Document:

exv10w54

Exhibit 10.54

	Base Contract for Sale and Purchase of Natural Gas
This Base Contract is entered into as of the following date: February 23, 2011
The parties to this Base Contract are the following:

	PARTY A
JOHN D. OIL & GAS MARKETING, LLC
PARTY NAMEPARTY B
Gas Natural Service Company, LLC
3511 Lost Nation Road
Suite 213
Willoughby, Ohio 44094ADDRESS8500 Station Street
Suite 100
Mentor, Ohio 44060
www.BUSINESS WEBSITEwww.
JOHND.2011 – INTRASTATESales – Service Company 2CONTRACT NUMBERJOHND.2011 – INTRASTATESales – Service Company 2
TBA IF APPLICABLED-U-N-S® NUMBERTBA IF APPLICABLE
XUS FEDERAL: 38 -3724735
?OTHER:
TAX ID NUMBERSXUS FEDERAL: TBA
?OTHER:
OhioJURISDICTION OF ORGANIZATIONOhio
?Corporation XLLC
?Limited Partnership?Partnership
?LLP?Other: COMPANY TYPE?Corporation XLLC
?Limited Partnership?Partnership
?LLP?Other:
GUARANTOR
(IF APPLICABLE)Gas Natural, Inc.
CONTACT INFORMATION
John D. Oil & Gas Marketing, LLC
ATTN:Mike Zappitello
TEL: 440-669-2929 FAX 440-255-1985
EMAIL: mzappitello@cobrapipeline.com? COMMERICALGas Natural Service Company, LLC
ATTN:Jonathan A. Harrington
TEL: FAX:
EMAIL:
John D. Oil & Gas Marketing, LLC
ATTN:as above
TEL:FAX:
EMAIL:?SCHEDULINGGAS NATURAL SERVICE COMPANY, LLC
ATTN:as above
TEL:FAX:
EMAIL:
John D. Oil & Gas Marketing, LLC
ATTN: as above
TEL:FAX:
EMAIL:?CONTRACT AND LEGAL NOTICES
GAS NATURAL SERVICE COMPANY, LLC
ATTN:as above
TEL:FAX:
EMAIL:
John D. Oil & Gas Marketing, LLC
ATTN: as above
TEL:FAX:
EMAIL:?CREDIT GAS NATURAL SERVICE COMPANY, LLC
ATTN: as above
TEL:FAX:
EMAIL:
John D. Oil & Gas Marketing, LLC
ATTN: as above
TEL:FAX:
EMAIL:?TRANSACTION
CONFIRMATIONSGAS NATURAL SERVICE COMPANY, LLC
ATTN: as above
TEL:FAX:
EMAIL:
ACCOUNTING INFORMATION
TBA
ATTN:
TEL:FAX:
EMAIL:?INVOICES
?PAYMENTS
?SETTLEMENTSGas Natural Service Company, LLC
ATTN:
TEL: FAX: 440 255-1985
EMAIL:
BANK:
ABA:ACCT:
OTHER DETAILS:WIRE TRANSFER NUMBERS
(IF APPLICABLE)BANK:
ABA:ACCT:
OTHER DETAILS:
BANK:
ABA:ACCT:
OTHER DETAILS:ACH NUMBERS
(IF APPLICABLE)BANK:
ABA:ACCT:
OTHER DETAILS:
ATTN:
ADDRESS:
CHECKS
(IF APPLICABLE)ATTN:
ADDRESS:

	Copyright © 2006 North American Energy Standards Board, Inc.NAESB Standard 6.3.1
All Rights ReservedSeptember 5, 2006

 

	Contract for Sale and Purchase of Natural Gas
(Continued)
This Base Contract incorporates by reference for all purposes the General Terms and Conditions for Sale and Purchase of Natural Gas published by the North American Energy Standards Board. The parties hereby agree to the following provisions offered in said General Terms and Conditions. In the event the parties fail to check a box, the specified default provision shall apply. Select the appropriate box(es) from each section:

	Section 1.2
Transaction Procedure
XOral (default)
OR
Written
Section 10.2
Additional Events of Default
XNo Additional Events of Default (default)

	Indebtedness Cross Default

	Party A:

	Party B:

	Transactional Cross Default
Specified Transactions:

	Section 2.7
Confirm Deadline
X2 Business Days after receipt (default)
OR
Business Days after receipt

	Section 2.8
Confirming Party
XSeller (default)
OR
Buyer

	Section 3.2
Performance Obligation
XCover Standard (default)
OR
Spot Price Standard
Section 10.3.1
Early Termination Damages
X Early Termination Damages Apply (default)

	OR

	Early Termination Damages Do Not Apply

	Note: The following Spot Price Publication applies to both of the immediately preceding.
Section 10.3.2
Other Agreement Setoffs
XOther Agreement Setoffs Apply (default)

	Bilateral (default)

	Triangular

	OR

	Other Agreement Setoffs Do Not Apply

	Section 2.31
Spot Price
Publication
Gas Daily Midpoint (default)
OR
X            Gas Daily Midpoint Columbia Appalachia

	Section 6
Taxes
XBuyer Pays At and After Delivery Point (default) OR
Seller Pays Before and At Delivery Point

	Section 7.2
Payment Date

	X25th Day of Month following Month of delivery (default)
OR
Day of Month following Month of delivery
Section 15.5
Choice Of Law
Ohio

	Section 7.2
Method of Payment
Wire transfer (default)
Automated Clearinghouse Credit (ACH)
X Check            Cash Account Transfer
Section 15.10
Confidentiality
XConfidentiality applies (default)
OR
Confidentiality does not apply

	Section 7.7
Netting
XNetting applies (default)
OR
Netting does not apply
• Special Provisions Number of sheets attached:3
X Addendum(s):JOHND.2011 – INTRASTATESales – Service Company #2.1
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Base Contract in duplicate.
JOHN D. OIL & GAS MARKETING, LLCPARTY NAMEGas Natural Service Company, LLC

	—By: —/s/ Rebecca HowellSIGNATURE

	—By: —/s/ Jonathan A. Harrington
Rebecca HowellPRINTED NAMEJonathan A. Harrington
Controller & SecretaryTITLEController, Gas Natural, Inc.

	Copyright © 2006 North American Energy Standards Board, Inc.NAESB Standard 6.3.1
All Rights ReservedPage 2 of 13September 5, 2006

 

	

SECTION 1.      PURPOSE AND PROCEDURES
1.1.    These General Terms and Conditions are intended to facilitate purchase and sale transactions of Gas on a Firm or Interruptible basis.  "Buyer" refers to the party receiving Gas and "Seller" refers to the party delivering Gas.  The entire agreement between the parties shall be the Contract as defined in Section 2.9.
The parties have selected either the Oral Transaction Procedure or the Written Transaction Procedure as indicated on the Base Contract.
Oral Transaction Procedure:
1.2.    The parties will use the following Transaction Confirmation procedure.  Any Gas purchase and sale transaction may be effectuated in an EDI transmission or telephone conversation with the offer and acceptance constituting the agreement of the parties.  The parties shall be legally bound from the time they so agree to transaction terms and may each rely thereon.  Any such transaction shall be considered a writing and to have been signed.  Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the parties agree that Confirming Party shall, and the other party may, confirm a telephonic transaction by sending the other party a Transaction Confirmation by facsimile, EDI or mutually agreeable electronic means within three Business Days of a transaction covered by this Section 1.2 (Oral Transaction Procedure) provided that the failure to send a Transaction Confirmation shall not invalidate the oral agreement of the parties.  Confirming Party adopts its confirming letterhead, or the like, as its signature on any Transaction Confirmation as the identification and authentication of Confirming Party.  If the Transaction Confirmation contains any provisions other than those relating to the commercial terms of the transaction (i.e., price, quantity, performance obligation, delivery point, period of delivery and/or transportation conditions), which modify or supplement the Base Contract or General Terms and Conditions of this Contract (e.g., arbitration or additional representations and warranties), such provisions shall not be deemed to be accepted pursuant to Section 1.3 but must be expressly agreed to by both parties; provided that the foregoing shall not invalidate any transaction agreed to by the parties.
Written Transaction Procedure:
1.2.    The parties will use the following Transaction Confirmation procedure.  Should the parties come to an agreement regarding a Gas purchase and sale transaction for a particular Delivery Period, the Confirming Party shall, and the other party may, record that agreement on a Transaction Confirmation and communicate such Transaction Confirmation by facsimile, EDI or mutually agreeable electronic means, to the other party by the close of the Business Day following the date of agreement.  The parties acknowledge that their agreement will not be binding until the exchange of nonconflicting Transaction Confirmations or the passage of the Confirm Deadline without objection from the receiving party, as provided in Section 1.3.
1.3.    If a sending party's Transaction Confirmation is materially different from the receiving party's understanding of the agreement referred to in Section 1.2, such receiving party shall notify the sending party via facsimile, EDI or mutually agreeable electronic means by the Confirm Deadline, unless such receiving party has previously sent a Transaction Confirmation to the sending party.  The failure of the receiving party to so notify the sending party in writing by the Confirm Deadline constitutes the receiving party's agreement to the terms of the transaction described in the sending party's Transaction Confirmation.  If there are any material differences between timely sent Transaction Confirmations governing the same transaction, then neither Transaction Confirmation shall be binding until or unless such differences are resolved including the use of any evidence that clearly resolves the differences in the Transaction Confirmations.  In the event of a conflict among the terms of (i) a binding Transaction Confirmation pursuant to Section 1.2, (ii) the oral agreement of the parties which may be evidenced by a recorded conversation, where the parties have selected the Oral Transaction Procedure of the Base Contract, (iii) the Base Contract, and (iv) these General Terms and Conditions, the terms of the documents shall govern in the priority listed in this sentence.
1.4.    The parties agree that each party may electronically record all telephone conversations with respect to this Contract between their respective employees, without any special or further notice to the other party.  Each party shall obtain any necessary consent of its agents and employees to such recording.  Where the parties have selected the Oral Transaction Procedure in Section 1.2 of the Base Contract, the parties agree not to contest the validity or enforceability of telephonic recordings entered into in accordance with the requirements of this Base Contract.
SECTION 2.      DEFINITIONS
The terms set forth below shall have the meaning ascribed to them below.  Other terms are also defined elsewhere in the Contract and shall have the meanings ascribed to them herein.
2.1.    Additional Event of Default shall mean Transactional Cross Default or Indebtedness Cross Default, each as and if selected by the parties pursuant to the Base Contract.
2.2.    Affiliate shall mean, in relation to any person, any entity controlled, directly or indirectly, by the person, any entity that controls, directly or indirectly, the person or any entity directly or indirectly under common control with the person.  For this purpose, control of any entity or person means ownership of at least 50 percent of the voting power of the entity or person.
Copyright  2006 North American Energy Standards Board, Inc.     NAESB Standard 6.3.1
All Rights Reserved     Page 3 of 13        September 5, 2006

 

	

2.3. IAlternative DamagesE shall mean such damages, expressed in dollars or dollars per MMBtu, as the parties shall agree upon in the Transaction Confirmation, in the event either Seller or Buyer fails to perform a Firm obligation to deliver Gas in the case of Seller or to receive Gas in the case of Buyer.
2.4. IBase ContractE shall mean a contract executed by the parties that incorporates these General Terms and Conditions by reference; that specifies the agreed selections of provisions contained herein; and that sets forth other information required herein and any Special Provisions and addendum(s) as identified on page one.
2.5. IBritish thermal unitE or IBtuE shall mean the International BTU, which is also called the Btu (IT).
2.6. IBusiness Day(s)E shall mean Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Banking Holidays for transactions in the U.S.
2.7. IConfirm DeadlineE shall mean 5:00 p.m. in the receiving partyIs time zone on the second Business Day following the Day a Transaction Confirmation is received or, if applicable, on the Business Day agreed to by the parties in the Base Contract; provided, if the Transaction Confirmation is time stamped after 5:00 p.m. in the receiving partyIs time zone, it shall be deemed received at the opening of the next Business Day.
2.8. IConfirming PartyE shall mean the party designated in the Base Contract to prepare and forward Transaction Confirmations to the other party.
2.9. IContractE shall mean the legally-binding relationship established by (i) the Base Contract, (ii) any and all binding Transaction Confirmations and (iii) where the parties have selected the Oral Transaction Procedure in Section 1.2 of the Base Contract, any and all transactions that the parties have entered into through an EDI transmission or by telephone, but that have not been confirmed in a binding Transaction Confirmation, all of which shall form a single integrated agreement between the parties.
2.10. IContract PriceE shall mean the amount expressed in U.S. Dollars per MMBtu to be paid by Buyer to Seller for the purchase of Gas as agreed to by the parties in a transaction.
2.11. IContract QuantityE shall mean the quantity of Gas to be delivered and taken as agreed to by the parties in a transaction.
2.12. ICover StandardE, as referred to in Section 3.2, shall mean that if there is an unexcused failure to take or deliver any quantity of Gas pursuant to this Contract, then the performing party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) if Buyer is the performing party, obtain Gas, (or an alternate fuel if elected by Buyer and replacement Gas is not available), or (ii) if Seller is the performing party, sell Gas, in either case, at a price reasonable for the delivery or production area, as applicable, consistent with: the amount of notice provided by the nonperforming party; the immediacy of the BuyerIs Gas consumption needs or SellerIs Gas sales requirements, as applicable; the quantities involved; and the anticipated length of failure by the nonperforming party.
2.13. ICredit Support Obligation(s)E shall mean any obligation(s) to provide or establish credit support for, or on behalf of, a party to this Contract such as cash, an irrevocable standby letter of credit, a margin agreement, a prepayment, a security interest in an asset, guaranty, or other good and sufficient security of a continuing nature.
2.14. IDayE shall mean a period of 24 consecutive hours, coextensive with a IdayE as defined by the Receiving Transporter in a particular transaction.
2.15. IDelivery PeriodE shall be the period during which deliveries are to be made as agreed to by the parties in a transaction.
2.16. IDelivery Point(s)E shall mean such point(s) as are agreed to by the parties in a transaction.
2.17. IEDIE shall mean an electronic data interchange pursuant to an agreement entered into by the parties, specifically relating to the communication of Transaction Confirmations under this Contract.
2.18. IEFPE shall mean the purchase, sale or exchange of natural Gas as the IphysicalE side of an exchange for physical transaction involving gas futures contracts. EFP shall incorporate the meaning and remedies of IFirmE, provided that a partyIs excuse for nonperformance of its obligations to deliver or receive Gas will be governed by the rules of the relevant futures exchange regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act.
2.19. IFirmE shall mean that either party may interrupt its performance without liability only to the extent that such performance is prevented for reasons of Force Majeure; provided, however, that during Force Majeure interruptions, the party invoking Force Majeure may be responsible for any Imbalance Charges as set forth in Section 4.3 related to its interruption after the nomination is made to the Transporter and until the change in deliveries and/or receipts is confirmed by the Transporter.
2.20. IGasE shall mean any mixture of hydrocarbons and noncombustible gases in a gaseous state consisting primarily of methane.
2.21. IGuarantorE shall mean any entity that has provided a guaranty of the obligations of a party hereunder.
2.22. IImbalance ChargesE shall mean any fees, penalties, costs or charges (in cash or in kind) assessed by a Transporter for failure to satisfy the TransporterIs balance and/or nomination requirements.
2.23. IIndebtedness Cross DefaultE shall mean if selected on the Base Contract by the parties with respect to a party, that it or its Guarantor, if any, experiences a default, or similar condition or event however therein defined, under one or more agreements or instruments, individually or collectively, relating to indebtedness (such indebtedness to include any obligation whether present or future, contingent or otherwise, as principal or surety or otherwise) for the payment or repayment of borrowed money in an aggregate amount greater than the threshold specified in the Base Contract with respect to such party or its Guarantor, if any, which results in such indebtedness becoming immediately due and payable.

Copyright  2006 North American Energy Standards Board, Inc.        NAESB Standard 6.3.1
All Rights Reserved    Page 4 of 13    September 5, 2006

 

	

2.24. IInterruptibleE shall mean that either party may interrupt its performance at any time for any reason, whether or not caused by an event of Force Majeure, with no liability, except such interrupting party may be responsible for any Imbalance Charges as set forth in Section 4.3 related to its interruption after the nomination is made to the Transporter and until the change in deliveries and/or receipts is confirmed by Transporter.
2.25. IMMBtuE shall mean one million British thermal units, which is equivalent to one dekatherm.
2.26. IMonthE shall mean the period beginning on the first Day of the calendar month and ending immediately prior to the commencement of the first Day of the next calendar month.
2.27. IPayment DateE shall mean a date, as indicated on the Base Contract, on or before which payment is due Seller for Gas received by Buyer in the previous Month.
2.28. IReceiving TransporterE shall mean the Transporter receiving Gas at a Delivery Point, or absent such receiving Transporter, the Transporter delivering Gas at a Delivery Point.
2.29. IScheduled GasE shall mean the quantity of Gas confirmed by Transporter(s) for movement, transportation or management.
2.30. ISpecified Transaction(s)E shall mean any other transaction or agreement between the parties for the purchase, sale or exchange of physical Gas, and any other transaction or agreement identified as a Specified Transaction under the Base Contract.
2.31. ISpot Price I as referred to in Section 3.2 shall mean the price listed in the publication indicated on the Base Contract, under the listing applicable to the geographic location closest in proximity to the Delivery Point(s) for the relevant Day; provided, if there is no single price published for such location for such Day, but there is published a range of prices, then the Spot Price shall be the average of such high and low prices. If no price or range of prices is published for such Day, then the Spot Price shall be the average of the following: (i) the price (determined as stated above) for the first Day for which a price or range of prices is published that next precedes the relevant Day; and (ii) the price (determined as stated above) for the first Day for which a price or range of prices is published that next follows the relevant Day.
2.32. ITransaction ConfirmationE shall mean a document, similar to the form of Exhibit A, setting forth the terms of a transaction formed pursuant to Section 1 for a particular Delivery Period.
2.33. ITransactional Cross DefaultE shall mean if selected on the Base Contract by the parties with respect to a party, that it shall be in default, however therein defined, under any Specified Transaction.
2.34. ITermination OptionE shall mean the option of either party to terminate a transaction in the event that the other party fails to perform a Firm obligation to deliver Gas in the case of Seller or to receive Gas in the case of Buyer for a designated number of days during a period as specified on the applicable Transaction Confirmation.
2.35. ITransporter(s)E shall mean all Gas gathering or pipeline companies, or local distribution companies, acting in the capacity of a transporter, transporting Gas for Seller or Buyer upstream or downstream, respectively, of the Delivery Point pursuant to a particular transaction.
SECTION 3. PERFORMANCE OBLIGATION
3.1. Seller agrees to sell and deliver, and Buyer agrees to receive and purchase, the Contract Quantity for a particular transaction in accordance with the terms of the Contract. Sales and purchases will be on a Firm or Interruptible basis, as agreed to by the parties in a transaction.
The parties have selected either the ICover StandardE or the ISpot Price StandardE as indicated on the Base Contract.
Cover Standard:
3.2. The sole and exclusive remedy of the parties in the event of a breach of a Firm obligation to deliver or receive Gas shall be recovery of the following: (i) in the event of a breach by Seller on any Day(s), payment by Seller to Buyer in an amount equal to the positive difference, if any, between the purchase price paid by Buyer utilizing the Cover Standard and the Contract Price, adjusted for commercially reasonable differences in transportation costs to or from the Delivery Point(s), multiplied by the difference between the Contract Quantity and the quantity actually delivered by Seller for such Day(s) excluding any quantity for which no replacement is available; or (ii) in the event of a breach by Buyer on any Day(s), payment by Buyer to Seller in the amount equal to the positive difference, if any, between the Contract Price and the price received by Seller utilizing the Cover Standard for the resale of such Gas, adjusted for commercially reasonable differences in transportation costs to or from the Delivery Point(s), multiplied by the difference between the Contract Quantity and the quantity actually taken by Buyer for such Day(s) excluding any quantity for which no sale is available; and (iii) in the event that Buyer has used commercially reasonable efforts to replace the Gas or Seller has used commercially reasonable efforts to sell the Gas to a third party, and no such replacement or sale is available for all or any portion of the Contract Quantity of Gas, then in addition to (i) or (ii) above, as applicable, the sole and exclusive remedy of the performing party with respect to the Gas not replaced or sold shall be an amount equal to any unfavorable difference between the Contract Price and the Spot Price, adjusted for such transportation to the applicable Delivery Point, multiplied by the quantity of such Gas not replaced or sold. Imbalance Charges shall not be recovered under this Section 3.2, but Seller and/or Buyer shall be responsible for Imbalance Charges, if any, as provided in Section 4.3. The amount of such unfavorable difference shall be payable five Business Days after presentation of the performing partys invoice, which shall set forth the basis upon which such amount was calculated.

Copyright  2006 North American Energy Standards Board, Inc.        NAESB Standard 6.3.1
All Rights Reserved    Page 5 of 13    September 5, 2006

 

	

Spot Price Standard:
3.2. The sole and exclusive remedy of the parties in the event of a breach of a Firm obligation to deliver or receive Gas shall be recovery of the following: (i) in the event of a breach by Seller on any Day(s), payment by Seller to Buyer in an amount equal to the difference between the Contract Quantity and the actual quantity delivered by Seller and received by Buyer for such Day(s), multiplied by the positive difference, if any, obtained by
subtracting the Contract Price from the Spot Price; or (ii) in the event of a breach by Buyer on any Day(s), payment by Buyer to Seller in an amount equal to the difference between the Contract Quantity and the actual quantity delivered by Seller and received by Buyer for such Day(s), multiplied by the positive difference, if any, obtained by subtracting the applicable Spot Price from the Contract Price. Imbalance Charges shall not be recovered under this Section 3.2, but Seller and/or Buyer shall be responsible for Imbalance Charges, if any, as provided in Section 4.3. The amount of such unfavorable difference shall be payable five Business Days after presentation of the performing partyI
 invoice, which shall set forth the basis upon which such amount was calculated.
3.3. Notwithstanding Section 3.2, the parties may agree to Alternative Damages in a Transaction Confirmation executed in writing by both parties.
3.4. In addition to Sections 3.2 and 3.3, the parties may provide for a Termination Option in a Transaction Confirmation executed in writing by both parties. The Transaction Confirmation containing the Termination Option will designate the length of nonperformance triggering the Termination Option and the procedures for exercise thereof, how damages for nonperformance will be compensated, and how liquidation costs will be calculated.
SECTION 4. TRANSPORTATION, NOMINATIONS, AND IMBALANCES
4.1. Seller shall have the sole responsibility for transporting the Gas to the Delivery Point(s). Buyer shall have the sole responsibility for transporting the Gas from the Delivery Point(s).
4.2. The parties shall coordinate their nomination activities, giving sufficient time to meet the deadlines of the affected Transporter(s). Each party shall give the other party timely prior Notice, sufficient to meet the requirements of all Transporter(s) involved in the transaction, of the quantities of Gas to be delivered and purchased each Day. Should either party become aware that actual deliveries at the Delivery Point(s) are greater or lesser than the Scheduled Gas, such party shall promptly notify the other party.
4.3. The parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to avoid imposition of any Imbalance Charges. If Buyer or Seller receives an invoice from a Transporter that includes Imbalance Charges, the parties shall determine the validity as well as the cause of such Imbalance Charges. If the Imbalance Charges were incurred as a result of BuyerIs receipt of quantities of Gas greater than or less than the Scheduled Gas, then Buyer shall pay for such Imbalance Charges or reimburse Seller for such Imbalance Charges paid by Seller. If the Imbalance Charges were incurred as a result of SellerIs delivery of quantities of Gas greater than or less than the Scheduled Gas, then Seller shall pay for such Imbalance Charges or reimburse Buyer for such Imbalance Charges paid by Buyer.
SECTION 5. QUALITY AND MEASUREMENT
All Gas delivered by Seller shall meet the pressure, quality and heat content requirements of the Receiving Transporter. The unit of quantity measurement for purposes of this Contract shall be one MMBtu dry. Measurement of Gas quantities hereunder shall be in accordance with the established procedures of the Receiving Transporter.
SECTION 6. TAXES
The parties have selected either IBuyer Pays At and After Delivery Point" or ISeller Pays Before and At Delivery PointE as indicated on the Base Contract.
Buyer Pays At and After Delivery Point:
Seller shall pay or cause to be paid all taxes, fees, levies, penalties, licenses or charges imposed by any government authority (ITaxesE) on or with respect to the Gas prior to the Delivery Point(s). Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid all Taxes on or with respect to the Gas at the Delivery Point(s) and all Taxes after the Delivery Point(s). If a party is required to remit or pay Taxes that are the other partyIs responsibility hereunder, the party responsible for such Taxes shall promptly reimburse the other party for such Taxes. Any party entitled to an exemption from any such Taxes or charges shall furnish the other party any necessary documentation thereof.
Seller Pays Before and At Delivery Point:
Seller shall pay or cause to be paid all taxes, fees, levies, penalties, licenses or charges imposed by any government authority (ITaxesE) on or with respect to the Gas prior to the Delivery Point(s) and all Taxes at the Delivery Point(s). Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid all Taxes on or with respect to the Gas after the Delivery Point(s). If a party is required to remit or pay Taxes that are the other partyIs responsibility hereunder, the party responsible for such Taxes shall promptly reimburse the other party for such Taxes. Any party entitled to an exemption from any such Taxes or charges shall furnish the other party any necessary documentation thereof.
SECTION 7. BILLING, PAYMENT, AND AUDIT
7.1. Seller shall invoice Buyer for Gas delivered and received in the preceding Month and for any other applicable charges, providing supporting documentation acceptable in industry practice to support the amount charged. If the actual quantity delivered is not known by the billing date, billing will be prepared based on the quantity of Scheduled Gas. The invoiced quantity will then be adjusted to the actual quantity on the following MonthIs billing or as soon thereafter as actual delivery information is available.

Copyright  2006 North American Energy Standards Board, Inc.        NAESB Standard 6.3.1
All Rights Reserved    Page 6 of 13    September 5, 2006

 

	

7.2. Buyer shall remit the amount due under Section 7.1 in the manner specified in the Base Contract, in immediately available funds, on or before the later of the Payment Date or 10 Days after receipt of the invoice by Buyer; provided that if the Payment Date is not a Business Day, payment is due on the next Business Day following that date. In the event any payments are due Buyer hereunder, payment to Buyer shall be made in accordance with this Section 7.2.
7.3. In the event payments become due pursuant to Sections 3.2 or 3.3, the performing party may submit an invoice to the nonperforming party for an accelerated payment setting forth the basis upon which the invoiced amount was calculated. Payment from the nonperforming party will be due five Business Days after receipt of invoice.
7.4. If the invoiced party, in good faith, disputes the amount of any such invoice or any part thereof, such invoiced party will pay such amount as it concedes to be correct; provided, however, if the invoiced party disputes the amount due, it must provide supporting documentation acceptable in industry practice to support the amount paid or disputed without undue delay. In the event the parties are unable to resolve such dispute, either party may pursue any remedy available at law or in equity to enforce its rights pursuant to this Section.
7.5. If the invoiced party fails to remit the full amount payable when due, interest on the unpaid portion shall accrue from the date due until the date of payment at a rate equal to the lower of (i) the then-effective prime rate of interest published under IMoney RatesE by The Wall Street Journal, plus two percent per annum; or (ii) the maximum applicable lawful interest rate.
7.6. A party shall have the right, at its own expense, upon reasonable Notice and at reasonable times, to examine and audit and to obtain copies of the relevant portion of the books, records, and telephone recordings of the other party only to the extent reasonably necessary to verify the accuracy of any statement, charge, payment, or computation made under the Contract. This right to examine, audit, and to obtain copies shall not be available with respect to proprietary information not directly relevant to transactions under this Contract. All invoices and billings shall be conclusively presumed final and accurate and all associated claims for under- or overpayments shall be deemed waived unless such invoices or billings are objected to in writing, with adequate explanation and/or documentation, within two years after the Month of Gas delivery. All retroactive adjustments under Section 7 shall be paid in full by the party owing payment within 30 Days of Notice and substantiation of such inaccuracy.
7.7. Unless the parties have elected on the Base Contract not to make this Section 7.7 applicable to this Contract, the parties shall net all undisputed amounts due and owing, and/or past due, arising under the Contract such that the party owing the greater amount shall make a single payment of the net amount to the other party in accordance with Section 7; provided that no payment required to be made pursuant to the terms of any Credit Support Obligation or pursuant to Section 7.3 shall be subject to netting under this Section. If the parties have executed a separate netting agreement, the terms and conditions therein shall prevail to the extent inconsistent herewith.
SECTION 8. TITLE, WARRANTY, AND INDEMNITY
8.1. Unless otherwise specifically agreed, title to the Gas shall pass from Seller to Buyer at the Delivery Point(s). Seller shall have responsibility for and assume any liability with respect to the Gas prior to its delivery to Buyer at the specified Delivery Point(s). Buyer shall have responsibility for and assume any liability with respect to said Gas after its delivery to Buyer at the Delivery Point(s).
8.2. Seller warrants that it will have the right to convey and will transfer good and merchantable title to all Gas sold hereunder and delivered by it to Buyer, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, and claims. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION 8.2 AND IN SECTION 15.8, ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE DISCLAIMED.
8.3. Seller agrees to indemnify Buyer and save it harmless from all losses, liabilities or claims including reasonable attorneysI fees and costs of court (IClaimsE), from any and all persons, arising from or out of claims of title, personal injury (including death) or property damage from said Gas or other charges thereon which attach before title passes to Buyer. Buyer agrees to indemnify Seller and save it harmless from all Claims, from any and all persons, arising from or out of claims regarding payment, personal injury (including death) or property damage from said Gas or other charges thereon which attach after title passes to Buyer.
8.4. The parties agree that the delivery of and the transfer of title to all Gas under this Contract shall take place within the Customs Territory of the United States (as defined in general note 2 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States 19 U.S.C. 1202, General Notes, page 3); provided, however, that in the event Seller took title to the Gas outside the Customs Territory of the United States, Seller represents and warrants that it is the importer of record for all Gas entered and delivered into the United States, and shall be responsible for entry and entry summary filings as well as the payment of duties, taxes and fees, if any, and all applicable record keeping requirements.
8.5. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section 8, as between Seller and Buyer, Seller will be liable for all Claims to the extent that such arise from the failure of Gas delivered by Seller to meet the quality requirements of Section 5.
SECTION 9. NOTICES
9.1. All Transaction Confirmations, invoices, payment instructions, and other communications made pursuant to the Base Contract (INoticesE) shall be made to the addresses specified in writing by the respective parties from time to time.
9.2. All Notices required hereunder shall be in writing and may be sent by facsimile or mutually acceptable electronic means, a nationally recognized overnight courier service, first class mail or hand delivered.
9.3. Notice shall be given when received on a Business Day by the addressee. In the absence of proof of the actual receipt date, the following presumptions will apply. Notices sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been received upon the sending partyIs receipt of its facsimile machineIs confirmation of successful transmission. If the day on which such facsimile is received is

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not a Business Day or is after five p.m. on a Business Day, then such facsimile shall be deemed to have been received on the next following Business Day. Notice by overnight mail or courier shall be deemed to have been received on the next Business Day after it was sent or such earlier time as is confirmed by the receiving party. Notice via first class mail shall be considered delivered five Business Days after mailing.
9.4. The party receiving a commercially acceptable Notice of change in payment instructions or other payment information shall not be obligated to implement such change until ten Business Days after receipt of such Notice.
SECTION 10. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
10.1. If either party (IXE) has reasonable grounds for insecurity regarding the performance of any obligation under this Contract (whether or not then due) by the other party (IYE) (including, without limitation, the occurrence of a material change in the creditworthiness of Y or its Guarantor, if applicable), X may demand Adequate Assurance of Performance. IAdequate Assurance of PerformanceE shall mean sufficient security in the form, amount, for a term, and from an issuer, all as reasonably acceptable to X, including, but not limited to cash, a standby irrevocable letter of credit, a prepayment, a security interest in an asset or guaranty. Y hereby grants to X a continuing first priority security interest in, lien on, and right of setoff against all Adequate Assurance of Performance in the form of cash transferred by Y to X pursuant to this Section 10.1. Upon the return by X to Y of such Adequate Assurance of Performance, the security interest and lien granted hereunder on that Adequate Assurance of Performance shall be released automatically and, to the extent possible, without any further action by either party.
10.2. In the event (each an IEvent of DefaultE) either party (the IDefaulting PartyE) or its Guarantor shall: (i) make an assignment or any general arrangement for the benefit of creditors; (ii) file a petition or otherwise commence, authorize, or acquiesce in the commencement of a proceeding or case under any bankruptcy or similar law for the protection of creditors or have such petition filed or proceeding commenced against it; (iii) otherwise become bankrupt or insolvent (however evidenced); (iv) be unable to pay its debts as they fall due; (v) have a receiver, provisional liquidator, conservator, custodian, trustee or other similar official appointed with respect to it or substantially all of its assets; (vi) fail to perform any obligation to the other party with respect to any Credit Support Obligations relating to the Contract; (vii) fail to give Adequate Assurance of Performance under Section 10.1 within 48 hours but at least one Business Day of a written request by the other party; (viii) not have paid any amount due the other party hereunder on or before the second Business Day following written Notice that such payment is due; or ix) be the affected party with respect to any Additional Event of Default; then the other party (the INon-Defaulting PartyE) shall have the right, at its sole election, to immediately withhold and/or suspend deliveries or payments upon Notice and/or to terminate and liquidate the transactions under the Contract, in the manner provided in Section 10.3, in addition to any and all other remedies available hereunder.
10.3. If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Non-Defaulting Party shall have the right, by Notice to the Defaulting Party, to designate a Day, no earlier than the Day such Notice is given and no later than 20 Days after such Notice is given, as an early termination date (the IEarly Termination DateE) for the liquidation and termination pursuant to Section 10.3.1 of all transactions under the Contract, each a ITerminated TransactionE. On the Early Termination Date, all transactions will terminate, other than those transactions, if any, that may not be liquidated and terminated under applicable law (IExcluded TransactionsE), which Excluded Transactions must be liquidated and terminated as soon thereafter as is legally permissible, and upon termination shall be a Terminated Transaction and be valued consistent with Section 10.3.1 below. With respect to each Excluded Transaction, its actual termination date shall be the Early Termination Date for purposes of Section 10.3.1.
The parties have selected either IEarly Termination Damages ApplyE or IEarly Termination Damages Do Not ApplyE as indicated on the Base Contract.
Early Termination Damages Apply:
10.3.1. As of the Early Termination Date, the Non-Defaulting Party shall determine, in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, (i) the amount owed (whether or not then due) by each party with respect to all Gas delivered and received between the parties under Terminated Transactions and Excluded Transactions on and before the Early Termination Date and all other applicable charges relating to such deliveries and receipts (including without limitation any amounts owed under Section 3.2), for which payment has not yet been made by the party that owes such payment under this Contract and (ii) the Market Value, as defined below, of each Terminated Transaction. The Non-Defaulting Party shall (x) liquidate and accelerate each Terminated Transaction at its Market Value, so that each amount equal to the difference between such Market Value and the Contract Value, as defined below, of such Terminated Transaction(s) shall be due to the Buyer under the Terminated Transaction(s) if such Market Value exceeds the Contract Value and to the Seller if the opposite is the case; and (y) where appropriate, discount each amount then due under clause (x) above to present value in a commercially reasonable manner as of the Early Termination Date (to take account of the period between the date of liquidation and the date on which such amount would have otherwise been due pursuant to the relevant Terminated Transactions).
For purposes of this Section 10.3.1, IContract ValueE means the amount of Gas remaining to be delivered or purchased under a transaction multiplied by the Contract Price, and IMarket ValueE means the amount of Gas remaining to be delivered or purchased under a transaction multiplied by the market price for a similar transaction at the Delivery Point determined by the Non-Defaulting Party in a commercially reasonable manner. To ascertain the Market Value, the Non-Defaulting Party may consider, among other valuations, any or all of the settlement prices of NYMEX Gas futures contracts, quotations from leading dealers in energy swap contracts or physical gas trading markets, similar sales or purchases and any other bona fide third-party offers, all adjusted for the length of the term and differences in transportation costs. A party shall not be required to enter into a replacement transaction(s) in order to determine the Market Value. Any extension(s) of the term of a transaction to which parties are not bound as of the Early Termination Date (including but not limited to Ievergreen provisionsE) shall not be considered in determining Contract Values and

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Market Values. For the avoidance of doubt, any option pursuant to which one party has the right to extend the term of a transaction shall be considered in determining Contract Values and Market Values. The rate of interest used in calculating net present value shall be determined by the Non-Defaulting Party in a commercially reasonable manner.
Early Termination Damages Do Not Apply:
10.3.1. As of the Early Termination Date, the Non-Defaulting Party shall determine, in good faith and in a commercially reasonable manner, the amount owed (whether or not then due) by each party with respect to all Gas delivered and received between the parties under Terminated Transactions and Excluded Transactions on and before the Early Termination Date and all other applicable charges relating to such deliveries and receipts (including without limitation any amounts owed under Section 3.2), for which payment has not yet been made by the party that owes such payment under this Contract.
The parties have selected either IOther Agreement Setoffs ApplyE or IOther Agreement Setoffs Do Not ApplyE as indicated on the Base Contract.
Other Agreement Setoffs Apply:
Bilateral Setoff Option:
     10.3.2. The Non-Defaulting Party shall net or aggregate, as appropriate, any and all amounts owing between the parties under Section 10.3.1, so that all such amounts are netted or aggregated to a single liquidated amount payable by one party to the other (the INet Settlement AmountE). At its sole option and without prior Notice to the Defaulting Party, the Non-Defaulting Party is hereby authorized to setoff any Net Settlement Amount against (i) any margin or other collateral held by a party in connection with any Credit Support Obligation relating to the Contract; and (ii) any amount(s) (including any excess cash margin or excess cash collateral) owed or held by the party that is entitled to the Net Settlement Amount under any other agreement or arrangement between the parties.
Triangular Setoff Option:
     10.3.2. The Non-Defaulting Party shall net or aggregate, as appropriate, any and all amounts owing between the parties under Section 10.3.1, so that all such amounts are netted or aggregated to a single liquidated amount payable by one party to the other (the INet Settlement AmountE). At its sole option, and without prior Notice to the Defaulting Party, the Non-Defaulting Party is hereby authorized to setoff (i) any Net Settlement Amount against any margin or other collateral held by a party in connection with any Credit Support Obligation relating to the Contract; (ii) any Net Settlement Amount against any amount(s) (including any excess cash margin or excess cash collateral) owed by or to a party under any other agreement or arrangement between the parties; (iii) any Net Settlement Amount owed to the Non-Defaulting Party against any amount(s) (including any excess cash margin or excess cash collateral) owed by the Non-Defaulting Party or its Affiliates to the Defaulting Party under any other agreement or arrangement; (iv) any Net Settlement Amount owed to the Defaulting Party against any amount(s) (including any excess cash margin or excess cash collateral) owed by the Defaulting Party to the Non-Defaulting Party or its Affiliates under any other agreement or arrangement; and/or (v) any Net Settlement Amount owed to the Defaulting Party against any amount(s) (including any excess cash margin or excess cash collateral) owed by the Defaulting Party or its Affiliates to the Non-Defaulting Party under any other agreement or arrangement.
Other Agreement Setoffs Do Not Apply:
     10.3.2. The Non-Defaulting Party shall net or aggregate, as appropriate, any and all amounts owing between the parties under Section 10.3.1, so that all such amounts are netted or aggregated to a single liquidated amount payable by one party to the other (the INet Settlement AmountE). At its sole option and without prior Notice to the Defaulting Party, the Non-Defaulting Party may setoff any Net Settlement Amount against any margin or other collateral held by a party in connection with any Credit Support Obligation relating to the Contract.
     10.3.3. If any obligation that is to be included in any netting, aggregation or setoff pursuant to Section 10.3.2 is unascertained, the Non-Defaulting Party may in good faith estimate that obligation and net, aggregate or setoff, as applicable, in respect of the estimate, subject to the Non-Defaulting Party accounting to the Defaulting Party when the obligation is ascertained. Any amount not then due which is included in any netting, aggregation or setoff pursuant to Section 10.3.2 shall be discounted to net present value in a commercially reasonable manner determined by the Non-Defaulting Party.
10.4. As soon as practicable after a liquidation, Notice shall be given by the Non-Defaulting Party to the Defaulting Party of the Net Settlement Amount, and whether the Net Settlement Amount is due to or due from the Non-Defaulting Party. The Notice shall include a written statement explaining in reasonable detail the calculation of the Net Settlement Amount, provided that failure to give such Notice shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the liquidation or give rise to any claim by the Defaulting Party against the Non-Defaulting Party. The Net Settlement Amount as well as any setoffs applied against such amount pursuant to Section 10.3.2, shall be paid by the close of business on the second Business Day following such Notice, which date shall not be earlier than the Early Termination Date. Interest on any unpaid portion of the Net Settlement Amount as adjusted by setoffs, shall accrue from the date due until the date of payment at a rate equal to the lower of (i) the then-effective prime rate of interest published under IMoney RatesE by The Wall Street Journal, plus two percent per annum; or (ii) the maximum applicable lawful interest rate.
10.5. The parties agree that the transactions hereunder constitute a Iforward contractE within the meaning of the United States Bankruptcy Code and that Buyer and Seller are each Iforward contract merchantsE within the meaning of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
10.6. The Non-Defaulting PartyIs remedies under this Section 10 are the sole and exclusive remedies of the Non-Defaulting Party with respect to the occurrence of any Early Termination Date. Each party reserves to itself all other rights, setoffs, counterclaims and other defenses that it is or may be entitled to arising from the Contract.

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10.7. With respect to this Section 10, if the parties have executed a separate netting agreement with close-out netting provisions, the terms and conditions therein shall prevail to the extent inconsistent herewith.
SECTION 11. FORCE MAJEURE
11.1. Except with regard to a partyIs obligation to make payment(s) due under Section 7, Section 10.4, and Imbalance Charges under Section 4, neither party shall be liable to the other for failure to perform a Firm obligation, to the extent such failure was caused by Force Majeure. The term IForce MajeureE as employed herein means any cause not reasonably within the control of the party claiming suspension, as further defined in Section 11.2.
11.2. Force Majeure shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (i) physical events such as acts of God, landslides, lightning, earthquakes, fires, storms or storm warnings, such as hurricanes, which result in evacuation of the affected area, floods, washouts, explosions, breakage or accident or necessity of repairs to machinery or equipment or lines of pipe; (ii) weather related events affecting an entire geographic region, such as low temperatures which cause freezing or failure of wells or lines of pipe; (iii) interruption and/or curtailment of Firm transportation and/or storage by Transporters; (iv) acts of others such as strikes, lockouts or other industrial disturbances, riots, sabotage, insurrections or wars, or acts of terror; and (v) governmental actions such as necessity for compliance with any court order, law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or policy having the effect of law promulgated by a governmental authority having jurisdiction. Seller and Buyer shall make reasonable efforts to avoid the adverse impacts of a Force Majeure and to resolve the event or occurrence once it has occurred in order to resume performance.
11.3. Neither party shall be entitled to the benefit of the provisions of Force Majeure to the extent performance is affected by any or all of the following circumstances: (i) the curtailment of interruptible or secondary Firm transportation unless primary, in-path, Firm transportation is also curtailed; (ii) the party claiming excuse failed to remedy the condition and to resume the performance of such covenants or obligations with reasonable dispatch; or (iii) economic hardship, to include, without limitation, SellerIs ability to sell Gas at a higher or more advantageous price than the Contract Price, BuyerIs ability to purchase Gas at a lower or more advantageous price than the Contract Price, or a regulatory agency disallowing, in whole or in part, the pass through of costs resulting from this Contract; (iv) the loss of BuyerIs market(s) or BuyerIs inability to use or resell Gas purchased hereunder, except, in either case, as provided in Section 11.2; or (v) the loss or failure of SellerIs gas supply or depletion of reserves, except, in either case, as provided in Section 11.2. The party claiming Force Majeure shall not be excused from its responsibility for Imbalance Charges.
11.4. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the parties agree that the settlement of strikes, lockouts or other industrial disturbances shall be within the sole discretion of the party experiencing such disturbance.
11.5. The party whose performance is prevented by Force Majeure must provide Notice to the other party. Initial Notice may be given orally; however, written Notice with reasonably full particulars of the event or occurrence is required as soon as reasonably possible. Upon providing written Notice of Force Majeure to the other party, the affected party will be relieved of its obligation, from the onset of the Force Majeure event, to make or accept delivery of Gas, as applicable, to the extent and for the duration of Force Majeure, and neither party shall be deemed to have failed in such obligations to the other during such occurrence or event.
11.6. Notwithstanding Sections 11.2 and 11.3, the parties may agree to alternative Force Majeure provisions in a Transaction Confirmation executed in writing by both parties.
SECTION 12. TERM
This Contract may be terminated on 30 DayIs written Notice, but shall remain in effect until the expiration of the latest Delivery Period of any transaction(s). The rights of either party pursuant to Section 7.6, Section 10, Section 13, the obligations to make payment hereunder, and the obligation of either party to indemnify the other, pursuant hereto shall survive the termination of the Base Contract or any transaction.
SECTION 13. LIMITATIONS
FOR BREACH OF ANY PROVISION FOR WHICH AN EXPRESS REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES IS PROVIDED, SUCH EXPRESS REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. A PARTYIS LIABILITY HEREUNDER SHALL BE LIMITED AS SET FORTH IN SUCH PROVISION, AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES OR DAMAGES AT LAW OR IN EQUITY ARE WAIVED. IF NO REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES IS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN OR IN A TRANSACTION, A PARTYIS LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO DIRECT ACTUAL DAMAGES ONLY. SUCH DIRECT ACTUAL DAMAGES SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES OR DAMAGES AT LAW OR IN EQUITY ARE WAIVED. UNLESS EXPRESSLY HEREIN PROVIDED, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR OTHER BUSINESS INTERRUPTION DAMAGES, BY STATUTE, IN TORT OR CONTRACT, UNDER ANY INDEMNITY PROVISION OR OTHERWISE. IT IS THE INTENT OF THE PARTIES THAT THE LIMITATIONS HEREIN IMPOSED ON REMEDIES AND THE MEASURE OF DAMAGES BE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CAUSE OR CAUSES RELATED THERETO, INCLUDING THE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY PARTY, WHETHER SUCH NEGLIGENCE BE SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT, OR ACTIVE OR PASSIVE. TO THE EXTENT ANY DAMAGES REQUIRED TO BE PAID HEREUNDER ARE LIQUIDATED, THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE DAMAGES ARE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE, OR OTHERWISE OBTAINING AN ADEQUATE REMEDY IS INCONVENIENT AND THE DAMAGES CALCULATED HEREUNDER CONSTITUTE A REASONABLE APPROXIMATION OF THE HARM OR LOSS.

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SECTION 14. MARKET DISRUPTION
If a Market Disruption Event has occurred then the parties shall negotiate in good faith to agree on a replacement price for the Floating Price (or on a method for determining a replacement price for the Floating Price) for the affected Day, and if the parties have not so agreed on or before the second Business Day following the affected Day then the replacement price for the Floating Price shall be determined within the next two
following Business Days with each party obtaining, in good faith and from non-affiliated market participants in the relevant market, two quotes for prices of Gas for the affected Day of a similar quality and quantity in the geographical location closest in proximity to the Delivery Point and averaging the four quotes. If either party fails to provide two quotes then the average of the other partys two quotes shall determine the replacement price for the Floating Price. IFloating PriceE means the price or a factor of the price agreed to in the transaction as being based upon a specified index. IMarket Disruption EventE means, with respect to an index specified for a transaction, any of the following events: (a) the failure of the index to announce or publish information necessary for determining the Floating Price; (b) the failure of trading to commence or the permanent discontinuation or material suspension of trading on the exchange or market acting as the index; (c) the temporary or permanent discontinuance or unavailability of the index; (d) the temporary or permanent closing of any exchange acting as the index; or (e) both parties agree that a material change in the formula for or the method of determining the Floating Price has occurred. For the purposes of the calculation of a replacement price for the Floating Price, all numbers shall be rounded to three decimal places. If the fourth decimal number is five or greater, then the third decimal number shall be increased by one and if the fourth decimal number is less than five, then the third decimal number shall remain unchanged.
SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS
15.1. This Contract shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors, assigns, personal representatives, and heirs of the respective parties hereto, and the covenants, conditions, rights and obligations of this Contract shall run for the full term of this Contract. No assignment of this Contract, in whole or in part, will be made without the prior written consent of the non-assigning party (and shall not relieve the assigning party from liability hereunder), which consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided, either party may (i) transfer, sell, pledge, encumber, or assign this Contract or the accounts, revenues, or proceeds hereof in connection with any financing or other financial arrangements, or (ii) transfer its interest to any parent or Affiliate by assignment, merger or otherwise without the prior approval of the other party. Upon any such assignment, transfer and assumption, the transferor shall remain principally liable for and shall not be relieved of or discharged from any obligations hereunder.
15.2. If any provision in this Contract is determined to be invalid, void or unenforceable by any court having jurisdiction, such determination shall not invalidate, void, or make unenforceable any other provision, agreement or covenant of this Contract.
15.3. No waiver of any breach of this Contract shall be held to be a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.
15.4. This Contract sets forth all understandings between the parties respecting each transaction subject hereto, and any prior contracts, understandings and representations, whether oral or written, relating to such transactions are merged into and superseded by this Contract and any effective transaction(s). This Contract may be amended only by a writing executed by both parties.
15.5. The interpretation and performance of this Contract shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction as indicated on the Base Contract, excluding, however, any conflict of laws rule which would apply the law of another jurisdiction.
15.6. This Contract and all provisions herein will be subject to all applicable and valid statutes, rules, orders and regulations of any governmental authority having jurisdiction over the parties, their facilities, or Gas supply, this Contract or transaction or any provisions thereof.
15.7. There is no third party beneficiary to this Contract.
15.8. Each party to this Contract represents and warrants that it has full and complete authority to enter into and perform this Contract. Each person who executes this Contract on behalf of either party represents and warrants that it has full and complete authority to do so and that such party will be bound thereby.
15.9. The headings and subheadings contained in this Contract are used solely for convenience and do not constitute a part of this Contract between the parties and shall not be used to construe or interpret the provisions of this Contract.
15.10. Unless the parties have elected on the Base Contract not to make this Section 15.10 applicable to this Contract, neither party shall disclose directly or indirectly without the prior written consent of the other party the terms of any transaction to a third party (other than the employees, lenders, royalty owners, counsel, accountants and other agents of the party, or prospective purchasers of all or substantially all of a partyIs assets or of any rights under this Contract, provided such persons shall have agreed to keep such terms confidential) except (i) in order to comply with any applicable law, order, regulation, or exchange rule, (ii) to the extent necessary for the enforcement of this Contract , (iii) to the extent necessary to implement any transaction, (iv) to the extent necessary to comply with a regulatory agencyIs reporting requirements including but not limited to gas cost recovery proceedings; or (v) to the extent such information is delivered to such third party for the sole purpose of calculating a published index. Each party shall notify the other party of any proceeding of which it is aware which may result in disclosure of the terms of any transaction (other than as permitted hereunder) and use reasonable efforts to prevent or limit the disclosure. The existence of this Contract is not subject to this confidentiality obligation. Subject to Section 13, the parties shall be entitled to all remedies available at law or in equity to enforce, or seek relief in connection with this confidentiality obligation. The terms of any transaction hereunder shall be kept confidential by the parties hereto for one year from the expiration of the transaction.
In the event that disclosure is required by a governmental body or applicable law, the party subject to such requirement may disclose the material terms of this Contract to the extent so required, but shall promptly notify the other party, prior to disclosure,

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and shall cooperate (consistent with the disclosing partyIs legal obligations) with the other partyIs efforts to obtain protective orders or similar restraints with respect to such disclosure at the expense of the other party.
15.11. The parties may agree to dispute resolution procedures in Special Provisions attached to the Base Contract or in a Transaction Confirmation executed in writing by both parties
15.12. Any original executed Base Contract, Transaction Confirmation or other related document may be digitally copied, photocopied, or stored on computer tapes and disks (the IImaged AgreementE). The Imaged Agreement, if introduced as evidence on paper, the Transaction Confirmation, if introduced as evidence in automated facsimile form, the recording, if introduced as evidence in its original form, and all computer records of the foregoing, if introduced as evidence in printed format, in any judicial, arbitration, mediation or administrative proceedings will be admissible as between the parties to the same extent and under the same conditions as other business records originated and maintained in documentary form. Neither Party shall object to the admissibility of the recording, the Transaction Confirmation, or the Imaged Agreement on the basis that such were not originated or maintained in documentary form. However, nothing herein shall be construed as a waiver of any other objection to the admissibility of such evidence.
DISCLAIMER: The purposes of this Contract are to facilitate trade, avoid misunderstandings and make more definite the terms of contracts of purchase and sale of natural gas. Further, NAESB does not mandate the use of this Contract by any party. NAESB DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES, AND ANY USER OF THIS CONTRACT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES TO NAESBIS DISCLAIMER OF, ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ORAL OR WRITTEN, WITH RESPECT TO THIS CONTRACT OR ANY PART THEREOF, INCLUDING ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS OR SUITABILITY FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE (WHETHER OR NOT NAESB KNOWS, HAS REASON TO KNOW, HAS BEEN ADVISED, OR IS OTHERWISE IN FACT AWARE OF ANY SUCH PURPOSE), WHETHER ALLEGED TO ARISE BY LAW, BY REASON OF CUSTOM OR USAGE IN THE TRADE, OR BY COURSE OF DEALING. EACH USER OF THIS CONTRACT ALSO AGREES THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL NAESB BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY USE OF THIS CONTRACT.

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TRANSACTION CONFIRMATION	EXHIBIT A
FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

Letterhead/Logo

Date: ,  Transaction Confirmation #:

This Transaction Confirmation is subject to the Base Contract between Seller and Buyer dated  .  The terms of this Transaction Confirmation are binding unless disputed in writing within 2 Business Days of receipt unless otherwise specified in the Base Contract.

SELLER:

Attn:
Phone:
Fax:
Base Contract No.
Transporter:
Transporter Contract Number:
BUYER:

Attn:
Phone:
Fax:
Base Contract No.
Transporter:
Transporter Contract Number:

Contract Price:  $            /MMBtu or

Delivery Period:  Begin:                        ,                                   End:                    ,

Performance Obligation and Contract Quantity:  (Select One)

Firm (Fixed Quantity):	Firm (Variable Quantity):	Interruptible:
              MMBtus/day	              MMBtus/day Minimum	Up to              MMBtus/day
    E EFP	              MMBtus/day Maximum
subject to Section 4.2. at election of
E Buyer or ? Seller

Delivery Point(s):
(If a pooling point is used, list a specific geographic and pipeline location):

Special Conditions:

Seller:

By:

Title:

Date:

Buyer:

By:

Title:

Date:exv10w55

	 	 	 	 	 

Exhibit 10.55

INTRASTATE

Natural Gas Sales Contract

IDENTIFIER: JOHND2011 — INTRASTATEsales — Service Company #2.1

     By this contract Gas Natural Service Company, LLC (the “Service Company”) appoints and
elects John D. Oil & Gas Marketing, LLC (“John D.”) to be the exclusive seller of intrastate
natural gas to Service Company. This contract amends the 2006 version of the North American Energy
Standards Board (“NAESB”) Wholesale Natural Gas Sales Contract, which contract has been assigned
the Identifier: JOHND2011 — INTRASTATEsales — Service Company #2.

RECITALS

     Whereas, Service Company desires to acquire supplies of natural gas for Service Company’s
Buyers, and

     Whereas, John D. has agreed to act as Service Company’s exclusive seller of intrastate natural
gas supply;

     Now therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and other good and
valuable consideration, John D. and Service Company agree as follows:

	 	1.	 	Agreement: Service Company agrees to pay John D. the greater of (a) NYMEX plus
seventy-five cents ($0.75) per Thousand Cubic Feet (“Mcf”) plus any applicable
transportation costs, shrinkage costs and taxes or (b) market price, plus any
applicable transportation costs, shrinkage and taxes.
	 
	 	2.	 	Billing and Payment: Payment shall occur on the date set forth on each
confirmation for the purchase of intrastate natural gas. Service Company agrees to
provide John D. with a copy of any and all invoices submitted to Service Company by a
different natural gas supplier.
	 
	 	 	 	A finance charge of one and one-half percent (1.5%) per month shall be due and payable
to John D. for payments that are not received within fifteen (15) days of the due date
for payment.
	 
	 	3.	 	Quantity: Service Company shall work with John D., and John D. shall work with
Service Company, each diligently and in good faith, to determine the gas supply needs
of Service Company, in order to provide timely and cost-effective nomination and
scheduling services for Service Company’s Buyers.

 

 

	 	4.	 	Reimbursement: The Service Company shall be wholly responsible for the payment
of the gas sales price; gas transportation rates; fees; penalties or any charges
whatsoever related to gas that is supplied by Service Company. The Service Company
shall hold John D. harmless and shall reimburse John D. for any legal fees or expenses
incurred as a result of this contract.
	 
	 	5.	 	Term of Contract: This contract shall commence when executed by a duly
authorized representative of John D. and the Service Company and shall remain in force
and effect until September 30, 2023 UNLESS the contract is terminated or renegotiated
earlier upon the mutual written agreement of the Parties OR unilaterally upon thirty
(30) days written notice by John D. to Service Company.
	 
	 	 	 	This contract supersedes a contract between Service Company’s Buyers and John D. Oil and
Gas Marketing LLC, which was subsequently assigned the contract Identifier of: JOHND2008
 — INTRASTATEsales — LDCs#1.1.1 EXCEPT that if this contract is terminated or determined
to be invalid, the provisions of JOHND2008 — INTRASTATEsales — LDCs #1.1.1 shall apply
to any obligations of the Signatories as if JOHND20008 — INTRASTATEsales — LDCs #1.1.1
had never been superseded as to those Signatories.
	 
	 	6.	 	Regulatory Compliance: This contract shall be subject to the rules and
regulations of any duly constituted Federal or State regulatory body having
jurisdiction hereunder. It is the express intention of John D. and Service Company to
comply with all aspects of the rules, regulations and decisions of the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (the “FERC”) regarding Asset Management and Agency agreements
that were in effect at the time of execution of this contract. Deviations from such
rules, regulations and decision of the FERC related to Asset Management and/or Agency
Agreements are due to mistake or inadvertence and not to intent. If an action occurs
that results in a material deviation from the rules, regulations or decision of the
FERC, John D. and Service Company pledge to make a good faith effort to rectify such
deviations, when discovered by any of them.
	 
	 	7.	 	Governing Law: The interpretation and performance of this contract shall be in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
	 
	 	8.	 	Assignment: All of the covenants, conditions and obligations of this contract shall
extend to and be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns
respectively of the parties hereto, provided, however, that this contract shall not be
assigned by John D. or by the Service Company without the written consent of the other
parties, which consent shall not be unreasonably withhold. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
no consent shall be required if John D. assigns this contract to an affiliated marketing
company or if the Service Company assigns this contract to an affiliated Service Company.
For purposes of this contract an affiliate shall mean an entity or person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries,
controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such first entity or
person.

 

 

	 	9.	 	Survival: The obligation of the Service Company to pay the greater of the
prices specified in Paragraph 1 of this contract shall survive the termination or
cancellation of this contract. The obligation of Service Company to indemnify John D.
pursuant to Paragraph 4 of this contract shall survive the termination or cancellation
of this contract. If any provision of this contract is determined to be invalid, void,
or unenforceable by any court having jurisdiction, then such determination shall not
invalidate, void, or make unenforceable any other provision, agreement, or covenant in
this contract. No waiver of any breach of this contract shall be held to be a waiver
of any other or subsequent breach. All remedies in this contract shall be taken and
construed as cumulative, that is, in addition to every other remedy provided therein or
by law.
	 
	 	10.	 	Complete Agreement: This contract amends the 2006 version of the NASEB
Wholesale Gas Sales Contract. Together such documents represent the complete and
entire understanding between John D. and the Service Company, superseding any other
prior agreements, respecting the subject matter of this contract. John D. and the
Service Company hereby declare that there are no promises, representations, conditions,
warranties, other agreements, expressed or implied, oral or written, made or relied
upon by any of them, except those herein contained.

     Therefore, for good and sufficient consideration exchanged, Gas Natural Service Company, LLC
and John D. Oil & Gas Marketing, LLC, agree to the foregoing terms and conditions.

            In witness whereof, the Parties have executed this contract.

This contract may be executed in counterparts, an original of each signed contract to

be delivered to each counterparty.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 
	GAS NATURAL SERVICE COMPANY, LLC	 	JOHN D. OIL & GAS MARKETING, LLC
	 
	By: 	 /s/ Jonathan A. Harrington	 	By: 	      /s/ Rebecca Howell
	 	Name: 	 Jonathan A. Harrington	 	 	Name: 	                 Rebecca Howell
	 	Title:	 Controller, Gas Natural, Inc.	 	 	Title:	                Controller & Secretary
	 	Date: 2/23/11	 	 	Date:                 2/23/11

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