Document:

<PAGE>

                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.61

           FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE FISHER SCIENTIFIC INTERNATIONAL INC.
                     EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT AND SAVINGS PLAN

      The Compensation Committee hereby amends the Fisher Scientific
International Inc. Executive Retirement and Savings Plan (as restated effective
June 23, 1997) pursuant to Section 11.2, effective as of July 1, 2000, as
follows:

      Section 8.2 shall be amended in its entirety to read:

      "8.2 Savings Account Credited Earnings, Gains or Losses.

            (a) Interest. Amounts credited to the Savings Account during any
      year shall accrue interest at a predetermined rate as set forth by the
      Administrative Committee, or such predetermined alternative investments as
      may be approved by the Investment Committee.

            (b) Investment Funds. Notwithstanding Section 8.2(a), effective as
      of July 1, 2000, selected Participants (as designated from time to time by
      the Administrative Committee) with a credited Savings Account under the
      Plan, may be permitted, subject to Investment Committee discretion, rules
      and procedures, to direct how amounts credited to such Participant's
      Savings Account shall be deemed invested for purposes of crediting
      earnings, gains or losses to such accounts; provided, however, that any
      credit of earnings, gains or losses shall be pursuant to a predetermined
      investment fund as affirmatively elected by the Participant prior to the
      beginning of the period for which such credit is made. The Investment
      Committee may, in its sole discretion, direct the establishment of one or
      more investment funds for Participant directed instructions, or may
      terminate any investment fund, as it deems appropriate. The Investment
      Committee shall announce to selected Participants the addition or deletion
      of an investment fund prior to the effective date of any such change. If
      permitted, any changes by a selected Participant in Savings Account
      elections among investment funds shall be made in accordance with
      Investment Committee rules and procedures for investment fund elections.<PAGE>
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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.5

Director Compensation Matters

                               SAPIENT CORPORATION
                        BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMPENSATION+

<Table>
<Caption>
    ANNUAL                      ANNUAL               BOARD        COMMITTEE               EQUITY GRANTS
     BOARD                  LEAD DIRECTOR &       MEETING FEE     MEETING
    MEMBER                    COMMITTEE              (PER         FEE (PER
   RETAINER                 CHAIR RETAINER        MEETING FEE)   MEETING FEE)
----------------- ------------------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------------------------------
<S>                <C>                           <C>            <C>             <C>
$15,000*          -    Lead Director & Audit     $2,000**       $750**          -   Grant upon first (initial)
                       Chair:  $20,000*                                             appointment to Board of
                                                                                    Directors: $75,000 in
                  -    Compensation                                                 Black-Scholes value***, 4-yr.
                       Committee Chair:                                             straight-line vesting (i.e., 25%
                       $10,000*                                                     per year)

                  -    Nominating and                                           -   Annual grant: $40,000 in
                       Governance Committee                                         Black-Scholes value***; 100%
                       Chair: $5,000*                                               "cliff" vesting at 1st
                                                                                    anniversary

----------------- ------------------------------ -------------- -------------- ---------------------------------------
</Table>

+Directors who are also employees of Sapient Corporation do not receive any
compensation for serving as directors or as members of committees.

*Retainer paid in equal quarterly installments.

**Fee reduced 50% (a) if attended by telephone; or (b) for Committee meetings
held immediately before or after a Board meeting.

***The NUMBER OF UNDERLYING SHARES to be granted will be determined as follows:

        - The Black-Scholes value ("BSV") will be calculated based on the
          following inputs:

                - Using the average Nasdaq closing price over the prior
                  90-calendar day period as the FMV;

                - Using a 10-year life for the option; and

                - Using the same method and source for measuring volatility and
                  risk-free rate as Sapient uses for its financial reporting.

        - The BSV will then be divided into $75K [if a "first (initial)" grant]
          or $40K [if an annual grant] to determine the number of shares to be
          granted.exv4wxay

 

Exhibit 4(A)

NEVADA POWER COMPANY

OFFICER’S CERTIFICATE

November 16, 2004

     I, the undersigned officer of Nevada Power Company (the “Company”), do hereby certify that I
am an Authorized Officer of the Company as such term is defined in the Indenture (as defined
herein). I am delivering this certificate pursuant to the authority granted in the Board
Resolutions of the Company dated October 5, 2004, and Sections 1.04, 2.01, 3.01, 4.01(a) and
4.02(b)(i) of the General and Refunding Mortgage Indenture dated as of May 1, 2001, as heretofore
amended and supplemented to the date hereof (as heretofore amended and supplemented, the
“Indenture”), between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the “Trustee”). Section
1(u)(xviii) of this Officer’s Certificate sets forth definitions of capitalized terms used herein.
Terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the
Indenture. Regarding the use of the terms “subordinated” and “equally-ranked” herein, see Section
1(u)(i)(D). Based upon the foregoing, I hereby certify on behalf of the Company as follows:

     1. The terms and conditions of the Securities described in this Officer’s Certificate are as
follows (the lettered subdivisions set forth in this Paragraph 1 corresponding to the lettered
subdivisions of Section 3.01 of the Indenture):

(a) The Securities of the ninth series to be issued under the Indenture shall be designated
“5 7/8% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series
L, due 2015” (the “Series L Notes”).

(b) There shall be no limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Series L Notes that
may be authenticated and delivered under the Indenture. The Series L Notes shall be
initially authenticated and delivered in the aggregate principal amount of $250,000,000.

(c) Interest on the Series L Notes shall be payable to the Persons in whose names such
Securities are registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such
interest, except as otherwise expressly provided in the form of such Securities attached
hereto as Exhibit A.

(d) The Series L Notes shall mature and the principal thereof shall be due and payable
together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon on January 15, 2015.

(e) The Series L Notes shall bear interest as provided in the form of such Securities
attached hereto as Exhibit A.

(f) If a Holder of Series L Notes has given wire transfer instructions to the Company prior
to the fifth day preceding the related record date (or, in the case of principal or premium,
the fifth day preceding the date such principal or premium is due), the Company shall pay
all principal, interest and premium and Liquidated Damages (as such

NPC Officer’s
Certificate (Terms of Note)

 

 

term is defined herein), if any, on that Holder’s Series L Notes in accordance with such
instructions. The Corporate Trust Office of The Bank of New York in New York, New York shall
be the place at which (i) the principal, interest and premium and Liquidated Damages, if
any, on the Series L Notes shall be payable (other than payments made in accordance with the
first sentence of this paragraph (f)), (ii) registration of transfer of the Series L Notes
may be effected, (iii) exchanges of the Series L Notes may be effected and (iv) notices and
demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Series L Notes and the Indenture may be
served; and The Bank of New York shall be the Security Registrar for the Series L Notes;
provided, however, that the Company reserves the right to change, by one or
more Officer’s Certificates, any such place or the Security Registrar; and provided,
further, that the Company reserves the right to designate, by one or more Officer’s
Certificates, its principal office in Las Vegas, Nevada as any such place or itself or any
of its Subsidiaries as the Security Registrar; provided, however, that there
shall be only a single Security Registrar for the Series L Notes.

(g) Optional Redemption.

     “(i) Optional Redemption. The Company may redeem the Series L Notes at any
time, either in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of
the principal amount of the Series L Notes being redeemed and (2) the sum of the present
values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Series L Notes
being redeemed (excluding the portion of any such interest accrued to the date of
redemption) discounted (for purposes of determining present value) to the redemption date on
a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the
Treasury Rate (as defined below) plus 50 basis points, plus, in each case, accrued interest
thereon to the date of redemption.

     “Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by
an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term
of the Series L Notes that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance
with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of
comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Series L Notes.

     “Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the
average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each
case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding such
redemption date, as set forth in the daily statistical release (or any successor
release) published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated “Composite
3:30 p.m. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities” or (2) if such release (or any
successor release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such third
business day, the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation for such redemption date.

     “Independent Investment Banker” means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers

2

 

appointed by the Company.

     “Reference Treasury Dealer” means a primary U.S. Government Securities Dealer
selected by the Company.

     “Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation” means, with respect to the Reference Treasury
Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Independent Investment
Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each
case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Independent
Investment Banker by such Reference Treasury Dealer at or before 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the third business day preceding such redemption date.

     “Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per year equal
to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue,
assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its
principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date.

     (ii) Equity Claw-back. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time prior to
January 15, 2008, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the
aggregate principal amount of the Series L Notes at a Redemption Price of
105 7/8% of the principal amount, plus accrued and
unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the Redemption Date, with the net cash
proceeds of any public or private offering of its Equity Interests (other than Disqualified
Stock) or a capital contribution to the Company’s equity made with net cash proceeds of an
offering by Sierra Pacific Resources, provided that at least 65% of the aggregate
principal amount of Series L Notes remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of
such redemption (excluding Series L Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries); and
provided further, that any such redemption shall occur within 120 days of
the date of the closing of such offering.

     (iii) Notice of Redemption. Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first
class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder
of Series L Notes to be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices
may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date if the notice is issued in
connection with a defeasance of the Series L Notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the
Series L Notes under the Indenture. Notices of redemption may not be conditional.

     (iv) Selection of Series L Notes to be Redeemed. In accordance with Section
5.03 of the Indenture, the following method is provided for the selection of Series L Notes
to be redeemed and these procedures shall be followed by the Security Registrar in the event
of a redemption of the Series L Notes pursuant to the provisions of this Officer’s
Certificate. If less than all of the Series L Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the
Security Registrar shall select Series L Notes for redemption as follows:

3

 

	 	(A)  	if the Series L Notes are listed on any national securities
exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national
securities exchange on which the Series L Notes are listed; or
	 
	 	(B)  	if the Series L Notes are not listed on any national securities
exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such method as the Trustee deems
fair and appropriate.

No Series L Notes of $1,000 principal amount or less can be redeemed in part.

(h) Mandatory Redemption/Redemption at Option of Holders/Offers to Purchase.

(i) Mandatory Redemption.

     (A) Except as provided in Section 1(h)(i)(B) below or Section 1(h)(ii) below, the
Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect
to the Series L Notes.

     (B) Upon the occurrence of the events described below in clauses (1) or (2) of this
Section 1(h)(i)(B), the Company shall be required to redeem the Series L Notes immediately,
at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Series L Notes
plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Series L Notes to
the date of redemption, without further action or notice on the part of the Trustee or the
Holders of the Series L Notes:

	 	(1)  	the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is a Significant
Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute
a Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of Bankruptcy Law:

	 	(I)  	commences a voluntary case,
	 
	 	(II)  	consents to the entry of an order for relief
against it in an involuntary case,
	 
	 	(III)  	consents to the appointment of a custodian of
it or for all or substantially all of its property,
	 
	 	(IV)  	makes a general assignment for the benefit of
its creditors, or
	 
	 	(V)  	admits in writing of its inability to pay its
debts generally as they become due; or

	 	(2)  	a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree
under any Bankruptcy Law that:

	 	(I)  	is for relief against the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of
Subsidiaries that, taken as a

4

 

whole, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary
case;

	 	(II)  	appoints a custodian of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of
Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant
Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or
any group of Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a
Significant Subsidiary; or
	 
	 	(III)  	orders the liquidation of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of
Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a
Significant Subsidiary;

and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive
days.

(ii) Redemption at the Option of the Holders.

(A) Upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each a “Triggering Event”):

	 	(1)  	failure for 30 days to pay when due interest on, or Liquidated
Damages with respect to, the Series L Notes;
	 
	 	(2)  	failure to pay when due the principal of, or premium, if any,
on the Series L Notes;
	 
	 	(3)  	failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to
comply with the provisions described in Sections 1(u)(i), 1(u)(ii) or 1(u)(vi)
of this Officer’s Certificate (under the headings “Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Restricted Payments,” “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Incurrence
of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock” or “Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets”);
	 
	 	(4)  	failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
for 30 days after notice to comply with the provisions described in Section
1(h)(iii) or (iv) of this Officer’s Certificate (under the headings “Offer to
Purchase Upon Change of Control” or “Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess
Proceeds”);
	 
	 	(5)  	failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
for 60 days after notice to comply with any of the other agreements in this
Officer’s Certificate or the Series L Notes;

5

 

	 	(6)  	default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which
there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any
Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries) whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists,
or is created after the original issue date of the Series L Notes, if that
default:

	 	(I)  	is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or
interest or premium, if any, on such Indebtedness prior to the
expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the
date of such default (a “Payment Default”); or
	 
	 	(II)  	results in the acceleration of such
Indebtedness prior to its express maturity,

and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together
with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there
has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated,
aggregates $15.0 million or more;

	 	(7)  	failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to pay final
judgments aggregating in excess of $15.0 million, which judgments are not paid,
discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days; or
	 
	 	(8)  	an event of default under the First Mortgage Indenture (other
than any such matured event of default which (i) is of similar kind or
character to the Triggering Event described in (3) or (5) above and (ii) has
not resulted in the acceleration of the securities outstanding under the First
Mortgage Indenture); provided, however, that, anything in this
Officer’s Certificate to the contrary notwithstanding, the waiver or cure of
such event of default under the First Mortgage Indenture and the rescission and
annulment of the consequences thereof under the First Mortgage Indenture shall
constitute a cure of the corresponding Triggering Event and a rescission and
annulment of the consequences thereof,

the Holders of Series L Notes of at least 25% in principal amount of the Series L Notes then
Outstanding may deliver a notice to the Company requiring the Company to redeem the Series L
Notes immediately at a Redemption Price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of
the Series L Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the
Series L Notes to the Redemption Date.

     (B) The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Series L Notes then
outstanding by notice to the Company and the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of
the Series L Notes waive any existing Triggering Event and its consequences except a
continuing Triggering Event related to the payment of interest or Liquidated Damages on, or
the principal of, the Series L Notes.

6

 

     (C) In the case of any Triggering Event by reason of any willful action or inaction
taken or not taken by or on behalf of the Company with the intention of avoiding payment of
the premium that the Company would have had to pay if the Company then had elected to redeem
the Series L Notes pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(g)(i) or, prior to January 15,
2008, Section 1(g)(ii) of the Officer’s Certificate relating to redemption at the option of
the Company, an equivalent premium equal to the premium payable under Section 1(g)(i) or,
prior to January 15, 2008, Section 1(g)(ii), whichever is greater, shall also become and be
immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon the redemption of the Series
L Notes at the option of the Holders thereof.

     (D) Upon becoming aware of any Triggering Event, the Company shall deliver to the
Trustee a statement specifying such Triggering Event.

     (iii) Offer to Purchase Upon Change of Control.

     (A) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder of Series L Notes shall
have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an
integral multiple of $1,000) of that Holder’s Series L Notes pursuant to the offer described
below (the “Change of Control Offer”) on the terms set forth in this Officer’s Certificate.
In the Change of Control Offer, the Company shall offer an amount in cash (the “Change of
Control Payment”) equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Series L Notes
repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Series L
Notes repurchased, to Change of Control Payment Date (as defined below).

     (B) Within ten days following any Change of Control, the Company shall mail a notice to
each Holder of Series L Notes stating:

	 	(1)  	the description of the transaction or transactions that
constitute the Change of Control, that the Change of Control Offer is being
made pursuant to this Section 1(h)(iii), and that all Series L Notes validly
tendered and not withdrawn shall be accepted for payment;
	 
	 	(2)  	the purchase price and the purchase date, which shall be no
earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is
mailed (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);
	 
	 	(3)  	that any Series L Note not tendered or accepted for payment
shall continue to accrue interest and Liquidated Damages, if any;
	 
	 	(4)  	that, unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Change
of Control Payment, all Series L Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the
Change of Control Offer shall cease to accrue interest and Liquidated Damages,
if any, after the Change of Control Payment Date;
	 
	 	(5)  	that Holders of Series L Notes electing to have any Series L
Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer shall be required to

7

 

surrender the Series L Notes properly endorsed, with the form entitled
“Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of the Series L Notes
properly completed, together with other customary documents as the Company
may reasonably request, to the Paying Agent at the address specified in the
notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding
the Change of Control Payment Date;

	 	(6)  	that Holders of Series L Notes shall be entitled to withdraw
their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of
business on the second Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment
Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the
name of the Holder, the principal amount of Series L Notes delivered for
purchase, and a statement that such Holder of Series L Notes is withdrawing its
election to have the Series L Notes purchased; and
	 
	 	(7)  	that Holders of Series L Notes whose Series L Notes are being
purchased only in part shall be issued new Series L Notes equal in principal
amount to the unpurchased portion of the Series L Notes surrendered, which
unpurchased portion must be equal to $1,000 in principal amount or an integral
multiple thereof.

     (C) If any of the Series L Notes subject to a Change of Control Offer are in the form
of a Global Note, then the Company shall modify such notice to the extent necessary to
accord with the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary applicable to offers to purchase.

     (D) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company shall, to the extent lawful, (1)
accept for payment all Series L Notes or portions thereof properly tendered pursuant to the
Change of Control Offer, (2) deposit with the Paying Agent in immediately available funds an
amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Series L Notes or portions
thereof so tendered and (3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Series L
Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate stating the aggregate principal
amount of Series L Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the Company. The Paying
Agent shall promptly mail to each Holder of Series L Notes so tendered the Change of Control
Payment for such Series L Notes, and the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and make
available for delivery to each Holder of Series L Notes a new Series L Note equal in
principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Series L Notes surrendered, if any;
provided that each such new Series L Note shall be in a principal amount of
$1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. Any Series L Note not so accepted shall be promptly
mailed or delivered by the Company to the Holder thereof. The Company shall publicly
announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the
Change of Control Payment Date.

     (E) The Change of Control provisions described above that require the Company to make a
Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control shall be applicable whether or not any
other provisions of this Officer’s Certificate are applicable.

8

 

     (F) The Company shall not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change
of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times
and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth herein applicable to a Change of
Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all Series L Notes validly tendered and not
withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

     (iv) Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds.

     (A) In the event that, pursuant to Section 1(u)(v)(D) of this Officer’s Certificate
(under the heading “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Asset Sales”), the Company shall be
required to commence an Asset Sale Offer, it shall make an offer (an “Asset Sale Offer”) to
all Holders of Series L Notes, and all holders of other Indebtedness that is equally-ranked
with the Series L Notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in this Officer’s
Certificate with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of
assets, to purchase the maximum principal amount of the Series L Notes and such other
equally-ranked Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer
price in any Asset Sale Offer shall be equal to 100% of principal amount plus accrued and
unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of purchase, and shall be
payable in cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer,
the Company may use those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this
Officer’s Certificate. If the aggregate principal amount of Series L Notes and other
equally-ranked Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess
Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Series L Notes and such other equally-ranked
Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis. The Company shall advise the Trustee of
such other equally-ranked Indebtedness and the Trustee shall have no duty or responsibility
to determine the accuracy or correctness of such advice and shall be fully protected in
relying on such advice. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess
Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

     (B) Any Asset Sale Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 Business Days following
its commencement and no longer, except to the extent that a longer period is required by
applicable law (the “Offer Period”). No later than five Business Days after the termination
of the Offer Period (the “Purchase Date”), the Company shall purchase the principal amount
of Series L Notes required to be purchased pursuant to paragraph (A) above (the “Offer
Amount”) or, if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Series L Notes validly
tendered in response to the Asset Sale Offer.

     (C) Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company shall send, by first
class mail, a notice to each of the Holders of Series L Notes, with a copy to the Trustee,
stating:

	 	(1)  	that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this
Section 1(h)(iv) and Section 1(u)(v) of this Officer’s Certificate (under the
heading “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Asset Sales”) and the length of
time the Asset Sale Offer shall remain open;

9

 

	 	(2)  	the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date;
	 
	 	(3)  	that any Series L Note not tendered or accepted for payment
shall continue to accrue interest and Liquidated Damages, if any;
	 
	 	(4)  	that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any
Series L Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer shall cease
to accrue interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, after the Purchase Date;
	 
	 	(5)  	that Holders of Series L Notes electing to have a Series L Note
purchased pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer shall be required to surrender the
Series L Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on
the reverse of the Series L Note properly completed, together with other
customary documents as the Company may reasonably request, to the Paying Agent
at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the
third Business Day preceding the Purchase Date;
	 
	 	(6)  	that Holders of Series L Notes shall be entitled to withdraw
their election if the Paying Agent receives, not later than the close of
business on the second Business Day preceding the Purchase Date, a telegram,
telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder,
the principal amount of Series L Notes delivered for purchase, and a statement
that such Holder of Series L Notes is withdrawing its election to have the
Series L Notes purchased;
	 
	 	(7)  	that, if the aggregate principal amount of Series L Notes
surrendered by Holders of Series L Notes exceeds the Offer Amount, the Trustee
shall select the Series L Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis (with such
adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Trustee so that only Series L
Notes in denominations of $1,000, or integral multiples thereof, shall be
purchased); and
	 
	 	(8)  	that Holders of Series L Notes whose Series L Notes are being
purchased only in part shall be issued new Series L Notes equal in principal
amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, which unpurchased
portion must be equal to $1,000 in principal amount or an integral multiple
thereof.

     (D) If any of the Series L Notes subject to an Asset Sale Offer is in the form of a
Global Note, then the Company shall modify such notice to the extent necessary to accord
with the Applicable Procedures of the Depositary applicable to offers to purchase.

     (E) On or before the Purchase Date, the Company shall, to the extent lawful, accept for
payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount of Series L Notes or
portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, or if less than the Offer Amount
has been tendered, all Series L Notes tendered, and shall deliver to the Trustee an
officer’s certificate stating that such Series L Notes or portions thereof

10

 

were accepted for payment by the Company in accordance with the terms of this Section
1(h)(iv). The Paying Agent shall promptly (but in any case not later than five days after
the Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder of Series L Notes an amount
equal to the purchase price of the Series L Notes tendered by such Holder of Series L Notes
and accepted by the Company for purchase, and the Company shall promptly issue a new Series
L Note, and the Trustee, upon written request from the Company, shall authenticate and make
available for delivery such new Series L Note to such Holder of Series L Notes, in a
principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Series L Note surrendered;
provided that each such new Series L Note shall be in a principal amount of
$1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. Any Series L Note not so accepted shall be promptly
mailed or delivered by the Company to the Holder thereof. The Company shall publicly
announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer on the Purchase Date.

     (F) The provisions of this Section 1(h)(iv) (“Offer to Purchase by Application of
Excess Proceeds”) is subject to the provisions of Section 1(u)(xiv) (“Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Suspension of Certain Covenants”).

     (v) Offers to Purchase – General.

     (A) If the Change of Control Payment Date or Purchase Date is on or after a Regular
Record Date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, any accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, shall be paid to the Person in whose name a Series
L Note is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date, and no additional
interest or Liquidated Damages shall be payable to Holders of Series L Notes who tender
Series L Notes pursuant to the Change of Control Offer or the Asset Sale Offer.

     (B) The Company shall comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act
and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and
regulations are applicable in connection with a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale
Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with
the Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer provisions of this Officer’s Certificate,
the Company shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not
be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale
Offer provisions of this Officer’s Certificate by virtue of such conflict.

(i) The Series L Notes are issuable only in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
of $1,000 in excess thereof.

(j) Not applicable.

(k) Not applicable.

(l) Not applicable.

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(m) See subsection (e) above.

(n) Not applicable.

(o) Not applicable.

(p) Not applicable.

(q) Book-entry; Delivery and Form.

(i) Form and Dating.

     The Series L Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be
substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. The Series L Notes may have notations,
legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Series L Note
shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Series L Notes shall be in denominations
of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.

     The terms and provisions contained in the Series L Notes shall constitute, and are
hereby expressly made, a part of this Officer’s Certificate, and the Company, by its
execution and delivery of this Officer’s Certificate, expressly agrees to such terms and
provisions and to be bound thereby. However, to the extent any provision of any Series L
Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Officer’s Certificate or the Indenture,
the provisions of this Officer’s Certificate or the Indenture, as applicable, shall govern
and be controlling.

     Series L Notes issued in global form shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A
attached hereto (including the Global Note Legend and the “Schedule of Exchanges in the
Global Note” attached thereto). Series L Notes issued in definitive form shall be
substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto (but without the Global Note Legend
and without the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto).
Each Global Note shall represent such aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Series L
Notes as shall be specified therein and each shall provide that it shall represent the
aggregate principal amount of outstanding Series L Notes from time to time endorsed thereon
and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Series L Notes represented thereby
may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges and
redemptions. Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or
decrease in the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Series L Notes represented thereby
shall be made by the Trustee, the Depositary or the Note Custodian, at the direction of the
Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section
1(q)(v) of this Officer’s Certificate.

     The provisions of the “Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System” and “Terms and
Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear” and the “General Terms and Conditions of Clearstream
Bank” and “Customer Handbook” of Clearstream shall be applicable to transfers of beneficial
interests in the Regulation S Global Notes that are held by members of, or Participants, in
DTC through Euroclear or Clearstream.

12

 

(ii) Authentication.

     The Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall authenticate by delivery and execution of
a Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication in the form set forth in Section 2.02 of the
Indenture (A) the Series L Notes for original issue on the Issue Date in the aggregate
principal amount of $250,000,000 (the “Original Notes”), (B) additional Series L Notes for
original issue from time to time after the Issue Date in such principal amounts as may be
set forth in a Company Order (such additional Series L Notes, together with the Original
Notes, the “Initial Notes”) and (C) any Exchange Notes from time to time for issue only in
exchange for a like principal amount of Initial Notes, in each case, upon a Company Order,
which Company Order shall specify (x) the amount of Series L Notes to be authenticated and
the date of original issue thereof, (y) whether the Series L Notes are Initial Notes or
Exchange Notes and (z) the amount of Series L Notes to be issued in global form or
definitive form. The aggregate principal amount of Series L Notes outstanding at any time
may not exceed $250,000,000 plus such additional principal amounts as may be issued and
authenticated pursuant to clause (B) of this paragraph, except as provided in Section
1(q)(vi) of this Officer’s Certificate.

(iii) Security Registrar, Paying Agent and Depositary.

     The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Security Registrar and Paying
Agent for the Series L Notes. Upon the occurrence of an event set forth under Sections
1(h)(i)(B)(1) or 1(h)(i)(B)(2) herein or an Event of Default set forth in Sections 10.01(d)
or 10.01(e) of the Indenture, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Series L
Notes. The Company shall maintain a Place of Payment for the Series L Notes within the City
and State of New York pursuant to Section 6.02 of the Indenture.

     The Company initially appoints The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) to act as
Depositary with respect to the Global Notes. The Trustee has been appointed by DTC to act
as Note Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.

(iv) Liquidated Damages, if any, to be Held in Trust.

     Payments of Liquidated Damages, if any, shall be subject to the provisions of Section
6.03 of the Indenture to the same extent as any payments of principal of or premium or
interest on the Series L Notes.

(v) Transfer and Exchange.

     (A) Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be
transferred as a whole except by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary, by a nominee
of the Depositary to the Depositary or to another nominee of the Depositary, or by the
Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor
Depositary. All Global Notes shall be exchanged by the Company for Definitive Notes if:

13

 

	 	(1)  	the Company delivers to the Trustee notice from the Depositary
that it is unwilling or unable to continue to act as Depositary for the Global
Notes or that it is no longer a clearing agency registered under the Exchange
Act and, in either case, a successor Depositary is not appointed by the Company
within 90 days after the date of such notice from the Depositary or
	 
	 	(2)  	the Company in its sole discretion notifies the Trustee in
writing that it elects to cause issuance of the Series L Notes in certificated
form; or
	 
	 	(3)  	there has occurred and is continuing a Default or Event of
Default with respect to the Series L Notes.

Upon the occurrence of either of the preceding events in (1), (2) or (3) above,
Definitive Notes shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall instruct the
Trustee. Global Notes also may be exchanged or replaced, in whole or in part, as
provided in Sections 3.06 and 3.09 of the Indenture. Every Series L Note
authenticated and delivered in exchange for, or in lieu of, a Global Note or any
portion thereof, pursuant to Sections 3.06 and 3.09 of the Indenture, shall be
authenticated and delivered in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. A Global
Note may not be exchanged for another Series L Note other than as provided in this
Section 1(q)(v)(A), however, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be
transferred and exchanged as provided in Section 1(q)(v)(B), (C) or (F) of this
Officer’s Certificate.

     (B) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in the Global Notes. The
transfer and exchange of beneficial interests in the Global Notes shall be effected through
the Depositary, in accordance with the provisions of this Officer’s Certificate and the
Applicable Procedures. Beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes shall be subject
to restrictions on transfer comparable to those set forth herein to the extent required by
the Securities Act. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also shall
require compliance with either subparagraph (1) or (2) below, as applicable, as well as one
or more of the other following subparagraphs as applicable:

     (1) Transfer of Beneficial Interests in the Same Global Note.
Beneficial interests in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to Persons who
take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Restricted
Global Note in accordance with the transfer restrictions set forth in the Private
Placement Legend; provided, however, that prior to the expiration of
the Restricted Period transfers of beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global
Note may not be made to a U.S. Person or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person
(other than an Initial Purchaser). Beneficial interests in any Unrestricted Global
Note may be transferred only to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of a
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. No written orders or
instructions shall be required to be delivered to the Security Registrar to effect
the transfers described in this Section 1(q)(v)(B)(1).

14

 

     (2) All Other Transfers and Exchanges of Beneficial Interests in Global
Notes. In connection with all transfers and exchanges of beneficial interests
(other than a transfer of a beneficial interest in a Global Note to a Person who
takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the same Global
Note), the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Security
Registrar either:

     (a) both (i) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect
Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable
Procedures directing the Depositary to credit or cause to be credited a
beneficial interest in another Global Note in an amount equal to the
beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and (ii) instructions
given in accordance with the Applicable Procedures containing information
regarding the Participant account to be credited with such increase or

     (b) both (i) a written order from a Participant or an Indirect
Participant given to the Depositary in accordance with the Applicable
Procedures directing the Depositary to cause to be issued a Definitive Note
in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged
and (ii) instructions given by the Depositary to the Security Registrar
containing information regarding the Person in whose name such Definitive
Note shall be registered to effect the transfer or exchange referred to in
(i) above.

Upon an Exchange Offer by the Company in accordance with Section 1(q)(v)(F) of this
Officer’s Certificate, the requirements of this Section 1(q)(v)(B)(2) shall be
deemed to have been satisfied upon receipt by the Security Registrar of the
instructions contained in the Letter of Transmittal delivered by the Holder of such
beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes. Upon notification from the
Security Registrar that all of the requirements for transfer or exchange of
beneficial interests in Global Notes contained in this Officer’s Certificate, the
Series L Notes and otherwise applicable under the Securities Act have been
satisfied, the Trustee shall adjust the principal amount of the relevant Global
Notes pursuant to Section 1(q)(v)(H) of this Officer’s Certificate.

     (3) Transfer of Beneficial Interests to Another Restricted Global Note.
A beneficial interest in any Restricted Global Note may be transferred to a Person
who takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another
Restricted Global Note if the transfer complies with the requirements of clause (2)
above and the Security Registrar receives the following:

     (a) if the transferee shall take delivery in the form of a beneficial
interest in the Rule 144A Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a
certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in
Item (1) thereof; or

15

 

     (b) if the transferee shall take delivery in the form of a beneficial
interest in the Regulation S Global Note, then the transferor must deliver a
certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in
Item (2) thereof.

     (4) Transfer and Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global
Note for Beneficial Interests in the Unrestricted Global Note. A beneficial
interest in any Restricted Global Note may be exchanged by any holder thereof for a
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transferred to a Person who
takes delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted
Global Note if the exchange or transfer complies with the requirements of clause (2)
above and:

     (a) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer
in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of the
beneficial interest to be transferred, in the case of an exchange, or the
transferee, in the case of a transfer, is not (i) a broker-dealer, (ii) a
Person participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a
Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

     (b) any such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration
Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

     (c) any such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to an
Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration
Rights Agreement; or

     (d) the Security Registrar receives the following:

          (i) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to
exchange such beneficial interest for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note,
a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications
in Item (1)(a) thereof; or

          (ii) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to
transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of
a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such holder in the
form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in Item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (d), an Opinion of Counsel in form
reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in
compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein
and in the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with
the Securities Act.

16

 

     If any such transfer is effected pursuant to subparagraph (b) or (d) above at a time
when an Unrestricted Global Note has not yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon
receipt of an authentication order in accordance with Section 1(q)(ii) of this Officer’s
Certificate, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in an
aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of beneficial interests transferred
pursuant to subparagraph (b) or (d) above.

     Beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for, or
transferred to Persons who take delivery thereof in the form of, a beneficial interest in a
Restricted Global Note.

     (C) Transfer or Exchange of Beneficial Interests for Definitive Notes.

     (1) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Restricted
Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or to
transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form
of a Definitive Note, then, upon receipt by the Security Registrar of the following
documentation:

     (a) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Restricted
Definitive Note, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C
hereto, including the certifications in Item (2)(a) thereof;

     (b) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a QIB in
accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate to the
effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in Item
(1) thereof;

     (c) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to a Non-U.S.
Person in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904
under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B
hereto, including the certifications in Item (2) thereof;

     (d) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in
accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the
effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in Item
(3)(a) thereof;

     (e) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to an
Institutional Accredited Investor or in reliance on any other exemption from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act, in either case other
than those listed in subparagraphs (b) through (d) above, then the
transferor must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto,
including the

17

 

certifications, certificates and any Opinion of Counsel required by
Item (3) thereof, if applicable;

     (f) if such beneficial interest is being transferred to the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B
hereto, including the certifications in Item (3)(b) thereof; or

     (g) if such beneficial interest is being transferred pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to
the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in
Item (3)(c) thereof,

the Trustee, upon notice of receipt of such documentation by the Security Registrar, shall
cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly
pursuant to Section 1(q)(v)(H) of this Officer’s Certificate, and the Company shall execute
and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery to the Person designated
in the instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive
Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to
this Section 1(q)(v)(C) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized
denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall instruct the
Security Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the Participant or Indirect
Participant. The Trustee shall make available for delivery such Definitive Notes to the
Persons in whose names such Series L Notes are so registered. Any Definitive Note issued in
exchange for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note pursuant to this Section
1(q)(v)(C)(1) shall bear the Private Placement Legend and shall be subject to all
restrictions on transfer contained therein.

     Notwithstanding Sections 1(q)(v)(C)(1)(a) and (c) hereof, a beneficial interest in the
Regulation S Global Note may not be (a) exchanged for a Definitive Note prior to (x) the
expiration of the Restricted Period and (y) the receipt by the Security Registrar of any
certificates required pursuant to Rule 903(c)(3)(B) under the Securities Act or (b)
transferred to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note prior to
the conditions set forth in clause (a) above or unless the transfer is pursuant to an
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other than Rule 903 or
Rule 904.

     (2) Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes to Unrestricted
Definitive Notes. Notwithstanding Section 1(q)(v)(C)(1) hereof, a holder of a
beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note may exchange such beneficial
interest for an Unrestricted Definitive Note or may transfer such beneficial
interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted
Definitive Note only if:

     (a) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer
in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the holder of such
beneficial interest, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the
case of a transfer, is not (i) a broker-dealer, (ii) a Person

18

 

participating in the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a
Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

     (b) any such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration
Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

     (c) any such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to an
Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration
Rights Agreement; or

     (d) the Security Registrar receives the following:

          (i) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to
exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note that does not bear the Private
Placement Legend, a certificate from such holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto, including
the certifications in Item (1)(b) thereof; or

          (ii) if the holder of such beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note proposes to
transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of
a Definitive Note that does not bear the Private Placement Legend, a certificate from such
holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in Item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (d), an Opinion of Counsel in form
reasonably acceptable to the Company, to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in
compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein
and in the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with
the Securities Act.

     (3) Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted Global Notes to Unrestricted
Definitive Notes. If any holder of a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted
Global Note proposes to exchange such beneficial interest for a Definitive Note or
to transfer such beneficial interest to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the
form of a Definitive Note, then, upon notice by the Security Registrar of
satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 1(q)(v)(B)(2) of this Officer’s
Certificate, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the
applicable Global Note to be reduced accordingly pursuant to Section 1(q)(v)(H) of
this Officer’s Certificate, and the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall
authenticate and make available for delivery to the Person designated in the
instructions a Definitive Note in the appropriate principal amount. Any Definitive
Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest pursuant to this Section
1(q)(v)(C)(3) shall be registered in such name or names and in such authorized
denomination or denominations as the holder of such beneficial interest shall
instruct the Security Registrar through instructions from the Depositary and the
Participant or Indirect Participant. The Trustee shall make available for delivery
such Definitive Notes to the Persons in whose names such Series L Notes are so
registered. Any Definitive Note issued in exchange for a beneficial interest
pursuant to this

19

 

Section 1(q)(v)(C)(3) shall not bear the Private Placement Legend. A
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note cannot be exchanged for a
Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement Legend or transferred to a Person who
takes delivery thereof in the form of a Definitive Note bearing the Private
Placement Legend.

(D) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Beneficial Interests.

     (1) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Restricted
Global Notes. If any Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note proposes to
exchange such Series L Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note or
to transfer such Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form
of a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note, then, upon receipt by the
Security Registrar of the following documentation:

     (a) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Note proposes to
exchange such Series L Note for a beneficial interest in a Restricted Global
Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit C hereto,
including the certifications in Item (2)(b) thereof;

     (b) if such Definitive Note is being transferred to a QIB in accordance
with Rule 144A under the Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set
forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in Item (1) thereof;

     (c) if such Definitive Note is being transferred to a Non-U.S. Person
in an offshore transaction in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the
Securities Act, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto,
including the certifications in Item (2) thereof;

     (d) if such Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an
exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in
accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, a certificate to the
effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in Item
(3)(a) thereof;

     (e) if such Definitive Note is being transferred to an Institutional
Accredited Investor or in reliance on any other exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act, in either case, other than
those listed in subparagraphs (b) through (d) above, a certificate in the
form of Exhibit B hereto, including certifications, certificates, and any
Opinion of Counsel required by Item (3) thereof, if applicable;

     (f) if such Definitive Note is being transferred to the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries, a certificate to the effect set forth in Exhibit B
hereto, including the certifications in Item (3)(b) thereof; or

20

 

     (g) if such Definitive Note is being transferred pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act, a certificate to
the effect set forth in Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in
Item (3)(c) thereof,

the Trustee, upon notice of receipt of such documentation by the Security Registrar, shall
cancel the Definitive Note, increase or cause to be increased the aggregate principal amount
of, in the case of subparagraph (a) above, the appropriate Restricted Global Note and, in
the case of subparagraph (b) above, the Rule 144A Global Note, and, in the case of
subparagraph (c) above, the Regulation S Global Note.

     (2) Restricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted
Global Notes. A Holder of a Restricted Definitive Note may exchange such Series
L Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer such
Restricted Definitive Note to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note only if:

     (a) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer
in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder, in the
case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case of a transfer, is not
(i) a broker-dealer, (ii) a Person participating in the distribution of the
Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate (as defined in Rule
144) of the Company;

     (b) any such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration
Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

     (c) any such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to an
Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration
Rights Agreement; or

     (d) the Security Registrar receives the following:

          (i) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Series L Notes for
a beneficial interest in the Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the
form of Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in Item (1)(c) thereof; or

          (ii) if the Holder of such Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Series L Notes to
a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in the
Unrestricted Global Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto,
including the certifications in Item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (d), an Opinion of Counsel in form
reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in
compliance with the Securities Act, that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and
in the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with

21

 

the Securities Act, and such Definitive Notes are being exchanged or transferred in
compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States.

     Upon satisfaction of the conditions of any of the subparagraphs in this Section
1(q)(v)(D)(2), the Trustee shall cancel the Definitive Notes and increase or cause to be
increased the aggregate principal amount of the Unrestricted Global Note.

     (3) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Beneficial Interests in Unrestricted
Global Notes. A Holder of an Unrestricted Definitive Note may exchange such
Series L Note for a beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note or transfer
such Definitive Notes to a Person who takes delivery thereof in the form of a
beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note at any time. Upon receipt of a
request for such an exchange or transfer, the Trustee shall cancel the applicable
Unrestricted Definitive Note and increase or cause to be increased the aggregate
principal amount of one of the Unrestricted Global Notes.

     If any such exchange or transfer from a Definitive Note to a beneficial
interest is effected pursuant to Sections 1(q)(v)(D)(2)(b) or (d) or the first
paragraph of this Section 1(q)(v)(D)(3) at a time when an Unrestricted Global Note
has not yet been issued, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of an
authentication order in accordance with Section 1(q)(ii) of this Officer’s
Certificate, the Trustee shall authenticate one or more Unrestricted Global Notes in
an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of beneficial interests
transferred pursuant to Sections 1(q)(v)(D)(2)(b) or (d) or the first paragraph of
this Section 1(q)(v)(D)(3).

     (E) Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon
request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holder’s compliance with the provisions of
this Section 1(q)(v)(E), the Security Registrar shall register the transfer or exchange of
Definitive Notes. Prior to such registration of transfer or exchange, the requesting Holder
shall present or surrender to the Security Registrar the Definitive Notes duly endorsed or
accompanied by a written instruction of transfer in form satisfactory to the Security
Registrar duly executed by such Holder or by his attorney, duly authorized in writing. In
addition, the requesting Holder shall provide any additional certifications, documents and
information, as applicable, pursuant to the provisions of this Section 1(q)(v)(E).

     (1) Restricted Definitive Notes to Restricted Definitive Notes.
Restricted Definitive Notes may be transferred to and registered in the name of
Persons who take delivery thereof if the Security Registrar receives the following:

     (a) if the transfer shall be made pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the form
of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in Item (1) thereof;

     (b) if the transfer shall be made pursuant to Rule 903 or Rule 904 of
the Securities Act, then the transferor must deliver a certificate in the

22

 

form of Exhibit B hereto, including the certifications in Item (2)
thereof; and

     (c) if the transfer shall be made pursuant to any other exemption from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act, then the transferor
must deliver a certificate in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including the
certifications, certificates and Opinion of Counsel required by Item (3)
thereof, if applicable.

     (2) Restricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. Any
Restricted Definitive Note may be exchanged by the Holder thereof for an
Unrestricted Definitive Note or transferred to a Person or Persons who take delivery
thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note if:

     (a) such exchange or transfer is effected pursuant to an Exchange Offer
in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement and the Holder of such
Series L Notes, in the case of an exchange, or the transferee, in the case
of a transfer, is not (i) a broker-dealer, (ii) a Person participating in
the distribution of the Exchange Notes or (iii) a Person who is an affiliate
(as defined in Rule 144) of the Company;

     (b) any such transfer is effected pursuant to a Shelf Registration
Statement in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement;

     (c) any such transfer is effected by a Broker-Dealer pursuant to an
Exchange Offer Registration Statement in accordance with the Registration
Rights Agreement; or

     (d) the Security Registrar receives the following:

          (i) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to exchange such Series
L Notes for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of
Exhibit C hereto, including the certifications in Item (1)(b) thereof; or

          (ii) if the Holder of such Restricted Definitive Notes proposes to transfer such Series
L Notes to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted
Definitive Note, a certificate from such Holder in the form of Exhibit B hereto, including
the certifications in Item (4) thereof;

and, in each such case set forth in this subparagraph (d), an Opinion of Counsel in form
reasonably acceptable to the Company to the effect that such exchange or transfer is in
compliance with the Securities Act, that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and
in the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the
Securities Act, and such Restricted Definitive Note is being exchanged or transferred in
compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any State of the United States.

23

 

     (3) Unrestricted Definitive Notes to Unrestricted Definitive Notes. A
Holder of Unrestricted Definitive Notes may transfer such Series L Notes to a Person
who takes delivery thereof in the form of an Unrestricted Definitive Note. Upon
receipt of a request for such a transfer, the Security Registrar shall register the
Unrestricted Definitive Notes pursuant to the instructions from the Holder thereof.
Unrestricted Definitive Notes cannot be exchanged for or transferred to Persons who
take delivery thereof in the form of a Restricted Definitive Note.

     (F) Exchange Offer. Upon the occurrence of an Exchange Offer in accordance
with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company shall issue and, upon receipt of (a) an
authentication order in accordance with Section 1(q)(ii) of this Officer’s Certificate and
(b) an Opinion of Counsel opining as to the enforceability of the Exchange Notes and the
guarantees thereof, if any, the Trustee shall authenticate (1) one or more Unrestricted
Global Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the
beneficial interests in the Restricted Global Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that
are not (i) broker-dealers, (ii) Persons participating in the distribution of the Exchange
Notes or (iii) Persons who are affiliates (as defined in Rule 144) of the Company and
accepted for exchange in such Exchange Offer and (2) Definitive Notes in an aggregate
principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Restricted Definitive Notes accepted
for exchange in such Exchange Offer, unless the Holders of such Restricted Definitive Notes
shall request the receipt of Definitive Notes, in which case the Company shall execute and
the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Persons designated by the Holders of such
Restricted Definitive Notes one or more Definitive Notes without the Private Placement
Legend in the appropriate principal amount. Concurrent with the issuance of such
Unrestricted Global Notes, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the
applicable Restricted Global Notes to be reduced accordingly, and the Company shall execute
and the Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery to the Persons designated
by the Holders of Definitive Notes so accepted Definitive Notes in the appropriate principal
amount.

     (G) Legends. The following legends shall appear on the face of all Global
Notes and Definitive Notes issued under this Indenture unless specifically stated otherwise
in the applicable provisions of this Officer’s Certificate.

     (1) Private Placement Legend.

     (a) Except as permitted by subparagraph (b) below, each Global Note and
each Definitive Note (and all Series L Notes issued in exchange therefor or
substitution thereof) shall bear the legend in substantially the following
form:

“THE NOTES EVIDENCED HEREBY HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR OTHER SECURITIES LAWS. NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR ANY INTEREST
OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED
OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS THE TRANSACTION IS

24

 

EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT. THE
HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF (1) REPRESENTS THAT (A) IT IS A “QUALIFIED
INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” (AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) OR (B) IT IS NOT A
U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING ITS NOTE IN AN “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION” PURSUANT TO RULE 904 OF
REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (2) AGREES THAT IT SHALL NOT PRIOR TO (X) THE DATE
WHICH IS TWO YEARS (OR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD OF TIME AS PERMITTED BY RULE 144(k) UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OR ANY SUCCESSOR PROVISION THEREUNDER) AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE
DATE HEREOF (OR OF ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) OR THE LAST DAY ON WHICH THE COMPANY OR ANY
AFFILIATE OF THE COMPANY WAS THE OWNER OF THIS NOTE (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF THIS NOTE) AND
(Y) SUCH LATER DATE, IF ANY, AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE LAW (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION
TERMINATION DATE”), OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER THIS NOTE EXCEPT (A) TO THE COMPANY,
(B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT WHICH HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE NOTES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A,
TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE
144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A
QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN
RELIANCE ON RULE 144A INSIDE THE UNITED STATES, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES THAT OCCUR
OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E)
PURSUANT TO ANY OTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE
SECURITIES ACT AND (3) AGREES THAT IT WILL GIVE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS NOTE IS
TRANSFERRED A NOTICE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE EFFECT OF THIS LEGEND; PROVIDED THAT THE COMPANY,
THE TRUSTEE AND THE SECURITY REGISTRAR SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR
TRANSFER (I) PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (C), (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF
COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/ OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM, AND (II) IN
EACH OF THE FOREGOING CASES, TO REQUIRE THAT A CERTIFICATION OF TRANSFER IN THE FORM
APPEARING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS NOTE IS COMPLETED AND DELIVERED BY THIS TRANSFEROR TO
THE TRUSTEE. THIS LEGEND SHALL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE
RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. AS USED HEREIN, THE TERMS “OFFSHORE TRANSACTION,” “UNITED
STATES” AND “U.S. PERSON” HAVE THE MEANINGS GIVEN TO THEM BY REGULATION S UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT.”

25

 

     (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Global Note or Definitive Note
issued pursuant to subparagraph (B)(4), (C)(2), (D)(2), (D)(3), (E)(2),
(E)(3) or (F) of this Section 1(q)(v) (and all Series L Notes issued in
exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall not bear the Private
Placement Legend.

     (2) Global Note Legend. Each Global Note shall bear a legend in
substantially the following form:

“THIS GLOBAL NOTE IS HELD BY THE DEPOSITARY (AS DEFINED IN THE OFFICER’S CERTIFICATE UNDER
THE INDENTURE GOVERNING THIS NOTE) OR ITS NOMINEE IN CUSTODY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE
BENEFICIAL OWNERS HEREOF, AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE TO ANY PERSON UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
EXCEPT THAT (I) THE TRUSTEE MAY MAKE SUCH NOTATIONS HEREON AS MAY BE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
ARTICLE III OF THE INDENTURE, (II) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE EXCHANGED IN WHOLE BUT NOT IN
PART PURSUANT TO SECTION 1(q)(v)(A) OF THE OFFICER’S CERTIFICATE UNDER THE INDENTURE, (III)
THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE TRUSTEE FOR CANCELLATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 3.09
OF THE INDENTURE AND (IV) THIS GLOBAL NOTE MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO A SUCCESSOR DEPOSITARY WITH
THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE COMPANY OR ANY SUCCESSOR THERETO.”

     Additionally, for so long as DTC is the Depositary with respect to any Global Note,
each such Global Note shall also bear a legend in substantially the following form:

“UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY, TO THE
COMPANY OR ANY SUCCESSOR THERETO OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR
PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER
NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITARY (AND ANY PAYMENT IS
MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE DEPOSITARY), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR
TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN
INTEREST HEREIN.”

     (H) Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all
beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for Definitive Notes or
a particular Global Note has been redeemed, repurchased or canceled in whole and not in
part, each such Global Note shall be returned to or retained and canceled by the Trustee in
accordance with Section 3.09 of the Indenture. At any time prior to such cancellation, if
any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for or transferred to a Person who
shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial interest in another Global Note or
for Definitive Notes, the principal amount of Series L Notes represented by such Global Note
shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on

26

 

such Global Note, by the Trustee, the Note Custodian or the Depositary at the direction
of the Trustee, to reflect such reduction; and if the beneficial interest is being exchanged
for or transferred to a Person who shall take delivery thereof in the form of a beneficial
interest in another Global Note, such other Global Note shall be increased accordingly and
an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note, by the Trustee, the Note Custodian or by
the Depositary at the direction of the Trustee, to reflect such increase.

(I) General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.

     (1) To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, subject to Section 1(q)(v) of
this Officer’s Certificate, the Company shall execute and, upon the Company’s order, the
Trustee or an Authenticating Agent shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes at
the Security Registrar’s request.

     (2) All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted
to the Security Registrar pursuant to this Section 1(q)(v) to effect a transfer or exchange
may be submitted by facsimile.

     (3) The Trustee and the Security Registrar shall have no obligation or duty to monitor,
determine or inquire as to whether any Person is or is not a Person described in clauses
(i), (ii) and (iii) of each of Sections 1(q)(v)(B)(4)(a), 1(q)(v)(C)(2)(a),
1(q)(v)(D)(2)(a), 1(q)(v)(E)(2)(a) and 1(q)(v)(F) of this Officer’s Certificate or under
applicable law (other than the Trust Indenture Act) with respect to any transfer of any
interest in any Series L Note (including any transfers between or among Participants or
beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such
certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so
if and when expressly required by the terms of, this Indenture, and to examine the same to
determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

(vi) Outstanding Series L Notes.

     Notwithstanding the definition of “Outstanding” in Section 1.01 of the Indenture,
Series L Notes that the Company, a Subsidiary of the Company or an Affiliate of the Company
offers to purchase or acquires pursuant to an offer, exchange offer, tender offer or
otherwise shall not be deemed to be owned by the Company, such Subsidiary or such Affiliate
until legal title to such Series L Notes passes to the Company, such Subsidiary or such
Affiliate, as the case may be.

(r) Not applicable.

(s) The Series L Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and may not be
offered, sold or otherwise transferred in the absence of such registration or an applicable
exemption therefrom. No service charge shall be made for the registration of transfer or
exchange of the Series L Notes; provided, however, that the Company may
require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in
connection with the exchange or transfer (other than any such transfer taxes or

27

 

similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 1.06(f),
3.04, 5.06 or 14.06 of the Indenture and Sections 1(h)(iii) and 1(h)(iv) of this Officer’s
Certificate not involving any transfer).

(t) For purposes of the Series L Notes, “Business Day” shall mean any day, other than
Saturday or Sunday, on which commercial banks are open for business, including dealings in
deposits in U.S. dollars, in New York.

(u) Certain Covenants and Definitions.

	 	(i)  	Restricted Payments.

	 	(A)  	The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly:

	 	(1)  	declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or
distribution on account of the Company’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’
Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any payment in connection with
any merger or consolidation involving the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Company’s or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other
than dividends or distributions payable in Equity Interests (other than
Disqualified Stock) of the Company) or to the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company;
	 
	 	(2)  	purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value
(including, without limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation
involving the Company) any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or
indirect parent of the Company;
	 
	 	(3)  	make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem,
defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness that is
subordinated to the Series L Notes, except a payment of interest or principal
at the Stated Maturity thereof; or
	 
	 	(4)  	make any Restricted Investment (all such payments and other
actions set forth in these clauses (1) through (4) above being collectively
referred to as “Restricted Payments”),

unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:

	 	(1)  	no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing
or would occur as a consequence of such Restricted Payment; and
	 
	 	(2)  	the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and
after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been
made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been
permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to

28

 

the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 1(u)(ii)(A) of
this Officer’s Certificate (under the heading “Incurrence of Indebtedness
and Issuance of Preferred Stock”); and

	 	(3)  	such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of
all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries after the original issue date of the Series L Notes (excluding
Restricted Payments permitted by clauses 1(u)(i)(B)(2), 1(u)(i)(B)(3),
1(u)(i)(B)(4), 1(u)(i)(B)(6) and 1(u)(i)(B)(8)), is less than the sum, without
duplication, of:

	 	(a)  	50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the
Company for the period (taken as one accounting period) from the
beginning of the first fiscal quarter commencing after the original
issue date of the Series L Notes to the end of the Company’s most
recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements
are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if such
Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of such
deficit), plus
	 
	 	(b)  	100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds
received by the Company (including the fair market value of any
Permitted Business or assets used or useful in a Permitted Business to
the extent acquired in consideration of Equity Interests (other than
Disqualified Stock) of the Company) since the original issue date of
the Series L Notes as a contribution to its common equity capital or
from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock and other than sales to a Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company) or from the issue or sale of convertible or exchangeable
Disqualified Stock or convertible or exchangeable debt securities of
the Company that have been converted into or exchanged for such Equity
Interests (other than Disqualified Stock or debt securities sold to a
Subsidiary of the Company), plus
	 
	 	(c)  	to the extent that any Restricted Investment
that was made after the original issue date of the Series L Notes is
sold for cash or otherwise liquidated or repaid for cash, the lesser of
(i) the cash return of capital with respect to such Restricted
Investment (less the cost of disposition, if any) and (ii) the initial
amount of such Restricted Investment, plus
	 
	 	(d)  	to the extent that any Unrestricted Subsidiary
of the Company is redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary after the
original issue date of the Series L Notes, the lesser of (i) the fair
market value of the Company’s Investment in such Subsidiary as of the
date of such redesignation and (ii) the fair market value of the
Company’s Investment in such Subsidiary as of the date on which such
Subsidiary was originally designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

29

 

	 	(B)  	Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 1(u)(i) shall not prohibit:

	 	(1)  	the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of
declaration of the dividend, if at the date of declaration the dividend payment
would have complied with the provisions of this Officer’s Certificate;
	 
	 	(2)  	the redemption, repurchase, retirement, defeasance or other
acquisition of Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor that is
subordinate or junior in right of payment or of any Equity Interests of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in exchange for, or out of the
net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of, Equity Interests of the Company
(other than Disqualified Stock); provided that the amount of any such
net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such redemption, repurchase,
retirement, defeasance or other acquisition shall be excluded from clause
1(u)(i)(A)(3)(b);
	 
	 	(3)  	the defeasance, redemption, repurchase or other acquisition of
subordinated Indebtedness of the Company with the net cash proceeds from an
incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;
	 
	 	(4)  	the payment of any dividend by a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company to the holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis;
	 
	 	(5)  	the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement
for value of any Equity Interests of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company held by any member of the Company’s (or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries’) management pursuant to any management equity subscription
agreement, stock option agreement or similar agreement; provided that
the aggregate price paid for all such repurchased, redeemed, acquired or
retired Equity Interests may not exceed $1.5 million in any twelve-month
period;
	 
	 	(6)  	the payment of any distribution by a Trust Preferred Vehicle to
holders of such trust’s preferred beneficial interests, to the extent such
distribution does not exceed the amount that is contemporaneously received by
such trust as a payment of interest at its Stated Maturity on the subordinated
Indebtedness of the Company held by such trust;
	 
	 	(7)  	payments to Sierra Pacific Resources to enable Sierra Pacific
Resources to pay its reasonable expenses (including but not limited to,
principal, premium, if any, and interest on Sierra Pacific Resources’
Indebtedness and payment obligations on account of Sierra Pacific Resources’
Premium Income Equity Securities) incurred in the ordinary course of business,
which expenses shall not be greater than $60.0 million for any one calendar
year; provided that (a) any such payment complies with any regulatory
restrictions then applicable to the Company and (b) the Fixed

30

 

Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company’s most recently ended four full fiscal
quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately
preceding the date on which any such payment is made was at least 1.75 to 1;
and

	 	(8)  	other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount since the
original issue date of the Series L Notes not to exceed $25.0 million;

provided that, with respect to clauses (2), (3), (5), (7) and (8) above, no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing immediately after
such transaction.

     (C) The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair market
value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be
transferred or issued by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be,
pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any assets or securities that
are required to be valued by this covenant shall be determined by the Board of Directors
whose resolution with respect thereto shall be delivered to the Trustee. The Board of
Directors’ determination must be based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an accounting,
appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing if the fair market value exceeds
$25.0 million. Not later than the date of making any Restricted Payment, the Company shall
deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that such Restricted Payment is
permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations required by this Section
1(u)(i) (“Restricted Payments”) were computed, together with a copy of any fairness opinion
or appraisal required under this Officer’s Certificate. The Trustee shall have no duty or
responsibility to determine the accuracy or correctness of this calculation and shall be
fully protected in relying on such Officer’s Certificate. The Trustee shall make such
fairness opinion available for inspection by Holders of Series L Notes upon reasonably prior
written request during regular business hours.

     (D) For purpose of clarification of the terms “subordinated” and “equally-ranked” as
used in this Officer’s Certificate, no Indebtedness of the Company shall be deemed to be
contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company
solely by virtue of being secured on a junior basis or by virtue of being unsecured. All
Indebtedness that is not subordinated Indebtedness shall be equally-ranked to the Series L
Notes.

     (E) The provisions of this Section 1(u)(i) (“Restricted Payments”) is subject to the
provisions of Section 1(u)(xiv) (“Certain Covenants and Definitions—Suspension of Certain
Covenants”).

     (ii) Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock.

     (A) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly
or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to

31

 

(collectively, “incur”) any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt), and the Company shall not issue any Disqualified
Stock and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of
preferred stock; provided, however, that the Company may incur Indebtedness
(including Acquired Debt) or issue Disqualified Stock, and its Subsidiary Guarantors may
incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue Disqualified Stock if the Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio for the Company’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which
internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such
additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock is issued would have been at
least 2.0 to 1, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the
net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred or Disqualified
Stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

     (B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 1(u)(ii) shall not prohibit the
incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “Permitted Debt”):

	 	(1)  	the incurrence by the Company pursuant to this clause (1) of
additional Indebtedness and letters of credit under one or more Credit
Facilities (with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal amount
equal to the maximum potential liability of the Company thereunder), together
with the principal component of amounts outstanding under Qualified Receivables
Transactions, in an aggregate amount up to $250.0 million at any time
outstanding;
	 
	 	(2)  	the incurrence by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
of the Existing Indebtedness;
	 
	 	(3)  	the incurrence by the Company of Indebtedness represented by
the Series L Notes to be issued on the original issue date of the Series L
Notes (and the related Exchange Notes to be issued pursuant to the Registration
Rights Agreement) and the incurrence by any Subsidiary Guarantor of a
Subsidiary Guarantee of those Series L Notes, any additional notes of the same
series and any related Exchange Notes;
	 
	 	(4)  	the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries of Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage
financings or purchase money obligations, in each case, incurred for the
purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of
construction or improvement of property, plant or equipment used in the
business of the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor, in an aggregate principal
amount, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refund,
refinance or replace any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (4), not
to exceed $20.0 million at any time outstanding;
	 
	 	(5)  	the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net
proceeds

32

 

of which are used to refund, refinance or replace Indebtedness (other
than intercompany Indebtedness) that was incurred under Section 1(u)(ii)(A) or
clauses (2), (3) (5) or (12) of this Section 1(u)(ii)(B);

	 	(6)  	the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Entity) of intercompany Indebtedness
between or among the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than
a Receivables Entity); provided, however, that:

	 	(a)  	if the Company is the obligor on such
Indebtedness, such Indebtedness must be expressly subordinated to the
prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations with respect to the
Series L Notes;
	 
	 	(b)  	if a Subsidiary Guarantor is the obligor on such
Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior
payment in full in cash of such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Subsidiary
Guarantee; and
	 
	 	(c)  	(i) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity
Interests that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person
other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) any sale or
other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is not either
the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary shall be deemed, in each case, to
constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that was not permitted by
this clause (6); and
	 
	 	(d)  	any Indebtedness issued by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries to a Trust Preferred Vehicle shall not be
treated as intercompany Indebtedness for purposes of this clause (6) to
the extent of the face amount of the beneficial interests of the Trust
Preferred Vehicle that are not held by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries.

	 	(7)  	the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries of Hedging Obligations;

	 	(8)  	the guarantee by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary that was permitted to
be incurred by another provision of this Section 1(u)(ii) (“Incurrence of
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock”), provided that in the
event that the Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to the
Series L Notes, then the Guarantee of that Indebtedness shall be subordinated
in right of payment to the Series L Notes;

	 	(9)  	the accrual of interest, the accretion or amortization of
original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the
form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, and the payment of

33

 

dividends on Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of such
Disqualified Stock shall not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or
an issuance of Disqualified Stock for purposes of this Section 1(u)(ii)
(“Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock”);
provided, in each such case, that the amount thereof is included in the
Fixed Charges of the Company as accrued;

	 	(10)  	Indebtedness in respect of bid, performance or surety bonds
issued for the account of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof in
the ordinary course of business, including guarantees or obligations of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof with respect to letters of credit
supporting such bid, performance or surety obligations (in each case other than
for an obligation for money borrowed);
	 
	 	(11)  	the incurrence by the Company’s Unrestricted Subsidiaries of
Non-Recourse Debt; provided, however, that if any such
Indebtedness ceases to be Non-Recourse Debt of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such
event shall be deemed to constitute an incurrence of Indebtedness by a
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was not permitted by this clause
(11);
	 
	 	(12)  	the incurrence by the Company of additional Indebtedness
consisting of securities issued pursuant to the Indenture in respect of claims
relating to the Company’s obligations pursuant to agreements with gas, electric
power and other energy suppliers that have been terminated as of the original
issue date of the Series L Notes;
	 
	 	(13)  	the incurrence by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
additional Indebtedness consisting of letters of credit for purposes of
supporting the Company’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s obligations now or
hereafter owing to gas, electric power or other energy suppliers, not to exceed
$20.0 million at any time outstanding;
	 
	 	(14)  	the issuance by the Company of up to $125.0 million of
Securities issued pursuant to the Indenture to secure Standard Securitization
Undertakings entered into by the Company in connection with a Qualified
Receivables Transaction, provided that the obligation of the Company to
make any payment on any such securities shall be:

	 	(a)  	payable no earlier than such amount is required
to be paid in respect of such Standard Securitization Undertakings; and
	 
	 	(b)  	deemed to have been paid or otherwise satisfied
and discharged to the extent that Company has paid such amount in
respect of such Standard Securitization Undertakings;

provided further that any amounts the Company is obligated
to pay under such securities will not be included for purposes of
determining the

34

 

aggregate amount outstanding under Credit Facilities that is
permitted under Section 1(u)(ii)(B)(1) (“Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock”).

	 	(15)  	the issuance by a Receivables Entity of a Purchase Money Note
in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction;
	 
	 	(16)  	the incurrence by the Company of additional Indebtedness to
finance capital expenditures incurred pursuant to the Company’s 2003 Resource
Plan as approved under order by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada or
mandated by statute or by one or more federal or state regulatory authorities,
including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refund, refinance
or replace any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (16); and
	 
	 	(17)  	the incurrence by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
additional Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as
applicable), including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to
refund, refinance or replace any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause
(17), not to exceed $40.0 million at any time outstanding.

     (C) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not issue any additional First
Mortgage Bonds, except as necessary to replace any mutilated, lost or destroyed First
Mortgage Bonds or to effect exchanges and transfers of First Mortgage Bonds.

     (D) The Company shall not incur any Indebtedness (including Permitted Debt) that is
contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company
unless such Indebtedness is also contractually subordinated in right of payment to the
Series L Notes on substantially identical terms; provided, however, that no Indebtedness of
the Company shall be deemed to be contractually subordinated in right of payment to any
other Indebtedness of the Company solely by virtue of being secured on a junior basis or by
virtue of being unsecured.

     (E) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 1(u)(ii) (“Incurrence of
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock”):

	 	(1)  	in the event that an item of proposed Indebtedness, including
Acquired Debt, meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of
Permitted Debt described in clauses (1) through (17) above, or is entitled to
be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 1(u)(ii), the
Company shall be permitted to classify (or later classify or reclassify such
Indebtedness, in whole or in part in its sole discretion) such item of
Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this Section 1(u)(ii); and
	 
	 	(2)  	for the purposes of determining compliance with any
dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness denominated in
a foreign currency, the dollar-equivalent principal amount of such Indebtedness

35

 

incurred pursuant thereto shall be calculated based on the relevant currency
exchange rate in effect on the date that such Indebtedness was incurred.

     (F) The provisions of this Section 1(u)(ii) (“Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance
of Preferred Stock”) is subject to the provisions of Section 1(u)(xiv) (“Certain Covenants
and Definitions—Suspension of Certain Covenants”).

     (iii) Series L Liens.

     The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or
become effective any Series L Lien of any kind securing Indebtedness, Attributable Debt or
trade payables on any of their property or assets, now owned or hereafter acquired, except
Series L Permitted Liens.

     (iv) Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries.

     (A) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective any consensual
encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:

	 	(1)  	pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital
Stock to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or with respect to any other
interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or pay any
Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

	 	(2)  	make loans or advances to Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries; or
	 
	 	(3)  	transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

     (B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section (1)(u)(iv) shall not apply to
encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

	 	(1)  	agreements governing Existing Indebtedness and Credit
Facilities or Qualified Receivables Transactions as in effect on the original
issue date of the Series L Notes and other customary encumbrances and
restrictions existing on or after the original issue date of the Series L Notes
that are not more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend
and other payment restrictions than those contained in those agreements on the
original issue date of the Series L Notes; provided that the
application of such restrictions or encumbrances to additional Restricted
Subsidiaries not subject thereto on the original issue date of the Series L Notes shall not
be deemed to make such restrictions more restrictive;

36

 

	 	(2)  	the Indenture, this Officer’s Certificate and the Series L
Notes and other customary encumbrances and restrictions existing in indentures
and notes after the original issue date of the Series L Notes that are not more
restrictive, in any material respect, taken as a whole, with respect to such
dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in the Indenture,
this Officer’s Certificate and the Series L Notes;
	 
	 	(3)  	applicable law (including without limitation, rules,
regulations and agreements with regulatory authorities) or any order issued
pursuant to a federal or state statute or any order by or agreement with any
court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties;
	 
	 	(4)  	any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a
Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as in
effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such Indebtedness
or Capital Stock was incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such
acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person,
or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the
property or assets of the Person, so acquired; provided that, in the
case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of this
Officer’s Certificate to be incurred;
	 
	 	(5)  	customary non-assignment provisions in leases entered into in
the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;
	 
	 	(6)  	purchase money obligations for property acquired in the
ordinary course of business that impose restrictions on that property of the
nature described in clause 1(u)(iv)(A)(3);
	 
	 	(7)  	any Purchase Money Note or other Indebtedness or contractual
requirements incurred with respect to a Qualified Receivables Transaction
relating exclusively to a Receivables Entity that, in the good faith
determination of the Board of Directors, are necessary to effect such Qualified
Receivables Transaction;
	 
	 	(8)  	any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Restricted
Subsidiary that restricts distributions or dispositions of assets by that
Restricted Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition;
	 
	 	(9)  	Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the
restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness are not more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained
in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced;
	 
	 	(10)  	Series L Liens securing Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be
incurred under the provisions of Section 1(u)(iii) of this Officer’s
Certificate

37

 

(“Series L Liens”) that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of
the assets subject to such Series L Liens; and

	 	(11)  	provisions with respect to the disposition or distribution of
assets or property in joint venture agreements, asset sale agreements, stock
sale agreements and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary
course of business.

     (C) The provisions of this Section 1(u)(iv)(“Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions
Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries”) is subject to the provisions of Section
1(u)(xiv)(“Certain Covenants and Definitions—Suspension of Certain Covenants”).

     (v) Asset Sales.

     (A) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
consummate an Asset Sale unless:

	 	(1)  	the Company (or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be)
receives consideration at the time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the fair
market value of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise
disposed of;
	 
	 	(2)  	for any agreement to make an Asset Sale that is entered into
after the Series L Notes are issued under the Indenture, the fair market value
is determined by (a) an executive officer of Company if the value is more than
$5.0 million but less than $25.0 million or (b) the Company’s Board of
Directors if the value is $25.0 million or more, as evidenced by a resolution
of the Board of Directors set forth in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to
the Trustee; and
	 
	 	(3)  	at least 75% of the consideration received in the Asset Sale by
the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash. For purposes
of this provision, each of the following shall be deemed to be cash:

	 	(a)  	any liabilities, as shown on the Company’s or such
Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet, of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities
that are by their terms subordinated to the notes) that are assumed by
the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation
agreement that releases the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from
further liability; and
	 
	 	(b)  	any securities, notes or other obligations received
by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee
that are contemporaneously, subject to ordinary settlement periods,

38

 

converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash, to the extent
of the cash received in that conversion.

     (B) Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale, the
Company may apply those Net Proceeds at its option:

	 	(1)  	to repay senior secured Indebtedness of the Company;
	 
	 	(2)  	to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or a
majority of the Voting Stock of, another Permitted Business;
	 
	 	(3)  	to make a capital expenditure; or
	 
	 	(4)  	to acquire other long-term assets that are used or useful in a
Permitted Business.

     (C) Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds, the Company may temporarily
reduce revolving credit borrowings or otherwise invest the Net Proceeds in any manner that
is not prohibited by this Officer’s Certificate.

     (D) Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in
Section 1(u)(v)(B) shall constitute “Excess Proceeds.” When the aggregate amount of Excess
Proceeds exceeds $25.0 million, the Company shall make an Asset Sale Offer pursuant to the
provisions of Section 1(h)(iv) of this Officer’s Certificate.

     (E) To the extent that any Asset Sale constitutes the sale, conveyance or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries taken as a whole, such transaction shall be governed by the provisions of this
Officer’s Certificate in Sections (1)(h)(iii) and (1)(u)(vi) (under the heading “Offer to
Purchase Upon a Change of Control” and the heading “Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets”) and not by the provisions of this
Section 1(u)(v) or Section 1(h)(iv) of this Officer’s Certificate.

     (vi) Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets.

     (A) The Company shall not, directly or indirectly: (1) consolidate or merge with or
into another Person (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation); or (2) sell,
assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties
or assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one or more
related transactions, to another Person; unless:

	 	(1)  	either: (a) the Company is the surviving corporation; or (b)
the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other
than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or
other disposition has been made is a corporation organized or existing under
the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District
of Columbia;

39

 

	 	(2)  	(a) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or
merger (if other than the Company) or the Person to which such sale,
assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made assumes all
the obligations of the Company under the Series L Notes, the Indenture and the
Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to agreements reasonably satisfactory to
the Trustee; and (b) such Person executes and delivers to the Trustee a
supplemental indenture that contains a grant, conveyance, transfer and mortgage
by such Person confirming the lien of the Indenture on the property subject to
such lien and subjecting to such lien all property thereafter acquired by such
Person that shall constitute an improvement, extension or addition to the
property subject to the lien of the Indenture or renewal, replacement or
substitution of or for any part thereof and, at the election of such Person,
subjecting to the lien of the Indenture such other property then owned or
thereafter acquired by such Person as such Person shall specify;
	 
	 	(3)  	immediately after such transaction no Default or Event of
Default exists;
	 
	 	(4)  	the Company or the Person formed by or surviving any such
consolidation or merger (if other than the Company), or to which such sale,
assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made shall, on
the date of such transaction after giving pro forma effect thereto and any
related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at the beginning of
the applicable four-quarter period, be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set
forth in Section 1(u)(ii)(A) of this Officer’s Certificate (under the heading
“Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock”) or the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company or the surviving Person, as applicable, or
the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other
disposition has been made, would not be less than the Fixed Charge Coverage
Ratio of the Company immediately prior to the transaction; provided,
however, that this clause (4) shall be suspended during any period in
which the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the
Suspended Covenants; and
	 
	 	(5)  	the Company, or the Person formed by or surviving any such
consolidation or merger (if other than the Company), or to which such sale,
assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made, shall have
delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel,
each stating that such transaction and any supplemental indenture entered into
in connection therewith complies with all of the terms of this Section 1(u)(vi)
and that all conditions precedent provided for in this Section 1(u)(vi)
relating to such transaction or series of transactions have been complied with.

     (B) In addition, the Company may not, directly or indirectly, lease all or
substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to any

40

 

other Person. Clauses (4) and (5) under Section 1(u)(vi)(A) shall not apply to a sale,
assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of assets between or among the Company
and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

     (C) In addition, the Company shall not effect any consolidation, merger, sale,
assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition as is contemplated in this Section
1(u)(v), unless the Company also complies with Sections 13.01 and 13.02 of the Indenture and
the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the
Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has
been made, shall be deemed a Successor Corporation under the Indenture.

     (vii) Transactions with Affiliates.

     (A) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties
or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any
transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the
benefit of, any Affiliate (each, an “Affiliate Transaction”), unless:

	 	(1)  	the Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less
favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that
would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person; and
	 
	 	(2)  	the Company delivers to the Trustee:

	 	(a)  	with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or
series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate
consideration in excess of $10.0 million, a resolution of the Board of
Directors set forth in an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such
Affiliate Transaction complies with this Section 1(u)(vii) and that
such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the
disinterested members of the Board of Directors; and
	 
	 	(b)  	with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or
series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate
consideration in excess of $20.0 million, an opinion as to the fairness
to the Holders of Series L Notes of such Affiliate Transaction from a
financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or
investment banking firm of national standing.

     (B) The following items shall not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and,
therefore, shall not be subject to the provisions of Section 1(u)(vii)(A) above:

41

 

	 	(1)  	any employment agreement entered into by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent
with the past practice of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary;
	 
	 	(2)  	transactions between or among the Company and/or its Restricted
Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Entity);
	 
	 	(3)  	transactions with a Person that is an Affiliate of the Company
solely because the Company owns an Equity Interest in such Person;
	 
	 	(4)  	payment of reasonable directors fees to Persons who are not
otherwise Affiliates of the Company;
	 
	 	(5)  	sales of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) to
Affiliates of the Company;
	 
	 	(6)  	Permitted Investments pursuant to this Officer’s Certificate
and Restricted Payments that are permitted by the provisions of this Officer’s
Certificate in Section 1(u)(i) (under the heading “Restricted Payments”);
	 
	 	(7)  	fees and compensation paid to and indemnity provided on behalf
of directors, officers or employees of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company in the ordinary course of business;
	 
	 	(8)  	transactions pursuant to any agreement in effect on the date of
this Officer’s Certificate as the same may be amended from time to time in any
manner not materially less favorable to the Holders of the Series L Notes;
	 
	 	(9)  	loans or advances to officers, directors and employees of the
Company or any Restricted Subsidiary made in the ordinary course of business,
consistent with past practices of the Company and/or its Restricted
Subsidiaries and in compliance with applicable law in an aggregate amount not
to exceed $1.0 million outstanding at any one time; and
	 
	 	(10)  	sales or other transfers or dispositions of accounts receivable
and other related assets customarily transferred in an asset securitization
transaction involving accounts receivable to a Receivables Entity in a
Qualified Receivables Transaction, and acquisitions of Permitted Investments in
connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction.

     (C) The provisions of this Section 1(u)(vii) (“Transactions with Affiliates”) is
subject to the provisions of Section 1(u)(xiv) (“Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Suspension of Certain Covenants”).

     (viii) Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

     (A) The Board of Directors may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary if that designation would not cause a Default; provided that
in no

42

 

event shall the business currently operated by the Company be transferred to or held by
an Unrestricted Subsidiary. If a Restricted Subsidiary is designated as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary, the aggregate fair market value of all outstanding Investments owned by the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary properly designated shall be
deemed to be an Investment made as of the time of the designation and shall reduce the
amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 1(u)(i)(A) of this Officer’s
Certificate (under the heading “Restricted Payments”). That designation shall only be
permitted if the Investment would be permitted at that time and if the Restricted Subsidiary
otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

     (B) The Board of Directors may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be
a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such designation shall be deemed to be an
incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of any outstanding
Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary and such designation shall only be permitted if
(1) such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 1(u)(ii) of this Officer’s Certificate
(under the heading “Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock”), calculated
on a pro forma basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the
four-quarter reference period; and (2) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence
following such designation.

     (C) The provisions of this Section 1(u)(viii) (“Designation of Restricted and
Unrestricted Subsidiaries”) is subject to the provisions of Section 1(u)(xiv) (“Certain
Covenants and Definitions—Suspension of Certain Covenants”).

     (ix) Future Subsidiary Guarantees.

     (A) The Company shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to guarantee the payment of
any Indebtedness of the Company unless:

	 	(1)  	such Restricted Subsidiary simultaneously executes and delivers
to the Trustee a Subsidiary Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary except that
with respect to a Guarantee of Indebtedness of the Company if such Indebtedness
is by its express terms subordinated in right of payment to the Series L Notes,
any such Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to such
Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to such Restricted
Subsidiary’s Subsidiary Guarantee with respect to the Series L Notes
substantially to the same extent as such Indebtedness is subordinated to the
Series L Notes;
	 
	 	(2)  	such Restricted Subsidiary waives and shall not in any manner
whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any rights or
reimbursement, indemnity or subrogation or any other rights against the Company
or any other Restricted Subsidiary as a result of any payment by such
Restricted Subsidiary under its Subsidiary Guarantee of the Series L Notes; and
	 
	 	(3)  	such Restricted Subsidiary shall deliver to the Trustee an
Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (a) such Subsidiary Guarantee has been
duly

43

 

executed and authorized and (b) such Subsidiary Guarantee constitutes a
valid, binding and enforceable obligation of such Restricted Subsidiary,
except insofar as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar laws (including, without limitation, all laws relating
to fraudulent transfers) and except insofar as enforcement thereof is
subject to general principles of equity; provided that this Section
1(u)(ix)(A) shall not be applicable to any Guarantee of any Restricted
Subsidiary that (x) existed at the time such Person became a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company and (y) was not incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company.

     (B) Notwithstanding the foregoing and the other provisions of this Officer’s
Certificate, in the event a Subsidiary Guarantor is sold or disposed of (whether by merger,
consolidation, the sale of its Capital Stock or the sale of all or substantially all of its
assets (other than by lease) and whether or not the Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving
corporation in such transaction) to a Person which is not the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company (other than a Receivables Entity), such Subsidiary Guarantor shall
be released from its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee if:

	 	(1)  	the sale or other disposition is in compliance with the
applicable provisions of this Officer’s Certificate, including Sections
1(h)(iv) of this Officer’s Certificate (under the heading “Offer to Purchase by
Application of Excess Proceeds”); and
	 
	 	(2)  	the Subsidiary Guarantor is also released or discharged from
its obligations under the Guarantee which resulted in the creation of such
Subsidiary Guarantee, except by or as a result of payment under such Guarantee.

     (x) Sale and Leaseback Transactions.

     (A) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to,
enter into any sale and leaseback transaction; provided that the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary may enter into a sale and leaseback transaction if:

	 	(1)  	the Company or that Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, could
have incurred Indebtedness in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt relating
to such sale and leaseback transaction under the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
test in Section 1(u)(ii)(A) of this Officer’s Certificate (under the heading
“Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock”);
	 
	 	(2)  	the gross cash proceeds of that sale and leaseback transaction
are at least equal to the fair market value, as determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the
Trustee, of the property that is the subject of that sale and leaseback
transaction; and

44

 

	 	(3)  	the transfer of assets in that sale and leaseback transaction
is permitted by, and the Company applies the proceeds of such transaction in
compliance with, Section 1(h)(iv) of this Officer’s Certificate (under the
heading “Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds”);

provided, however, that the foregoing clauses (1) and (3) shall be suspended
during any period in which the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to
the Suspended Covenants.

     (xi) Business Activities.

     (A) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in
any business other than Permitted Businesses, except to such extent as would not be material
to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

     (B) The provisions of this Section 1(u)(xi) (“Business Activities”) is subject to the
provisions of Section 1(u)(xiv) (“Certain Covenants and Definitions—Suspension of Certain
Covenants”).

     (xii) Payments for Consent.

     The Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or
indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration to or for the benefit of any Holder of
Series L Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the
terms or provisions of this Officer’s Certificate or the Series L Notes unless such
consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all Holders of the Series L Notes that
consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents
relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.

     (xiii) Reports.

     (A) Whether or not required by the Commission, so long as any Series L Notes are
outstanding, the Company shall make available to the Trustee and otherwise make available on
its website, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and regulations (as
if required):

	 	(1)  	all quarterly and annual financial information that would be
required to be contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and 10-K
if the Company were required to file such Forms, including a “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and
the certifications that would be required by Rule 13a-14 under the Exchange Act
and, with respect to the annual information only, a report on the annual
financial statements by the Company’s certified independent accountants; and
	 
	 	(2)  	all current reports that would be required to be filed with the
Commission on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such reports.

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     (B) If the Company has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries,
then the quarterly and annual financial information required by the preceding paragraph
shall include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial
statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the financial condition and results of
operations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries separate from the financial
condition and results of operations of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Company.

     In addition, whether or not required by the Commission, the Company shall file a copy
of all of the information and reports referred to in clauses (1) and (2) above with the
Commission for public availability within the time periods specified in the Commission’s
rules and regulations (unless the Commission shall not accept such a filing) and make such
information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon request. In
addition, the Company has agreed that, for so long as any Series L Notes remain outstanding,
they shall furnish to the Holders of Series L Notes and to prospective investors, upon their
request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the
Securities Act.

     (xiv) Suspension of Certain Covenants.

     (A) During any period of time that the notes have an Investment Grade Rating from both
of the Rating Agencies and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing
under the Indenture, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not be subject to the
following provisions of this Officer’s Certificate: Section 1(h)(iv), Section 1(u)(i),
Section 1(u)(ii), Section 1(u)(iv), Section 1(u)(v), Section 1(u)(vii), Section 1(u)(viii)
and Section 1(u)(xi) (under the headings: “Mandatory Redemption/Redemption at Option of
Holders/Offers to Purchase—Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds,” “Certain
Covenants and Definitions—Restricted Payments,” “Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock,” “Certain Covenants
and Definitions—Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries,” “Certain
Covenants and Definitions—Asset Sales,” “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Transactions with
Affiliates,” “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted
Subsidiaries,” and “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Business Activities”) (collectively,
the “Suspended Covenants”); provided, however, that the provisions in
Section 1(h)(iii), Section 1(u)(iii), Section 1(u)(vi) (except as set forth in that Section
1(u)(vi)), Section 1(u)(ix) (except as set forth in that Section 1(u)(ix), Section 1(u)(x),
Section 1(u)(xii) (except as set forth in that Section 1(u)(xii)) and Section 1(u)(xiii)
(under the headings “Mandatory Redemption/Redemption at Option of Holders/Offers to
Purchase—Offer to Purchase Upon Change of Control,” “Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Liens,” “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of
Assets” (except as set forth thereunder), “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Future
Subsidiary Guarantees” (except as set forth thereunder), “Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Sale and Leaseback Transactions” (except as set forth thereunder), “Certain
Covenants and Definitions—

46

 

Payments for Consent,” and “Reports”) of this Officer’s Certificate shall not be so
suspended.

     (B) If the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended
Covenants for any period of time as a result of the preceding Section 1(xiv)(A) and,
subsequently, either of the Rating Agencies withdraws its ratings or downgrades the ratings
assigned to the Series L Notes below the Investment Grade Ratings so that the Series L Notes
do not have an Investment Grade Rating from both Rating Agencies, or a Default or Event of
Default (other than with respect to the Suspended Covenants) occurs and is continuing, the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall thereafter again be subject to the Suspended
Covenants, subject to the terms, conditions and obligations set forth in this Officer’s
Certificate (each such date of reinstatement being the “Reinstatement Date”), including the
preceding Section 1(xiv)(A). Compliance with the Suspended Covenants with respect to
Restricted Payments made after the Reinstatement Date shall be calculated in accordance with
the terms of Section 1(u)(i) of this Officer’s Certificate (under “Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Restricted Payments”) as though such covenant had been in effect during the
entire period of time from which the Series L Notes are issued, provided,
however, that no immediate Default or Event of Default shall occur as a result of
such reinstatement of the Suspended Covenants.

     (xv) Covenant Defeasance.

     (A) Option to Effect Covenant Defeasance. The Company may, at the option of
the Board of Directors evidenced by a resolution set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, at
any time, elect to have Section 1(u)(xv)(B) hereof be applied to all outstanding Series L
Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in Section 1(u)(xv)(C) hereof.

     (B) Exercise of Covenant Defeasance. Upon the Company’s exercise under Section
1(u)(xv)(A) hereof of the option applicable to this Section 1(u)(xv)(B), the Company shall,
subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 1(u)(xv)(C) hereof, be
released from each of its obligations under the covenants contained in Section 1(h)(iii),
Section 1(h)(iv), Section 1(u)(i), Section 1(u)(ii), Section 1(u)(iii), Section 1(u)(iv),
Section 1(u)(v), Section 1(u)(vii), Section 1(u)(viii), Section 1(u)(ix), Section 1(u)(x),
Section 1(u)(xi), Section 1(u)(xii) hereof (under the headings: “Mandatory
Redemption/Redemption at Option of Holders/Offers to Purchase—Offer to Purchase Upon Change
of Control,” Mandatory Redemption/Redemption at Option of Holders/Offers to Purchase—Offer
to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds,” “Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Restricted Payments,” “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Incurrence of
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock,” “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Liens,”
“Certain Covenants and Definitions—Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting
Subsidiaries,” “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Asset Sales,” “Certain Covenants and
Definitions—Transactions with Affiliates,” “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Designation of
Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries,” “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Future
Subsidiary Guarantees,” “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Sale and Leaseback Transactions,”
“Certain Covenants and Definitions—Business Activities” and “Certain Covenants and

47

 

Definitions—Payment for Consents”) and clause (A)(4) of Section 1(u)(vi) (under the
heading “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets”) hereof
with respect to the Outstanding Series L Notes on and after the date the conditions set
forth in Section 1(u)(xv)(C) hereof are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”), and
the Series L Notes shall thereafter be deemed not Outstanding for the purposes of any
direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders of Securities, including but not
limited to, Holders of Series L Notes (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection
with such covenants, but will continue to be deemed Outstanding for all other purposes
hereunder. For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the
Outstanding Series L Notes, the Company may omit to comply with and will have no liability
in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether
directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or
by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any
other document and such omission to comply will not constitute a Triggering Event under
Section 1(h)(ii) hereof or a Default or an Event of Default under Section 10.01 of the
Indenture, but, except as specified above, the remainder of the Indenture, this Officer’s
Certificate and such Series L Notes will be unaffected thereby. In addition, upon the
Company’s exercise under Section 1(u)(xv)(A) hereof of the option applicable to Section
1(u)(xv)(B) hereof, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section
1(u)(xv)(C) hereof, Sections 1(h)(ii)(A)(3) through 1(h)(ii)(A)(7) hereof will not
constitute Triggering Events.

     (C) Conditions to Covenant Defeasance. In order to exercise Covenant
Defeasance under this Section 1(u)(xv):

	 	(1)  	the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee or any
Paying Agent (other than the Company), in trust for the benefit of the Holders
of the Series L Notes:

	 	(a)  	money (including Funded Cash not otherwise
applied pursuant to the Indenture) in an amount which will be
sufficient, or
	 
	 	(b)  	Eligible Obligations which do not contain
provisions permitting the redemption or other prepayment thereof at the
option of the issuer thereof, the principal of and the interest on
which when due, without any regard to reinvestment thereof, will
provide monies which, together with the money, if any, deposited with
or held by the Trustee or such Paying Agent, will be sufficient, or
	 
	 	(c)  	a combination of (a) and (b) which will be
sufficient, to pay when due the principal of and premium, if any, and
interest, if any, and Liquidated Damages, if any, due and to become due
on the Series L Notes or portions thereof provided, that the Company
shall have delivered to the Trustee and such Paying Agent: (I) a
Company Order stating that the money and Eligible Obligations deposited
in accordance with this Section 1(u)(xv)(C) shall be held in trust, as

48

 

provided in Section 9.03 of the Indenture; and (II) if Eligible
Obligations shall have been deposited, an Opinion of Counsel to the
effect that such obligations constitute Eligible Obligations and do
not contain provisions permitting the redemption or other prepayment
thereof at the option of the issuer thereof, and an opinion of an
Independent public Accountant of nationally recognized standing,
selected by the Company, to the effect that the other requirements
set forth in Section 1(u)(xv)(C)(1)(b) above have been satisfied;

	 	(2)  	the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of
Counsel confirming that the Holders of the Outstanding Series L Notes will not
recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of
such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same
amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case
if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

	 	(3)  	no Triggering Event shall have occurred and be continuing on
the date of such deposit (other than a Triggering Event arising from the breach
of a covenant under this Officer’s Certificate resulting from the borrowing of
funds to be applied to such deposit);
	 
	 	(4)  	such Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or
violation of, or constitute a default under any material agreement or
instrument (other than this Officer’s Certificate) to which the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries is bound;
	 
	 	(5)  	the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s
Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the
intent of preferring the Holders of Series L Notes over the other creditors of
the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding
creditors of the Company or others; and
	 
	 	(6)  	the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions
precedent relating to the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

     (xvi) Additional Conditions to Section 9.01 of Indenture.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 9.01 of the Indenture, no Series L Note shall be
deemed to have been paid pursuant to such provisions unless the Company shall have delivered
to the Trustee either: (a) an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably
acceptable to the Trustee confirming that (i) the Company has received from, or there has
been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (ii) since the date of this
Officer’s Certificate, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in
either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm
that, the Holders of the Outstanding Series L Notes will not recognize income,

49

 

gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such satisfaction and discharge
and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the
same times as would have been the case if such satisfaction and discharge had not occurred;
or (b) (i) an instrument wherein the Company, notwithstanding the satisfaction and
discharge of the Company’s Indebtedness in respect of the Series L Notes, shall assume the
obligation (which shall be absolute and unconditional) to irrevocably deposit with the
Trustee such additional sums of money, if any, or additional Eligible Obligations, if any,
or any combination thereof, at such time or times, as shall be necessary, together with the
money and/or Eligible Obligations theretofore so deposited, to pay when due the principal of
and premium, if any, and interest due and to become due on such Series L Notes or portions
thereof; provided, however, that such instrument may state that the
Company’s obligation to make additional deposits as aforesaid shall be subject to the
delivery to the Company by the Trustee of a notice asserting the deficiency accompanied by
an opinion of an Independent public Accountant of nationally recognized standing showing the
calculation thereof; and (ii) an Opinion of Counsel of tax counsel in the United States
reasonably acceptable to the Trustee to the effect that the Holders of the Outstanding
Series L Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a
result of such satisfaction and discharge and will be subject to federal income tax on the
same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such
satisfaction and discharge had not occurred.

     (xvii) Modifications Requiring Consent.

     In addition to the provisions of Section 14.02 of the Indenture, no supplemental
indenture shall alter or waive any of the provisions with respect to the redemption of the
Series L Notes set forth in Section 1(g) hereof without the consent of each Holder of Series
L Notes affected thereby.

     (xviii) Certain Definitions.

     Set forth below are certain defined terms used in this Officer’s Certificate. Reference
is made to the Indenture for the definitions of any other capitalized terms used herein for
which no definition is provided herein.

     “2003 Resource Plan” means the integrated resource plan filed with the Public Utilities
Commission of Nevada by the Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company in July 2003.

     “Acquired Debt” means, with respect to any specified Person:

	 	(1)  	Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such
other Person is merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified
Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in
contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into, or becoming a
Subsidiary of, such specified Person; and

50

 

	 	(2)  	Indebtedness secured by a Series L Lien encumbering any asset
acquired by such specified Person.

     “Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly
controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified
Person. For purposes of this definition, “control,” as used with respect to any Person,
means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction
of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided that beneficial ownership of 10% or
more of the Voting Stock of a Person shall be deemed to be control. For purposes of this
definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with” have
correlative meanings.

     “Affiliate Transaction” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(u)(vii)(A) of this
Officer’s Certificate.

     “Agent” means: any Security Registrar, Paying Agent or Authenticating Agent.

     “Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer or exchange of or for
beneficial interests in any Global Note, the rules and procedures of the Depositary,
Euroclear and Clearstream that apply to such transfer or exchange.

     “Asset Sale” means:

	 	(1)  	the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets
or rights, other than sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practices; provided that the sale, conveyance or
other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole shall be governed by the
provisions in Section 1(u)(x) (“Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of
Control”) and/or Section 1(u)(vi) (“Certain Covenants—Merger, Consolidation or
Sale of Assets”) and not by Section 1(u)(v) (“Certain Covenants—Asset Sales”)
of this Officer’s Certificate; and
	 
	 	(2)  	the issuance of Equity Interests in any of the Company’s
Subsidiaries or the sale of Equity Interests in any of its Subsidiaries.

     Notwithstanding the preceding, the following items shall not be deemed to be Asset
Sales:

	 	(1)  	any single transaction or series of related transactions that
involves assets having a fair market value of less than $1.0 million;
	 
	 	(2)  	a transfer of assets between or among the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries;
	 
	 	(3)  	an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to
the Company or to another Restricted Subsidiary;

51

 

	 	(4)  	a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted
by Section 1(u)(i) of this Officer’s Certificate (under the heading “Certain
Covenants—Restricted Payments”);
	 
	 	(5)  	sales of accounts receivable and related assets or an interest
therein of the type specified in the definition of Qualified Receivables
Transaction to or by a Receivables Entity;
	 
	 	(6)  	sales, transfers or other dispositions of assets, including
Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries, for consideration at least equal to
the fair market value of the assets sold or disposed of, but only if the
consideration received consists of Capital Stock of a Person that becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary engaged in, or property or assets (other than cash,
except to extent used as a bona fide means of equalizing the value of the
property or assets involved in the swap transaction) of a nature or type or
that are used in, a business of the issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries
existing on the date of such sale or other disposition; provided,
however, that any cash received by the Company shall be treated as Net
Proceeds and applied as set forth in the Section 1(g)(iii) of this Officer’s
Certificate (under the heading “Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Asset
Sales”); provided further that the fair market value of the
assets sold or disposed of is determined as provided in Section 1(u)(i)(C) of
this Officer’s Certificate (under the heading “Certain Covenants—Restricted
Payments”); and
	 
	 	(7)  	transfers of assets by the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries required under statute or regulation in connection with renewable
energy contracts.

     “Asset Sale Offer” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(h)(iv)(A) of this
Officer’s Certificate.

     “Attributable Debt” in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction means, at the time
of determination, the present value of the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments
during the remaining term of the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction
including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the
lessor, be extended. Such present value shall be calculated using a discount rate equal to
the rate of interest implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP.

     “Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the
relief of debtors.

     “Beneficial Owner” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5
under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any
particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such
“person” shall be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person”
has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right
is currently exercisable or is exercisable only upon the occurrence of a

52

 

subsequent condition. The terms “Beneficially Owns” and “Beneficially Owned” have a
corresponding meaning.

     “Board of Directors” means:

	 	(1)  	with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the
corporation or any committee of such board of directors duly authorized to act
for the corporation;
	 
	 	(2)  	with respect to a partnership, the board of directors of the
general partner of the partnership; and
	 
	 	(3)  	with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of
such Person serving a similar function.

     “Broker-Dealer” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

     “Capital Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination is to be made, the
amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time be required to
be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP.

     “Capital Stock” means:

	 	(1)  	in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;
	 
	 	(2)  	in the case of an association or business entity, any and all
 shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however
designated) of corporate stock;
	 
	 	(3)  	in the case of a partnership or limited liability company,
partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and
	 
	 	(4)  	any other interest or participation that confers on a Person
the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of
assets of, the issuing Person.

     “Cash Equivalents” means:

	 	(1)  	United States dollars;
	 
	 	(2)  	securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured
by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality of the United
States government (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States
is pledged in support of those securities) having maturities of not more than
one year from the date of acquisition;
	 
	 	(3)  	certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits with
maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’
acceptances with

53

 

maturities not exceeding six months and overnight bank deposits, in each case,
with any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of
$500.0 million and a Thomson Bank Watch Rating of “B” or better;

	 	(4)  	repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days
for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above
entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications
specified in clause (3) above;
	 
	 	(5)  	commercial paper having the highest rating obtainable from
Moody’s or S&P and in each case maturing within 270 days after the date of
acquisition; and
	 
	 	(6)  	money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which
constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (1) through (5)
of this definition.

     “Change of Control” means the occurrence of any of the following:

	 	(1)  	the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other
disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series
of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or
assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any
“person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act,
including any “group” with the meaning of the Exchange Act);
	 
	 	(2)  	the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or
dissolution of the Company;
	 
	 	(3)  	the consummation of any transaction (including, without
limitation, any merger or consolidation) the result of which is that any
“person” (as defined above) becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or
indirectly, of more than 30% of the Voting Stock of the Company or Sierra
Pacific Resources, measured by voting power rather than number of shares; or
	 
	 	(4)  	the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board
of Directors or the Board of Sierra Pacific Resources are not Continuing
Directors.

     “Change of Control Offer” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(h)(iii)(A) of
this Officer’s Certificate.

     “Change of Control Payment” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(h)(iii)(A) of
this Officer’s Certificate.

     “Change of Control Payment Date” has the meaning assigned to it in Section
1(h)(iii)(B)(2) of this Officer’s Certificate.

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     “Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme.

     “Consolidated Cash Flow” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period,
the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus:

	 	(1)  	an amount equal to any extraordinary loss plus any net loss
realized by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset
Sale, to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated
Net Income; plus
	 
	 	(2)  	provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person
and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such
provision for taxes was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income;
plus
	 
	 	(3)  	consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued and whether or not
capitalized (including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs
and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component
of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments
associated with Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to
Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred
in respect of letter of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net of
the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations),
to the extent that any such expense was deducted in computing such Consolidated
Net Income; plus
	 
	 	(4)  	depreciation, amortization (including amortization of goodwill
and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses that
were paid in a prior period) and other non-cash expenses (excluding any such
non-cash expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for
cash expenses in any future period of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation, amortization
and other non-cash expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net
Income); plus
	 
	 	(5)  	all extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items of loss or
expense; minus
	 
	 	(6)  	all extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items of gain or
revenue; minus
	 
	 	(7)  	non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such
period, other than the accrual of revenue in the ordinary course of business,

in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP;
provided that non-cash expenses recorded as a result of deferred energy accounting
shall not be added to Consolidated Net Income.

55

 

     “Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period,
the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such
period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that:

	 	(1)  	the Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a
Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of
accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or
distributions paid in cash to the specified Person or a Restricted Subsidiary
of the Person;
	 
	 	(2)  	the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary shall be excluded
to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar
distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that Net Income is not at the
date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that
has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of
its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute,
rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its
stockholders;
	 
	 	(3)  	the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles
shall be excluded; and
	 
	 	(4)  	any equity in earnings or losses of Sierra Pacific Resources
shall be excluded.

     “Continuing Directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board
of Directors who:

	 	(1)  	was a member of the Board of Directors on the original issue
date of the Series L Notes; or
	 
	 	(2)  	was nominated for election or elected to the Board of Directors
with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of
the Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election.

     “Credit Facilities” means one or more debt facilities or commercial paper facilities,
in each case with banks or other institutional lenders providing for revolving credit loans,
term loans or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed,
refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time, and includes any
securities issued pursuant to the Indenture in order to secure any amounts outstanding under
a Credit Facility from time to time; provided that the obligation of the Company to
make any payment on any such securities shall be:

	 	(1)  	no greater than the amount required to be paid under such
Credit Facility that is secured by such payment obligation;

56

 

	 	(2)  	payable no earlier than such amount is required to be paid
under such Credit Facility; and
	 
	 	(3)  	deemed to have been paid or otherwise satisfied and discharged
to the extent that the Company has paid such amount under such Credit Facility;
provided further that any amounts the Company is obligated to
pay under such securities will not be included for purposes of determining the
aggregate amount outstanding under Credit Facilities that is permitted under
clause (1) of Section 1(u)(ii)(B) (“Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of
Preferred Stock”).

     “Default” means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice
or both would be, an Event of Default as defined in the Indenture.

     “Definitive Note” means a certificated Series L Note registered in the name of the
Holder thereof and issued in accordance with Section 1(q)(v) of this Officer’s Certificate,
in the form of Exhibit A hereto except that such Series L Note shall not bear the Global
Note Legend and shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note”
attached thereto.

     “Depositary” means, with respect to the Series L Notes issuable or issued in whole or
in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 1(q)(iii) of this Officer’s
Certificate as the Depositary with respect to the Series L Notes, and any and all successors
thereto appointed as depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to the applicable
provision of this Officer’s Certificate or the Indenture.

     “Disqualified Stock” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case at the
option of the holder of the Capital Stock), or upon the happening of any event (other than
as a result of an optional redemption by the issuer thereof), matures or is mandatorily
redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option
of the holder of the Capital Stock, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91
days after the date on which the Series L Notes mature. Notwithstanding the preceding
sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the
holders of the Capital Stock have the right to require the Company to repurchase such
Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale shall not
constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that the Company
may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions unless such
repurchase or redemption complies with Section 1(u)(i) of this Officer’s Certificate (under
the heading “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Restricted Payments”).

     “DTC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(q)(iii) of this Officer’s
Certificate.

57

 

     “Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to
acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or
exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

     “Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V.

     “Event of Default” means an Event of Default as defined in the Indenture.

     “Excess Proceeds” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(u)(v)(D) of this
Officer’s Certificate.

     “Exchange Notes” means if and when issued, each series of the Series L Notes issued in
exchange for any Initial Notes in an Exchange Offer or upon transfer pursuant to a Shelf
Registration Statement.

     “Exchange Offer” has the meaning set forth in a corresponding Registration Rights
Agreement.

     “Exchange Offer Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in the Registration
Rights Agreement.

     “Existing Indebtedness” means all Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries
(other than Indebtedness under a Credit Facility) in existence on the original issue date of
the Series L Notes, until such amounts are repaid.

     “First Mortgage Indenture” means the Indenture of Mortgage, dated as of October 1,
1953, between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, as modified,
amended or supplemented at any time or from time to time by supplemental indentures.

     “Fixed Charges” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the sum,
without duplication, of:

	 	(1)  	the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued, including,
without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue
discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred
payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with
Capital Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt,
commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter
of credit or bankers’ acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all
payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations; plus
	 
	 	(2)  	the consolidated interest of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period; plus

58

 

	 	(3)  	any interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is
Guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a
Series L Lien on assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
whether or not such Guarantee or Series L Lien is called upon; plus
	 
	 	(4)  	the product of (a) all dividends, whether paid or accrued and
whether or not in cash, on any series of preferred stock of such Person or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than dividends on Equity Interests
payable solely in Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified
Stock) or to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, times (b) a
fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one
minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of
such Person, expressed as a decimal, in each case, on a consolidated basis and
in accordance with GAAP; plus
	 
	 	(5)  	all distributions by a Trust Preferred Vehicle to persons other
than the Company of amounts received as interest by such trust on the
subordinated Indebtedness of the Company held by such trust.

     “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means with respect to any specified Person for any
period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period. In the event that the specified Person or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, Guarantees, repays, repurchases or redeems any
Indebtedness (other than ordinary working capital borrowings) or issues, repurchases or
redeems preferred stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the date on which the event for
which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”),
then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such
incurrence, assumption, Guarantee, repayment, repurchase or redemption of Indebtedness, or
such issuance, repurchase or redemption of preferred stock, and the use of the proceeds
therefrom as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter
reference period.

     In addition, for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:

	 	(1)  	acquisitions that have been made by the specified Person or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers, consolidations or
otherwise (including acquisitions of assets used in a Permitted Business) and
including any related financing transactions, during the four-quarter reference
period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the
Calculation Date shall be given pro forma effect as if they had occurred on the
first day of the four-quarter reference period, including any pro forma expense
and cost reductions that have occurred or are reasonably expected to occur, in
the reasonable judgment of the chief financial officer of the Company
(regardless of whether those cost savings or operating improvements could then
be reflected in pro forma

59

 

financial statements in accordance with Regulation S-X promulgated under the
Securities Act or any other regulation or policy of the Commission related
thereto);

	 	(2)  	the Consolidated Cash Flow attributable to discontinued
operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses
disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded; and
	 
	 	(3)  	the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as
determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses disposed of
prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that
the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges shall not be obligations of
the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the
Calculation Date.

     “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and
pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards
Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a
significant segment of the accounting profession, which are in effect on the original issue
date of the Series L Notes.

     “Global Note Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 1(q)(v)(G)(2) of this
Officer’s Certificate, which is required to be placed on all Global Notes issued under this
Officer’s Certificate.

     “Global Notes” means, individually and collectively, each of the Series L Notes (which
may be either Restricted Global Notes or Unrestricted Global Notes) issued or issuable in
the global form of Exhibit A hereto issued in accordance with Sections 1(q)(i),
1(q)(v)(B)(4), 1(q)(v)(D)(4) or 1(q)(v)(F) of this Officer’s Certificate.

     “Guarantee” means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for
collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner including,
without limitation, by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or
reimbursement agreements in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness.

     “Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of
such Person incurred in the normal course of business and consistent with past practices and
not for speculative purposes under:

	 	(1)  	interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements and
interest rate collar agreements designed to protect the person or entity
entering into the agreement against fluctuations in interest rates with respect
to Indebtedness incurred and not for purposes of speculation;

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	 	(2)  	foreign exchange contracts and currency protection agreements entered into
with one of more financial institutions designed to protect the person or
entity entering into the agreement against fluctuations in currency exchange
rates with respect to Indebtedness incurred and not for purposes of
speculation;
	 
	 	(3)  	any commodity futures contract, commodity option or other
similar agreement or arrangement designed to protect against fluctuations in
the price of commodities used by that entity at the time; and
	 
	 	(4)  	other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such
Person against fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange rates.

     “Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such
Person, whether or not contingent:

	 	(1)  	in respect of borrowed money;
	 
	 	(2)  	evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or
letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);
	 
	 	(3)  	in respect of banker’s acceptances;
	 
	 	(4)  	representing Capital Lease Obligations;
	 
	 	(5)  	representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase
price of any property, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued
expense or trade payable; or
	 
	 	(6)  	representing any Hedging Obligations,

if and to the extent any of the preceding items (other than letters of credit and Hedging
Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person
prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the term “Indebtedness” includes all
Indebtedness of others secured by a Series L Lien on any asset of the specified Person
(whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by the specified Person) and, to the extent not
otherwise included, the Guarantee by the specified Person of any indebtedness of any other
Person.

     The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be:

	 	(1)  	the accreted value of the Indebtedness, in the case of any
Indebtedness issued with original issue discount; and
	 
	 	(2)  	the principal amount of the Indebtedness, together with any
interest on the Indebtedness that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of
any other Indebtedness.

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     “Indirect Participant” means a Person who holds a beneficial interest in a Global Note
through a Participant.

     “Initial Notes” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(q)(ii) of this Officer’s
Certificate.

     “Initial Purchaser” has the meaning set forth in the Purchase Agreement.

     “Institutional Accredited Investor” means an institution that is an “accredited
investor” as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act.

     “Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the
equivalent) by Moody’s or BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P.

     “Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by
such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans (including
Guarantees or other obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding commission,
travel and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of
business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity
Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as
investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. If the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct
or indirect Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving effect to any such sale or
disposition, such Person is no longer a Subsidiary of the Company, the Company shall be
deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the
fair market value of the Equity Interests of such Subsidiary not sold or disposed of in an
amount determined as provided in Section 1(u)(i)(C) of this Officer’s Certificate (under the
heading “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Restricted Payments”). The acquisition by the
Company or any Subsidiary of the Company of a Person that holds an Investment in a third
Person shall be deemed to be an Investment by the Company or such Subsidiary in such third
Person in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Investment held by the acquired
Person in such third Person in an amount determined as provided in Section 1(u)(i)(C) of
this Officer’s Certificate (under the heading “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Restricted
Payments”).

     “Issue Date” means the first date on which any Series L Notes are issued, authenticated
and delivered under the Indenture and this Officer’s Certificate.

     “Letter of Transmittal” means the letter of transmittal to be prepared by the Company
and sent to all Holders of Initial Notes for use by such Holders in connection with an
Exchange Offer.

     “Liquidated Damages” means all liquidated damages then owing pursuant to Section 5 of
the Registration Rights Agreement.

     “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency
business thereof.

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     “Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person, the net income (loss) of such
Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred
stock dividends, excluding, however:

	 	(1)  	any gain (but not loss), together with any related provision
for taxes on such gain (but not loss), realized in connection with: (a) any
Asset Sale; or (b) the disposition of any securities by such Person or any of
its Subsidiaries or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or
any of its Subsidiaries; and
	 
	 	(2)  	any extraordinary gain (but not loss), together with any
related provision for taxes on such extraordinary gain (but not loss).

     “Net Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any
cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in
any Asset Sale), net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including, without
limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and sales commissions, and any
relocation expenses incurred as a result of the Asset Sale, taxes paid or payable as a
result of the Asset Sale, in each case, after taking into account any available tax credits
or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements, and amounts required to be applied to the
repayment of Indebtedness, other than Senior Debt secured by a Series L Lien on the asset or
assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale and any reserve for adjustment in respect of
the sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP.

     “Non-Recourse Debt” means Indebtedness:

	 	(1)  	as to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any
undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness), (b)
is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise, or (c)
constitutes the lender;
	 
	 	(2)  	no default with respect to which (including any rights that the
holders of the Indebtedness may have to take enforcement action against an
Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit upon notice, lapse of time or both any
holder of any other Indebtedness (other than the Series L Notes) of the Company
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a default on such other
Indebtedness or cause the payment of the Indebtedness to be accelerated or
payable prior to its stated maturity; and
	 
	 	(3)  	as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they
shall not have any recourse to the stock or assets of the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries.

     “Non-U.S. Person” means a person who is not a U.S. Person.

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     “Note Custodian” means the Trustee, as custodian for the Depositary with respect to the
Series L Notes in global form, or any successor entity thereto.

     “Obligations” means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications,
reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any
Indebtedness.

     “Offer Amount” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(h)(iv)(B) of this Officer’s
Certificate.

     “Offer Period” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(h)(iv)(B) of this Officer’s
Certificate.

     “Offering” means the offering of the Original Notes by the Company on the Issue Date.

     “Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief
Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer,
the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary or any Vice-President
of such Person.

     “Original Notes” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(q)(ii) of this Officer’s
Certificate.

     “Participant” means, with respect to DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream, a Person who has an
account with DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream, respectively (and, with respect to DTC, shall
include Euroclear and Clearstream).

     “Payment Default” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(h)(ii)(A)(6)(I) of this
Officer’s Certificate.

     “Permitted Business” means any business that derives a majority of its revenues from
the business engaged in by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the original issue
date of the Series L Notes and/or activities that are reasonably similar, ancillary,
incidental, complementary or related to, or a reasonable extension, development or expansion
of, the businesses in which the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are engaged on the
original issue date of the Series L Notes, as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors.

     “Permitted Investments” means:

	 	(1)  	any Investment in the Company or in a Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company (other than a Receivables Entity);
	 
	 	(2)  	any Investment in Cash Equivalents;
	 
	 	(3)  	any Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company in a Person, if as a result of such Investment:

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	 	(a)  	such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company (other than a Receivables Entity); or
	 
	 	(b)  	such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated
with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to,
or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company (other than a Receivables Entity);

	 	(4)  	any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash
consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance
with Section 1(u)(v) of this Officer’s Certificate (under the heading “Certain
Covenants and Definitions—Asset Sales”);
	 
	 	(5)  	any acquisition of assets to the extent it is in exchange for
the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the
Company;
	 
	 	(6)  	any Investments received in compromise of obligations of such
persons incurred in the ordinary course of trade creditors or customers that
were incurred in the ordinary course of business, including pursuant to any
plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency
of any trade creditor or customer;
	 
	 	(7)  	Hedging Obligations;
	 
	 	(8)  	Investments by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in a
Receivables Entity or any Investment by a Receivables Entity in any other
Person, in each case, in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction,
provided however, that any Investment in any Receivables Entity
or such other Person is in the form of a Purchase Money Note, or any equity
interests, directly or indirectly, in accounts receivable and related assets
generated by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary and transferred to any
Person in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction or any such
Person owning such accounts receivable;
	 
	 	(9)  	any Investments made in accordance with clause (6) of the
definition of “Asset Sales”; and
	 
	 	(10)  	other Investments in any Person that is not also a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company having an aggregate fair market value (measured on
the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to
subsequent changes in value), when taken together with all other Investments
made pursuant to this clause (10) since the original issue date of the
Series L Notes, not to exceed $30.0 million.

     “Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to
extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund other Indebtedness of the

65

 

Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than intercompany Indebtedness); provided
that:

	 	(1)  	the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or
accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness extended, refinanced,
renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded (plus all accrued and unpaid interest
on the Indebtedness and the amount of all expenses and premiums incurred in
connection therewith);
	 
	 	(2)  	if such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is issued on or
after the first anniversary of the original issue date of the Series L Notes,
such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than
the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal
to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness
being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded;
	 
	 	(3)  	if such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is issued on or
after the first anniversary of the original issue date of the Series L Notes,
and the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or
refunded is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Series L
Notes, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later
than the final maturity date of, and is subordinated in right of payment to,
the Series L Notes on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of Series L
Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being
extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and
	 
	 	(4)  	such Indebtedness is incurred either by the Company or by the
Subsidiary who is the obligor on the Indebtedness being extended, refinanced,
renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded.

     “Private Placement Legend” means the legend set forth in Section 1(q)(v)(G)(1) of this
Officer’s Certificate to be placed on all Series L Notes issued under the Indenture and this
Officer’s Certificate except where otherwise permitted by the provisions of the Indenture
and this Officer’s Certificate.

     “Purchase Agreement” means the Purchase Agreement dated August 13, 2003 among the
Company and each Initial Purchaser relating to the Offering.

     “Purchase Date” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(h)(iv)(B) of this Officer’s
Certificate.

     “Purchase Money Note” means a promissory note of a Receivables Entity evidencing a line
of credit, which may be irrevocable, from the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction to a Receivables Entity,
which note is repayable from cash available to the

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Receivables Entity, other than amounts
required to be established as reserves pursuant to agreements, amounts paid to investors in
respect of interest, principal and other amounts owing to such investors and amounts owing
to such investors and amounts paid in connection with the purchase of newly generated
accounts receivable.

     “QIB” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

     “Qualified Receivables Transaction” means any transaction or series of transactions
that may be entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to
which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise
transfer to (1) a Receivables Entity (in the case of a transfer by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries) and (2) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a
Receivables Entity), or may grant a security interest in, any accounts receivable (whether
now existing or arising in the future) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
and any assets related thereto including, without limitation, all collateral securing such
accounts receivable, all contracts and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of
such accounts receivable, the proceeds of such receivables and other assets which are
customarily transferred, or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted
in connection with asset securitization involving accounts receivable.

     “Rating Agencies” means S&P and Moody’s, or if S&P or Moody’s or both shall not make a
rating on the Series L Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating
agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by the Company (as certified by a
resolution of the Board of Directors) which shall be substituted for S&P or Moody’s or both,
as the case may be.

     “Receivables Entity” means a wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company or Sierra Pacific
Resources (or another Person in which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company makes an Investment and to which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company transfers accounts receivable and related assets) which engages in no activities
other than in connection with the financing of accounts receivable and which is designated
by the Board of Directors (as provided below) as a Receivables Entity:

	 	(1)  	no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations
(contingent or otherwise) of which:

	 	(a)  	is guaranteed by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company (excluding guarantees of Obligations (other
than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard
Securitization Undertakings);
	 
	 	(b)  	is recourse to or obligates the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in any way other than pursuant to
Standard Securitization Undertakings; or

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	 	(c)  	subjects any property or asset of the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, directly or indirectly,
contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than
pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings;

	 	(2)  	which is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or
understanding (except in connection with a Purchase Money Note or Qualified
Receivables Transaction) with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company other than on terms no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are
not Affiliates of the Company, other than fees payable in the ordinary course
of business in connection with servicing accounts receivable; and

	 	(3)  	to which neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary of
the Company has any direct or indirect obligation (a) to subscribe for
additional Equity Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve such entity’s
financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating
results.

     Any such designation by the Board of Directors shall be evidenced to the Trustee by
filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the Board Resolution giving effect to such
designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the
foregoing conditions.

     “Registration Rights Agreement” means (i) the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as
of the Issue Date, by and among the Company and the other parties named on the signature
pages thereof relating to the Original Notes and (ii) any similar agreement that the Company
and other parties may enter into in relation to any other Initial Notes, in each case as
such agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

     “Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

     “Regulation S Global Note” means a Global Note in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing
the Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with or on behalf of
and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in an initial
denomination equal to the outstanding principal amount of the Notes initially sold by the
Initial Purchasers in reliance on Rule 903 of Regulation S.

     “Restricted Definitive Note” means a Definitive Note bearing the Private Placement
Legend.

     “Restricted Global Note” means a Global Note bearing the Private Placement Legend.

     “Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

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     “Restricted Payments” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(u)(i)(A) of this
Officer’s Certificate.

     “Restricted Period” means the 40-day distribution compliance period as set forth in
Regulation S.

     “Restricted Subsidiary” of a Person means any Subsidiary of the referent Person that is
not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

     “Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

     “Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

     “Rule 144A Global Note” means a Global Note in the form of Exhibit A hereto bearing the
Global Note Legend and the Private Placement Legend and deposited with and registered in the
name of the Depositary or its nominee, issued in an initial denomination equal to the
outstanding principal amount of the Notes initially sold by the Initial Purchasers in
reliance on Rule 144A.

     “Rule 903” means Rule 903 promulgated under the Securities Act.

     “Rule 904” means Rule 904 promulgated under the Securities Act.

     “Securities Act” means the Security Act of 1933, as amended.

     “Series L Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge,
security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed,
recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or
other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other
agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any
financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any
jurisdiction.

     “Series L Permitted Liens” means:

	 	(1)  	Series L Liens securing any Indebtedness under a Credit
Facility that was permitted by the terms of this Officer’s Certificate to be
incurred, and all Obligations and Hedging Obligations relating to such
Indebtedness;
	 
	 	(2)  	Series L Liens in favor of the Company or any Subsidiary
Guarantors;
	 
	 	(3)  	Series L Liens on property of a Person existing at the time
such Person is merged with or into or consolidated with the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided that such Series L Liens
were in existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation
and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person merged into or
consolidated with the Company or the Restricted Subsidiary;

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	 	(4)  	Series L Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition
of the property by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company,
provided that such Series L Liens were in existence prior to the
contemplation of such acquisition;
	 
	 	(5)  	Series L Liens to secure the performance of statutory or
regulatory obligations, surety or appeal bonds, performance bonds or other
obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business;
	 
	 	(6)  	Series L Liens to secure Indebtedness (including Capital Lease
Obligations) permitted by Section 1(u)(ii)(B)(4) of this Officer’s Certificate
(“Certain Covenants and Definitions—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of
Preferred Stock”) covering only the assets acquired with such Indebtedness;
	 
	 	(7)  	Series L Liens existing on the original issue date of the
Series L Notes (including the Series L Lien of the First Mortgage Indenture and
the Series L Lien of the Indenture);
	 
	 	(8)  	Series L Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges
or claims that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith
by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded;
provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as is required
in conformity with GAAP has been made therefor;
	 
	 	(9)  	Series L Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary with respect to obligations (including
Hedging Obligations) that do not exceed $15.0 million at any one time
outstanding;
	 
	 	(10)  	Series L Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted by clauses (7),
(13), (16) or (17) of Section 1(u)(ii)(B) of this Officer’s Certificate (under
the heading “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Incurrence of Indebtedness and
Issuance of Preferred Stock”);
	 
	 	(11)  	Series L Liens securing any other Indebtedness issued or to be
issued under the Indenture that was permitted to be incurred under the terms of
Section 1(u)(ii) of this Officer’s Certificate (under the heading “Certain
Covenants—Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock”);
	 
	 	(12)  	Series L Liens securing Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness
incurred to refinance Indebtedness that was previously so secured;
provided that any such Series L Lien is limited to all or part of the
same property or assets (plus improvements, accessions, proceeds or dividends
or distributions in respect thereof) that secured (or, under the written
arrangements under which the original Series L Lien arose, could secure) the
Indebtedness

70

 

	 	   	being refinanced or is in respect of property that is the security
for a Series L Permitted Lien hereunder;
	 
	 	(13)  	Series L Liens on assets transferred to a Receivables Entity or
on assets of a Receivables Entity, in either case, incurred in connection with
a Qualified Receivables Transaction; and
	 
	 	(14)  	Series L Liens, including pledges, rights of offset and
bankers’ liens, on deposit accounts, instruments, investment accounts and
investment property (including cash, cash equivalents and marketable
securities) from time to time maintained with or held by any financial and/or
depository institutions, in each case solely to secure any and all obligations
now or hereafter existing of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in
connection with any deposit account, investment account or cash management
service (including ACH, Fedwire, CHIPS, concentration and zero balance
accounts, and controlled disbursement, lockbox or restricted accounts) now or
hereafter provided by any financial and/or depository institutions to or for
the benefit of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any special purpose
entity directly or indirectly providing loans to or making receivables
purchases from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

     “Shelf Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights
Agreement.

     “Significant Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary”
as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities
Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date hereof.

     “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Group, Inc., or any successor to the rating agency
business thereof.

     “Standard Securitization Undertakings” means representations, warranties, covenants and
indemnities entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company which
are reasonably customary in securitization of accounts receivable transactions.

     “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person:

	 	(1)  	any corporation, association or other business entity of which
more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled
(without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of
directors, managers or trustees of the corporation, association or other
business entity is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by
that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a
combination thereof); and

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	 	(2)  	any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing
general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b)
the only general partners of which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries
of that Person (or any combination thereof).

     “Subsidiary Guarantee” means any Guarantee of the Series L Notes to be executed by any
Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to Section 1(u)(ix) of this Officer’s Certificate (under
the heading “Future Subsidiary Guarantees”).

     “Subsidiary Guarantors” means any Subsidiary of the Company that executes a Subsidiary
Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, and their respective
successors and assigns.

     “Triggering Event” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 1(h) of this Officer’s
Certificate.

     “Trust Preferred Vehicle” means NVP Capital I, NVP Capital III or any future similar
trust, the only assets of which are subordinated Indebtedness of the Company.

     “Unrestricted Definitive Note” means one or more Definitive Notes that do not bear and
are not required to bear the Private Placement Legend.

     “Unrestricted Global Note” means a permanent Global Note in the form of Exhibit A
attached hereto that bears the Global Note Legend and that has the “Schedule of Exchanges of
Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto, and that is deposited with or on behalf of
and registered in the name of the Depositary, representing a series of Notes that do not
bear the Private Placement Legend.

     “Unrestricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company that is designated by the
Board of Directors as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a Board Resolution, but only to
the extent that such Subsidiary:

	 	(1)  	has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;
	 
	 	(2)  	is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or
understanding with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company
unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding
are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those
that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the
Company;
	 
	 	(3)  	is a Person with respect to which neither the Company nor any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (a) to
subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve such
Person’s financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified
levels of operating results;

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	 	(4)  	has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided
credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries; and
	 
	 	(5)  	has at least one director on its Board that is not a director
or executive officer of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and
has at least one executive officer that is not a director or executive officer
of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

     Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be
evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the Board Resolution
giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such
designation complied with the preceding conditions and was permitted by Section 1(u)(i) of
this Officer’s Certificate (under the heading “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Restricted
Payments”). If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the preceding
requirements as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it shall thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted
Subsidiary for purposes of the Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be
deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as of such date and, if such
Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date under Section 1(u)(ii) of this
Officer’s Certificate (under the heading “Certain Covenants and Definitions—Incurrence of
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock”), the Company shall be in default of such
covenant.

     “U.S.” means the United States of America.

     “U.S. Person” means a U.S. person as defined in Rule 902(o) under the Securities Act.

     “Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that
is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the Board of such Person.

     “Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any
date, the number of years obtained by dividing:

	 	(1)  	the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount
of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other
required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect
of the Indebtedness, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest
one-twelfth) that shall elapse between such date and the making of such
payment; by
	 
	 	(2)  	the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

(v) The Series L Notes shall have such other terms and provisions as are provided in the
form thereof attached hereto as Exhibit A, and shall be issued in substantially such
form.

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     2. The undersigned has read all of the covenants and conditions contained in the Indenture, and
the definitions in the Indenture relating thereto, relating to the issuance of the Series L Notes
and in respect of compliance with which this certificate is made.

     The statements contained in this certificate are based upon the familiarity of the undersigned
with the Indenture, the documents accompanying this certificate, and upon discussions by the
undersigned with officers and employees of the Company familiar with the matters set forth herein.

     In the opinion of the undersigned, he has made such examination or investigation as is
necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenants and
conditions have been complied with.

     In the opinion of the undersigned, such conditions and covenants have been complied with.

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     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Officer’s Certificate as of the date
first written above.

	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	By:	 	 
	

	 	 	 	

	

	 	 	 	Michael W. Yackira
	

	 	 	 	Executive Vice President and
	

	 	 	 	Chief Financial Officer

Acknowledged and Received on

November ___, 2004

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,

as Trustee

	 	 	 
	By:	 	 
	 	
	 

Name:

Title:

NPC Officer’s
Certificate (Terms of Note)

 

 

Exhibit A

Form of Series L Notes

[Insert the Global Note Legend, if applicable, pursuant to the provisions of the Indenture and

the Officer’s Certificate]

[Insert the Private Placement Legend, if applicable, pursuant to the provisions of the

Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate]

NEVADA POWER COMPANY

5 7/8% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series L, due 2015

	 	 	 	 	 
	Original Interest Accrual Date:

	 	November 16, 2004
	 	Redeemable: Yes þ No o
	Stated Maturity:

	 	January 15, 2015
	 	Redemption Date: See Below
	Interest Rate:

	 	5 7/8%
	 	Redemption Price: See Below
	Interest Payment Dates:

	 	January 15 and July 15	 	 
	Record Dates:

	 	January 1 and July 1	 	 

The Security is not a Discount Security

within the meaning of the within-mentioned Indenture.

CUSIP No. ___________________

5 7/8% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series L, due 2015

	 	 	 	 	 
	No. R-

	 	$	250,000,000	 

promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns, the principal sum of $250,000,000 Dollars on
January 15, 2015.

     1. Interest. Nevada Power Company, a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), promises to pay
interest on the principal amount of this Series L Note at 5 7/8% per annum, from November 16, 2004 until maturity and
shall pay the Liquidated Damages payable pursuant to Section 5 of the Registration Rights Agreement
referred to below. The Company shall pay interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, semi-annually in
arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the
next succeeding Business Day (each an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on the Series L Notes
shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been
paid, from Original Interest Accrual Date specified above; provided that if there is no existing
Default in the payment of interest, and if this Series L Note is authenticated between a record
date referred to on the face hereof and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date, interest shall
accrue from such next succeeding Interest Payment Date, except in the case of the original issuance
of Series L Notes, in which case interest shall accrue from the Original Interest Accrual Date
specified above; provided, further, that the first Interest Payment Date shall be July 15, 2005.
The Company shall pay interest

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(including postpetition interest in any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Law) on overdue
principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at the rate borne on the Series L Notes;
it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Law)
on overdue installments of interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, (without regard to any
applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the same rate to the extent lawful.
Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

     2. Method of Payment. The Company shall pay interest on the Series L Notes (except Defaulted
Interest) and Liquidated Damages to the Persons who are registered Holders of Series L Notes at the
close of business on the January 1 and July 1 next preceding the Interest Payment Date, even if
such Series L Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment
Date, except as provided in Section 3.07 of the Indenture with respect to Defaulted Interest. The
Series L Notes shall be payable as to principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and
interest at the office or agency of the Company maintained for such purpose within the City and
State of New York, or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest and Liquidated Damages may
be made by check mailed to the Holders of Series L Notes at their addresses set forth in the
register of Holders, and provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds
shall be required with respect to principal of, and interest, premium and Liquidated Damages on,
all Global Notes and all other Series L Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire
transfer instructions to the Company or the Paying Agent. Such payment shall be in such coin or
currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of
public and private debts.

     3. Paying Agent and Security Registrar. Initially, The Bank of New York, the Trustee under
the Indenture, shall act as Paying Agent and Security Registrar. The Company may change any Paying
Agent or Security Registrar without notice to any Holder of Series L Notes. The Company or any of
its Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

     4. Indenture; Security. This Series L Note is one of a duly authorized issue of Securities of
the Company, issued and issuable in one or more series under and equally secured by a General and
Refunding Mortgage Indenture, dated as of May 1, 2001 (such Indenture as originally executed and
delivered and as supplemented or amended from time to time thereafter, together with any
constituent instruments establishing the terms of particular Securities, being herein called the
“Indenture”), between the Company and The Bank of New York, Trustee (herein called the “Trustee,”
which term includes any successor Trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all
indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a description of the property
mortgaged, pledged and held in trust, the nature and extent of the security and the respective
rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities of the Company, the Trustee and the Holders of
the Securities thereunder and of the terms and conditions upon which the Securities are, and are to
be, authenticated and delivered and secured. The acceptance of this Series L Note shall be deemed
to constitute the consent and agreement by the Holder hereof to all of the terms and provisions of
the Indenture. This Series L Note is one of the series designated above. The terms of the Series
L Notes include those stated in the Indenture, the Officer’s Certificate dated November 16, 2004
(the “Officer’s Certificate”) and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust
Indenture Act. The Series L Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders of Series L Notes are
referred to the Indenture and such Act for a

A-2

 

statement of such terms. To the extent any provision of this Series L Note conflicts with the
express provisions of the Indenture or the Officer’s Certificate, the provisions of the Indenture
and the Officer’s Certificate shall govern and be controlling. The Series L Notes are general
obligations of the Company initially limited to $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount in the case
of Series L Notes issued on the Issue Date.

     All Outstanding Securities, including the Series L Notes, issued under the Indenture are
secured by the lien of the Indenture on the properties of the Company described in the Indenture.
The lien of the Indenture is junior, subject and subordinate to the prior lien of the Indenture of
Mortgage dated as of October 1, 1953 between the Company and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas,
as trustee.

	 	5.  	Optional Redemption.

             (a) The Company may redeem the notes at any time, either in whole or in part at a redemption
price equal to the greater of (1) 100% of the principal amount of the Series L Notes being redeemed
and (2) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest
on the Series L Notes being redeemed (excluding the portion of any such interest accrued to the
date of redemption) discounted (for purposes of determining present value) to the redemption date
on a semi-annual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury
Rate (as defined below) plus 50 basis points, plus, in each case, accrued interest thereon to the
date of redemption.

     “Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security selected by an
Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the
Series L Notes that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with
customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of
comparable maturity to the remaining term of the Series L Notes.

     “Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the
average of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each
case as a percentage of its principal amount) on the third business day preceding such
redemption date, as set forth in the daily statistical release (or any successor release)
published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and designated “Composite 3:30 p.m.
Quotations for U.S. Government Securities” or (2) if such release (or any successor
release) is not published or does not contain such prices on such third business day, the
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation for such redemption date.

     “Independent Investment Banker” means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed
by the Company.

     “Reference Treasury Dealer” means a primary U.S. Government Securities Dealer
selected by the Company.

     “Reference Treasury Dealer Quotation” means, with respect to the Reference Treasury
Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the

A-3

 

Independent Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable
Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in
writing to the Independent Investment Banker by such Reference Treasury Dealer at or
before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third business day preceding such redemption
date.

          “Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per year equal
to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming
a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal
amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date.

          (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time or from time to time on or prior to January 15,
2008, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal
amount of Series L Notes at a Redemption Price of 105 7/8% of
the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and Liquidated Damages
thereon, if any, to the Redemption Date, with the net cash proceeds of any public or private
offerings of its Equity Interests or capital contribution to the Company’s equity made with net
cash proceeds of an offering by Sierra Pacific Resources; provided that at least 65% of the
aggregate principal amount of Series L Notes remain outstanding immediately after each occurrence
of such redemption excluding Series L Notes held by the Company and its Subsidiaries; and provided,
further, that each such redemption shall occur within 120 days of the date of the closing of such
offering.

     6. Notice of Optional Redemption. Notice of optional redemption shall be mailed at least 30
days but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each Holder whose Series L Notes are
to be redeemed at its registered address. Series L Notes in denominations larger than $1,000 may
be redeemed in part but only in whole multiples of $1,000, unless all of the Series L Notes held by
a Holder are to be redeemed. On and after the redemption date, interest and Liquidated Damages, if
any, cease to accrue on Series L Notes or portions thereof called for redemption.

	 	7.  	Mandatory Redemption.

             (a) Other than in connection with clause (b) below or in connection with a redemption at the
option of the Holders of the Series L Notes, the Company shall not be required to make mandatory
redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Series L Notes.

             (b) Upon the occurrence of the events described below in clauses (1) or (2) of this paragraph
7(b), the Company shall be required to redeem the Series L Notes immediately, at a Redemption Price
equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Series L Notes plus accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Series L Notes to the date of redemption, without
further action or notice on the part of the Trustee or the Holders of the Series L Notes:

	 	(1)  	the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is a Significant
Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would
constitute a

A-4

 

	 	   	Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of Bankruptcy Law:

	 	(I)  	commences a voluntary case,
	 
	 	(II)  	consents to the entry of an order for relief
against it in an involuntary case,
	 
	 	(III)  	consents to the appointment of a custodian of
it or for all or substantially all of its property,
	 
	 	(IV)  	makes a general assignment for the benefit of
its creditors, or
	 
	 	(V)  	admits in writing of its inability to pay its
debts generally as they become due; or

	 	(2)  	a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree
under any Bankruptcy Law that:

	 	(I)  	is for relief against the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of
Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant
Subsidiary in an involuntary case;
	 
	 	(II)  	appoints a custodian of the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of
Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a Significant
Subsidiary or for all or substantially all of the property of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or
any group of Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a
Significant Subsidiary; or
	 
	 	(III)  	orders the liquidation of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of
Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken as a whole, would constitute a
Significant Subsidiary;
	 
	 	and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive
days.

     8. Redemption at the Option of Holders. Upon the occurrence of any of the following
Triggering Events: (a) failure for 30 days to pay when due interest on, or Liquidated Damages with
respect to, the Series L Notes; (b) failure to pay when due the principal of, or premium, if any,
on the Series L Notes; (c) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply
with the provisions described in Section 1(u)(i), 1(u)(ii) or 1(u)(vi) of the Officer’s
Certificate; (d) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries for 30 days after
notice to comply with the provisions described in Section 1(h)(iii) or (iv) of the Officer’s
Certificate; (e) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries for 60 days after

A-5

 

notice to comply with any of the other agreements in the Officer’s Certificate or the Series L
Notes; (f) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or
by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries) whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists, or is created after
the original issue date of the Series L Notes, if that default (i) is caused by a failure to pay
principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the
grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such default (a “Payment Default”) or
(ii) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity, and, in each
case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any
other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has
been so accelerated, aggregates $15.0 million or more; (g) failure by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $15.0 million, which judgments are not
paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days; or (h) an event of default under the First
Mortgage Indenture (other than any such matured event of default which (i) is of similar kind or
character to the Triggering Event described in (c) or (e) above and (ii) has not resulted in the
acceleration of the securities outstanding under the First Mortgage Indenture); provided, however,
that, anything in the Officer’s Certificate to the contrary notwithstanding, the waiver or cure of
such event of default under the First Mortgage Indenture and the rescission and annulment of the
consequences thereof under the First Mortgage Indenture shall constitute a cure of the
corresponding Triggering Event and a rescission and annulment of the consequences thereof, the
Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Series L Notes then Outstanding may deliver a
notice to the Company requiring the Company to redeem the Series L Notes immediately at a
Redemption Price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Series L Notes plus accrued
and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the Series L Notes to the Redemption Date.
The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Series L Notes then Outstanding by
notice to the Company and the Trustee may on behalf of the Holders of all of the Series L Notes
waive any existing Triggering Event and its consequences except a continuing Triggering Event
related to the payment of interest or Liquidated Damages on, or the principal of, the Series L
Notes. In the case of any Triggering Event by reason of any willful action or inaction taken or
not taken by or on behalf of the Company with the intention of avoiding payment of the premium that
the Company would have had to pay if the Company then had elected to redeem the Series L Notes
pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(g)(i) or, prior to January 15, 2008 Section 1(g)(ii) of the
Officer’s Certificate relating to redemption at the option of the Company, an equivalent premium
equal to the premium payable under Section 1(g)(i) or, prior to January 15, 2008, Section 1(g)(ii),
whichever is greater, shall also become and be immediately due and payable to the extent permitted
by law upon the redemption of the Series L Notes at the option of the Holders thereof.

     9. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Series L Notes are in registered form without
coupons in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The transfer of Series L
Notes may be registered and Series L Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture and the
Officer’s Certificate. The Security Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder of Series L
Notes, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the
Company may require a Holder of Series L Notes to pay any taxes and fees required by law or
permitted by the Indenture. The Company need not exchange or register the

A-6

 

transfer of any Series L Note or portion of a Series L Note selected for redemption, except
for the unredeemed portion of any Series L Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Company need not
exchange or register the transfer of any Series L Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection
of Series L Notes to be redeemed or during the period between a record date and the corresponding
Interest Payment Date.

     10.
 Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Series L Note may be treated as its
owner for all purposes.

     11.
 Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as
therein provided, the Trustee to enter into one or more supplemental indentures for the purpose of
adding any provisions to, or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of, the
Indenture with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount
of the Securities of all series then Outstanding under the Indenture, considered as one class;
provided, however, that if there shall be Securities of more than one series Outstanding under the
Indenture and if a proposed supplemental indenture shall directly affect the rights of the Holders
of Securities of one or more, but less than all, of such series, then the consent only of the
Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all series so
directly affected, considered as one class, shall be required; and provided, further, that if the
Securities of any series shall have been issued in more than one Tranche and if the proposed
supplemental indenture shall directly affect the rights of the Holders of Securities of one or
more, but less than all, of such Tranches, then the consent only of the Holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all Tranches so directly affected,
considered as one class, shall be required; and provided, further, that the Indenture permits the
Trustee to enter into one or more supplemental indentures for limited purposes without the consent
of any Holders of Securities. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all
Securities, to waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain
past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder
of this Series L Note shall be conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders
of this Series L Note and of any Series L Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or
in exchange therefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made
upon this Series L Note.

     12.
 Events of Default. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the principal of
this Series L Note may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in
the Indenture.

     13. No Recourse Against Others. As provided in the Indenture, no recourse shall be had for
the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on any Securities, or any part
thereof, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, or of the indebtedness
represented thereby, or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement under the Indenture, against,
and no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, or be incurred by, any incorporator,
stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future of the Company or of any
predecessor or successor corporation (either directly or through the Company or a predecessor or
successor corporation), whether by virtue of any constitutional provision, statute or rule of law,
or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise; it being

A-7

 

expressly agreed and understood that the Indenture and all the Securities are solely corporate
obligations and that any such personal liability is hereby expressly waived and released as a
condition of, and as part of the consideration for, the execution of the Indenture and the issuance
of the Securities.

     14.
 Authentication. Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the
Trustee or an Authenticating Agent by manual signature, this Series L Note shall not be entitled to
any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

     15.
 Transfer and Exchange.

                  (a) As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the
transfer of this Series L Note is registrable in the Security Register, upon surrender of this
Series L Note for registration of transfer at the Corporate Trust Office of The Bank of New York in
New York, New York or such other office or agency as may be designated by the Company from time to
time, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to
the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the Holder hereof or his attorney duly
authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Series L Notes of this series of authorized
denominations and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated
transferee or transferees.

                  (b) No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or exchange, but the
Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge
payable in connection therewith.

                  (c) Prior to due presentment of this Series L Note for registration of transfer, the Company,
the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this
Series L Note is registered as the absolute owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this
Series L Note be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected
by notice to the contrary.

     16.
 Governing Law. The Series L Notes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York.

     17.
 Definition of “Business Day” and Other Terms. As used herein, “Business Day” shall mean
any day, other than Saturday or Sunday, on which commercial banks are open for business, including
dealings in deposits in U.S. dollars, in New York. All other terms used in this Series L Note
which are defined in the Indenture or the Officer’s Certificate shall have the meanings assigned to
them in the Indenture or the Officer’s Certificate, as applicable, unless otherwise indicated.

     18.
 Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder of Series L
Notes or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the
entireties), JT TEN joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (=
Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

     19. Additional Rights of Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes.
In addition to the rights provided to Holders of Series L Notes under the Indenture,

A-8

 

Holders of Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes shall have all the rights
set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 16, 2004 between Nevada Power
Company and the parties named on the signature pages thereof (the “Registration Rights Agreement”).

     20.
 CUSIP Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform
Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the
Series L Notes and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to
Holders of Series L Notes. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as
printed on the Series L Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be
placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

     The Company shall furnish to any Holder of Series L Notes upon written request and without
charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement. Requests may be made to:

Nevada Power Company

P.O. Box 230

6226 W. Sahara Avenue

Las Vegas, Nevada 89146

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

A-9

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	NEVADA POWER COMPANY
	 
	 	 	 	 
	

	 	By:	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	Michael W. Yackira
	

	 	 	 	Executive Vice President and
	

	 	 	 	Chief Financial Officer

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

     This is one of the Securities of the series designated therein referred to in the
within-mentioned Indenture.

Dated: November ___, 2004

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	THE BANK OF NEW YORK, as Trustee
	 
	 	 	 	 
	

	 	By:	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	Authorized Signatory

A-10

 

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE***

     The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note
or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global Note or Definitive Note for an
interest in this Global Note, have been made:

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Principal Amount of	Signature of
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	this Global Note	 	 	authorized
	 	 	Amount of decrease	 	 	Amount of increase	 	 	following such	signatory of
	Date of 	 	in Principal Amount	 	 	in Principal Amount	 	 	decrease (or	 	 	Trustee or Note
	 Exchange	 	of this Global Note	 	 	of this Global Note	 	 	increase)	 	 	Custodian

	***This should be included only if the Note is
issued in global form.

A-11

 

Assignment Form

To assign this Series L Note, fill in the form below: (I) or (we) assign and transfer this Series L

Note to

(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)

(Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint                                                                                                                                            
to transfer this Series L Note on the books of the Company. The agent may
substitute another to act for him.

Date:

Your Signature:                                                                        
                                                            
                
                

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Series L Note)

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

	 	 	 
	 

	 	Signatures must
be guaranteed
by an “eligible
guarantor
institution”
meeting the
requirements of
the Security
Registrar,
which
requirements
include
membership or
participation
in the Security
Transfer Agent
Medallion
Program
(“STAMP”) or
such other
“signature
guarantee
program” as may
be determined
by the Security
Registrar in
addition to, or
in substitution
for, STAMP, all
in accordance
with the
Securities
Exchange Act of
1934, as
amended.

A-12

 

Option of Holder to Elect Purchase

     If you want to elect to have this Series L Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section
1(h)(iii) (Offer to Purchase upon Change of Control) or 1(h)(iv) (Offer to Purchase Upon
Application of Excess Proceeds) of the Officer’s Certificate, check the box below:

	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	o  Section 1(h)(iii) (Offer to Purchase
	 	o      Section 1(h)(iv) (Offer
	

	 	      upon Change of Control)
	 	to Purchase Upon Application of
	

	 	 	 	Excess Proceeds)

     If you want to elect to have only part of the Series L Note purchased by the Company pursuant
to Section 1(h)(iii) (Offer to Purchase upon Change of Control) or 1(h)(iv) (Offer to Purchase Upon
Application of Excess Proceeds) of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

           $                                                                                                    

Date:

Your Signature:                                                                  
                                                     
                                         

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of the Series L Note)

Tax Identification No.:                                                                                                                        

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE

	 	 	 
	 

	 	Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor
institution” meeting the requirements of the Security
Registrar, which requirements include membership or
participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion
Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program”
as may be determined by the Security Registrar in addition
to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

A-13

 

Exhibit B

Form of Certificate of Transfer

Nevada Power Company

P.O. Box 230

6226 W. Sahara Avenue

Las Vegas, Nevada 89146

Attention: Treasurer

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8W

New York, New York 10286

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	Re:
	 	Nevada Power Company 5 7/8% General and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series L,
	

	 	 	 	due 2015

     Reference is hereby made to the General and Refunding Mortgage Indenture, dated as of May 1,
2001, as amended or supplemented (the “Indenture”), between Nevada Power Company, as issuer (the
“Company”) and The Bank of New York, as trustee and the Officer’s Certificate dated November 16,
2004 governing the Note[s] (the “Officer’s Certificate”). Capitalized terms used but not defined
herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate.

     ___, (the “Transferor”) owns and proposes to transfer the Note[s] or interest
in such in such Note[s] specified in Annex A hereto, in the principal amount of $___in such
Note[s] or interests (the “Transfer”), to ___(the “Transferee”), as further
specified in Annex A hereto. In connection with the Transfer, the Transferor hereby certifies
that:

[CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]

     1.     o  Check if Transferee shall take delivery of a beneficial interest in the
144A Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note Pursuant to Rule 144A. The Transfer is being
effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144A under the United States Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies
that the beneficial interest or Definitive Note is being transferred to a Person that the
Transferor reasonably believed and believes is purchasing the beneficial interest or Definitive
Note for its own account, or for one or more accounts with respect to which such Person exercises
sole investment discretion, and such Person and each such account is a “qualified institutional
buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A and
such Transfer is in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the
United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall be subject to the
restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the 144A Global Note
and/or the Definitive Note and in the Officer’s Certificate and the Securities Act.

B-1

 

     2.     o  Check if Transferee shall take delivery of a beneficial interest in the
Regulation S Global Note or a Restricted Definitive Note pursuant to Regulation S. The
Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the
Securities Act and, accordingly, the Transferor hereby further certifies that (i) the Transfer is
not being made to a person in the United States and (x) at the time the buy order was originated,
the Transferee was outside the United States or such Transferor and any Person acting on its behalf
reasonably believed and believes that the Transferee was outside the United States or (y) the
transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities
market and neither such Transferor nor any Person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction
was prearranged with a buyer in the United States, (ii) no directed selling efforts have been made
in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S under the
Securities Act and (iii) the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and (iv) if the proposed transfer is being made prior to the
expiration of the Restricted Period, the transfer is not being made to a U.S. Person or for the
account or benefit of a U.S. Person (other than an Initial Purchaser). Upon consummation of the
proposed transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate, the
transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall be subject to the restrictions on Transfer
enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Regulation S Global Note and/or the
Definitive Note and in the Officer’s Certificate and the Securities Act.

     1.     o  Check and complete if Transferee shall take delivery of a Definitive Note
pursuant to any provision of the Securities Act other than Rule 144A or Regulation S. The
Transfer is being effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial
interests in Restricted Global Notes and Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in
accordance with the Securities Act and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the
United States, and accordingly the Transferor hereby further certifies that (check one):

             (a)  o  such Transfer is being effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144
under the Securities Act;

or

             (b)  o  such Transfer is being effected to the Company or a subsidiary thereof;

or

             (c)  o  such Transfer is being effected pursuant to an effective registration
statement under the Securities Act and in compliance with the prospectus delivery requirements of
the Securities Act; or

             (d)  o  such Transfer is being effected to an accredited investor within the meaning
of Rule (501)(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act (“Institutional Accredited Investor”)
or pursuant to another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act other
than Rule 144A, Rule 144 or Rule 904, and the Transferor hereby certifies that the

B-2

 

Transfer complies with the transfer restrictions applicable to beneficial interests in a
Restricted Global Note or Restricted Definitive Notes and the requirements of the exemption
claimed, which certification is supported by (1) if the Transfer is to an Institutional Accredited
Investor, a certificate executed by the Transferee in the form of Exhibit D to the Officer’s
Certificate and (2) an Opinion of Counsel provided by the Transferor or the Transferee (a copy of
which the Transferor has attached to this certificate) to the effect that such Transfer is in
compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed transfer in accordance with
the terms of the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate, the transferred beneficial interest or
Definitive Note shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private
Placement Legend printed on the Global Note and/or the Definitive Notes and in the Officer’s
Certificate and the Securities Act.

     4. o Check if Transferee shall take delivery of a beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note or of an Unrestricted Definitive Note.

        (a) o Check if Transfer is pursuant to Rule 144. (i) The Transfer is being
effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act and in compliance
with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and any applicable blue sky securities
laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the
Indenture, the Officer’s Certificate and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to
maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate, the transferred
beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall no longer be subject to the restrictions on transfer
enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted
Definitive Notes and in the Officer’s Certificate.

        (b) o Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Regulation S. (i) The transfer is being
effected pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 903 or Rule 904 under the Securities Act and in
compliance with the transfer restrictions contained in the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate
and any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United States and (ii) the
restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate and the Private
Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon
consummation of the proposed Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the
Officer’s Certificate, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall no longer be
subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the
Restricted Global Notes, on Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Officer’s Certificate.

        (c) o Check if Transfer is Pursuant to Other Exemption. (i) The Transfer is being
effected pursuant to and in compliance with an exemption from the registration requirements of the
Securities Act other than Rule 144, Rule 903 or Rule 904 and in compliance with the transfer
restrictions contained in the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate and any applicable blue sky
securities laws of any State of the United States and (ii) the restrictions on transfer contained
in the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate and the Private Placement Legend are not required in
order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act. Upon consummation of the proposed Transfer
in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the

B-3

 

Officer’s Certificate, the transferred beneficial interest or Definitive Note shall not be
subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend printed on the
Restricted Global Notes or Restricted Definitive Notes and in the Officer’s Certificate.

     This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit
of the Company.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	[Insert Name of Transferor]
	 
	 	 	 	 
	By:
	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 
	

	 	Name:	 	 
	

	 	Title:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Dated:
	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 

B-4

 

ANNEX A TO CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:

[CHECK ONE OF (a) OR (b)]

	 	(a)  	o a beneficial interest in the:

	 	(ii)  	o 144A Global Note (CUSIP ___), or
	 
	 	(ii)  	o Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP ___); or

	 	(b)  	o  a Restricted Definitive Note.

2. After the Transfer the Transferee shall hold:

[CHECK ONE]

	 	(a)  	o a beneficial interest in the:

	 	(i)  	o 144A Global Note (CUSIP ___), or
	 
	 	(ii)  	o Regulation S Global Note (CUSIP ___), or
	 
	 	(iii)  	o Unrestricted Global Note (CUSIP ___); or

	 	(b)  	o a Restricted Definitive Note.
	 
	 	(c)  	o an Unrestricted Definitive Note,

in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate.

B-5

 

Exhibit C

Form of Certificate of Exchange

Nevada Power Company

P.O. Box 230

6226 W. Sahara Avenue

Attention: Treasurer

Las Vegas, Nevada 89146

 

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8W

New York, New York 10286

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

     Re:
Nevada Power Company 5 7/8 % % General
and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series L, due 2015

(CUSIP ____________)

     Reference is hereby made to the General and Refunding Mortgage Indenture, dated as of May 1,
2001, as amended or supplemented (the “Indenture”), between Nevada Power Company, as issuer (the
“Company”) and The Bank of New York, as trustee, and the Officer’s Certificate dated November 16,
2004 governing the Note[s] (the “Officer’s Certificate”). Capitalized terms used but not defined
herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate.

     ___(the “Owner”) owns and proposes to exchange the Note[s] or interest in
such Note[s] specified herein, in the principal amount of $___in such Note[s] or
interests (the “Exchange”). In connection with the Exchange, the Owner hereby certifies that:

     1. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in a Restricted Global Note
for Unrestricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note

          (a)
o Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note
to beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the
Owner’s beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note for a beneficial interest in an
Unrestricted Global Note in an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the
beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such
Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Global
Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the “Securities Act”), (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture, the
Officer’s Certificate and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain
compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the beneficial interest in an Unrestricted Global Note

C-1

 

is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of
the United States.

          (b) o Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note
to Unrestricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial
interest in a Restricted Global Note for an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby
certifies (i) the Definitive Note is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer,
(ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the
Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the
restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture, the Officer’s Certificate and the Private
Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv)
the Definitive Note is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of
any state of the United States.

          (c) o Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial
interest in an Unrestricted Global Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a
Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficiary interest in an Unrestricted Global Note, the Owner
hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being acquired for the Owner’s own account without
transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected in compliance with the transfer restrictions
applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant to and in accordance with the Securities
Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the Indenture, the Officer’s Certificate and
the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities
Act and (iv) the beneficial interest is being acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky
securities laws of any state of the United States.

          (d) o Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to Unrestricted
Definitive Note. In connection with the Owner’s Exchange of a Restricted Definitive Note for
an Unrestricted Definitive Note, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is
being acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer, (ii) such Exchange has been effected
in compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to Restricted Definitive Notes and pursuant
to and in accordance with the Securities Act, (iii) the restrictions on transfer contained in the
Indenture, the Officer’s Certificate and the Private Placement Legend are not required in order to
maintain compliance with the Securities Act and (iv) the Unrestricted Definitive Note is being
acquired in compliance with any applicable blue sky securities laws of any state of the United
States.

     2. Exchange of Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes
for Restricted Definitive Notes or Beneficial Interests in Restricted Global Notes

          (a) o Check if Exchange is from beneficial interest in a Restricted Global Note
to Restricted Definitive Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s beneficial
interest in a Restricted Global Note for a Restricted Definitive Note with an equal principal
amount, the Owner hereby certifies that the Restricted Definitive Note is being acquired for the
Owner’s own account without transfer. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in

C-2

 

accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate, the Restricted
Definitive Note issued shall continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in
the Private Placement Legend printed on the Restricted Definitive Note and in the Officer’s
Certificate and the Securities Act.

          (b) o Check if Exchange is from Restricted Definitive Note to beneficial
interest in a Restricted Global Note. In connection with the Exchange of the Owner’s
Restricted Definitive Note for a beneficial interest in the

[CHECK ONE]

			
	o 144A Global Note
	 	o Regulation S Global Note

with an equal principal amount, the Owner hereby certifies (i) the beneficial interest is being
acquired for the Owner’s own account without transfer and (ii) such Exchange has been effected in
compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the Restricted Global Notes and pursuant to
and in accordance with the Securities Act, and in compliance with any applicable blue sky
securities laws of any state of the United States. Upon consummation of the proposed Exchange in
accordance with the terms of the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate, the beneficial interest
issued shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer enumerated in the Private Placement Legend
printed on the relevant Restricted Global Note and in the Officer’s Certificate and the Securities
Act.

     This certificate and the statements contained herein are made for your benefit and the benefit
of the Company.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	[Insert Name of Owner]	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 	 	Name:	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 	 	Title:	 	 
	Dated:                                         
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

C-3

 

Exhibit D

Form of Certificate of Acquiring Institutional Accredited Investor

Nevada Power Company

P.O. Box 230

6226 W. Sahara Avenue

Las Vegas, Nevada 89146

Attention: Treasurer

The Bank of New York

101 Barclay Street, Floor 8W

New York, New York 10286

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration

     Re:
Nevada Power Company 5 7/8 % % General
and Refunding Mortgage Notes, Series L, due 2015

     Reference is hereby made to the General and Refunding Mortgage Indenture, dated as of May 1,
2001, as amended or supplemented (the “Indenture”), among Nevada Power Company, as issuer (the
“Company”) and The Bank of New York, as trustee, and the Officer’s Certificate dated November 16,
2004 governing the Notes (the “Officer’s Certificate”). Capitalized terms used but not defined
herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture and the Officer’s Certificate.

     In connection with our proposed purchase of $___aggregate principal amount of:

	 	(a)  	o a beneficial interest in a Global Note, or
	 
	 	(b)  	o a Definitive Note,

     we confirm that:

	1.  	we are an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or an entity in which all of
the equity owners are accredited investors within the meaning of Rule (501)(a)(1), (2), (3) or
(7) under the Securities Act (an “institutional accredited investor”);
	 
	2.  	(i)(A) any purchase of the Notes by us shall be for our own account or for the account of one
or more other institutional accredited investors or as fiduciary for the account of one or
more trusts, each of which is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(7)
under the Securities Act and for each of which we exercise sole investment discretion or (B)
we are a “bank,” within the meaning of Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act, or a “savings
and loan association” or other institution described in Section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Securities
Act that is acquiring Notes as fiduciary for the account of one or more institutions for which
we exercise sole investment discretion;

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	3.  	in the event that we purchase any Notes, we shall acquire Notes having a minimum purchase
price of not less than $250,000 for our own account and for each separate account for which we
are acting;
	 
	4.  	we have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that we are capable
of evaluating the merits and risks of purchasing Notes;
	 
	5.  	we are not acquiring the Notes with a view to any distribution thereof in a transaction that
would violate the Securities Act or the securities laws of any State of the United States or
any other applicable jurisdictions, provided that the disposition of our property and the
property of any accounts for which we are acting as fiduciary shall remain at all times within
our control;
	 
	6.  	we have received a copy of the Offering Memorandum relating to the offering of the Notes and
acknowledge that we have had access to such financial and other information, and have been
afforded the opportunity to ask such questions of representatives of the Company and receive
answers thereto, as we deem necessary in connection with our decision to purchase the Notes;
and
	 
	7.  	(vii)(a) we are not an employee benefit plan or other arrangement that is subject to the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or Section 4975 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or an entity whose underlying assets include assets of such
a plan or arrangement (pursuant to 29 C.F.R. Section 2510.3-101 or otherwise), and we are not
purchasing (and shall not hold) the Notes on behalf of, or with the assets of, any such plan,
arrangement or entity; or (b) our purchase and holding of the Notes are completely covered by
the full exemptive relief provided by U.S. Department of Labor Prohibited Transaction Class
Exemption 96-23, 95-60, 91-38, 90-1 or 84-14.

                    We understand that the Notes were offered in a transaction not involving any public offering
in the United States within the meaning of the Securities Act and that the Notes have not been
registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws, and they were offered for resale
in transactions not requiring registration under the Securities Act. We agree on our own behalf
and on behalf of any investor account for which we are purchasing the Notes, and each subsequent
holder of the Notes by its acceptance of the Notes will agree, to offer, sell or otherwise transfer
such notes prior to (x) the date which is two years (or such shorter period of time as permitted by
Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act or any successor provision thereunder) after the later of the
date of the original issue of the Notes and the last date on which the Company or any of its
affiliates were the owner of such Notes (or any predecessor thereto) or (y) such later date, if
any, as may be required by applicable law (the “Resale Restriction Termination Date”) only: (1) to
the Company; (2) pursuant to a registration statement which has been declared effective under the
Securities Act; (3) for so long as the Notes are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, to a
person it reasonably believes is a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under
the Securities Act) that purchases for its own account or for the account of a qualified
institutional buyer to whom notice is given that the transfer is being made in reliance on Rule
144A; (4) pursuant to offers and sales that occur outside the United States within the meaning of
Regulation S under the Securities Act; or (5) pursuant to any other available exemption from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act, subject in each of

D-2

 

the foregoing cases to any requirements of law that the disposition of its property or the
property of such investor account or accounts be at all times within its or their control and in
compliance with any applicable state securities laws. Subject to the procedures set forth under
Section 1(q)(v) of the Officer’s Certificate, prior to any proposed transfer of the Notes
(otherwise than pursuant to an effective registration statement) within the period referred to in
Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act with respect to such transfer, the Holder of the Notes must
check the appropriate box set forth on the reverse of its Notes relating to the manner of such
transfer and submit the Notes to the trustee. The foregoing restrictions on resale will not apply
subsequent to the Resale Restriction Termination Date. We acknowledge that the Company, the
trustee and the transfer agent and security registrar reserve the right prior to any offer, sale or
other transfer pursuant this paragraph, prior to the end of the restrictive periods described in
clauses (x) and (y) above, to require the delivery of an opinion of counsel, certifications and/or
other information satisfactory to the Company, the trustee and the security registrar. We further
understand that any Notes we receive shall be in the form of definitive physical certificates and
that such certificates shall bear a legend reflecting the substance of this paragraph.

                    THIS LETTER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
NEW YORK.

                    We acknowledge that you and the Company shall rely upon the truth and accuracy of our
acknowledgments, confirmations and agreements in this letter. Further, we acknowledge and agree
that you and the Company are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any
interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or, official inquiry with respect to
the matters covered hereby.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	[Insert Name of Accredited Investor]	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 	 	Name:	 	 
	

	 	 	 	 	 	Title:	 	 
	Dated:                                         
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

D-3

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