Document:

Exhibit

Exhibit 10.44

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into by and among Avangrid Management Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avangrid, Inc., and Peter Church (the “Executive”) as of September 27, 2018.
1.     Defined Terms. The definitions of capitalized terms used in this Agreement, unless otherwise defined herein, are provided in the last Section hereof.
2.    Employment. The Company hereby agrees to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agrees to serve the Company, on the terms and conditions set forth herein, until Executive’s employment is terminated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (the “Term”).
3.    Term of Agreement. The Term will commence on the date hereof and continue until the Date of Termination (as defined below).
4.     Position and Duties. The Executive shall serve as Chief Human Resources Officer of Avangrid and such other positions as may be assigned from time to time by the Company, and shall have such responsibilities, duties and authority that are consistent with such positions as may from time to time be assigned to the Executive by the Company. The Executive shall devote substantially all his working time and efforts to the business and affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates; provided, however, that Executive may serve on the boards of directors of profit or not-for-profit organizations with the consent of the Company, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, and may attend to his personal affairs, provided in each case that such activities do not unreasonably interfere with the performance of his duties hereunder or cause a conflict of interest. Executive shall be based in the Company’s offices in Orange, Connecticut. The Executive recognizes that his duties will require, at the Company’s expense, travel to domestic and international locations.
5.     Compensation and Related Matters.
5.1. Base Salary. The Company shall pay the Executive a base salary (the “Base Salary”) during the period of the Executive’s employment hereunder, which shall be at an initial rate of Three Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars ($330,000.00) per annum. The Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices. The Base Salary shall be reviewed for possible increase on an annual basis and shall not be decreased during the Term.
5.2. Annual Bonus. During the Term, Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company’s Executive Variable Pay plan (the “EVP”). Executive’s EVP opportunity at target for each year during the Term shall be equal to 45% of his Base Salary at the beginning for such year, and the maximum opportunity shall be equal to 90% of the Base Salary.
5.3. Signing Bonus. Executive shall receive a bonus in two installments totaling $150,000.00. The first installment of $75,000.00 shall be received in the employee’s

first pay check. The second installment of $75,000.00 shall be received the first pay period after the completion of 6 months of service. In the event of voluntary termination within 2 years of the Executive’s hire date, the entire signing bonus will be required to be repaid in full within 30 days of separation.
5.4. Long-Term Incentive. Executive shall be nominated to participate in the 2016 – 2019 Avangrid Long-Term Incentive Plan and any successor thereto (the “LTIP”). Upon approval by the Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, this will be in accordance with and subject to its terms, with a proposed maximum grant of 19,000 performance share units.
5.5. Restricted Stock Units. Executive shall be nominated to receive
8,000 Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”). Upon approval by the Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) and the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement and shall be bound by the terms of the Omnibus Incentive Plan.
5.6. Benefits. Executive shall participate in the Company’s 401(k) Plan
and welfare plans, including but not limited to the Company’s medical insurance program, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements. In addition, in the event that Executive becomes eligible to receive benefits under the Company’s long term disability plan (the “LTD Plan”), the Company shall supplement such benefits such that Executive receives aggregate benefits under the LTD Plan and all other disability income sources of not less than 85% of Executive’s Base Salary at the time such disability commenced.
5.7. Expenses. Upon presentation of adequate documentation to the Company, the Executive shall receive prompt reimbursement from the Company for all reasonable and customary business expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with the Company’s policies in performing services hereunder.
6.     Compensation Related to Disability. During any period during the Term that the Executive fails to perform the Executive’s full-time duties with the Company as a result of incapacity due to physical or mental illness, the Company shall pay the Executive’s Base Salary to the Executive, together with all compensation and benefits payable to the Executive under the terms of any compensation or benefit plan, program or arrangement in which the Executive participated at the beginning of such period, until the Executive returns to work or his employment is terminated; provided, however, that such Base Salary payments shall be reduced by the sum of the amounts, if any, payable to the Executive under disability benefit plans of the Company or under the Social Security disability insurance program, to the extent such amounts were not previously applied to reduce any such Base Salary payment.
7.     Compensation Related to Termination.
7.1. Termination by the Company Without Cause or by Executive for  Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated during the Term by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, Executive shall be entitled to receive

(a) a lump sum payment payable six months and one day after the Date of Termination equal to the sum of the Base Salary and Executive’s EVP or other similar incentive award paid by the AVANGRID Group with respect to the prior calendar year; and (b) all compensation and benefits payable to the Executive through the Date of Termination under the terms of this Agreement or any compensation or benefit plan, program or arrangement maintained by the Company and in which Executive participated as of the Date of Termination.
Termination by the Company Without Cause or by Executive for Good  Reason Following a Change in Control. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive’s employment shall be terminated during the Term by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason within one year following a Change in Control and any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (including any payment or benefit received pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise) would be (in whole or part) subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), or any successor provision thereto, or any similar tax imposed by state or local law, or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such tax or taxes, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereafter collectively referred to as the “Excise Tax”), then, the amounts payable under Section 7.1 shall be reduced to the extent necessary to make such payments and benefits not subject to such Excise Tax, but only if such reduction results in a higher after-tax payment to the Executive after taking into account the Excise Tax and any additional taxes the Executive would pay if such payments and benefits were not reduced. Unless the Executive and the Company otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section shall be made in writing by a certified public accountant selected by the Company (the “Accountants”), whose determination shall be conclusive and binding upon the Executive and the Company for all purposes. For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section, the Accountants may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code. The Company and the Executive shall furnish to the Accountants such information and documents as the Accountants may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section. The Company shall bear all costs the Accountants may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section. The reduction of payments, if applicable, shall be effected in the following order (unless the Executive, to the extent permitted by Section 409A of the Code, elects another method of reduction by written notice to the Company prior to the Section 280G event): (i) any cash severance payments, (ii) any other cash amounts payable to the Executive, (iii) any benefits valued as parachute payments, and (iv) acceleration of vesting of equity awards.
7.2. Termination by Reason of Executive’s Death or Disability. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated during the Term by reason of the Executive’s death or Disability, Executive shall be entitled to receive (a) the Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time the Notice of Termination is given; and (b) all compensation and benefits payable to the Executive through the Date of Termination under the terms of this Agreement or any compensation or benefit plan, program or arrangement maintained by the Company during such period and in which Executive participated as of the Date of Termination.

7.3. Termination by Executive Without Good Reason, by the Company  for Cause, or by Reason of Executive’s Retirement. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated during the Term by Executive Without Good Reason, by the Company for Cause, or by reason of the Executive’s retirement, Executive shall be entitled to receive (a) the Executive’s Base Salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time the Notice of Termination is given; and (b) all compensation and benefits payable to the Executive through the Date of Termination under the terms of this Agreement or any compensation or benefit plan, program or arrangement maintained by the Company during such period and in which Executive participated as of the Date of Termination.
7.4. No Further Liability; Release. Other than providing the compensation and benefits provided for in accordance with this Section 7, the Company and its directors, officers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, successors, assigns, agents and representatives shall have no further obligation or liability to Executive or any other person under this Agreement. The payment of any amounts pursuant to this Section 7 (other than payments required by law) is expressly conditioned upon the delivery by Executive to the Company of a release in a form to be provided by the Company of any and all claims Executive may have against the Company and its directors, officers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, stockholders, successors, assigns, agents and representatives arising out of or related to Executive’s employment by the Company and the termination of such employment. The Company shall provide such release to Executive not more than fifteen days after the Date of Termination.
8.    Termination Procedures.
8.1. Notice of Termination. During the Term of this Agreement, any purported termination of the Executive’s employment (other than by reason of death) shall be communicated by written Notice of Termination from one party hereto to the other parties hereto in accordance with Section 11 hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a notice which shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and, if the termination is purported to be by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason, shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of the Executive’s employment.
8.2. Date of Termination. “Date of Termination,” with respect to any purported termination of the Executive’s employment during the Term of this Agreement, shall mean (i) if the Executive’s employment is terminated by his death, the date of his death, (ii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated for Disability, thirty (30) days after Notice of Termination is given (provided that the Executive shall not have returned to the full time performance of the Executive’s duties during such thirty (30) day period), and (iii) if the Executive’s employment is terminated for any other reason, the date specified in the Notice of Termination, which shall not (except in the case of a termination for Cause) be less than thirty or more than sixty days from the date such Notice of Termination is given.

9.    Exclusive Employment; Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation; Nondisclosure  of Proprietary Information; Surrender of Records; Inventions and Patents.
9.1. No Conflict; No Other Employment. During the period of Executive’s employment with the Company, Executive shall not: (i) engage in any activity which conflicts or interferes with or derogates from the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder nor shall Executive engage in any other business activity, whether or not such business activity is pursued for gain or profit, except as approved in advance in writing by the Company, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that Executive shall be entitled to manage his personal investments and otherwise attend to personal affairs, including charitable, social and political activities, in a manner that does not unreasonably interfere with his responsibilities hereunder, or (ii) accept or engage in any other employment, whether as an employee or consultant or in any other capacity, and whether or not compensated therefor.
9.2. Noncompetition; Nonsolicitation.
		
	(a)
	Executive acknowledges and recognizes the highly competitive nature of the Company’s business and that access to the Company’s confidential records and proprietary information renders his special and unique within the Company’s industry. In consideration of the payment by the Company to Executive of amounts that may hereafter be paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement (including, without limitation, pursuant to Sections 5 and 7 hereof) and other obligations undertaken by the Company hereunder, Executive agrees that during (i) his employment with the Company, and (ii) the period beginning on the date of termination of employment and ending one year after the date of termination of

employment (the “Covered Time”), Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, engage (as owner, investor, partner, stockholder, employer, employee, consultant, advisor, director or otherwise) in any Competing Business in any Restricted Area (each as defined below), provided that the provisions of this Section 9.2(a) will not be deemed breached merely because Executive owns less than 2% of the outstanding common stock of a publicly-traded company.
		
	(b)
	In further consideration of the payment by the Company to Executive of amounts that may hereafter be paid to Executive pursuant to this Agreement (including, without limitation, pursuant to Sections 5 and 7 hereof) and other obligations undertaken by the Company hereunder, Executive agrees that during his employment and the Covered Time, he shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit,

encourage or attempt to solicit or encourage any of the employees, agents, consultants or representatives of the Company or any of its affiliates to terminate his, or its relationship with the Company or such affiliate; (ii) solicit, encourage or attempt to solicit or encourage any of the employees, agents, consultants or representatives of the Company or any of its affiliates to become employees, agents, representatives or consultants of any other person or entity; (iii) solicit or attempt to solicit any vendor or distributor of the Company or any of its affiliates in connection with a Competing Business with respect to any product or service being furnished, made, sold, rented or leased by the Company or such affiliate; or (iv) persuade or seek to persuade any vendor or distributor of the Company or any affiliate to cease to do business or to reduce the amount of business which such customer, vendor or distributor has customarily done or contemplates doing with the Company or such affiliate.
		
	(c)
	Executive understands that the provisions of this Section 9.2 may limit his ability to earn a livelihood in a business similar to the business of the Company or its affiliates but nevertheless agrees and hereby acknowledges that the consideration provided under this Agreement, including any amounts or benefits provided under Sections 5 and 7 hereof and other obligations undertaken by the Company hereunder, is sufficient to justify the restrictions contained in such provisions. In consideration thereof and in light of Executive’s education, skills and abilities, Executive agrees that he will not assert in any forum that such provisions prevent his from earning a living or otherwise are void or unenforceable or should be held void or unenforceable.

9.3. Proprietary Information. Executive acknowledges that during the course of his employment with the Company he will necessarily have access to and make use of proprietary information and confidential records of the Company and its affiliates, including without limitation trade secrets (as that term is defined in ORS 646.461) and/or competitively sensitive business or professional information. Executive covenants that he shall not during his employment or at any time thereafter, directly or indirectly, use for his own purpose or for the benefit of any person or entity other than the Company, nor otherwise disclose to any individual or entity, any Proprietary Information, unless such disclosure is made in the good faith performance of Executive’s duties hereunder, has been authorized in writing by the Company, or is otherwise required by law.
9.4. Confidentiality and Surrender of Records. Executive shall not during his employment or at any time thereafter (irrespective of the circumstances under which Executive’s employment by the Company terminates), except as required by law, directly or

indirectly publish, make known or in any fashion disclose any confidential records to, or permit any inspection or copying of confidential records by, any individual or entity other than in the course of such individual’s or entity’s employment or retention by the Company. Upon termination of employment for any reason or request by the Company, Executive shall deliver promptly to the Company all property and records of the Company or any of its affiliates, including, without limitation, all confidential records. For purposes hereof, “confidential records” means all correspondence, reports, memoranda, files, manuals, books, lists, financial, operating or marketing records, magnetic tape, or electronic or other media or equipment of any kind which may be in Executive’s possession or under his control or accessible to his which contain any Proprietary Information. All property and records of the Company and any of its affiliates (including, without limitation, all confidential records) shall be and remain the sole property of the Company or such affiliate during Executive’s employment with the Company and thereafter.
9.5. Inventions and Patents.    All inventions, innovations or
improvements (including policies, procedures, products, improvements, software, ideas and discoveries, whether patent, copyright, trademark, service mark, or otherwise) conceived or made by Executive, either alone or jointly with others, in the course of his employment by the Company, belong to the Company. Executive will promptly disclose in writing such inventions, innovations or improvements to the Company and perform all actions reasonably requested by the Company to establish and confirm such ownership by the Company, including, but not limited to, cooperating with and assisting the Company in obtaining patents, copyrights, trademarks, or service marks for the Company in the United States and in foreign countries.
9.6. Enforcement. Executive acknowledges and agrees that, by virtue of his position, his services and access to and use of confidential records and Proprietary Information, any violation by his of any of the undertakings contained in this Section 9 would cause the Company and/or its affiliates immediate, substantial and irreparable injury for which it or they have no adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, Executive agrees and consents to the entry of an injunction or other equitable relief by a court of competent jurisdiction restraining any violation or threatened violation of any undertaking contained in this Section 9. Executive waives posting by the Company or its affiliates of any bond otherwise necessary to secure such injunction or other equitable relief. Rights and remedies provided for in this Section 9 are cumulative and shall be in addition to rights and remedies otherwise available to the parties hereunder or under any other agreement or applicable law.
10.     Indemnification. During the Term and for so long thereafter as liability exists with regard to the Executive’s activities during the Term on behalf of the Company or its affiliates, the Company shall indemnify the Executive (other than in connection with the Executive’s gross negligence or willful misconduct) in accordance with the Company’s customary indemnification policies and procedures which are applicable to the Company’s officers and directors.
11.     Successors; Binding Agreement.
11.1. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors and assigns of the Company. Each of the Company may assign this Agreement,

without Executive’s prior consent, to any person or entity that acquires all or a substantial part of the business and/or assets of the Company or any subsidiary thereof to which Executive regularly provides services, provided in each case that such entity expressly assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no succession had taken place.
11.2. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If the Executive shall die while any amount would still be payable to the Executive hereunder (other than amounts which, by their terms, terminate upon the death of the Executive) if the Executive had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement to the executors, personal representatives or administrators of the Executive’s estate.
12.     Notices. For the purpose of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in the Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by United States registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notice of change of address shall be effective only upon actual receipt:
To the Company:
Avangrid Management Corporation
180 Marsh Hill Road
Orange, CT 06477
Attention: Chief Human Resources Officer

To the Executive:
Peter Church

13.    Miscellaneous. 
13.1. No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and such officers as may be specifically designated by the Board. No waiver by any party hereto at any time of any breach by any other party hereto of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, express or implied, with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by any party, which are not expressly set forth in this Agreement. The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall

be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut. There shall be withheld from any payments provided for hereunder any amounts required to be withheld under federal, state or local law and any additional withholding amounts to which the Executive has agreed. The obligations under this Agreement of the Company or the Executive which by their nature and terms require satisfaction after the end of the Term shall survive such event and shall remain binding upon such party.
13.2. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Facsimile or electronically transmitted signatures shall be treated as original signatures for all purposes.
13.3. This Agreement contains the entire agreement and understanding between the parties hereto in respect of Executive’s employment and supersedes, cancels and annuls any prior or contemporaneous written or oral agreements, understandings, commitments and practices between them respecting Executive’s employment except as specifically referenced herein.
14.     Validity. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
15.    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
16.    Settlement of Disputes; Arbitration. All claims by the Executive for benefits under this Agreement shall be directed to and determined by the Board and shall be in writing. Any denial by the Board of a claim for benefits under this Agreement shall be delivered to the Executive in writing. Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement or Executive’s employment shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Connecticut in accordance with the Employment Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and any affiliate thereof shall have the right to seek injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of Section 9 of this Agreement. For purposes of seeking enforcement of Section 9, the Company and Executive hereby consent to the jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in Connecticut. In connection with any arbitration or litigation dispute (including any appeal or enforcement proceedings related to any such dispute) arising out of or related to this Agreement, the party substantially prevailing in the matter shall be entitled to recover from the other party his or its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in connection with such dispute.
17.    Section 409A of the Code. The Company may deduct or withhold from any compensation or benefits any applicable federal, state or local tax or employment withholdings or deductions resulting from any payments or benefits provided under this Agreement. The Company makes no representations regarding the tax implications of the

compensation and benefits to be paid under this Agreement, including, without limitation, under Section 409A (“Section 409A”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and applicable administrative guidance and regulations. It is intended that this Agreement will comply with Section 409A and all regulations and guidance issued thereunder to the extent the Agreement is subject thereto, and the Agreement shall be interpreted on a basis consistent with such intent. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in the event Executive is deemed to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), no payments hereunder that are “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A shall be made prior to the date that is six months after the date of Executive’s “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A and any Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) or, if earlier, Executive’s death. Following any applicable six month delay, all such delayed payments will be paid in a single lump sum on the earliest permissible payment date. For purposes of this Agreement, with respect to payments of any amounts that are considered to be “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A, references to “termination of employment” (and substantially similar phrases) shall be interpreted and applied in a manner that is consistent with the definition of “separation from service” for purposes of Section 409A. For purposes of Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payment pursuant to this Agreement will be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.
18.    Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated below:
(A)    “Affiliates” shall mean all direct and indirect parent companies and affiliates of the Company, including without limitation Iberdrola S.A. and Avangrid, Inc. and their respective affiliates.
(B)    “Avangrid” shall mean Avangrid, Inc.
(C)    “AVANGRID Group” shall mean AVANGRID, Inc. (“Avangrid”) and the Company, as well as any entity that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, are controlled by, or are under common control with, AVANGRID and/or the Company.
(D)    “Base Salary” shall have the meaning stated in Section 5.1 hereof.
(E)    “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of Avangrid.
(F)    “Cause” for termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment, for purposes of this Agreement, shall mean (i) the willful and continued failure by the Executive to substantially perform the Executive’s duties with the Company (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness or Executive’s resignation for Good Reason) after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the Company, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the Company believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive’s duties, and Executive’s failure to cure such failure within fifteen (15) days of the delivery of such written demand, (ii) the willful engaging by the

Executive in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company or its subsidiaries, monetarily or otherwise; or (iii) the Executive’s conviction, or a plea of guilty or no lo contendere to a felony. For purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) of this definition, no act, or failure to act, on the Executive’s part shall be deemed “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Executive not in good faith and without reasonable belief that the Executive’s act, or failure to act, was in the best interest of the Company. An error in judgment or negligence by Executive shall not be considered to be “willful.” Failure to meet performance standards or objectives of the Company shall not constitute Cause for purposes hereof.
(G)    “Change in Control” shall mean the closing of an event qualifying as a change in ownership of the Company, Avangrid, or Iberdrola S.A. or a change in ownership of assets of the Company, Avangrid, or Iberdrola S.A. that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than eighty percent of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of, as applicable, the Company, Avangrid, or Iberdrola S.A. immediately before such event, in each case within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(i)(5); provided, however, that no such transfer of ownership or assets to a direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of Iberdrola S.A. shall constitute a Change in Control.
(H)     “Company” shall mean Avangrid Management Company, LLC and any successor to its business and/or assets which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise.
(I)    “Competing Business” shall mean any business (including, without limitation, utilities, power producers, power marketers or traders), co-operative, or energy provider of any kind that directly or indirectly competes with the Company’s businesses or planned future businesses as defined within the approved strategic plan of the Company, or with the businesses or planned future businesses as defined within the approved strategic plan of the Company's affiliates as of the date of Executive's termination of employment with the Company.
(J)    “Date of Termination” shall have the meaning stated in Section 8.2 hereof.
(K)    “Disability” shall be deemed the reason for the termination by the Company of the Executive’s employment if, as a result of the Executive’s incapacity due to physical or mental illness, the Executive shall have been absent from the full-time performance of the Executive’s duties with the Company for a period of at least six months within any twelve month period, the Company shall have given the Executive a Notice of Termination for Disability, and, within thirty (30) days after such Notice of Termination is given, the Executive shall not have returned to the full-time performance of the Executive’s duties.
(L)    “Executive” shall mean the individual named in the first paragraph of this Agreement.

(M)    “Good Reason” for termination by the Executive of the Executive’s employment shall mean the occurrence (without the Executive’s express written consent), of any of the following acts by the Company, unless such act is corrected prior to the Date of Termination specified in the Notice of Termination given in respect thereof: (i) a material and ongoing diminution of Executive’s title, duties, responsibilities, or authorities; (ii) a material diminution of Executive’s annual base salary, unless such reduction is consistent with a general reduction of compensation rates of all executives or all employees of the Company; (iii) a requirement by the Company that Executive relocate his principal place of employment by more than fifty miles; or (iv) any other action or inaction by the Company that constitutes a material breach of this Agreement, including (x) a failure to include the Executive in the management compensation programs then in effect on substantially the same terms and conditions as that applicable to other officers or similarly situated executives of the AVANGRID Group, or (y) a failure to continue the Executive’s participation in the material benefit plans of the AVANGRID Group (other than any pension plan) on substantially the same basis as that applicable to other officers or similarly situated executives of the AVANGRID Group. For the avoidance of doubt, the appointment of a President and assignment to such person of duties appropriate for such position, or the appointment of other executives below the level of Chief Executive Officer, shall not constitute Good Reason.
(N)    “Notice of Termination” shall have the meaning stated in Section 8.1 hereof.
(O)    “Proprietary Information” includes, but is not limited to: (a) the software products, programs, applications, and processes utilized by the Company or any of its affiliates; (b) information concerning the transactions or relations of any vendor or distributor of the Company or any of its affiliates with the Company or such affiliate or any of its or their partners, principals, directors, officers or agents; (c) any information concerning any product, technology, or procedure employed by the Company or any of its affiliates but not generally known to its or their customers, vendors or competitors, or under development by or being tested by the Company or any of its affiliates but not at the time offered generally to customers or vendors; (d) any information relating to the computer software, computer systems, pricing or marketing methods, sales margins, cost of goods, cost of material, capital structure, operating results, borrowing arrangements or business plans of the Company or any of its affiliates; (e) any information which is generally regarded as confidential or proprietary in any line of business engaged in by the Company or any of its affiliates; (f) any business plans, budgets, advertising or marketing plans; (g) any information contained in any of the written or oral policies and procedures or manuals of the Company or any of its affiliates; (h) any information belonging to customers or vendors of the Company or any of its affiliates or any other person or entity which the Company or any of its affiliates has agreed to hold in confidence; (i) any inventions, innovations or improvements covered by this Agreement; and (j) all written, graphic and other material relating to any of the foregoing. Executive

acknowledges and understands that information that is not novel or copyrighted or patented may nonetheless be Proprietary Information. The term “Proprietary Information” shall not include information that is or becomes generally available to and known by the public or information that was known to Executive prior to the commencement of his employment with the Company or information that is or becomes available to Executive on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company, any of its affiliates, or the directors, officers, employees, partners, principals or agents of the Company or any of its affiliates (other than as a result of a breach of any obligation of confidentiality).
(P)    “Restricted Area” shall mean North America.
(Q)    “Term” shall have the meaning stated in Section 3 hereof. 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement.
	
		
	AVANGRID MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC

	 
	 

	By:
	/s/ Sheila Duncan

	Name:
	Sheila Duncan

	Title:
	Chief Human Resources Officer

	Date:
	September 27, 2018

	 
	 

	EXECUTIVE

	 
	 

	By:
	/s/ Peter T. Church

	Name:
	Peter T. Church

	Date:
	October 1, 2018Exhibit

Exhibit 10.45

AVANGRID, INC. 
AMENDED AND RESTATED OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT NOTICE

Avangrid, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), pursuant to its Amended and Restated Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Plan”), hereby grants to the holder listed below (“Participant”) the number of Restricted Stock Units (the “RSUs”) set forth below.  The RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Restricted Stock Unit Grant Notice (the “Grant Notice”) and the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Agreement”) and the Plan, which are incorporated herein by reference.  Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in the Grant Notice and the Agreement.
	
		
	Participant:
	Peter Church

	Grant Date:
	October 29, 2018

	Number of RSUs:
	8,000

	Vesting Schedule:
	The RSUs shall vest in full in one installment on December 31st, 2020, provided that the Participant remains continuously employed with the Company through such date.  In addition, to the extent not previously forfeited, the RSUs shall also vest in full upon (i) the Participant’s death or termination of employment due to Disability, (ii) retirement with the consent of the Company, or (iii) termination of the Participant’s employment by the Company for Cause or the Participant’s resignation of his employment on account of a Constructive Termination, in either case following the occurrence of a Change in Control.  “Cause” and “Constructive Termination” shall have the meanings set forth in the Participant’s employment agreement previously entered into with the Company.

By his or her signature, and the Company’s signature below, Participant agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Agreement and the Grant Notice. Participant has reviewed the Agreement, the Plan and the Grant Notice in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing the Grant Notice and fully understands all provisions of the Grant Notice, the Agreement and the Plan.  Participant hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions arising under the Plan, the Grant Notice or the Agreement.
	
				
	AVANGRID, INC.
	PARTICIPANT

	By:
	/s/ Sheila Duncan
	By:
	/s/ Peter T. Church

	Print Name:
	Sheila Duncan
	Print Name:
	Peter T. Church

	Title:
	Chief Human Resources Officer
	 
	 

EXHIBIT A
TO RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT NOTICE
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
Pursuant to the Grant Notice to which this Agreement is attached, the Company has granted to Participant the number of RSUs set forth in the Grant Notice.
ARTICLE I. 
GENERAL
1.1    Defined Terms.  Capitalized terms not specifically defined herein shall have the meanings specified in the Plan or the Grant Notice.
1.2    Incorporation of Terms of Plan.  The RSUs and the shares of Common Stock (“Stock”) to be issued to Participant hereunder (“Shares”) are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference.  In the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and this Agreement, the terms of the Plan shall control.
ARTICLE II. 
AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS AND DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS; RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
2.1    Award of RSUs and Dividend Equivalents.  
(a)    In consideration of Participant’s past and/or continued employment with or service to the Company or a Subsidiary and for other good and valuable consideration, effective as of the grant date set forth in the Grant Notice (the “Grant Date”), the Company has granted to Participant the number of RSUs set forth in the Grant Notice, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Grant Notice, the Plan and this Agreement, subject to adjustments as provided in Section 8 of the Plan.  Each RSU represents the right to receive one Share or, at the option of the Company, an amount of cash as set forth in Section 2.3(b), in either case, at the times and subject to the conditions set forth herein, subject to the provisions of Section 2.3(a).  However, unless and until the RSUs have vested, Participant will have no right to the payment of any Shares subject thereto.  Prior to the actual delivery of any Shares, the RSUs will represent an unsecured obligation of the Company, payable only from the general assets of the Company.  
(b)    The Company hereby grants to Participant an Award of Dividend Equivalents with respect to each RSU granted pursuant to the Grant Notice for all ordinary cash dividends which are paid to all or substantially all holders of the outstanding shares of Stock, to be credited as of dividend payment dates with respect to dividends with record dates that occur between the Grant Date and the date when the applicable RSU is distributed or paid to Participant or is forfeited or expires.  The Dividend Equivalents for each RSU shall be equal to the amount of cash which is paid as a dividend on one share of Stock.  All such Dividend Equivalents shall be credited to Participant and be deemed to be reinvested in additional RSUs as of the date of payment of any such dividend based on the Fair Market Value of a share of Stock on such date.  Each additional RSU which results from such deemed reinvestment of Dividend Equivalents granted hereunder shall be subject to the same vesting, distribution or payment, adjustment and other provisions which apply to the underlying RSU to which such additional RSU relates.

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2.2    Vesting of RSUs and Dividend Equivalents.  
(a)    Subject to Participant’s continued employment with or service to the Company or a Subsidiary on each applicable vesting date and subject to the terms of this Agreement, the RSUs shall vest in such amounts and at such times as are set forth in the Grant Notice.  Each additional RSU which results from deemed reinvestments of Dividend Equivalents pursuant to Section 2.1(b) hereof shall vest whenever the underlying RSU to which such additional RSU relates vests.
(b)    In the event Participant incurs a Termination of Service, except as may be otherwise provided by the Administrator or as set forth in a written agreement between Participant and the Company, Participant shall immediately forfeit any and all RSUs and Dividend Equivalents granted under this Agreement which have not vested or do not vest on or prior to the date on which such Termination of Service occurs, and Participant’s rights in any such RSUs and Dividend Equivalents which are not so vested shall lapse and expire. 
2.3    Distribution or Payment of RSUs.  
(a)    Participant’s RSUs shall be distributed in Shares (either in book-entry form or otherwise) or, at the option of the Company, paid in an amount of cash as set forth in Section 2.3(b), in either case, as soon as administratively practicable following the vesting of the applicable RSU pursuant to Section 2.2, and, in any event, within sixty (60) days following such vesting.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may delay a distribution or payment in settlement of RSUs if it reasonably determines that such payment or distribution will violate Federal securities laws or any other Applicable Law, provided that such distribution or payment shall be made at the earliest date at which the Company reasonably determines that the making of such distribution or payment will not cause such violation, as required by Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(7)(ii), and provided further that no payment or distribution shall be delayed under this Section 2.3(a) if such delay will result in a violation of Section 409A of the Code.
(b)    In the event that the Company elects to make payment of Participant’s RSUs in cash, the amount of cash payable with respect to each RSU shall be equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the day immediately preceding the applicable distribution or payment date set forth in Section 2.3(a).  All distributions made in Shares shall be made by the Company in the form of whole Shares, and any fractional share shall be distributed in cash in an amount equal to the value of such fractional share determined based on the Fair Market Value as of the date immediately preceding the date of such distribution.
2.4    Conditions to Issuance of Certificates.  The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate or certificates for any Shares prior to the fulfillment of all of the following conditions:  (A) the admission of the Shares to listing on all stock exchanges on which such Shares are then listed, (B) the completion of any registration or other qualification of the Shares under any state or federal law or under rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or other governmental regulatory body, which the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable, and (C) the obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency that the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable.
2.5    Tax Withholding.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:
(a)    The Company and its Subsidiaries have the authority to deduct or withhold, or require Participant to remit to the Company or the applicable Subsidiary, an amount sufficient to satisfy applicable federal, state, local and foreign taxes (including the employee portion of any FICA obligation) required by law to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising pursuant to this Agreement.  The 

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Company and its Subsidiaries may withhold or Participant may make such payment in one or more of the forms specified below:
(i)    by cash or check made payable to the Company or the Subsidiary with respect to which the withholding obligation arises;
(ii)    by the deduction of such amount from other compensation payable to Participant;
(iii)    with respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the distribution of the RSUs, with the consent of the Administrator, by requesting that the Company and its Subsidiaries withhold a net number of vested shares of Stock otherwise issuable pursuant to the RSUs having a then current Fair Market Value not exceeding the amount necessary to satisfy the withholding obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries based on the minimum applicable statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign income tax and payroll tax purposes;
(iv)    with respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the distribution of the RSUs, with the consent of the Administrator, by tendering to the Company vested shares of Stock having a then current Fair Market Value not exceeding the amount necessary to satisfy the withholding obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries based on the minimum applicable statutory withholding rates for federal, state, local and foreign income tax and payroll tax purposes; 
(v)    with respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the distribution of the RSUs, through the delivery of a notice that Participant has placed a market sell order with a broker acceptable to the Company with respect to shares of Stock then issuable to Participant pursuant to the RSUs, and that the broker has been directed to pay a sufficient portion of the net proceeds of the sale to the Company or the Subsidiary with respect to which the withholding obligation arises in satisfaction of such withholding taxes; provided that payment of such proceeds is then made to the Company or the applicable Subsidiary at such time as may be required by the Administrator, but in any event not later than the settlement of such sale; or
(vi)    in any combination of the foregoing.
(b)    With respect to any withholding taxes arising in connection with the RSUs, in the event Participant fails to provide timely payment of all sums required pursuant to Section 2.5(a), the Company shall have the right and option, but not the obligation, to treat such failure as an election by Participant to satisfy all or any portion of Participant’s required payment obligation pursuant to Section 2.5(a)(ii) or Section 2.5(a)(iii) above, or any combination of the foregoing as the Company may determine to be appropriate.  The Company shall not be obligated to deliver any certificate representing shares of Stock issuable with respect to the RSUs to Participant or his or her legal representative unless and until Participant or his or her legal representative shall have paid or otherwise satisfied in full the amount of all federal, state, local and foreign taxes applicable with respect to the taxable income of Participant resulting from the vesting or settlement of the RSUs or any other taxable event related to the RSUs.
(c)    In the event any tax withholding obligation arising in connection with the RSUs will be satisfied under Section 2.5(a)(iii) above, the Company may elect to instruct any brokerage firm determined acceptable to the Company for such purpose to sell on Participant’s behalf a whole number of shares from those shares of Stock then issuable to Participant pursuant to the RSUs as the Company determines to be appropriate to generate cash proceeds sufficient to satisfy the tax withholding obligation and to remit the proceeds of such sale to the Company or the Subsidiary with respect to which the withholding obligation 

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arises.  Participant’s acceptance of this Award constitutes Participant’s instruction and authorization to the Company and such brokerage firm to complete the transactions described in this Section 2.5(c), including the transactions described in the previous sentence, as applicable.  The Company may refuse to issue any shares of Stock in settlement of the RSUs to Participant until the foregoing tax withholding obligations are satisfied, provided that no payment shall be delayed under this Section 2.5(c) if such delay will result in a violation of Section 409A of the Code.
(d)    Participant is ultimately liable and responsible for all taxes owed in connection with the RSUs, regardless of any action the Company or any Subsidiary takes with respect to any tax withholding obligations that arise in connection with the RSUs.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary makes any representation or undertaking regarding the treatment of any tax withholding in connection with the awarding, vesting or payment of the RSUs or the subsequent sale of the Shares.  The Company and the Subsidiaries do not commit and are under no obligation to structure the RSUs to reduce or eliminate Participant’s tax liability.
2.6    Rights as Stockholder.  Neither Participant nor any person claiming under or through Participant will have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder of the Company in respect of any Shares deliverable hereunder unless and until certificates representing such Shares (which may be in book-entry form) will have been issued and recorded on the records of the Company or its transfer agents or registrars and delivered to Participant (including through electronic delivery to a brokerage account).  Except as otherwise provided herein, after such issuance, recordation and delivery, Participant will have all the rights of a stockholder of the Company with respect to such Shares, including, without limitation, the right to receipt of dividends and distributions on such Shares.
2.7    “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock on such date as determined by such reasonable methods or procedures as may be established from time to time by the Administrator in accordance with the requirements of the Code and all Applicable Laws. Unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, the Fair Market Value of Common Stock shall be determined as follows: (i) if the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such Common Stock as quoted on such exchange for such date, or if no sale occurred on such date, the last day preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; (ii) if the Common Stock is not traded on a stock exchange but is quoted on a national market or other quotation system, the closing sales price on such date, or if no sales occurred on such date, then on the last date preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; or (iii) without an established market for the Common Stock, the Administrator will determine the Fair Market Value in its discretion.
ARTICLE III.
OTHER PROVISIONS

3.1    Administration.  The Administrator shall have the power to interpret the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement and to adopt such rules for the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement as are consistent therewith and to interpret, amend or revoke any such rules.  All actions taken and all interpretations and determinations made by the Administrator will be final and binding upon Participant, the Company and all other interested persons.  To the extent allowable pursuant to Applicable Law, no member of the Committee or the Board will be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation made with respect to the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement.

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3.2    RSUs Not Transferable.  The RSUs may not be sold, pledged, assigned or transferred in any manner other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, unless and until the Shares underlying the RSUs have been issued, and all restrictions applicable to such Shares have lapsed.  No RSUs or any interest or right therein or part thereof shall be liable for the debts, contracts or engagements of Participant or his or her successors in interest or shall be subject to disposition by transfer, alienation, anticipation, pledge, encumbrance, assignment or any other means whether such disposition be voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law by judgment, levy, attachment, garnishment or any other legal or equitable proceedings (including bankruptcy), and any attempted disposition thereof shall be null and void and of no effect, except to the extent that such disposition is permitted by the preceding sentence.
3.3    Adjustments.  The Administrator may accelerate the vesting of all or a portion of the RSUs in such circumstances as it, in its sole discretion, may determine.  Participant acknowledges that the RSUs and the Shares subject to the RSUs are subject to adjustment, modification and termination in certain events as provided in this Agreement and Section 8 of the Plan.
3.4    Titles.  Titles are provided herein for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction of this Agreement.
3.5    Governing Law.   The laws of the State of Delaware shall govern the interpretation, validity, administration, enforcement and performance of the terms of this Agreement regardless of the law that might be applied under principles of conflicts of laws.
3.6    Conformity to Securities Laws.  Participant acknowledges that the Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement are intended to conform to the extent necessary with all Applicable Laws, including, without limitation, the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and any and all regulations and rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and state securities laws and regulations.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Plan shall be administered, and the RSUs are granted, only in such a manner as to conform to Applicable Law.  To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Plan and this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to Applicable Law.
3.7    Amendment, Suspension and Termination.  To the extent permitted by the Plan, this Agreement may be wholly or partially amended or otherwise modified, suspended or terminated at any time or from time to time by the Administrator or the Board, provided that, except as may otherwise be provided by the Plan, no amendment, modification, suspension or termination of this Agreement shall adversely affect the RSUs in any material way without the prior written consent of Participant.
3.8    Successors and Assigns.  The Company may assign any of its rights under this Agreement to single or multiple assignees, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company.  Subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 3.2 and the Plan, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.
3.9    Limitations Applicable to Section 16 Persons.  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan or this Agreement, if Participant is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, the Plan, the RSUs (including RSUs which result from the deemed reinvestment of Dividend Equivalents), the Dividend Equivalents, the Grant Notice and this Agreement shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemptive rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule.  To the extent 

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permitted by Applicable Law, this Agreement shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.
3.10    Not a Contract of Employment.  Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon Participant any right to continue to serve as an employee or other service provider of the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which rights are hereby expressly reserved, to discharge or terminate the services of Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in a written agreement between the Company or a Subsidiary and Participant.
3.11    Entire Agreement.  The Plan, the Grant Notice and this Agreement (including any exhibit hereto) constitute the entire agreement of the parties and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Participant with respect to the subject matter hereof.
3.12    Section 409A.  This Award is not intended to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code (together with any Department of Treasury regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder, including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance that may be issued after the date hereof, “Section 409A”).  However, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement, if at any time the Administrator determines that this Award (or any portion thereof) may be subject to Section 409A, the Administrator shall have the right in its sole discretion (without any obligation to do so or to indemnify Participant or any other person for failure to do so) to adopt such amendments to the Plan, the Grant Notice or this Agreement, or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions, as the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate for this Award either to be exempt from the application of Section 409A or to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.
3.13    Limitation on Participant’s Rights.  Participation in the Plan confers no rights or interests other than as herein provided.  This Agreement creates only a contractual obligation on the part of the Company as to amounts payable and shall not be construed as creating a trust.  Neither the Plan nor any underlying program, in and of itself, has any assets.  Participant shall have only the rights of a general unsecured creditor of the Company with respect to amounts credited and benefits payable, if any, with respect to the RSUs and Dividend Equivalents.
3.14    Counterparts.  The Grant Notice may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by way of any electronic signature, subject to Applicable Law, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.
*             *           *

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