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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.8

                           MASTER FACTORING AGREEMENT

THIS MASTER FACTORING AGREEMENT (this "AGREEMENT") is made and entered into as
of the 22nd day of September, 2004, by and between U.S. GAS & ELECTRIC, INC, a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware (referred to
throughout this Agreement as "you", "your" and "yours"), and WebBank, a Utah
chartered industrial loan corporation (referred to throughout this Agreement as
"we", "us", "our" and "ours").

1.   PURCHASE AND SALE OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

     1.1. Scope of Agreement. This Agreement contains the general terms and
conditions under which, from time to time during the Term, you may offer and
sell to us and we may accept and purchase from you in our sole and absolute
discretion certain of your Accounts specifically identified to this Agreement
pursuant to Paragraph 1.2. As used herein, the term "ACCOUNTS" means,
collectively, accounts, contract rights and other forms of obligation arising in
the ordinary course of business from the sale or lease of goods or rendition of
services.

     1.2. Implementation. Each purchase and sale of Accounts hereunder shall be
evidenced by our mutual execution of an Assignment and Transfer of Accounts
Receivable substantially in the form of Exhibit A (each an "ASSIGNMENT"). (An
Account identified in a duly executed Assignment is hereinafter called an
"ASSIGNED ACCOUNT.") Each purchase of Accounts shall be subject to all of the
terms and conditions of this Agreement, which terms and conditions shall be
deemed incorporated by reference into each Assignment. An Account shall be
deemed accepted by us upon and only upon our execution and delivery to you of
the applicable Assignment. In connection with evaluating Accounts proposed for
factoring hereunder, we reserve the right to conduct such due diligence and
impose such related requirements as we may reasonably determine, including but
not limited to investigating the credit rating and/or credit history of the
customer obligated on the Account and requiring an enforceable written contract
between you and such customer upon terms acceptable to us.

     1.3. Effect of Assignment. Without the necessity for further action, each
Assignment shall automatically vest in us all of your right, title and interest
in and to the Assigned Accounts together with (a) full power to collect, sue
for, compromise, assign, in whole or in part, or in any other manner enforce
collection thereof in our name or otherwise, (b) any notes or drafts related
thereto, (c) the contracts under which such Accounts arose, (d) your books and
records relating thereto, whether written or recorded electronically on
computer-readable discs or any other digital or machine-readable form or medium
("ACCOUNT RECORDS"), (e) any returned, rejected or repossessed goods (if any)
giving rise to such Accounts, (f) your rights as an unpaid vendor or lienor, (g)
all rights of stoppage in transit, replevin, repossession and reclamation, (h)
all deposits and security therefor and guarantees thereof, (i) all rights to
insurance proceeds resulting therefrom, and (j) all payments or other proceeds
of the foregoing in any form (all of the foregoing being included in the term
"Assigned Accounts"). Nothing contained in this Agreement or any Assignment
shall be deemed to constitute an assumption by us of any liability with respect
to or impose any duty or obligation upon us in favor of any Account Debtor or
any other third party in connection with the Accounts.

     1.4. Account Documentation. Upon acceptance by us of any Assignment
Agreement, you will deliver to us: (a) copies of all documents evidencing the
Accounts listed thereon and (b) such other documentation as we require, in form
satisfactory to us in all respects. You will maintain all shipping documents,
delivery receipts and invoices relating to Assigned Accounts, available for
inspection and copying by us, and you will deliver them to us promptly upon our
request. Each sale of Accounts will be reflected as a sale on your books and
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.

     1.5. Exclusivity. During the Term of this Agreement, you will not sell,
factor, assign, or pledge any of your Accounts except to us or for our benefit
under this Agreement, nor will you obtain or utilize any third-party line of
credit except Big Apple Energy, LLC, Thomas Chamberlain and as we may otherwise
agree in writing in our sole and absolute discretion. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if you duly tender an Account for sale to us upon the terms of this
Agreement and we reject the Account in writing or 30 days shall have elapsed
without any action by us with respect to the Account, you may factor or pledge
such Account without restriction under this paragraph.

2.   FEES AND PAYMENT

     2.1. Purchase Price. The purchase price for each Assigned Account shall be
the net face value of the Account less the applicable Collateral Management Fee
(the "PURCHASE PRICE"), subject to the adjustments provided in Paragraph 2.3.
plus a " Processing Fee". As used herein, with respect to any Assigned Account,
"PROCESSING FEE" shall be calculated at a per annum rate equal to the "Prime
Rate (as hereafter defined) plus two (2) percent from the date on which the
Advance Payment for each Assigned Account is paid to you. The term "Prime Rate"
shall mean the prime rate of interest published in the Wall Street Journal on
the last business day of the preceding calendar month, and any change in the
Prime Rate shall be effective on the first business day after which such change
was first published. The Processing Fee shall not decrease below nine (6)
percent for any month.

     2.2. Collateral Management Fee. As used herein, with respect to any
Assigned Account, "COLLATERAL MANAGEMENT FEE" means a percentage of the net face
value of the Account based on the number of days elapsing from and including the
date of our acceptance of the Account to and including the date on which we
shall have collected the Account in full in good funds, all as set forth more
particularly in the table immediately below, provided that in no event shall the
Collateral Management Fee be less then twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Days Elapsed   Collateral Management Fee
------------   -------------------------
<S>            <C>
 1-15                    1.25%
16-30                    2.50%
31-45                    3.75%
46-60                    5.00%
61-75                    6.25%
76-90                    7.50%
               Net Remaining Percentage
</TABLE>

As used herein, "NET REMAINING PERCENTAGE" means 100% minus the Advance Rate.
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     2.3. Payment.

          2.3.1. Upon our acceptance of each Assignment, we will pay to you on
account of the Purchase Price an amount equal to eighty percent (80%) the
("ADVANCE RATE") of the aggregate net face value of the Assigned Accounts
covered thereby (the "ADVANCE PAYMENT"); provided, however, that at our election
and upon notice to you at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default,
the Advance Rate shall be reduced by thirty percent (30%) (or such lesser
percentage as we in our sole and absolute discretion may determine) for any or
all subsequent Assignments or individual Assigned Accounts. On or before the
fifth business day following the date on which we have collected all of such
Assigned Accounts in full in good funds, we will pay to you the balance of the
Purchase Price for the Assigned Accounts minus all returns, credits, allowances
and discounts on the shortest or, at our option, on any alternative terms of
sale offered by you to Account Debtors, and all other unpaid sums, liabilities,
and Obligations with respect to the Assigned Accounts charged or chargeable to
your account under Section 3 or otherwise under this Agreement ("Chargebacks").

          2.3.2. Upon our receipt of any payment with respect to an Account
other than an Assigned Account, so long as you are not in default of any your
Obligations hereunder, we shall promptly remit such payment to you or, at your
request, apply such payment as you may direct, subject to any then outstanding
Chargebacks. Remittances required by this subparagraph 2.3.2 will be paid to you
weekly except as otherwise directed by you.

     2.4. Minimum Volume Fee. Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, if the aggregate net face value of Accounts accepted by us in a
year (the "ACTUAL VOLUME") during the Term is less than $2,000,000 (the "ANNUAL
MINIMUM VOLUME"), you shall pay to us as a supplemental fee, on the first day of
the month following the year in which the Actual Volume does not equal or exceed
the Annual Minimum Volume, an amount equal to the Collateral Management Fee plus
the Processing Fee you would have been required to pay us by offset pursuant to
the terms of Paragraph 2.2 (assuming collection within 30 days) on the amount by
which the Yearly Minimum Volume for such year exceeds the Actual Volume for such
year. You acknowledge that we may charge your account for all amounts you are
required to pay us under this paragraph.

     2.5. Noncompliance Fees. Without limiting any of our general rights and
remedies for breaches of this Agreement by you:

          2.5.1. [Intentionally omitted.]

          2.5.2. If you receive any payment on an Account and fail to comply
with the provisions of Subparagraph 3.1.3, we will assess and you will pay on
demand a misdirected payment fee in the amount of fifteen percent (15%) of the
net face value of such Account.

3.   COLLECTION OF ACCOUNTS

     3.1. Collection Procedure.

          3.1.1. During the term of this Agreement and continuing until all
Assigned Accounts and all of your Obligations hereunder have been paid fully
paid and performed, you shall promptly (and we at our option may) notify in
writing all persons obligated to make payments on or with respect to any Account
(collectively, "Account Debtors") (i) that you have granted to us a security
interest in the Account or, if applicable, that the Account has been sold and
that the amount due or to become due has been assigned to us, (ii) that payment
is to be made to us (and not to you) into a designated lockbox over which we
have exclusive dominion, control and power of access and withdrawal (a
"Lockbox"), and (iii) that all checks and other items of payment in respect of
the Account are to be made payable to our order. You will (and we at our option
may) obtain from each Account Debtor written acknowledgment by such Account
Debtor confirming its receipt of such notice.

          3.1.2. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, you
hereby authorize us at our option and in our sole discretion to collect and
receive payments directly from Account Debtors in our own name. If we elect to
exercise this option with respect to any Account, you shall (and we at our
option may) include in the notices required under Subparagraph 3.1.1 a further
statement that the Account represented thereby has been sold and assigned to us
and that the Account Debtor shall make all checks in respect of the Account
payable to us or our designee.

          3.1.3. If you receive any payment on any Account, you shall
immediately remit such payment in the form received (with any necessary
endorsement) directly to us. Until so remitted, you will hold such payment in
trust for us separate and apart from all of your other funds.

     3.2. Power of Attorney. You hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint us,
or any of our agents or employees, as your lawful attorney-in-fact (without
requiring us to act as such), coupled with an interest, to exercise at any time
any of the following powers: (i) to receive, endorse and deposit all payments
from Account Debtors; (ii) to transmit to any party the notices required by
Subparagraph 3.1.1; (iii) to institute any proceedings deemed by us necessary to
effect collection of Accounts; (iv) to settle, compromise or litigate any
dispute concerning any Account; and (v) to execute in your name such documents,
instruments and affidavits as we may require from time to time in order to
evidence and perfect our security interest in the Collateral or (without waiving
your representation in Subparagraph 5.5.5) to satisfy any statutory condition to
payment of an Account under applicable law. Any act of ours as your lawful
attorney-in-fact shall not render us liable for any acts of omission or
commission, nor for any error of judgment or mistake of fact or law.

     3.3. Costs and Expenses. You will reimburse us on demand for any and all
reasonable and necessary fees, costs, and expenses (including but not limited to
reasonable attorneys' fees) incurred by us in connection with protecting,
maintaining, preserving or enforcing your Accounts and/or our rights under this
Agreement; making lien or title examinations or filing notices with respect to
your Accounts; defending or prosecuting any action or proceeding related to this
Agreement; and filing and recording financing statements (including amendments
thereto and continuation statements thereof) and termination statements under
the UCC relating to our security interest in the Collateral.

     3.4. Disputes. You will notify us promptly of any Dispute concerning an
Account. If we request you to do so, you will use your best efforts to settle
the Dispute. Alternatively, we may (but shall be under no obligation to) attempt
to settle, compromise or litigate the Dispute upon such terms as we in our sole
discretion deem advisable, for your account and risk and at your sole expense.
In no event shall you shall settle, compromise or adjust any Account or grant
any additional discounts, allowances or credits thereon without in each case our
prior written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. As used
herein, "DISPUTE" means any actual or alleged defense, counterclaim, offset,
dispute or other claim asserted by the Account Debtor with respect to an Account
other than the Account Debtor's Insolvency. "INSOLVENCY," with respect to an
Account Debtor means the financial inability of an Account Debtor to make
payment at maturity unless the relevant Account is the subject of a Dispute.

     3.5. Indemnification. You will indemnify and defend us and hold us harmless
from and against any and all liabilities, claims, costs and expenses (including
but not limited to reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) related to or
arising out of our commercially reasonable efforts to collect or attempt to
collect any Account.

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     3.6. No Agency. Any provision of this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to constitute us
as your agent or to obligate us to assume any of your obligations with respect
to any Account. We will not have any liability for any error or omission or
delay occurring in the settlement, collection or payment of any Account.

4.   RECOURSE

     4.1. Repurchase of Accounts. In the event that (a) an Assigned Account
becomes the subject of a Dispute, (b) there exists any material breach of your
representations, warranties or covenants under this Agreement with respect to an
Assigned Account, (c) an Assigned Account is not paid on or before the
expiration of ninety (90) days from its invoice date (such an Account being
hereinafter referred to as a "LATE ACCOUNT"), or (d) we reasonably deem
ourselves insecure with respect to any Assigned Account in light of material
changes in the creditworthiness of the Account Debtor or otherwise, then and in
any such event you shall immediately upon demand by us (whether written or oral)
repurchase the Account from us for a purchase price equal to the amount of the
Advance Payment for such Account plus the applicable Discount Fee (calculated to
the date of repurchase) together with any and all other costs expenses
associated with such Account minus the paid portion of the Account, if any (the
"ACCOUNT REPURCHASE PRICE"). With respect to any Assigned Account that becomes
the subject of a Dispute, your obligations under this paragraph are irrespective
of any accord and satisfaction of such Account as against the Account Debtor by
operation of Section 3-311 of the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted and in
effect in the applicable jurisdiction (the "UCC").

     4.2. Repurchase on Default. Without limiting our other remedies under this
Agreement or applicable law, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default as
hereinafter defined, you shall immediately upon demand by us (whether written or
oral) repurchase from us all outstanding Assigned Accounts for the aggregate
Account Repurchase Price calculated in accordance with Paragraph 4.1

5.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

To induce us to purchase Accounts from time to time, you make the following
representations and warranties, each of which will survive the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and will be deemed to be continuous and renewed as of
the date of our acceptance of each Assignment. Such representations and
warranties shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

     5.1. General. You are a corporation duly organized, existing and in good
standing under the laws of Delaware. The preamble to this agreement sets forth
truly and accurately your exact legal name as registered in such jurisdiction.
You do business exclusively under such name and do not use any trade name or
other fictitious name.

     5.2. Authority and Enforceability. You represent and warrant that you have
all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this
Agreement, including each Assignment delivered hereunder. This Agreement has
been duly and validly executed and delivered by you and constitutes your legal,
valid, and binding obligation enforceable against you in accordance with its
terms. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by you does not
contravene your articles of incorporation, by-laws or operating or partnership
agreement, as applicable, or any other agreement, instrument, or commitment to
which you are a party or by which you or any of your assets or properties are
bound.

     5.3. Place of Business. Your principal place of business and your books and
records relating to the Accounts are located at the address set forth at the end
of this Agreement.

     5.4. Collateral. You are the sole owner of the Collateral free and clear of
all liens and encumbrances (including liens and encumbrances subordinate to our
lien and security interest), except for those created by this Agreement or
permitted by us in writing. As to inventory which is included in the Collateral,
such inventory is not stored with a bailee, warehouseman or similar party
without our prior written consent, is not stored with a bailee, warehouseman or
similar party or under consignment to or from any person and is currently
salable or usable in the normal course of your business.

     5.5. With Respect to Accounts. With respect to each Assigned Account, you
represent and warrant that:

          5.5.1. You are the sole owner of the Account free and clear of all
liens and encumbrances (including liens and encumbrances subordinate to our lien
and security interest), except for those created by this Agreement or permitted
by us in writing.

          5.5.2. You are not affiliated with and do not own, control, or
exercise dominion, in any way whatsoever, over the business of the Account
Debtor.

          5.5.3. The Account represents an accurate and undisputed statement of
indebtedness of the Account Debtor on account of a bona fide sale or lease of
goods or the performance of services by you.

          5.5.4. The Account is the valid obligation of and is legally binding
upon the Account Debtor enforceable against the Account Debtor in accordance
with its terms. All signatures and endorsements appearing on the invoices and
documents relating to the Accounts are genuine, and all signatories and
endorsers have full capacity and authority and were fully authorized to contract
for the purchase or lease of the goods and/or services giving rise to the
Account.

          5.5.5. To the best of your knowledge after reasonable inquiry, the
Account is not subject to any Dispute, defense, offset, counterclaim or any
allowance, deduction, contingency or condition.

          5.5.6. The Account is not on a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale,
sale-and-return, sale on approval, consignment or any other repurchase or return
basis.

          5.5.7. To the best of your knowledge based on due inquiry, the Account
Debtor is not Insolvent.

          5.5.8. The sale of the Account to us is accurately and properly
entered and reflected on your books and records.

6.   COVENANTS

     6.1. Periodic Reports. Until full and indefeasible payment of all of your
Obligations hereunder, you will furnish to us the following information
regarding your operations and financial condition from time to time as
specified:

          6.1.1. Within twenty (20) days after the close of each month a balance
sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement and copies of all bank
statements and reconciliations each as of the last day of such month and year to
date.

          6.1.2. Within five (5) days after the close of each month, (a) an
accounts payable aging and list and (b) an accounts receivable aging and list
(whether or not such accounts are Assigned Accounts), in each case as of the
last day of such month, in such form and containing such detail as we may
reasonably require.

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          6.1.3. Copies of all receipts and other evidence of your payment of
United States withholding, FICA and applicable state and local payroll taxes, in
each case as such payments are made; and copies of any and all FICA and FUTA
income tax withholding reports when and as filed.

          6.1.4. Within sixty (60) days before the close of your fiscal year, a
reasonable projection (including assumptions) of your sales and net income and
operating expenses on a monthly basis through the end of the next succeeding
fiscal year.

          6.1.5. Within ninety (90) days following the close of your fiscal
year, a balance sheet and income statement as of the close of such fiscal year
and for the year then ended.

          6.1.6. Copies of your federal income tax returns (together with all
schedules) and extensions requests, if any, when and as filed.

          6.1.7. Such additional financial information regarding your operations
and financial condition as we may require in our discretion from time to time.

     6.2. Standards. All financial statements provided by you under this Section
6 shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles,
consistently applied. You hereby represent and warrant that any and all
financial statements provided by you are and shall be true, accurate and
complete.

     6.3. Field Audits. Upon reasonable notice by us, you will permit any
authorized representative designated by us to visit your place or places of
business during business hours and to inspect your books of account, records,
correspondence and other documents and to make copies thereof and extracts
therefrom. You authorize us to discuss your affairs, finances and accounts with
your employees, agents, and independent certified public accountants or other
parties preparing financial statements and/or tax returns for you or on your
behalf. Any such inspection conducted after an Event of Default shall be at your
sole cost and expense and you will reimburse us for such costs and expenses on
demand.

     6.4. Other Covenants. Until full and indefeasible payment of all of your
Obligations hereunder:

          6.4.1. You shall:

               6.4.1.1. Comply in all material respects with all applicable
laws, rules, regulations and orders applicable to your business;

               6.4.1.2. Maintain insurance with responsible and reputable
insurance companies or associations in such amounts and covering such risks as
is consistent with past practice and/or as is usually carried by companies
engaged in similar businesses in the same general areas in which you operate;

               6.4.1.3. Maintain and preserve of your assets and properties,
real and personal, in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear
excepted;

               6.4.1.4. Preserve and maintain your corporate existence and good
standing, rights, franchises and privileges under applicable law;

               6.4.1.5. Pay and discharge before the same shall become
delinquent (i) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed
upon you or your property, and (ii) all lawful claims which, if unpaid, might by
operation of law or otherwise become a lien upon your property;

               6.4.1.6. Maintain yourself in good standing with any and all
federal and state licensing and regulatory authorities and governmental agencies
having jurisdiction over your activities; and

               6.4.1.7. Comply fully with all laws, rules, regulations, and
executive orders of federal, state and municipal governments, bureaus,
commissions, agencies or any of them applicable to you or your assets or
properties.

          6.4.2. Without our prior written consent, which consent may be
withheld in our sole and absolute discretion, you shall not:

               6.4.2.1. Permit or consent to the creation or incurrence by you
of any indebtedness or obligation for borrowed money, other than Big Apple
Energy, LLC, Thomas Chamberlain, Bank Atlantic, American Express and to us
pursuant to this Agreement;

               6.4.2.2. Make any material change in the nature of your business;
or

               6.4.2.3. Merge or consolidate with any other firm or corporation,
except in a transaction where this Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect.

               6.4.2.4. Grant, create, incur or suffer or permit to exist any
mortgage, pledge, security interest in or lien upon, or for any other purpose
assign or transfer, either absolutely or as collateral security, any of the
Collateral except to or in favor of us pursuant to this Agreement or as we may
otherwise agree in writing.

7.   SECURITY AGREEMENT

     7.1. Grant of Security Interest; Collateral Defined. To secure payment and
performance of all of your obligations under this Agreement, including, without
limitation, repurchase and indemnity obligations and obligations for costs and
expenses (collectively, your "OBLIGATIONS"), you hereby pledge, assign and grant
to us a continuing lien and security interest in the following property, both
now owned and existing and hereafter created, acquired and arising, regardless
of where located (collectively, the "COLLATERAL"):

          7.1.1. All of your accounts, whether or not accepted by us or
specifically sold to us;

          7.1.2. All of your goods, including but not limited to inventory and
equipment;

          7.1.3. All of your general intangibles, chattel paper, commercial tort
claims, deposit accounts, documents, instruments, investment property,
letter-of-credit rights, letters of credit, and money;

          7.1.4. All cash and non-cash proceeds and products of any of the
foregoing, including any claim against third parties in any way related to the
foregoing;

          7.1.5. All rights which you now have or hereafter may have to the
payment of money not otherwise included in the foregoing, including without
limitation tax refunds and proceeds of insurance of every kind and description;
and

          7.1.6. All books and records relating to any of the foregoing,
including but not limited to hard drives, compact disks, floppy disks, and/or
other digital storage media comprising such records in whole or in part.

     7.2. Financing Statements. Pursuant to Section 9-502 of the UCC, you hereby
authorize us to file such financing statements (including

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amendments thereto and continuation statements thereof) as we may reasonably
require in order to perfect our security interest in the Collateral.

     7.3. Defined Terms. As used in this Section, uncapitalized terms describing
categories of Collateral shall have the meaning, if any, respectively ascribed
to such terms under the UCC.

8.   TERM AND TERMINATION

     8.1. Initial Term; Renewal. The term of this Agreement shall be one (1)
year, commencing on the date of the first above written. This Agreement shall
automatically renew for successive one (1) year periods without any notice or
action on the part of either party hereto. (The period of effectiveness of this
Agreement, including the initial term and any renewal term, is sometimes
referred to herein as the "TERM.")

     8.2. Termination. You may terminate this Agreement effective at the end of
the initial term or any renewal term, as the case may be, by written notice to
us not less than sixty (60) days prior to the end of such term, subject to the
payment of the Minimum Volume Fee as specified in paragraph 2.4 for the
remaining months to the end of the initial term or any renewal term, as may be
the case. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, you may terminate
this Agreement on sixty (60) days notice after the Actual Volume during the Term
exceeds the Annual Minimum Volume. We may terminate this Agreement (i) at any
time for our convenience by written notice to you upon not less than sixty (60)
days prior to the effective date of termination set forth in such notice or (ii)
immediately upon written notice to you upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default.

     8.3. Survival of Terms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of
this Agreement and all of our rights and interests hereunder shall survive any
termination pursuant to Paragraph 8.2 and shall continue in full force and
effect until all Assigned Accounts and all of your Obligations hereunder have
been paid fully paid and performed.

     8.4. Termination Statement. At any time after later of (i) the effective
date of the termination of this Agreement or (ii) the date on which all Assigned
Accounts and all of your Obligations hereunder have been paid fully paid and
performed, you may request and we will deliver to you UCC termination statements
with respect to any and all recorded financing statements covering the
Collateral then in our favor, provided such request is in writing and
accompanied by a written general release by you in our favor in form and
substance satisfactory to us and our counsel. To the maximum extent permitted by
law, you hereby waive any and all statutory rights under Section 9-509 of the
UCC to require us to deliver UCC termination statements in respect of the
Collateral unless and until the conditions of this section have been satisfied.

9.   DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

     9.1. Events of Default. As used in this Agreement, "EVENT OF DEFAULT" means
any of the following:

          9.1.1. Any material breach by you of any term, covenant, condition,
representation or warranty under this Agreement.

          9.1.2. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the existence
of unresolved Disputes or any breach or breaches of your representations,
warranties or covenants under this Agreement affecting or with respect to
Assigned Accounts which, in the aggregate, constitute or exceed ten percent
(10%) (the "DEFAULT PERCENTAGE"), by face value or number, of all then
outstanding Assigned Accounts.

          9.1.3. The accumulation of Late Accounts (whether or not then
outstanding) since the commencement of the Term which in the aggregate
constitute or exceed, by face value or number, the Default Percentage of all
Accounts assigned hereunder through date.

          9.1.4. Any failure by you to pay or reimburse us, as the case may be,
any monetary amount to which we are entitled hereunder as and when the same
shall become due.

          9.1.5. Any material adverse change in your management, financial
condition or business prospects or those of any guarantor of your Obligations.

          9.1.6. The discontinuance or suspension of your present business
operation.

          9.1.7. Your becoming insolvent or unable to meet your debts as they
mature, or the commencement against you of any proceeding for relief under any
provision of any federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law,
or the filing or issuance against you of any injunction, attachment, judgment or
lien or any of your property, or the appointment of a receiver, custodian or
trustee of any kind for you or any of your property.

     9.2. Remedies. In addition to any other remedies available to us under this
Agreement or applicable law, upon and after the occurrence of an Event of
Default:

          9.2.1. We will have the right to enforce against you immediate payment
of all of your Obligations.

          9.2.2. With respect to the Collateral, we will have and may exercise
all of the rights of a secured party under the UCC.

          9.2.3. You hereby authorize and empower any attorney designated by us
or any clerk of any court of record to appear for you in any court of record and
confess judgment against you without prior hearing, in favor of us for and in
the amount of your Obligations then outstanding plus costs of suit and
attorneys' fees in an amount equal to 10% of the Obligations then outstanding.
Such authority and power may be exercised on one or more occasions, from time to
time, in the same or different jurisdictions, as often as we shall deem
necessary or desirable, for all of which this Agreement shall be a sufficient
warrant.

          9.2.4. We may notify the postal authorities to change the address for
delivery of your mail to such address as we may designate and shall have the
right to receive, open, and maintain in our custody any and all of your mail
thereafter; provided, however, that we will turn over to you any mail not
related directly or indirectly to the enforcement of our remedies hereunder.

     9.3. Remedies Cumulative. Each right, power and remedy provided for herein
or otherwise existing shall be cumulative and concurrent and shall be in
addition to every other right, power and remedy existing hereunder, by law or
otherwise. The exercise by us of any one or more such rights, powers or remedies
shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise by us of any or all such
other rights, powers or remedies.

10.  ARBITRATION

     Any claim or demand arising out of any alleged breach of this Agreement or
arising out of any dispute or controversy under or relating to this Agreement in
which the amount in controversy is $100,000 or less, other than any confession
of judgment proceeding pursuant to Subparagraph 9.2.3, shall be decided by a
single arbitrator under the Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The
prevailing party, as determined by the arbitrator, shall be awarded reasonable
attorneys' fees and costs (including all arbitration fees and expenses of the
arbitrator) incurred by that party in connection with the arbitration and any
post-

                                       5
<PAGE>
arbitration proceedings to enforce the award or otherwise. The award rendered by
the arbitrator shall be final and binding on both of us and judgment on such
award may be entered by either party in any court of competent jurisdiction. The
arbitration provisions hereof shall, with respect to such controversy or
dispute, survive the termination of this Agreement. Nothing herein contained
shall be deemed to give the arbitrator any authority, power, or right to alter,
change, amend, modify, add to, or subtract from any of the provisions of this
Agreement.

11.  MISCELLANEOUS

     11.1. Notices. Notices shall be deemed given to a party when sent or
dispatched to such party by certified or registered mail or private overnight
express mail, postage or charges prepaid, or by facsimile copy, at the address
of such party set forth below its signature hereto, or to such other notice
address as a party may designate by written notice to the other party.

     11.2. Binding Effect. This Agreement will bind you and your successors and
assigns, and will inure to the benefit of us and our successors and assigns.

     11.3. No Assignment. You may not assign or transfer any of your rights or
obligations under this Agreement without our prior written consent, which
consent may be withheld by us in our sole and absolute discretion. Any
assignment or transfer prohibited by this paragraph shall be null and void.

     11.4. Complete Agreement. This Agreement and the related Assignments
constitute the entire agreement between us with respect to the subject matter
hereof and all previous agreements or discussions between us relating to the
subject matter hereof, written or oral, are hereby terminated and/or superseded
by this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written
instrument signed by both parties.

     11.5. No Waiver. No delay or failure by us in exercising any of our rights
or remedies shall operate as a waiver of such or of any other right or remedy,
and no waiver shall be valid unless in writing signed by us and then only to the
extent therein set forth.

     11.6. Governing Law, Etc. This Agreement shall be deemed to have been made
in the State of Utah and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and
the validity and performance hereof shall be governed by, the laws of the State
of Utah, without regard to conflict of laws principles.

     11.7. Venue and Jurisdiction. Any judicial or arbitral proceeding arising
out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought and adjudicated (a) in the
case of any Original Claim made by you against us, solely in Salt Lake City,
Utah, and (b) in the case of any Original Claim made by us against you, in Salt
Lake City, Utah, or, at our sole and exclusive option, anywhere within the
jurisdiction where you are domiciled or have your principal place of business.
As used in this Paragraph, "ORIGINAL CLAIM" means the first formally commenced
proceeding in connection with a matter or series of related matters, it being
understood and agreed that any subsequently asserted claim, defense or
counterclaim arising out of or relating to such matter or matters shall be
subject to the same venue as the Original Claim. For purposes of any judicial
proceeding under this Agreement, you hereby irrevocably consent, submit, and
waive any and all objections to the personal jurisdiction of the state and
federal courts of the State of Utah over you and your affiliates.

     11.8. Waiver of Jury Trial. Except as otherwise provided in Section 10, any
suit, action or proceeding, whether claim or counterclaim, brought or instituted
by either party hereto or any successor or assign of any party under or with
respect to this Agreement or which in any way relates, directly or indirectly,
to this Agreement or any event, transaction or occurrence arising out of or in
any way connected with this Agreement, or the dealings of the parties with
respect thereto, shall be tried only by a court and not by a jury. EACH PARTY
HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR
PROCEEDING.

     11.9. Further Assurances. Each of us shall do, take, execute, acknowledge
if required and deliver such further and additional acts, actions, documents,
instruments or writings not specifically referred to herein as may be necessary,
required, proper, desirable or convenient for the purpose of fully effectuating
the provisions hereof.

     11.10. Construction. This Agreement has been negotiated by the parties and
shall be construed and interpreted fairly in accordance with its terms and
without any strict construction in favor of or against either party.

     [The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement under seal
as of the day and year first above written.

ASSIGNOR:                               WEBBANK

                                        By: ROCKLAND CREDIT FINANCE LLC
U.S. Gas & Electric, Inc.               Its Authorized Agent

By /s/ Doug Marcille           (SEAL)   By /s/                            (SEAL)
   ---------------------------             ------------------------------
   [notarized signature of              Name:
   authorized officer]                        ---------------------------
                                        Title:
                                               --------------------------

Print Name: Doug Marcille               6 Park Center Court, Suite 212
                                        Owings Mills, MD 21117
Title:      Chairman/CEO                Phone #: 410-902-0393
                                        Fax #: 410- 902-0893
Address:    290 NW 165th St., PH5
            North Miami Beach,
            FL 33169

Fax #:      (305) 947-5797
Taxpayer
I.D./SSN #: 58-2502341

                                       6
<PAGE>
State of Florida)
                        ) TO WIT:
County of Miami-Dade)

     I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this 23rd day of September, 2004, before me, a
Notary Public of said State, personally appeared Doug Marcille, known to me (or
satisfactorily proven) to be the person whose name is subscribed to the
foregoing Agreement and acknowledged that Doug Marcille executed the same for
the purposes therein contained.

     WITNESS my hand and Notarial Seal.

                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Notary Public

My Commission Expires:

                                       7
<PAGE>
                                    EXHIBIT A
                          TO MASTER FACTORING AGREEMENT

                               FORM OF ASSIGNMENT

                                  See attached.

                                       8
<PAGE>
                                                           ASSIGNMENT NO.
                                                                          ------
                 ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

ASSIGNOR:                               ASSIGNEE:

                                        WEBBANK
-------------------------------------   6 Park Center Court, Suite 212
                                        Owings Mills, MD 21117
-------------------------------------

-------------------------------------

-------------------------------------

     1. Assignment of Accounts. Pursuant to and subject to the terms and
conditions of that certain Master Factoring Agreement between Assignor and
Assignee (the "FACTORING AGREEMENT"), Assignor hereby sells, assigns and
transfers to Assignee all of its right, title and interest in and to the
Accounts arising from the invoices identified in Schedule A .

     2. Advance Payment: Assignor hereby acknowledges and confirms the payment
by Assignee and the receipt by Assignor of the Advance Payment shown on Schedule
A.

     3. Representations and Warranties. Assignor hereby confirms, represents and
warrants to Assignee that all representations and warranties made by Assignor to
Assignee in the Factoring Agreement are true and correct in all respects on
Effective Date of this Assignment and that no Default exists under the Factoring
Agreement on Effective Date.

     4. Effective Date. The effective date of the transfer of the Assigned
accounts pursuant to this Assignment (the "EFFECTIVE DATE") shall be the date
set forth below as the effective date of Assignee's acceptance.

     5. Defined Terms. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein
shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in the Factoring
Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Assignment intending to
be legally bound as of the Effective Date.

ASSIGNOR                                WEBBANK

-------------------------------------   By
[full corporate name of Assignor]          -------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                              ----------------------------------
By                                      Title:
   ----------------------------------          ---------------------------------
   [signature of authorized officer]

Print Name:                             Effective Date of Acceptance:
            -------------------------                                 ----------

Title:
       ------------------------------

                                       1
<PAGE>
                                   SCHEDULE A
                TO ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER OF ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Assignor:
          ---------------------------
Assignment #:
              -----------------------
Effective Date:
                ---------------------

                                ASSIGNED ACCOUNTS

The Account(s) identified below and on the invoices, contracts and/or other
evidence thereof attached hereto, if any, is/are being sold, assigned and
transferred by Assignor to WEBBANK pursuant to the foregoing Assignment.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCOUNT DEBTOR   INVOICE   INVOICE   P.O./CONTRACT    NET FACE
  (CUSTOMER)       NO.       DATE         NO.        AMOUNT ($)   TERMS OF SALE
--------------   -------   -------   -------------   ----------   -------------
<S>              <C>       <C>       <C>             <C>          <C>

</TABLE>

          (A) TOTAL AMOUNT OF THIS ASSIGNMENT: $
                                                --------------------------------
          (B) ADVANCE RATE:                   %
                            ------------------
          (C) TOTAL ADVANCE REQUESTED (LINE A X LINE B): $
                                                          ----------------------

                                       2<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

                       ORANGE AND ROCKLAND UTILITIES, INC.

                              CONSOLIDATED BILLING

                                       AND

                              ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

<PAGE>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMON TERMS AND CONDITIONS...................................................2

   1.1      INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE........................................3
   1.2      TERM..............................................................3

CONSOLIDATED BILLING ARRANGEMENTS.............................................4

   2.1      ASSIGNMENT OF ESCO'S ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES.........................4
   2.2      ESCO OBLIGATIONS..................................................4
   2.3      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES....................................5
   2.4      O&R BILLING SERVICE...............................................7
   2.5      CONSOLIDATED BILLING SERVICE FEE.................................12

MISCELLANEOUS................................................................13

   3.1      RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES...........................................13
   3.2      NOTICES..........................................................13
   3.3      TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT.........................................14
   3.4      FORCE MAJEURE....................................................15
   3.5      AMENDMENTS.......................................................16
   3.6      ASSIGNMENT.......................................................16
   3.7      PRIOR AGREEMENTS SUPERSEDED......................................16
   3.8      WAIVER AND MODIFICATION..........................................17
   3.9      APPLICABLE LAW AND FORUM.........................................17
   3.10     SEVERABILITY.....................................................17
   3.11     AGENCY...........................................................18
   3.12     NOT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THIRD PARTIES.............................18

<PAGE>

                  CONSOLIDATED BILLING AND ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT
                           COMMON TERMS AND CONDITIONS

         This Consolidated Billing and Assignment Agreement ("Agreement") is
made and entered into this _____ day of __________, 200__, by and between Orange
and Rockland Utilities, Inc., a New York corporation having its principal office
at One Blue Hill Plaza, Pearl River, New York 10965 ("O&R"), and
_____________________, a ______________________ corporation, having an office at
________________________ ("ESCO"), both O&R and the ESCO hereinafter sometimes
referred to collectively as the "Parties" or individually as a "Party".

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, O&R has implemented retail access programs, as described in
its Schedule for Electricity Service, P.S.C. No. 2 - Electricity, and Schedule
for Natural Gas Service, P.S.C. No. 4 - Gas, (together "Tariff") and in its
Electric and Gas Operating Procedures ("Operating Procedures"), under which
O&R's retail customers may purchase natural gas and/or electricity from an
energy services company or gas marketer ("energy services company");

         WHEREAS, ESCO has been deemed approved by the New York State Department
of Public Service ("NYDPS") to act as an energy services company and has met any
requirements established by O&R to be an energy services company authorized to
sell natural gas and/or electricity to O&R's retail customers under the retail
access programs;

                                       2
<PAGE>

         WHEREAS, ESCO has requested that O&R render a consolidated single
monthly bill to its retail access customers for both the ESCO's commodity supply
and O&R's delivery services; and

         WHEREAS, O&R agrees to provide such consolidated billing service on
behalf of the ESCO subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the
ESCO Operating Agreement(s), the Operating Procedures and the Tariff; and

         WHEREAS, ESCO desires that O&R accept assignment of all amounts billed
by O&R on ESCO's behalf and make payments to ESCO relating to such assignment.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual promises
set forth below, O&R and ESCO, intending to be legally bound, hereby covenant,
promise and agree as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

              TARIFF AND OPERATING PROCEDURES AND TERM OF AGREEMENT

1.1      INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

         The terms and conditions of the Tariff, Operating Agreements, Operating
Procedures, and the New York Public Service Commission's ("NYPSC") Uniform
Business Practices ("UBPs"), as applicable, are fully incorporated in this
Agreement except as is otherwise expressly provided herein.

1.2      TERM

         This Agreement shall commence on the date set forth above ("Effective
Date") and will remain in effect until terminated (i) in accordance with its

                                       3
<PAGE>

terms, (ii) by an order of the NYPSC, or (iii) if the ESCO Operating
Agreement(s) between the Parties is (are) terminated.

                                   ARTICLE II

                        CONSOLIDATED BILLING ARRANGEMENTS

2.1      ASSIGNMENT OF ESCO'S ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES

         ESCO hereby assigns to O&R its rights in all amounts due from all of
its retail access customers ("Customers") on consolidated bills issued by O&R on
and after the Effective Date of this Agreement and any amounts due from its
Customers on consolidated bills issued previously under any prior consolidated
billing services agreement with O&R ("Customers' Accounts"). ESCO hereby grants
O&R a security interest in said Customers' Accounts and authorizes O&R to file,
on behalf of ESCO, all financing statements and other documents necessary to
perfect said security interest.

2.2      ESCO OBLIGATIONS

         A. ESCO will provide O&R a single rate ($/kWh and/or $/ccf) to be
charged each Customer for each unit of electricity and/or gas supply consumed by
that Customer. Rates may differ from Customer to Customer. The rate provided by
ESCO will be used by O&R for billing purposes for the next bill issued to the
Customer and every bill thereafter until changed by ESCO no later than 10
calendar days prior to the Customer's next scheduled meter read date.

                                       4
<PAGE>

         B. ESCO will submit the monthly billing information to O&R in an
electronic format prescribed by O&R identifying the name, O&R account number and
unit rate(s) for each Customer.

         C. ESCO will satisfy all other obligations set forth in the Operating
Procedures.

         D. ESCO will furnish O&R with an affidavit from an officer of ESCO
representing that ESCO has notified its current non-residential customers and
will notify its future non-residential Customers that O&R is permitted to
disconnect the non-residential Customer for nonpayment of the ESCO charges. ESCO
will indemnify O&R for any cost, expense, or penalty if any Customer's service
is discontinued for nonpayment and the Customer establishes that it did not
receive such notification.

2.3      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         ESCO makes the following representations and warranties to O&R:

         A. The information provided in the O&R Application Form for Qualified
Seller Service under Gas Service Classification No. 11 and/or the Electric ESCO
Operating Agreement is correct as of the Effective Date, and ESCO will promptly
inform O&R of any changes in such information.

         B. ESCO is in compliance with all of the requirements set forth in
Appendix B of NYPSC Opinion 97-5 and will continue to be in compliance with such
requirements and all subsequently adopted regulatory requirements throughout the
term of this Agreement.

                                       5
<PAGE>

         C. No material changes in the data contained in ESCO's initial
eligibility application filing with the NYDPS have occurred or will occur,
except such changes as have been or will be reported to the NYDPS.

         D. Throughout the term of this Agreement, ESCO will adhere to its own
policies and procedures as set forth in its retail access application form filed
with the NYDPS, as updated from time to time.

         E. ESCO will not, either directly or indirectly, engage in, participate
in or encourage or assist others to engage or participate in the practice of
transferring customers without authorization, commonly referred to as
"slamming."

         F. [WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A SECURITY INTEREST FILED BY SECURED CREDITOR
(AS DEFINED IN ARTICLE 9 OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE), FOR WHICH SECURED
CREDITOR HAS SUBORDINATED TO O&R ITS SECURITY INTEREST IN ESCO'S CUSTOMER
RECEIVABLES AND IN AMOUNTS NETTED BY O&R FROM ITS REMITTANCES TO ESCO,] no third
party has any right, title or interest to any Customers' Accounts (as defined in
Section 2.1 above) assigned by ESCO hereunder to O&R, and ESCO undertakes that,
[WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE SECURED CREDITOR SECURITY INTEREST REFERENCED
HEREIN], it shall not allow any interest or permit any third party to assert a
claim of right, title or interest on those Accounts or any new Customers'
Accounts opened during the term of this Agreement.

                                       6
<PAGE>

2.4      O&R BILLING SERVICE

         A. O&R will render ESCO's Customers a consolidated bill for both ESCO's
commodity supply (electricity and/or natural gas) and O&R's energy delivery
services on a monthly basis. O&R will calculate the Customer's ESCO charges for
billing purposes by multiplying the Customer's monthly consumption by the rate
provided by ESCO pursuant to Section 2.2 (A) of this Agreement.

         B. The consolidated bill will display the amount and price of the
commodity sold by ESCO and the ESCO's identity. O&R's charges will be reflected
in the manner prescribed in the Tariff.

         C. O&R will perform cycled meter readings in accordance with its
business practices. In the event an actual meter reading cannot be obtained, O&R
shall estimate the Customer's consumption for billing purposes in accordance
with applicable PSC regulations. The consolidated bill will be issued in
accordance with the established meter reading cycles for the applicable account.
If the meter read date for a particular Customer changes, O&R will notify ESCO
of same.

         D. O&R will receive and process Customers' payments. O&R will perform
collection activities on Customers' accounts in conformity with the Home Energy
Fair Practices Act ("HEFPA") with respect to residential customers and in
accordance with Part 13 of 16 NYCRR with respect to non-residential customers.

                                       7
<PAGE>

For non-residential Customers, O&R shall disconnect its delivery service and the
ESCO commodity service where: (i) the Customer fails to make full payment of all
amounts due on the consolidated billing; (ii) O&R purchased the ESCO receivable;
and (iii) the ESCO furnishes O&R an affidavit as described in Section 2.2 (D)
herein.

         Any Customer payment or portion thereof that is billed by O&R under
this Agreement and received by ESCO from Customer shall be held by ESCO in trust
as the property of O&R and shall be immediately remitted in full to O&R within
five (5) business days without any deduction or set-off by ESCO.

         E. Within five (5) business days, O&R will notify ESCO if (i) O&R
terminates a Customer for non-payment; or (ii) Customer voluntarily closes its
O&R account.

         F. O&R will treat all information received from ESCO as confidential
and will not share the information with any third party. In the event that
disclosure is required by a governmental body, court or applicable law, O&R may
disclose such information to the extent so required, but shall promptly notify
ESCO prior to disclosure and shall cooperate (consistent with its legal
obligations) with ESCO's efforts to obtain protective orders or similar
restraints with respect to such disclosure at the expense of ESCO.

         G. Beginning in the second (2nd) calendar month following commencement
of consolidated billing under this Agreement, O&R will remit payment to ESCO,
via wire transfer to a bank (or other mutually agreed to depository or payee)
designated in writing by ESCO, on the 20th calendar day of the month (or the

                                       8
<PAGE>

next following business day if the 20th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public
holiday) of all undisputed ESCO charges billed to Customers in the previous
calendar month. An amount is deemed disputed if the Customer contacts O&R
questioning the validity of ESCO's unit commodity rate or ESCO's service to the
Customer. A Customer's claim of either inability to pay or inaccurate meter
reading shall not constitute a dispute for purposes of O&R's obligation to pay
ESCO amounts billed for its commodity supply.

         O&R will notify ESCO within 24 hours of its receipt of notification by
a Customer of the latter's refusal to pay the ESCO charges billed due to an
unresolved dispute between ESCO and the Customer. O&R will pay ESCO for resolved
disputed ESCO charges within five (5) business days of O&R's receipt of payment
from the Customer.

         H. Subject to the NYPSC UBPs, O&R may, at its option, reject requests
for or discontinue consolidated billing for any Customers' Accounts that are at
least 38 calendar days past due, unless the past due amount is subject to a
Deferred Payment Agreement and the customer is fulfilling its Deferred Payment
Agreement obligations.

         I. O&R will provide a budget billing option to Customers for the
combined ESCO and O&R charges using O&R's budget billing protocol for
Full-Service Customers.

         J. O&R's remittance to ESCO in accordance with Section 2.4 (G) shall be
net of all amounts owed to O&R by the ESCO for retail access program services
and/or other charges in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Tariff
or the ESCO Operating Agreements, such as:

         o  Special meter reading fees

                                       9
<PAGE>

         o  Customer energy history fees

         o  Account separation fees

         o  Profile information fees

         o  Consolidated Billing Service fees

         o  Gas imbalance charges

         o  Capacity Release charges

         o  Winter Bundled Sales Service charges

         o  Other PSC-approved Tariff fees and charges

         o  Delta amounts not paid by a customer to restore Service pursuant to
            Public Service Law ss. 32(5)(d).

         K. O&R will provide to the ESCO customer bill information including the
commodity usage, the billed amount, and tax information pursuant to Section 2.4
(L) below, for each of the ESCO's Customers with the monthly remittance
identified in Section 2.4 (G). O&R shall use Electronic Data Interchange ("EDI")
standards, to the extent developed, for transmittal of customer information and
may transmit data, in addition to the minimum information required, via EDI or
by means of an alternative system.

         ESCO shall notify O&R in writing of any error(s) alleged to be made by
O&R in the billed amount for ESCO's customers, including all such errors related
to the rate provided by ESCO pursuant to Section 2.2 (A) of this Agreement,
within thirty (30) days of the posting of such statement on O&R's electronic
bulletin board. In the event ESCO fails to notify O&R in writing of any such
error(s) alleged to be made by O&R within thirty (30) days of receiving such

                                       10
<PAGE>

billed information from O&R, ESCO waives any claims to loss, injury or damage
resulting from such error and O&R shall be relieved of all liability resulting
from such error, whether based in contract or tort (including negligence or
strict liability). O&R has no responsibilities under this Agreement for errors
made by ESCO in the rate information provided to O&R pursuant to Section 2.2(A)
herein.

         L. O&R is not responsible for the paying or remitting to the applicable
taxing authorities, on behalf of ESCO, of any federal, state or local taxes as a
result of this Agreement. Based on information regarding each Customer's tax
status supplied by ESCO, O&R will calculate and identify the sales and use tax
associated with ESCO's charges and will provide such calculations to ESCO at the
same time as the remittance payment is made pursuant to Section 2.4 (G) above.
ESCO shall be liable for and pay all such taxes and shall indemnify, defend, and
hold harmless O&R from and against any and all liability for such taxes, and any
interest and penalties thereon.

         M. ESCO, to the fullest extent allowed by law, shall indemnify, defend
and hold harmless and shall reimburse O&R, from and against any and all damages,
losses, liabilities, obligations judgments, orders, writs, injunctions, decrees,
fines, penalties, taxes, costs, suits, charges, expenses (including attorneys'
fees), claims, investigations, proceedings, or causes of action (collectively
"Damages") which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against
O&R by third parties (including Customers) that are directly or indirectly
caused by, arise out of or under, associated with, incident to or in connection
with this Agreement , including, but not limited to any of the following: (i)
ESCO's acts or omissions regarding Customer Accounts or billing rates; (ii) any

                                       11
<PAGE>

claim, demand, cause of action, litigation, suit, proceeding, hearing or
investigation (collectively "Claims") by any person for payments based upon any
agreement or understanding alleged to have been made by such person, directly or
indirectly, with ESCO or any of its representatives, in connection with any of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; (iii) any Claims with respect
to the action or inaction of ESCO or its representatives, which is contrary to
the requirements of this Agreement; (iv) any inaccuracy in or other breach of
any representation or warranty made by ESCO in this Agreement; (v) any failure
by ESCO to perform or comply, in whole or in part, with any covenant, agreement
or provision of this Agreement; and (vi) any costs and expenses, including
reasonable fees and attorney's fees associated with all Damages incurred by O&R
in connection with any Claims subject to indemnification rights as provided
herein.

2.5      CONSOLIDATED BILLING SERVICE FEE

         A. O&R will charge ESCO a Consolidated Billing Service fee per bill
rendered on behalf of ESCO in accordance with Section 2.5 (B) below. As of the
Effective Date of this Agreement, the fee is $0.62 per bill. The fee will be
adjusted, as necessary, to comply with any changes approved by the NYPSC.

         B. ESCO's payment of the Consolidated Billing Service fee will be
effectuated by a recoupment from remittances due ESCO as provided in Section 2.4
(J).

         C. In the event of termination of this Agreement, O&R shall have the
right to retain all Customer payments associated with bills rendered to ESCO's
Customers (pursuant to Section 2.4 above) prior to the date of termination, and

                                       12
<PAGE>

O&R shall make the appropriate remittance payments to ESCO associated with those
bills in accordance with Section 2.4 (G) and (J). To the extent that amounts
owed to O&R by the ESCO for retail access program services and/or other charges
in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Tariff or the ESCO Operating
Agreements exceed Customer payments, either upon termination of this Agreement
or at any time during the course of the Agreement, O&R shall invoice ESCO for
any and all amounts due to O&R and ESCO shall pay such invoice pursuant to the
terms and conditions set forth in Section 7 of the NYPSC UBPs as incorporated in
the Operating Procedures.

                                   ARTICLE III

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

3.1      RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

         If a dispute arises between Parties, including those issues requiring
NYPSC action, the dispute resolution process set forth in the NYPSC UBPs will be
followed.

3.2      NOTICES

         Any notice to be provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will
be deemed given, and any other document to be delivered hereunder will be deemed
delivered, if in writing and (i) delivered by hand, (ii) deposited for
next-business day delivery (fee prepaid) with a reputable overnight delivery
service such as Federal Express, or (iii) mailed by certified mail (return
receipt requested) postage prepaid, addressed to the recipient at the address

                                       13
<PAGE>

set forth below for that Party (or at such other address as that Party may from
time to time designate by giving notice thereof).

Notice to:

                  Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.
                  Manager - Retail Access
                  390 W. Route 59
                  Spring Valley, NY 10977
                  Telephone #: 845-577-3121
                  Fax # 845-577-3602
                  E-Mail: ciglianoc@oru.com

         and to:

                  ESCO

                  -----------------------------

                  -----------------------------
                  Attn:
                  -----------------------------
                  Telephone #:
                  -----------------------------
                  Fax #
                  -----------------------------
                  E-Mail:
                  -----------------------------

3.3      TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

         O&R shall have the right to terminate this Agreement on thirty (30)
days' written notice to ESCO; provided, however, that this Agreement may be
terminated: (i) on one (1) day's written notice if the ESCO Operating
Agreement(s) is terminated for any reason; (ii) on not less than fifteen (15)
days' written notice if ESCO breaches any of the representations and warranties

                                       14
<PAGE>

set forth in Section 2.3 above or any of the other provisions of this Agreement
and does not cure said breach within the fifteen-day period; or (iii) on one (1)
day's written notice following issuance of an order or ruling by the NYPSC
materially impacting any of the terms or conditions herein. In the latter
instance, O&R will offer ESCO an alternative consolidated billing arrangement to
replace the one provided for in this Agreement, to the extent that the NYPSC
requires utilities to provide consolidated billing services. O&R will render
ESCO's Customers a consolidated bill for ESCO's commodity supply provided to
Customers through the date of termination or expiration of the Billing
Agreement.

3.4      FORCE MAJEURE

         Any delay in the performance of any of the duties or obligations of
either Party hereto shall not be considered a breach of this Agreement and the
time required for performance shall be extended for a period equal to the period
of such delay, provided that such delay has been caused by or is the result of
any occurrence beyond the reasonable control of a Party which causes such Party
to be delayed in or prevented from performing or carrying out any of its
obligations under this Agreement and which, by the exercise of due diligence,
that Party is unable to prevent, avoid, mitigate, or overcome, including any of
the following: any act of God, labor disturbance, act of the public enemy, war,
insurrection, riot, fire, storm or flood, ice, explosion, order, regulation or
restriction imposed by governmental, military or lawfully established civilian
authorities, provided that a Force Majeure Event shall not include lack of

                                       15
<PAGE>

finances or change in market conditions. The Party so affected shall give prompt
written notice to the other Party of such cause and shall take whatever
reasonable steps are necessary to relieve the effect of such cause as rapidly as
possible.

3.5      AMENDMENTS

         Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement, O&R may at any time
propose and file with the NYPSC changes to the rates, terms, and conditions of
the Tariff, and/or the Operating Procedures. Such amendment or modification will
become effective with respect to service pursuant to this Agreement on the date
specified by the NYPSC.

3.6      ASSIGNMENT

         Neither Party shall assign any of its rights or obligations under this
Agreement without obtaining the prior written consent of the non-assigning
Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. No assignment of this
Agreement shall relieve the assigning Party of any of its obligations under this
Agreement until such obligations have been assumed by the assignee. Any
assignment in violation of this Section shall be void.

3.7      PRIOR AGREEMENTS SUPERSEDED

         This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersedes any and all previous

                                       16
<PAGE>

understandings between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof,
and binds and inures to the benefit of the Parties, their successors and
permitted assigns.

3.8      WAIVER AND MODIFICATION

         No modification or waiver of all or any part of this Agreement will be
valid unless in writing and signed by the Parties or their agents. Any waiver
will be effective only for the particular event for which it is issued and will
not be deemed a waiver with respect to any subsequent performance, default or
matter.

3.9      APPLICABLE LAW AND FORUM

         Interpretation and performance of this Agreement will be in accordance
with, and will be controlled by, the laws of the State of New York except its
conflict of laws provisions to the extent they would require the application of
the laws of any other jurisdiction. Each Party irrevocably consents that any
legal action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Agreement will be
brought in a court of the State of New York or a federal court of the United
States of America located in the State of New York, County of New York. Each
Party irrevocably waives any objection that it may now or in the future have to
the State of New York, County of New York as the proper and exclusive forum for
any legal action or proceeding arising under or relating to this Agreement.

3.10     SEVERABILITY

         If one or more provisions herein are held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect it will be given effect to the extent permitted by

                                       17
<PAGE>

applicable law, and such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not
affect the validity of the other provisions of this Agreement.

3.11     AGENCY

         This Agreement is not intended, and will not be construed, to create
any association, joint venture, agency relationship or partnership between O&R
and ESCO or any other parties or to impose any such obligation or liability upon
either Party.

3.12     NOT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THIRD PARTIES

         This Agreement is for the benefit of the Parties hereto and not for the
benefit of any third parties.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed, as of the date first above written.

                  ORANGE AND ROCKLAND UTILITIES, INC.

                           By  /s/ ROBERT J. SCARBO
                               ------------------------------------------------
                           Name Robert J. Scarbo
                           Title Director

                  (ESCO)

                           By  /s/ DOUG MARCILLE
                               ------------------------------------------------
                           Name Doug Marcille
                           Title Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

                                       18

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