust and the MBCA are more detailed than the general information provided below, we urge you to read the actual provisions of the Declaration of Trust and the MBCA. The following summary description does not purport to be complete and is subject in all respects to the MBCA and our Declaration of Trust. Our Declaration of Trust is incorporated by reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. The particular terms of the Senior Notes, Junior Subordinated Notes, Common Shares, Preferred Shares, Warrants, Share Purchase Contracts and Share Purchase Units offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to the securities so offered, will be described therein. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

#### Common Shares and Preferred Shares
*Common Shares*. Our outstanding common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and trade under the symbol "ES." Any additional common shares we issue will also be listed on the NYSE. Common shareholders may receive dividends if and when declared by our Board of Trustees. Dividends may be paid in cash, shares or other form. All outstanding common shares are fully paid and non- assessable. Any additional common shares we issue will also be fully paid and non-assessable.

Each common share is entitled to one vote in the election of Trustees and other matters. Common shareholders are not entitled to cumulative voting rights. We will notify common shareholders of any shareholders' meetings according to applicable law. If we liquidate, dissolve or wind up our business, either voluntarily or not, common shareholders will share equally in the assets remaining after we pay our creditors and preferred shareholders, if any.

Our transfer agent and registrar is Computershare Trust Company, N.A. You may contact them by telephone at (800) 999-7269.

*Preferred Shares*. We do not currently have preferred shares authorized, although our Declaration of Trust permits the issuance of preferred shares subject to common shareholder approval. Before we can issue preferred shares, we will need to obtain authorization from our Board of Trustees and our common shareholders. If we issue preferred shares, the specific designations and rights will be described in the prospectus supplement and a description will be filed with the SEC. The following description of the terms of the preferred shares sets forth certain general terms and provisions.

Preferred shares will have such par value, if any, such priority in liquidation, such voting rights and such other rights, privileges, preferences, restrictions and limitations as may be established by our Board of Trustees and approved by our common shareholders. In some cases, the issuance of preferred shares could delay a change in control of the Company and make it harder to remove present management. Under certain circumstances, preferred shares could also restrict dividend payments to holders of our common shares.

The preferred shares will, when authorized and issued, be fully paid and non-assessable. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the preferred shares will rank on parity in all respects with any outstanding preferred shares we may have at that time and will have priority over our common shares as to dividends and distributions of assets. Therefore, the rights of any preferred share may limit the rights of the holders of our common shares.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

The transfer agent, registrar, and dividend disbursement agent for a series of preferred shares will be named in a prospectus supplement. The registrar for preferred shares will send notices to shareholders of any meetings at which holders of the preferred shares have the right to elect Trustees or to vote on any other matter.

#### Warrants
We may issue warrants for the purchase of preferred shares, common shares, or any combination thereof. Warrants may be issued independently or together with other securities and may be attached to or separate from any offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for us with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.

This summary of certain provisions of the warrants is not complete. For the complete terms of the warrants and the warrant agreement, you should refer to the provisions of the warrant agreement that we will file with the SEC in connection with the offering of such warrants.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the following terms of any warrants in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the title of such warrants;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the aggregate number of such warrants;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the currency or currencies, in which the price of such warrants will be payable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the securities purchasable upon exercise of such warrants and the price at which the securities may be purchased;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on which such right shall expire;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants which may be exercised at any one time;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities will be separately transferable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • if applicable, a discussion of any material United States Federal income tax considerations; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.

We and the warrant agent may amend or supplement the warrant agreement for a series of warrants without the consent of the holders issued thereunder to effect changes that are not inconsistent with the provisions of the warrants and that do not materially and adversely affect the interests of the holders of the warrants.

#### Share Purchase Contracts and Share Purchase Units
We may issue share purchase contracts, including contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and us to sell to the holders, a specified number of common shares at a future date or dates. The price per common share and the number of common shares may be fixed at the time the share purchase contracts are issued or may be determined by reference to a specific formula set forth in the share purchase contracts. The share purchase contracts may be issued separately or as part of units consisting of a share purchase contract and beneficial interests in debt securities, preferred shares or debt obligations of third parties, including U.S.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

Treasury securities or obligations of our subsidiaries, securing the holders' obligations to purchase the common shares under the share purchase contracts, which we refer to in this prospectus as share purchase units. The share purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the share purchase units or vice versa, and these payments may be unsecured or refunded on some basis. The share purchase contracts may require holders to secure their obligations under those contracts in a specified manner.

The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of the share purchase contracts or share purchase units, including, if applicable, collateral or depositary arrangements, relating to the share purchase contracts or share purchase units.

#### Massachusetts Law and Our Declaration of Trust
*General*. We are an unincorporated voluntary association formed under Massachusetts law, a type of entity commonly referred to as a Massachusetts business trust. For most purposes, except those explicitly set forth below, a Massachusetts business trust is a common law entity governed solely by our Declaration of Trust, which constitutes a contract among the Trustees and shareholders or beneficiaries of the trust and is comparable to a certificate of incorporation and bylaws of a corporation.

*Corporate Governance*. The rights of our shareholders are currently governed by Massachusetts law and our Declaration of Trust. Our Declaration of Trust provides that all matters properly brought before a shareholder meeting at which a quorum is present will be decided by the majority vote of the shares present or represented by proxy at the meeting, except as otherwise set forth in the Declaration of Trust and the provisions of any class or classes of preferred shares that may be authorized. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trustees may only be elected with the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares with general voting power. Currently, a vote of two-thirds of all shares outstanding and having voting power may be required to take certain actions. Our Declaration of Trust also provides for proxy access.

*Amendments to Governing Documents*. Our Declaration of Trust provides that the trust may be altered, amended, added to or rescinded by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the members of our Board of Trustees, provided that any such alteration, amendment, addition or rescission must also be approved by the affirmative vote or the written consent of the holders of at least a majority of all shares issued and outstanding and having general voting power. However, no alteration, amendment, addition or rescission adversely affecting the preferences or priorities of any preferred shares will be effective without the affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the affected preferred shares.

*Preemptive Rights*. Our Declaration of Trust provides that the holders of common shares and convertible securities will have preemptive rights with respect to offerings for cash of common shares or securities convertible into common shares, except with respect to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • common shares, or the grant of rights or options on such shares, to our Trustees, directors, officers, or employees or those of a subsidiary of ours, if the issue or grant is approved by the holders of common shares at a meeting duly held for such purpose or is authorized by and consistent with a plan previously so approved by the holders of common shares;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • common shares issued on the conversion of convertible securities, if the convertible securities were offered or issued to holders of common shares in satisfaction of their preemptive rights or were not subject to preemptive rights;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • common shares and convertible securities offered to shareholders in satisfaction of their preemptive rights and not purchased by those shareholders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • common shares or convertible securities issued pursuant to a plan adjusting any rights to fractional shares or fractional interests in order to prevent the issue of fractional shares or fractional interests in these shares;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • common shares or convertible securities issued in connection with a merger or consolidation or pursuant to an order of a court, unless such order provides otherwise;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • common shares or convertible securities issued in a public offering or through an underwriting;

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • common shares or convertible securities released from preemptive rights through the affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the common shares then outstanding; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • common shares or convertible securities held in our treasury.

*Board of Trustees*. Members of our Board of Trustees serve one-year terms and are elected annually.

*Shareholder Proposals and Trustee Nominations*. Our shareholders may submit shareholder proposals and nominate candidates for the Board of Trustees if the shareholders follow advance notice procedures described in our annual proxy statement. Our Declaration of Trust also provides for proxy access.

*Meetings of Shareholders*. Under our Declaration of Trust, meetings of the shareholders may be called only by the chairman of the board, the president, or a majority of the Board of Trustees or may be requested by the holders of one-tenth (1/10) in interest of all shares outstanding having a right to vote.

*Indemnification of Trustees and Officers*. Our Declaration of Trust provides that we will indemnify each of our present and former Trustees and officers against any loss, liability or expense incurred in proceedings in which such person may be involved by reason of being, or having been, a Trustee or officer, except with respect to any matter as to which such person shall have been finally adjudicated in such proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such person's action was in our best interests. If any such proceeding is disposed of by a compromise payment by any such Trustee or officer, no indemnification payment will be provided unless a determination is made that such Trustee or officer acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such person's action was in our best interests. Such determination must be made by either the Board of Trustees by majority vote of the quorum consisting of Trustees who were not parties to such proceeding, by our independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or by the shareholders.

*Limitation on Trustee Liability*. The Declaration of Trust provides that no member of the Board of Trustees will be liable to us or our shareholders for monetary damages due to any breach of fiduciary duty, except for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • breaches of such person's duty of loyalty to us or our shareholders;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any transaction from which such person derived an improper personal benefit.

*Anti-takeover Statutes*. A Massachusetts anti-takeover statute, Chapter 110F of the Massachusetts General Laws, prohibits any business combination with an interested shareholder, generally a person who owns or has recently owned at least five percent of the Company's outstanding voting shares, for three years after the person becomes an interested shareholder unless:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • prior to the five percent purchase, the Board of Trustees approves either the five percent purchase or the proposed business combination;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the interested shareholder owned approximately 90 percent of the Company's voting shares (excluding shares held by certain affiliates of the Company) after making the five percent purchase which rendered him or her an interested shareholder; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the Board of Trustees and holders of two-thirds of the non-interested shares approve the business combination after the acquiror has become an interested shareholder.

Another Massachusetts anti-takeover statute, Chapter 110D of the Massachusetts General Laws, regulates the acquisition of control shares. A control share acquisition occurs when an individual aggregates a number of shares which, when added to shares already owned, would allow the acquiring person to vote at least 20 percent of the Company's shares. Under Chapter 110D, shares acquired in this type of a transaction would have no voting rights unless a majority of non-interested shareholders specifically voted to grant the acquiring person voting rights for these shares. In general, the acquiring person as well as our officers and employee-Trustees are not permitted to vote on whether these voting rights should be granted.

Our Declaration of Trust does not address anti-takeover regulations or protections.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### Senior Notes
*General*. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the senior unsecured notes being registered by Eversource Energy (Senior Notes). The description does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, all of the provisions of the Senior Note Indenture (as defined below), which is incorporated herein by reference and is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The particular terms of the Senior Notes offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to the Senior Notes so offered will be described therein. References to section numbers under this caption are references to the section numbers of the Senior Note Indenture. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Senior Note Indenture.

Senior Notes will be issued under a supplemental indenture or indentures to our indenture (the Senior Note Indenture), between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., formerly known as The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee (the Senior Note Trustee) dated as of April 1, 2002, as amended and supplemented. You may contact them at their Corporate Trust Office which, at the date hereof, is located at 500 Ross Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15262, telephone (412) 236-1201.

The Senior Notes will be our senior unsecured debt securities and will rank equally with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. There is no requirement under the Senior Note Indenture that future issues of our debt securities be issued under the Senior Note Indenture, and we will be free to use other indentures or documentation, containing provisions different from those included in the Senior Note Indenture or applicable to one or more issues of Senior Notes, in connection with future issues of such other debt securities.

The Senior Note Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes that may be issued thereunder. The Senior Note Indenture provides that the Senior Notes will be issued in one or more series as notes or debentures. The Senior Notes may be issued at various times and may have differing maturity dates and may bear interest at differing rates. The prospectus supplement applicable to each issue of Senior Notes will specify:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the designation and aggregate principal amount of such Senior Notes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the date or dates on which such Senior Notes will mature;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the interest rate or rates, or method of calculation of such rate or rates, on such Senior Notes, and the date from which such interest shall accrue;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the dates on which such interest will be payable or method by which such dates are to be determined;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the record dates for payments of interest;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any redemption terms;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such Senior Notes may be repaid, in whole or in part, at our option;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the place or places, if any, in addition to or in the place of our office or the office of the Senior Note Trustee, where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Senior Notes shall be payable and where notices to us shall be sent; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • other specific terms applicable to such Senior Notes. (Section 301)

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Senior Notes will be denominated in United States currency in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. (Section 301)

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement or as below described under "Limitation on Liens" and "Sale and Leaseback Transactions", there are no provisions in the Senior Note Indenture or the Senior Notes that require us to redeem, or permit the holders of the Senior Notes to cause

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

a redemption of, the Senior Notes or that otherwise protect the holders of the Senior Notes in the event that we incur substantial additional indebtedness, whether or not in connection with a change in control of us.

Because we are a holding company that conducts all of our operations through our subsidiaries, our ability to meet our obligations under the Senior Notes is dependent on the earnings and cash flows of those subsidiaries and the ability of those subsidiaries to pay dividends to us, repurchase shares of their common stock from us or repay loans or advances made by us to them. Holders of the Senior Notes will generally have a junior position to claims of any holders of preferred stock and creditors of our subsidiaries, including trade creditors, debtholders, secured creditors, taxing authorities and guarantee holders. In addition to trade debt, our subsidiaries have ongoing corporate debt programs used to finance their business activities.

Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the supplemental indentures will not limit the amount of indebtedness or preferred stock issuable by our subsidiaries.

*Registration, Transfer, Exchange and Form*. Senior Notes of any series may be exchanged for other Senior Notes of the same series of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor. (Section 305)

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Senior Notes may be presented for registration of transfer (duly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed written instrument of transfer) at the office or agency maintained for such purpose with respect to any series of Senior Notes and referred to in the applicable prospectus supplement, without service charge and upon payment of any taxes and other governmental charges as described in the Senior Note Indenture. (Section 305)

In the event of any redemption of Senior Notes of any series, we will not be required to exchange, or register the transfer of, any Senior Notes of such series selected, called or being called for redemption except, in the case of any Senior Note to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be so redeemed. (Section 305)

*Paying Agents*. We will maintain an office or agency where Senior Notes may be presented or surrendered for payment. We will give prompt written notice to the Senior Note Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time we shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Senior Note Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations and surrenders may be made or served at the corporate trust office of the Senior Note Trustee, and, in such event, the Senior Note Trustee shall act as our agent to receive all such presentations and surrenders. (Section 1002)

All monies paid by us to a paying agent for the payment of principal of, interest or premium, if any, on any Senior Note which remains unclaimed at the end of two years after any such principal, interest or premium shall have become due and payable will be repaid to us at our request and the Holder of such Senior Note will thereafter look only to us for payment thereof as an unsecured general creditor. (Section 1003)

*Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Sale or Transfer*. Nothing contained in the Senior Note Indenture prevents us from consolidating with or merging into another corporation or conveying, selling or otherwise transferring our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, provided that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which we are merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance, sale or transfer our properties and assets substantially as an entirety is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes by an indenture supplemental thereto, executed and delivered to the Senior Note Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Senior Note Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on all the Senior Notes and the performance of every covenant of the Senior Note Indenture on our part to be performed or observed; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • immediately after giving effect to the 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 occurred and be continuing.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

We shall also be required to deliver to the Senior Note Trustee certificates and opinions stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, sale or transfer comply with the Senior Note Indenture and all relevant conditions precedent have been satisfied. (Section 801)

*Limitation on Liens*. Nothing contained in the Senior Note Indenture or in the Senior Notes in any way restricts or prevents us or any of our subsidiaries from incurring any indebtedness; provided that if this covenant is made applicable to the Senior Notes of any particular series, we will not issue, assume or guarantee (including any contingent obligation to purchase) or permit to exist any notes, bonds, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness for money borrowed (Debt) secured by a mortgage, lien, pledge, security interest or other encumbrance (Lien) upon any of our property, including the capital stock of any of our subsidiaries, without effectively providing that the outstanding Senior Notes (together with, if we so determine, any other indebtedness or obligation then existing or thereafter created ranking equally with the Senior Notes) shall be secured equally and ratably with (or prior to) such Debt so long as such Debt shall be so secured (provided that for purposes of providing such equal and ratable security, the principal amount of outstanding Senior Notes of any series will be such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of such series). This restriction will not, however, apply to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • Liens in existence on the date of the original issue of the Senior Notes to which this restriction is made applicable, including, without limitation, "stock forward" transactions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • Liens created solely for the purpose of securing Debt incurred to finance, refinance or refund the purchase price or cost (including the cost of construction) of property acquired after the date hereof (by purchase, construction or otherwise), or Liens in favor of guarantors of obligations or Debt representing, or incurred to finance, refinance or refund, such purchase price or cost, provided that no such Lien shall extend to or cover any property other than the property so acquired and improvements thereon and provided further that such Liens are created no later than 24 months after the purchase or construction;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • Liens on any property or assets acquired from a corporation which is merged with or into us, which Liens are not created as a result of or in connection with or in anticipation of any such merger (unless such Liens were created to secure or provide for the payment of any part of the purchase price of such corporation);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any Lien on any property or assets existing at the time of acquisition thereof and which is not created as a result of or in connection with or in anticipation of such acquisition (unless such Lien was created to secure or provide for the payment of any part of the purchase price of such property or assets); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any extension, renewal or replacement of any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses, provided that the principal amount of Debt so secured thereby shall not exceed the principal amount of Debt so secured at the time of such extension, renewal or replacement, and that such extension, renewal or replacement Lien shall be limited to all or part of substantially the same property which secured the Lien extended, renewed or replaced (plus improvements on such property).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, we may issue or assume Debt secured by Liens on our cash which would otherwise be subject to the foregoing restrictions in an aggregate principal amount which does not at the time of issuance or assumption exceed $100 million. The following types of transactions shall not be deemed to create Debt secured by Liens: Liens required by any contract or statute in order to permit us to perform any contract or subcontract made by us with or at the request of a governmental entity or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof, or to secure partial, progress, advance or any other payments to us by such governmental unit pursuant to the provisions of any contract or statute; and share forwards with respect to our common shares accounted for as equity transactions under applicable accounting guidelines wherein the shares collateralize the forward repayment obligation. (Section 1007)

*Sale and Leaseback Transactions*. If this covenant is made applicable to the Senior Notes of any series, we will not enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction unless either:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • we would be entitled pursuant to the "Limitation on Liens" covenant above to create Debt secured by a Lien on the property to be leased back in an amount equal to the Attributable Value of such Sale

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

and Leaseback Transaction without the Senior Notes being effectively secured equally and ratably with (or prior to) that Debt; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • we, within 270 days after the sale or transfer of the relevant assets shall have been made, apply, in the case of a sale or transfer for cash, an amount equal to the net proceeds from the sale or, in the case of a sale or transfer otherwise than for cash, an amount equal to the fair market value of the property so leased (as determined by any two of our Trustees) to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the retirement of our long-term indebtedness ranking prior to or on a parity with the Senior Notes; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the investment in any property used in the ordinary course of our business.

"Attributable Value" means, as to any particular lease under which we are at any time liable as lessee and at any date as of which the amount thereof is to be determined, the amount equal to the greater of (i) the net proceeds from the sale or transfer of the property leased pursuant to the Sale and Leaseback Transaction or (ii) the net book value of the property, as determined by us in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles at the time of entering into the Sale and Leaseback Transaction, in either case multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be equal to the number of full years of the term of the lease that is part of the Sale and Leaseback Transaction remaining at the time of determination and the denominator of which shall be equal to the number of full years of the term, without regard, in any case, to any renewal or extension options contained in the lease.

"Sale and Leaseback Transaction" means any transaction or series of related transactions relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired by us whereby we transfer the property to a person and we lease it from that person for a period, including renewals, in excess of 36 months. (Section 1012)

*Modification of the Senior Note Indenture*. The Senior Note Indenture contains provisions permitting us and the Senior Note Trustee, with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes, of all series affected by the modification (voting as one class), to modify the Senior Note Indenture or any supplemental indenture or the rights of the holders of the Senior Notes of such series; provided that no such modification shall without the consent of the holders of each outstanding Senior Note affected thereby:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • change the date upon which the principal of or the interest on any Senior Note is due and payable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • change any place of payment where, or the currency in which, any Senior Note or any premium or the interest thereon is payable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the date such payment is due (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the date fixed for such redemption);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • reduce the aforesaid percentage of Senior Notes, the consent of the holders of which is required for any modification of the applicable supplemental indenture or for waiver by the holders of certain of their rights; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • modify certain provisions of the Senior Note Indenture. (Section 902)

The Senior Note Indenture also contains provisions permitting us and the Senior Note Trustee to amend the Senior Note Indenture in certain circumstances without the consent of the holders of any Senior Notes to evidence the succession of another Person to us, the replacement of the Senior Note Trustee and for certain other purposes, including to cure any ambiguity or defect, or correct any inconsistency, in the Senior Note Indenture, or to add or change any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Senior Note Indenture or the Senior Notes, provided such changes or additions shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of any series of the Senior Notes in any material respect, or involve a change requiring the consent of the holders of the Senior Notes described in the preceding paragraph. (Section 901)

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

*Events of Default*. An Event of Default with respect to the Senior Notes is defined in the Senior Note Indenture as being:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • failure to pay any interest on the Senior Notes and continuance of such failure for 30 days;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • failure to pay the principal (or premium, if any), including the payment of principal (or premium, if any) when due pursuant to any redemption provision of the Senior Notes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • failure to pay any sinking fund installment, if any, pursuant to the terms of the Senior Notes, and continuance of such failure for a period of three days;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of ours in the Senior Note Indenture (other than certain covenants or warranties a default in whose performance or whose breach is specifically dealt with elsewhere in the Senior Note Indenture or which has been expressly included in the Senior Note Indenture solely for the benefit of any series of Senior Notes other than that series) and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after written notice is given to us by the Senior Note Trustee or to us and the Senior Note Trustee by the holders of 33 percent or more in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership or liquidation involving us. (Section 501)

We will be required to file with the Senior Note Trustee annually an officers' certificate as to the existence or absence of default in performance of certain covenants in the Senior Note Indenture. (Section 1008) The Senior Note Indenture provides that the Senior Note Trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the Senior Notes of any default (except in payment of principal of (or premium, if any), or interest, if any, on, the Senior Notes or in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to the Senior Notes) if the Senior Note Trustee in good faith determines that it is in the interest of the holders of the Senior Notes to do so. (Section 602) The Senior Note Indenture provides that, if an Event of Default due to the default in payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on the Senior Notes or in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to the Senior Notes, or due to the default in the performance or breach of any covenant or warranty in the Senior Note Indenture by us shall have happened and be continuing, either the Senior Note Trustee or the holders of 33 percent or more in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes may declare the principal amount of all the Senior Notes to be due and payable immediately, but if we shall cure all defaults and certain other conditions are met, such declaration may be annulled and past defaults may be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes. If an Event of Default due to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization has occurred and is continuing, the principal amount of all the Senior Notes shall be immediately due and payable, without any act of either the Senior Note Trustee or the holders. (Sections 502 and 513)

Subject to the provisions of the Senior Note Indenture relating to the duties of the Senior Note Trustee, the Senior Note Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Senior Note Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the Senior Notes, unless such holders shall have offered to the Senior Note Trustee reasonable indemnity. (Section 603)

Subject to such provision for indemnification, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Senior Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Senior Note Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Senior Note Trustee with respect to the Senior Notes, provided, however, that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to less than all of the series of Senior Notes, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes of all such series, considered as one class, shall have the right to make such direction, and provided that the Senior Note Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Senior Note Trustee shall determine that the action so directed conflicts with any law or the provisions of the Senior Note Indenture or if the Senior Note Trustee shall determine that such action would subject the Senior Note Trustee to personal liability or expense for which reasonable indemnity has not been provided. (Section 512)

*Defeasance*. We, at our option, (a) will be Discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Senior Notes (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of Senior Notes, replace

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

destroyed, stolen, lost or mutilated Senior Notes, maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust) or (b) need not comply with certain covenants of the Senior Note Indenture described under "— Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Sale or Transfer," "— Sale and Leaseback Transactions" and "— Limitation of Liens" or to certain covenants relating to corporate existence and maintenance of properties and insurance, in each case, if:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • We irrevocably deposit with the Senior Note Trustee, in trust, (a) money; or (b) in certain cases, U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money; or (c) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient to pay and discharge:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the outstanding Senior Notes on the dates such payments are due, in accordance with the terms of the Senior Notes, or to and including the redemption date irrevocably designated by us; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the Senior Notes on the day on which payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of the Senior Note Indenture and of the Senior Notes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time would become an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • we deliver to the Senior Note Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • that the holders of the Senior Notes will not recognize income, gain, loss or expense for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance of certain obligations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • that such provision would not cause any outstanding Senior Notes then listed on any national securities exchange to be delisted as a result thereof; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • that the defeasance trust is not, or is registered as, an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • we have delivered to the Senior Note Trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the Senior Note Indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of the Senior Notes have been complied with. (Sections 403 and 1009)

Discharged means, with respect to the Senior Notes of any series, the discharge of the entire indebtedness represented by, and obligations of ours under, the Senior Notes of such series and in the satisfaction of all the obligations of ours under the Senior Note Indenture relating to the Senior Notes of such series, except:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the rights of holders of the Senior Notes of such series to receive, from the trust fund established pursuant to the Senior Note Indenture, payment of the principal of and interest and premium, if any, on the Senior Notes of such series when such payments are due;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • our obligations with respect to the Senior Notes of such series with respect to registration, transfer, exchange and maintenance of a place of payment; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the rights, powers, trusts, duties, protections and immunities of the Senior Note Trustee under the Senior Note Indenture. (Section 101)

U.S. Government Obligations means direct obligations of the United States for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged, or obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States and the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed by the United States, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of a 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 U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt. (Section 101)

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

*Resignation or Removal of Senior Note Trustee*. The Senior Note Trustee may resign at any time upon written notice to us, and such resignation will take effect immediately upon the appointment of a successor Senior Note Trustee. (Sections 610 and 611)

The Senior Note Trustee may be removed at any time by an instrument or concurrent instruments in writing delivered to the Senior Note Trustee and us and signed by the holders, or their attorneys-in-fact, of at least a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Senior Notes. In addition, under certain circumstances, we may remove the Senior Note Trustee upon notice to the Holder of each Senior Note outstanding and the Senior Note Trustee, and appointment of a successor Senior Note Trustee. (Section 610)

*No Recourse Against Others*. The Senior Note Indenture provides that no recourse for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Senior Note, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, and no recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of ours, contained in the Senior Note Indenture or in any supplemental indenture, or in any Senior Note, or because of the creation of any indebtedness represented thereby, will be had against any Trustee, incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of ours or any successor corporation, either directly or through us or any successor corporation, 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 expressly waived and released as a condition of, and in consideration for, the execution of the Senior Note Indenture and the issuance of the Senior Notes. (Section 114) Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the Federal securities laws and we understand that it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

*Concerning the Senior Note Trustee*. The Senior Note Trustee under the Senior Note Indenture or affiliates of the Senior Note Trustee, are also trustees under other indentures and trust agreements of affiliates of ours. In addition, an affiliate of the Senior Note Trustee is a lending party to two of our system revolving credit facilities with total commitment amounts under the facilities of approximately $122.0 million and $39.7 million, respectively.

#### Junior Subordinated Notes
*General*. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the junior subordinated unsecured notes being registered by Eversource Energy (Junior Subordinated Notes). The description does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, all of the provisions of the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture (as defined below), which is incorporated herein by reference and is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The particular terms of the Junior Subordinated Notes offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to the Junior Subordinated Notes so offered will be described therein. References to section numbers under this caption are references to the section numbers of the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture.

Junior Subordinated Notes will be issued under a supplemental indenture or indentures to an indenture (the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture), between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., (the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee). You may contact them at their Corporate Trust Office which, at the date hereof, is located at 500 Ross Street, 12th Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15262, telephone (412) 236-1201.

The Junior Subordinated Notes will rank junior to all Priority Indebtedness of the Company and may rank equally with other subordinated debt of Eversource Energy that may be outstanding from time to time. There will be no requirement under the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture that future issues of our Junior Subordinated Notes be issued under the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture, and we will be free to use other indentures or documentation, containing provisions different from those included in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture or applicable to one or more issues of Junior Subordinated Notes, in connection with future issues of such other debt securities.

The Junior Subordinated Note Indenture will not limit the aggregate principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Notes that may be issued thereunder. The Junior Subordinated Note Indenture provides that

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

the Junior Subordinated Notes will be issued in one or more series as notes or debentures. The Junior Subordinated Notes may be issued at various times and may have differing maturity dates and may bear interest at differing rates. The prospectus supplement applicable to each issue of Junior Subordinated Notes will specify:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the designation and aggregate principal amount of such Junior Subordinated Notes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the date or dates on which such Junior Subordinated Notes will mature;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the interest rate or rates, or method of calculation of such rate or rates, on such Junior Subordinated Notes, and the date from which such interest shall accrue;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the dates on which such interest will be payable or method by which such dates are to be determined;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the record dates for payments of interest;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any redemption terms;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such Junior Subordinated Notes may be repaid, in whole or in part, at our option;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the place or places, if any, in addition to or in the place of our office or the office of the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee, where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Junior Subordinated Notes shall be payable and where notices to us shall be sent; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • other specific terms applicable to such Junior Subordinated Notes. (Section 301)

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Junior Subordinated Notes will be denominated in United States currency in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. (Section 302)

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, there will be no provisions in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture or the Junior Subordinated Notes that will require us to redeem, or permit the holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes to cause a redemption of, the Junior Subordinated Notes or that otherwise protect the holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes in the event that we incur substantial additional indebtedness, whether or not in connection with a change in control of us. Any notice of redemption may, at our discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of an equity offering and/or satisfaction of a financing or change of control. In addition, if such notice of redemption is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice will state that, at our discretion, the applicable redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions will be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions will not have been satisfied by such redemption date, or by such redemption date so delayed.

Because we are a holding company that conducts all of our operations through our subsidiaries, our ability to meet our obligations under the Junior Subordinated Notes is dependent on the earnings and cash flows of those subsidiaries and the ability of those subsidiaries to pay dividends to us, repurchase shares of their common stock from us or repay loans or advances made by us to them. Holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes will generally have a junior position to claims of any holders of preferred stock and creditors of our subsidiaries, including trade creditors, debtholders, secured creditors, taxing authorities and guarantee holders. In addition to trade debt, our subsidiaries have ongoing corporate debt programs used to finance their business activities. Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the supplemental indentures will not limit the amount of indebtedness or preferred stock issuable by our subsidiaries.

*Subordination*. The Junior Subordinated Notes will be subordinated and junior in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture, to Eversource Energy's obligations to the holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company. If (i) we make a payment or distribution of any of our assets to creditors upon our dissolution, winding-up, liquidation or reorganization, whether in bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise; (ii) a default beyond any grace period has occurred and is continuing with respect to the payment of principal, interest or any other monetary amounts due and payable on any Priority Indebtedness of the Company; or (iii) the maturity of any Priority Indebtedness of the Company has been accelerated because of a default on that Priority Indebtedness of the Company unless otherwise specified in

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

the prospectus supplement or other offering materials, then the holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company generally will have the right to receive payment, in the case of the first instance, of all amounts due or to become due upon that Priority Indebtedness of the Company, and, in the case of the second and third instances, of all amounts due on that Priority Indebtedness of the Company, or we will make provision for those payments, before the holders of any Junior Subordinated Notes have the right to receive any payments of principal or interest on their Junior Subordinated Notes. (Sections 1401 and 1409)

Unless Eversource Energy informs you otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, "Priority Indebtedness of the Company" will mean (i) any current or future indebtedness of Eversource Energy for borrowed or purchased money, whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar written instruments, (ii) obligations of the Company under synthetic leases, finance leases and capitalized leases, (iii) obligations for reimbursement under letters of credit, banker's acceptances, security purchase facilities or similar facilities issued for the account of the Company, (iv) any indebtedness or other obligations of the Company with respect to derivative contracts, including arrangements designed to protect against fluctuations in commodity prices, currency exchange or interest rates, and (v) any guarantees, endorsements, assumptions (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business) or other similar contingent obligations in respect of obligations of others of a type described in (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, whether or not such obligation is classified as a liability on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, other than obligations ranking on a parity with the Junior Subordinated Notes or ranking junior to the Junior Subordinated Notes. Priority Indebtedness of the Company does not include trade accounts payable, accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business or any indebtedness of the Company to any of its Subsidiaries. (Section 101)

We may not amend the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture to change the subordination of any outstanding Priority Indebtedness of the Company without the consent of each holder of Priority Indebtedness of the Company that the amendment would adversely affect. (Section 902)

The Junior Subordinated Note Indenture does not limit the aggregate amount of Priority Indebtedness of the Company that we may issue.

*Registration, Transfer, Exchange and Form*. Junior Subordinated Notes of any series may be exchanged for other Junior Subordinated Notes of the same series of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor. (Section 305)

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Junior Subordinated Notes may be presented for registration of transfer (duly endorsed or accompanied by a duly executed written instrument of transfer) at the office or agency maintained for such purpose with respect to any series of Junior Subordinated Notes and referred to in the applicable prospectus supplement, without service charge and upon payment of any taxes and other governmental charges as described in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture. (Section 305)

In the event of any redemption of Junior Subordinated Notes of any series, we will not be required to exchange, or register the transfer of, any Junior Subordinated Notes of such series selected, called or being called for redemption except, in the case of any Junior Subordinated Note to be redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to be so redeemed. (Section 305)

*Paying Agents*. We will maintain an office or agency where Junior Subordinated Notes may be presented or surrendered for payment. We will give prompt written notice to the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time we shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations and surrenders may be made or served at the corporate trust office of the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee, and, in such event, the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee shall act as our agent to receive all such presentations and surrenders. (Section 1002)

All monies paid by us to a paying agent for the payment of principal of, interest or premium, if any, on any Junior Subordinated Note which remains unclaimed at the end of two years after any such principal, interest or premium shall have become due and payable will be repaid to us at our request and the Holder of such Junior Subordinated Note will thereafter look only to us for payment thereof as an unsecured general creditor. (Section 1003)

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

*Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Sale or Transfer*. Nothing contained in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture will prevent us from consolidating with or merging into another corporation or conveying, selling or otherwise transferring our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, provided that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which we are merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance, sale or transfer our properties and assets substantially as an entirety is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and expressly assumes by an indenture supplemental thereto, executed and delivered to the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on all the Junior Subordinated Notes and the performance of every covenant of the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture on our part to be performed or observed; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • immediately after giving effect to the 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 occurred and be continuing.

We shall also be required to deliver to the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee certificates and opinions stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, sale or transfer comply with the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture and all relevant conditions precedent have been satisfied. (Section 801)

*Modification of the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture*. The Junior Subordinated Note Indenture contains provisions permitting us and the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee, with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes, of all series affected by the modification (voting as one class), to modify the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture or any supplemental indenture or the rights of the holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series; provided that no such modification shall without the consent of the holders of each outstanding Junior Subordinated Note affected thereby:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • change the date upon which the principal of or the interest on any Junior Subordinated Note is due and payable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • change any place of payment where, or the currency in which, any Junior Subordinated Note or any premium or the interest thereon is payable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after the date such payment is due (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the date fixed for such redemption);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • reduce the aforesaid percentage of Junior Subordinated Notes, the consent of the holders of which is required for any modification of the applicable supplemental indenture or for waiver by the holders of certain of their rights; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • modify certain provisions of the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture. (Section 902)

The Junior Subordinated Note Indenture also contains provisions permitting us and the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee to amend the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture in certain circumstances without the consent of the holders of any Junior Subordinated Notes to evidence the succession of another Person to us, the replacement of the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee and for certain other purposes, including to cure any ambiguity or defect, or correct any inconsistency, in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture, or to add or change any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture or the Junior Subordinated Notes, provided such changes or additions shall not adversely affect the interests of the holders of any series of the Junior Subordinated Notes in any material respect, or involve a change requiring the consent of the holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes described in the preceding paragraph. (Section 901)

*Events of Default*. An Event of Default with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes is defined in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture as being:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • failure to pay any interest on the Junior Subordinated Notes and continuance of such failure for 30 days;

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • failure to pay the principal (or premium, if any), including the payment of principal (or premium, if any) when due pursuant to any redemption provision of the Junior Subordinated Notes and continuance of such failure for three days;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • failure to pay any sinking fund installment, if any, pursuant to the terms of the Junior Subordinated Notes, and continuance of such failure for a period of three days;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of ours in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture (other than certain covenants or warranties a default in whose performance or whose breach is specifically dealt with elsewhere in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture or which has been expressly included in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture solely for the benefit of any series of Junior Subordinated Notes other than that series) and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after written notice is given to us by the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee or to us and the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee by the holders of 33 percent or more in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, receivership or liquidation involving us. (Section 501)

We will be required to file with the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee annually an officers' certificate as to the existence or absence of default in performance of certain covenants in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture. (Section 1007) The Junior Subordinated Note Indenture provides that the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes of any default (except in payment of principal of (or premium, if any), or interest, if any, on, the Junior Subordinated Notes or in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes) if the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee in good faith determines that it is in the interest of the holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes to do so. (Section 602) The Junior Subordinated Note Indenture provides that, if an Event of Default due to the default in payment of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on the Junior Subordinated Notes or in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes, or due to the default in the performance or breach of any covenant or warranty in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture by us shall have happened and be continuing, either the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee or the holders of 33 percent or more in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes may declare the principal amount of all the Junior Subordinated Notes to be due and payable immediately, but if we shall cure all defaults and certain other conditions are met, such declaration may be annulled and past defaults may be waived by the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Notes. If an Event of Default due to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization has occurred and is continuing, the principal amount of all the Junior Subordinated Notes shall be immediately due and payable, without any act of either the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee or the holders. (Sections 502 and 513)

Subject to the provisions of the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture relating to the duties of the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee, the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes, unless such holders shall have offered to the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee reasonable indemnity. (Section 603)

Subject to such provision for indemnification, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes, provided, however, that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to less than all of the series of Junior Subordinated Notes, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Junior Subordinated Notes of all such series, considered as one class, shall have the right to make such direction, and provided that the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee shall have the right to decline to follow any such direction if the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee shall determine that the action so directed conflicts with any law or the provisions of the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture or if the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee shall determine that such action would subject the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee to personal liability or expense for which reasonable indemnity has not been provided. (Section 512)

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

*Defeasance*. We, at our option, (a) will be Discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Junior Subordinated Notes (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of Junior Subordinated Notes, replace destroyed, stolen, lost or mutilated Junior Subordinated Notes, maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust) or (b) need not comply with certain covenants of the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture described under "— Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Sale or Transfer" or to certain covenants relating to corporate existence and maintenance of properties and insurance, in each case, if:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • We irrevocably deposit with the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee, in trust, (a) money; or (b) in certain cases, U.S. Government Obligations which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide money; or (c) a combination thereof, in each case sufficient to pay and discharge:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes on the dates such payments are due, in accordance with the terms of the Junior Subordinated Notes, or to and including the redemption date irrevocably designated by us; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the Junior Subordinated Notes on the day on which payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture and of the Junior Subordinated Notes;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time would become an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • we deliver to the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • that the holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes will not recognize income, gain, loss or expense for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance of certain obligations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • that such provision would not cause any outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes then listed on any national securities exchange to be delisted as a result thereof; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • that the defeasance trust is not, or is registered as, an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • we have delivered to the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee an officers' certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture relating to the discharge and defeasance of the Junior Subordinated Notes have been complied with. (Sections 403)

Discharged means, with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of any series, the discharge of the entire indebtedness represented by, and obligations of ours under, the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series and in the satisfaction of all the obligations of ours under the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture relating to the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series, except:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the rights of holders of the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series to receive, from the trust fund established pursuant to the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture, payment of the principal of and interest and premium, if any, on the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series when such payments are due;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • our obligations with respect to the Junior Subordinated Notes of such series with respect to registration, transfer, exchange and maintenance of a place of payment; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the rights, powers, trusts, duties, protections and immunities of the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee under the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture. (Section 101)

U.S. Government Obligations means direct obligations of the United States for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged, or obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States and the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed by the United States, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of a 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 U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt. (Section 101)

*Resignation or Removal of Junior Subordinated Note Trustee*. The Junior Subordinated Note Trustee may resign at any time upon 30 days prior written notice to us, and such resignation will take effect immediately upon the appointment of a successor Junior Subordinated Note Trustee. (Sections 610 and 611)

The Junior Subordinated Note Trustee may be removed at any time by an instrument or concurrent instruments in writing delivered 30 days prior to its effectiveness to the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee and us and signed by the holders, or their attorneys-in-fact, of at least a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Junior Subordinated Notes. In addition, under certain circumstances, we may remove the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee upon notice to the holder of each Junior Subordinated Note outstanding and the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee, and appointment of a successor Junior Subordinated Note Trustee. (Section 610)

*No Recourse Against Others*. The Junior Subordinated Note Indenture provides that no recourse for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Junior Subordinated Note, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, and no recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement of ours, contained in the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture or in any supplemental indenture, or in any Junior Subordinated Note, or because of the creation of any indebtedness represented thereby, will be had against any trustee, incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of ours or any successor corporation, either directly or through us or any successor corporation, 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 expressly waived and released as a condition of, and in consideration for, the execution of the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture and the issuance of the Junior Subordinated Notes. (Section 114) Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the Federal securities laws and we understand that it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

*Concerning the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee*. The Junior Subordinated Note Trustee under the Junior Subordinated Note Indenture or affiliates of the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee, are also trustees under other indentures and trust agreements of affiliates of ours. In addition, an affiliate of the Junior Subordinated Note Trustee is a lending party to two of our system revolving credit facilities with total commitment amounts under the facilities of approximately $122.0 million and $39.7 million, respectively.

#### THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY

#### The CL&P Bonds
*General*. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the first and refunding mortgage bonds being registered by CL&P (CL&P Bonds). The description does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, all of the provisions of the CL&P Indenture (as defined below), which is incorporated herein by reference and is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The particular terms of the CL&P Bonds offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to the CL&P Bonds so offered, will be described therein. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

We will issue the CL&P Bonds in one or more series under our Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, between us and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company), as trustee (the CL&P Bond Trustee), dated as of May 1, 1921, as amended and restated in 2005 and as supplemented and as it is to be further supplemented by one or more Supplemental Indentures, each of which would relate to one or more series of the CL&P Bonds. In this prospectus, we will refer to the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, as amended and restated and supplemented, as the "CL&P

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

Indenture" and we will refer to any Supplemental Indenture that will supplement the Indenture as a "Supplemental Indenture."

*Amendment and Restatement of the CL&P Indenture*. The CL&P Indenture was amended and restated substantially in its entirety on April 7, 2005. Certain provisions of such amendment (the B Provisions), however, require the consent of the holders of 100 percent in principal amount of all CL&P Bonds outstanding under the CL&P Indenture in order to become effective. The B Provisions will become effective automatically upon receipt of such requisite 100 percent consent. We have already obtained the required approval for the B Provisions from the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control.

Each holder of CL&P Bonds issued after 2004 (including any CL&P Bonds offered by any prospectus supplement and any CL&P Bonds offered by any future prospectus), solely by virtue of its acquisition of such CL&P Bonds, including as an owner of a book-entry or other beneficial interest therein, will have and be deemed to have consented, without the need for any further action or consent by such holder, to the B Provisions. We presently do not expect to receive the requisite 100 percent consent for the B Provisions, and therefore do not expect the B Provisions to become effective, until 2034, when the last series of CL&P Bonds outstanding issued before 2005 mature.

Accordingly, presented below are summary descriptions of the CL&P Bonds and the CL&P Indenture — as now in effect and as they will be in effect following receipt of the requisite bondholder consent, when the B Provisions become effective.

THERE ARE MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE CL&P INDENTURE AS NOW IN EFFECT AND AS IT WILL BE IN EFFECT WHEN THE B PROVISIONS BECOME EFFECTIVE, AND YOU ARE ADVISED TO CAREFULLY READ THE SUMMARIES BELOW TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF THE B PROVISIONS. THE SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE CL&P INDENTURE AND OF THE B PROVISIONS WHICH FOLLOWS DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE OR TO COVER ALL OF THE PROVISIONS THEREOF. COPIES OF THE CL&P INDENTURE, INCLUDING THE B PROVISIONS, ARE AVAILABLE FROM US AND REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE CL&P INDENTURE, INCLUDING THE B PROVISIONS. FOR A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS, THE CL&P INDENTURE, INCLUDING THE B PROVISIONS, IS INCLUDED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OF WHICH THIS PROSPECTUS IS A PART.

*General Terms of the CL&P Bonds*. The prospectus supplement with respect to each series of CL&P Bonds will set forth the maturity date, interest rate, interest payment dates, record dates and other specific terms and provisions for such series.

The CL&P Bonds are to be issued only in the form of fully registered bonds without coupons in denominations of $1,000 or multiples thereof and may be presented for exchange for a like aggregate principal amount of the same series of CL&P Bonds of other authorized denominations and for transfer at the principal office of the CL&P Bond Trustee in New York City without payment in either case of any charge other than for any tax or other governmental charges required to be paid by us.

*Security*. The CL&P Indenture constitutes a first mortgage lien (subject to liens permitted by the CL&P Indenture) on substantially all of our physical property and franchises, including our generating stations, if any are acquired in the future, and our transmission and distribution facilities. We currently do not own any generating stations. Subject to the provisions of the Federal Bankruptcy Code, the CL&P Indenture will also constitute a lien on after-acquired property, although in states other than Connecticut it may be necessary to comply with applicable recording requirements to perfect the lien on after-acquired property. The CL&P Indenture also permits after-acquired property to be subject to liens prior to that of the CL&P Indenture. The security afforded by the CL&P Indenture is for the equal and ratable protection of all our presently outstanding CL&P Bonds and any CL&P Bonds which may hereafter be issued under the CL&P Indenture.

The B Provisions would continue the existing first mortgage lien of the CL&P Indenture, but would expand both the types of property excepted from the lien and the types of permitted liens. We believe that these changes will not have a material effect on the security afforded by the mortgage lien on the property subject thereto. However, the B Provisions also would exclude any generating properties from the lien of the

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

CL&P Indenture. Although this is not significant at present because we own no generating properties, if any such properties are acquired or constructed in the future, after effectiveness of the B Provisions, such properties would not be subject to the lien of the CL&P Indenture unless we chose to take such action.

Unlike the current provisions of the CL&P Indenture, the B Provisions would permit us to issue certain debt other than CL&P Bonds that would be secured by liens on the mortgaged property that are equal with or prior to the lien of the CL&P Indenture. We believe that this change will not have a material effect on the security provided by the CL&P Indenture, because we may only issue such equal or prior secured debt in an aggregate principal amount up to 3 percent of the sum of (1) the lesser of the depreciated cost or fair market value of our property then subject to the lien of the CL&P Indenture, plus (2) certain cash then on deposit with the CL&P Bond Trustee. This issuance requirement would not apply to our assumption of debt secured by a lien existing (or created concurrently) on property we acquire, and there would be no limit on the amount of equal or prior secured debt that we could so assume. However, the test for the issuance of additional CL&P Bonds, as described below under "— Issuance Test for New CL&P Bonds," in effect, counts all outstanding equal or prior secured debt against our ability to issue additional CL&P Bonds.

Under certain limited circumstances, the lien of the CL&P Indenture on real property in Connecticut acquired by us after June 3, 1985 could be subordinated to a lien in favor of the State of Connecticut pursuant to a Connecticut law (Connecticut General Statutes Section 22a-452a) providing for such a lien for reimbursement for expenses incurred in containing, removing or mitigating hazardous waste. Although we presently own no property outside of Connecticut, if we acquire such property it is likely that comparable environmental lien subordination statutes would apply to any such property in other states.

*Redemption Provisions*. Unless otherwise provided in the supplemental indenture under which a series of the CL&P Bonds is issued and the related prospectus supplement, each series of CL&P Bonds will be redeemable at our option as a whole or in part at any time upon at least 30 days' prior written notice given by mail as provided in the CL&P Indenture at redemption prices (expressed in percentages of principal amount) that will be set forth in the Supplemental Indenture and the prospectus supplement with respect to such series, together in each case with accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

*Issuance Test for New CL&P Bonds*. The CL&P Indenture permits issuance of new CL&P Bonds under the CL&P Indenture in an unlimited amount so long as, after giving effect to such issue, the aggregate amount of all outstanding CL&P Bonds and "secured debt" (generally, debt secured by a lien equal with or prior to the lien of the CL&P Indenture) in each case outstanding on the issuance date, does not exceed 75 percent of the sum of (1) the lesser of the depreciated cost or fair market value of our property then subject to the lien of the CL&P Indenture and (2) certain cash then on deposit with the CL&P Bond Trustee in each case calculated as of the most recent balance sheet date.

*Sinking and Improvement Fund*. The CL&P Indenture does not contain a sinking and improvement fund requirement.

*Replacement Fund*. The CL&P Indenture does not contain a replacement fund requirement.

*Withdrawal or Application of Cash*. Cash deposited with the CL&P Bond Trustee can be applied or withdrawn by us at any time so long as there is no default under the CL&P Indenture and so long as, after giving effect to such withdrawal, we could then issue at least $1.00 of additional CL&P Bonds under the test for the issuance of additional CL&P Bonds (described above under "Issuance Test for New CL&P Bonds").

*Release of Property*. Property may be released upon compliance with the same requirements applicable to the withdrawal of cash deposited with the CL&P Bond Trustee described above under "Withdrawal or Application of Cash." The CL&P Indenture also permits dispositions of certain obsolete property and grants or surrender of certain rights without any release or consent by the CL&P Bond Trustee. If we retain any interest in any property released from the lien of the CL&P Indenture, the CL&P Indenture will not constitute a lien on such property or such interest therein or any improvements, extensions or additions to such property or renewals, replacements or substitutions of or for such property or any part or parts thereof.

The B Provisions would provide simplified procedures for the release of minor properties.

Dividend Restrictions. The CL&P Indenture does not contain a dividend restriction.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

*Default*. The CL&P Indenture provides that the following events will constitute "events of default" thereunder: (i) failure to pay principal; (ii) failure for 90 days to pay interest; (iii) failure to perform any of the other CL&P Indenture covenants for 90 days after notice to us; (iv) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership, and (v) any other event or occurrence specified as an "event of default" in the terms of a particular series of CL&P Bonds. The CL&P Indenture requires us to deliver to the CL&P Bond Trustee an annual officer's certificate as to compliance with certain provisions of the CL&P Indenture.

The CL&P Indenture provides that, if any event of default exists, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the CL&P Bonds outstanding may, after tender to the CL&P Bond Trustee of indemnity satisfactory to it, direct the sale of the mortgaged property.

*Modification of the CL&P Indenture*. The CL&P Indenture may be supplemented or amended to convey additional property, to state indebtedness of companies merged, to add further limitations to the CL&P Indenture, to evidence a successor company, or to make such provision in regard to questions arising under the CL&P Indenture as may be necessary or desirable and not inconsistent with its terms. The CL&P Indenture may also be amended without bondholder consent if the changes do not adversely affect the interests of the holders of any series of CL&P Bonds in any material respect.

The CL&P Indenture also permits the modification, with the consent of holders of 66<sup>2</sup>∕3 percent of the CL&P Bonds affected, of any provision of the CL&P Indenture, except that (a) no such modification may effect a reduction of such percentage unless all bondholders consent, (b) no such modification may effect the creation of a lien equal with or prior to that of the CL&P Indenture unless all bondholders consent, (c) no bondholder who refuses to consent may be deprived of his security and (d) our obligations as to the maturities, payment of principal, interest or premium and other terms of payment may not be modified unless all affected bondholders consent.

The B Provisions would remove the 66<sup>2</sup>∕3 percent consent requirement and permit modifications with the consent of holders of a majority of the CL&P Bonds so affected, but generally retains the restrictions described in (a) and (d) of the preceding paragraph. Under the B Provisions, the restriction described in (b) of the preceding paragraph would become inapplicable because the B Provisions also would permit the creation of a lien equal with or prior to that of the CL&P Indenture (as described above in the third paragraph under "Security"). The B Provisions also generally retains the restriction described in (c) of the preceding paragraph, but would permit, without bondholder consent, modifications that release the lien of the CL&P Indenture on mortgaged property having an aggregate value not greater than 10 percent of the aggregate value of all mortgaged property at the time the B Provisions become effective.

#### NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY

#### Debt Securities
We will issue the debt securities under an indenture (NSTAR Electric Indenture) dated as of September 1, 1988, between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to the Bank of New York, as successor to Bank of Montreal Trust Company), as trustee (NSTAR Electric Trustee). A copy of the NSTAR Electric Indenture is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement that contains this prospectus.

The following summary of provisions of the NSTAR Electric Indenture is not complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the NSTAR Electric Indenture.

The following summary describes the general terms of the debt securities. The prospectus supplement will include the particular terms of debt securities being offered which differ from or add to these general terms.

The debt securities will be unsecured and will rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of NSTAR Electric.

*General*. We may issue the debt securities from time to time, without limitation as to aggregate principal amount and in one or more series. Neither the NSTAR Electric Indenture nor the debt securities

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

will limit or otherwise restrict the amount of other indebtedness, including secured indebtedness, which we may incur or other securities which we may issue.

The prospectus supplement will include the particular terms of the debt securities, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the title and series designation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the aggregate principal amount and the limit, if any, on the aggregate principal amount or initial public offering price of the debt securities of that series;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any rate or rates (or method for establishing the rate or rates) at which the debt securities shall bear interest;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the date from which any interest shall accrue;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any interest payment dates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the stated maturity date or dates on which principal is payable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • whether the debt securities are to be issued in global form;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any sinking fund requirements;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any provisions for redemption, and the redemption price or prices;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the denominations in which the debt securities shall be issuable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • whether the debt securities are denominated or payable in United States dollars or a foreign currency or units of two or more foreign currencies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the place or places where payments on the debt securities shall be made and the debt securities may be presented for registration of transfer or exchange;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • whether any of the debt securities will be subject to defeasance in advance of the date for redemption or the stated maturity date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • if other than the full principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities payable upon acceleration of the maturity of the debt securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any index used to determine the amount of payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on the debt securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the person to whom any interest on the debt securities of the series shall be payable if other than the registered holder;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any additional or different events of default that apply to debt securities of the series and any change in the right of the trustee or the required holders of those debt securities to declare the principal thereof due and payable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any additional or different covenants that apply to debt securities of the series; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any other terms of the debt securities.

We may issue debt securities as "original issue discount securities," which bear either no interest or interest at a rate that at the time of issuance is below market rates. These securities will be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. In the event that the maturity of an original issue discount security is accelerated, the amount payable to the holder upon acceleration will be determined in accordance with the terms of that security and the NSTAR Electric Indenture, but will be an amount less than the amount payable at the stated maturity of the principal of the security. The prospectus supplement will describe special federal income tax and other considerations relating to original issue discount securities.

The covenants contained in the NSTAR Electric Indenture and the debt securities will not protect holders in the event of a sudden decline in our creditworthiness that might result from a recapitalization, restructuring, or other highly leveraged transaction.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

*Events of Default*. The following are "events of default" under the NSTAR Electric Indenture with respect to any series of debt securities:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • default in the payment of any principal or premium when due and when that default has continued for three business days;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • default in the payment of any interest when due, which continues for 30 days;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment when due and when that default has continued for three business days;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • default in the performance of any other obligation contained in the NSTAR Electric Indenture for the benefit of debt securities of that series, which continues for 60 days after written notice;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • default in the payment of other indebtedness of $10,000,000 or more at its stated maturity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • acceleration of other indebtedness in a principal amount of $10,000,000 or more, which is not annulled within 90 days after written notice;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • specified events in bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any other event of default provided with respect to debt securities of that series.

If an event of default under the NSTAR Electric Indenture occurs and continues for any series of debt securities, the trustee or the holders of at least 33 percent in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series may declare the principal amount, or any lesser amount provided for in the debt securities of that series, to be due and payable immediately. After the trustee or the holders have accelerated a series of debt securities, but before the trustee has obtained a judgment or decree for payment of money due, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series may, under specified circumstances, rescind and annul the acceleration.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive an event of default with respect to that series, except a default:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • in the payment of any amounts due and payable under the debt securities of that series; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • in an obligation contained in, or a provision of, the NSTAR Electric Indenture which cannot be modified under the terms of the NSTAR Electric Indenture without the consent of each holder of outstanding debt securities of the affected series.

The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may 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 debt securities of that series, provided that this direction is not in conflict with any rule of law or the NSTAR Electric Indenture. Before proceeding to exercise any right or power under the NSTAR Electric Indenture at the direction of the holders, the trustee is entitled to receive from those holders reasonable security or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in complying with the direction.

A holder of any debt security of any series will have the right to institute a proceeding with respect to the NSTAR Electric Indenture or for any remedy thereunder, if:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • that holder previously gave written notice to the trustee of a continuing event of default with respect to debt securities of that series;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the holders of not less than 33 percent in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series also shall have made written request to the trustee to institute the proceeding as trustee and offered the trustee indemnity satisfactory to the trustee;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the trustee shall have failed to institute the proceeding within 60 days; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the trustee shall not have received from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with such request during that 60-day period.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

However, any holder of a debt security has the absolute, unconditional right to institute suit for any defaulted payment after the due date for payment under that debt security.

We are required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to the performance of our obligations under the NSTAR Electric Indenture and as to any default in such performance.

*Modification and Waiver*. The NSTAR Electric Indenture may be modified and amended by us and the trustee through a supplemental indenture. Any modification must have the consent of holders of at least a majority of the principal amount of each series of debt securities affected. However, without the consent of each holder of any debt security affected, we may not amend or modify the NSTAR Electric Indenture to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • change the stated maturity date of the principal, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any debt security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • reduce the principal amount of, the rate of interest on, or any premium payable upon the redemption of any debt security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • reduce the amount of principal of an original issue discount security payable upon acceleration of its maturity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • change the place or currency of payment of principal of, or any premium or interest on, any debt security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment with respect to any debt security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities of any series, the consent of whose holders is required to modify or amend the NSTAR Electric Indenture or to waive compliance with certain provisions of the NSTAR Electric Indenture;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities of any series, the consent of whose holders is required to waive any past default; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • change any obligation of ours to maintain an office or agency in each place of payment.

*Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets*. We may consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation, and we may convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to any corporation, provided that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the resulting corporation, if other than us, is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America or any U.S. state and assumes all of our obligations on the debt securities under the NSTAR Electric Indenture;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • we are not, or any successor corporation is not, immediately after any consolidation or merger, in default under the NSTAR Electric Indenture; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • other specified conditions are met.

*Concerning the NSTAR Electric Trustee*. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to the Bank of New York, as successor to Bank of Montreal Trust Company) is the trustee and paying agent under the NSTAR Electric Indenture. The NSTAR Electric Trustee or affiliates of the NSTAR Electric Trustee are also trustees under other indentures and trust agreements of affiliates of ours. In addition, an affiliate of the NSTAR Electric Trustee is a lending party to two of our system revolving credit facilities with total commitment amounts under the facilities of approximately $122.0 million and $39.7 million, respectively.

#### PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

#### The PSNH Bonds
*General*. The following description sets forth certain general terms and provisions of the first mortgage bonds being registered by PSNH (PSNH Bonds). The description does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, all of the provisions of the PSNH Indenture (as

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

defined below), which is incorporated herein by reference and is an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The particular terms of the PSNH Bonds offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to the PSNH Bonds so offered will be described therein. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the PSNH Indenture. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and the prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

The PSNH Bonds will be issued under a first mortgage indenture dated as of August 15, 1978, as amended and supplemented (the PSNH Indenture), between us and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee (the PSNH Bond Trustee).

The PSNH Indenture provides that the PSNH Bonds will be issued in one or more series.

*Amendment and Restatement of the PSNH Indenture*. The PSNH Indenture was amended and restated substantially in its entirety (the Restatement) on June 1, 2011 (the First Effective Date). Certain remaining changes in the Restatement require the consent of the holders of 100 percent of the total principal amount of all PSNH Bonds then outstanding under the PSNH Indenture. As a result, these remaining changes will not become effective until we receive the required unanimous consent (the Second Effective Date). We have already obtained the required approvals for the Restatement from the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC).

Each holder of PSNH Bonds issued in and after 2007 (including any PSNH Bonds offered by any prospectus supplement and any PSNH Bonds offered by any future prospectus) solely by virtue of its acquisition of such PSNH Bonds, including as an owner of a book-entry or other beneficial interest therein, will have consented, and will be deemed to have consented, without the need for any further action or consent by such holder, to the Restatement. As of December 31, 2025, there was one series of PSNH Bonds outstanding that we have not asked to consent to the Restatement: $50 million of 5.60% First Mortgage Bonds, Series M, due October 5, 2035, which series is callable with a make-whole redemption provision. We have no present plans to redeem the Series M Bonds. Accordingly, we expect that the Second Effective Date will occur no earlier than the date on which the Series M Bonds matures in 2035.

Set forth below is a summary description of the material provisions of the PSNH Indenture, including the material changes effected on the First Effective Date and those provisions that will become effective on the Second Effective Date.

THERE ARE MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PSNH INDENTURE NOW IN EFFECT AND AS IT WILL BE IN EFFECT ON THE SECOND EFFECTIVE DATE. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ CAREFULLY THE SUMMARY BELOW TO UNDERSTAND THE CHANGES THAT WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON THE SECOND EFFECTIVE DATE. THE SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE PSNH INDENTURE DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE OR TO COVER ALL OF THE PROVISIONS THEREOF. COPIES OF THE PSNH INDENTURE, INCLUDING THE PROVISIONS THAT WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON THE SECOND EFFECTIVE DATE, ARE AVAILABLE FROM US AND REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE PSNH INDENTURE, INCLUDING THE CHANGES THAT WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON THE SECOND EFFECTIVE DATE. FOR A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF THE APPLICABLE PROVISIONS, THE PSNH INDENTURE, INCLUDING THE CHANGES THAT WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON THE SECOND EFFECTIVE DATE, IS INCLUDED AS AN EXHIBIT TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT OF WHICH THIS PROSPECTUS IS A PART.

*General Terms of the PSNH Bonds*. The PSNH Bonds may be issued at various times and may have differing maturity dates and may bear interest at differing rates. The prospectus supplement applicable to each issue of PSNH Bonds will specify:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the designation and aggregate principal amount of such PSNH Bonds;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the date or dates on which such PSNH Bonds will mature;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the interest rate or rates, or method of calculation of such rate or rates, on such PSNH Bonds, and the date from which such interest shall accrue;

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the dates on which such interest will be payable or method by which such dates are to be determined;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the record dates for payments of interest;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any redemption or sinking fund terms;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such PSNH Bonds may be repaid, in whole or in part, at our option;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the place or places, if any, in addition to or in the place of our office or the office of the PSNH Bond Trustee, where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such PSNH Bonds shall be payable and where notices to PSNH shall be sent; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • other specific terms applicable to such PSNH Bonds.

Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the PSNH Bonds will be denominated in United States currency in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.

*Security*. The PSNH Indenture constitutes a first mortgage lien (subject to permitted liens under the PSNH Indenture) on substantially all of our property and franchises, including our generating stations, if any are acquired in the future, and our transmission and distribution facilities. The PSNH Indenture also permits after-acquired property to be subject to liens prior to that of the PSNH Indenture. The security afforded by the PSNH Indenture is for the equal and ratable protection of all of the presently outstanding PSNH Bonds and any PSNH Bonds that we may issue in the future under the PSNH Indenture. The Restatement continued the existing first mortgage lien of the PSNH Indenture, but expanded both the types of property excepted from the lien and the types of permitted liens. We believe that these changes will not have a material effect on the security afforded by the mortgage lien on the property subject to the lien.

In addition, the Restatement permits us to issue certain debt, other than PSNH Bonds, secured by liens on the mortgaged property ranking equal with or prior to the lien of the PSNH Indenture. Until the Second Effective Date, however, such equal or prior liens will not be permitted on any material portion of the mortgaged property. Such equal or prior liens will be permitted on a material portion of the mortgaged property commencing on the Second Effective Date. We believe that this change will not have a material effect on the security provided by the PSNH Indenture because we may only issue such equal or prior secured debt in an aggregate principal amount of up to 3 percent of the sum of (1) the lesser of the depreciated cost or fair market value of our property then subject to the lien of the PSNH Indenture, plus (2) certain cash then on deposit with the PSNH Trustee, and then only if we would otherwise be permitted under the terms of the PSNH Indenture to issue $1.00 of additional PSNH Bonds. This issuance requirement would not apply to our assumption of debt secured by an existing lien (or a lien created concurrently) on property we acquire after the First Effective Date, and there is no limit on the amount of equal or prior secured debt that we could assume. However, after the First Effective Date, the Issuance Test for New PSNH Bonds, in effect, counts outstanding equal or prior secured debt against our ability to issue additional PSNH Bonds.

*Issuance Test for New PSNH Bonds*. The PSNH Indenture permits the issuance of new PSNH Bonds under the PSNH Indenture in an unlimited amount so long as, after giving effect to such issue, the aggregate amount of all outstanding PSNH Bonds and "secured debt" (generally, debt secured by a lien equal with or prior to the lien of the PSNH Indenture) does not exceed 75 percent of the sum of (1) the lesser of the depreciated cost or fair market value of our property then subject to the lien of the PSNH Indenture plus (2) certain cash then on deposit with the PSNH Trustee, in each case calculated as of the most recent balance sheet date.

*Redemption provisions*. Under the PSNH Indenture, unless otherwise provided in the supplemental indenture under which a series of PSNH Bonds is issued, each series of PSNH Bonds is redeemable at our option, as a whole or in part, at any time upon prior written notice given by mail as provided in the PSNH Indenture, at redemption prices set forth in the applicable supplemental indenture with respect to such series, together in each case with accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. The Restatement did not affect these redemption provisions.

*Replacement Fund*. The PSNH Indenture does not contain a replacement fund requirement.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

*Withdrawal or Application of Cash*. Cash deposited with the PSNH Bond Trustee can be applied or withdrawn by us at any time so long as there is no default under the PSNH Indenture and so long as, after giving effect to such withdrawal, we could then issue at least $1.00 of additional PSNH Bonds under the test for the issuance of additional PSNH Bonds (described above under "Issuance Test for New PSNH Bonds").

*Release of Property*. Property may be released upon compliance with the same requirements applicable to the withdrawal of cash deposited with the PSNH Bond Trustee described above under "Withdrawal or Application of Cash." The PSNH Indenture also permits dispositions of certain obsolete property and grants or surrender of certain rights without any release or consent by the PSNH Bond Trustee. If we retain any interest in any property released from the lien of the PSNH Indenture, the PSNH Indenture will not constitute a lien on such property or such interest therein or any improvements, extensions or additions to such property or renewals, replacements or substitutions of or for such property or any part or parts thereof.

*Events of default*. The following events constitute events of default under the PSNH Indenture: (i) the failure to pay principal; (ii) the failure to pay interest for 30 days; (iii) the failure to perform any of the other PSNH Indenture covenants for 90 days after notice to us; (iv) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership, and (v) any other event or occurrence specified as an event of default in the terms of a particular series of PSNH Bonds.

The Restatement will modify the above-described event of default provisions by increasing from 30 days to 90 days the grace period for any failure to pay interest described in clause (ii), commencing on the Second Effective Date. The PSNH Indenture provides that, if any event of default exists, the PSNH Bond Trustee or the holders of a majority in principal amount of the PSNH Bonds outstanding may declare the principal of all of the PSNH Bonds then outstanding to be immediately due and payable.

*Modification of the PSNH Indenture without consent of holders*. Under the PSNH Indenture, without the consent of the holders of PSNH Bonds, we may supplement or amend the PSNH Indenture to, among other things, convey additional property, add to our covenants and agreements, evidence a successor to us, correct any defective or ambiguous provision in the PSNH Indenture, provide for the issue of PSNH Bonds of any series, comply with the rules and regulations of any securities exchange on which any of the PSNH Bonds may be listed, reflect accounting changes as appropriate to conform with generally accepted accounting principles, or modify, amend, or supplement the PSNH Indenture or any supplemental indenture to permit qualification under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. In addition, the PSNH Indenture may be modified without the consent of holders of PSNH Bonds to (i) add any additional events of default, (ii) provide for the procedures required to permit us to utilize, at our option, a non-certificated system of registration for all or any series of PSNH Bonds, and (iii) amend and restate the PSNH Indenture, in its entirety, with additions, deletions and other changes that will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the PSNH Bonds in any material respect.

*Modification of the PSNH Indenture with consent of holders*. With the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the PSNH Bonds at the time outstanding (or in case one or more, but less than all, of the series of PSNH Bonds then outstanding would be materially adversely affected, with the consent of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the PSNH Bonds of each series then outstanding which would be materially adversely affected by the action proposed to be taken), we may supplement the PSNH Indenture for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the PSNH Indenture or of any supplemental indenture. However, no such supplemental indenture may (i) change the dates for or permit the extension of time or times of payment of principal, interest or premium or the reduction in the principal amount or the rate of interest or otherwise affect the terms of payment in respect of the PSNH Bonds unless all affected holders of PSNH Bonds consent, (ii) reduce the percentage of principal amount of PSNH Bonds, the holders of which are required to consent to any such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of all PSNH Bonds outstanding, or (iii) deprive the holder of any PSNH Bond outstanding of the lien of the PSNH Indenture on any material part of the trust estate without the express consent of the holder of each PSNH Bond affected thereby (except that modifications that release the lien of the PSNH Indenture on mortgaged property if the lesser of the aggregate cost or aggregate fair value of the mortgaged property to be released and previously released without consent of the holders of PSNH Bonds would not be more than

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

10 percent of the lesser of the aggregate cost or aggregate fair value of the mortgaged property as of the end of 2011, the calendar year in which the First Effective Date occurred, may be made without consent of the holders of PSNH Bonds).

*Concerning the PSNH Bond Trustee*. The PSNH Bond Trustee under the PSNH Indenture or affiliates of the PSNH Bond Trustee, are also trustees under other indentures and trust agreements of affiliates of ours. An affiliate of the PSNH Bond Trustee is a lending party to two of our system revolving credit facilities with total commitment amounts under the facilities of approximately $140.9 million and $45.8 million, respectively.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### GLOBAL SECURITIES

#### Book-Entry, Delivery and Form
Unless we indicate differently in any applicable prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus, the securities initially will be issued in book-entry form and represented by one or more global notes or global securities, or, collectively, global securities. The global securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, as depositary, or DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., the nominee of DTC, or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. Unless and until it is exchanged for individual certificates evidencing securities under the limited circumstances described below, a global security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depositary to its nominee or by the nominee to the depositary, or by the depositary or its nominee to a successor depositary or to a nominee of the successor depositary.

DTC has advised us that it is:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • a member of the Federal Reserve System;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act.

DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among its participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. "Direct participants" in DTC include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, including underwriters, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, or 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, which we sometimes refer to as indirect participants, that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly. The rules applicable to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

Purchases of securities under the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the securities on DTC's records. The ownership interest of the actual purchaser of a security, which we sometimes refer to as a beneficial owner, is in turn recorded on the direct and indirect participants' records. Beneficial owners of securities will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchases. However, beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of their transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through which they purchased securities. Transfers of ownership interests in global securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the global securities, except under the limited circumstances described below.

To facilitate subsequent transfers, all global securities deposited by direct participants with DTC will be 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 securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other nominee will not change the beneficial ownership of the securities. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the securities. DTC's records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts the securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The participants are responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

So long as the securities are in book-entry form, you will receive payments and may transfer securities only through the facilities of the depositary and its direct and indirect participants. We will maintain an office or agency in the location specified in the prospectus supplement for the applicable securities, where

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

notices and demands in respect of the securities and the indenture may be delivered to us and where certificated securities may be surrendered for payment, registration of transfer or exchange.

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 legal requirements in effect from time to time.

Redemption notices will be sent to DTC. If less than all of the securities of a particular series are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the interest of each direct participant in the securities of such series to be redeemed.

Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. (or such other DTC nominee) will consent or vote with respect to the securities. Under its usual procedures, DTC will mail an omnibus proxy to us as soon as possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns the consenting or voting rights of Cede & Co. to those direct participants to whose accounts the securities of such series are credited on the record date, identified in a listing attached to the omnibus proxy.

So long as securities are in book-entry form, we will make payments on those securities to the depositary or its nominee, as the registered owner of such securities, by wire transfer of immediately available funds. If securities are issued in definitive certificated form under the limited circumstances described below and unless if otherwise provided in the description of the applicable securities herein or in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will have the option of making payments by check mailed to the addresses of the persons entitled to payment or by wire transfer to bank accounts in the United States designated in writing to the applicable trustee or other designated party at least 15 days before the applicable payment date by the persons entitled to payment, unless a shorter period is satisfactory to the applicable trustee or other designated party.

Redemption proceeds, distributions, dividend payments and interest payments on the securities will be made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC's practice is to credit direct participants' accounts upon DTC's receipt of funds and corresponding detail information from us on the payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC records. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the account of customers in bearer form or registered in "street name." Those payments will be the responsibility of participants and not of DTC or us, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements in effect from time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, distributions and dividend payments to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC, is our responsibility, disbursement of payments to direct participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of payments to the beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants.

Except under the limited circumstances described below, purchasers of securities will not be entitled to have securities registered in their names and will not receive physical delivery of securities. Accordingly, each beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of DTC and its participants to exercise any rights under the securities and any applicable indenture.

The laws of some jurisdictions may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of securities in definitive form. Those laws may impair the ability to transfer or pledge beneficial interests in securities.

DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with respect to the securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to us. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor depositary is not obtained, securities certificates are required to be printed and delivered.

As noted above, beneficial owners of a particular series of securities generally will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in those securities. However, if:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depositary for the global security or securities representing such series of securities or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act at a time when it is required to be registered and a successor depositary is not

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

appointed within 90 days of the notification to us or of our becoming aware of DTC's ceasing to be so registered, as the case may be;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • we determine, in our sole discretion, not to have such securities represented by one or more global securities; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to such series of securities,

we will prepare and deliver certificates for such securities in exchange for beneficial interests in the global securities. Any beneficial interest in a global security that is exchangeable under the circumstances described in the preceding sentence will be exchangeable for securities in definitive certificated form registered in the names that the depositary directs. It is expected that these directions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from its participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities.

#### Clearstream and Euroclear
If so provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, you may hold interests in a global security through Clearstream Banking S.A., which we refer to as "Clearstream," or Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System, which we refer to as "Euroclear," either directly if you are a participant in Clearstream or Euroclear or indirectly through organizations which are participants in Clearstream or Euroclear. Clearstream and Euroclear will hold interests on behalf of their respective participants through customers' securities accounts in the names of Clearstream and Euroclear, respectively, on the books of their respective U.S. depositaries, which in turn will hold such interests in customers' securities accounts in such depositaries' names on DTC's books.

Clearstream and Euroclear are securities clearance systems in Europe. Clearstream and Euroclear hold securities for their respective participating organizations and facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between those participants through electronic book-entry changes in their accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates.

Payments, deliveries, transfers, exchanges, notices and other matters relating to beneficial interests in global securities owned through Clearstream or Euroclear must comply with the rules and procedures of those systems. Transactions between participants in Clearstream or Euroclear, on one hand, and other participants in DTC, on the other hand, are also subject to DTC's rules and procedures.

Investors will be able to make and receive through Clearstream and Euroclear payments, deliveries, transfers and other transactions involving any beneficial interests in global securities held through those systems only on days when those systems are open for business. Those systems may not be open for business on days when banks, brokers and other institutions are open for business in the United States.

Cross-market transfers between participants in DTC, on the one hand, and participants in Clearstream or Euroclear, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with the DTC's rules on behalf of Clearstream or Euroclear, as the case may be, by their respective U.S. depositaries; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Clearstream or Euroclear, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (European time) of such system. Clearstream or Euroclear, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its U.S. depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the global securities through DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day fund settlement. Participants in Clearstream or Euroclear may not deliver instructions directly to their respective U.S. depositaries.

#### Other
The information in this section of this prospectus concerning DTC, Clearstream, Euroclear and their respective book-entry systems has been obtained from sources that have been made available to the financial community for informational purposes and that we believe to be reliable, but we do not take responsibility for this information. This information has been provided solely as a matter of convenience. The rules and procedures of DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear are solely within the control of those organizations and could change at any time. Neither we nor any applicable trustee nor any agent of ours or of any applicable

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

trustee has any control over those entities and none of us takes any responsibility for their activities. You are urged to contact DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear or their respective participants directly to discuss those matters. In addition, although we expect that DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear will perform the foregoing procedures, none of them is under any obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor any agent of ours will have any responsibility for the performance or nonperformance by DTC, Clearstream and Euroclear or their respective participants of these or any other rules or procedures governing their respective operations.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

#### Initial Offering and Sale of Securities
We may sell securities through one or more underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers, in a rights offering, in "at-the-market" offerings, within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market or an exchange or otherwise, through agents, pursuant to forward contracts or through a combination of any of these sale methods, or through any other methods described in a prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement relating to the securities being offered will set forth the terms of the offering and the method of distribution, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds to us from the sale, if any;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters' compensation, selling commissions, agency fees and other items constituting underwriters', dealers' or agents' compensation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any public offering price;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers or agents; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; • any securities exchange or market on which the securities may be listed.

We may distribute the securities offered under this prospectus from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at prevailing markets prices or at prices determined as the prospectus supplement specifies. We may sell securities through forward contracts or similar arrangements.

Securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. If we use underwriters for a sale of securities, we will enter into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters at the time of sale of those securities. Unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the offered securities will be subject to certain conditions and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the offered securities if any are purchased. The underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account. The underwriters may resell the securities in one or more transactions at a fixed public offering price, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers. Only those underwriters identified in the prospectus supplement are deemed to be underwriters in connection with the securities offered in the prospectus supplement.

If we use dealers in a sale, unless we inform you otherwise in a prospectus supplement, we will sell the securities to the dealers as principals.

The dealers may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices that they determine at the time of resale.

We may sell the securities directly. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We may also sell the securities through agents designated from time to time. In the prospectus supplement, we will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities, and we will describe any commissions payable to the agent. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.

We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those securities. We will describe the terms of any sales of these securities in the prospectus supplement.

In connection with the sale of securities, underwriters, dealers or agents may be deemed to have received compensation from us in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions and also may receive commissions from securities purchasers for whom they may act as agent.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

Underwriters may sell the securities to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the underwriters or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agent. Any underwriting or other compensation which we pay to underwriters or agents in connection with the securities offering, and any discounts, concessions or commissions which underwriters allow to dealers, will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the securities distribution may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts and commissions they receive and any profit they realize on the resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Underwriters, and their controlling persons, and agents may be entitled, under agreements we enter into with them, to indemnification against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Some of the underwriters, dealers or agents and some of their affiliates who participate in the securities distribution may engage in other transactions with, and perform other services for, us and our subsidiaries or affiliates in the ordinary course of business.

In order to facilitate an offering of securities, persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the offered securities. Such transactions, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time. If any such activities will occur, they will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities pledged by us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of shares, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open borrowings of shares. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### LEGAL OPINIONS
Unless otherwise noted in the applicable prospectus supplement, legal opinions relating to the validity of the securities will be given by Ropes & Gray LLP, Boston, Massachusetts and Kerry J. Tomasevich, Esq., Assistant General Counsel of Eversource Energy Service Company and Assistant Secretary of Eversource Energy. We currently anticipate that Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP, Boston, Massachusetts, will pass on certain matters with respect to the securities registered for any underwriters, agents or dealers.

#### EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Eversource Energy incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, and the effectiveness of Eversource Energy's internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of such firm, given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The financial statements of The Connecticut Light and Power Company incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm, given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of NSTAR Electric Company and subsidiary incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm, given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of Public Service Company of New Hampshire and subsidiaries incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm, given their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### PART II

#### INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

#### ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The estimated expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, other than underwriting compensation, are:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee**  | $\* |
| **Services of Independent Accountants**  | \*\* |
| **Trustee Fees and Expenses**  | \*\* |
| **Legal Fees and Expenses**  | \*\* |
| **Debt Securities Rating Fees**  | \*\* |
| **Printing and Delivery Expenses**  | \*\* |
| **Listing Fees**  | \*\* |
| **Transfer Agent and Fees**  | \*\* |
| **Miscellaneous Expenses**  | \*\* |
| **Rating Agency Fees**  | \*\* |
| **"Blue Sky" Fees**  | \*\* |
| **Total**  | $\*\* |

---

\*

Deferred pursuant to Rule 456(b) and to be calculated in connection with the offering of securities under this registration statement pursuant to Rule 457(r).

\*\*

Estimated expenses not presently known. Each prospectus supplement will reflect estimated expenses based on the amount of the related offering.

#### ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

#### Eversource Energy
Article 34 of our Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees, officers, agents or any other representative elected or appointed pursuant to any provision thereof shall not be liable for any act or default on the part of any co-Trustee, or other officer or agent, or for having permitted any co-Trustee or other officer or agent to receive or retain any money or property receivable by the Trustees under the Declaration of Trust, or for errors of judgment in exercising or failing to exercise any of the powers or discretions conferred upon or resting upon them, or for any loss arising out of any investment, or for failure to sue for or to collect any moneys or property belonging to the trust estate, or for any act or omission to act, performed or omitted by them in good faith in the execution of the trusts created under the Declaration of Trust. Each Trustee and every such officer, agent or representative shall be answerable and accountable only for his or her own receipts and for his or her own willful acts, neglects and defaults constituting a breach of trust knowingly and intentionally committed by him or her in bad faith, and not for those of any other, or of any bank, trust company, broker, attorney, auctioneer or other person with whom or into whose hands any property forming part of the trust estate may be deposited or come, or by whom any action relating to the trusts created under the Declaration of Trust may be taken or omitted to be taken; nor shall any Trustee or any such officer, agent or representative be liable or accountable for any defect in title, or for failing to transfer to or vest in the Trustees title to any property or effects for the time being subject to any of the trusts of these presents, or intended or believed to be so subject, or for failing to take out or maintain any or sufficient insurance or for liens or encumbrances upon any such property or effects, or for lack of genuineness or for invalidity of the shares, bonds or other obligations or instruments forming part of or relating to the trust estate, or for any loss, or otherwise, unless the same shall happen through such Trustee's own willful act, neglect or default constituting a breach of trust knowingly and intentionally committed by him or her in bad faith; and the Trustees and each of them and each such officer, agent or representative shall be entitled out of the trust estate to reimbursement for their or his or her reasonable expenses and outlays and to be put

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

in funds and exonerated and indemnified to their or his or her reasonable satisfaction from time to time, against any and all loss, costs, expense and liability incurred or to be incurred by them or him or her in the execution of the trusts created under the Declaration of Trust; and no Trustee, however appointed, shall be obliged to give any bond or surety or other security for the performance of any of his or her duties in the said trusts.

In addition, and without limiting the protection afforded to them, no Trustee, officer, agent or representative shall be liable for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Trustee, officer, agent or representative, notwithstanding any provision of law imposing such liability; provided, however, that the provisions of this paragraph shall not be deemed to eliminate or limit any liability which such Trustee, officer, agent or representative would otherwise have under the provisions of the Declaration of Trust (1) for any breach of such person's duty of loyalty to the association or its shareholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, or (3) for any transaction from which such person derived an improper personal benefit.

Article 34 of the Declaration of Trust also provides that we shall indemnify each of its Trustees and officers against all losses, liabilities and expenses, including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and counsel fees, imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, in which such person may be involved or with which such person may be threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of such person's being, or having been, such a Trustee or officer, except with respect to any matters as to which such person shall have been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her acting was in our best interests. The Declaration of Trust provides, however, that as to any matter disposed of by a compromise payment by such Trustee or officer, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise, no indemnification either for said payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless a determination is made that indemnification of the Trustee or officer is proper under the circumstances because such Trustee or officer acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such person's acting was in the best interest of the association. Such determination shall be made (1) by the Board of Trustees by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Trustees who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (2) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, such a quorum so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (3) by the shareholders.

In performing their duties, any such Trustee or officer who acts in good faith shall be fully protected in relying upon the books of account of the association or of another organization in which he or she serves as contemplated by the Declaration of Trust, reports, opinions and advice to the association or to such other organization by any of its officers or employees or by counsel, accountants, appraisers or other experts or consultants selected with reasonable care or upon other records of the association or of such other organization.

Expenses incurred by any Trustee or officer with respect to any action, suit or proceeding as described above may be paid or advanced by the association prior to the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Trustee or officer to repay such amount if upon final disposition thereof he or she shall not be entitled to indemnification.

The rights of indemnification provided by the Declaration of Trust are not exclusive of or affect any other right to which any Trustee or officer may be entitled and all such rights shall inure to the benefit of such person's heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives. Such other rights shall include the powers, immunities and rights of reimbursement which would be allowable under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We also maintain an insurance policy that insures our Trustees and officers against certain liabilities.

#### The Connecticut Light and Power Company
The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P) is organized under the laws of the State of Connecticut. Section 33-771 of The Connecticut Business Corporation Act (CBCA) generally provides that a corporation may indemnify an individual who is a party to a proceeding because he is a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (1) (A) he conducted himself in good faith; (B) he reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in his official capacity, that his conduct was in the best interests of the corporation;

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

and (ii) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to the best interests of the corporation; and (C) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful; or (2) he engaged in conduct for which broader indemnification has been made permissible or obligatory under a provision of the certificate of incorporation.

The CBCA also provides that, unless ordered by a court under Section 33-774 of the CBCA, a corporation may not indemnify a director under Section 33-771: (1) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation except for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding if it is determined that the director has met the relevant standard of conduct set forth above; or (2) in connection with any proceeding with respect to conduct for which he was adjudged liable on the basis that he received a financial benefit to which he was not entitled, whether or not involving action in his official capacity.

A corporation may not indemnify a director under Section 33-771 unless authorized for a specific proceeding after a determination has been made that indemnification of the director is permissible because he has met the relevant standard of conduct set forth in said Section. The determination shall be made: (1) if there are two or more disinterested directors, by the board of directors by a majority vote of all the disinterested directors, a majority of whom shall for such purpose constitute a quorum, or by a majority of the members of a committee of two or more disinterested directors appointed by such a vote; (2) by special legal counsel (A) selected in the manner prescribed in clause (1) of this sentence, or (B) if there are fewer than two disinterested directors, selected by the board of directors, in which selection directors who do not qualify as disinterested directors may participate; or (3) by the shareholders, but shares owned by or voted under the control of a director who at the time does not qualify as a disinterested director may not be voted on the determination.

In addition, under the CBCA a director who is a party to a proceeding because he is a director may apply for indemnification or an advance for expenses to the court conducting the proceeding or to another court of competent jurisdiction. After receipt of an application and after giving any notice it considers necessary, the court shall: (1) order indemnification if it determines that the director is entitled to mandatory indemnification under Section 33-772 of the CBCA; (2) order indemnification or advance for expenses if the court determines that the director is entitled to indemnification or advance for expenses pursuant to a provision authorized by Section 33 778(a) of the CBCA; or (3) order indemnification or advance for expenses if the court determines, in view of all the relevant circumstances, that it is fair and reasonable (A) to indemnify the director or (B) to advance expenses to the director, even if he has not met the relevant standard of conduct set forth in Section 33-771(a) of the CBCA, failed to comply with Section 33-773 of the CBCA or was adjudged liable in a proceeding referred to in Section 33-771(d)(1) or (2) of the CBCA, provided if he was adjudged so liable his indemnification shall be limited to reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the proceeding.

Section 33-776 of the CBCA provides that (a) a corporation may indemnify and advance expenses under Sections 33-770 to 33-779 of the CBCA, inclusive, to an officer, employee or agent of the corporation who is a party to a proceeding because he is an officer, employee or agent of the corporation (1) to the same extent as a director, and (2) if he is an officer, employee or agent but not a director, to such further extent, consistent with public policy, as may be provided by contract, the certificate of incorporation, the bylaws or a resolution of the board of directors. A corporation may delegate to its general counsel or other specified officer or officers the ability under Section 33-376(a) of the CBCA to determine that indemnification or advance for expenses to such officer, employee or agent is permissible and the ability to authorize payment of such indemnification or advance for expenses. By their terms, the provisions of Section 33-376 that are described in this paragraph do not in any way limit either the ability or the obligation of a corporation to indemnify and advance expenses under other applicable law to any officer, employee or agent who is not a director.

Article V of the CL&P Certificate of Incorporation provides that CL&P shall indemnify and advance reasonable expenses to an individual made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding because he or she is or was a director of CL&P to the fullest extent permitted by law under Sections 33-771 and 33-773 of the CBCA. Article V also requires that CL&P indemnify and advance reasonable expenses under

Sections 33-770 to 33-778, inclusive, of the CBCA to any officer, employee or agent of CL&P who is not a director to the same extent as a director and to such further extent, consistent with public policy, as may be provided by contract, Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws or a resolution of the board of directors.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

Article V further provides that, in connection with any advance for such expenses, CL&P may, but need not, require any such officer, employee or agent to deliver a written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the relevant standard of conduct or a written undertaking to repay any funds advanced for expenses if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification. Under Article V, the board of directors, by resolution, the general counsel, or such additional officer or officers as the board of directors may specify, shall have the authority to determine that indemnification or advance for such expenses to any such officer, employee or agent is permissible and to authorize payment of such indemnification or advance for expenses. Article V also provides that the board of directors, by resolution, the general counsel, or such additional officer or officers as the board of directors may specify, shall also have the authority to determine the terms on which CL&P shall advance expenses to any such officer, employee or agent, which terms need not require delivery by such officer, employee or agent of a written affirmation of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the relevant standard of conduct or a written undertaking to repay any funds advanced for such expenses if it is ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification.

Article V provides that the indemnification and advance of expenses provided for therein shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified or eligible for advance for expenses may be entitled under Connecticut law as in effect on the effective date of Article V and as thereafter amended or any Bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such person's official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

Finally, Article V provides that no lawful repeal or modification of Article V or the adoption of any provision inconsistent therewith by the board of directors and shareholders or change in statute shall apply to or have any effect on CL&P's obligations to indemnify or to pay for or reimburse in advance expenses incurred by a director, officer, employee or agent of CL&P in defending any proceeding arising out of or with respect to any acts or omissions occurring at or prior to the effective date of such repeal, modification or adoption of a provision or statutes change inconsistent with Article V.

Article IX of CL&P's Bylaws provides that CL&P shall, to the full extent now or hereafter permitted by law and consistent with the provisions set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation, indemnify any person made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that he, or the person whose legal representative he is, is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of CL&P, or is or was serving at the request of CL&P as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against judgments, fines, penalties, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses actually incurred by him and the person whose legal representative he is in connection with such proceeding (whether the same shall be by or in the right of CL&P or such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or otherwise).

CL&P also maintains an insurance policy that insures its directors and officers against certain liabilities.

#### NSTAR Electric Company
NSTAR Electric Company (NSTAR Electric) is a corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Section 67 of Chapter 156B of the Massachusetts General Laws, incorporated into Chapter 164 of the Massachusetts General Laws applicable to public utility corporations, provides that indemnification of directors and officers may be provided to the extent specified or authorized by the articles of organization or by-laws.

Article IX of the NSTAR Electric By-Laws provides that the corporation shall, to the extent legally permissible, indemnify each of its directors and officers (including persons who serve at its request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which it has any interest, as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) against all liabilities and expenses, including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and counsel fees, reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, in which such person may be involved or with which such person may be threatened, while in office or thereafter, by

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

reason of such person's being, or having been, such a director, officer or trustee, except with respect to any matter as to which such person shall have been adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the corporation, and any person serving another organization in one or more of the indicated capacities at the request of this corporation who shall have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of such other organization will be deemed to have acted in the best interests of this corporation; provided, however, that as to any matter disposed of by a compromise payment by such director or officer, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise, no indemnification either for said payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless such compromise shall be approved as in the best interests of the corporation after notice that it involves such indemnification: (a) by a disinterested majority of the directors then in office; (b) by a majority of the disinterested directors then in office, provided that there has been obtained an opinion in writing of independent legal counsel to the effect that such director or officer appears to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the corporation; or (c) by the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock at the time entitled to vote for directors, voting as a single class, exclusive of any stock owned by any interested director or officer. Each director and officer of the corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account of the corporation, reports made to the corporation by any of its officers or employees or by counsel, accountants, appraisers or other experts or consultants selected with reasonable care by the directors, or upon other records of the corporation. Expenses, including counsel fees, reasonably incurred by any director or officer in connection with the defense or disposition of any such action, suit or other proceeding may be paid from time to time by the corporation in advance of the final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by such director or officer to repay the amounts so paid by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that indemnification for such expenses is not authorized under Article IX. The right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any director or officer may be entitled. As used in Article IX, the terms "director" and "officer" include their respective heirs, executors and administrators, and an "interested" director or officer is one against whom in such capacity the proceedings in question or another proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then pending. Nothing contained in Article IX shall affect any rights to indemnification to which corporate personnel other than directors and officers may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.

Eversource Energy has purchased two-part policies of insurance covering directors' and officers' liability and reimbursement of certain expenses of NSTAR Electric for indemnification of a director or officer. The policies covering directors' and officers' liability provide for payment on behalf of a director or officer for any Loss (defined to include among other things damages, judgments, settlements, costs and expenses) arising from claims against such director or officer by reason of any Wrongful Act (as defined therein) subject to certain exclusions.

NSTAR Electric also maintains an insurance policy that insures its directors and officers against certain liabilities.

#### Public Service Company of New Hampshire
Public Service Company of New Hampshire (PSNH) is organized under the laws of the State of New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Business Corporation Act (the NHBCA) provides that a corporation may indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because he is or was a director against liability incurred in the proceeding if: (1) he conducted himself in good faith; and (2) he reasonably believed (i) in the case of conduct in his official capacity with the corporation, that his conduct was in its best interests; and (ii) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not opposed to its best interests; and (3) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. A corporation may pay for or reimburse the reasonable expenses incurred by a director who is a party to a proceeding in advance of the final disposition of the proceeding if: (1) the director furnishes the corporation a written affirmation of his good faith belief that he has met the standard of conduct described in the preceding sentence; and (2) the director furnishes the corporation an undertaking, executed personally or on his behalf, to repay the advance if it is ultimately determined that he did not meet the standard of conduct; and (3) a determination is made that the facts then known to those making the determination would not preclude indemnification. Unless a corporation's articles of incorporation provide otherwise, the corporation may indemnify and advance expense to an officer, employee or agent of the corporation who is not a director

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

to the same extent as to a director. A corporation may not indemnify a director (x) in connection with a proceeding by or in the right of the corporation in which the director was adjudged liable to the corporation; or (y) in connection with any other proceeding charging improper personal benefit to him, whether or not involving action in his official capacity, in which he was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received by him. Unless limited by its articles of incorporation, a New Hampshire corporation shall indemnify a director or officer who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he was a party because he is or was a director or officer of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with the proceeding.

Article IX of the PSNH By-Laws provides that the corporation shall, to the extent legally permissible, indemnify each of its directors and officers (including persons who serve at its request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which it has any interest, as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise) against all liabilities and expenses, including amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and counsel fees, reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal, in which such person may be involved or with which such person may be threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of such person's being, or having been, such a director, officer or trustee, except with respect to any matter as to which such person shall have been adjudicated in any proceeding not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the corporation, and any person serving another organization in one or more of the indicated capacities at the request of this corporation who shall have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of such other organization will be deemed to have acted in the best interests of this corporation; provided, however, that as to any matter disposed of by a compromise payment by such director or officer, pursuant to a consent decree or otherwise, no indemnification either for said payment or for any other expenses shall be provided unless such compromise shall be approved as in the best interests of the corporation after notice that it involves such indemnification: (a) by a disinterested majority of the directors then in office; (b) by a majority of the disinterested directors then in office, provided that there has been obtained an opinion in writing of independent legal counsel to the effect that such director or officer appears to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his or her action was in the best interests of the corporation; or (c) by the holders of a majority of the outstanding stock at the time entitled to vote for directors, voting as a single class, exclusive of any stock owned by any interested director or officer. Each director and officer of the corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account of the corporation, reports made to the corporation by any of its officers or employees or by counsel, accountants, appraisers or other experts or consultants selected with reasonable care by the directors, or upon other records of the corporation. Expenses, including counsel fees, reasonably incurred by any director or officer in connection with the defense or disposition of any such action, suit or other proceeding may be paid from time to time by the corporation in advance of the final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by such director or officer to repay the amounts so paid by the corporation if it is ultimately determined that indemnification for such expenses is not authorized under Article IX. The right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of or affect any other rights to which any director or officer may be entitled. As used in Article IX, the terms "director" and "officer" include their respective heirs, executors and administrators, and an "interested" director or officer is one against whom in such capacity the proceedings in question or another proceeding on the same or similar grounds is then pending. Nothing contained in Article IX shall affect any rights to indemnification to which corporate personnel other than directors and officers may be entitled by contract or otherwise under law.

PSNH also maintains an insurance policy that insures its directors and officers against certain liabilities.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### ITEM 16. EXHIBIT NO.
1. Underwriting Agreement

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (A)

Eversource Energy

1.1\*

Form of Underwriting Agreement for the Senior Notes.

1.2\*

Form of Underwriting Agreement for the Common Shares.

1.3\*

Form of Underwriting Agreement for the Preferred Shares.

1.4\*

Form of Underwriting Agreement for the Junior Subordinated Notes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (B)

The Connecticut Light and Power Company

1.1\*

Form of Underwriting Agreement for the CL&P Bonds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (C)

NSTAR Electric Company

1.1\*

Form of Underwriting Agreement for the NSTAR Electric Debentures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (D)

Public Service Company of New Hampshire

1.1\*

Form of Underwriting Agreement for the PSNH Bonds.

4. Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (A)

Eversource Energy

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.1

[Declaration of Trust of Eversource Energy, as amended through May 3, 2017 (Exhibit 3.1 to the Eversource Energy Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2017, File No. 001-05324)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/72741/000007274117000019/declarationoftrustsoscert201.htm).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.2

[Indenture between Eversource Energy and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., formerly known as The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee, dated as of April 1, 2002, as amended and supplemented (Exhibit A.3 to Eversource Energy 35-CERT/A, filed April 16, 2002, File No. 70-9535)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/72741/000007274102000059/exhibita3040902.txt).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.3

[Description of Eversource Energy common shares (Exhibit 4.3, Eversource Energy Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed February 27, 2020, File No. 001-05324)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000007274120000008/exhibit43esdescription.htm).

4.4\*

Form of Senior Notes Supplemental Indenture.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.5

[Form of Junior Subordinated Note Indenture between Eversource Energy and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.](tm266711d2_ex4-5.htm)

4.6\*

Form of Junior Subordinated Supplemental Indenture.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (B)

The Connecticut Light and Power Company

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.1

[Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust between CL&P and Bankers Trust Company, Trustee, dated as of May 1, 1921, as amended and restated as of April 1, 2005. (Exhibit 4.2, CL&P Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, File No. 0-00404)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/23426/000007274107000034/exh42clpsupplementalindentur.htm).

4.2\*

Form of Supplemental Indenture.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (C)

NSTAR Electric Company

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.1

[Indenture dated as of September 1, 1988 between Boston Edison (now known as NSTAR Electric Company) and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. (as successor to Bank of Montreal Trust Company), as trustee (Exhibit 4.1, NSTAR Electric Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, File No. 1-2301)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000007274118000028/a201710k-exhibit41xnstarin.htm).

4.2\*

Form of Supplemental Indenture.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (D)

Public Service Company of New Hampshire

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4.1

[First Mortgage Indenture between PSNH and First Fidelity Bank, National Association, New Jersey, now First Union National Bank, Trustee, dated as of August 15, 1978 (Composite including all amendments effective June 1, 2011) (included as Exhibit C to the Eighteen Supplemental Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.1 to PSNH Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2011, File No. 001-06392)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/315256/000110465911032956/a11-13762_1ex4d1.htm).

4.2\*

Form of Supplemental Indenture.

5. Legal Opinions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.1

[Opinion of Kerry J. Tomasevich, Esq. regarding the legality of the securities being issued, filed for Eversource Energy, The Connecticut Light and Power Company, NSTAR Electric Company and Public Service Company of New Hampshire.](tm266711d2_ex5-1.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5.2

[Opinion of Ropes & Gray LLP, regarding the legality of the securities being issued, filed for Eversource Energy, The Connecticut Light and Power Company, NSTAR Electric Company and Public Service Company of New Hampshire.](tm266711d2_ex5-2.htm)

23. Consent of Experts and Counsel

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 23.1

[Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP filed for Eversource Energy.](tm266711d2_ex23-1.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 23.2

[Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP filed for The Connecticut Light and Power Company.](tm266711d2_ex23-2.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 23.3

[Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP filed for NSTAR Electric Company.](tm266711d2_ex23-3.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 23.4

[Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP filed for Public Service Company of New Hampshire.](tm266711d2_ex23-4.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 23.5

[Consent of Kerry J. Tomasevich, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5.1).](tm266711d2_ex5-1.htm)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 23.6

[Consent of Ropes & Gray LLP (included in the opinion filed as Exhibit 5.2).](tm266711d2_ex5-2.htm)

24. Powers of Attorney

24.1\*\*

[Powers of Attorney for Eversource Energy](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465925031685/tm2511144-1_s3asr.htm).

24.2\*\*

[Powers of Attorney for The Connecticut Light and Power Company](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465925031685/tm2511144-1_s3asr.htm).

24.3\*\*

[Powers of Attorney for NSTAR Electric Company](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465925031685/tm2511144-1_s3asr.htm).

24.4\*\*

[Powers of Attorney for Public Service Company of New Hampshire](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465925031685/tm2511144-1_s3asr.htm).

25. Statement of Eligibility of Trustee

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (A)

Eversource Energy

25.1\*\*

[Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., formerly known as The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., with respect to the Indenture dated as of April 1, 2002](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465925031685/tm2511144d2_ex25-1a.htm).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 25.2

[Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., with respect to the Form of Junior Subordinated Note Indenture](tm266711d2_ex25-2.htm).

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (B)

The Connecticut Light and Power Company

25.1\*\*

[Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (formerly known as Bankers Trust Company)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465925031685/tm2511144d2_ex25-1b.htm).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (C)

NSTAR Electric Company

25.1\*\*

[Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., with respect to the Indenture dated as of September 1, 1988](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465925031685/tm2511144d2_ex25-1c.htm).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (D)

Public Service Company of New Hampshire

25.1\*\*

[Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of U.S. Bank National Association](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/13372/000110465925031685/tm2511144d2_ex25-1d.htm).

107. [Filing Fee Table.](tm266711d2_ex-filingfees.htm)

\*

To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a document to be incorporated by reference herein in connection with an offering of the securities.

\*\*

Previously filed.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The undersigned Registrants hereby each undertake:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (1)

To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (i)

To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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 thereto) 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 Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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;

provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Registrants pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (4)

That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (i)

Each prospectus filed by the Registrants pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the Registration Statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the Registration Statement; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (ii)

Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a Registration Statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii) or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the Registration Statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the Registration Statement relating to the securities in the Registration Statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. 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 with a time of

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

contract of sale prior to such effective date, 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 effective date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (5)

That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned Registrants each 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, such undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (i)

Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of such undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (ii)

Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of such the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by such undersigned Registrant;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (iii)

The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about such undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of such undersigned Registrant; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (iv)

Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by such undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

(b) The undersigned Registrants each hereby undertake that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of such Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement 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.

(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of each Registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or otherwise, the Registrants have each 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 a Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of such 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, each 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.

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Eversource Energy, the Registrant, certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 20th day of February, 2026.

**EVERSOURCE ENERGY**

(REGISTRANT)

By:

/s/ John M. Moreira

John M. Moreira

 *Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer* 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature**  | **Title**  | **Date**  |
| \* <br>Joseph R. Nolan, Jr.  | Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer and a Trustee (Principal Executive Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| /s/ John M. Moreira <br>John M. Moreira  | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Jay S. Buth  | Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Cotton M. Cleveland  | Trustee | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Linda Dorcena Forry  | Trustee | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Gregory M. Jones  | Trustee | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Loretta D. Keane  | Trustee | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>John Y. Kim  | Trustee | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>David H. Long  | Trustee | February 20, 2026  |
| <br>W. Robert Mudge  | Trustee |  |

---

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature**  | **Title**  | **Date**  |
| \* <br>Daniel J. Nova  | Trustee | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Frederica M. Williams  | Trustee | February 20, 2026  |
| /s/ John M. Moreira <br>John M. Moreira  | Attorney-in-fact | February 20, 2026  |

---

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, The Connecticut Light and Power Company, the Registrant, certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3, and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 20th day of February, 2026.

**THE CONNECTICUT LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY**

(REGISTRANT)

By:

/s/ John M. Moreira

John M. Moreira

 *Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and a Director* 

#### POWER OF ATTORNEY
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature**  | **Title**  | **Date**  |
| \* <br>Paul Chodak III  | Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and a Director (Principal Executive Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| /s/ John M. Moreira <br>John M. Moreira  | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and a Director (Principal Financial Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \* <br>Gregory B. Butler  | Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and a Director | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Jay S. Buth  | Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Penelope M. Conner  | Director | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Chandler J. Howard  | Director | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Patrick J. McGrath  | Director | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Ian G. Nicholson  | Director | February 20, 2026  |
| /s/ John M. Moreira <br>John M. Moreira  | Attorney-in-fact | February 20, 2026  |

---

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, NSTAR Electric Company, the Registrant, certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3, and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 20th day of February, 2026.

**NSTAR ELECTRIC COMPANY**

(REGISTRANT)

By:

/s/ John M. Moreira

John M. Moreira

 *Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and a Director* 

#### POWER OF ATTORNEY
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature**  | **Title**  | **Date**  |
| \* <br>Joseph P. Nolan, Jr  | Chairman and a Director (Principal Executive Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Paul Chodak III  | Chief Executive Officer and a Director | February 20, 2026  |
| /s/ John M. Moreira <br>John M. Moreira  | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and a Director (Principal Financial Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Gregory B. Butler  | Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and a Director | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Jay S. Buth  | Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| /s/ John M. Moreira <br>John M. Moreira  | Attorney-in-fact | February 20, 2026  |

---

------

[**TABLE OF CONTENTS**](#TOC)

#### SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Public Service Company of New Hampshire, the Registrant, certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3, and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 20th day of February, 2026.

**PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE**

(REGISTRANT)

By:

/s/ John M. Moreira

John M. Moreira

 *Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and a Director* 

#### POWER OF ATTORNEY
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature**  | **Title**  | **Date**  |
| \* <br>Joseph P. Nolan, Jr  | Chairman and a Director (Principal Executive Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Paul Chodak III  | Chief Executive Officer and a Director | February 20, 2026  |
| /s/ John M. Moreira <br>John M. Moreira  | Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and a Director (Principal Financial Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Gregory B. Butler  | Executive Vice President and General Counsel, and a Director | February 20, 2026  |
| \* <br>Jay S. Buth  | Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) | February 20, 2026  |
| /s/ John M. Moreira <br>John M. Moreira  | Attorney-in-fact | February 20, 2026  |

---

------

## Exhibit 4.5

**Exhibit 4.5**

EVERSOURCE ENERGY

and

THE BANK OF NEW YORK mellon trust company, N.A.,<br> AS TRUSTEE

INDENTURE

Dated as of [ ]

junior SUBORDINATED NOTES

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **Page** |
| ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION | 7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 101 Definitions | 7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 102 Compliance Certificates and Opinions | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 103 Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 104 Acts of Holders | 15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 105 Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company | 17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 106 Notice to Holders; Waiver | 17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 107 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 108 Effect of Headings, **Table of Contents**, Etc. | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 109 Successors and Assigns | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 110 Separability Clause | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 111 Benefits of Indenture | 18 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 112 Governing Law | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 113 Legal Holidays | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 114 No Recourse Against Others | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 115 Waiver of Jury Trial | 19 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 116 Submission to Jurisdiction | 19 |
| ARTICLE 2 SECURITY FORMS | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 201 Forms Generally | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 202 Form of Face of Security | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 203 Form of Reverse of Security | 23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 204 Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication | 27 |
| ARTICLE 3 THE SECURITIES | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 301 Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series | 28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 302 Denominations | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 303 Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 304 Temporary Securities | 32 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 305 Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange | 32 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 306 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities | 33 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 307 Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved | 34 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 308 Persons Deemed Owners | 35 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 309 Cancellation | 35 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 310 Computation of Interest | 35 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 311 Global Securities | 36 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 312 Periodic Offering of Securities | 37 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ARTICLE 4 SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 401 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture | 37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 402 Application of Trust Money | 38 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 403 Satisfaction, Discharge and Defeasance of Securities of any Series | 39 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 404 Defeasance of Certain Covenants | 40 |
| ARTICLE 5 EVENTS OF DEFAULT; REMEDIES | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 501 Events of Default | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 502 Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment | 42 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 503 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee | 43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 504 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim | 44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 505 Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities | 45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 506 Application of Money Collected | 45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 507 Limitation on Suits | 46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 508 Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest | 46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 509 Restoration of Rights and Remedies | 46 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 510 Rights and Remedies Cumulative | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 511 Delay or Omission Not Waiver | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 512 Control by Holders | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 513 Waiver of Past Defaults | 47 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 514 Undertaking for Costs | 48 |
| ARTICLE 6 THE TRUSTEE | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 601 Certain Duties and Responsibilities | 48 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 602 Notice of Defaults | 49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 603 Certain Rights of Trustee | 49 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 604 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities | 51 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 605 May Hold Securities | 51 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 606 Money Held in Trust | 51 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 607 Compensation and Reimbursement | 51 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 608 Conflicting Interests | 52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 609 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility | 52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 610 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor Trustee | 52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 611 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor | 54 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 612 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business | 55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 613 Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company | 55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 614 Authenticating Agents | 55 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ARTICLE 7 HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY | 57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 701 Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders | 57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 702 Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders | 57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 703 Reports by Trustee | 57 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 704 Reports by Company | 58 |
| ARTICLE 8 CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, SALE OR TRANSFER | 59 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 801 Company May Consolidate, Etc., Only on Certain Terms | 59 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 802 Successor Corporation to be Substituted | 59 |
| ARTICLE 9 SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES | 59 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 901 Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Holders | 59 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 902 Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders | 61 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 903 Execution of Supplemental Indentures | 62 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 904 Effect of Supplemental Indentures | 62 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 905 Conformity with Trust Indenture Act | 62 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 906 Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures | 62 |
| ARTICLE 10 COVENANTS | 63 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1001 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest | 63 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1002 Maintenance of Office or Agency | 63 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1003 Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust | 63 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1004 Corporate Existence | 64 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1005 Maintenance of Properties | 64 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1006 Maintenance of Insurance | 65 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1007 Annual Statement by Officers as to Compliance | 65 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1008 Statements by Officers as to Default | 65 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1009 Waiver of Certain Covenants | 65 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1010 Further Assurances | 65 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1011 Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) | 66 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1012 Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions Representations | 66 |
| ARTICLE 11 REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES | 66 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1101 Applicability of Article | 66 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1102 Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee | 66 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1103 Selection of Securities to Be Redeemed | 67 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1104 Notice of Redemption | 67 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1105 Deposit of Redemption Price | 68 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1106 Securities Payable on Redemption Date | 68 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1107 Securities Redeemed in Part | 68 |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ARTICLE 12 SINKING FUNDS | 69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1201 Applicability of Article | 69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1202 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities | 69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1203 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund | 69 |
| ARTICLE 13 [RESERVED] | 70 |
| ARTICLE 14 SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES | 70 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1401 Agreement to Subordinate | 70 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1402 Obligation of the Company Unconditional | 72 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1403 Limitations on Duties to Holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company | 72 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1404 Notice to Trustee of Facts Prohibiting Payment | 72 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1405 Application by Trustee of Moneys Deposited with It | 73 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1406 Subrogation | 73 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1407 Subordination Rights Not Impaired by Acts or Omissions of Company or Holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company | 73 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1408 Authorization of Trustee to Effectuate Subordination of Securities | 73 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1409 No Payment when Priority Indebtedness in Default | 74 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1410 Right of Trustee to Hold Priority Indebtedness of the Company | 74 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1411 Article 14 Not to Prevent Events of Default | 74 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1412 Article Applicable to Paying Agent | 74 |
| ARTICLE 15 MISCELLANEOUS | 75 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1501 Counterparts | 75 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1502 Liability of Trustees and Shareholders | 75 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1503 Force Majeure | 75 |

---

Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Indenture, dated as of February [ ], 2026

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| <u>Trust Indenture Act Section</u> | <u>Indenture Section</u> |
| § 310(a) | 609 |
| (b) | 608 |
| § 311 | 613 |
| § 312(a) | 701(a) |
| (b) | 702(b) |
| (c) | 702(c) |
| § 313(a) | 703(b) |
| (b) | 703(a) |
| (c)(1) | 703(a) |
| (d) | 703(c) |
| § 314(a) | 704(a) |
| (c) | 102 |
| (e) | 102 |
| § 315(a)(1) | 601(a)(1) |
| (a)(2) | 601(a)(2) |
| (b) | 602 |
| (c) | 601(b) |
| (d)(1) | 601(a)(1) |
| (d)(2) | 601(c)(2) |
| (d)(3) | 601(c)(3) |
| (e) | 514 |
| § 316(a)(1)(A) | 512 |
| (a)(1)(B) | 513 |
| (b) | 508 |
| (c) | 104 |
| § 317(a)(1) | 503 |
| (a)(2) | 504(i) |
| (b) | 1003 |
| § 318(a) | 107 |

---

Note: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.

INDENTURE, dated as of [ ], between EVERSOURCE ENERGY, a voluntary association and Massachusetts business trust duly organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "Company"), having its principal office at 300 Cadwell Drive, Springfield, Massachusetts 01104 and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., a national banking association, organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, as Trustee (the "Trustee").

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of certain of its notes, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness (the "Securities"), to be issued in one or more series as in this Indenture provided.

All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders (as defined herein) 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 1<br>DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS<br> OF GENERAL APPLICATION

Section 101 Definitions.

For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) the terms defined in this Section have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section and include the plural as well as the singular;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) all other terms used herein which are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings ascribed to them therein;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term "generally accepted accounting principles" with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted at the date of such computation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) the words "herein", "hereof" 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; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v) certain terms used in Section 613 have the meanings ascribed to them in such Section.

The following terms have the following meanings:

"Act", when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 104 hereof.

"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 to authenticate and deliver the Securities on behalf of the Trustee pursuant to Section 614 hereof.

"Board of Directors" means either the board of trustees of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board.

"Board Resolution" means a copy of a resolution certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company to have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors and to be in full force and effect on the date of such certification, and delivered to the Trustee.

"Business Day", when used with respect to any Place of Payment, means each day which is not a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment are authorized or obligated by law to remain closed.

"Commission" means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act, or, if at any time after the execution of this instrument 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.

"Company" means the Person named as the "Company" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor corporation shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Company" shall mean such successor corporation.

"Company Order" or "Company Request" means, respectively, a written order or request signed in the name of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer, President, Vice President or a General Manager, and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer (of any designation). Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.

"Corporate Trust Office" means the principal 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 500 Ross Street, 12<sup>th</sup> Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15262, telephone number: (412) 236-1201, email address: Raymond.k.oneil@bny.com, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Company, or the principal 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" means a corporation, association, company, joint-stock company, limited liability company or business trust.

"default" for purposes of Section 601 of this Indenture means an "Event of Default" as specified in Section 501 hereof, and for purposes of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, "default" means an "Event of Default" as specified in Section 501 hereof but exclusive of any period of grace or requirement of notice.

"Defaulted Interest" has the meaning specified in Section 307 hereof.

"Depositary" means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable or issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities, the Person designated as

Depositary by the Company pursuant to Section 301 hereof, which must be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act, and, if so provided pursuant to Section 301 hereof with respect to the Securities of a series, any successor to such Person. If at any time there is more than one such Person, "Depositary" shall mean, with respect to any series of Securities, the qualifying entity which has been appointed with respect to the Securities of that series.

"Discharged" means, with respect to the Securities of any series, the discharge of the entire Indebtedness represented by, and obligations of the Company under, the Securities of such series in the satisfaction of all the obligations of the Company under this Indenture relating to the Securities of such series, except (A) the rights of Holders of the Securities of such series to receive, from the trust fund described in Section 403 hereof, payment of the principal of and interest and premium, if any, on the Securities of such series when such payments are due, (B) the Company's obligations with respect to the Securities of such series with respect to registration, transfer, exchange and maintenance of a Place of Payment and (C) the rights, powers, trusts, duties, protections and immunities of the Trustee under this Indenture.

"Electronic Means" shall mean the following communications methods: e-mail, secure electronic transmission containing applicable authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys issued by the Trustee, or another method or system specified by the Trustee as available for use in connection with its services hereunder.

"Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 501 hereof.

"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

"Global Security" means a Security evidencing all or part of a series of Securities, issued to the Depositary for such series or its nominee and registered in the name of such Depositary or nominee.

"Holder" means a Person in whose name a Security is registered in the Security Register.

"Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person (without duplication), (a) any liability of such Person (1) for borrowed money or under any reimbursement obligation relating to a letter of credit, financial bond or similar instrument or agreement, (2) evidenced by a bond, note, debenture or similar instrument or agreement (including a purchase money obligation) given in connection with the acquisition of any business, properties or assets of any kind (other than a trade payable or a current liability arising in the ordinary course of business or a performance bond or similar obligation) or (3) for the payment of money relating to any obligations under any capital lease of real or personal property; (b) any liability of others described in the preceding clause (a) that the Person 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. For the purpose of determining any particular amount of Indebtedness under this definition, guarantees of (or obligations with respect to letters of credit or financial bonds supporting) Indebtedness otherwise included in the determination of such amount shall not be included.

"Indenture" means this instrument as originally executed or 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 includes the terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301 hereof; provided, however, that if at any time more than one Person is acting as Trustee under this instrument due to the appointment of one or more separate Trustees for any one or more separate series of Securities pursuant to Section 610, "Indenture" shall mean, with respect to such series of Securities for which any such Person is Trustee, this instrument as originally executed or 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 of particular series of Securities for which such Person is Trustee established as contemplated by Section 301, exclusive, however, of any provisions or terms which relate solely to other series of Securities for which such Person is not Trustee, regardless of when such provisions or terms were adopted, and exclusive of any provisions or terms adopted by means of one or more indentures supplemental hereto executed and delivered after such Person had become such Trustee but to which such Person, as such Trustee, was not a party.

"Interest", when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security which by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity.

"Interest Payment Date", when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.

"Maturity", when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal or an installment of principal of such Security becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise.

"Officers' Certificate" means a certificate that complies with Section 102 hereof, signed by the Company's Chief Executive Officer, President, Vice President, or General Manager and by its Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer (of any designation), the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, and delivered to the Trustee.

"Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion of counsel, who may be counsel for, or an employee of, the Company, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, and such opinion shall comply with Section 102 hereof.

"Original Issue Discount Security" means any Security which provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502 hereof.

"Outstanding", when used with respect to Securities of any series, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities of such series theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) Securities theretofore canceled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) Securities, or portions thereof, for whose payment or redemption money or U.S. Government Obligations (to the extent provided in Article 4) in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited 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 acts 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; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) Securities which have been paid pursuant to Section 306 hereof or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there shall have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company;

provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder, (a) the principal amount of an Original Issue Discount Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502 hereof, (b) if, as of such date, the principal amount payable at the Stated Maturity of a Security is not determinable, the principal amount of such Security which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the amount as specified or determined as contemplated by Section 301, (c) the principal amount of a Security denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units which shall be deemed to be Outstanding shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined as of such date in the manner provided as contemplated by Section 301, of the principal amount of such Security (or, in the case of a Security described in clause (a) or (b) above, of the amount determined as provided in such clause), and (d) Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities which the Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned as described in (d) above which have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee certifies to the Trustee the pledgee's right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor.

"Paying Agent" means any Person authorized by the Company to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Securities 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), if any, thereon, the Stated Maturity or Maturities thereof and the redemption provisions, if any, with respect thereto, are to be determined by the Company or its agents upon the issuance of such Securities.

"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

"Place of Payment", when used with respect to the Securities of any series, means the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of that series are payable as specified in or as contemplated by Section 301 hereof.

"Predecessor Security" of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 hereof in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

"Priority Indebtedness of the Company" means (i) any current or future indebtedness of the Company for borrowed or purchased money, whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar written instruments, (ii) obligations of the Company under synthetic leases, finance leases and capitalized leases, (iii) obligations of the Company for reimbursement under letters of credit, banker's acceptances, security purchase facilities or similar facilities issued for the account of the Company, (iv) any indebtedness or other obligations of the Company with respect to derivative contracts, including arrangements designed to protect against fluctuations in commodity prices, currency exchange or interest rates, and (v) any guarantees, endorsements, assumptions (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business) or other similar contingent obligations in respect of obligations of others of a type described in (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above, whether or not such obligation is classified as a liability on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, in each case listed in (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above whether outstanding on the date of execution of this Indenture or thereafter incurred, other than obligations ranking on a parity with the Securities or ranking junior to the Securities; provided, however, that "Priority Indebtedness of the Company" does not include (a) trade accounts payable, (b) accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business or (c) any indebtedness of the Company to any of its Subsidiaries.

"ranking Junior to the Securities", when used with respect to any obligation of the Company means any other obligation of the Company which (a) ranks junior to and not equally with or prior to the Securities (or any other obligations of the Company ranking on a parity with the Securities) in right of payment upon the happening of any event of the kind specified in the first sentence of the second paragraph of Section 1401, or (b) is specifically designated as ranking junior to the Securities by express provision in the instrument creating or evidencing such obligation. The securing of any obligations of the Company, otherwise ranking junior to the Securities, shall be deemed to prevent such obligations from constituting obligations ranking junior to the Securities.

"ranking on a parity with the Securities", when used with respect to any obligation of the Company means (a) any obligation of the Company which ranks equally with and not prior to the Securities in right of payment upon the happening of any event of the kind specified in the first sentence of the second paragraph of Section 1401 or (b) any obligation of the Company which is specifically designated as ranking on a parity with the Securities by express provision in the instrument creating or evidencing such obligation. The securing of any obligations of the Company, otherwise ranking on a parity with the Securities, shall not be deemed to prevent such obligations from constituting obligations ranking on a parity with the Securities.

"Redemption Date", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

"Redemption Price", when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture, exclusive of accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

"Regular Record Date" for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301 hereof.

"Repayment Price", when used with respect to any Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, means the price specified in such Security or pursuant to this Indenture at which it is to be repaid pursuant to such Security.

"Repurchase Date", when used with respect to any Security to be repaid at the option of the Holder, means the date specified in such Security or pursuant to this Indenture at which it is to be repaid pursuant to such Security.

"Responsible Officer", when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, senior associate, associate, trust officer or any officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such person's knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

"Security" has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and more particularly means any Security 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, "Security" with respect to the Indenture as to which such Person is Trustee shall have the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and shall more particularly mean any Security 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 hereof.

"Special Record Date" for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307 hereof.

"Stated Maturity", when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal or installment of principal of such Security or interest is due and payable.

"Subsidiary" means a Person more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock (or comparable equity interest) of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this definition, "voting stock" means stock of the class or classes having general voting power under ordinary circumstances to elect at least a majority of the board of directors of a corporation (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class or classes shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).

"Trustee" means the Person named as the "Trustee" in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter "Trustee" shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, "Trustee" as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

"Trust Indenture Act" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed, except as provided in Section 905 hereof.

"U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations of the United States for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged, or obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States and the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed by the United States, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of a 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 U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of interest on or principal of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt.

"Vice President", when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president or assistant vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title "vice president" or "assistant vice president".

Section 102 Compliance Certificates and Opinions.

Except as otherwise expressly provided by this Indenture, upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee (a) 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 (b) 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 is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv) a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

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 a certificate or opinion of, or representations by, counsel, unless such officer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable care should know, that the certificate or opinion or representations with respect to the matters upon which his certificate or opinion is based are erroneous. Any such certificate or 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.

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, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

Section 104 Acts of Holders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by 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; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the "Act" of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601 hereof) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section 104.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless otherwise established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution or set forth or determined in an Officers' Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, pursuant to Section 301 hereof, a Holder, including a 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 action provided in this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders, and a Depositary that is a Holder of a Global Security may provide its proxy or proxies to the beneficial owners of interests in any such Global Security through such Depositary's standing instructions and customary practices.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument, writing or proxy may be proved by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument, writing or proxy acknowledged to him the execution thereof. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than his individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of his authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument, writing or proxy, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The ownership of Securities shall be proved by the Security Register.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of 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, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Company in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Security.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The Company may set any day as the record date for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to make any request or demand, or give any authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, or take any other action, provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders of Securities of such series.

With regard to any record date set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the relevant series on such record date (or their duly appointed agents), and only such Persons, shall be entitled to take relevant action, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date. With regard to any action that may be taken hereunder only by Holders of a requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of any series (or their duly appointed agents) and for which a record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company may, at its option, set an expiration date after which no such action purported to be taken by any Holder shall be effective hereunder unless taken on or prior to such expiration date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date (or their duly appointed agents). On or prior to any expiration date set pursuant to this paragraph, the Company may, on one or more occasions at its option, extend such expiration date to any later date. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent any Holder (or any duly appointed agent thereof) from taking, at any time, any action contrary to or different from, any action previously taken, or purported to have been taken, hereunder by such Holder, in which event the Company may set a record date in respect thereof pursuant to this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing or the Trust Indenture Act, the Company shall not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to, any action to be taken by Holders pursuant to Section 501, 502 or 512 hereof.

Upon receipt by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee of written notice of any default described in Section 501 hereof, any declaration of acceleration, or any rescission and annulment of any such declaration, pursuant to Section 502 hereof or of any direction in accordance with Section 512 hereof, a record date shall automatically and without any other action by any Person be set for the purpose of determining the Holders of Outstanding Securities of the series entitled to join in such notice, declaration, or rescission and annulment, or direction, as the case may be, which record date shall be the close of business on the day the Trustee actually receives such notice, declaration, rescission and annulment or direction, as the case may be. The Holders of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date (or their duly appointed agent), and only such Persons, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, rescission and annulment, or direction, as the case may be, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that, unless such notice, declaration, rescission and annulment, or direction, as the case may be, shall have become effective by virtue of Holders of the requisite principal amount of Outstanding Securities of such series on such record date (or their duly appointed agents) having joined therein on or prior to the 90th day after such record date, such notice of default, declaration, or rescission and annulment or direction given or made by the Holders, as the case may be, shall automatically and without any action by any Person be canceled and of no further effect. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent a Holder (or a duly appointed agent thereof) from giving, before or after the expiration of such 90-day period, a notice of default, a declaration of acceleration, a rescission and annulment of a declaration of acceleration or a direction in accordance with Section 512 hereof, contrary to or different from, or, after the expiration of such period, identical to, a previously given notice, declaration, rescission and annulment, or direction, as the case may be, that has been canceled pursuant to the proviso to the preceding sentence, in which event a new record date in respect thereof shall be set pursuant to this paragraph.

Section 105 Notices, Etc., to Trustee and Company.

Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing (including if sent by email to the Trustee's email address) to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing (including if sent by email to the Company's email address), to the Company addressed to it 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.

The Trustee shall have the right to accept and act upon instructions, including funds transfer instructions ("Instructions") given pursuant to this Indenture and delivered using Electronic Means; provided, however, that the Company shall provide to the Trustee an incumbency certificate listing officers with the authority to provide such Instructions ("Authorized Officers") and containing specimen signatures of such Authorized Officers, which incumbency certificate shall be amended by the Company whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing. If the Company elects to give the Trustee Instructions using Electronic Means and the Trustee in its discretion elects to act upon such Instructions, the Trustee's understanding of such Instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Company understands and agrees that the Trustee cannot determine the identity of the actual sender of such Instructions and that the Trustee shall conclusively presume that directions that purport to have been sent by an Authorized Officer listed on the incumbency certificate provided to the Trustee have been sent by such Authorized Officer. The Company shall be responsible for ensuring that only Authorized Officers transmit such Instructions to the Trustee and that the Company and all Authorized Officers are solely responsible to safeguard the use and confidentiality of applicable user and authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys upon receipt by the Company. The Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee's reliance upon and compliance with such Instructions notwithstanding such directions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. The Company agrees: (i) to assume all risks arising out of the use of Electronic Means to submit Instructions to the Trustee, including without limitation the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized Instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties; (ii) that it is fully informed of the protections and risks associated with the various methods of transmitting Instructions to the Trustee and that there may be more secure methods of transmitting Instructions than the method(s) selected by Company; (iii) that the security procedures (if any) to be followed in connection with its transmission of Instructions provide to it a commercially reasonable degree of protection in light of its particular needs and circumstances; and (iv) to notify the Trustee promptly upon learning of any compromise or unauthorized use of the security procedures.

Section 106 Notice to Holders; Waiver.

Where this Indenture provides for notice to Holders of any event, such notice shall be sufficiently given (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder 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 is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders. 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 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.

In 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 at the direction of the Company in a manner reasonably calculated, to the extent practicable under the circumstances, to provide prompt notice and shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Security, where this Indenture or any Security provides for notice of any event or any other communication (including any notice of redemption or repurchase) to a Holder of a Global Security (whether by mail or otherwise), such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to the Depositary (or its designee) pursuant to the standing instructions from the Depositary or its designee, including by electronic mail in accordance with accepted practices at the Depositary.

Section 107 Conflict with Trust Indenture Act.

If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with any provision of the Trust Indenture Act or another provision which is required or deemed to be included in this Indenture by any of the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act, the provision or requirement of the Trust Indenture Act shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, such provision of the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or excluded, as the case may be.

Section 108 Effect of Headings, **Table of Contents**, Etc.

The Article and Section headings herein, the **Table of Contents** and the Reconciliation and tie between the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and this Indenture are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

Section 109 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 110 Separability Clause.

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities 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 111 Benefits of Indenture.

Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto and their successors hereunder and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

Section 112 Governing Law.

This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

Section 113 Legal Holidays.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 hereof for Securities of any series, in any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Stated Maturity or date of repayment at the option of a Holder of any Security shall not be a Business Day at any Place of Payment, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities) payment of interest, if any, or principal (and premium, if any) need not be made on such date at such Place of Payment, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, at the Stated Maturity or on the date of repayment, provided that no interest shall accrue for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Stated Maturity or date of repayment, as the case may be.

Section 114 No Recourse Against Others.

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, contained 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 trustee, incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or any successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or any successor corporation, 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 issuance of the Securities.

Section 115 Waiver of Jury Trial.

EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE HOLDERS 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 TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 116 Submission to Jurisdiction.

**The Company hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any New York State court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York or any federal court sitting in the Southern District in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York in respect of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture and the Securities, and irrevocably accepts for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts.**

ARTICLE 2

SECURITY FORMS

Section 201 Forms Generally.

The Securities of each series shall be in substantially the form set forth in this Article, or in such other form as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture, and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with the rules of any securities exchange or as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officer or officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by the officer's or officers' execution of the Securities. If the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by an authorized officer of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 303 hereof for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.

The Trustee's certificates of authentication shall be in substantially the form set forth in this Article.

The definitive Securities shall be printed, lithographed or engraved on steel engraved borders or may be produced in any other manner, all as determined by the officer or officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by the officer's or officers' execution of such Securities.

Section 202 Form of Face of Security.

[If the Security is to be a Global Security, insert - 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 of a Depositary. This Security is exchangeable for Securities registered in the name of a Person other than the Depositary or its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the Indenture, and no transfer of this Security (other than a transfer of this Security as a whole 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) may be registered except in limited circumstances.

Unless this Global Security is presented by an authorized representative of [The Depository Trust Company, a New York corporation ("DTC")], to the Company or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any definitive Security is issued in the name of [Cede & Co.] or in such other name as is requested by an authorized representative of DTC (and any payment is made to [Cede & Co.] or to such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative of DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL in as much as the registered owner hereof, [Cede & Co.], has an interest herein.]

EVERSOURCE ENERGY<br> [Title of the Security]

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| CUSIP No. _________________ | $______________ |

---

No. _________________

EVERSOURCE ENERGY, a voluntary association and Massachusetts business trust duly organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "Company", which term includes any successor corporation 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, [semi-annually] on [_______________ and _______________] in each year, commencing ___________, at the rate per annum provided in the title hereof, until the principal hereof is paid or made available for payment [If applicable, insert - , and, subject to the terms of the Indenture, at the rate per annum provided in the title hereof on any overdue principal and premium and (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable) on any overdue installment of interest]. 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 is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest which shall be (1) the Business Day [next preceding such Interest Payment Date] if the Security remains in book-entry only form or (2) the [15th] calendar day (whether or not a Business Day) next preceding such Interest Payment Date if the Security does not remain in book-entry only form. Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such date and may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security 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 of this Security shall bear interest at the rate of [yield to maturity]% per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), which shall accrue from the date of such default in payment to the date payment of such principal has been made or duly provided for. Interest on any overdue principal shall be payable on demand. Any such interest on any overdue principal that is not so paid on demand shall bear interest at the rate of [yield to maturity] per annum (to the extent that the payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable), which shall accrue from the date of such demand for payment to the date payment of such interest has been made or duly provided for, and such interest shall also be payable on demand.]

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest[, if any,] 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 the payment of public and private debts - or state other currency] [If this Security is not a Global Security, 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] [If this Security is a Global Security, insert applicable manner of payment].

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 or electronic signature, this Security shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, EVERSOURCE ENERGY has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| EVERSOURCE ENERGY | EVERSOURCE ENERGY |
| By: | |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |
| [If more than one officer is to sign | [If more than one officer is to sign |
| By: |  |
|  | Name: |
|  | Title: |

---

Section 203 Form of Reverse of Security.

EVERSOURCE ENERGY<br> [Title of the Security]

This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company (the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one or more series under an Indenture, dated as of _____________ __, ______, as amended and supplemented from time to time (the "Indenture"), between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., a national banking association, as Trustee (the "Trustee", which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), as to which Indenture and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders 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 [, limited in aggregate principal amount to $__________]. The provisions of this Security, together with the provisions of the Indenture, shall govern the rights, obligations, duties and immunities of the Holder, the Company and the Trustee with respect to this Security, provided that, if any provision of this Security conflicts with any provision of the Indenture, the provision of this Security shall be controlling to the fullest extent permitted under the Indenture.

[If applicable, insert - This Security is not subject to redemption prior to maturity.] [If applicable, insert - The Securities of this series are subject to redemption upon not less than [10] or more than [60] days' notice to the Holders of such Securities at their addresses in the Security Register for such series, [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 [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 [on or before _______,<u> </u>%, 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<u> </u>% 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 and unpaid 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 [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.]

[The sinking fund for this series provides for the redemption on ___________ in each year beginning with the year ____ and ending with the year ____ of [not less than] ____________ [("mandatory sinking fund") and, at the option of the Company, not more than ] aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series. [Securities of this series acquired or redeemed by the Company otherwise than through [mandatory] sinking fund payments may be credited against subsequent [mandatory] sinking fund payments otherwise required to be made in the order in which they become due.]]

[If notice has been given as provided in the Indenture and funds for the redemption of any Securities (or any portion thereof) called for redemption shall have been made available on the Redemption Date referred to in such notice, such Securities (or any portion thereof) will cease to bear interest on the date fixed for such redemption specified in such notice and the only right of the Holders of such Securities will be to receive payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date.]

[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 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 (the "Acceleration Amount") may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. In case of a declaration of acceleration on or before ________ , __ or on ____________ in any year, the Acceleration Amount per ___________ principal amount at Stated Maturity of the Securities shall be equal to the amount set forth in respect of such date below:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Date of Declaration | Acceleration Amount per<br> ______________ principal amount<br> at Stated Maturity |

---

and in case of a declaration of acceleration on any other date, the Acceleration Amount shall be equal to the Acceleration Amount as of the next preceding date set forth in the table above, plus accrued original issue discount (computed in accordance with the method used for calculating the amount of original issue discount that accrues for Federal income tax purposes) from such next preceding date to the date of declaration at the yield to maturity. For the purpose of this computation the yield to maturity is %. Upon payment (i) of the Acceleration Amount so declared due and payable and (ii) of interest on any overdue principal and overdue 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 interest, if any, on the Securities of this series shall terminate.]

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 all series to be affected (voting as a class). 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 compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and 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 herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon this Security.

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 premium, if any) and interest, if any, on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

[If this Security is a Global Security, insert - This Security shall be exchangeable for Securities registered in the names of Persons other than the Depositary with respect to such series or its nominee only as provided in this paragraph. This Security shall be so exchangeable if (x) the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such series or at any time ceases to be a clearing agency registered as such under the Exchange Act, (y) the Company executes and delivers to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate providing that this Security shall be so exchangeable or (z) there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of the series of which this Security is a part. Securities so issued in exchange for this Security shall be of the same series, having the same interest rate, if any, and maturity and having the same terms as this Security, in authorized denominations and in the aggregate having the same principal amount as this Security and registered in such names as the Depositary for such Global Security shall direct.]

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of [If this Security is a Global Security, insert - a Security of the series of which this Security is a part] [If this Security is not a Global Security, insert - 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 premium, if any) and interest, if any, 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 [If this Security is a Global Security insert - the series of which this Security is a part] [If this Security is not a Global Security, insert - this series] are issuable only in registered form without coupons in denominations of $______ 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 aggregate principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

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.

[For so long as this Security is issued in the form of a Global Security, neither the Company nor the Trustee will have any responsibility with respect to the policies and procedures of the Depositary or for any notices or other communications among the Depositary, its direct and indirect participants or the beneficial owners of this Security.]

[If at any time this Security is not represented by a Global Security, any notice to be given to the Holder of this Security shall be deemed to have been duly given to such Holder upon the sending of such notice to the Holder at such Holder's address as it appears on the Security Register maintained by the Company or its agent as of the close of business preceding the day such notice is given.]

Neither the failure to give any notice nor any defect in any notice given to the Holder of this Security or any other Security of this series will affect the sufficiency of any notice given to any other Holder of any Securities of this series.

The Indenture provides that the Company, at its option (a) will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the Securities (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of Securities, replace stolen, lost or mutilated Securities, maintain paying agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust) or (b) need not comply with certain restrictive covenants of the Indenture, in each case if the Company deposits, in trust, with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations which, through the payment of interest thereon and principal thereof in accordance with their terms, will provide money, in an amount sufficient to pay all the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities on the dates such payments are due in accordance with the terms of such Securities, and certain other conditions are satisfied.

No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or the interest on this Security, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof, or based on or in respect of the Indenture or any indenture supplemental thereto, against any trustee, incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or any successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or any successor corporation, whether by virtue of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability being, by the acceptance hereof and as part of the consideration for the issuance hereof, expressly waived and released.

The Declaration of Trust of the Company provides that no shareholder of the Company shall be held to any liability whatsoever for the payment of any sum of money, or for damages or otherwise under any contract, obligation or undertaking made, entered into or issued by the trustees of the Company or by any officer, agent or representative elected or appointed by the trustees and no such contract, obligation or undertaking shall be enforceable against the trustees or any of them in their or his individual capacities or capacity and all such contracts, obligations and undertakings shall be enforceable only against the trustees as such, and every person, firm, association, trust and corporation having any claim or demand arising out of any such contract, obligation or undertaking shall look only to the trust estate for the payment or satisfaction thereof.

This Security shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Indenture.

Section 204 Form of Trustee's Certificate of Authentication.

The Trustee's Certificate of Authentication shall be in the following form:

This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee | The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee |
| By: |  |
|  | Authorized Signatory |

---

ARTICLE 3

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. All Securities of each series under this Indenture shall in all respects be equally and ratably entitled to the benefits hereof with respect to such series without preference, priority or distinction on account of the actual time of the authentication and delivery or Stated Maturity of the Securities of such series. The Securities shall be subordinated in right of payment to Priority Indebtedness of the Company as provided in Article 14 and/or as specified pursuant to this Section 301.

The Securities may be issued in one or more series. Each series of Securities shall be created either by or pursuant to a Board Resolution or by or pursuant to an indenture supplemental hereto. The Securities of each such series may bear such date or dates, be payable at such place or places, have such Stated Maturity or Maturities, bear interest at such rate or rates (which may be fixed or floating), from such date or dates, payable in such installments and on such dates and at such place or places to the Holders of Securities registered as such on the related Regular Record Dates, or may bear no interest, and may be redeemable or repayable at such Redemption Price or Prices or Repayment Price or Prices, as the case may be, whether at the option of the Holder or otherwise, and upon such terms, all as shall be provided for in or pursuant to the Board Resolution or in or pursuant to the supplemental indenture creating that series. There may also be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution and, subject to Section 303, set forth, or determined in the manner provided, in an Officers' Certificate, or pursuant to a supplemental indenture, prior to the issuance of Securities of each such series, provision for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from all other Securities);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series which may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Sections 304, 305, 306, 906, or 1107 hereof and except for any Securities which, pursuant to Section 303 hereof, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the Person to whom any interest on a Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name the Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the regular Record Date for such interest;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) the date or dates on which the principal of the Securities of the series is payable or any formulary or other method or other means by which such date or dates shall be determined, by reference to an index or other fact or event ascertainable outside of this Indenture or otherwise (without regard to any provisions for redemption, prepayment, acceleration, purchase or extension);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) the rate or rates at which the Securities of the series shall bear interest, if any (including the rate or rates at which overdue principal shall bear interest, if different from the rate or rates at which such Securities shall bear interest prior to Maturity, and, if applicable, the rate or rates at which overdue premium or interest shall bear interest, if any), or any formulary or other method or other means by which such rate or rates shall be determined, by reference to an index or other fact or event ascertainable outside of this Indenture or otherwise, the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue or any formulary or other method or other means by which such date or dates shall be determined, by reference to an index or other fact or event ascertainable outside of this Indenture or otherwise (without regard to any provisions for redemption, prepayment, acceleration, purchase or extension), the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be payable and the Regular Record Date for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) the place or places, if any, in addition to or in place of the office or agency of the Company in the City of Springfield, Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the principal office or place of business of the Trustee or its successors in trust under the Indenture, which, at the date hereof, is located at 500 Ross Street, 12<sup>th</sup> Floor, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15262, Attention: Corporate Trust Administration, where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on Securities of the series shall be payable, where such Securities may be registered, exchanged or transferred and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of such series and this Indenture may be served;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) the period or periods within which, the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem, repay or purchase Securities of the series pursuant to any sinking fund or other mandatory redemption provisions or at the option of a Holder thereof, and the period or periods within which, the date or dates on which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series shall be redeemed, repaid or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which Securities of the series shall be issuable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series which shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502 hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) if other than such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public or private debts, the coin or currency, including composite currencies, in which payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of the series shall be payable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(12) if the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series are to be payable, at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in a coin or currency other than that in which the Securities are stated to be payable, the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, such election may be made;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(13) if the amount of payments of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Securities of the series may be determined with reference to an index based on a coin or currency other than that in which the Securities are stated to be payable, the manner in which such amounts shall be determined;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(14) any provisions permitted by this Indenture relating to Events of Default or covenants of the Company with respect to such series of Securities in addition to those specified in Articles 5 and 10 hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(15) if the Securities of such series are to be issued in global form, (i) any limitations on the rights of the Holder or Holders of such Securities to transfer or exchange the same or to obtain the registration of transfer thereof, (ii) any limitations on the rights of the Holder or Holders thereof to obtain certificates therefor in definitive form in lieu of temporary form and (iii) any and all other matters incidental to such Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(16) the obligations or instruments, if any, which shall be considered to be U.S. Government Obligations in respect of the Securities of such series denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars or in a composite currency, and any additional or alternative provisions for the reinstatement of the Company's indebtedness in respect of such Securities after the satisfaction and discharge thereof; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(17) any other terms of the series (which terms shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture), including, without limitation, any terms required for or appropriate to (i) establishing one or more series of medium-term notes to be issued in a Periodic Offering or (ii) providing for the remarketing of the Securities of such series.

The Securities of all series shall be subordinate to Priority Indebtedness of the Company as provided in Article 14. All Securities of any one series (other than Securities offered in a Periodic Offering) shall be substantially identical except as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution referred to above and set forth in the Officers' Certificate referred to above or in any such indenture supplemental hereto.

If any of the terms of the series, including the form of Security of such series, are established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or other authorized officer of the Company, and delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 303 hereof for the authentication and delivery of such series of Securities.

With respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering, such Board Resolution and Officers' Certificate or supplemental indenture may provide general terms or parameters for Securities of such series and provide either that the specific terms of particular Securities of such series shall be specified in a Company Order or that such terms shall be determined by the Company or its agents in accordance with other procedures specified in a Company Order as contemplated by the third paragraph of Section 303.

Section 302 Denominations.

The Securities of each series shall be issuable in registered form without coupons, except as otherwise expressly provided in a supplemental indenture hereto, in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 301 hereof. In the absence of any such provisions with respect to the Securities of any series, the Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof.

Section 303 Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating.

The Securities shall be executed on behalf of the Company by its Chief Executive Officer, President, Vice President, General Manager or Treasurer. The Securities of any series shall be executed by such additional officer, if any, as shall be specified pursuant to Section 301 hereof. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or electronic.

Securities bearing the manual or electronic signature of any individual who was at any time the proper officer of the Company shall bind the Company, notwithstanding that such individual has ceased to hold such office prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such office at the date of authentication of such Securities.

At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, or, in the case of Securities offered in a Periodic Offering, from time to time in accordance with such other procedures acceptable to the Trustee as may be specified from time to time by a Company Order for the specific terms of the Securities being so offered, together with (i) a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities, (ii) an Officers' Certificate stating that (x) the Company is not, and upon the authentication by the Trustee of the series of Securities, will not be in default under any of the terms or covenants contained in the Indenture, and (y) all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the issuance of the Securities have been complied with, and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities. If the form or terms of the Securities of the series have been established in or pursuant to one or more Board Resolutions as permitted by Sections 201 and 301 hereof, 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 Section 601 hereof) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) if the form of such Securities has been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 201 hereof, that such form has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) if the terms of such Securities have been established by or pursuant to Board Resolution as permitted by Section 301 hereof, that such terms have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) that such Securities, when 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 valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer or other similar laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally and except as the enforceability thereof is subject to the application of general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including, without limitation, (i) the possible unavailability of specific performance, injunctive relief or any other equitable remedy and (ii) concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing; provided, however, that, with respect to Securities of a series offered in a Periodic Offering, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive such Opinion of Counsel in connection only with the first authentication of Securities of such series, and in such case the opinions described in Clauses (b) and (c) above may state, respectively, that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) if the terms of such Securities are to be established pursuant to a Company Order or pursuant to such procedures as may be specified from time to time by a Company Order, all as contemplated by a Board Resolution or action taken pursuant thereto, such terms will have been duly authorized by the Company and established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) that such Securities, when completed by appropriate insertions and executed and delivered by the Company to the Trustee in accordance with this Indenture, authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in accordance with this Indenture, and issued and delivered by the Company and paid for, all in accordance with any agreement of the Company relating to the offering, issuance and sale of such Securities, will be duly issued under this Indenture and will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization and other similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting generally the enforcement of creditors' rights, to general equitable principles and to such other qualifications as such counsel shall conclude do not materially affect the rights of Holders of such Securities and any coupons.

If such form or terms have been so established, the Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issue of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee's own rights, duties, protections or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner which is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 hereof and of the preceding paragraph, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver the Board Resolution, the Officers' Certificate, or an indenture supplemental hereto otherwise required pursuant to Section 301 hereof or the Company Order, the Officers' Certificate and the Opinion of Counsel otherwise required pursuant to such preceding paragraph at or prior to the time of authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered at or prior to the time of authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued. If all of the Securities of a series are not authenticated and issued at one time, for each issuance of Securities after the initial issuance of Securities, the Company shall be required only to deliver to the Trustee the Security executed by the Company together with a Company Order to the Trustee to authenticate such Security and to deliver such Security in accordance with the instructions specified by such Company Order. Any such Company Order shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Company that the statements made in the Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee prior to the authentication and issuance of the first Security of such series are true and correct on the date thereof as if made on and as of the date thereof.

Each 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 herein executed by the Trustee by manual or electronic signature, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture. 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 hereof together with a written statement (which need not comply with Section 102 hereof and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) stating that such Security has never been issued and sold by the Company, 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 of any series, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, temporary Securities 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 and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officer or officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series and of like tenor of authorized denominations. 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, Registration of Transfer and Exchange.

The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes collectively referred to as the "Security Register") in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed "Security Registrar" for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.

Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Security of any series at the office or agency in a Place of Payment for that 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 Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor.

At the option of the Holder, any Security or Securities of any series, other than a Global Security, may be exchanged for other Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and tenor, upon surrender of the Securities to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Securities are so surrendered for exchange, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Securities which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

All Securities delivered upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by 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.

No service charge shall be made to the Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Sections 304, 906 or 1107 hereof not involving any transfer.

The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the transmission of a notice of redemption of Securities of that series selected for redemption under Section 1103 hereof and ending at the close of business on the day of such transmission, or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.

The provisions of this Section 305 are, with respect to any Global Security, subject to Section 311 hereof.

Section 306 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities.

If any mutilated Security is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

If there shall be delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security and (ii) such security and/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 protected purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu of any such destroyed, lost or stolen Security, a new Security of the same series and of like tenor and principal amount and bearing a number not contemporaneously outstanding.

In case any such 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 306, 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) connected therewith.

Every new Security of any series issued pursuant to this Section 306 in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall constitute an original additional contractual 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 that series duly issued hereunder.

The provisions of this Section 306 are 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; Interest Rights Preserved.

Interest on any Security which is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to 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.

Any interest on any Security of any series which is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called "Defaulted Interest") shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder 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:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are 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 of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Security of such series 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 prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons 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 sent to each Holder of Securities of such series at his address as it appears in the Security Register, 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 so sent, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and no longer be payable pursuant to the following Clause (2).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities 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 manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 307 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 Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Holder of a Security as the owner of such Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 305 and Section 307 hereof) interest, if any, on such Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary. All such payments so made to any such Holder, or upon such Holder's order, shall be valid, and, to the extent of the sums so paid, effectual to satisfy and discharge the liability for moneys payable upon any such Security.

No holder of any beneficial interest in any Global Security held on its behalf by a Depositary shall have any rights under this Indenture with respect to such Global Security, and such 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. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall impair, as between a Depositary and such holders of beneficial interests, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of the Depositary as holder of any Security.

Section 309 Cancellation.

All Securities surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and shall be promptly canceled by it. 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 promptly canceled by the Trustee. No Securities shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities canceled as provided in this Section 309, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All canceled Securities held by the Trustee shall be disposed of in accordance with the Trustee's then customary practice for disposing of securities, unless otherwise directed by a Company Order; provided, however, that the Trustee shall not be required to destroy any canceled Securities.

Section 310 Computation of Interest.

Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 hereof for Securities of any series, interest, if any, on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360- day year of twelve 30-day months and for any period shorter than a full month, on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed in such period.

Section 311 Global Securities.

If the Company establishes pursuant to Section 301 hereof that the Securities of a particular series are to be issued in the form of a Global Security, then the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with Section 303 hereof, authenticate and deliver, a Global Security or Securities which (i) shall represent, and shall be denominated in an aggregate amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of, all of the Outstanding Securities of such series, (ii) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, (iii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary's instruction and (iv) shall bear a legend substantially to the following effect:

"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 of a Depositary. This Security is exchangeable for Securities registered in the name of a person other than the Depositary or its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the Indenture, and no transfer of this Security (other than a transfer of this Security as a whole 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) may be registered except in limited circumstances. Unless this Global Security is presented by an authorized representative of the Depositary to the Company or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and any definitive Security is issued in the name of [Cede & Co.] or in such other name as is requested by an authorized representative of the Depositary (and any payment is made to [Cede & Co.] or to such other entity as is requested by an authorized representative of the Depositary), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL in as much as the registered owner hereof, [Cede & Co.], has an interest herein."

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 305 hereof, the Global Security of a series may be transferred, in whole but not in part and in the manner provided in Section 305 hereof, only to another nominee of the Depositary for such series, or to a successor Depositary for such series selected or approved by the Company or to a nominee of such successor Depositary.

If (i) at any time the Depositary for a series of Securities notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for such series or if at any time the Depositary for such series shall no longer be registered or in good standing under the Exchange Act, or other applicable statute or regulation and a successor Depositary for such series is not appointed by the Company within 90 days after the Company receives such notice or becomes aware of such condition, as the case may be or (ii) there shall have occurred and be continuing after any applicable grace periods an Event of Default with respect to the Securities for a series, then in each such case, this Section 311 shall no longer be applicable to the Securities of such series and the Company will execute, and subject to Section 305 hereof, the Trustee will authenticate and deliver Securities of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Securities of such series in exchange for such Global Securities. In addition, the Company may at any time determine that the Securities of any series shall no longer be represented by Global Securities and that the provisions of this Section 311 shall no longer apply to the Securities of such series. In such event the Company will execute and subject to Section 305 hereof, the Trustee, upon receipt of an Officers' Certificate evidencing such determination by the Company, will authenticate and deliver Securities of such series in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, and in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Global Securities of such series in exchange for such Global Securities. Upon the exchange of the Global Securities for such Securities in definitive registered form without coupons, in authorized denominations, the Global Securities shall be canceled by the Trustee. Such Securities in definitive registered form issued in exchange for the Global Securities pursuant to this Section 311, shall be registered in such names and in such authorized denominations as the Depositary, pursuant to the instructions from its direct or indirect participants or otherwise, shall instruct the Trustee. The Trustee shall deliver Securities to the Depositary for delivery to the persons in whose names such Securities are so registered.

The Trustee shall have no responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by the Depositary.

Section 312 Periodic Offering of Securities.

Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary for the Company to deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate, Board Resolution, supplemental indenture, Opinion of Counsel or Company Request otherwise required pursuant to Sections 202, 301 and 303 at or prior to the time of authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered to the Trustee or its agent at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued; provided that any subsequent request by the Company to the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series upon original issuance shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Company and its counsel that as of the date of such request, the statements made in the Officers' Certificate and opinions made in the Opinion of Counsel delivered pursuant to Section 102 and 303, respectively, shall be true and correct as if made on such date.

An Officers' Certificate, supplemental indenture or Board Resolution delivered by the Company to the Trustee in the circumstances set forth in the preceding paragraph may provide that Securities which are the subject thereof will be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee or its agent on original issue from time to time upon the written order of a person or persons designated in such Officers' Certificate, supplemental indenture or Board Resolution (any such telephonic instructions to be confirmed promptly in writing by such person or persons) and that such person or persons are authorized to determine, consistent with such Officers' Certificate, supplemental indenture or Board Resolution, such terms and conditions of said Securities as are specified in such Officers' Certificate, supplemental indenture or Board Resolution.

ARTICLE 4

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 401 Satisfaction and Discharge of Indenture.

This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect, and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, when

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) either (A) all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered (other than (x) Securities which have been destroyed, lost or stolen and which have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 hereof and (y) Securities 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 hereof) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or (B) all such Securities not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable and the Company has irrevocably deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited (in each case except as provided in Section 402(c) hereof and the last paragraph of Section 1003 hereof) with the Paying Agent or with the Trustee as trust funds in trust for the purpose an amount of money sufficient to pay and discharge, or has otherwise paid, the entire Indebtedness on such Securities for principal and interest, if any;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 have been complied with;

provided, however, that if the Trustee or any Paying Agent is required to return any money deposited with it as described in this Section 401 to the Company or its representative under any applicable Federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law, this Indenture shall retroactively be deemed not to have been satisfied and discharged and automatically shall be reinstated and shall remain in full force and effect without any further action, but the Company shall execute and deliver such instruments as the Trustee shall reasonably request to evidence and acknowledge the same.

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607 hereof, the obligations of the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614 hereof and, if money shall have been deposited with the Paying Agent or the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of clause (1) of this Section 401, the obligations of the Company and the Trustee under Sections 401, 402, 1002 and 1003 hereof shall survive.

Section 402 Application of Trust Money.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Subject to the provisions of the last paragraph of Section 1003 hereof, all money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Sections 401 or 403 hereof and all money received by the Trustee in respect of U.S. Government Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Sections 401 or 403 hereof, shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and this Indenture, to the payment, to the persons entitled thereto, of the principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, for whose payment such money has been deposited with or received by the Trustee or to make mandatory sinking fund payments or analogous payments as contemplated by Sections 401 or 403 hereof. Money and securities held in trust are not subject to Article 14.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Company shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Sections 401 or 403 hereof or the interest and principal received in respect of such obligations other than any payable by or on behalf of Holders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any U.S. Government Obligations or money held by it as provided in Sections 401 or 403 hereof which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are then in excess of the amount thereof which then would have been required to be deposited for the purpose for which such U.S. Government Obligations or money was deposited or received. This provision shall not authorize the sale by the Trustee of any U.S. Government Obligations held under this Indenture.

Section 403 Satisfaction, Discharge and Defeasance of Securities of any Series.

The Company shall be deemed to have paid and Discharged the entire Indebtedness on all the Outstanding Securities of any series on the 91st day after the date of the deposit referred to in subparagraph (1) hereof, and the provisions of this Indenture, as it relates to such Outstanding Securities of such series, shall no longer be in effect (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall at Company Request execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except as to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the rights of Holders of Securities of such series to receive, from the trust funds described in subparagraph (1) hereof, (i) payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Outstanding Securities of such series on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest or to and including the Redemption Date irrevocably designated by the Company pursuant to subparagraph (5) hereof and (ii) the benefit of any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the Securities of such series on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Securities of such series;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) the Company's obligations with respect to such Securities of such series under Sections 305, 306, 1002 and 1003 hereof and, if the Company shall have irrevocably designated a Redemption Date pursuant to subparagraph (5) hereof, Sections 1101, 1104 and 1106 hereof as they apply to such Redemption Date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) the Company's obligations with respect to the Trustee under Section 607 hereof; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) the rights, powers, trust and immunities of the Trustee hereunder and the duties of the Trustee under Section 402 hereof and, if the Company shall have irrevocably designated a Redemption Date pursuant to subparagraph (5) hereof, Article 11 and the duty of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series on registration of transfer or exchange; provided that, the following conditions shall have been satisfied ("Defeasance"):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the Company has deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited (except as provided in Section 402(c) hereof and the last paragraph of Section 1003 hereof) with the Trustee as trust funds in trust, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series, (i) money, in the currency or units of currency in which such Securities are payable, in an amount, or (ii) (except as provided in a supplemental indenture or Board Resolution with respect to such series) if Securities of such series are not subject to repurchase at the option of Holders, (A) U.S. Government Obligations (denominated in the same currency or units of currency in which such Securities are payable) which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide not later than one day before the due date of any payment referred to in clause (x) or (y) of this subparagraph (1) money in an amount or (B) a combination of money or U.S. Government Obligations as provided in clause (A) above, in each case sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which the Trustee shall be instructed to apply to pay and discharge, (x) the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Outstanding Securities of such series on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest or to and including the Redemption Date irrevocably designated by the Company pursuant to subparagraph (5) hereof and (y) any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the Securities of such series on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of the Securities of such series;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such provision would not cause any Outstanding Securities of such series then listed on any national securities exchange to be delisted as a result thereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time would become an Event of Default (including by reason of such deposit) with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit or during the period ending on the 91st day after such date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) the Company has delivered to the Trustee an unqualified opinion, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Trustee, of independent counsel of national standing selected by the Company and satisfactory to the Trustee to the effect that (i) Holders of the Securities will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance and discharge, which opinion shall be based on a change in law or a ruling by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service after the date hereof and (ii) the defeasance trust is not, or is registered as, an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) if the Company has deposited or caused to be deposited money or U.S. Government Obligations to pay or discharge the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Outstanding Securities of a series to and including a Redemption Date on which all of the Outstanding Securities of such series are to be redeemed, such Redemption Date shall be irrevocably designated by a Board Resolution delivered to the Trustee on or prior to the date of deposit of such money or U.S. Government Obligations, and such Board Resolution shall be accompanied by an irrevocable Company Request that the Trustee give notice of such redemption in the name and at the expense of the Company not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to such Redemption Date in accordance with Section 1104 hereof; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) 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 Defeasance of the Securities have been complied with.

Section 404 Defeasance of Certain Covenants.

The Company may omit to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Section 801, Sections 1004 to 1006, inclusive, hereof with respect to the Securities of any series, provided that the following conditions shall have been satisfied ("Covenant Defeasance"):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the Company has deposited or caused to be irrevocably deposited (except as provided in Section 402(c) and the last paragraph of Section 1003 hereof) with the Trustee hereof (specifying that each deposit is pursuant to this Section 404) as trust funds in trust, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series, (i) money in the currency or units of currency in which such Securities are payable in an amount, or (ii) (except as provided in a supplemental indenture with respect to such series) if Securities of such series are not subject to repurchase at the option of the Holders of the Securities of such series, (A) U.S. Government Obligations (denominated in the same currency or units of currency in which such Securities are payable) which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide not later than one day before the due date of any payment referred to in clause (x) or (y) of this subparagraph (1) money in an amount, or (B) a combination of money and U.S. Government Obligations as provided in clause (A) above, in each case sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge, and which the Trustee shall be instructed to apply to pay and discharge, (x) the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Outstanding Securities of such series on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest or to and including the Redemption Date irrevocably designated by the Company pursuant to subparagraph (4) of this Section 404 and (y) any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the Securities of such series on the day on which payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and of the Securities of such series;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) no Event of Default or event which with notice or lapse of time would become an Event of Default (including by reason of such deposit) with respect to the Securities of such series shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect (i) that Holders of the Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain, loss, or expense for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance of certain obligations and will take into account all items of income, gain, loss or expense with respect to the Securities at the same time and in the same manner as if such deposit and defeasance had not taken place; (ii) that such provision would not cause any outstanding Securities of such series then listed on any national securities exchange to be delisted as a result thereof; and (iii) that the defeasance trust is not, or is registered as, an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) if the Company has deposited or caused to be deposited money or U.S. Government Obligations to pay or discharge the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Outstanding Securities of a series to and including a Redemption Date on which all of the Outstanding Securities of such series are to be redeemed, such Redemption Date shall be irrevocably designated by a Board Resolution delivered to the Trustee on or prior to the date of deposit of such money or U.S. Government Obligations, and such Board Resolution shall be accompanied by an irrevocable Company Request that the Trustee give notice of such redemption in the name and at the expense of the Company not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to such Redemption Date in accordance with Section 1104 hereof; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) 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 Covenant Defeasance with respect to the Securities of such series have been complied with.

ARTICLE 5

EVENTS OF DEFAULT; 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 either inapplicable to a particular series (to the extent expressly provided in the form of Security for such series) or it is specifically deleted or modified in the supplemental indenture creating such series of Securities or in the form of Security for such series:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) failure to pay interest upon any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such failure for a period of 30 days; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) failure to pay the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security of that series at its Maturity; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) failure to pay any sinking fund installment, when and as due by the terms of a Security of that series, and continuance of such failure for a period of three days; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty or obligation of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section 501 specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of any series of Securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 90 days after there has been sent to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that 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; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition by one or more Persons other than the Company seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable Federal or State law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking relief under any applicable Federal or State law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) any other Event of Default provided in the supplemental indenture or provided in or pursuant to the Board Resolution under which such series of Securities is issued or in the form of Security for such series.

Section 502 Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment.

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding described in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (g) of Section 501 hereof occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 33% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series may declare the principal amount (or, if any of the Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified in the terms thereof) of all of the Securities of that series to be due and payable immediately, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by Holders), and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable upon the date which is 10 days after the date of such notice.

If an Event of Default described in paragraph (e) or (f) of Section 501 hereof occurs and is continuing, then and in every such case, the principal amount (or, if any Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms thereof) of all the Securities shall, without any notice to the Company or any other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holder of the Securities, become and be immediately due and payable.

At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of any series has been made 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 a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series, by written notice to the Company and the Trustee, may rescind and annul such declaration and its consequences if

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the Company has paid or deposited with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A) all overdue interest, if any, on all Securities of that series,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B) the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of that series which have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(C) to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon any overdue interest at the rate or rates prescribed herefor in such Securities, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(D) all sums paid or advanced by the Trustee hereunder and the reasonable compensation, expenses, and counsel; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the non-payment of the principal of and accrued interest on Securities of that series which have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513 hereof.

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent default or impair any right consequent thereon.

For all purposes under this Indenture, if a portion of the principal of any Original Issue Discount Securities shall have been accelerated and declared due and payable pursuant to the provisions hereof, then, from and after such declaration, unless such declaration has been rescinded and annulled, the principal amount of such Original Issue Discount Securities shall be deemed, for all purposes hereunder, to be such portion of the principal thereof as shall be due and payable as a result of such acceleration, and payment of such portion of the principal thereof as shall be due and payable as a result of such acceleration, together with interest, if any, thereon and all other amounts owing thereunder, shall constitute payment in full of such Original Issue Discount Securities.

Section 503 Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee.

The Company covenants that if (a) default is made in the payment of any interest on any Security when such interest becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days, or (b) default is made in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security at the Maturity thereof, then the Company will, upon written demand of the Trustee, pay to it, for the benefit of the Holders of such Securities, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal (and premium, if any) and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount 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.

If the Company fails to pay such amounts forthwith upon such demand, the Trustee, in its own name and as trustee of an express trust, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection of the sums so due and unpaid, 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 moneys 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.

If any 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.

The Trustee shall not be required to take notice or be deemed to have notice of any default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall be specifically notified in writing at the Corporate Trust Office of such default by the Company, or by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of Outstanding Securities, and such notice references the Securities or this Indenture.

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 of 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 overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal (and premium, if any) and interest 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 and counsel) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) to collect and receive any moneys 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 to make such payments to the Trustee and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 607 hereof.

Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder 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 in any such proceeding.

Section 505 Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities.

All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or 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 of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities 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, subject to Article 14, other than with respect to amounts owed to the Trustee under Section 607, be applied in the following order with respect to the Securities of any series, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal (or premium, if any) or interest, upon presentation of the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money shall have been collected 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, including its agents and counsel, under Section 607 hereof;

SECOND: In case the principal and premium, if any, of the Securities of such series in respect of which moneys have been collected shall not have become and be then due and payable, to the payment of interest, if any, on the Securities of such series in default in the order of the maturity of the installments of such interest, with interest (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee and to the extent permitted by law) upon the overdue installments of interest at the rate prescribed therefor in such Securities, such payments to be made ratably to the Persons entitled thereto, without discrimination or preference;

THIRD: In case the principal or premium, if any, of the Securities of such series in respect of which moneys have been collected shall have become and shall be then due and payable, to the payment of the whole amount then owing and unpaid upon all the Securities of such series for principal and premium, if any, and interest, if any, with interest upon the overdue principal and premium, if any, and (to the extent that such interest has been collected by the Trustee and to the extent permitted by law) upon overdue installments of interest at the rate prescribed therefor in the Securities of such series; and in case such moneys shall be insufficient to pay in full the whole amount so due and unpaid upon the Securities of such series, then to the payment of such principal and any premium and interest, without preference or priority of principal over interest, or of interest over principal or premium, or of any installment of interest over any other installment of interest, or of any Security of such series over any other Security of such series, ratably to the aggregate of such principal and any premium and accrued and unpaid interest; and

FOURTH: To the payment of the remainder, if any, to the Company or any other Person lawfully entitled thereto or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.

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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) such Holder has previously given written notice to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the Holders of not less than 33% in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that 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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 that series;

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatsoever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such 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 (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 508 Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest.

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 (and premium, if any) and (subject to Section 307 hereof) interest, if any, on such Security on the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption or repayment at the option of the Holder, on the Redemption Date or the Repayment Date, respectively) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

Section 509 Restoration of Rights and Remedies.

If the Trustee or any Holder 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, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders 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 hereof, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, 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 prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

Section 511 Delay or Omission Not Waiver.

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities 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 the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

Section 512 Control by Holders.

If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing in respect of a series of Securities, the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such 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, however, that if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to more than one series of Securities, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all such series, considered as one class, shall have the right to make such direction, and not the Holders of the Securities of any one of such series; and provided that

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the Trustee shall not determine that the action so directed would subject the Trustee to personal liability or expense for which reasonable indemnity has not been provided.

Section 513 Waiver of Past Defaults.

The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences, except a default

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of such series, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) in respect of a covenant or provision hereof which under Article 9 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.

Section 514 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 an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, 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 514 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 the 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 any Security on or after the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption or repayment at the option of the Holder, on or after the Redemption Date or the Repayment Dates, respectively).

ARTICLE 6

THE TRUSTEE

Section 601 Certain Duties and Responsibilities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Except during the continuance of a default with respect to the Securities of any series,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the Trustee undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In case a default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his or her own affairs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) this Subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of Subsection (a) of this Section 601;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it shall be proved that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, determined as provided in Section 512 hereof, relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) 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 601. The permissive right of the Trustee to do things enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty and it shall not be answerable for other than its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct.

Section 602 Notice of Defaults.

Within 90 days after the Trustee's receipt of written notice of any default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit to all Holders of Securities of such series, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register, notice of such default hereunder, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders of Securities of such series; and provided, further, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 501(d) hereof 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 602, 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 603 Certain Rights of Trustee.

Subject to the provisions of Section 601 hereof:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting in good faith or refraining from acting in good faith upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of Indebtedness or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order or as otherwise expressly provided herein and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee deems it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, conclusively rely upon an Officers' Certificate;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) the Trustee may consult with counsel and the written 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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise, at the request or direction of any Holder, any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture pursuant to this Indenture, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable security and/or indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities which might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) 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, note, other evidence of Indebtedness 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 upon reasonable request to examine 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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) 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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) 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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) 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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(j) 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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(k) the Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any default or Event of Default unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a default is received by a Responsible Officer of the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Securities and this Indenture; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(l) the Trustee may reasonably 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 604 Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities.

The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee's certificates 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 Securities or the proceeds thereof. The Trustee shall not be responsible for doing or performing any thing or act which the Company shall have covenanted to do or perform, or for any compliance with any covenant by the Company, nor, except as may be otherwise required by the Trust Indenture Act, shall the Trustee be bound to ascertain or inquire as to the performance of any covenant, condition or agreement by the Company, but it may require full information and advice in regard to any of the foregoing.

Section 605 May Hold Securities.

The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other agent of the Company, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 608 and 613 hereof, 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 agent.

Section 606 Money Held in Trust.

Money held by the Trustee in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. The Trustee shall be under no liability for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as otherwise agreed with the Company.

Section 607 Compensation and Reimbursement.

The Company agrees

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) to pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation as is agreed upon in writing, or, if no such agreement exists, reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel, which compensation, expenses and disbursements shall be set forth in sufficient detail), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence or willful misconduct; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) to indemnify the Trustee for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense, including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by, or determined by the income of the Trustee) and the fees, costs and expenses of counsel, incurred without negligence or willful misconduct on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder or the performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.

As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section 607, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Securities 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, if any) or interest on Securities.

"Trustee" for purposes of this Section shall include any predecessor Trustee; provided, however, that the negligence or willful misconduct of any Trustee hereunder shall not affect the rights of any other Trustee hereunder.

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services in connection with an Event of Default specified in Section 501(e) or Section 501(f), the expenses (including the reasonable charges and expenses of its counsel) and the compensation for the services are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any applicable Federal or State bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law. The provisions of this Section 607 shall survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee, the discharge of the Company obligations hereunder and/or the termination for any reason of this Indenture.

Section 608 Conflicting Interests.

The Trustee for the Securities of any series issued hereunder shall be subject to the provisions of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act during the period of time provided for therein. In determining whether the Trustee has a conflicting interest as defined in Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to the Securities of any series, there shall be excluded for purposes of the conflicting interest provisions of such Section 310(b) the Securities of every other series issued under this Indenture. Nothing herein shall prevent the Trustee from filing with the Commission the application referred to in the second to last paragraph of Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 609 Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility.

There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder which shall be eligible to act as trustee under the Trust Indenture Act and which shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If the Trustee does not have an office in The City of New York, the Trustee may appoint an agent in The City of New York reasonably acceptable to the Company to conduct any activities which the Trustee may be required under this Indenture to conduct in The City of New York. If the Trustee does not have an office in The City of New York or has not appointed an agent in The City of New York, the Trustee shall be a participant in The Depository Trust Company and FAST distribution systems or their successors. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of a Federal, State, or District of Columbia supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section 609, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation 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 the Trustee shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section 609, the Trustee shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.

Section 610 Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor Trustee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) 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 in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611 hereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving 30 days prior written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 hereof shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition at the expense of the Company any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) 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 to the Company 30 days prior to its effectiveness. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 hereof shall not have been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of removal, the Trustee may petition at the expense of the Company any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) If at any time:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the Trustee shall fail to comply with Section 310(b) of the Trust Indenture Act pursuant to Section 608 hereof with respect to any series of Securities after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the Trustee shall cease to be eligible under Section 609 hereof and shall fail to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) 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 a Board Resolution may remove the Trustee with respect to all Securities, or (ii) subject to Section 514 hereof, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months 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 and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) 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 a Board 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 611 hereof. 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 611 hereof, 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 and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 611 hereof, any Holder 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) 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 sending written notice of such event to all Holders of Securities 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 611 Acceptance of Appointment by Successor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to all Securities, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to 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 of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder, subject nevertheless to its liens provided for in Section 607.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each 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, (2) 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 (3) 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 cotrustees of the same trust and 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 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 and each 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 any successor trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all 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 nevertheless to its liens provided for in Section 607.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Upon request of any such 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 (a) or (b) of this Section 611, as the case may be.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.

Section 612 Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business.

Any Person into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such Person shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, 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 613 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 collation of claims against the Company (or any such other obligor).

Section 614 Authenticating Agents.

From time to time the Trustee, in its sole discretion, may appoint one or more Authenticating Agents with respect to one or more series of Securities with power to act on the Trustee's behalf and subject to its direction in the authentication and delivery of Securities of such series or in connection with transfers and exchanges under Sections 304, 305, 306, and 1107 hereof as fully to all intents and purposes as though the Authenticating Agent had been expressly authorized by those Sections of this Indenture to authenticate and deliver Securities of such series. For all purposes of this Indenture, the authentication and delivery of Securities by an Authenticating Agent pursuant to this Section 614 shall be deemed to be authentication and delivery of such Securities "by the Trustee". Each such Authenticating Agent must (a) be reasonably acceptable to the Company and (b) at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by Federal, State or District of Columbia authority. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually pursuant to law or the requirements of such authority, then for the purposes of this Section 614 the combined capital and surplus of such corporation 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 614, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section 614.

Any corporation into which any Authenticating Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation or to which any Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate trust business of any Authenticating Agent, shall be the successor of the Authenticating Agent hereunder, if such successor corporation is otherwise eligible under this Section 614, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the parties hereto or the Authenticating Agent or such successor corporation.

An Authenticating Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice of resignation to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of any Authenticating Agent by giving written notice of termination to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time any Authenticating Agent shall cease to be eligible under this Section 614, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent which shall be acceptable to the Company and shall send notice of such appointment to all Holders of Securities of the series with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve, as the names and addresses of such Holders appear on 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 614.

The Company agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section 614.

If an appointment with respect to one or more series of Securities is made pursuant to this Section 614, the Securities of such series may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee's certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication in the following form:

This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated:

---

| |
|:---|
| The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. |
| as Trustee |
| By: |
| As Authenticating Agent |
| By: |
| As Authenticating Signatory |

---

ARTICLE 7

HOLDERS' LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

Section 701 Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders.

The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee with respect to the Securities of each series

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) [semi-annually] not later than 15 days after each Regular Record Date, or, in the case of any series of Securities on which [semi-annual] interest is not payable, not more than 15 days after such [semi-annual] dates as may be specified by the Trustee, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, of the names and addresses of the Holders as of such Regular Record Date or [semi-annual] date, as the case may be, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) 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 if and so long as the Trustee is Security Registrar for any series of Securities, no such list shall be required to be furnished with respect to any such series.

Section 702 Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) 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 hereof 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 hereof upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) 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.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Every Holder of Securities, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act.

Section 703 Reports by Trustee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) If required by Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act, within 60 days after the first May 15 which occurs not less than 60 days following the first date of issuance of Securities of any series under this Indenture and within 60 days after May 15 in every year thereafter, the Trustee shall transmit to all Holders, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register, a brief report dated as of such May 15 which complies with the provisions of such Section 313(a) of the Trust Indenture Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each national securities exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will promptly notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on any national securities exchange or of any delisting thereof.

Section 704 Reports by Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company shall:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company is required to file the same with the Commission, documents and other copies of the annual reports and of the information, 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;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) transmit to all Holders, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register, within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Section 704 as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) 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 actual or constructive notice or knowledge 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).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) All reports, information and documents 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 8

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE, SALE 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, sell or otherwise transfer its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any Person, unless:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person which acquires by conveyance, sale or transfer the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia, 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 premium, if any) and interest, if any, on all the Securities and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) 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 occurred and be continuing; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, or other transfer and such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transactions have been complied with.

Section 802 Successor Corporation to be Substituted.

Upon any consolidation by the Company with or merger by the Company into any other corporation or any conveyance, sale or transfer of the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety in accordance with Section 801 hereof, the successor corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, sale 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 had been named as the Company herein, and thereafter the predecessor corporation shall be relieved of all obligations and covenants under this Indenture and the Securities.

ARTICLE 9

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

Section 901 Supplemental Indentures without Consent of Holders.

Without the consent of any Holders, the Company 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:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) to add to the covenants of the Company, or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company, for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants, or the surrender of such rights or powers, are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series) or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) to add any additional Events of Default;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons, or to facilitate the issuance of Securities in uncertificated form, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of extendible or remarketed Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) to secure all but not part of the Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) to establish the form or terms of Securities of any series as permitted by Sections 201 and 301 hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8) 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 611(b) hereof;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(9) to provide for any rights of the Holders of Securities of any series to require the repurchase of Securities of such series by the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(10) to cure any ambiguity or defect, to correct or supplement any provision herein which may be inconsistent with any other provision herein, or to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture or the Securities or make any other changes herein or therein, provided such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of any series in any material respect;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(11) to modify, alter, amend or supplement this Indenture in any other respect which is not materially adverse to Holders (as certified to the Trustee pursuant to an Officers' Certificate), which does not involve a change described in clauses (1), (2) or (3) of Section 902 hereof; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(12) to change any place or places where (1) the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on all or any series of Securities shall be payable, (2) all or any series of Securities may be surrendered for registration of transfer, (3) all or any series of Securities may be surrendered for exchange and (4) notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of all or any series of Securities and this Indenture may be served.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Trust Indenture Act as in effect at the date of the execution and delivery of this Indenture or at any time thereafter shall be amended and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(x) if any such amendment shall require one or more changes to any provisions hereof or the inclusion herein of any additional provisions, or shall by operation of law be deemed to effect such changes or incorporate such provisions by reference or otherwise, this Indenture shall be deemed to have been amended so as to conform to such amendment to the Trust Indenture Act, and the Company and the Trustee may, without the consent of any Holders, enter into an indenture supplemental hereto to effect or evidence such changes or additional provisions; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(y) if any such amendment shall permit one or more changes to, or the elimination of, any provisions hereof which, at the date of the execution and delivery hereof or at any time thereafter, are required by the Trust Indenture Act to be contained herein, this Indenture shall be deemed to have been amended to effect such changes or elimination, and the Company and the Trustee may, without the consent of any Holders, enter into an indenture supplemental hereto to evidence such amendment hereof, provided such amendment does not have a material adverse effect on any Holders.

Section 902 Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders.

With the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all series affected by such supplemental indenture (voting as one class), by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by or pursuant to a Board 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 modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest, if any, on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount thereof or the rate of interest thereon or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, 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 hereof, or change any Place of Payment where, or the coin or currency in which, any Security or any premium or the interest thereon 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 or repayment at the option of the Holder, on or after the Redemption Date or Repayment Date, respectively),

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences, or the declaration of certain defaults hereunder, provided for in this Indenture,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) modify any of the provisions of this Section 902 or Section 513 hereof, 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 902, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 611(b) and 901(8) hereof, or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) modify the provisions of this Indenture with respect to the subordination of any Security in a manner adverse to the Holder thereof.

A supplemental indenture under this Section 902 may not make any change that adversely affects the rights under Article 14 of any holder of any issue of Priority Indebtedness of the Company unless the holders of such issue pursuant to the terms of such issue consent to the change.

A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture which has expressly been included 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 under this Section 902 that the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture be approved by an Act, provided that the substance of such proposed supplemental indenture shall have been approved.

Section 903 Execution of Supplemental Indentures.

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 Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby.

Section 905 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.

Section 906 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 so determines, 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.

ARTICLE 10

COVENANTS

Section 1001 Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest.

The Company covenants and agrees for the benefit of each series of Securities that it will duly and punctually pay the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of that series in accordance with the terms of the Securities of such series and this Indenture.

Section 1002 Maintenance of Office or Agency.

The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities an office or agency where Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for payment, where Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series 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, in such event, the Trustee shall act as the Company's 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 will 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.

Section 1003 Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust.

If the Company at any time acts as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any of the Securities of that series, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, so becoming due until such sums shall be paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

Whenever the Company has one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it will, no later than 11:00 a.m., New York Time, on or prior to each due date of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Securities of that series, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum in immediately available funds sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or interest, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its failure so to act.

The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities other than the Trustee to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section 1003, that such Paying Agent will:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) hold all sums held by it for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on Securities of that 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 herein provided;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) give the Trustee notice of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment of principal and premium, if any, or interest, if any, on the Securities of that series; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(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 trusts 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 money.

The Company initially authorizes the Trustee to act as Paying Agent for the Securities on its behalf. The Company may at any time and from time to time authorize one or more Persons to act as Paying Agent in addition to or in place of the Trustee with respect to any series of Securities issued under this Indenture.

Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal (and premium, if any) or interest has 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; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such payment to the Company, may at the expense of the Company cause to be sent, on one occasion only, notice to such Holder that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which shall not be less than 30 days from the date of such transmission, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be paid to the Company.

Section 1004 Corporate Existence.

Subject to Article 8, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and will use its best efforts to do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if the Board of Directors shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company.

Section 1005 Maintenance of Properties.

The Company will cause all tangible properties used or useful in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in the judgment of the Company may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 1005 shall prevent the Company from discontinuing the operation or maintenance of any of such properties if such discontinuance is, in the judgment of the Company, desirable in the conduct of its business or the business of any Subsidiary.

Section 1006 Maintenance of Insurance.

The Company will maintain, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, with insurers the Company reasonably believes to be financially sound and reputable, insurance deemed adequate by the Company with respect to its properties and business and the properties and business of its Subsidiaries against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by corporations in the same or similar business. Such insurance may be subject to co-insurance, deductibility or similar clauses which, in effect, result in self-insurance of certain losses, provided that such self-insurance is in accord with the practices of corporations in the same or similar business and adequate insurance reserves are maintained in connection with such self-insurance.

Section 1007 Annual Statement by Officers as to Compliance.

The Company will deliver to the Trustee on or before May 15 in each year, an officers' certificate of any of the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer of the Company stating as to such officers' knowledge of the Company's compliance with all conditions and covenants under this Indenture, such compliance to be determined without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice under this Indenture.

Section 1008 Statements by Officers as to Default.

The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, as soon as possible and in any event within 30 days after the Company becomes aware of the occurrence of an Event of Default or an event which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default, an Officers' Certificate setting forth the details of such Event of Default or default and the action which the Company proposes to take with respect thereto.

Section 1009 Waiver of Certain Covenants.

The Company may omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in Section 801 or in Sections 1004 to 1006, inclusive, hereof, with respect to the Securities of any series if before the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series shall, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition, but no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver shall become effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 1010 Further Assurances.

The Company shall, at its own cost and expense, execute and deliver to the Trustee all such other documents, instruments and agreements and do all such other acts and things as may be reasonably required, in the opinion of the Trustee, to enable the Trustee to exercise and enforce its rights under this Indenture and under the documents, instruments and agreements required under this Indenture and to carry out the intent of this Indenture.

Section 1011 Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

In order to comply with applicable tax laws, rules and regulations (inclusive of directives, guidelines and interpretations promulgated by competent authorities) in effect from time to time ("Applicable Law"), the Company agrees (i) to provide to The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. upon reasonable request information the Company has in its reasonable possession about the applicable parties and/or transactions (including any modification to the terms of such transactions) so The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. can determine whether it has tax related obligations under Applicable Law, and (ii) that The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. shall be entitled to make any withholding or deduction from payments under this Indenture to the extent necessary to comply with Applicable Law. The terms of this section shall survive the termination of this Indenture.

Section 1012 Office of Foreign Assets Control Sanctions Representations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Company represents that neither it nor any of its Affiliates, Subsidiaries, directors or officers are the target or subject of any sanctions enforced by the US Government (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the US Department of the Treasury or the US Department of State), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty's Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively "Sanctions").

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Company covenants that neither it nor any of its Affiliates, Subsidiaries, directors or officers will directly or indirectly use any payments made pursuant to this Indenture, (i) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with any person who, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject or target of Sanctions, (ii) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with any country or territory that is the target or subject of Sanctions, or (iii) in any other manner that will result in a violation of Sanctions by any person.

ARTICLE 11

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

Section 1101 Applicability of Article.

Securities of any series which are redeemable before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 hereof for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article 11.

Section 1102 Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee.

The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be authorized by a Board Resolution and evidenced by an Officers' Certificate. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all the Securities of any series, the Company shall, at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice shall be satisfactory to the Trustee), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Securities prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, or pursuant to an election by 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 of Securities to Be Redeemed.

If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected not more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series not previously called for redemption, (i) in the case of definitive Securities, by lot such that the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series, and (ii) in the case of Global Securities, pursuant to the applicable procedures of the Depositary.

Securities shall be excluded from eligibility for selection for redemption if they are identified by registration and certificate number in a written statement signed by an authorized officer of the Company and delivered to the Security Registrar at least 60 days prior to the Redemption Date as being owned of record and beneficially by, and not pledged or hypothecated by either (a) the Company or (b) an entity specifically identified in such written statement which is an Affiliate of the Company.

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.

Section 1104 Notice of Redemption.

Notice of redemption shall be sent not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at such appropriate address appearing in the Security Register.

All notices of redemption shall state:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the Redemption Date,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the Redemption Price (if known),

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if any, will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5) the place or places where such Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if any,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6) that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7) the CUSIP or ISIN numbers, if any, assigned to such Securities (if then generally in use); provided, however, that such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of the CUSIP or ISIN numbers either as printed on the Securities or as contained in any notice of redemption, in which case none of the Company, the Trustee or any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall have any liability in respect of the use of any CUSIP or ISIN number or numbers on such notices, and the redemption of such Securities shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.

Notice of redemption may, at the Company's discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of an equity offering and/or satisfaction of a financing or change of control. In addition, if such notice of redemption is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice will state that, at the Company's discretion, the Redemption Date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions will be satisfied, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions will not have been satisfied by the Redemption Date, or by the Redemption Date so delayed.

Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company shall be given by the Company or, at the Company's request, by the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Company.

Section 1105 Deposit of Redemption Price.

On or prior to 11:00 A.M., New York City time, on any Redemption Date, the Company shall 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 hereof) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and (except if the Redemption Date shall be an Interest Payment Date) accrued interest on, all the Securities which are to be redeemed on that date (to the extent that such amounts are not already on deposit at such time in accordance with the provisions of Sections 401 or 403 hereof).

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, and from and after such date (unless the Company shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued and unpaid 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 accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date; provided, however, that installments of interest 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 relevant Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307 hereof.

If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal (and premium, if any) shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security.

Section 1107 Securities Redeemed in Part.

Any Security (including any Global Security) which is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (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 Security or Securities of the same series, 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; provided, that if a Global Security is so surrendered, the new Global Security shall be in a denomination equal to the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Global Security so surrendered.

ARTICLE 12

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 specified as contemplated by Section 301 hereof for Securities of such series.

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 any 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 hereof. 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.

Section 1202 Satisfaction of Sinking Fund Payments with Securities.

In lieu of making all or any part of any mandatory sinking fund payment with respect to any series of Securities in cash, the Company may at its option (a) deliver to the Trustee Securities of such series theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired (except upon redemption pursuant to the mandatory sinking fund) by the Company or receive credit for Securities of such series (not previously so credited) theretofore purchased or otherwise acquired (except as aforesaid) by the Company and delivered to the Trustee for cancellation pursuant to Section 309 hereof, (b) receive credit for optional sinking fund payments (not previously so credited) made pursuant to this Section 1202, or (c) receive credit for Securities of such series (not previously so credited) redeemed by the Company through any optional redemption provision contained in the terms of such series. Securities so delivered or credited shall be received or credited by the Trustee at the sinking fund Redemption Price specified in such Securities.

Section 1203 Redemption of Securities for Sinking Fund.

Not less than 60 days prior to each sinking fund payment date for any series of Securities, the Company will deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate specifying (a) the amount of the next ensuing sinking fund payment for that series pursuant to the terms of that series, (b) whether or not the Company intends to exercise its right, if any, to make an optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series on the next ensuing sinking fund payment date and, if so, the amount of such optional sinking fund payment, and (c) 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 Securities of that series pursuant to Section 1202 hereof, and will also deliver to the Trustee any Securities to be so delivered. Such written statement shall be irrevocable and upon its receipt by the Trustee the Company shall become unconditionally obligated to make all the cash payments or payments therein referred to, if any, on or before the next succeeding sinking fund payment date. Failure of the Company, on or before any such 60th day, to deliver such written statement and Securities specified in this paragraph, if any, shall not constitute a default but shall constitute, on and as of such date, the irrevocable election of the Company (i) that the mandatory sinking fund payment for such series due on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date shall be paid entirely in cash without the option to deliver or credit Securities of such series in respect therefor and (ii) that the Company will make no optional sinking fund payment with respect to such series as provided in this Section 1203.

Not less than 30 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 hereof 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 hereof. Such notice having been duly given, the redemption of such Securities shall be made upon the terms and in the manner stated in Sections 1105, 1106 and 1107 hereof.

The Trustee shall not redeem or cause to be redeemed any Security of a series with sinking fund moneys or send any notice of redemption of Securities of such series by operation of the sinking fund during the continuance of a default in payment of interest with respect to Securities of that series or an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series except that, where the sending of notice of redemption of any Securities shall theretofore have been made, the Trustee shall redeem or cause to be redeemed such Securities, provided that it shall have received from the Company a sum sufficient for such redemption. Except as aforesaid, any moneys in the sinking fund for such series at the time when any such default or Event of Default, shall occur, and any moneys thereafter paid into the sinking fund, shall, during the continuance of such default or Event of Default, be deemed to have been collected under Article 5 and held for the payment of all such Securities. In case such Event of Default shall have been waived as provided in Section 513 hereof or the default or Event of Default cured on or before the 60th day preceding the sinking fund payment date, such moneys shall thereafter be applied on the next succeeding sinking fund payment date in accordance with this Section 1203 to the redemption of such Securities.

ARTICLE 13

[RESERVED]

ARTICLE 14

SUBORDINATION OF SECURITIES

Section 1401 Agreement to Subordinate.

The Company, for itself, its successors and assigns, covenants and agrees, and each Holder of a Security of any series likewise covenants and agrees by his or her acceptance thereof, that the obligation of the Company to make any payment on account of the principal of and interest on each and all of the Securities of any series shall be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the Company's obligations to the holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company.

In the case of any insolvency, receivership, conservatorship, reorganization, readjustment of debt, marshaling of assets and liabilities or similar proceedings or any liquidation or winding-up of or relating to the Company as a whole, whether voluntary or involuntary, all obligations of the Company to holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company shall be entitled to be paid in full before any payment shall be made on account of the principal of or interest on any of the Securities. In the event of any such proceeding, after payment in full of all sums owing with respect to Priority Indebtedness of the Company, the Holders of the Securities of each series, together with the holders of any obligations of the Company ranking on a parity with the Securities, shall be entitled to be paid from the remaining assets of the Company the amounts at the time due and owing on account of unpaid principal of and interest on the Securities of any series before any payment or other distribution, whether in cash, property or otherwise, shall be made on account of any capital stock or any obligations of the Company ranking junior to the Securities. In addition, in the event of any such proceeding, if any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of the Company being subordinated to the payment of the Securities of any series shall be received by the Trustee or the Holders of the Securities of any series before all Priority Indebtedness of the Company is paid in full, such payment or distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of and shall be paid over to the holders of such Priority Indebtedness of the Company or their representative or representatives or to the trustee or trustees under any indenture under which any instruments evidencing any of such Priority Indebtedness of the Company may have been issued, ratably, for application to the payment of all Priority Indebtedness of the Company remaining unpaid until all such Priority Indebtedness of the Company shall have been paid in full, after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Priority Indebtedness of the Company. The obligations of the Company in respect of the Securities of all series shall rank on a parity with any obligations of the Company ranking on a parity with the Securities. Nothing in this Article shall apply to claims of, or payments to, the Trustee under or pursuant to Section 607.

The subordination provisions of the foregoing paragraph and Section 1409 shall not be applicable to amounts at the time due and owing on the Securities of any series on account of the unpaid principal of or interest on the Securities of such series for the payment of which funds have been deposited in trust with the Trustee or any Paying Agent or have been set aside by the Company in trust in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture; nor shall such provisions impair any rights, interests, or powers of any secured creditor of the Company in respect of any security the creation of which is not prohibited by the provisions of this Indenture.

The Company shall give written notice to the Trustee within 10 Business Days after the occurrence of (i) any insolvency, receivership, conservatorship, reorganization, readjustment of debt, marshaling of assets and liabilities or similar proceedings or any liquidation or winding-up of or relating to the Company as a whole, whether voluntary or involuntary, (ii) any Event of Default described in 501(e) or 501(f), or (iii) any event specified in Section 1409. The Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 601, shall be entitled to assume that, and may act as if, no such event referred to in the preceding sentence has occurred unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee assigned to the Trustee's corporate trust department has received at the principal office of the Trustee from the Company or any one or more holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company or any trustee or representative therefor (who shall have been certified or otherwise established to the satisfaction of the Trustee to be such a holder or trustee or representative) written notice thereof. Upon any distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article, the Trustee and Holders of the Securities of each series shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction in which proceedings relating to any event specified in the first sentence of this paragraph are pending for the purpose of ascertaining the persons entitled to participate in such distribution, the holders of the Priority Indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon, and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article, and the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Article 6, and the Holders of the Securities of each series shall be entitled to rely upon a certificate of the liquidating trustee or agent or other person making any distribution to the Trustee or to the Holders of the Securities of each series for the purpose of ascertaining the persons entitled to participate in such distribution, the holders of the Priority Indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article. In the absence of any such liquidating trustee, agent or other person, the Trustee shall be entitled to rely upon a written notice by a Person representing himself to be a holder of Priority Indebtedness of the Company (or a trustee or representative on behalf of such holder) as evidence that such Person is a holder of such Priority Indebtedness (or is such a trustee or representative). In the event that the Trustee determines, in good faith, that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any Person, as a holder of Priority Indebtedness of the Company, to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Article, the Trustee may request such Person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of such Priority Indebtedness held by such Person, as to the extent to which such Person is entitled to participation in such payment or distribution, and as to other facts pertinent to the rights of such Person under this Article, and if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment to such Person pending judicial determination as to the right of such Person to receive such payment.

Section 1402 Obligation of the Company Unconditional.

Nothing contained in this Article or elsewhere in this Indenture is intended to or shall impair, as between the Company and the Holders of the Securities of each series, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay to such Holders the principal of and interest on such Securities of each series when, where and as the same shall become due and payable, all in accordance with the terms of such Securities, or is intended to or shall affect the relative rights of such Holders and creditors of the Company other than the holders of the Priority Indebtedness of the Company, nor shall anything herein or therein prevent the Trustee or the Holder of any Security from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under this Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article of the holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company in respect of cash, property, or securities of the Company received upon the exercise of any such remedy.

Section 1403 Limitations on Duties to Holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company.

With respect to the holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to the holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company, and shall not be liable to any such holders if it shall in good faith mistakenly pay over or distribute to the Holders of the Securities of any series or the Company or any other Person, cash, property or securities to which any holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company shall be entitled by virtue of this Article 14 or otherwise. Nothing in this Section 1403 shall affect the obligation of any other such Person to hold such payment for the benefit of, and to pay such payment over to, the holders of Senior Debt or their representative.

Section 1404 Notice to Trustee of Facts Prohibiting Payment.

Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this Article or any other provisions of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not at any time be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment of moneys to or by the Trustee unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received at the Corporate Trust Office written notice thereof from the Company or from one or more holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company or from any trustee therefor or representative thereof who shall have been certified by the Company or otherwise established to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee to be such a holder or trustee or representative; and, prior to the receipt of any such written notice, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 601, shall be entitled in all respects to assume that no such facts exist; provided, however, that, if prior to the fifth Business Day preceding the date upon which by the terms hereof any such moneys may become payable for any purpose, or in the event of the execution of an instrument pursuant to Section 401 acknowledging satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or acknowledging a Defeasance or in the event of a deposit under Section 404(1) with respect to a Covenant Defeasance, then, if prior to the second Business Day preceding the date of such execution or deposit, as the case may be, the Trustee shall not have received with respect to such moneys or the moneys and/or Governmental Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 404 the notice provided for in this Section, then, anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall have full power and authority to receive such moneys and/or Governmental Obligations and/or apply the same to the purpose for which they were received, and shall not be affected by any notice to the contrary which may be received by it on or after such date; provided, however, no such application shall affect the obligations under this Article of the Persons receiving such moneys from the Trustee.

Section 1405 Application by Trustee of Moneys Deposited with It.

Anything in this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, any deposit of moneys by the Company with the Trustee or any agent (whether or not in trust) for any payment of the principal of or interest on any Securities shall, except as provided in Section 1404, be subject to the provisions of Section 1401.

Section 1406 Subrogation.

Subject to the payment in full of all Priority Indebtedness of the Company, the Holders of the Securities of each series shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of such Priority Indebtedness to receive payments or distributions of assets of the Company applicable to such Priority Indebtedness until the Securities shall be paid in full, and none of the payments or distributions to the holders of such Priority Indebtedness to which the Holders of the Securities of any series or the Trustee would be entitled except for the provisions of this Article or of payments over pursuant to the provisions of this Article to the holders of such Priority Indebtedness by the Holders of such Securities or the Trustee shall, as among the Company, its creditors other than the holders of such Priority Indebtedness, and the Holders of such Securities, be deemed to be a payment by the Company to or on account of such Priority Indebtedness; it being understood that the provisions of this Article are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of such Securities, on the one hand, and the holders of the Priority Indebtedness of the Company, on the other hand.

Section 1407 Subordination Rights Not Impaired by Acts or Omissions of Company or Holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company

No right of any present or future holders of any Priority Indebtedness of the Company to enforce subordination as herein provided shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company or by any act or failure to act, in good faith, by any such holder, or by any noncompliance by the Company with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof with which any such holder may have or be otherwise charged. The holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company may, at any time or from time to time and in their absolute discretion, change the manner, place or terms of payment, change or extend the time of payment of, or renew or alter, any such Priority Indebtedness of the Company, or amend or supplement any instrument pursuant to which any such Priority Indebtedness of the Company is issued or by which it may be secured, or release any security therefor, or exercise or refrain from exercising any other of their rights under the Priority Indebtedness of the Company including, without limitation, the waiver of default thereunder, all without notice to or assent from the Holders of the Securities of each series or the Trustee and without affecting the obligations of the Company, the Trustee or the Holders of such Securities under this Article.

Section 1408 Authorization of Trustee to Effectuate Subordination of Securities.

Each Holder of a Security of any series, by his acceptance thereof, authorizes and expressly directs the Trustee on his behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate, as between the Holders of such Securities and the holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company, the subordination provided in this Article. If, in the event of any proceeding or other action relating to the Company referred to in the second paragraph of Section 1401, a proper claim or proof of debt in the form required in such proceeding or action is not filed by or on behalf of the Holders of the Securities of any series prior to fifteen days before the expiration of the time to file such claim or claims, then the holder or holders of Priority Indebtedness of the Company shall have the right to file and are hereby authorized to file an appropriate claim for and on behalf of the Holders of such Securities.

Section 1409 No Payment when Priority Indebtedness in Default.

In the event and during the continuation of any default in the payment of principal of or interest on any Priority Indebtedness, or in the event that any event of default with respect to any Priority Indebtedness shall have occurred and be continuing and shall have resulted in such Priority Indebtedness becoming or being declared due and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, unless and until such event of default shall have been cured, waived or remedied or shall have ceased to exist and such acceleration shall have been rescinded or annulled or all amounts due on such Priority Indebtedness are paid in full in cash or other permitted consideration, or in the event any judicial proceeding shall be pending with respect to any such default in payment or such event of default (unless and until all amounts due on such Priority Indebtedness are paid in full in cash or other permitted consideration), then no payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, properties or securities shall be made by the Company on account of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest if any, on the Securities or on account of the purchase or other acquisition of Securities by the Company or any Subsidiary.

In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall make any payment to the Trustee or the Holder of any Security prohibited by the foregoing provisions of this Section, and if such fact shall, at or prior to the time of such payment, have been made known to the Trustee or, as the case may be, such Holder, then and in such event payment shall be paid over and delivered forthwith to the Company.

Section 1410 Right of Trustee to Hold Priority Indebtedness of the Company

The Trustee in its individual capacity shall be entitled to all of the rights set forth in this Article 14 in respect of any Priority Indebtedness at any time held by it to the same extent as any other holder of Priority Indebtedness, and nothing in this Indenture shall be construed to deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder.

Section 1411 Article 14 Not to Prevent Events of Default.

The failure to make a payment on account of principal of or premium (if any) or interest on the Securities of any series by reason of any provision of this Article 14 shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of a default or an Event of Default under Section 501 with respect to Securities of such series or in any way prevent the Holders of the Securities of such series from exercising any right hereunder other than the right to receive payment on the Securities of such series.

Section 1412 Article Applicable to Paying Agent.

In case at any time any Paying Agent other than the Trustee shall have been appointed by the Company and be then acting hereunder, the term "Trustee" as used in this Article 14 shall in such case (unless the context shall otherwise require) be construed as extending to and including such Paying Agent within its meaning as fully for all intents and purposes as if such Paying Agent were named in this Article 14 in addition to or in place of the Trustee; provided, however, that this Section 1412 shall not apply to the Company if the Company acts as Paying Agent.

ARTICLE 15

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1501 Counterparts.

This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Indenture by electronic imaging means shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Indenture.

Section 1502 Liability of Trustees and Shareholders.

The Declaration of Trust of the Company provides that no shareholder of the Company shall be held to any liability whatsoever for the payment of any sum of money, or for damages or otherwise under any contract, obligation or undertaking made, entered into or issued by the trustees of the Company or by any officer, agent or representative elected or appointed by the trustees and no such contract, obligation or undertaking shall be enforceable against the trustees or any of them in their or his individual capacities or capacity and all such contracts, obligations and undertakings shall be enforceable only against the trustees as such, and every person, firm, association, trust and corporation having any claim or demand arising out of any such contract, obligation or undertaking shall look only to the trust estate for the payment or satisfaction thereof.

Section 1503 Force Majeure.

In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, epidemics or pandemics, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, as of the day and year first above written.

---

| |
|:---|
| EVERSOURCE ENERGY |
| By: |
| Name: |
| Title: |
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., |
| as Trustee |
| By: |
| Name: |
| Title: |

---

## Exhibit 5.1

**Exhibit 5.1**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](tm266711d2_ex5-1img001.jpg) | 107 Selden Street<br> Berlin, CT 06037<br>**Kerry J. Tomasevich** <br> Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary<br>860-665-5744<br> kerry.tomasevich@eversource.com |

---

February 20, 2026

Eversource Energy

800 Boylston Street, 17th Floor

Boston, MA 02199

Re: <u>Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on Form S-3 Registering Securities</u>

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am Assistant General Counsel of Eversource Energy Service Company and Assistant Secretary of Eversource Energy (the "Registrant"). I have acted as counsel to the Registrant in connection with the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (as amended, the "Registration Statement") filed by the Registrant, The Connecticut Light and Power Company, doing business as Eversource Energy, NSTAR Electric Company, doing business as Eversource Energy and Public Service Company of New Hampshire, doing business as Eversource Energy, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), registering junior subordinated notes of the Registrant as described in the Registration Statement (the "Securities").

For purposes of the opinions I express below, I have examined, among other agreements, instruments and documents, the Registration Statement, including the prospectus which is a part of the Registration Statement (the "Prospectus"), and its exhibits, including the form of junior subordinated notes indenture of the Registrant (the "Indenture") and the organizational documents of the Registrant and originals, or copies certified to my satisfaction, of such corporate records of the Registrant, certificates of public officials, certificates of officers and representatives of the Registrant and other documents as I have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed. In my examination I have assumed the genuineness of all signatures and the authenticity of all documents submitted to me as originals and the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to me as copies. As to various questions of fact material to such opinions, I have, when relevant facts were not independently established, relied upon certifications by officers of the Registrant and other appropriate persons and statements contained in the Registration Statement.

I base the opinions I express below in part on the following assumptions I have made:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) the Registration Statement will have become effective upon filing under the Securities Act and will remain effective through any offer and sale of the Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) for each series of Securities the Registrant offers by means of a Prospectus, the Registrant will have prepared and filed with the Commission under the Securities Act a prospectus supplement which describes that series and, if Securities of another series are issuable on the exchange or redemption of the Securities being offered, which also describes that other series;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) the Registrant will have offered, issued and sold the Securities in the manner the Registration Statement and the relevant prospectus supplements describe and otherwise in compliance with all applicable federal and state securities laws, and the terms of the Securities will not violate any applicable law or any debt securities of the Registrant or result in a default or breach of any agreement binding upon the Registrant, and comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or other governmental body having jurisdiction over the Registrant;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) the Board of Trustees of the Registrant (or any committee of one or more members of that Board which that Board has duly designated (that board or any such committee being the "Board")) will have taken all corporate action necessary to authorize the issuance of the Securities and the other Securities, if any, issuable on the exchange or redemption of those Securities, and approve the terms of the offering and sale of those Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) the Registrant and the initial purchasers of the Securities will have duly authorized, executed and delivered a definitive purchase agreement relating to those Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f) in the case of any Securities issuable on the exchange or redemption of other Securities, those Securities will be available for issuance on that exchange or redemption; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g) (i) the Board of Eversource Energy will have designated and established the terms of the series of which the Securities are a part and those Securities will not include any provision that is unenforceable; (ii) the Indenture will have become qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended; and (iii) forms of the Securities complying with the terms of the Indenture and evidencing those junior debt securities will have been duly executed, authenticated, issued and delivered in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture.

Based on the foregoing, and having regard to legal considerations which I deem relevant, I am of the opinion that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. The Registrant is validly existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and has the power, corporate or otherwise, to conduct its business as now conducted and to issue the Securities to be issued by it.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. When any applicable state securities or Blue Sky laws have been complied with, and upon issuance, delivery and payment therefor in the manner contemplated by the Registration Statement and the applicable prospectus supplement, the Securities of which the Registrant is the issuer will be valid and binding obligations of Eversource Energy, subject to the effect of (i) applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws and court decisions of general application (including without limitation statutory or other laws regarding fraudulent or preferential transfers) relating to, limiting or affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally, and (ii) principles of equity (regardless of whether enforcement is considered in proceedings at law or in equity) that may limit the enforceability of any of the remedies, covenants or other provisions of the Securities, or the availability of injunctive relief or other equitable remedies or as such principles relate to, limit or affect the enforcement of creditor's rights generally.

The opinions set forth herein are subject to the following further assumptions, qualifications, limitations and exceptions:

I express no opinion regarding the effectiveness of any waiver in respect of the Securities of any rights of any party, or duties owing to it, as a matter of law, or that is broadly stated or does not describe the right or duty purportedly waived with reasonable specificity.

In addition, I express no opinion as to any provisions of the Securities or the Indenture or any purchase agreement regarding the remedies available to any person (1) to take action that is arbitrary, unreasonable or capricious or is not taken in good faith or in a commercially reasonable manner, whether or not such action is permitted under the Securities or such documents, or (2) for violations or breaches that are determined by a court to be non-material or without substantially adverse effect upon the ability of the Registrant to perform its material obligations under the Securities.

This opinion is limited to the current laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the current federal laws of the United States, and to the facts as they exist on the date hereof. I express no opinion as to matters involving the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States. I undertake no obligation to advise you as a result of developments occurring after the date hereof including changes in such laws or interpretations thereof, or as a result of facts or circumstances brought to my attention after the date hereof.

This opinion is furnished only to you in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Registration Statement and is solely for your benefit. Other than as stated below, this opinion is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise referred to for any other purpose or relied upon by any other person for any purpose without my prior written consent (including by any person that acquires Securities from you).

I hereby consent to be named in the Registration Statement and in the prospectus contained therein under the caption "Legal Opinions" as the attorney who passed upon the legality of the Securities and to the filing of a copy of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, I do not thereby admit that I am in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act.

---

| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Kerry J. Tomasevich |
| Kerry J. Tomasevich |

---

## Exhibit 5.2

**Exhibit 5.2**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![](tm266711d2_ex5-2img001.jpg) | &nbsp;&nbsp;ROPES & GRAY LLP<br> PRUDENTIAL TOWER<br> 800 BOYLSTON STREET<br> BOSTON, MA 02199-3600 <br> WWW.ROPESGRAY.COM |

---

February 20, 2026

Eversource Energy

300 Cadwell Drive

Springfield, Massachusetts 01104

Re: Post-Effective Amendment No.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR (File No. 333-286362)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as counsel to Eversource Energy, a Massachusetts voluntary association (the "<u>Company</u>"), in connection with the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR (File No. 333-286362) (as amended, the "<u>Registration Statement</u>") filed on the date hereof by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "<u>Commission</u>") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>"), relating to the registration under the Securities Act and the proposed issuance and sale from time to time pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of junior subordinated notes (the "<u>Securities</u>").

In connection with this opinion letter, we have examined such certificates, documents and records and have made such investigation of fact and such examination of law as we have deemed appropriate in order to enable us to render the opinions set forth herein. In conducting such investigation, we have relied, without independent verification, upon certificates of officers of the Company, public officials and other appropriate persons.

The opinions expressed below are limited to the laws of the State of New York.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing and the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth below, we are of the opinion that when (i) the terms of the Securities and their issuance and sale have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Company and (ii) such Securities have been duly executed, authenticated and delivered against payment of the purchase price therefor in accordance with the applicable definitive purchase, underwriting or similar agreement, as contemplated by the Registration Statement, and in the manner provided for in the applicable indenture, such Securities will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company enforceable against the Company in accordance with their respective terms. The Securities covered in the opinion in this paragraph include any Securities that may be issued upon exercise, conversion or exchange pursuant to the terms of any other Securities.

In rendering the opinions set forth above, we have assumed that (i) the Registration Statement will have become effective under the Securities Act, a prospectus supplement will have been prepared and filed with the Commission describing the Securities offered thereby and such Securities will have been issued and sold in accordance with the terms of such prospectus supplement; (ii) a definitive purchase, underwriting, or similar agreement, and any applicable indenture (including any supplemental indenture), warrant, depositary or guarantee agreement, pursuant to which such Securities may be issued, will have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and the other parties thereto, and the specific terms of such Securities will have been duly established in conformity with the applicable agreement and the Declaration of Trust of the Company (if applicable); (iii) at the time of the issuance of any Securities, the Company will be a validly existing voluntary association under the law of its jurisdiction of organization; and (iv) all the foregoing actions to be taken by the Company will have been taken so as not to violate any applicable law and so as to comply with any requirement or restriction imposed by any court or governmental or regulatory body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its property.

Our opinions set forth above are subject to (a) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and similar laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors generally and (b) general principles of equity. Our opinions are also subject to the qualification that the enforceability of provisions in the applicable indenture providing for indemnification or contribution, broadly worded waivers, waivers of rights to damages or defenses, waivers of unknown or future claims, and waivers of statutory, regulatory or constitutional rights may be limited on public policy or statutory grounds.

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name therein and in the related prospectus under the caption "Legal Opinions." In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.

---

| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Ropes & Gray LLP<br>|
| Ropes & Gray LLP |

---

## Exhibit 23.1

**Exhibit 23.1**

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 17, 2026, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Eversource Energy and the effectiveness of Eversource Energy's internal control over financial reporting, appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Eversource Energy for the year ended December 31, 2025. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.

 

*/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP*

Hartford, CT

February 20, 2026

## Exhibit 23.2

**Exhibit 23.2**

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 17, 2026, relating to the financial statements of The Connecticut Light and Power Company appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of The Connecticut Light and Power Company for the year ended December 31, 2025. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.

*/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP*

Hartford, CT

February 20, 2026

## Exhibit 23.3

**Exhibit 23.3**

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 17, 2026, relating to the consolidated financial statements of NSTAR Electric Company appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of NSTAR Electric Company for the year ended December 31, 2025. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.

*/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP*

Hartford, CT

February 20, 2026

## Exhibit 23.4

**Exhibit 23.4**

**CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 of our report dated February 17, 2026, relating to the consolidated financial statements of Public Service Company of New Hampshire appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Public Service Company of New Hampshire for the year ended December 31, 2025. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Registration Statement.

*/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP*

Hartford, CT

February 20, 2026

## Exhibit 25.2

**Exhibit 25.2**

UNITED STATES<br> SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<br> Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM T-1

STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY<br> UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A<br> CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

CHECK IF AN APPLICATION TO DETERMINE<br> ELIGIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE PURSUANT TO<br> SECTION 305(b)(2) \|__\|

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON<br> TRUST COMPANY, N.A.<br> (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

<br> (Jurisdiction of incorporation<br> if not a U.S. national bank) <u>95-3571558<br> (I.R.S. employer<br> identification no.)</u> <br> <u> 333 South Hope Street<br> Suite 2525 Los Angeles, California (Address of principal executive offices)</u> <u> 90071<br> (Zip code)</u>

EVERSOURCE ENERGY<br> (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Massachusetts<br> (State or other jurisdiction of<br> incorporation or organization) | &nbsp;&nbsp;04-2147929<br> (I.R.S. employer<br> identification no.) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;300 Cadwell Drive<br> Springfield, Massachusetts<br> (Address of principal executive offices) | &nbsp;&nbsp;01104<br> (Zip code) |

---

Junior Subordinated Notes<br> (Title of the indenture securities)

**1. General information. Furnish the following information as to the trustee:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(a)** **Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Name | &nbsp;&nbsp;Address |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Comptroller of the Currency<br> United States Department of the Treasury | &nbsp;&nbsp;Washington, DC 20219 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal Reserve Bank | &nbsp;&nbsp; San Francisco, CA 94105 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation | &nbsp;&nbsp;Washington, DC 20429 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**(b)** **Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.** 

Yes.

**2.** **Affiliations with Obligor.** 

**If the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee, describe each such affiliation.**

None.

**16.** **List of Exhibits.** 

**Exhibits identified in parentheses below, on file with the Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as an exhibit hereto, pursuant to Rule 7a-29 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "Act").**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. A copy of the articles of association of The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., formerly known
as The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. (Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948 and
Exhibit 1 to Form T-1 filed with Registration Statement No. 333-152875).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. A copy of certificate of authority of the trustee to commence business. (Exhibit 2 to Form T-1
filed with Registration Statement No. 333-121948).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. A copy of the authorization of the trustee to exercise corporate trust powers (Exhibit 3 to Form T-1
filed with Registration Statement No. 333-152875).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. A copy of the existing by-laws of the trustee (Exhibit 4 to Form T-1 filed with Registration
Statement No. 333-229762).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. The consent of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act (Exhibit 6 to Form T-1
filed with Registration Statement No. 333-152875).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published pursuant to law or to the requirements
of its supervising or examining authority.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., a banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Jacksonville, and State of Florida, on the 18th day of February, 2026.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. | THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. | THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. |
| By: | /s/ | Terence Rawlins |
|  | Name: | Terence Rawlins |
|  | Title: | Vice President |

---

**EXHIBIT 7**

Consolidated Report of Condition of

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

of 333 South Hope Street, Suite 2525, Los Angeles, CA 90071

At the close of business December 31, 2025, published in accordance with Federal regulatory authority instructions.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | Dollar amounts<br>in thousands |
| <u>ASSETS</u> |  |
| Cash and balances due from |  |
| depository institutions: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin | 34663 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest-bearing balances | 219768 |
| Securities: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Held-to-maturity securities | 0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Available-for-sale debt securities | 98977 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Equity securities with readily determinable fair values not held for trading | 0 |
| Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal funds sold in domestic offices | 0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securities purchased under agreements to resell | 0 |
| Loans and lease financing receivables: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loans and leases held for sale | 0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loans and leases held for investment | 0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LESS: Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | 0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loans and leases held for investment, net of allowance | 0 |
| Trading assets | 0 |
| Premises and fixed assets (including right-of-use assets) | 13036 |
| Other real estate owned | 0 |
| Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies | 0 |
| Direct and indirect investments in real estate ventures | 0 |
| Intangible assets | 856313 |
| Other assets | 128734 |
| Total assets | $1351491 |
| <u>LIABILITIES</u> |  |
| Deposits: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In domestic offices | 1420 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest-bearing | 1420 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest-bearing | 0 |
| Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal funds purchased in domestic offices | 0 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securities sold under agreements to repurchase | 0 |
| Trading liabilities | 0 |
| Other borrowed money: |  |
| (includes mortgage indebtedness) | 0 |
| Not applicable |  |
| Not applicable |  |
| Subordinated notes and debentures | 0 |
| Other liabilities | 268400 |
| Total liabilities | 269820 |
| Not applicable |  |
| <u>EQUITY CAPITAL</u> |  |
| Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus | 0 |
| Common stock | 1000 |
| Surplus (exclude all surplus related to preferred stock) | 108284 |
| Not available |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retained earnings | 972372 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated other comprehensive income | 15 |
| Other equity capital components | 0 |
| Not available |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total bank equity capital | 1081671 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated subsidiaries | 0 |
| Total equity capital | 1081671 |
| Total liabilities and equity capital | 1351491 |

---

I, Natalie Bobnar, CFO of the above-named bank do hereby declare that the Reports of Condition and Income (including the supporting schedules) for this report date have been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Natalie Bobnar) CFO

We, the undersigned directors (trustees), attest to the correctness of the Report of Condition (including the supporting schedules) for this report date and declare that it has been examined by us and to the best of our knowledge and belief has been prepared in conformance with the instructions issued by the appropriate Federal regulatory authority and is true and correct.

Elizabeth Lyndon, Managing Director) <br> Kevin C. Weeks, President) Directors (Trustees) <br> Fernando A. Costa, Managing Director)

## Ex-Filing

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? EX-FILING FEES

---

| |
|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Calculation of Filing Fee Tables**  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **S-3**  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **EVERSOURCE ENERGY**  |

---

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Security Type**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Security Class Title**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Fee Calculation or Carry Forward Rule**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Maximum Aggregate Offering Price**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Fee Rate**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Amount of Registration Fee**  |
| **Newly Registered Securities** | **Newly Registered Securities** | **Newly Registered Securities** | **Newly Registered Securities** | **Newly Registered Securities** | **Newly Registered Securities** | **Newly Registered Securities** | **Newly Registered Securities** |
| Fees to be Paid | 1 | Debt | Eversource Energy Junior Subordinated Notes | 457(r) |  | 0.0001381 |  |
| Fees Previously Paid |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| **Carry Forward Securities** | **Carry Forward Securities** | **Carry Forward Securities** | **Carry Forward Securities** | **Carry Forward Securities** | **Carry Forward Securities** | **Carry Forward Securities** | **Carry Forward Securities** |
| Carry Forward Securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  | Total Offering Amounts: | Total Offering Amounts: | $0.00  |  | $0.00  |
|  |  |  | Total Fees Previously Paid:  | Total Fees Previously Paid:  |  |  | $0.00  |
|  |  |  | Total Fee Offsets:  | Total Fee Offsets:  |  |  | $0.00  |
|  |  |  | Net Fee Due:  | Net Fee Due:  |  |  | $0.00  |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Offering Note** <br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <sup>1</sup> (1) The registrant is relying on Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to defer payment of the entire registration fee. In connection with the securities offered hereby, each registrant will pay "pay-as-you-go registration fees" in accordance with Rule 456(b). Each registrant will calculate the registration fee applicable to an offer of securities pursuant to this post-effective amendment No. 1 to registration statement based on the fee payment rate in effect on the date of such fee payment. (2) An unspecified aggregate initial offering price and number of securities of each identified class is being registered and may from time to time be offered at unspecified prices.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | |
| **Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** | **Rules 457(b) and 0-11(a)(2)** |
| Fee Offset Claims | N/A |
| Fee Offset Sources | N/A |
| **Rule 457(p)** | **Rule 457(p)** |
| Fee Offset Claims | N/A |
| Fee Offset Sources | N/A |

---

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Security Type**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Security Class Title**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Amount of Securities Previously Registered**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Maximum Aggregate Offering Price of Securities Previously Registered**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Form Type**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **File Number**  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Initial Effective Date**  |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

---