Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

                             SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT

         SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT, dated as of September 9, 1999, among Telergy,
Inc., a New York corporation (together with its successors and assigns, the
"Company"), the shareholders whose names appear on the signature page of this
Agreement (the "Kelly Shareholders ") and GC Dev. Co., Inc., a Delaware
corporation (together with its successors and assigns, the "Purchaser").

                              W I T N E S S E T H :

                  WHEREAS, the Company and the Purchaser have entered into an
Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of July 28, 1999
(the "Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement"); and

                  WHEREAS, the parties hereto deem it in their best interests
and in the best interests of the Company to provide for certain matters with
respect to the Company and desire to enter into this Agreement in order to
effectuate that purpose.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements and
understandings set forth herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                                   Article I
                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

                  Section 1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the
following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

                  "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other
         Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is
         under common control with, such Person. As used in this definition,
         "control" (including its correlative meanings, "controlled by" and
         "under common control with") shall mean the possession, directly or
         indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or
         policies (whether through ownership of securities or partnership or
         other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise).

                  "Agreement" shall mean this Agreement as in effect on the date
         hereof and as hereafter from time to time amended, modified or
         supplemented in accordance with the terms hereof.

                  "Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation" shall mean
         the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
         filed with the
<PAGE>   2
         Secretary of State of the State of New York in accordance with Section
         1.5 of the Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement.

                  "Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement" shall
         have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto, as such agreement
         may be amended from time to time.

                  "Ancillary Documents" shall mean this Agreement, the
         Registration Rights Agreement, the Warrant, the Amended and Restated
         Certificate of Incorporation and the Certificate of Designations.

                  "Associate" shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2
         under the Exchange Act.

                  "Board of Directors" shall mean the Board of Directors of the
         Company as from time to time hereafter constituted.

                  "Business Day" shall mean any day, other than a Saturday,
         Sunday or a day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are
         authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.

                  "Certificate of Designations" shall mean the Certificate of
         Designations of the Company filed with the Secretary of State of the
         State of New York in accordance with Section 1.5 of the Amended and
         Restated Securities Purchase Agreement.

                  "Class A Common Stock" shall mean the Class A Common stock,
         par value $.0001 per share, of the Company and any securities of the
         Company into which such Class A Common Stock may be reclassified,
         exchanged or converted.

                  "Class C Common Stock" shall mean the Class C Common Stock,
         par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company and any securities of the
         Company into which such Class C Common Stock may be reclassified,
         exchanged or converted.

                  "Common Stock" shall mean the Class A Common Stock and the
         Class C Common Stock and any other common stock of the Company.
<PAGE>   3
                  "Company" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble
         hereto.

                  "Designee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

                  "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
         as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

                  "Global Crossing" shall mean Global Crossing Ltd., a company
         formed under the laws of Bermuda, together with its successors by
         operation of law.

                  "Initial Public Offering" shall mean the initial public
         offering of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company
         pursuant to a registration statement declared effective under the
         Securities Act.

                  "Kelly Shareholders" shall have the meaning set forth in the
         preamble hereto.

                  "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, unincorporated
         association, partnership, group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the
         Exchange Act), trust, joint stock company, joint venture, business
         trust or unincorporated organization, limited liability company, any
         governmental entity or any other entity of whatever nature.

                  "Preferred Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in the
         Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement.

                  "Purchaser" shall mean GC Dev. Co., Inc., together with its
         successors by operation of law and permitted assigns pursuant to
         Section 5.10.

                  "Registration Rights Agreement" shall mean the Registration
         Rights Agreement dated as of the date hereof between the Company and
         the Purchaser, as it may be amended from time to time.

                  "Representatives" shall mean, with respect to any Person, such
<PAGE>   4
         Person's directors, officers, employees, agents and other
         representatives acting in such capacity.

                  "SEC" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange
         Commission.

                  "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as
         amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

                  "Subsidiary" shall mean, as to any Person, a corporation,
         partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other entity
         of which 50% or greater of the voting power of the equity securities or
         equity interests is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person.

                  "Transfer" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1.

                  "Voting Stock" shall mean shares of the Common Stock and any
         other securities of the Company having the ordinary power to vote in
         the election of members of the Board of Directors of the Company.

                  "Warrant" shall have the meaning set forth in the Amended and
         Restated Securities Purchase Agreement.

                  "Warrant Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in the
         Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE II

                              CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

            Section 2.1  Board of Directors.

                  (a) On the date of this Agreement, and from time to time
thereafter for as long as the Voting Stock owned by Global Crossing or its
Affiliates or issuable upon the exercise of the Warrant constitutes at least
five percent (5%) of the sum of (i) the issued and outstanding shares of the
Voting Stock of the Company plus (ii) the shares of Voting Stock of the Company
issuable upon the exercise of options, warrants and other convertible securities
which are then exercisable, the Company and the Kelly Shareholders shall take
all such actions as may be necessary or appropriate to cause one (1) person
designated by the Purchaser, who shall be an officer or director of
<PAGE>   5
Global Crossing and shall be subject to the reasonable consent of the Kelly
Shareholders (the "Designee"), to be elected or re-elected as a member of the
Board of Directors and to be maintained in such position at all times, provided
that any such Designee may be removed for cause. So long as the Designee has
been so approved by the Kelly Shareholders and is an officer or director of
Global Crossing, the Designee shall continue to serve until his or her successor
is duly elected.

                  (b) Subject to applicable law, in the event that the Designee
on the Board of Directors shall cease to serve as a director for any reason
(other than the failure of the shareholders of the Company to elect such person
as director), the Company and the Kelly Shareholders shall take all such actions
as may be necessary or appropriate to cause a Designee of the Purchaser who
shall be an officer or director of Global Crossing and who is reasonably
acceptable to the Kelly Shareholders to be appointed to fill such vacancy as
promptly as possible (which Designee shall be subject to the reasonable approval
of a majority of the Members of the Board of Directors).

Section 2.2  Reimbursement of Expenses; Attendance at Board Meetings;
Indemnification. The Company will reimburse the Designee for all reasonable
costs and expenses (including travel expenses) incurred in connection with the
Designee's attendance at meetings of the Board or any committee of the Board
upon which the Designee may be appointed by the Board, in its sole discretion.
The Company will pay the Designee annual fees and fees for attending Board or
committee meetings to the same extent as other independent directors of the
Company. The Company shall indemnify the Designee to the same extent it
indemnifies its other directors pursuant to its organizational documents and
applicable law.

Section 2.3  Voting. Except as set forth in the Amended and Restated Certificate
of Incorporation or the Certificate of Designations, the Purchaser will not be
entitled or permitted to vote the Preferred Shares, or act by written consent
with respect to the Preferred Shares, on any matter required or permitted to be
voted upon by the holders of Voting Stock.

                                   ARTICLE III

                                    TRANSFER

         Section 3.1  Transfer.

                  (a) The Purchaser shall not, directly or indirectly, sell,
transfer, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise dispose of ("Transfer") all or any
portion of the Warrant, except for Transfers, upon five business days' notice to
the Company, to Global Crossing or direct or indirect wholly owned Subsidiaries
of Global Crossing who agree to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement,
the Registration Rights Agreement and the Warrant. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Purchaser may Transfer any of the Preferred Shares or the Warrant
Shares, but the Purchaser understands and agrees that it may do so only pursuant
to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or pursuant to
an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. The Purchaser agrees to
the imprinting, so long as necessary as provided in this Section 3.1(a), of the
following legends on certificates representing any of the securities
<PAGE>   6
referenced in this Section 3.1(a).

         THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO THE TERMS
         OF A SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 9, 1999, AMONG
         TELERGY, INC., GC DEV. CO., INC. AND CERTAIN OTHER SHAREHOLDERS
         SIGNATORY THERETO (AS AMENDED, SUPPLEMENTED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED FROM
         TIME TO TIME, THE "SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT"), A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE
         WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY. NO SALE, TRANSFER, PLEDGE,
         HYPOTHECATION OR OTHER DISPOSITION OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY
         THIS CERTIFICATE MAY BE MADE EXCEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS
         OF SUCH SHAREHOLDERS AGREEMENT.

         NEITHER THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE NOR THE
         SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED HEREBY
         HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED
         (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAW, AND SUCH
         SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED
         OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION
         STATEMENT OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT
         SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND
         APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

                  The second legend set forth above shall be removed if and when
(i) the securities represented by such certificate are disposed of pursuant to
an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or (ii) the
Purchaser delivers to the Company an opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to
the Company to the effect that such legend is no longer necessary.

                  (b) With respect to any proposed sale by any of the Kelly
Shareholders or any of their Affiliates (each, a "Transferring Shareholder ") of
Voting Stock to any Person other than an Affiliate or Associate of the Kelly
Shareholders (a "Third Party") (other than in a public offering), whether
pursuant to a stock sale, merger, consolidation, a tender or exchange offer or
any other transaction (any such transaction, a "Sale"), such Transferring
Shareholder will have the obligation, and the Purchaser will have the right, to
require the Third Party to purchase from the Purchaser, if the Purchaser
exercises its rights under this Section 3.1(b), a number of shares of Voting
Stock (of each class subject to the Sale (it being understood for the purposes
of this Section 3.1(b) that the Class A Common Stock and the Class C Common
Stock are of the same class), up to the product (rounded up to the nearest whole
number) of (i) the quotient determined by dividing (A) the aggregate number of
outstanding shares of such class owned by the Purchaser on the 7th Business Day
following receipt by the
<PAGE>   7
Purchaser of the notice from the Transferring Shareholder described in the next
paragraph (the "Determination Date") by (B) the aggregate number of outstanding
shares of such class owned by the Purchaser and the Transferring Shareholder on
the Determination Date, and (ii) the total number of shares of such class
proposed to be directly or indirectly sold to the Third Party by such
Transferring Shareholders in the contemplated Sale, at the same price per share
and upon the same terms and conditions (including, without limitation, time of
payment and form of consideration) as to be paid by and given to such
Transferring Shareholder. In order to be entitled to exercise its right to sell
Voting Stock to the Third Party pursuant to this Section 3.1(b), the Purchaser
must agree to make to the Third Party the same covenants, indemnities (with
respect to all matters other than the Transferring Shareholder's ownership of
Voting Stock) and agreements as the Transferring Shareholder agrees to make in
connection with the Sale and such representations and warranties (and related
indemnification) as to its ownership of its Voting Stock as are given by the
Transferring Shareholder with respect to the Transferring Shareholder's
ownership of Voting Stock; provided that all such covenants, indemnities and
agreements shall be made by the Purchaser severally and not jointly and that the
liabilities thereunder shall be several and not joint other than costs which
shall be borne on a pro rata basis based on the number of shares sold by each of
the Transferring Shareholder and the Purchaser.

                  The Transferring Shareholder will give notice to the Purchaser
of each proposed Sale at least 10 Business Days prior to the proposed
consummation of such Sale, setting forth the number of shares of Voting Stock
(of each class) proposed to be so sold, the name and address of the Third Party,
the proposed amount and form of consideration (and if such consideration
consists in part or in whole of property other than cash, the Transferring
Shareholder will provide such information, to the extent reasonably available to
such Transferring Shareholder, relating to such consideration as the Purchaser
may reasonably request in order to evaluate such non--cash consideration) and
other terms and conditions of payment offered by the Third Party. The tag-along
rights provided by this Section 3.1(b) must be exercised by the Purchaser within
7 Business Days following receipt of the notice required by the preceding
sentence by delivery of an irrevocable written notice to the Transferring
Shareholder indicating the Purchaser's exercise of its rights and specifying the
maximum number of shares of Voting Stock (of each class). Absent timely receipt
by the Transferring Shareholder of such notice, the Purchaser's tag-along rights
with respect to the proposed Sale shall be deemed waived. the Purchaser will be
entitled under this Section 3.1(b) to sell to the Third Party the number of
Shares determined in accordance with Section 3.1(b).

                  If the Purchaser exercises its, her or his rights under
Section 3.1(b), the closing of the purchase of the shares with respect to which
such rights have been exercised is subject to, and will take place concurrently
with, the closing of the sale of the Transferring Shareholder's shares to the
Proposed Transferee.

                  (c) If the Kelly Shareholders receive an offer from a Third
Party to purchase (other than in a public offering) 100% of the Voting Stock
then outstanding
<PAGE>   8
and such offer is accepted by the Kelly Shareholders (in such capacity, the
"Dragging Parties"), then the Purchaser hereby agrees that, if requested by the
Dragging Parties, it will sell to such Third Party on the same terms and
conditions (including, without limitation, time of payment and form of
consideration) as to be paid and given to the Dragging Parties all of the Voting
Stock beneficially owned by it (of such class).

                  The Dragging Parties will give written notice (the "Drag-Along
Notice") to the Purchaser of any proposed sale giving rise to the rights of the
Dragging Parties set forth in Section 3.1(c) as soon as practicable following
the acceptance of the offer referred to in Section 3.1(c). The Drag-Along Notice
will set forth the number of shares of Voting Stock (of each class) proposed to
be so sold, the name of the Third Party, the proposed amount and form of
consideration (and if such consideration consists in part or in whole of
property other than cash, the Dragging Parties will provide such information, to
the extent reasonably available to the Dragging Parties, relating to such
consideration as the Purchaser may reasonably request in order to evaluate such
non-cash consideration), the number of shares of Voting Stock (of each class)
sought and the other terms and conditions of the offer. The Dragging Parties
will notify the Purchaser at least 15 Business Days in advance of the closing of
the sale of shares to the Third Party. In any such agreement, the Purchaser will
be required (i) to make or agree to the same covenants, indemnities (with
respect to all matters other than the Dragging Parties' ownership of Voting
Stock) and agreements as the Dragging Parties so long as they are made severally
and not jointly and the liabilities thereunder are borne on a pro rata basis
based on the number of shares sold by each party, (ii) to make representations
and warranties (and provide related indemnification) as to their ownership of
their Voting Stock as are given by the Dragging Parties with respect to the
Purchaser's ownership of Voting Stock and (iii) to pay their proportionate share
of the reasonable costs incurred in connection with such transaction to the
extent not paid or reimbursed by the Company or the transferee or acquiring
Person. If the sale referred to in the Drag-Along Notice is not consummated
within 90 days from the date of the Drag-Along Notice, the Dragging Parties must
deliver another Drag-Along Notice in order to exercise their rights under this
Section 3.1(c) with respect to such sale or any other sale.

                  Section 3.2 Certain Permitted Transactions.

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall not
prohibit the consummation of any transaction expressly provided for in the
Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement including the acquisition of
the Preferred Shares and the acquisition and/or exercise of the Warrant or any
purchase of the Warrant Shares upon exercise of the Warrant.

                  Section 3.3  Preemptive Rights.

                  (a) In the event that the Company proposes to issue or sell
any shares of Voting Stock or any securities convertible, exchangeable or
exercisable for shares of Voting Stock (the "Additional Securities"), the
Company shall, no later than 15 days prior to the consummation of such
transaction (a "Preemptive Rights Transaction"), give notice in writing (the
"Preemptive Right Notice") to the Purchaser of such Preemptive
<PAGE>   9
Rights Transaction. The Preemptive Rights Notice shall describe the proposed
Preemptive Rights Transaction and contain an offer (the "Preemptive Rights
Offer") to sell to the Purchaser, at the same price and for the same
consideration to be paid by the proposed purchaser in an arms-length
transaction, all of the Purchaser's pro rata portion of the Additional
Securities. The Purchaser's pro rata portion shall be such number of securities
as may be necessary so that the Purchaser's fully diluted Voting Stock ownership
percentage (represented by the number of shares of Voting Stock owned by it or
its Affiliates or issuable upon the exercise of the Warrant) is not reduced as a
result of such Preemptive Rights Transaction. If the Purchaser fails to accept
such offer by written notice ten (10) days after its receipt of the Preemptive
Right Notice, the Purchaser's rights hereunder with respect to the proposed
Preemptive Rights Transaction shall be deemed waived, and the Company may
proceed with the proposed issue or sale of the Additional Securities, free of
any right on the part of the Purchaser under this Section 3.3 in respect
thereof.

                  (b) This Section 3.3 shall not apply to (i) issuances or sales
of options or warrants following the date hereof pursuant to, or issuances or
sales of Common Stock upon exercise of any employee stock option that is granted
following the date hereof under, any plan for officers, employees or directors
of the Company approved by the Board of Directors in an amount not to exceed 10%
of the fully diluted shares of Common Stock on the date hereof, (ii) issuances
or sales of Common Stock pursuant to a merger of the Company or a Subsidiary of
the Company into or with another entity or an acquisition by the Company of a
Subsidiary of the Company or another business or corporation, (iii) issuances of
Common Stock in a public offering, (iv) except as provided in clause (v) hereof,
issuances or sales of Common Stock upon the exercise, exchange or conversion of
any other rights, options, warrants or convertible securities (it being
understood that a Preemptive Rights Offer shall be made at the time of the
issuance by the Company of such rights, options, warrants or convertible
securities), (v) the issuance or sale of Common Stock to Niagara Mohawk Energy
("NME") or its successors and assigns in connection with NME's (or such
successors' and assigns') sale to the Company of a 25% membership interest in
Telergy Central LLC (the "NME Sale") if an adjustment in the Exercise Price and
number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of a Warrant has been
made under Section 8(b)(ii) of the Warrant Certificate or (vi) the issuance or
sale of Common Stock to Teleglobe Inc. or its successors and assigns if an
adjustment in the Exercise Price and number of shares of Common Stock issuable
upon exercise of a Warrant has been made under Section 8(b)(iii) of the Warrant
Certificate.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                   Termination

                  The provisions of this Agreement shall terminate on the date
on which the Voting Stock owned by Global Crossing or its Affiliates or issuable
upon the exercise of the Warrant constitutes less than five percent (5%) of the
sum of (i) the issued and outstanding shares of the Voting Stock of the Company
plus (ii) the shares of Voting
<PAGE>   10
Stock of the Company issuable upon the exercise of options, warrants and other
convertible securities which are then exercisable. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, except with respect to the NME Sale, the provisions of Section 3.3
shall terminate upon the completion of an Initial Public Offering.

                                    ARTICLE V

                                  Miscellaneous

                  Section 5.1 Notices. All notices required or permitted
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given: (i) upon
personal delivery to the party to be notified; (ii) when sent by confirmed telex
or facsimile if sent during normal business hours of the recipient, if not, then
on the next business day; (iii) upon delivery if sent by registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (iv) upon delivery if
deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, specifying next day
delivery, with written verification of receipt. All communications shall be sent
to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party
as shall be specified by like notice):

                      (a) if to the Purchaser, to:

                                GC Dev. Co., Inc.
                                150 El Camino Drive, Suite 204
                                Beverly Hills, California 90212
                                Attn: General Counsel
                                Telecopy: (310) 281-5820

                           with a copy to:

                                Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
                                425 Lexington Avenue
                                New York, New York 10017
                                Attn: Alan M. Klein, Esq.
                                Facsimile: (212) 455-2502

                      (b) if to the Kelly Shareholders, to:

                                Brian P. Kelly
                                One Telergy Parkway
                                East Syracuse, New York 13057

                                Kevin M. Kelly
                                One Telergy Parkway
                                East Syracuse, New York 13057

<PAGE>   11
                                William M. Kelly, Jr.
                                One Telergy Parkway
<PAGE>   12
                          East Syracuse, New York 13057

                           with a copy to:

                               Victoria A. Ramundo
                               Telergy, Inc.
                               20 Corporate Woods
                               Albany, New York 12211
                               Facsimile: (518) 463-9937

                 (c) if to the Company, to:

                               Telergy, Inc.
                               One Telergy Parkway
                               East Syracuse, New York 13057
                               Attn: Chief Executive Officer
                               Facsimile: (315) 433-5358

                           with a copy to:

                               Telergy, Inc.
                               20 Corporate Woods
                               Albany, New York 12211
                               Attn: General Counsel
                               Facsimile: (518) 463-9937

or to such other address or addresses as shall be designated in writing. All
notices shall be effective when received.

                  Section 5.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Amended and
Restated Securities Purchase Agreement and the other Ancillary Documents
constitute the full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties
with regard to the subjects thereto and no party shall be liable or bound to any
other in any manner by any representations, warranties, covenants and agreements
except as specifically set forth herein and therein.

                  Section 5.3 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or
modified only upon the written consent of the Company, the Kelly Shareholders
and the Purchaser (or its assigns).

                  Section 5.4 Waiver. The obligations of a party under this
Agreement may be waived only with the written consent of all of the other
parties to this Agreement.

                  Section 5.5 Delays or Omissions. It is agreed that no delay or
omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party, upon any
breach, default or noncompliance by another party under this Agreement, shall
impair any such right, power or remedy, nor shall it be construed to be
<PAGE>   13
a waiver of any such breach, default or noncompliance, or any acquiescence
therein, or of or in any similar breach, default or noncompliance thereafter
occurring. It is further agreed that any waiver, permit, consent or approval of
any kind or character on a party's part of any breach, default or noncompliance
under this Agreement or any waiver on such party's part of any provisions or
conditions of this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to
the extent specifically set forth in such writing. All remedies under this
Agreement or otherwise afforded to any party shall be cumulative and not
alternative.

         Section 5.6 Separability. In case any provision of this Agreement shall
be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability
of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired
thereby.

         Section 5.7 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together
shall constitute one instrument.

         Section 5.8 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed in all
respects by the laws of the State of New York.

         Section 5.9 Submission to Jurisdiction. (a) Each party hereto
irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the courts of
the State of New York and the courts of the United States for the Northern or
Southern Districts of New York, and in the courts hearing appeals therefrom, for
the resolution of any dispute, action, suit or proceeding arising out of or
relating to this Agreement. Each party hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not
to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any
action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement, the defense of sovereign
immunity, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the
above-named courts for any reason other than the failure to serve process in
accordance with this Section 5.9, that it or its property is exempt or immune
from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such
courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment,
attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise),
and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, that the suit, action or
proceeding in any such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue
of such suit, action or proceeding is improper, or that this Agreement, or the
subject matter hereof or thereof, may not be enforced in or by such courts and
further irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law,
the benefit of any defense that would hinder, fetter or delay the levy,
execution or collection of any amount to which the party is entitled pursuant to
the final judgment of any court having jurisdiction.

                  (b) The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in
the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in
accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. It is
accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically
the terms and provisions of this Agreement in any court of the State of New York
or any court of the United States for the Northern or
<PAGE>   14
Southern Districts of New York, this being in addition to any other remedy to
which they are entitled at law or in equity.

                  Section S.10 Successors and Assigns. The provisions hereof
shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, assigns,
heirs, executors and administrators of the parties hereto and shall inure to the
benefit of and be enforceable by each person who shall be a holder of the
Preferred Shares, the Warrant or the Warrant Shares from time to time. Subject
to applicable law and except with respect to Sections 2.1 and 2.2, the Purchaser
may assign its rights under this Agreement in whole or in part, but no such
assignment shall relieve the Purchaser of its obligations hereunder and any
assignee shall agree in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and
the Ancillary Documents. The Company may not assign any of its rights or
delegate any of its duties under this Agreement without the prior written
consent of the Purchaser. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section
shall be void.

                  Section 5.11 Titles and subtitles. The titles of the sections
and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are
not to be considered in construing this Agreement.

<PAGE>   15
                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed by the
parties hereto or by their respective duly authorized representatives, all as of
the date first above written.

TELERGY, INC.

By:     /s/ Kevin J. Kelly
   -------------------------------
   Name:  Kevin J. Kelly
   Title: Executive Vice President

GC DEV. CO., INC.

By:     /s/ Barry Porter
   -------------------------------
   Name:  Barry Porter
   Title: President

/s/ Brian Kelly
----------------------------------
Brian P. Kelly

/s/ Kevin J. Kelly
----------------------------------
Kevin J. Kelly

/s/ William M. Kelly
----------------------------------
William M. Kelly<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.12

Title: Chief Executive Officer of Telergy, Inc.
       as Managing Member of Telergy Metro LLC

                                  IRU AGREEMENT

                                     BETWEEN

                                US CROSSING, INC.

                                       AND

                               TELERGY METRO, LLC

                            DATED: SEPTEMBER 9, 1999

                                (NYC FIBER RING)

<PAGE>   2
                                IRU AGREEMENT

            THIS IRU AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made, as of the Effective
Date (hereafter defined), by and between US CROSSING, INC. ("Global Crossing"),
a Delaware corporation having its principal office at 150 El Camino Drive, Suite
204, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, and TELERGY METRO, LLC, a New York limited
liability company having its principal office at One Telergy Parkway, East
Syracuse, New York 13057 ("Telergy").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

            WHEREAS, Telergy is constructing and installing fiber optic
telecommunications networks throughout New York State, including a fiber ring in
and around New York City;

            WHEREAS, Global Crossing desires to acquire from Telergy, and
Telergy desires to provide to Global Crossing, an exclusive, indefeasible right
to use certain optical fibers in the NYC Ring along the Route as hereafter
described upon the terms and conditions set forth below and maintenance services
necessary to utilize the Global IRU;

            WHEREAS, capitalized terms used in these recitals and not otherwise
defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in Article I of this
Agreement; and

            WHEREAS, Global Crossing and its Affiliates are developing a
worldwide, multiple fiber pair, fiber optic telecommunications network (the
"Global Crossing Network"), a portion of which Global Crossing Network will
include connectivity within the NYC Ring.

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises set forth
below, the parties hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS

            Capitalized terms and phrases used in this Agreement shall have the
following meanings:

            "Acceptance" shall have the meaning set forth  in Paragraph 5.4.

            "Acceptance Date" means the date defined in Paragraph 5.4 below.
<PAGE>   3
            "AFFILIATE" MEANS ANY PERSON OR ENTITY THAT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY,
CONTROLS, IS CONTROLLED BY, OR IS UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH ANOTHER PERSON OR
ENTITY. FOR PURPOSES OF THE PRECEDING SENTENCE, "CONTROL" WITH RESPECT TO ANY
PERSON OR ENTITY MEANS OWNERSHIP, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OF OR THE POWER TO
VOTE AT LEAST FIFTY PERCENT (50%) OF THE VOTING INTEREST IN THE PERSON OR
ENTITY.

            "AGREEMENT" means this IRU Agreement between Telergy and Global
Crossing dated September 9, 1999 as it may be amended from time to time,
including the Exhibits attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference
hereto and any amendments to the Exhibits or to this Agreement.

            "Assignee" or "Assigns" shall have the meaning as set forth in
Article XIX.

            "Authorizations" shall have the meaning set forth in Article.20.1F.

            "Building Entrances" means Dark Fiber installed in spurs to be
constructed by Telergy (other than the initial diverse paths into the buildings
identified on Appendix C as part of the Manhattan Ring), which spurs connect the
NYC Ring to such buildings in accordance with the provisions set forth in
Paragraph 2.4 of this Agreement.

            "Building Entrance IRU" has the meaning set forth in Paragraph
2.4(v).

            "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day
on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to close.

            "CECONY" means Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., which
is the counterparty of Telergy to the L&O Agreement.

            "Collocation" ("Collocate") means the arrangement whereby Global
Crossing, at its option and provided that space is available, leases certain
space in a specified portion of the structures belonging to Telergy (the
"Telergy Sites") for purposes of maintaining and installing equipment necessary
to utilize the Global IRU under this Agreement. Such Collocation rights shall be
pursuant to the charges, terms and conditions set forth in Telergy's standard
exhibits governing fees, charges, terms and conditions.

            "Collocation Space" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph
3.3.

            "Confirmation" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 3.2.

            "Connecting Point" means a point where the network or facilities of
Global Crossing will connect to the Global IRU.

            "Costs" means actual direct costs incurred in the design,
engineering,
<PAGE>   4
construction and installation of any Building Entrances. All Costs shall be
computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Such Costs
include, without limitation, fees, charges or compensation payable by Telergy to
obtain any necessary Right-of-Way Agreements or Rights-of-Way, equipment,
materials and fiber facilities, labor costs, including wages and salaries, and
benefits and supportable overhead allocable to such labor costs, including
wages, salaries and benefits.

            "Cure Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 16.1(a).

            "Dark Fiber" means single mode dispersion-unshifted strands of
optical fiber through which no light, light communications or signals are
transmitted and meet the specifications set forth in Telergy's standard Dark
Fiber Specifications.

            "Effective Date" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph in
23.4.

            "Equivalent Compensation" means the consideration to be paid by
Global Crossing for the Global IRU as set forth in Article III of this
agreement.

            "EVENT OF DEFAULT" SHALL HAVE THE MEANING SET FORTH IN PARAGRAPH
16.1.

            "FIBER ACCEPTANCE TESTING" means the fiber acceptance testing
described in Article V.

            "Final Acceptance Date" means the Acceptance Date of the final
Segment of the NYC Ring.

            "Force Majeure" shall have the definition set forth in Article XXI.

            "Global Crossing" means US Crossing, Inc., a party to this Agreement
as defined in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.

            "Global Crossing Ltd." means a Bermuda corporation having its
principal offices at 150 El Camino Drive, Suite 204, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 and
which indirectly owns and controls 100% of US Crossing, Inc., a party to this
agreement.

            "Global Equipment" shall mean optronic (opto-electrical),
electronic, or optical equipment, or materials, facilities, or other equipment
owned and installed by Global Crossing on Global Crossing-controlled property
utilized by Global Crossing in connection with the Global IRU.

            "Global Crossing Network" shall have the meaning set forth in
Paragraph 3.1A.

            "Global IRU" means an IRU in 96-strands of Dark Fiber to be provided
for the Term in the NYC Ring, which includes the Manhattan Ring, in accordance
with this
<PAGE>   5
Agreement, as further defined in Paragraph 2.1.

            "Indefeasible Right of Use" or "IRU" means an exclusive,
indefeasible right to use the specified property. The grant of an IRU does not
convey title or ownership of the covered property nor any interest in real or
personal property.

            "Indemnitor" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 9.1.

            "Inspection Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph
5.3 .

            "IRU Fee" means the Equivalent Compensation to be paid by Global
Crossing for the strands of Dark Fiber in the Global IRU during the Term and the
first Renewal Term, if any as further as described in Article III of this
Agreement and the monetary consideration to be paid by Global Crossing for any
Renewal Term as provided in Paragraph 2.3.

            "L&O Agreement" means the License and Operating Agreement between
Telergy and CECONY dated January 28, 1998.

            "Liens" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 8.4.

            "Long Island Segment" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph
2.5.

            "Maintenance" means the provisions governing maintenance of the
Global IRU, NYC Ring, Building Entrances, if any, and Collocation Space, if any,
set forth in Article VII of this Agreement.

            "Maintenance Fee(s)" means the fee or fees charged to Global
Crossing for the maintenance of the Dark Fiber as described in Paragraph 3.8 of
this Agreement.

            "Manhattan Acceptance Date" means the Acceptance Date of the final
Segment of the Manhattan Ring.

            "Manhattan Ring" means the Segments comprising that portion of the
Global IRU in the NYC Ring that shall be constructed and installed substantially
along the path depicted on the map attached hereto as Appendix C, which shall
include delivery of the Telergy Cable containing up to 96 strands of Dark Fiber
comprising the Global IRU through diverse service entrance pipes or their
equivalents from two diverse manholes into the buildings specified on said map
unless Telergy is restricted by any third-party or governmental entity from
providing such second diverse entry in which case Telergy shall deliver the
Telergy Cable containing the Global IRU through one service entrance pipe or its
equivalent into such buildings.

            "Non-ROUTINE MAINTENANCE" shall have the meaning set forth in
Paragraph 7.3.

            "NYC Ring" means the Segments of the Telergy Network to be
installed,
<PAGE>   6
owned and operated by Telergy in fiber optic ring up to 100-miles in and
throughout the five boroughs of New York City along the Route, which shall
contain the Global IRU.

            "Operational Support" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph
3.1 .

            "Person(s)" means a natural person, corporation, firm, partnership,
limited liability company, joint venture or other form of association or entity.

            "Project Manager" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 4.9.

            "Renewal Fees" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 2.3.

            "Renewal Term" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph 2.3.

            "Representatives" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph
15.1.

            "Right-OF-WAY" means those rights of Telergy pursuant to
Right-of-Way Agreements.

            "Right-OF-WAY AGREEMENTS" means rights, licenses, authorizations,
easements, leases, fee interests, franchises or agreements that provide for the
occupancy of real property or fixtures (such as conduit, bridges, river
crossings, or transmission towers) of the NYC Ring, including but not limited to
the L&O Agreement, as well as a certain Amended and Restated Franchise Agreement
between Telergy and The City of New York ("NYC Franchise"), which L&O Agreement
and NYC Franchise are attached hereto as Appendices A and B.

            "Route" shall mean the general path of the NYC Ring as depicted on
the maps attached hereto as Appendices C and D.

            "Routine Maintenance" shall have the meaning set forth in Paragraph
7.3.

            "Segment" means discrete portions of the Global IRU in the NYC Ring
that may be delivered by Telergy pursuant to the Testing, Acceptance and
Delivery provisions set forth in Article V of this Agreement.

            "Successor" shall have the meaning set forth in Article XIX.

            "Telergy" means Telergy Metro, LLC, a party to this Agreement as
described in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.

            "Telergy Cable" means Telergy's fiber optic facilities installed in
the NYC Ring pursuant to this Agreement, including but not limited to conduit,
pipes, innerduct, sub-duct, Dark Fiber , and any replacements or substitutions
thereto, and associated splicing connections, splice boxes and vaults.

            "Telergy, Inc." means a New York corporation having its principal
offices
<PAGE>   7
at One Telergy Parkway, East Syracuse, New York 13057 and which owns 100% of and
manages Telergy Metro LLC, a party to this agreement.

            "Telergy Network" means the telecommunications networks and related
structures, Telergy Sites and equipment or electronics that are constructed,
installed, operated and/or owned by subsidiaries of Telergy, Inc., including the
NYC Ring Building Entrances.

            "Telergy Sites" means the Telergy communications shelters,
collocation cages or repeater hut sites within which Global Crossing may obtain
space to Collocate its equipment as provided in this Agreement and the exhibits
hereto.

            "Term" means the term of this Agreement as defined in Paragraph 6.3.

            "Test Documents" shall have the definition set forth in Paragraph
5.2.

            "Voluntary Relocation" shall have meaning set forth in Paragraph
6.3.

                                   ARTICLE II
                             TERM AND GRANT OF IRU,
                             BUILDING ENTRY ACCESS

            2.1 Effective as of the Acceptance Date of any Segment and for the
Term and any Renewal Term(s), Telergy Metro, LLC hereby grants to Global
Crossing and Global Crossing hereby obtains an exclusive Indefeasible Right of
Use in ninety-six (96) strands of Dark Fiber in such Segment in the Telergy
Cable to be installed in the NYC Ring, for the purposes described herein on the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein (the "Global IRU").

            2.2 The Term of the Global IRU for all Segments shall commence upon
the Acceptance Date of such Segment and shall end twenty years after the
Manhattan Acceptance Date ("Term"). Telergy warrants that it has and will
maintain the Rights-of-Way, IRUs or other underlying rights, licenses and
approvals required to deliver the Global IRU for the Term. Telergy estimates
that the remaining useful life of the Global IRU and any Building Entrance IRU
to be at least for the Term.

            2.3 Telergy agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to extend
the Term for one or more additional periods of five years ("Renewal Terms"). In
the event Telergy secures one Renewal Term that commences directly after the
expiration of the Term, and Global Crossing desires to extend the Term of the
Global IRU and any Building Entrance IRU, Global Crossing shall pay its pro-rata
share, based on the number of Dark Fiber strands contained in the Global IRU or
Building Entrance IRU and the total number of strands of Dark Fiber installed in
the Telergy Cable containing the Global IRU or Building Entrance IRU, of the
costs incurred by Telergy to obtain the Renewal Term (such pro-rata share, the
"Renewal Fees"). In the event that Telergy secures any Renewal Term after such
first Renewal Term, the parties agree to negotiate in good faith prior to the
expiration of the Renewal Term to determine the monetary IRU Fee that shall be
paid by Global Crossing for any such Renewal Term

<PAGE>   8
with respect to the Global IRU and any Building Entrance IRU.

            2.4 The parties hereby agree that during the Term, Telergy shall
provide Global Crossing delivery of up to ninety-six strands of Dark Fiber in
any Building Entrances requested by Global Crossing, provided, however, that if
more than [***] strands are requested by Global Crossing, Telergy shall be
entitled to provide them in [***] if necessary. Telergy's obligation to provide
the Dark Fiber in such Building Entrances is subject to the following: (a)
Telergy has access to the Rights-of-Way and service entrance pipes from CECONY,
(b) Global Crossing has paid its pro rata share of all Costs for such Building
Entrance(s), and (c) Global Crossing has secured at its cost and expense any
necessary building owner/landlord consents or approvals that may be required to
deliver the Telergy Cable containing the Global IRU from the service entrance
pipes to the Global Crossing fiber demarcation point and within the buildings,
and subject to the following:

      (i)   Upon receipt of a written request from Global Crossing for any
            Building Entrance, Telergy shall prepare a good faith estimate of
            the Costs and anticipated completion date to deliver Dark Fiber in
            the Building Entrance to Global and send such estimate to Global
            Crossing within ten Business Days ("Estimate");

      (ii)  Within fifteen Business Days of receipt of Telergy's Estimate,
            Global Crossing shall notify Telergy in writing whether Telergy
            shall proceed with such Building Entrance ("Confirmation"),
            provided, however, that the time for Global Crossing to provide the
            Confirmation may be extended upon mutual agreement of the parties.
            If Global Crossing fails to provide the Confirmation, Telergy shall
            be entitled to construct the Building Entrance at its sole cost and
            expense and Global Crossing shall not be entitled to a Building
            Entrance IRU in connection with such building. Upon sending the
            Confirmation, Global Crossing shall be responsible for its pro-rata
            share of all Costs associated with such Building Entrance. In the
            event that Telergy has information from which it reasonably
            determines that the Costs will exceed the Estimate by more than 10%,
            it shall promptly notify Global Crossing and Global Crossing shall
            have three Business Days to notify Telergy to cease constructing
            such Building Entrance provided that Global Crossing shall reimburse
            Telergy for a proportionate share of the Costs incurred by Telergy
            prior its receipt of such notice to cease.

      (iii) Global Crossing may request Telergy to construct and install Dark
            Fiber to connect to buildings that are not within five hundred feet
            of the Manhattan Ring in CECONY Rights-of-Way or service entrance
            pipes, provided however that the determination whether to do so and
            the date for the

CONFIDENTIAL

[***] Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to material omitted
      on this page. The omitted portions have been filed separately with the
      Securities and Exchange Commission.
<PAGE>   9
            completion of the same shall be determined by Telergy in its sole
            discretion.

      (v)   Upon testing and Acceptance of the Dark Fiber installed in Building
            Entrances pursuant to Article V of this Agreement, Telergy hereby
            conveys an IRU for the Term and any Renewal Term in the Dark Fiber
            installed in such Building Entrances, without further act or
            documentation ("Building Entrance IRU")

      (iv)  Global Crossing shall at all times be entitled to install Dark Fiber
            to any other buildings that are not utilizing CECONY Rights-of-Way
            or service entrance pipes or within five hundred feet of the
            Manhattan Ring at its own cost and expense, provided that Global
            Crossing shall not under any circumstance be entitled to do so using
            any Telergy Rights-of-Way.

            2.5 Telergy proposes to build, construct, install, acquire, or
otherwise locate fiber optic cable, or conduit or rights-of-way for purposes of
later installing fiber optic cable between any point on Long Island in the State
of New York and any point within the State of New York, including on Long
Island. ("Long Island Segment"). Global Crossing hereby agrees that without
charge, upon 20 days prior written notice from Telergy, Global Crossing will
assist Telergy in determining the originating and terminating points of the Long
Island Segment, and designing the same including the expected fiber capacity,
the nature of the installation, the date on which Telergy expects to begin the
installation, and the date on which the Long Island Segment is anticipated to be
completed. Upon completion of the preliminary design the parties thereafter will
negotiate in good faith to enter into a final agreement regarding the co-build
of the Long Island Segment which negotiations shall be completed within 90 days
of the date on which the parties reached agreement on the preliminary design.
The parties hereby agree to share the total out-of-pocket costs, expenses and
fees actually incurred by them in connection with the co-build (including any
costs associated with obtaining rights-of-way) in proportion to the number of
strands of Dark Fiber and vacant duct, conduit or innerduct each will have in
the Long Island Segment and will equally share any engineer's and similar fees
paid to any non-Affiliated third parties in connection with the preliminary
design. The final agreement of the parties shall provide for the ownership,
operation and maintenance of the Long Island Segment as mutually agreed by the
parties.

            2.6 For a period of five years after the Manhattan Acceptance Date
(a) Global Crossing shall not, directly or indirectly, sell, transfer, convey,
assign, sublease, condo, lease, sublicense or wholesale ("Lease"), the Global
IRU to any third party, unless the traffic on such Global IRU is distributed
through the transmission and/or switching equipment of Global Crossing, provided
however that the foregoing restriction shall not apply when either (i) the
third-party is an Affiliate of Global Crossing engaged in the provisioning of
telecommunications services in New York City, or (ii) the third-party Lease is
entered into by Global Crossing for long-haul traffic, provided however
<PAGE>   10
that in either event such third-party Lease or use by an Affiliate of Global
Crossing shall contain the restrictions set forth in this Paragraph, which shall
expressly limit the third-party's uses to intercity traffic and not for
transmission of traffic within points in New York City.

                                  ARTICLE III
                                 CONSIDERATION

            3.1 As and for the IRU Fee for Telergy's grant of the Global IRU
during the Term, Global Crossing hereby agrees that it or any Affiliate or
subsidiaries thereof, including, upon consummation of the proposed merger in
connection therewith, Frontier Communications (collectively "Global Affiliate"),
shall, for the Term of this Agreement, provide the Operational Support as
defined in this Paragraph 3.1 to Telergy and its Affiliates.

            A. In order to more particularly define elements of the Operational
Support to be provided by Global Crossing hereunder, the parties shall meet no
less than once each calendar quarter for the first year of this Agreement and
then bi-annually thereafter to discuss the opportunities to use Telergy's
facilities to (i) terminate traffic transmitted on the network facilities
operated by Telergy or its Affiliates (the "Global Crossing Network") in markets
not served by the NYC Ring, (ii) provide back-up redundancy to segments or the
Global Crossing Network in areas served by Telergy, and (iii) terminate traffic
which the Global Crossing Network in and throughout New York City cannot
transmit because of capacity overload, disruption in availability of facilities
or any other reason. The uses described in (i), (ii) and (iii) of this Paragraph
are collectively referred to as "Uses". At these meetings, a qualified
representative of Telergy shall discuss forecasts (relevant to the Operational
Support to be provided hereunder) of the availability of capacity for the next
four calendar quarters on Telergy's network facilities to be used in any of the
Uses, and a qualified representative of Global Crossing shall discuss its
forecasts (relevant to the Operational Support to be provided hereunder) for the
next four calendar quarters of its demand for such capacity in such routes or
areas for any of the Uses. The parties shall agree on the terms, where
commercially viable, for Global Crossing to use Telergy's network facilities for
each of the Uses, which terms shall be consistent with industry standards, upon
commercially reasonable terms and conditions and competitive pricing. Each party
shall bear its own costs in connection with such meetings.

            B. During the meetings as provided in Paragraph 3.1.A above, the
parties shall also discuss the development of new products and services by
Telergy. At least ten business days prior to each such meeting, Telergy shall
give written notice to Global Crossing of the agenda for the meeting. In
response to that notice, Global Crossing shall use commercially reasonable
efforts to have one or more its representatives qualified to address the items
on the agenda present at the meeting. As illustrations, without limitation, such
representatives may be qualified in the areas of network engineering, software
development, operation support systems, data services, video services, switching
platforms, or marketing. Global Crossing shall not be obligated to provide more
than two representatives for any such meeting. At such
<PAGE>   11
meetings, Telergy may request Global Crossing's assistance in the development of
new products and services, and Global Crossing shall use its reasonable efforts
to provide such assistance. Such assistance may include, without limitation,
analysis of Telergy's plans with regard to technical feasibility, efficiency,
customer demand and consistency with the plans of other providers of capacity,
services or products; planning joint development or marketing of new products
and services by Telergy with Global Crossing or its Affiliates; providing
Telergy with non-confidential, non-proprietary information on the products or
services of equipment or software suppliers or service providers that may be
useful in Telergy's development of products and services; allowing Telergy to
review the non-proprietary and non-confidential technical specifications,
marketing materials and user documents for the services and products of Global
Crossing or its Affiliates; informing Telergy as to any intellectual property
owned or licensed by Global Crossing or its Affiliates that they are willing to
licenses to a third party; and allowing Telergy to send its employees to any
training courses offered by Global Crossing or its Affiliates for its employees
or customers as to products or services intended for third parties that are
similar to those Telergy is developing.

            C. For additional services or licenses provided by Global Crossing
(other than joint development or marketing of new products and services, for
which each party shall bear its own costs), Global Crossing shall charge, and
Telergy shall pay, commercially reasonable amounts (direct costs), including the
lowest amount of fees for any similar intellectual property license charged by
Global Crossing of any of its Affiliates to any unaffiliated third party.

            D. Should Telergy desire to obtain collocation space in a Global
Crossing (or Affiliate) office, switch location, interconnection point or other
landline facility located within Telergy's operating area in the United States,
Telergy shall submit a written request to Global Crossing at the address set
forth in the opening paragraph of this Agreement identifying such desired
collocation space, and Global Crossing shall promptly notify Telergy whether
such collocation space is available. Global Crossing shall use commercially
reasonable efforts to make such collocation space available to Telergy. If
Telergy thereby obtains any such collocation space, commercially reasonable
terms shall apply to Telergy's use of and access to such collocation space,
including preferred rates.

            E. Global Crossing or its Affiliates shall offer to Telergy any
capacity and services on any segment of the Global Crossing Network, to the
extent such capacity or services are available on commercially reasonable terms
at discounts between 5% and 15% off the list prices attached hereto as Appendix
E that would otherwise apply.

            F. As further compensation to Telergy for the Global IRU, Global
Crossing hereby agrees, subject to mutually agreed project plan as negotiated
pursuant to Paragraph 2.5 hereof, to participate in the preliminary design of,
and subject to the final agreement as negotiated pursuant to Paragraph 2.5
hereof, to participate in the construction and installation of, the Long Island
Segment.
<PAGE>   12
            3.2 As and for compensation to Telergy for any Building Entrance
IRUs, Global Crossing shall pay one-half the amount of its pro-rata portion of
the Costs for such Building Entrance indicated in the Estimate received by
Global Crossing pursuant to Paragraph 2.4(i), such payment to be made within
thirty (30) days after the date of the Confirmation, and (ii) shall pay its
pro-rata share of the remaining balance of the actual total Costs for such
Building Entrance within five Business Days of the Acceptance Date for the
Building Entrance IRU associated therewith. Upon receipt of payment in full of
the all Costs, Telergy shall provide Global Crossing the Building Entrance IRU
for such Building Entrance.

            3.3 In the event Global Crossing requests Collocation Space that is
available in Telergy Sites, Global Crossing shall pay the Collocation Fee set
forth in Telergy's standard Collocation Exhibits attached hereto as Exhibit B
and incorporated herein by this reference. The Collocation Fees shall be due
upon delivery of the Collocation Space to Global Crossing and monthly
thereafter. The initial invoice shall reflect the non-recurring charges and
first month's recurring charges in advance.

            3.4 Global Crossing hereby agrees to pay annual recurring
Maintenance Fees for all Routine and Non-Routine Maintenance (subject to
Paragraph 7.5) in the amount of $[***] per mile as and for Telergy's Maintenance
of the Global IRU throughout the Term, commencing with the month following the
Acceptance Date. Global Crossing shall pay such amounts in advance (i.e., on or
before the first day of each calendar year during which Routine Maintenance is
to be provided) during the Term. The payment shall be prorated, as necessary,
for the first and last year of the Term.

            3.5 Global Crossing shall make all payments of Costs due Telergy
under this Agreement by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the
United States account or accounts designated by Telergy. All other payments,
including but not limited to Maintenance Fees and Collocation Fees, due Telergy
pursuant to this Agreement shall be made by check or draft of immediately
available funds delivered to Telergy at the address designated in writing (e.g.,
in a statement or invoice) or, failing such designation, to the address for
Telergy first set forth in the opening paragraph of this Agreement. Any amounts
not paid by Global Crossing when due and payable under this Agreement shall
thereafter accrue interest at the rate of 12% per annum.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                          CONSTRUCTION, CONNECTION TO
                    GLOBAL CROSSING NETWORK AND COLLOCATION

            4.1 Telergy will provide access to the Global IRU at all Telergy
splice points (or available manholes) requested by Global Crossing along the
Route, provided however that all splicing and related construction work will be
performed by Telergy in accordance with the Construction Specifications attached
hereto as Exhibit E. Subject to the provisions herein, Global Crossing shall pay
for and arrange for all connections of

CONFIDENTIAL
[***] Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to material omitted
      on this page. The omitted portions have been filed separately with the
      Securities and Exchange Commission.
<PAGE>   13
its facilities, the Global Equipment, or the Global Crossing Network at any
Connecting Points for the Global IRU.

            4.2 Subject to Paragraph 4.10, in the event Global Crossing requests
Collocation Space that is available from Telergy, Telergy shall provide such
Collocation Space upon the prices, terms and conditions set forth in the
Collocation Access Entry Terms attached hereto as Exhibit B, and such Telergy
Sites shall meet the specifications attached hereto as Exhibit F.

            4.3 Telergy will be responsible for the construction of the NYC
Ring, the Global IRU and any Building Entrances in accordance and compliance
with sound industry standards using the skill and expertise appropriate for the
project contemplated hereunder, and the Construction Specifications attached
hereto as Exhibit E. Telergy agrees that the Global IRU, other than the Dark
Fiber installed between buildings listed on Appendix C along the Manhattan Ring
and manholes adjacent to such buildings, shall be installed in contiguous fibers
in contiguous buffer tubes. Telergy further agrees that the Dark Fiber contained
in (i) the Global IRU installed into buildings listed on Appendix C along the
Manhattan Ring and manholes adjacent to such buildings, and (ii) Building
Entrance IRUs shall be provided in separate cable sheaths or outside plant
splitters if reasonably available to Telergy without additional cost or expense.

            4.4 Telergy, at its sole cost and expense, will obtain all necessary
access to Rights-of Way and will comply with all applicable federal, state or
local laws, ordinances, regulations, orders, permits, franchises, or
requirements of any governmental body having jurisdiction necessary for Telergy
to construct and install the NYC Ring containing the Global IRU and any Building
Entrances. Telergy shall, at its sole cost and expense, secure all necessary
licenses, permits, easements, approvals, and authorizations required for the
construction, installation and maintenance of the NYC Ring containing the Global
IRU.

            4.5 Global Crossing, at its sole cost and expense, shall be
responsible for determining the need for, timing and other requirements, and
obtaining any authority, license, franchise, permit or other permission required
by any regulator, landlord or building owner, or any governmental entity of
competent jurisdiction to use the Global IRU, Building Entrance IRU and any
Collocation Space hereunder.

            4.6 Telergy shall be responsible for ensuring that all Right-of-Way
Agreements that are necessary to the installation and delivery of the Global IRU
for the Term are, or shall be, in place when needed in order for Telergy to
fulfill its obligations hereunder and for Global Crossing to use the Global IRU
or any Building Entrance IRU during the Term. Telergy shall be responsible for
ensuring that the Rights-of-Way shall be for a period of not less than the Term
it being understood that any further payments required to renew or maintain
Rights-of-Way for any Renewal Term(s) shall be for the sole account of Telergy,
except with respect to Global Crossing's obligation pursuant to Article II to
pay a proportionate share of the Costs associated with Building Entrances and
with the first Renewal Term and the IRU Fees applicable to any subsequent
<PAGE>   14
Renewal Terms.

            4.7 Telergy hereby warrants, for the benefit of Global Crossing,
that the Dark Fiber in the Global IRU and in any Building Entrance IRU shall be
constructed and installed in accordance with the construction specifications
contained in Exhibit E and the Fiber Optic Specifications in Exhibit D attached
hereto. Telergy hereby warrants that the Dark Fiber in the Global IRU and any
Building Entrance IRU shall function in accordance with the Fiber Optic
Specifications attached hereto as Exhibit D, for a period of (a) twelve months
from the Acceptance Date of the Segment of the Global IRU or Building Entrance
IRU containing the warranted Dark Fiber, or (b) such longer period as
corresponds to the term(s) of the underlying fiber warranty(ies) Telergy obtains
from its fiber vendor and cable vendor.

            4.8 Global Crossing acknowledges that Telergy may subcontract the
Construction of the Global IRU and/or Building Entrances to qualified entities
experienced in constructing and engineering fiber optic networks in New York
State, provided however that Telergy shall be and remain responsible to Global
Crossing at all times for Telergy's obligations under this Agreement. Telergy
and its authorized agents shall perform all network engineering and design,
cable construction and maintenance, including placement, permitting, easement
acquisition, pole attachments, make ready work and splicing necessary for the
Global IRU to be fully operational.

            4.9 During the construction of the NYC Ring, each party shall
designate a Project Manager as the single point of contact with respect to the
performance by the parties under this Agreement. The Project Managers, will
among other things, work together to provide maximum physical separation of the
Dark Fiber comprising the Global IRU in the Telergy Cable. The Project Managers
shall establish procedures for periodic verbal and written status reports and
meetings as appropriate to discuss achievements, plans, progress and delays, if
any. Global Crossing shall provide Telergy's Project Manager in writing of its
desires concerning the design of the NYC Ring (excluding the Manhattan Ring) and
Telergy shall take such desires into account prior to finalizing the Route of
the Segments of the NYC Ring provided however that Telergy shall accommodate
Global Crossing's needs only to the extent consistent with Telergy's business
plans and activities. With respect to the Manhattan Ring, Telergy may consider
any information provided in writing by Global Crossing with respect to the order
of delivery of Segments in the Manhattan Ring, provided however that Telergy, in
its sole discretion, shall determine whether to accommodate Global Crossing's
desired delivery schedule.

            4.10 The parties hereby agree to discuss the particular requirements
that may be required in connection with Collocation Space in New York City and
in the event the parties enter into a separate Collocation Agreement after the
date of this Agreement, the provisions governing Collocation herein shall be
modified to the extent expressly modified in the separate Collocation Agreement,
and such Collocation Agreement will be attached hereto as Appendix F and
incorporated herein by this reference.
<PAGE>   15
                                   ARTICLE V
                        TESTING, ACCEPTANCE AND DELIVERY

            5.1 Each Segment of the Global IRU and each Building Entrance IRU
shall be deemed ready for delivery to, and lease by, Global Crossing on that
date when (i) all necessary approvals and authorizations for Telergy to deliver
the specific Segment or Building Entrance IRU have been secured by Telergy; and
(ii) the Dark Fiber in the Segment or the Building Entrance IRU has been tested
pursuant to the testing and acceptance provisions of Exhibit C attached hereto
and meets all the Dark Fiber Specifications set forth in Exhibit D. Telergy
agrees to cooperate with Global Crossing in scheduling the testing of any
Segment of the Global IRU or any Building Entrance IRU to allow Global Crossing
an opportunity to participate in such testing and Telergy agrees to provide
Global Crossing five (5) Business Days prior written notice of Telergy's intent
to test any Segment or Building Entrance IRU, and allow Global Crossing to be
present during all phases of testing. The availability of any Segment of the
Global IRU or the Building Entrance IRU for delivery, together with the actual
miles of fiber available for delivery shall be certified to Global Crossing in
writing by Telergy ("Certification").

            5.2 Telergy shall notify Global Crossing in writing when any Segment
of the Global IRU or Building Entrance IRU is satisfactorily tested, completed
and ready for delivery to Global Crossing by delivery of the Certification and
all fiber test results (collectively, the "Test Documents"), which fiber test
results shall specify end-to-end loss, measured from repeater hut to repeater
hut and Optical Time Domain Reflectometer traces.

            5.3 Global Crossing will have ten (10) Business Days from the date
Telergy delivers the Test Documents to Global Crossing (the "Inspection Period")
to inspect the Test Documentation to insure that the Dark Fiber Specifications
for that Segment or Building Entrance IRU have been met.

            5.4 Upon written notice by Global Crossing that a Segment or
Building Entrance IRU is satisfactory to it, the Segment or Building Entrance
IRU shall be deemed delivered by Telergy and accepted by Global Crossing
("Acceptance") unless prior to the expiration of the Inspection Period for the
Segment of the Global IRU or Building Entrance IRU provides written notice of
any deficiencies in any of the Dark Fiber, specifying that Telergy failed to
meet particular Dark Fiber Specifications as set forth in Exhibit D, and
specifically identifying the same. Telergy shall rectify any specification
deficiencies identified by Global Crossing in such notice within 30 days of
receipt of the same. Upon written notification to Global Crossing that such
recertification is complete, a new Inspection Period shall commence. Upon the
earlier to occur of the notice of Acceptance or Global Crossing's failure to
notify Telergy on or before expiration of the Inspection Period shall constitute
Acceptance by Global Crossing of the relevant Segment or Building Entrance IRU
("Acceptance Date").

            5.5 Forthwith upon the Acceptance Date in accordance with the
<PAGE>   16
provisions of Paragraph 5.4, and subject to the provisions of this Agreement,
the Global IRU in the Segment, and upon payment of the Costs applicable to a
Building Entrance the Building Entrance IRU, shall be deemed to have been
granted to Global Crossing in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement,
without any further document, act or thing, and all applicable payments due
Telergy from Global Crossing, including but not limited to any Renewal Fees, IRU
Fees, Maintenance Fees and Collocation Fees shall be due in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement and applicable Exhibits.

            5.6 Within thirty (30) days after Acceptance of each of the
Segments, Telergy shall deliver to Global Crossing one (1) copy of the as-built
drawings as provided in Exhibit G.

            5.7 Telergy (i) shall use it best efforts to cause the Manhattan
Acceptance Date to occur by June 30, 2000, (ii) shall in any event cause the
Manhattan Acceptance Date to occur by December 31, 2000, and (iii) shall cause
the Final Acceptance Date to occur by December 31, 2000.

            5.8 The Certification by Telergy for the last Segment of the Global
IRU in the NYC Ring shall include a notation that the Acceptance Date for such
Segment shall be the Final Acceptance Date and the parties agree to work
cooperatively to verify that all the Dark Fibers in the entire Global IRU for
the NYC Ring meets the applicable standards and specifications applicable to the
Acceptance process, provided however that each of the dates set forth in
Paragraph 5.7 (ii) and (iii) and Paragraph 5.9 shall be extended one day for
each day of delay caused by (i) Global Crossing's request for Telergy to deviate
from the path of the Manhattan Ring or the path established by agreement of the
parties for any other Segments of the Global IRU in the NYC Ring, or (ii) the
need for Telergy to construct or install any redundant paths (rather than
utilizing CECONY service entrance pipes) in connection with the buildings
included in the Manhattan Ring.

            5.9 The parties agree that damages for delay are difficult to
calculate and therefore agree that liquidated damages will be paid for delay or
later performance of Telergy's obligations under this Agreement pursuant to the
terms hereof. As regarding and limited to the amounts of liquidated damages,
Telergy recognizes that Global Crossing has assumed certain obligations of its
customers and its equipment suppliers for which delivery of the Global IRU is
essential. If (i) Telergy fails to achieve the Manhattan Acceptance Date by
December 31, 2000 (or such later date pursuant to Paragraph 5.8) or (ii) Telergy
fails to achieve the Final Acceptance Date by December 31, 2002 (or such later
date pursuant to Paragraph 5.8), Telergy shall pay liquidated damages to Global
Crossing of $25,000 for each day of delay not to exceed US$2,500,000 in the
aggregate; provided that if such delay in achieving the Manhattan Acceptance
Date or the Final Acceptance Date is attributable to delays or failures by
Global Crossing, no such liquidated damages shall be payable.

            Liquidated damages shall not be Global Crossing's sole remedy for a
breach of contract, provided that if liquidated damages have been paid as set
forth
<PAGE>   17
herein, no further damages for delay shall be payable unless the Manhattan
Acceptance Date shall occur later than March 1, 2001 (or such later date
pursuant to Paragraph 5.8) due to Telergy's failure to complete its obligations.
If the Manhattan Acceptance Date is delayed beyond March 1, 2001 due to
Telergy's failure to complete its obligations, Telergy shall be liable for
actual damages in excess of liquidated damages.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                        RELOCATION, REPLACEMENT, REPAIR

            6.1 Telergy shall be responsible for all costs associated with
relocation of any of the Segments (or portions thereof) of the New York City
Ring or Building Entrances, provided, however, that if Telergy is required to
relocate any Segments under its Right-of-Way Agreements by a utility or
governmental body that owns or controls the underlying Right-of-Way for the
limited purposes of condemnation, eminent domain or satisfying public utility or
governmental requirements, or is required to relocate any Building Entrances due
to landlord requirements, Global Crossing shall pay [***], provided that (a)
such relocation is not caused by an act or omission of Telergy, (b) Telergy
shall have used reasonable efforts to avoid the cost of such relocation, and (c)
Telergy shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to achieve such
relocation in a cost-effective manner. In any event, Telergy shall use its best
efforts to minimize the effect of such relocation on Global Crossing's use of
the Global IRU.

            6.2 If, following the Acceptance Date for a Segment, Telergy is
required by a third party with legal authority to do so, to relocate, replace or
repair all or any portion of such Segment of the NYC Ring or Building Entrances
or any of the facilities used or required in providing Global Crossing with the
Global IRU ("Mandatory Relocation"), Telergy shall provide Global Crossing
ninety (90) days' prior notice of any such Mandatory Relocation, if possible,
and shall proceed with such relocation, replacement or repair. Telergy shall
have the right hereunder to direct such relocation, replacement or repair
including, but not limited to, the right to determine the extent of, the timing
of, and methods to be used for such relocation, replacement or repair.

            6.3 If, following the Acceptance Date for a Segment, Telergy
determines to relocate, replace or repair all or any portion of such Segment of
the NYC Ring or Building Entrances or any of the facilities use or required in
providing Global Crossing with the Global IRU ("Voluntary Relocation"), Telergy
shall provide Global Crossing ninety days' prior notice of any such Voluntary
Relocation which shall be performed at Telergy's sole cost and expense and shall
be undertaken in a manner that avoids any material deviation, including
eliminating the delivery of the of Dark Fiber in any building included in the
Manhattan Ring or any Dark Fiber in any Building Entrance in the Route of the
affected Segment, or a material service interruption. For purposes of this
Paragraph, the parties agree that the terms "material deviation" and "material

CONFIDENTIAL
[***] Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to material omitted
      on this page. The omitted portions have been filed separately with the
      Securities and Exchange Commission.
<PAGE>   18
service interruption" shall be further defined by the parties within thirty days
from the date of this Agreement and shall be attached hereto as Appendix G and
incorporated herein by this reference.

            6.4 For any relocations of Global IRU or Global Equipment at the
request of Global Crossing for its own business purposes, Global Crossing shall
pay all relocation Costs and shall be responsible to acquire all Right-of-Way
Agreements at its sole cost and expense in connection therewith. In the event
Telergy agrees to undertake any such relocations for the convenience of Global
Crossing, Telergy agrees to construct and install any such relocated Segments in
accordance with the applicable specifications included as Exhibits to this
Agreement.

            6.5 Global Crossing shall pay all the relocation costs it is
required to pay under this Article VI within thirty (30) days of receipt of
Telergy's invoice and supporting documentation therefor.

                                  ARTICLE VII
                       OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR

            7.1 Telergy reserves to itself, its Successors and Assigns, the
right, in its sole discretion, to own, operate and maintain the NYC Ring and
Building Entrances, and all related facilities, and Collocation and Telergy
Sites in such manner as will best enable it to meet its business purposes,
provided however that Telergy shall use its best efforts to ensure there is no
interference with Global Crossing's lease, use and possession of the Global IRU
or Building Entrance IRUs.

            7.2 Any Maintenance conducted by Telergy shall be conducted in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Maintenance and any equipment
manufacturers'/ suppliers' warranty recommendations in accordance with the
Schedule set forth below and Telergy will provide Global Crossing with
Maintenance routine reports annually.
<PAGE>   19
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE:

                                OPERATIONAL HOURS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUSY HOURS                          AFTER HOURS                          OFF HOURS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>                                  <C>
[***] Local Monday                  [***] Local Monday                   [***] Local Monday
through Friday                      through Friday                       through Sunday (seven days a
                                                                         week)
[***] Local                         [***] Local Saturday
Saturday and Sunday                 and Sunday
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 No activities will take place      The time in which activities         The time reserved for any
except for EMERGENCY                that have minimal impact on          activities that could have a
activities.                         the network and customers            direct effect on the network
                                    will take place.   This would        and/or customers.  This would
                                    include non-traffic effecting        include splicing active fibers,
                                    activities (i.e., splicing a new     installation/removal of active
                                    element on a non-traffic             equipment, battery
                                    bearing right, fiber prep work)      maintenance, AC/DC power
                                                                         work, etc.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

            7.3 During the Term, Telergy shall perform all required Routine
Maintenance and Non-Routine Maintenance for the Global IRU and any Building
Entrance IRUs pursuant to Exhibit H. "Routine Maintenance" means maintenance and
repair work that Telergy is obligated to provide as routine maintenance under
the terms and conditions of its Maintenance Standards attached hereto as Exhibit
H.
            "Non-Routine Maintenance" means maintenance and repair work that
Telergy is obligated to provide, which is:

            (a) Other than Routine Maintenance; and

            (b) Not required pursuant to any other provision of this Agreement.

            7.4 Telergy shall provide Global Crossing with three (3) Business
Days prior written notice of any Non- Routine, non-emergency maintenance, and
shall use its best efforts to ensure that such maintenance shall not in any way
interfere with Global Crossing's lease, use and possession of the Global IRU.
Telergy shall provide Global Crossing with notice of any emergency maintenance
or of any hazardous condition outside the control of Telergy that in Telergy's
reasonable judgment will interrupt service as quickly as possible under the
circumstances giving rise to the emergency or potential disruption and if only
verbal notification is possible, Telergy shall provide Global Crossing with
written notice within three Business Days thereafter. In the event

CONFIDENTIAL

[***]  Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to material
       omitted on this page. The omitted portions have been filed separately
       with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
<PAGE>   20
of a disruption of service to the Global IRU, Global Crossing shall immediately
notify Telergy by contacting the 24-hour telephone number designated by Telergy.
Telergy shall follow the Restoration Procedures contained in Exhibit H and shall
use commercially reasonable efforts to respond as promptly as possible under the
circumstances and to use commercially reasonable efforts to restore services to
(a) any non-service affecting failure, interruption, or impairment in the
operation of the Global IRU arising on Telergy's side of the demarcation or
splice point where the Global IRU is delivered to Global Crossing
("Disruptions") within eight hours, and (b) any such service-affecting
Disruptions within six hours.

            7.5 The Maintenance Fee set forth in Paragraph 3.4 shall not cover
the following the costs of which Global Crossing shall pay as provided herein
(i) its pro-rata share of the costs of emergency maintenance arising from
disasters or other catastrophic situations outside the control of Telergy and
(ii) the entire costs of damage caused by Global Crossing's negligence or
willful misconduct at Telergy's then-prevailing rates or other actual, direct
and reasonable costs incurred by Telergy. Global Crossing shall be entitled to
request that Telergy perform maintenance in addition to the Routine and
Non-Routine Maintenance upon prices, terms and conditions pertaining thereto to
be negotiated by the parties. Global Crossing shall not be obligated to make
payments pursuant to the preceding clause (ii) to the extent Global Crossing is
obligated to reimburse Telergy for all or a portion of the costs incurred
pursuant to other provisions of this Agreement or if the Non-Routine Maintenance
costs are incurred due to Telergy's negligence or willful misconduct.

            7.6 Telergy may subcontract for maintenance, repair, restoration,
relocation, or other operational and technical services it is obligated to
provide hereunder or may have the underlying right-of-way facility owner or its
contractor perform such obligations, though Telergy shall remain liable to
Global Crossing for such obligations relating to the Global IRU and any Building
Entrance IRUs.

            7.7 Telergy's maintenance and repair obligations under this
Agreement shall not include maintenance, repair or replacement of Global
Equipment.

            7.8 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Global
Crossing acknowledges that the fiber strands installed in electric utility
facilities are in close proximity to electrical cables that are subject to
fault, burnout, or other malfunction which can result in damage, destruction, or
disruption to such fiber strands and that as part of the lease of the Global IRU
Global Crossing assumes all risk of such damage, destruction, or disruption of
such Global IRU, provided however that, Telergy shall hold Global Crossing
harmless for any such damage, destruction or disruption of the Global IRU to the
extent that it was proximately caused by Telergy, its agents, employees,
contractors officers or directors.

            7.9 Global Crossing shall promptly notify Telergy of any matters
pertaining to any damage or impending damage to or loss of the NYC Ring that are
known to it and that will adversely affect the Global IRU.
<PAGE>   21
            7.10 The parties agree to establish detailed communication
principles between them, including details of personnel, contact numbers and
periodic progress meetings or other mechanism to provide updates.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                             USE OF THE GLOBAL IRU

            8.1 Global Crossing may use the Global IRU for any lawful purpose,
subject to the restrictions set forth in this Agreement, including but not
limited to Paragraph 2.4. Telergy shall have no right to use the Global IRU
during the Term or any Renewal Term.

            8.2 Global Crossing shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent
damage to the NYC Ring, Building Entrances, or the Telergy Cable, Sites or
Collocation Space, including the Dark Fiber, Cable or Rights-of-Way, used or
owned by Telergy or third parties in connection therewith.

            8.3 Neither party shall use equipment, technologies, or methods of
operation that interfere in any material way with or materially adversely affect
the NYC Ring, any Building Entrances, the Telergy Network, the Global IRU or any
Building Entrance IRU or the lawful use of the same by the other party or by
third parties or the other party's or such third parties' respective Dark Fiber,
equipment, electronics or facilities associated therewith.

            8.4 Except with respect to Liens or pledges on the Global IRU, Dark
Fiber in any Building Entrances or Global Equipment in any Collocation Space in
connection with its financing activities, Global Crossing shall not cause or
permit any part of the NYC Ring, Telergy Cable or Telergy Collocation Space to
become subject to any mechanic's lien, materialman's lien, vendor's lien, or any
similar lien whether by operation of law or otherwise ("Liens").If Global
Crossing breaches its obligations under this Paragraph 8.4, it shall immediately
notify Telergy in writing, shall promptly cause such lien to be discharged and
released of record without cost to Telergy, and shall indemnify Telergy against
all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs at
trial and on appeal) incurred in discharging and releasing such Liens. Telergy
shall not cause or permit the Global IRU to become subject to any mechanic's
lien, materialman's lien, vendor's lien, or any similar lien whether by
operation of law or otherwise, provided however that nothing in this Paragraph
shall be construed to prohibit any Liens or pledges by Telergy on the Telergy
Cable, Collocation Space, the NYC Ring or any payments due under this Agreement
in connection with its financing activities. If Telergy breaches its obligations
under this Paragraph, it shall immediately notify Global Crossing in writing,
shall promptly cause such lien to be discharged and released of record without
cost to Global Crossing, and shall indemnify Global Crossing against all costs
and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs at trial and
on appeal) incurred in discharging and releasing such lien.
<PAGE>   22
            8.5 Global Crossing shall not access any part of the NYC Ring,
Telergy Sites, the Telergy Network or Telergy Cable except to the extent as
expressly authorized in this Agreement, and Global Crossing shall not enter upon
the Rights-of-Way unless accompanied by a Telergy Escort. Global Crossing
acknowledges that a violation of this provision will constitute a material
breach of this Agreement.

            8.6 Telergy agrees to permit the entry by any lender of Global
Crossing that has filed a financing statement on any Global Equipment that is
installed in any Collocation Space owned or controlled by Telergy to enter upon
the premises with a Telergy escort to remove any such Global Equipment upon
advance written notice from the lender describing the Global Equipment to be
removed. Global Crossing hereby releases and agrees to hold Telergy harmless
from any liability in connection with any such removal by a lender of Global
Crossing. Nothing in this Paragraph shall be construed to allow any such lender
to remove any Dark Fiber or any portion of the Telergy Cable or the NYC Ring. In
the event Telergy acquires any collocation space from Global Crossing, Global
Crossing's agreement shall contain the same entry language as set forth in this
Paragraph 8.6.

                                   ARTICLE IX
                                INDEMNIFICATION

            9.1 Each party ("Indemnitor") shall indemnify, defend, protect, and
hold harmless the other party, its employees, members, managers, officers,
agents and subcontractors from and against any injury, death, loss, expense,
liability, claim, cost or damage to any person, tangible property, or facilities
of any person or entity (including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs at trial
and appeal), to the extent arising out of or resulting from the acts or
omissions, negligent or otherwise, of Indemnitor, its officers, employees,
servants, Affiliates, agents or subcontractors (such subcontractors whose acts
may create indemnification obligations not to include, when Global Crossing is
Indemnitor, Telergy), or otherwise resulting from, arising in connection with or
relating to its performance (including breach or failure thereto) under this
Agreement, which performance is within its reasonable control;

            9.2 Any claims, liabilities or damages arising out of any violation
by Indemnitor of regulations, rules, statutes, or court orders of any local,
state, or federal governmental agency, court, or body in connection with its
performance under this Agreement or otherwise.

            9.3 The obligations of this Article shall survive the expiration or
earlier termination of this Agreement. The provisions of Article IX shall not be
construed as limiting the Indemnitor's obligations pursuant to this Article or
other provisions of this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE X
                            LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

            10.1 NEITHER PARTY NOR ANY OF A PARTY'S EMPLOYEES,
<PAGE>   23
MEMBERS, MANAGERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS OR SUBCONTRACTORS SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE
OTHER PARTY FOR SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
INDIRECT LOSSES OR DAMAGES AS A RESULT OF THE PERFORMANCE OR NONPERFORMANCE OF
ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, OR ITS ACTS OR OMISSIONS RELATED TO THIS
AGREEMENT WHETHER OR NOT ARISING FROM SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT NEGLIGENCE,
STRICT LIABILITY OR VIOLATION OF LAW.

            10.2 Subject to Paragraph 10.3, nothing contained in this Agreement
shall operate as a limitation on the right of either Telergy or Global Crossing
to bring an action or claim for damages against any third party, including
indirect, special, or consequential damages, based on any acts or omissions of
such third party as such acts or omissions may affect the construction,
operation or use of such party's Dark Fiber in the NYC Ring or Building
Entrances. Each of Telergy and Global Crossing shall assign such rights of
claims, execute such documents and do whatever else may be reasonably necessary
to enable the other (at such other party's sole expense) to pursue any such
action against such third party.

            10.3 To the extent enforceable by law, Global Crossing waives any
right to bring an action or claim for damages against CECONY other than where
such action or claim arises from a direct impact on the Global IRU or any
Building Entrance IRU caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of
CECONY. To the extent enforceable by law, Global Crossing waives any right to
bring an action or claim for damages against CECONY for "Consequential Losses"
as such term is defined in Paragraph 12.B of the L&O Agreement. For avoidance of
doubt, Telergy and Global Crossing hereby acknowledge that the intent of this
Paragraph is, to the extent enforceable by law, to prohibit on any action or
claim by Global Crossing against CECONY where such action or claim would give
rise to an obligation by Telergy to indemnify CECONY under the L&O Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE XI
                                   INSURANCE

            11.1 Unless higher coverages are required in the provisions
governing insurance as set forth in the Right-of-Way Agreements attached hereto
as Appendices A and B, during the Term, the parties shall each obtain and
maintain not less than the following insurance:

            11.2 Commercial General Liability Insurance, including coverage for
sudden and accidental pollution legal liability, with a combined single limit of
$10,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage per occurrence and in the
aggregate.

            11.3 Worker's Compensation Insurance in amounts required by
applicable law and Employers Liability Insurance with limits not less than
$1,000,000 each accident.
<PAGE>   24
            11.4 Automobile Liability Insurance with a combined single limit of
$2,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage per occurrence, to include
coverage for all owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles.

            11.5 The limits set forth above are minimum limits and shall not be
construed to limit the liability of either party. In the event the insurance
requirements under any applicable Right-of-Way Agreements attached hereto as
Appendices A and B required any additional insurance obligations, including any
requirement to name the underlying owner of the right-of-way as an additional
named insured entitled to notice of cancellation ("Additional Insurance
Requirements"), such Additional Insurance Requirements shall be incorporated
herein and required hereunder.

            11.6 Unless otherwise agreed, each party's insurance policies
required above shall be obtained and maintained from reputable insurance
companies acceptable to the other party and the other party, its Affiliates,
officers, directors, and employees, and any other party entitled to
indemnification hereunder shall be named as additional insureds to the extent of
such indemnification. Each party shall provide the other party with an insurance
certificate confirming compliance with the insurance requirements of this
Article. The insurance certificate shall indicate that the other party shall be
notified not less than thirty (30) days prior to any cancellation or material
change in coverage.

            11.7 If the Additional Insurance Requirements do not prohibit
claims-made policies and either party provides any of the foregoing coverages
through a claims-made policy basis, that party shall cause such policy or
policies to be maintained for at least three (3) years beyond the expiration of
this Agreement.

            11.8 To the extent permitted under any Additional Insurance
Requirements, the parties shall each obtain from the insurance companies
providing the coverages required by this Agreement a waiver of all rights of
subrogation or recovery in favor of the other party and, as applicable, its
members, managers, shareholders, Affiliates, assignees, officers, directors, and
employees or any other party entitled to indemnity under this Agreement to the
extent of such indemnity.

            11.9 Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent either
party from satisfying its insurance obligations pursuant to this Agreement under
a blanket policy or policies of insurance that meet or exceed the requirements
of this Article.

                                  ARTICLE XII
                          TAXES AND GOVERNMENTAL FEES

            12.1 Global Crossing and Telergy each shall be responsible for
paying
<PAGE>   25
any and all taxes expressly or implicitly imposed based on the gross or net
receipts or gross or net income, due to their respective assets, properties,
revenues or sales or imposed on any real or personal property of the party
("Taxes") provided however that Global Crossing shall be responsible for any
such Taxes assessed upon the use of the Global Equipment, the Global IRU or any
Building Entrances IRUs

            12.2 Subject to Paragraph 12.1 above, Telergy shall timely report
and pay any and all fees assessed against it due to its construction, ownership
or use of the NYC Ring, provided that Global Crossing shall reimburse Telergy
for its pro-rata share of property taxes (including ad valorem, use, real
property, personal property, or similar taxes, franchise fees, or assessments
that are based on the value of property or of a property right) attributable to
the Global IRU, Global Equipment or any Building Entrance IRUs ("Fees").
Further, to the extent any Taxes are based on the value, operation or existence
of any Building Entrance IRU or the Global IRU, Global Crossing shall pay its
pro rata share of such Fees.

            12.3 If Telergy is assessed for any Taxes or Fees related to the
Global IRU or Global Crossing's use of the Global IRU or that Global Crossing is
obligated to pay pursuant to Paragraphs 12.1 or 12.2, Global Crossing shall
reimburse Telergy for any payment of such Fees within thirty (30) days of
receipt of Telergy's invoice.

            12.4 The parties shall reasonably cooperate in any contest of any
Taxes or Fees so as to avoid, to the extent reasonably possible, prejudicing the
interests of the other party and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to
reduce or eliminate any Taxes or Fees described in this Article .

            12.5 In the event that transfer taxes are applicable to the grant of
the Global IRU or any Building Entrance IRU, the parties hereby agree to pay 50%
each of such taxes.

                                  ARTICLE XIII
                            DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

            EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, TELERGY MAKES NO
WARRANTY TO GLOBAL CROSSING OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY, WHETHER EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INSTALLATION, DESCRIPTION, QUALITY,
MERCHANTABILITY, COMPLETENESS, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF ANY
GLOBAL IRU, THE TELERGY NETWORK, THE TELERGY SITES, OR ANY SERVICE PROVIDED
HEREUNDER OR DESCRIBED HEREIN, OR AS TO ANY OTHER MATTER, ALL OF WHICH
WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED.

                                  ARTICLE XIV
                                     NOTICE

            14.1 Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all notices and
<PAGE>   26
communications concerning this Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to
the other party as follows:

               If to Global Crossing:

                     US Crossing, Inc.
                     150 El Camino Drive, Suite 204
                     Beverly Hills, CA  90212
                     Attention:  President
                     Facsimile: 310-281-4942

               with a copy to:

                     US Crossing, Inc.
                     150 El Camino Drive, Suite 204
                     Beverly Hills, CA  90212
                     Attention:  General Counsel
                     Facsimile: 310-281-4942

               If to Telergy:

                     Telergy Metro, LLC
                     Attention:  President
                     One Telergy Parkway
                     East Syracuse, New York  13057
                     Facsimile:  (315) 433-5358

               with a copy to:

                     Telergy, Inc.
                     Attention:  General Counsel
                     20 Corporate Woods
                     Albany, New York  12211
                     Facsimile: (518) 463-9937

               with a copy to:

                     Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.
                     Attention:  Steven D. Rubin
                     Museum Tower, Suite 2200
                     150 West Flagler Street
                     Miami, Florida  33130
                     Facsimile: (305) 789-3395

or at such other address as may be designated in writing to the other party.
<PAGE>   27

            14.2 Unless otherwise provided herein, notices shall be hand
delivered, sent by registered or certified U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, or by
commercial overnight delivery service, or transmitted by facsimile, and shall be
deemed served or delivered to the addressee or its office when received at the
address for notice specified above when hand delivered, upon written
confirmation of completion of transmission when sent by facsimile, on the day
after being sent when sent by overnight delivery service, or five (5) days after
deposit in the mail when sent by U.S. mail.

                                   ARTICLE XV
                                CONFIDENTIALITY

            15.1 Each party hereby agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all
information received orally or in writing from the other party in the course of
performing or obtaining any benefits, services or consideration under this
Agreement and the receiving party shall protect the confidential information
from disclosure to third parties with the same degree of care accorded its own
confidential and proprietary information; provided, however, that the parties
shall each be entitled to provide such confidential information to their
respective directors, officers, members, managers, employees, agents, and
contractors, consultants ("Representatives"), Affiliates, contractors, financial
institutions, underlying Right-of-Way owners, and Representatives of Affiliates,
in each case whose access is reasonably necessary in furtherance of the
receiving party's performance under this Agreement, including, without
limitation Paragraph 2.4 and Article XX so long as any permitted Affiliate,
Successor or Assignee executes a confidentiality agreement with Telergy agreeing
to the provisions set forth in this Article XV. Each party shall be liable (with
respect to the other party) for any breach of this provision by any person to
whom that party discloses confidential information. The terms of this Agreement
(but not its execution or existence) shall be considered confidential
information for purposes of this Article. Notwithstanding any other provision
herein, neither Telergy nor Global Crossing shall be required to hold
confidential any information that:

            (a) becomes publicly available other than through the recipient;

            (b) is required to be disclosed by a governmental, regulatory
authority, or judicial order, rule, or regulation or proceedings with respect to
this Agreement or a party's obligations as a publicly held company;

            (c) is independently developed by the recipient;
<PAGE>   28
            (d) becomes available to the recipient without restriction from a
third party who lawfully obtained the information and who is under no obligation
to the disclosing party;

            (e) is required by its lender and is given to such lender on a
confidential basis,

            (f) was, prior to the time of disclosure to the recipient, already
known to the recipient and was not acquired, directly or indirectly, from the
disclosing party or its representatives or from a third party who had obtained
the information unlawfully; and

            (g) is no longer treated as confidential by the disclosing party,
provided however that in the event of any dispute arising from any disclosure
made pursuant to this subclause, the burden of proving that such information is
no longer so treated shall be on the recipient.

            These obligations shall survive expiration or termination of this
Agreement for a period of two (2) years.

            15.2 Notwithstanding to the contrary in this Article XV confidential
information shall not include information disclosed by the receiving party as
required by applicable law or regulation; provided, however, that the
information disclosed is limited to the existence and general nature of the
relationship between Telergy and Global Crossing, including, as required, the
scope, approximate revenues, purposes, and expectations related to such
relationship and a description of any disputes relating thereto. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, this Agreement may be provided to any governmental agency or
court of competent jurisdiction to the extent required by applicable law, or in
connection with either party's financing of its business activities, provided
that the recipient agrees that it will provide the disclosing party with prompt
notice of such order(s) to enable the disclosing party to seek and appropriate
protective order or to take steps to protect the confidentiality of such
confidential information.

            15.3 Neither party shall use the name, trade name, service mark, or
trademark of the other in any promotional or advertising material without the
prior written consent of the other. The parties shall coordinate and cooperate
with each other when making public announcements related to the terms of this
Agreement and each party shall have the right to promptly review, comment upon,
and approve any publicity materials, press releases, or other public statements
by the other party that refer to, or that describe any aspect of, this
Agreement.

            15.4 No provision of this Article 15 shall affect, limit or restrict
either party's right to engage in any business in any place at any time,
whatsoever, provided that the receiving party does not disclose the confidential
information in violation of this
<PAGE>   29
Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE XVI
                                    DEFAULT

            16.1 Either party may, by written notice to the other party,
immediately upon receipt or such later date as specified in the notice, in any
one of the following circumstances (each an "Event of Default"), pursue any
legal remedies it may have under applicable law or principles of equity relating
to such Event of Default:

            (a) If the other party fails to comply with the material terms and
conditions of this Agreement, including any payment obligations, provided
however, that except for a failure to pay monies when due hereunder, a party
shall not be in default under this Agreement unless and until the other party
provides it written notice of such default and the first party shall have failed
to cure the same within thirty (30) days after receipt of such notice or such
longer period as the non-defaulting party may authorize in writing (such period
the "Cure Period"); provided, further, that where such default cannot reasonably
be cured such Cure Period, if the first party shall proceed promptly to use its
best commercial efforts to cure the same and prosecute such curing with due
diligence and at no cost to the non-defaulting party, the Cure Period shall be
automatically be extended for such period of time as may be required to complete
such curing, provided that the defaulting party shall provide written progress
reports to the non-defaulting party during an extension of the Cure Period. Any
event of default may be waived at the non-defaulting party's option. Upon the
failure of a party to timely cure any such default within the Cure Period then
the non-defaulting party may pursue any legal remedies it may have under
applicable law or principles of equity relating to such breach. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Paragraph, the Cure Period applicable to a
failure to pay monies when due under this Agreement shall have a duration of ten
Business Days.

            (b) If the other party shall commence a voluntary case or other
proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization, or other relief with respect to
itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency, or other similar law, now
or hereafter in effect, or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver,
liquidator, custodian, or other similar official of it or any substantial part
of its property, or shall consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or
taking possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other
proceeding commenced against it, or shall make a general assignment for the
benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become
due, or shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the foregoing;

            (c) If an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced
against the other party seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief to
it or its debt under any bankruptcy, insolvency, or other similar law now or
hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver,
liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of
its property, and such involuntary proceeding shall remain undismissed and
unstayed for a period of 60 days; or an order for relief shall be entered
against the other party.
<PAGE>   30
            (d) Unauthorized use, access or trespass by Global Crossing or its
employees, agents or contractors on the Rights-of-Way or Telergy Facilities or
violation by Global Crossing or its employees, agents, or contractors or any
applicable Right-of-Way or Franchise Agreements applicable to the New York City
Network, including Global Crossing's use of the Global IRU, Building Entrances
or Collocation space in an unlawful manner; which shall constitute a material
breach of this Agreement which, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, shall not be subject to any Cure Period of Force Majeure.

            16.2 Force Majeure events pursuant to Article XVIII shall not
constitute a default or provide a basis for termination under this Article XVI.

            16.3 In addition to the rights set forth in this Article XVI, This
Agreement may be terminated by Global Crossing if an Event of Default by Telergy
occurs and is continuing. In addition to the rights set forth in this Article
XVI, this Agreement may be terminated by Telergy in the event of a
bankruptcy-related event as described in subclauses 16.1(b) and (c).

            16.4 If the Agreement is terminated as provided in this Article XVI,
the defaulting party shall pay, in addition to any other damages payable, the
reasonable costs of settlement including accounting, legal, clerical and other
expenses necessary for the preparation of settlement claims and supporting data
with respect to the terminated portion of this Agreement.

            16.5 Once the Agreement is terminated under this XVI, Global
Crossing shall have no further right to use any of the Global IRU, Building
Entrances or Telergy Sites. Global Crossing shall within fifteen (15) days
remove all Global Equipment without damaging property of Telergy or any other
party, provided that a Telergy escort shall accompany Global Crossing for its
access to any Telergy Sites or facilities. If Global Crossing shall not have
removed Global Equipment within such fifteen (15) -day period, Telergy shall
have the right, but not the obligation, to remove the Global Equipment. Any
costs or expenses incurred by Telergy in removing the Global Equipment shall be
reimbursed by Global Crossing within ten (10) days after receipt of Telergy's
invoice therefor. The foregoing remedy is in addition to any other remedy which
may be available to Telergy under the Agreement, at law or in equity. Nothing in
this Article shall be construed or implied to authorize Global Crossing to
remove any fibers, cable or other facilities installed in the NYC Ring or
Building Entrances.

                                  ARTICLE XVII
                                 FORCE MAJEURE

            Neither Telergy nor Global Crossing shall be in default under this
<PAGE>   31
Agreement (nor shall Telergy be liable for liquidated damages pursuant to
Paragraph 5.9 hereof) with respect to any delay in its performance (other than a
failure to make payments when due) caused by any of the following conditions
(each a "Force Majeure"): (a) act of God; (b) fire; (c) flood; (d) material
shortage or unavailability not resulting from the responsible party's failure to
timely place orders or take other necessary actions therefor; (e) acts, or
failure to act of any governmental authority (f) war or civil disorder; or (g)
any other cause beyond the reasonable control of such party, provided that (i)
the failure (other than by reason of Force Majeure) of any subcontractor,
supplier or transporter to perform its obligations to Telergy (including on the
account of insolvency) unless such supplies or transportation or other services
are generally unavailable on commercially reasonable prices, terms or conditions
in the New York City marketplace, and (ii) any increase in Telergy's costs
(other than by reason of Force Majeure) shall not in and of itself constitute
Force Majeure. If any Force Majeure event causes an increase in the time
required for performance of Telergy's obligations hereunder, Telergy shall be
entitled to an equitable extension of time to complete such obligations, in each
case equal to at least one day for each day resulting from the Force Majeure,
provided however that if a Force Majeure applicable to a party continues for a
total of ninety (90) days, the other party may terminate this Agreement by
written notice and this Agreement shall be deemed to have been terminated
without liability or further obligation under this Agreement (except with
respect to the confidentiality provisions set forth in Article XV) to either
party effective on the date the notice is deemed made pursuant to Article XVII
of this Agreement, and neither party shall be liable for damages The party
claiming relief under this Article shall promptly notify the other in writing of
the existence of the Force Majeure relied on, the expected duration of the Force
Majeure Event, and the cessation or termination of the Force Majeure Event. The
party claiming relief under this Article shall exercise commercially reasonable
efforts to minimize the time for any such delay.

                                 ARTICLE XVIII
                             RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

            18.1 The captions or headings in this Agreement are strictly for
convenience and shall not be considered in interpreting this Agreement or as
amplifying or limiting any of its content. Words in this Agreement that import
the singular connotation shall be interpreted as plural, and words that import
the plural connotation shall be interpreted as singular, as the identity of the
parties or objects referred to may require.

            18.2 Unless expressly defined herein, words having well-known
technical or trade meanings in the telecommunications industry shall be so
construed.
            18.3 Except as set forth to the contrary herein, any right or remedy
of Telergy or Global Crossing shall be cumulative and without prejudice to any
other right or remedy, whether contained herein or not.

            18.4 Nothing in this Agreement is intended to provide any legal
rights to anyone not an executing party of this Agreement except under the
indemnification and
<PAGE>   32
insurance provisions.

            18.5 This Agreement has been fully negotiated between and jointly
drafted by Telergy and Global Crossing.

            18.6 The following Exhibits to this Agreement are hereby
incorporated by reference hereto and made a part of this Agreement:

                Exhibit A               [Intentionally Omitted]
                Exhibit B               Collocation Provisions
                Exhibit C               Fiber Splicing, Testing & Acceptance
                Exhibit D               Telergy Fiber Optic Cable Specifications
                Exhibit E               Outside Plant Fiber Optic Construction
                                          Specifications
                Exhibit F               Telergy Site Specifications
                Exhibit G               As-Built Drawing Specifications
                Exhibit H               Maintenance, Operations Specifications,
                                          Telergy Operations Fiber Optic
                                          Restoration Schedule, Telergy
                                          Operations Fiber Optic Maintenance
                                          and Restoration

            In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement
and those of any Exhibit, the provisions of this Agreement shall prevail and
such Exhibits shall be corrected accordingly.

            18.7 Except as otherwise set forth herein, for the purpose of this
Agreement the normal standards of performance within the telecommunications
industry in the relevant market shall be the measure of whether a party's
performance is reasonable and timely.

            18.8 Except as the context otherwise indicates, all references to
Exhibits, Articles and Paragraphs refer to provisions of this Agreement.

            18.9 The failure of either Telergy or Global Crossing to enforce any
of the provisions of this Agreement, or the waiver thereof in any instance,
shall not be construed as a general waiver or relinquishment on its part of any
such provision, but the same shall nevertheless be and remain in full force and
effect.

            18.10 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the domestic laws of the State of New York without reference to
its choice of law principles.

            18.11 If any term, covenant or condition in this Agreement shall, to
any extent, be invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the laws governing
this Agreement, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby,
and each term, covenant or condition of this Agreement shall be valid and
enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
<PAGE>   33
                                  ARTICLE XIX
                                   ASSIGNMENT

            Absent written approval from the other party, this Agreement and any
of the rights, benefits and obligations or duties hereunder may not be assigned
or transferred to another Person, provided however that (i) Global Crossing may
assign this Agreement to (a) a wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of
Global Crossing Ltd. (b) a successor substantially all of the assets or capital
stock of Global Crossing ("Successor") or (c) a lending or banking institution
providing financing for the Global Crossing Network and holding a security
interest in assets comprising the Global Crossing Network and (ii) Telergy may
assign this Agreement to (a) a wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of
Telergy, Inc. (b) a successor substantially all of the assets or capital stock
of Telergy ("Successor") or (c) a lending or banking institution providing
financing for the NYC Ring and holding a security interest in assets comprising
the NYC Ring (each of (i)(a), (b) and (c) and (ii)(a), (b) and (c), an
"Assignee") in each case upon thirty days advance written notice and provided
that the parties hereto shall be and remain liable for its performance under
this Agreement in the event of a breach by the Assignee and further provided
that the such Assignee agrees in writing to be bound by and to comply with all
the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Any purported assignment, transfer
or other disposition by either party which is in violation of this Article shall
be void and of no force and effect.

                                   ARTICLE XX
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

            20.1 In addition to any other representations and warranties
contained in this Agreement, each party hereto represents and warrants to the
other that:

            A. It has the full right and authority to enter into, execute,
deliver, and perform its obligations under this Agreement;

            B. It has taken all requisite corporate, partnership, or other
applicable organizational action to approve the execution, delivery, and
performance of this Agreement;

            C. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation
enforceable against such party in accordance with its terms;

            D. Its execution of and performance under this Agreement shall not
violate any applicable existing regulations, rules, statutes, or court orders of
any local, state, or federal government agency, court, or body; and

            E. It is financially able to fulfill its payment and other
obligations under this Agreement.

            F. Prior to the any Acceptance Date, it will have obtained each
<PAGE>   34
government or municipal approval, franchise and authorization, right-of-way
agreement, pole attachment agreement, conduit agreement and lease, license,
consent or other agreement necessary to fulfill its obligations with respect to
the Segment or Building Entrance IRU being Accepted under this Agreement
("Authorizations").

            G. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by each
party and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, does not and
shall not, subject to each obtaining the Authorizations, conflict with, or
result in the breach of, or constitute a default under, or result in the
termination, cancellation or acceleration (whether after the filing of notice or
the lapse of time or both) of any right or obligation of such party under any
material contract of such party, or result in the creation of any encumbrance
attributable to Telergy upon the Global IRU or any Building Entrance IRU or any
encumbrance attributable to Global Crossing upon the NYC Ring, the Telergy Cable
or the Telergy Collocation Space.

            20.2 Global Crossing and Telergy each agree to do such other and
further acts and things, and to execute and deliver such additional instruments
and documents, not creating any obligations, or imposing any expenses,
additional to those otherwise created or imposed by this Agreement, as either
party may reasonably request from time to time whether at or after the execution
of this Agreement, in furtherance of the express provisions of this Agreement.

            20.3 Global Crossing hereby represents and warrants to Telergy that
is and will continue to be an indirect 100% wholly-owned Subsidiary of Global
Crossing, Ltd., which is the party to the Strategic Partner Term Sheet dated May
16, 1999 between Global Crossing, Ltd. and Telergy, Inc., for the Term of this
Agreement.

            20.4 Telergy Metro LLC hereby represents and warrants to Global
Crossing that it is an will continue to be a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Telergy,
Inc., which is the other party to the Strategic Partner Term Sheet dated May 16,
1999 between Global Crossing, Ltd. and Telergy, Inc., for the Term of this
Agreement.

                                  ARTICLE XXI
                          RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES

            The relationship between Telergy and Global Crossing shall not be
that of partners, agents, or joint venturers for one another, and nothing
contained in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute a partnership or
agency agreement between them for any purposes, including, but not limited to
federal income tax purposes. Telergy and Global Crossing, in performing any of
their obligations hereunder, shall be independent contractors or independent
parties and shall discharge their contractual obligations at their own risk.

                                  ARTICLE XXII
                        PROHIBITION ON IMPROPER PAYMENTS

            Neither party shall use any funds received under this Agreement for
illegal
<PAGE>   35
or otherwise "improper" purposes. Neither party shall pay any commission, fees
or rebates to any employee of the other party, or favor any employee of such
other party with gifts or entertainment of significant cost or value. If either
party has reasonable cause to believe that one of the provisions in this Article
has been violated, it, or its representative, may audit the relevant records of
the other party for the sole purpose of establishing compliance with such
provisions.

                                 ARTICLE XXIII
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

            23.1 Except as set forth in Article XXIII, this Agreement
constitutes the entire and final agreement and understanding between Telergy and
Global Crossing with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all
prior agreements relating to the subject matter hereof, which are of no further
force or effect. The Exhibits referred to herein (as may be amended from time to
time in accordance with this Agreement) are integral parts hereof and are made a
part of this Agreement by reference.

            23.2 This Agreement may only be amended or supplemented by an
instrument in writing executed by duly authorized representatives of Telergy and
Global Crossing.

            23.3 This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all
of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

            23.4 This Agreement may be duly executed and delivered by a party by
execution and facsimile delivery of the signature page of a counterpart to the
other party, provided that, if delivery is made by facsimile, the executing
party shall promptly deliver a complete counterpart that it has executed to the
other party, and this Agreement shall not be effective until duly signed by both
parties with delivery of the facsimile counterparts to both parties ("Effective
Date").

            23.5 Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the
rights and remedies provided by this Agreement are cumulative and the use of any
one right or remedy by any party shall not preclude or waive its right to sue on
any or all other remedies. Said rights and remedies are given in addition to any
other rights such party may have by law, statute, ordinance or otherwise, except
as such remedies are expressly limited in this Agreement.

                [REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

<PAGE>   36
            IN WITNESS WHEREOF and in confirmation of their consent to the terms
and conditions contained in this Agreement and intending to be legally bound
hereby, Telergy and Global Crossing have executed this Agreement as of the dates
set forth below.

US CROSSING, INC.

By:          /s/ Barry Porter
    ____________________________________

Print Name:        Barry Porter
            ____________________________

Title:       Senior Vice President
       _________________________________

TELERGY METRO, LLC

By:            /s/ Brian Kelly
    _____________________________________

Print Name:   Brian P. Kelly

Title:    Chief Executive Officer of Telergy Inc.
          as Managing Member of Telergy Metro LLC

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00009-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00009-of-00352.parquet"}]]