Document:

Exhibit

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement
Spark Energy, Inc.

This Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) dated May 27, 2016 and effective June 1, 2016 is between Robert Lane (“Employee”) and Spark Energy, Inc. (the “Company”).  Capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined are defined in Exhibit B to this Agreement.
1.Employment.  The Company will employ Employee in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and Exhibit A to this Agreement. During the Term (as defined in Exhibit A to this Agreement), Employee will devote his full business time, attention and best efforts to the business of the Company, as may be requested by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).  Employee acknowledges and agrees that he owes the Company fiduciary duties, including duties of loyalty and disclosure, and that the obligations described in this Agreement are in addition to, and not in lieu of, the obligations owed to the Company and its subsidiaries under common law. 
2.
    Termination of Employment.
(a)
    Right to Terminate for Convenience.  Either the Company or Employee shall have the right to terminate the employment under this Agreement for convenience at any time and for any reason, or no reason at all, upon written notice to the other party. Such termination shall be effective immediately unless otherwise agreed between the parties.
(b)
    Company’s Right to Terminate Employee’s Employment for Cause.  The Company shall have the right to terminate Employee’s employment at any time for Cause.  
(c)
    Employee’s Right to Terminate for Good Reason.  Employee shall have the right to terminate Employee’s employment with the Company at any time for Good Reason.  Any assertion by Employee of a termination for Good Reason shall not be effective unless all of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) the condition giving rise to Employee’s termination of employment must have arisen without Employee’s written consent; (ii) Employee must provide written notice to the Board of the existence of such condition(s) within 30 days of the initial existence of such condition(s); (iii) the condition(s) specified in such notice must remain uncorrected for 30 days following the Board’s receipt of such written notice; and (iv) the date of Employee’s termination of employment must occur within 75 days after the initial existence of the condition(s) specified in such notice. 
(d)
    Death or Disability.  Upon the death or Disability of Employee, Employee’s employment with Company shall terminate with no further obligation under this Agreement of either party hereunder. 
(e)
    Effect of Termination.
(i)
    If Employee’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause pursuant to Section 2(a) above, is terminated as a result of a non-renewal of the Term of this Agreement 

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by the Company pursuant to Exhibit A, or is terminated by Employee for Good Reason pursuant to Section 2(c) above, and Employee: (A) executes within 50 days following the date on which Employee’s employment terminates, and does not revoke within the time provided by the Company to do so, a release of all claims in a form reasonably acceptable to the Company (the “Release”); and (B) abides by Employee’s continuing obligations under Sections 3 and 4 of this Agreement, then the Company shall pay to Employee any bonus earned for the calendar year prior to the year in which the termination occurs but which is unpaid as of the date of termination (which shall be paid to Employee on the same date as such bonus would have been paid had Employee remained in employment) (the “Post-Termination Bonus Payment”) and make severance payments to Employee in a total amount equal to: (X) 12 months’ worth of Employee’s Base Salary; plus (Y) an additional amount equal to the target annual bonus for the Employee for the year in which Employee is terminated prorated up to the date of termination for the number of days worked during such calendar year and calculated based on relative achievement of key performance targets as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board in its reasonable discretion (such total severance payments being referred to as the “Severance Payment”).  For the avoidance of doubt, a non-renewal of the Term of this Agreement by Employee, a termination by reason of Employee’s death or Disability, a termination by the Company for Cause or a termination of employment by Employee without Good Reason under Section 2(a) above shall not give rise to a right to the Severance Payment or Post-Termination Bonus Payment. 
(ii)
    The Severance Payment will be paid in substantially equal monthly installments in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices, beginning on Company’s first pay date that is on or after the 60th day following the date of termination of employment; provided, however, that the first installment payment shall include all amounts that would otherwise have been paid to Employee during the period beginning at termination and ending on the first payment date (without interest) if no delay had been imposed. Any Severance Payment is conditional upon Employee’s compliance with Sections 3 and 4.  Each payment of a portion of the Severance Payment under this Agreement is intended to be a series of separate payments and not as the entitlement to a single payment for purposes of Section 409A.  For purposes of this Agreement, references to Employee’s termination of employment shall mean, and be interpreted in accordance with, Employee’s “separation from service” from the Company within the meaning of Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(h)(1)(ii).
(iii)
    Upon a termination of employment by Employee for Good Reason, by the Company for convenience or non-renewal by the Company, then all outstanding unvested long term incentive awards granted to the Employee during his employment with the Company under the Long Term Incentive Plan shall become fully vested and exercisable for the remainder of their full term in accordance with, and subject to, any applicable agreements and plan documents as may be amended from time to time.
(iv)
     Upon a Change of Control, the Employee shall retain all outstanding long term incentive awards previously granted to Employee under the Long Term Incentive Plan subject to existing vesting schedules, provided that all such awards shall be modified by the Compensation Committee in its discretion to reflect the consideration, whether in shares of 

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stock, other securities, cash or property that the Employee would be entitled to receive had he vested into such awards immediately prior to the Change of Control. For the avoidance of doubt, all such modified awards shall remain subject to the vesting requirements in effect for such awards prior to the Change of Control and shall remain subject to all applicable agreements and plan documents as may be amended from time to time.
3.
    Confidentiality.  The Company will provide Employee and give Employee access to Confidential Information during the Term. Employee will hold all Confidential Information in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of the Company.  During the Term and at all times after termination of Employee’s employment hereunder, Employee will: (a) not disclose any Confidential Information to any person or entity other than in the proper performance of his duties during the Term; (b) not use any Confidential Information except for the benefit of the Company; and (c) take all such precautions as may be reasonably necessary to prevent the disclosure to any third party of any of the Confidential Information.    
Upon termination of employment, Employee will surrender and deliver to the Company all documents (including electronically stored information) and other materials of any nature containing or pertaining to all Confidential Information and any other Company property or property of its subsidiaries (including, without limitation, any Company-issued computer, mobile device, credit card, or other equipment or property), in Employee’s possession, custody and control and Employee will not retain any such document or other materials or property.  
4.
    Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.
(a)
    The Company shall provide Employee access to the Confidential Information for use only during the Term, and Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Company will be entrusting Employee, in Employee’s unique and special capacity, with developing the goodwill of the Company and its subsidiaries, and in consideration thereof and in consideration of the access to Confidential Information and as a condition to the Company’s entry into this Agreement and employment of Employee, and Employee’s receipt of equity-based compensation pursuant to the Long-Term Incentive Plan as described in Exhibit A, Employee has voluntarily agreed to the covenants set forth in this Section 4.  Employee further agrees and acknowledges that the limitations and restrictions set forth herein, including geographical and temporal restrictions on certain competitive activities, are reasonable in all respects and are material and substantial parts of this Agreement intended and necessary to prevent unfair competition and to protect the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ legitimate business interests, including the protection of its Confidential Information and goodwill.
(b)
    Employee agrees that, during the period that he is employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries and continuing through the date that is 12 months following the date that Employee is no longer employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, Employee shall not, without the prior written approval of the Company, directly or indirectly, for himself or on behalf of or in conjunction with any other person or entity of whatever nature engage in any Prohibited Activity.
(c)
    During the Term and at all times following the termination of Employee’s employment for whatever reason, Employee shall not (except to the extent required by law) disparage, and shall cause the Employee’s 

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affiliates not to disparage, either orally or in writing, the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, or any of their directors, officers, managers, agents, representatives, stockholders, investors, partners, members, or employees, or any of their respective businesses, products, services or practices. During the Term and at all times following the termination of Employee’s employment for whatever reason, the Company shall not (except to the extent required by law) disparage, and shall cause the Company’s subsidiaries not to disparage, either orally or in writing, the Employee.
(d)
    Because of the difficulty of measuring economic losses to the Company as a result of a breach of the foregoing covenants, and because of the immediate and irreparable damage that would be caused to the Company for which it would have no other adequate remedy, Employee agrees that the Company and its subsidiaries shall be entitled to enforce the foregoing covenants, in the event of a breach, by injunctions and restraining orders and that such enforcement shall not be the Company’s or such subsidiary’s exclusive remedy for a breach but instead shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies available to the Company or its subsidiaries at law and equity.
(e)
    The covenants in this Section 4, and each provision and portion thereof, are severable and separate, and the unenforceability of any specific covenant shall not affect the provisions of any other covenant.  Moreover, in the event any arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that the scope, time or territorial restrictions set forth are unreasonable, then it is the intention of the parties that such restrictions be enforced to the fullest extent which the arbitrator or court deems reasonable, and this Agreement shall thereby be reformed.
5.
    Stock Ownership Policy.  On and after April 1, 2020, Employee is expected to hold a number of shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (“Stock”) with an aggregate value equal to two times Employee’s Base Salary (such value to be determined based on the closing price of a share of Stock as of December 31 of the prior year (the “Stock Ownership Requirement”).   The Stock Ownership Requirement shall be measured on April 1 of each year beginning in 2020. Until the applicable Stock Ownership Requirement is achieved, Employee is encouraged to retain the net shares obtained through the Company’s stock incentive plans.   “Net shares” are those shares that remain after shares are sold or netted to pay the exercise price of stock options (if applicable) and withholding taxes.  To the extent Employee falls below the Stock Ownership Requirement after April 1, 2020, Employee will be required to retain 100% of the net shares obtained through the Company’s stock incentive plans until the Stock Ownership Requirement is met.  In the event of a drop in the share price of the Stock from the beginning of each fiscal year through the end of such year commencing with fiscal year 2019 and for each fiscal year thereafter of more than twenty-five percent (25%), Employee will be entitled to an additional twelve month period commencing on April 1 of the next year to comply with the Stock Ownership Requirement.  Failure to satisfy the Stock Ownership Requirement may impact Employee’s eligibility to receive future cash and equity incentive compensation awards.  All shares of Stock held by Employee (including (i) shares purchased on the open market or (ii) shares held indirectly by Employee (a) under any retirement or deferred compensation plan or (b) held by a spouse or other immediate family member residing in the same household or (c) in a trust for the benefit of  Employee or his family (whether held individually or jointly)) and all shares of Stock underlying awards granted under the Company’s long term incentive plan and which can be settled in Stock (whether vested or unvested, exercised or unexercised, or settled or unsettled) will count towards the Stock Ownership Requirement.  Performance awards held by Employee will count towards the Stock Ownership Requirement at the target level of such awards until settled.

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6.
    Applicable Law; Submission to Jurisdiction.  This Agreement shall in all respects be construed according to the laws of the State of Texas without regard to its conflict of laws principles that would result in the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.  With respect to any claim or dispute related to or arising under this Agreement or relating to Employee’s employment or the termination thereof, the parties hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction, forum and venue of the state and federal courts located in Houston, Texas.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and its subsidiaries shall be entitled to enforce their rights under Section 4 in any court of competent jurisdiction.
7.
    Entire Agreement and Amendment.  This Agreement, the Long Term Incentive Plan and the award agreement evidencing any equity compensation awards granted under the Long Term Incentive Plan contains the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the matters covered herein; moreover, this Agreement supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings, oral or written, between the parties hereto concerning the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by both parties hereto. 
8.
    Waiver of Breach.  Any waiver of this Agreement must be executed by the party to be bound by such waiver.  No waiver by either party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by the other party, or of compliance with any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party, will operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by such other party or any similar or dissimilar provision or condition at the same or any subsequent time.  The failure of either party hereto to take any action by reason of any breach will not deprive such party of the right to take action at any time while such breach continues.
9.
    Assignment.  This Agreement is personal to Employee, and neither this Agreement nor any rights or obligations hereunder shall be assignable or otherwise transferred by Employee.  The Company may assign this Agreement without Employee’s consent, including to any subsidiary of the Company and to any successor (whether by merger, purchase or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the equity, assets or businesses of the Company.
10.
    Notices.  Notices provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly received when delivered in person or on the third business day following deposit in the United States mail, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested:  to the address of the Company’s principal offices, Attention: General Counsel, if to the Company; and to the home address of the Employee on file with the Company if to the Employee.
11.
    Section 409A.  If any provision of this Agreement does not satisfy the requirements of Section 409A, then such provision shall nevertheless be applied in a manner consistent with those requirements.  Any payments under this Agreement that may be excluded from Section 409A either as separation pay due to an involuntary separation from service or as a short-term deferral shall be excluded from Section 409A to the maximum extent possible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement are exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by the Employee on account of non-compliance with Section 409A.  If any 

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payment or benefit provided to the Employee in connection with his termination of employment is determined to constitute "nonqualified deferred compensation" within the meaning of Section 409A and the Employee is determined to be a "specified employee" as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(b)(i), then all such payments or benefits shall not be paid until the first payroll date to occur following the six-month anniversary of the Termination Date  in a lump sum, and thereafter, any remaining payments shall be paid without delay in accordance with their original schedule.
12.
    Effect of Termination.  The provisions of Sections 2(e), 3, 4, 6 and 11 and those provisions necessary to interpret and enforce them, shall survive any termination of this Agreement and any termination of the employment relationship between Employee and the Company.
13.
    Third-Party Beneficiaries.  Each subsidiary of the Company that is not a signatory to this Agreement is an intended, third-party beneficiary of Employee’s obligations under Sections 3 and 4 above and shall be entitled to enforce such obligations as if a party hereto. 
14.
    Severability.  If an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable, then the invalidity or unenforceability of that provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement and all other provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

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/s/ ROBERT LANE    
Employee Name: Robert Lane 

SPARK ENERGY, INC.

By:/s/ GIL MELMAN
Name:Gil Melman
    
Title: Vice President and General Counsel        

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EXHIBIT A TO AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
OF ROBERT LANE 

Title:  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Duties: Those normally incidental to the title identified above, as well as such additional duties as may be assigned to Employee by the Board from time to time.

Term:  The initial term of this Agreement shall be for the period beginning on June 1, 2016 and ending on December 31, 2016.  On January 1, 2017 and on each subsequent anniversary thereafter, this Agreement shall automatically renew and extend for a period of 12 months unless written notice of non-renewal is delivered from either party to the other not less than 30 days prior to the expiration of the then-existing Term.  The Term shall include the initial term and any renewal periods.  The Term shall end effective as of the date of termination of Employee’s employment for any reason.
Base Salary:  Annual base salary of $270,000.00 (less applicable taxes and withholdings) (the “Base Salary”) payable in conformity with the Company’s customary payroll practices for similarly situated employees as may exist from time to time, but no less frequently than monthly.

Bonus:  Employee shall be eligible to participate in such annual bonus plan as may be established by the Company in its discretion from time to time and in which other similarly situated Company employees are eligible to participate, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan in effect from time to time. Bonus payable for the 2016 fiscal year shall be prorated based on start date. The Company shall not, however, be obligated to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending, or discontinuing, any bonus plan, so long as such changes are similarly applicable to similarly situated Company employees generally.  Except to the extent specifically provided for in Section 2(e)(i), any bonus shall not be payable unless Employee remains continuously employed within the Company to the date on which such bonus is paid.
Equity Based Compensation:  Employee will be eligible to receive equity based compensation awards pursuant to, and subject to the terms of, an equity compensation plan adopted by the Company, as such plan may be amended by the Company from time to time (the “Long Term Incentive Plan”).  Such awards will be in an amount determined by the Company and subject to the terms and conditions established by the Board or a committee thereof.  

Benefits:  Employee shall be eligible to participate in the same benefit plans and programs in which other similarly situated Company employees are eligible to participate, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and programs in effect from time to time.  The Company shall not be obligated to institute, maintain, or refrain from changing, amending, or discontinuing, any such plan or policy, so long as such changes are similarly applicable to similarly situated Company employees.
Indemnity and D&O Insurance:  The Company will indemnify and hold Employee harmless for all acts and omissions occurring during his employment to the maximum extent provided under the Company’s certificate of incorporation, by-laws and applicable law (as each may be amended from time to time). During the Term, the Company will purchase and maintain, at its own expense, directors’ and officers’ liability insurance providing coverage for Employee in the same amount as for similarly situated executives of the Company.  

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EXHIBIT B
TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT OF ROBERT LANE 
DEFINITIONS

“Business” means the products or services offered, marketed, or sold, or with respect to which there are active plans to offer, market or sell, by the Company or its subsidiaries during the period in which Employee is employed by the Company or any of its subsidiaries and for which Employee has material responsibility or about which Employee obtains Confidential Information, which such products and services include, without limitation, the business of supplying electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses.
“Business Opportunity” means any commercial, investment or other business opportunity relating to the Business.
“Cause” means:
(i)
    Employee’s material breach of this Agreement, or any other material obligation owed to the Company or any of its subsidiaries; provided that, if the Company determines that any such breach is capable of cure by Employee, written notice of such breach must be delivered to Employee and Employee must be given a period of 15 days following delivery of such notice to cure the breach;
(ii)
    the commission of an act of gross negligence, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, theft or embezzlement on the part of Employee, which such act has an adverse effect on the Company or any of its subsidiaries or can reasonably be expected to have an adverse effect on the Company or any of its subsidiaries;
(iii)
    the conviction or indictment of Employee, or a plea of nolo contendere by Employee, to any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; 
(iv)
    Employee’s willful failure or refusal to perform Employee’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement or willful failure or refusal to follow the lawful instructions of the Board; provided that, if the Company determines that any such failure is capable of cure by Employee, written notice of such failure must delivered to Employee and Employee must be given a period of 15 days following delivery of such notice to cure the failure; or
(v)
    any conduct by Employee which is materially injurious (monetarily or otherwise) to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
“Change of Control” has the meaning given to it in the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan.
“Confidential Information” means: all non-public information, designs, ideas, concepts, improvements, product developments, discoveries and inventions, whether patentable or not, that are conceived, made, 

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developed or acquired by or disclosed to Employee, individually or in conjunction with others, during or prior to the Term that relate to the Company’s or its subsidiaries businesses or properties, products or services (including all such information relating to hedging strategies and current, prospective and historic customer segmentation analysis, corporate opportunities, business plans, strategies for developing business and market share, research, financial and sales data, pricing terms, evaluations, opinions, interpretations, acquisition prospects, customer requirements, the identity of key contacts within customers’ organizations or within the organization of acquisition prospects, or marketing and merchandising techniques, prospective names and marks).  All documents, videotapes, written presentations, brochures, drawings, memoranda, notes, records, files, correspondence, manuals, models, specifications, computer programs, e-mail, voice mail, electronic databases, maps, drawings, architectural renditions, models and all other writings or materials of any type including or embodying any Confidential Information shall be deemed Confidential Information and be subject to the same restrictions on disclosure applicable to Confidential Information pursuant to this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information shall not include any information that (i) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure or wrongful act of Employee; (ii) was available to Employee on a non-confidential basis before its disclosure by the Company; or (iii) becomes available to Employee on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company, provided that such source is not bound by a confidentiality agreement with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
“Covered Vendor or Supplier” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization, or other entity who is or was: (A) a vendor or supplier of  the Company or any of its subsidiaries at any time during the last 12 months of Employee’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or (B) a prospective vendor or supplier of the Company or any of its subsidiaries about which Employee had confidential information or with which Employee had contact in Employee’s capacity as a representative of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. 
“Covered Employee or Agent” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization, or other person or entity who is or was an employee, director, officer, contractor, consultant, or vendor of the Company or any of its subsidiaries at any time during the Term and for a period of twelve months after termination of Employee’s employment.
 “Disability” shall exist if Employee is unable to perform the essential functions of Employee’s position, with reasonable accommodation, due to an illness or physical or mental impairment or other incapacity that continues, or can reasonably be expected to continue, for a period in excess of 90 days, whether or not consecutive.  The determination of whether Employee has incurred a Disability will be made in good faith by the Board.
“Good Reason” means:
(i)
    the material diminution of Employee’s Base Salary; 
(ii)
    the material diminution in Employee’s title, duties, authority or responsibilities at the Company;
(iii)
    the relocation of the Company’s corporate offices at which Employee is required 

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to perform services by more than fifty (50) miles from its location as of the date of this Agreement; or
(iv)
    a material breach by the Company of any other material obligation under this Agreement or any other written agreement between Employee and the Company.
“Market Area” means that geographic area in the United States of America in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries (A) engages in business, (B) sells or markets to, or obtains products or services from, Covered Customers or Suppliers, (C) has Covered Employees or Agents located, or (D) contemplates doing any of the foregoing, which such area includes Texas, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Maine and New Hampshire.

“Prohibited Activity” means:
(a)
    to engage in or participate within the Market Area in competition with the Company or any of its subsidiaries in any aspect of the Business, including directly or indirectly owning, managing, operating, joining, becoming an employee or consultant of, or loaning money to or selling or leasing equipment or real estate to or otherwise being affiliated with any person or entity engaged in, or planning to engage in, the Business in competition, or anticipated competition, in the Market Area, with the Company or any of its subsidiaries;
(b)
    to appropriate any Business Opportunity of, or relating to, the Company or any of its subsidiaries located in the Market Area;
(c)
    to solicit, canvass, approach, entice or induce any Covered Customer or Supplier to cease, fail to establish, or lessen such Covered Customer or Supplier’s business with the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or
(d)
    to solicit, canvass, approach, entice or induce any Covered Employee or Agent to alter, lessen or terminate his, her or its employment, engagement or relationship with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.

11Exhibit

SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

THIS SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into effective as of June 2, 2016, by and between Spark Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and Georganne Hodges, the undersigned individual (“Executive”) (together, the “Parties” and individually, a “Party”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Executive is employed by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement between the Company and Executive, dated April 15, 2015 (the “Employment Agreement”); and
 
WHEREAS, the Parties mutually desire to arrange for Executive’s termination and separation from employment and to provide or cause to be provided those certain payments and benefits from the Company or its subsidiaries, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein and mutually desire to resolve, fully and finally, all outstanding matters between them; and 
 
WHEREAS, Executive acknowledges that certain of the Company’s obligations under this Agreement are conditioned upon Executive’s timely execution, without revocation, of a waiver and release of claims against the Company, its subsidiaries and its affiliates; and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive acknowledge that the Executive is a participant in the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, Effective Date July 28, 2014 (the “Long-Term Incentive Plan”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive agree that this Agreement shall control all payments and obligations otherwise due under the Long-Term Incentive Plan and shall supersede any interests the Executive may have under the Long-Term Incentive Plan; and

WHEREAS, in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein, the Company is willing to enter into this Agreement upon the terms and conditions herein set forth.

NOW, THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound and in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the Company and Executive agree to the following terms and conditions:

AGREEMENT
        
1.Separation of Employment. Effective as of July 15, 2016 (the “Separation Date”), Executive’s employment with the Company and any subsidiaries and affiliated entities shall be terminated by the Company pursuant to Section 2(a) of the Employment Agreement, and Executive, effective as of June 2, 2016 (the “Effective Date”), hereby resigns from all officer (or equivalent) positions with the Company and any subsidiaries and affiliated entities and as a member of any 

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Board of Directors (the “Board”) of any subsidiary or affiliated entity of the Company, in each case effective as of the Effective Date. As of the Effective Date, Executive shall no longer be an officer of the Company or an officer or member of any Board of any subsidiary or affiliated entity of the Company. Executive agrees to take any and all further acts reasonably requested by the Company which are necessary to evidence and effect such resignations.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the Company’s election, the Company, through its Chief Executive Officer, shall have the right to cause Executive to cease any functions as an employee of the Company as of any date earlier than the Separation Date (the “Early Separation Date”).   All severance benefits and post-termination obligations will be calculated and measured from the Separation Date or Early Separation Date (as the case may be).

2.Release. Certain terms of this Agreement are contingent on Executive’s timely execution of a full and complete release of claims against the Company, its affiliates, officers and directors (“Release”) attached as Exhibit A hereto, which executed Release must be delivered to the Company on or before the fiftieth (50th) day after the Separation Date or Early Separation Date, as applicable (provided such Release is not thereafter revoked, a “Final Release”). In the absence of a timely executed Release, or in the case Executive revokes such Release prior to the date the Release becomes irrevocable pursuant to its terms, this Agreement shall have no further force or effect; provided, however, that any failure to timely execute the Release or revocation of the Release shall have no impact on the resignations referred to in Section 1.

3.Payments. Executive shall be entitled to receive the payments and benefits provided below:

(a)Accrued Obligations. Executive shall be entitled to receive all accrued but unpaid salary through the Separation Date or Early Separation Date, as applicable, which shall be paid to the Executive in accordance with the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ normal payroll practices, but not later than thirty (30) days after the Separation Date or Early Separation Date, as applicable.  Executive shall also be entitled to receive all accrued but unused vacation through the Separation Date or Early Separation Date, as applicable, which shall be paid in one lump sum to the Executive in accordance with the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ normal payroll practices, but not later than thirty (30) days after the Separation Date or Early Separation Date, as applicable.

(b)Benefits Under Section 2(e) of Employment Agreement.  Subject to Executive’s compliance with Section 3 (Confidentiality) and Section 4 (Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation) of the Employment Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive all of the payment and benefits as set forth in Section 2(e) of Employment Agreement, including, without limitation, the Severance Payment (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and the vesting of all outstanding unvested long term incentive awards granted to the Executive during her employment with the Company under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan, as provided for in Section 2(e)(iii) of the Employment Agreement.  For the avoidance of doubt, the portion of the Severance Payment attributable to 2016 bonus shall be in the amount of $108,740, subject to pro rata reduction upon the occurrence of an Early Separation Date. Any Severance Payments payable to Executive shall be paid in accordance with Section 2(e) of the Employment Agreement.

4.Restrictive Covenants and Acknowledgments.

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(a)Covenants. The Executive previously agreed to the restrictive covenants contained in the Employment Agreement (collectively hereinafter referred to as the “Covenants”). 

(b)Forfeiture of Benefits. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that the compensation and benefits provided for in Section 3 hereof are subject to the Executive’s continued compliance with the Covenants, and such compensation and benefits shall cease in the event of a final determination by a Court of competent jurisdiction, of a breach by the Executive of any provision of the Covenants, and such cessation of payments and benefits shall not reduce any monetary damages that may be available to the Company or its subsidiaries, as a result of such breach; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Agreement or the Release shall effect, reduce, or diminish the Executive’s rights under COBRA.

(c)Retirement Savings Plan. Executive acknowledges that she is not eligible to participate in the Company’s or any subsidiaries’ or affiliated entities’ Retirement Savings Plan following her termination of employment on the Separation Date or Early Separation Date, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 4(d) or elsewhere in this Agreement shall divest or constitute a release or forfeiture of any accrued vested benefit or account in the Company’s, an affiliate’s or subsidiary’s Retirement Savings Plan or other qualified Executive benefit plan, as any interest Executive may have therein shall be governed by the appropriate plan and/or trust agreement. All employee contributions and employer matching contributions under the Company’s Retirement Savings Plan prior to and as of the Separation Date or Early Separation Date, as applicable, shall be fully vested on and as of the Separation Date or Early Separation Date, as applicable.

(d)Enforcement/Remedies.

(i)Executive acknowledges and agrees: (1) that her services to the Company or its subsidiaries and affiliates are unique, (2) that the restrictions in the Covenants are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates and will not preclude her from becoming gainfully employed following her termination of employment, (3) that any violation of any provision of the Covenants will irreparably injure the Company and its subsidiaries, (4) that in the event of such violation the Company shall be entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief without proof of actual damages and to an equitable accounting of all earnings, profits and other benefits arising from such violation, which rights shall be cumulative and in addition to any other rights or remedies to which the Company or its subsidiaries may be entitled.

(ii)In the event any provision relating to the time period or scope of the confidentiality, non-disparagement or non-solicitation restrictions shall be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to exceed the maximum time period or scope such court deems reasonable and enforceable, such time period or scope shall be deemed amended and reformed to the minimum degree necessary to be enforceable.

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(iii)Executive agrees that, if she is found upon final determination by a Court of competent jurisdiction to have breached any provision in the Covenants, then she shall be obligated to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred by the Company or its subsidiaries to enforce its rights in connection with such breach.

(iv)Company agrees that, if it is found upon final determination by a Court of competent jurisdiction to have breached any provision in this Agreement, then it shall be obligated to pay the reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses incurred by the Executive to enforce his rights in connection with such breach.

5.Cooperation. Executive acknowledges that in the course of her employment with the Company or its subsidiaries, Executive has gained knowledge and experience and/or was a witness to events and circumstances that may arise in or relate to the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ defense or prosecution of current or subsequent proceedings. Following the Separation Date or Early Separation Date, as applicable, Executive agrees to cooperate fully with the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ reasonable request as a witness and/or consultant in defending or prosecuting claims of all kinds, including but not limited to, any litigation, administrative actions or arbitrations. Such assistance following the Separation Date, or Early Separation Date, as applicable, shall be furnished at mutually agreeable times and for mutually agreeable compensation, provided, however, that Executive shall not be entitled to compensation if the Company or its subsidiaries’ only request that Executive provide de minimis assistance to answer questions and transition her duties and day-to-day responsibilities not exceeding four (4) hours in any week during the period from the Separation Date or Early Separation Date, as applicable through May 31, 2017.

6.On or before the Separation Date or Early Separation Date, as applicable, Executive shall return to the Company all files, records, credit cards, keys, equipment, and all other Company property or documents maintained by Executive for the Company’s use or benefit.

7.Miscellaneous.

(a)Governing Law; Venue. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas without regard to conflict of law principles. Further, for any dispute related to this Agreement, Executive and Company irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal courts of the United States of America located in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, or the State District Courts of Texas located in Harris County, Texas. Executive and Company consent to and grant any such court jurisdiction over the person of such parties and over the subject matter of any such dispute.

(b)Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the agreement referenced in Section 4 (a) herein, but only as to the Covenants, contain the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties hereto and supersede any prior or contemporaneous written or oral agreements, representations and warranties between them respecting the subject matter hereof.

(c)Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only by a writing signed by Executive and by a duly authorized representative of the Company.

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(d)Tax Withholding. The Company or its subsidiaries may withhold from any benefits payable under this Agreement all federal, state, city or other taxes that will be required pursuant to any law or governmental regulation or ruling.

(e)Assignability. The Company or its subsidiaries shall have the right to assign this Agreement and its rights hereunder, in whole or in part, including but not limited to Executive’s obligations under Sections 4(a) through 4(c) of this Agreement; provided, however, that no such assignment shall relieve the Company or its subsidiaries of their obligations to the Executive under this Agreement. Executive shall not have any right to pledge, hypothecate, anticipate, or in any way create a lien upon any amounts provided under this Agreement, and no payments or benefits due hereunder shall be assignable in anticipation of payment either by voluntary or involuntary acts or by operation of law.

(f)Severability. If any term, provision, covenant or condition of this Agreement, or the application thereof to any person, place or circumstance, shall be held to be invalid, unenforceable or void, the remainder of this Agreement and such term, provision, covenant or condition as applied to other persons, places and circumstances shall remain in full force and effect.

(g)Construction. The headings and captions of this Agreement are provided for convenience only and are intended to have no effect in construing or interpreting this Agreement. The language in all parts of this Agreement shall be in all cases construed according to its fair meaning and not strictly for or against the Company, its subsidiaries or Executive.

(h)Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, and all of which together will constitute one document.

(i)Rights Cumulative. The rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative, and the exercise of any right or remedy by either Party hereto (or by its successor), whether pursuant to this Agreement, to any other agreement, or to law, shall not preclude or waive its right to exercise any or all other rights and remedies. 

(j)Nonwaiver. No failure or neglect of either party hereto in any instance to exercise any right, power or privilege hereunder or under law shall constitute a waiver of any other right, power or privilege or of the same right, power or privilege in any other instance. All waivers by either Party hereto must be contained in a written instrument signed by the Party to be charged and, in the case of the Company, by an officer of the Company (other than Executive) or other person duly authorized by the Company.

(k)Notices. Any notice, request, consent or approval required or permitted to be given under this Agreement or pursuant to law shall be sufficient if in writing, and if and when sent by certified or registered mail, with postage prepaid, to Executive’s residence (as noted in the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ records), or to such other address as Executive may from time to time designate in writing, or to the Company’s principal office, as the case may be.

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(l)Review of Communication. Executive shall be provided with an opportunity to review and approve any written communication made by the Company or its subsidiaries, regarding Executive’s separation from employment.

8.Section 409A. Each payment under this Agreement, including each payment in a series of installment payments, is intended to be a separate payment for purposes of Treas. Reg. §1.409A-2(b), and is intended to be: (i) exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the regulations and other binding guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”), including, but not limited to, by compliance with the short-term deferral exemption as specified in Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(b)(4) and the involuntary separation pay exception within the meaning of Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii), or (ii) in compliance with Section 409A, including, but not limited to, being paid pursuant to a fixed schedule or specified date pursuant to Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-3(a) and the provisions of this Agreement will be administered, interpreted and construed accordingly. The Company makes no representations that payments or benefits provided under the Agreement shall be exempt from or comply with Section 409A and makes no undertaking to preclude Section 409A from applying to any such payments or benefits. If this Agreement fails to meet the requirements of Section 409A, neither the Company nor any of its affiliates shall have any liability for any tax, penalty or interest imposed on Executive by Section 409A, and Executive shall have no recourse against the Company or any of its affiliates for payment of any such tax, penalty or interest imposed by Section 409A.

[Signature Page Follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below, but effective as of the Effective Date.

	
		
	 
	 

	SPARK ENERGY, INC.
	EXECUTIVE

	
		
	 
	 

	By:   /s/ GIL MELMAN      
	By:   /s/ GEORGANNE HODGES

	
		
	 
	 

	Name: Gil Melman
	Name: Georganne Hodges

	
		
	 
	 

	Title: Vice President and General Counsel
	Date: June 2, 2016

EXHIBIT A

Dated: ___________, 2016

WAIVER AND RELEASE
    
Pursuant to the terms of my Separation and Release Agreement with Spark Energy, Inc. dated __________, 2016 (the “Agreement”) and in exchange for the benefits provided in the Agreement (the “Separation Benefits”), I hereby waive all claims against and release (i) Spark Energy, Inc. and its directors, officers, employees, members, agents, insurers, predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively referred to as the “Company”), (ii) all of the affiliates (including all parent companies and all wholly or partially owned subsidiaries) of the Company and their directors, officers, employees, members, agents, insurers, predecessors, successors and assigns (collectively referred to as the “Affiliates”), (iii) the Company’s and its Affiliates’ employee benefit and incentive plans and the fiduciaries and agents of said plans (collectively referred to as the “Benefit Plans”); and (iv) the Company’s and its Affiliates’ equity incentive and equity investment plans and the fiduciaries and agents of said plans (collectively referred to as the “Equity Plans”) from any and all debts, agreements, promises, liabilities, claims, damages, actions, causes of action, or demands of any kind or nature including without limitation all claims of wrongful discharge, breach of contract, intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of alleged implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, invasion of privacy, defamation, and age or sex discrimination, or discrimination based on any other ground arising out of or relating in any way to my employment with or separation from employment with the Company, but specifically excluding from the above and foregoing release (i) any claims or rights that under law are non-waivable and (ii) benefits due pursuant to the Agreement.  In addition, the waiver and release set forth above does not limit either party’s right, where applicable, to file or participate in an investigative proceeding of any federal, state or local governmental agency. (The Company, its Affiliates, the Benefit Plans and the Equity Plans are sometimes hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Released Parties.”)  

I understand that signing this Waiver and Release is an important legal act. I acknowledge that I have been advised in writing to consult an attorney before signing this Waiver and Release. I understand that, in order to be eligible for the Separation Benefits, I must sign (and return to the Company) this Waiver and Release before I will receive the Separation Benefits. I acknowledge that I have been given at least twenty-one (21) days to consider whether to accept the Separation Benefits and whether to execute this Waiver and Release.

In exchange for the Separation Benefits, (1) I agree not to sue in any local, state and/or federal court regarding or relating in any way to my employment with or separation from employment with the Company and its Affiliates, and (2) I knowingly and voluntarily waive all claims and release the Released Parties from any and all claims, demands, actions, liabilities, and damages, whether known or unknown, arising out of or relating in any way to my employment with or separation from employment with the Company and its Affiliates, except to the extent that my rights are vested under the terms of any employee benefit plans sponsored by the Company and its Affiliates and except with respect to such rights or claims as may arise after the date this Waiver and Release is executed. This Waiver and Release includes, but is not limited to, claims and causes of action under: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, including the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990; the Civil Rights Act of 1866, as amended; the Civil Rights Act of 1991; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988; the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978; the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended; the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; the Fair Labor Standards Act; the Occupational Safety and Health Act; the Texas Labor Code §21.001 et. seq.; the Texas Labor Code; claims in connection with workers’ compensation, retaliation or “whistle blower” statutes; and/or contract, tort, defamation, slander, wrongful termination and all other federal regulatory, statutory or common law and all other state and local equal employment, fair employment, civil or human rights laws, codes and ordinances, regardless of whether such claims are in past or present, personal or representative, known or unknown, or arising out of any occurrence to date and expressly including but not limited to any liability arising out of or in connection with the employment of Executive by Company, or her termination, and claims for attorneys’ fees and costs, and any and all forms of compensation, including without limitation any incentive awards or bonuses, relating to such employment, other than as set forth in Section 3 of the Agreement,  

Further, I expressly represent that no promise or agreement which is not expressed in this Waiver and Release has been made to me in executing this Waiver and Release, and that I am relying on my own judgment in executing this Waiver and Release, and that I am not relying on any statement or representation of the Company or its Affiliates or any of their agents. I agree that this Waiver and Release is valid, fair, adequate and reasonable, is with my full knowledge and consent, was not procured through fraud, duress or mistake and has not had the effect of misleading, misinforming or failing to inform me. I acknowledge and agree that the Company will withhold minimum amount of any taxes required by federal or state law from the Separation Benefits otherwise payable to me.

This Waiver and Release does not apply to any claims for unemployment compensation or any other claims or rights which, by law, cannot be waived, including the right to file an administrative charge or participate in an administrative investigation or proceeding; provided, however, that I disclaim and waive any right to share or participate in any monetary award resulting from the prosecution of such charge or investigation or proceeding.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Waiver and Release, I do not release and expressly retain (a) all rights to indemnity, contribution, and a defense, and directors and officers and other liability coverage that I may have under any statute, the bylaws of the Company or by other agreement; (b) the right to receive the Separation Benefits; (c) the right to enforce all obligations undertaken by the Company under this Agreement; and (d) the right to any, unpaid reasonable business expenses and any accrued benefits payable under any Company welfare plan or tax-qualified plan or other Benefit Plans. 

I acknowledge that the Company’s provision of the Separation Benefits is not an admission by any one or more of the Released Parties that they engaged in any wrongful or unlawful act or that they violated any federal or state law or regulation. I acknowledge that neither the Company nor its Affiliates have promised me continued employment or represented to me that I will be rehired in the future. I acknowledge that my employer and I contemplate an unequivocal, complete and final dissolution of my employment relationship. I acknowledge that this Waiver and Release does not create any right on my part to be rehired by the Company or its Affiliates, and I hereby waive any right to future employment by the Company or its Affiliates.

I understand that for a period of seven (7) calendar days following the date that I sign this Waiver and Release, I may revoke my acceptance of this Waiver and Release, provided that my written statement of revocation is received on or before that seventh (7th) day by the Company’s Vice President, General Counsel, Gil M. Melman, 12140 Wickchester Lane, Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77079, facsimile number: (832) 320-2943, in which case the Waiver and Release will not become effective. If I timely revoke my acceptance of this Waiver and Release, the Company shall have no obligation to provide the Separation Benefits to me. I understand that failure to revoke my acceptance of the offer within seven (7) calendar days from the date I sign this Waiver and Release will result in this Waiver and Release being permanent and irrevocable.

Should any of the provisions set forth in this Waiver and Release be determined to be invalid by a court, agency or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction, it is agreed that such determination shall not affect the enforceability of other provisions of this Waiver and Release. I acknowledge that this Waiver and Release sets forth the entire understanding and agreement between me and the Company and its Affiliates concerning the subject matter of this Waiver and Release and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous oral and/or written agreements or representations, if any, between me and the Company or its Affiliates.

I acknowledge that I have read this Waiver and Release, have had an opportunity to ask questions and have it explained to me and that I understand that this Waiver and Release will have the effect of knowingly and voluntarily waiving any action I might pursue, including breach of contract, personal injury, retaliation, discrimination on the basis of race, age, sex, national origin, or disability and any other claims arising prior to the date of this Waiver and Release. By execution of this document, I do not waive or release or otherwise relinquish any legal rights I may have which are attributable to or arise out of acts, omissions, or events of the Company or its Affiliates which occur after the date of the execution of this Waiver and Release.

______________________________                       ____________________________
Georganne Hodges                        Company’s Representative

________________________                ____________________________
Signature Date                            Company’s Execution Date

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