40 10.3 Notice. In the event of any delay or nonperformance resulting from a Force Majeure Event, the Party suffering the Force Majeure Event shall (a) as soon as practicable, notify the other Party in writing of the nature, cause, estimated date of commencement thereof, and the anticipated extent of any delay or interruption in performance, and (b) notify the other Party in writing of the cessation or termination of such Force Majeure Event, all as known or estimated in good faith by the affected Party; provided, however, that a Party’s failure to give timely Notice shall not affect such Party’s ability to assert that a Force Majeure Event has occurred unless the delay in giving Notice materially prejudices the other Party. Upon request from Buyer, Seller shall provide documentation demonstrating to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction that the delays described above did not result from Seller’s actions or failure to take reasonable actions.
10.4 Termination Following Force Majeure Event. If a Force Majeure Event has occurred after the Commercial Operation Date that has caused either Party to be wholly unable to perform its obligations hereunder and the impacted Party has claimed and received relief from performance of its obligations for a consecutive twelve (12) month period, then the non-claiming Party may terminate this Agreement upon written Notice to the other Party with respect to the Facility experiencing the Force Majeure Event. Upon any such termination, neither Party shall have any liability to the other Party, save and except for those obligations specified in Section
2.1(b), and Buyer shall promptly return to Seller any Performance Security then held by Buyer, less any amounts drawn in accordance with this Agreement.
ARTICLE 11
DEFAULTS; REMEDIES; TERMINATION
11.1 Events of Default. An “Event of Default” shall mean, (a) with respect to a Party (the “Defaulting Party”) that is subject to the Event of Default the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) the failure by such Party to make, when due, any payment required pursuant to this Agreement and such failure is not remedied within ten (10) Business Days after Notice thereof;
(ii) any representation or warranty made by such Party herein is false or misleading in any material respect when made or when deemed made or repeated, and such default is not remedied within thirty (30) days after Notice thereof (or such longer additional period, not to exceed an additional sixty (60) days, if the Defaulting Party is unable to remedy such default within such initial thirty (30) days period despite exercising commercially reasonable efforts); (iii) the failure by such Party to perform any material covenant or obligation set forth in this Agreement (except to the extent constituting a separate Event of Default set forth in this Section 11.1; and except for failures to achieve the Guaranteed Energy Production that do not trigger the provisions of Section 11.1(b)(vi) or (vii), the exclusive remedies for which are set forth in Section 4.6, and such failure is not remedied within thirty (30) days after Notice thereof (or such longer additional period, not to exceed an additional ninety (90) days, if the Defaulting Party is unable to remedy such default within such initial thirty (30) days period despite exercising commercially reasonable efforts);
42 (viii) failure by Seller to satisfy the collateral requirements pursuant to Sections 8.7 or 8.8 after Notice and expiration of the cure periods set forth therein, including the failure to replenish the Development Security or Performance Security amount in accordance with this Agreement in the event Buyer draws against either for any reason other than to satisfy a Damage Payment or a Termination Payment;
(ix) with respect to any Guaranty provided for the benefit of Buyer, the failure by Seller to provide for the benefit of Buyer either (1) cash, (2) a replacement Guaranty from a different Guarantor meeting the criteria set forth in the definition of Guarantor, or (3) a replacement Letter of Credit from an issuer meeting the criteria set forth in the definition of Letter of Credit, in each case, in the amount required hereunder within ten (10) Business Days after Seller receives Notice of the occurrence of any of the following events:
(A) if any representation or warranty made by the Guarantor in connection with this Agreement is false or misleading in any material respect when made or when deemed made or repeated, and such default is not remedied within thirty (30) days after Notice thereof; (B) the failure of the Guarantor to make any payment required or to perform any other material covenant or obligation in any Guaranty; (C) the Guarantor becomes Bankrupt;
(D) the Guarantor shall fail to meet the criteria for an acceptable Guarantor as set forth in the definition of Guarantor;
(E) the failure of the Guaranty to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with its terms) prior to the indefeasible satisfaction of all obligations of Seller hereunder; or
(F) the Guarantor shall repudiate, disaffirm, disclaim, or reject, in whole or in part, or challenge the validity of any Guaranty. (x) with respect to any outstanding Letter of Credit provided for the benefit of Buyer that is not then required under this Agreement to be canceled or returned, the failure by Seller to provide for the benefit of Buyer either (1) cash, or (2) a substitute Letter of Credit from a different issuer meeting the criteria set forth in the definition of Letter of Credit, in each case, in the amount required hereunder within ten (10) Business Days after Seller receives Notice of the occurrence of any of the following events:
(A) the issuer of the outstanding Letter of Credit shall fail to maintain a Credit Rating of at least A- by S&P or A3 by Moody’s; (B) the issuer of such Letter of Credit becomes Bankrupt; (C) the issuer of the outstanding Letter of Credit shall fail to comply with or perform its obligations under such Letter of Credit and such
43 failure shall be continuing after the lapse of any applicable grace period permitted under such Letter of Credit;
(D) the issuer of the outstanding Letter of Credit shall fail to honor a properly documented request to draw on such Letter of Credit; (E) the issuer of the outstanding Letter of Credit shall disaffirm, disclaim, repudiate or reject, in whole or in part, or challenge the validity of, such Letter of Credit;
(F) such Letter of Credit fails or ceases to be in full force and effect at any time; or
(G) Seller shall fail to renew or cause the renewal of each outstanding Letter of Credit on a timely basis as provided in the relevant Letter of Credit and as provided in accordance with this Agreement, and in no event less than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the outstanding Letter of Credit.
11.2 Remedies; Declaration of Early Termination Date. If an Event of Default with respect to a Defaulting Party shall have occurred and be continuing, the other Party (“Non-Defaulting Party”) shall have the following rights:
(a) to send Notice, designating a day, no earlier than the day such Notice is deemed to be received and no later than twenty (20) days after such Notice is deemed to be received, as an early termination date of this Agreement (“Early Termination Date”) that terminates this Agreement (the “Terminated Transaction”) and ends the Delivery Term effective as of the Early Termination Date;
(b) to accelerate all amounts owing between the Parties, and to collect as liquidated damages (i) the Damage Payment (in the case of an Event of Default by Seller occurring before the Commercial Operation Date, including an Event of Default under Sections 11.1(b)(ii) or (iv)) subject to the limitations in Section 11.7, or (ii) the Termination Payment calculated in accordance with Section 11.3 below (in the case of any other Event of Default by either Party); (c) to withhold any payments due to the Defaulting Party under this Agreement; (d) to suspend performance; or
(e) to exercise any other right or remedy available at law or in equity, including specific performance or injunctive relief, except to the extent such remedies are expressly limited under this Agreement;
provided, that payment by the Defaulting Party of the Damage Payment or Termination Payment, as applicable, shall constitute liquidated damages and the Non-Defaulting Party’s sole and exclusive remedy for the Terminated Transaction and the Event of Default related thereto.
11.3 Termination Payment. The Termination Payment (“Termination Payment”) for
45 ARTICLE 12
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND EXCLUSION OF WARRANTIES.
12.1 No Consequential Damages. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PART OF AN
EXPRESS REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES HEREIN, OR INCLUDED IN A
LIQUIDATED DAMAGES CALCULATION, OR ARISING FROM FRAUD OR
INTENTIONAL MISREPRESENTATION, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE
OTHER OR ITS INDEMNIFIED PERSONS FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY,
INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LOSSES OR DAMAGES FOR LOST
REVENUE OR LOST PROFITS, WHETHER FORESEEABLE OR NOT, ARISING OUT OF,
OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, BY STATUTE, IN TORT OR CONTRACT.
12.2 Waiver and Exclusion of Other Damages. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET
FORTH HEREIN, THERE IS NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED. THE PARTIES CONFIRM THAT THE EXPRESS REMEDIES AND
MEASURES OF DAMAGES PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT SATISFY THE ESSENTIAL PURPOSES HEREOF. ALL LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY CONTAINED IN
THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE PERTAINING TO SELLER’S LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND THE PARTIES’ WAIVER OF
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SHALL APPLY EVEN IF THE REMEDIES FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT ARE DEEMED TO “FAIL OF THEIR ESSENTIAL PURPOSE” OR ARE OTHERWISE HELD TO BE INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE.
FOR BREACH OF ANY PROVISION FOR WHICH AN EXPRESS AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES IS PROVIDED, SUCH EXPRESS REMEDY OR
MEASURE OF DAMAGES SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, THE OBLIGOR’S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED AS SET FORTH IN SUCH PROVISION, AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES OR DAMAGES AT LAW OR IN EQUITY ARE WAIVED. IF NO
REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES IS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, THE OBLIGOR’S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO DIRECT DAMAGES ONLY.
TO THE EXTENT ANY DAMAGES REQUIRED TO BE PAID HEREUNDER ARE LIQUIDATED, INCLUDING UNDER SECTIONS 4.6, 11.2 AND 11.3, AND AS PROVIDED
IN EXHIBIT B AND EXHIBIT G THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE DAMAGES
ARE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE, THAT OTHERWISE OBTAINING AN
ADEQUATE REMEDY IS INCONVENIENT, AND THAT THE LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
CONSTITUTE A REASONABLE APPROXIMATION OF THE ANTICIPATED HARM OR LOSS. IT IS THE INTENT OF THE PARTIES THAT THE LIMITATIONS HEREIN IMPOSED
ON REMEDIES AND THE MEASURE OF DAMAGES BE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE
CAUSE OR CAUSES RELATED THERETO, INCLUDING THE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY
PARTY, WHETHER SUCH NEGLIGENCE BE SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT, OR
46 ACTIVE OR PASSIVE. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO CONTEST SUCH PAYMENTS AS AN UNREASONABLE PENALTY.
THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT MONEY DAMAGES AND THE
EXPRESS REMEDIES PROVIDED FOR HEREIN ARE AN ADEQUATE REMEDY FOR THE
BREACH BY THE OTHER OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, AND EACH PARTY
WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE WITH RESPECT TO ANY OBLIGATION OF THE OTHER PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
ARTICLE 13
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; AUTHORITY
13.1 Seller’s Representations and Warranties. As of the Effective Date, Seller represents and warrants as follows:
(a) Seller is a limited liability company, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, and is qualified to conduct business in the state of California and each jurisdiction where the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of Seller. (b) Seller has the power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and is not prohibited from entering into this Agreement or discharging and performing all covenants and obligations on its part to be performed under and pursuant to this Agreement, except where such failure does not have a material adverse effect on Seller’s performance under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller has been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action on the part of Seller and does not and will not require the consent of any trustee or holder of any indebtedness or other obligation of Seller or any other party to any other agreement with Seller. (c) The execution and delivery of this Agreement, consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, and fulfillment of and compliance by Seller with the provisions of this Agreement will not conflict with or constitute a breach of or a default under any Law presently in effect having applicability to Seller, subject to any permits that have not yet been obtained by Seller, the documents of formation of Seller or any outstanding trust indenture, deed of trust, mortgage, loan agreement or other evidence of indebtedness or any other agreement or instrument to which Seller is a party or by which any of its property is bound. (d) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller. This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by laws of general applicability limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights or by the exercise of judicial discretion in accordance with general principles of equity. (e) The Facility is located in the State of Arizona.
(f) Seller will be responsible for obtaining all permits necessary to construct and operate the Facility.
47 13.2 Buyer’s Representations and Warranties. As of the Effective Date, Buyer represents and warrants as follows:
(a) Buyer is a joint powers authority and a validly existing community choice aggregator, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of California and the rules, regulations and orders of the California Public Utilities Commission, and is qualified to conduct business in each jurisdiction of the Joint Powers Agreement members. All Persons making up the governing body of Buyer are the elected or appointed incumbents in their positions and hold their positions in good standing in accordance with the Joint Powers Agreement and other Law.
(b) Buyer has the power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and is not prohibited from entering into this Agreement or discharging and performing all covenants and obligations on its part to be performed under and pursuant to this Agreement, except where such failure does not have a material adverse effect on Buyer’s performance under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Buyer has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Buyer and does not and will not require the consent of any trustee or holder of any indebtedness or other obligation of Buyer or any other party to any other agreement with Buyer.
(c) The execution and delivery of this Agreement, consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, and fulfillment of and compliance by Buyer with the provisions of this Agreement will not conflict with or constitute a breach of or a default under any Law presently in effect having applicability to Buyer, the documents of formation of Buyer or any outstanding trust indenture, deed of trust, mortgage, loan agreement or other evidence of indebtedness or any other agreement or instrument to which Buyer is a party or by which any of its property is bound.
(d) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer. This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by laws of general applicability limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights or by the exercise of judicial discretion in accordance with general principles of equity. (e) Buyer warrants and covenants that with respect to its contractual obligations under this Agreement, it will not claim immunity on the grounds of sovereignty or similar grounds with respect to itself or its revenues or assets from (1) suit, (2) jurisdiction of court (provided that such court is limited within a venue permitted in law and under this Agreement), (3) relief by way of injunction, order for specific performance or recovery of property, (4) attachment of assets, or (5) execution or enforcement of any judgment; provided, however that nothing in this Agreement shall waive the obligations or rights set forth in the California Tort Claims Act (Government Code Section 810 et seq.).
(f) Buyer is a “local public entity” as defined in Section 900.4 of the Government Code of the State of California.
13.3 General Covenants. Each Party covenants that commencing on the Effective Date and continuing throughout the Contract Term:
48 (a) It shall continue to be duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and to be qualified to conduct business in California and each jurisdiction where the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition;
(b) It shall maintain (or obtain from time to time as required) all regulatory authorizations, approvals and permits necessary for the operation of the Facility and for Seller to legally perform its obligations under this Agreement; and (c) It shall perform its obligations under this Agreement in compliance with all terms and conditions in its governing documents and in material compliance with any Law.
13.4 Prevailing Wage. Seller shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, and orders and decrees of any courts or administrative bodies or tribunals, including without limitation employment discrimination laws and prevailing wage laws. Seller shall use reasonable efforts to ensure that all employees hired by Seller, and its contractors and subcontractors, that will perform construction work or provide services at the Site related to construction of the Facility are paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing for workers performing similar work in the locality as provided by applicable California law, if any (“Prevailing Wage Requirement”). Buyer agrees that Seller’s obligations under this Section 13.4 with respect to the Prevailing Wage Requirement will be satisfied upon the execution of a project labor agreement related to construction of the Facility.
ARTICLE 14
ASSIGNMENT
14.1 General Prohibition on Assignments. Neither Party may voluntarily assign this Agreement or its rights or obligations under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any assignment made without required written consent, or in violation of the conditions to assignment set out below, shall be null and void. Seller shall be responsible for Buyer’s reasonable costs associated with the preparation, review, execution and delivery of documents in connection with any assignment of this Agreement by Seller, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller may assign this Agreement to an Affiliate of Seller, including for purposes of setting up the corporate structure required by the Lender in the financing of the Facility, without Buyer’s consent.
Seller shall provide Notice of such Affiliate assignment within ten (10) Business Days after the occurrence of such assignment.
14.2 Collateral Assignment. Subject to the provisions of this Section 14.2, Seller has the right to assign this Agreement as collateral for any financing or refinancing of the Facility. In connection with any financing or refinancing of the Facility, Buyer shall in good faith work with Seller and Lender to agree upon a consent to collateral assignment of this Agreement (“Collateral Assignment Agreement”). The Collateral Assignment Agreement must be in form and substance agreed to by Buyer, Seller and Lender, with such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, and must include, among others, the following provisions:
49 (a) Buyer shall give Notice of an Event of Default by Seller to the Person(s) to be specified by Lender in the Collateral Assignment Agreement, before exercising its right to terminate this Agreement as a result of such Event of Default; provided that such notice shall be provided to Lender at the time such notice is provided to Seller and any additional cure period of Lender agreed to in the Collateral Assignment Agreement shall not commence until Lender has received notice of such Event of Default;
(b) Following an Event of Default by Seller under this Agreement, Buyer may require Seller or Lender (if Lender has provided the notice set forth in subsection (c) below) to provide to Buyer a report concerning:
(i) The status of efforts by Seller or Lender to develop a plan to cure the Event of Default;
(ii) Impediments to the cure plan or its development;
(iii) If a cure plan has been adopted, the status of the cure plan’s implementation (including any modifications to the plan as well as the expected timeframe within which any cure is expected to be implemented); and
(iv) Any other information which Buyer may reasonably require related to the development, implementation and timetable of the cure plan.
Seller or Lender must provide the report to Buyer within ten (10) Business Days after Notice from Buyer requesting the report. Buyer will have no further right to require the report with respect to a particular Event of Default after that Event of Default has been cured;
(c) Lender will have the right to cure an Event of Default on behalf of Seller, only if Lender sends a written notice to Buyer before the later of (i) the expiration of any cure period under this Agreement, and (ii) five (5) Business Days after Lender’s receipt of notice of such Event of Default from Buyer, indicating Lender’s intention to cure. Lender must remedy or cure the Event of Default within the cure period under this Agreement and any additional cure periods agreed in the Collateral Assignment Agreement up to a maximum of ninety (90) days (or one hundred eighty (180) days in the event of a bankruptcy of Seller or any foreclosure or similar proceeding if required by Lender to cure any Event of Default); (d) Lender will have the right to consent before any termination of this Agreement which does not arise out of an Event of Default; (e) Lender will receive prior Notice of and the right to approve material amendments to this Agreement, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned;
(f) If Lender, directly or indirectly, takes possession of, or title to the Facility (including possession by a receiver or title by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure), Lender must assume all of Seller’s obligations arising under this Agreement and all related agreements (subject to such limits on liability as are mutually agreed to by Seller, Buyer and Lender as set
52 reasonable attorneys’ and expert witness fees, for personal injury or death to Persons and damage to the property of any third party to the extent arising out of, resulting from, or caused by the negligent or willful misconduct of the Indemnifying Party, its Affiliates, its directors, officers, employees or agents (collectively, “Indemnifiable Losses”). (b) Nothing in this Section shall enlarge or relieve Seller or Buyer of any liability to the other for any breach of this Agreement. Neither Party shall be indemnified for its damages resulting from its sole negligence, intentional acts, or willful misconduct. These indemnity provisions shall not be construed to relieve any insurer of its obligations to pay claims consistent with the provisions of a valid insurance policy.
16.2 Notice of Claim. Subject to the terms of this Agreement and upon obtaining knowledge of an Indemnifiable Loss for which it is entitled to indemnity under this Article 16, the Indemnified Party will promptly Notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of any damage, claim, loss, liability or expense which Indemnified Party has determined has given or could give rise to an Indemnifiable Loss under Section 16.1 (“Claim”). The Notice is referred to as a “Notice of Claim”. A Notice of Claim will specify, in reasonable detail, the facts known to Indemnified Party regarding the Indemnifiable Loss.
16.3 Failure to Provide Notice. A failure to give timely Notice or to include any specified information in any Notice as provided in this Section 16.3 will not affect the rights or obligations of any Party hereunder except and only to the extent that, as a result of such failure, any Party which was entitled to receive such Notice was deprived of its right to recover any payment under its applicable insurance coverage or was otherwise materially damaged as a direct result of such failure and, provided further, Indemnifying Party is not obligated to indemnify any member of the Indemnified Group for the increased amount of any Indemnifiable Loss which would otherwise have been payable to the extent that the increase resulted from the failure to deliver timely a Notice of Claim.
16.4 Defense of Claims. If, within ten (10) Business Days after giving a Notice of Claim regarding a Claim to Indemnifying Party pursuant to Section 16.2, Indemnified Party receives Notice from Indemnifying Party that Indemnifying Party has elected to assume the defense of such Claim, Indemnifying Party will not be liable for any legal expenses subsequently incurred by Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof; provided, however, that if Indemnifying Party fails to take reasonable steps necessary to defend diligently such Claim within ten (10) Business Days after receiving Notice from Indemnifying Party that Indemnifying Party believes Indemnifying Party has failed to take such steps, or if Indemnifying Party has not undertaken fully to indemnify Indemnified Party in respect of all Indemnifiable Losses relating to the matter, Indemnified Party may assume its own defense, and Indemnifying Party will be liable for all reasonable costs or expenses, including attorneys’ fees, paid or incurred in connection therewith.
Without the prior written consent of Indemnified Party, Indemnifying Party will not enter into any settlement of any Claim which would lead to liability or create any financial or other obligation on the part of Indemnified Party for which Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that Indemnifying Party may accept any settlement without the consent of Indemnified Party if such settlement provides a full release to Indemnified Party and no requirement that Indemnified Party acknowledge fault or culpability. If a firm offer is made to settle a Claim without leading to liability or the creation of a financial or other obligation on the
54 (d) Business Auto Liability Insurance. Seller shall maintain at all times during the Contract Term Business Auto Liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage with limits of per occurrence. Such insurance shall cover liability arising out of Seller’s use of all owned (if any), non-owned and hired vehicles, including trailers or semi-trailers in the performance of this Agreement.
(e) Construction All-Risk Insurance. Seller shall maintain or cause to be maintained during the construction of the Facility, but only after major electrical generating equipment as arrived at the Facility, prior to the Commercial Operation Date, construction all-risk form property insurance covering the Facility during such construction periods, and naming the Lender (if any) as the loss payee where its interest may appear. (f) Pollution Legal Liability. Seller shall maintain or cause to be maintained during the construction of the Facility prior to the Commercial Operation Date, Pollution Legal Liability Insurance in the amount of per occurrence and in the aggregate. Such insurance shall include coverage for bodily injury and property damage, including clean-up costs and defense costs, resulting from sudden & accidental or new gradual pollution conditions.
(g) Subcontractor Insurance. Seller shall require all of its subcontractors to carry the same levels of insurance as Seller where exposure exists. All subcontractors shall include Seller as an additional insured to (i) Commercial General Liability insurance; (ii) Employers’ Liability coverage; and (iii) Business Auto Liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage. All subcontractors shall provide a primary and non-contributory endorsement and a waiver of subrogation to Seller for the required coverage pursuant to this Section 17.1(g). (h) Evidence of Insurance. Within ten (10) days after execution of this Agreement and upon annual renewal thereafter, Seller shall deliver to Buyer certificates of insurance evidencing such coverage. Buyer shall be given at least thirty (30) days prior Notice by Seller in the event of any cancellation of coverage. Such insurance shall be primary coverage without right of contribution from any insurance of Buyer. Any other insurance maintained by Seller is for the exclusive benefit of Seller and shall not in any manner inure to the benefit of Buyer.
ARTICLE 18
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
18.1 Definition of Confidential Information. The following constitutes “Confidential Information,” whether oral or written which is delivered by Seller to Buyer or by Buyer to Seller including: (a) the terms and conditions of, and proposals and negotiations related to, this Agreement, and (b) information that either Seller or Buyer stamps or otherwise identifies as “confidential” or “proprietary” before disclosing it to the other. Confidential Information does not include (i) information that was publicly available at the time of the disclosure, other than as a result of a disclosure in breach of this Agreement; (ii) information that becomes publicly available through no fault of the recipient after the time of the delivery; (iii) information that was rightfully in the possession of the recipient (without confidential or proprietary restriction) at the time of delivery or that becomes available to the recipient from a source not subject to any restriction
55 against disclosing such information to the recipient; and (iv) information that the recipient independently developed without a violation of this Agreement.
18.2 Duty to Maintain Confidentiality. Confidential Information will retain its character as Confidential Information but may be disclosed by the recipient (the “Receiving Party”) if and to the extent such disclosure is required (a) to be made by any requirements of Law, (b) pursuant to an order of a court or (c) in order to enforce this Agreement. If the Receiving Party becomes legally compelled (by interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoenas, summons, civil investigative demands, or similar processes or otherwise in connection with any litigation or to comply with any applicable Law, order, regulation, ruling, regulatory request, accounting disclosure rule or standard or any exchange, control area or independent system operator request or rule) to disclose any Confidential Information of the disclosing Party (the “Disclosing Party”), Receiving Party shall provide Disclosing Party with prompt notice so that Disclosing Party, at its sole expense, may seek an appropriate protective order or other appropriate remedy. If the Disclosing Party takes no such action after receiving the foregoing notice from the Receiving Party, the Receiving Party is not required to defend against such request and shall be permitted to disclose such Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party, with no liability for any damages that arise from such disclosure. Each Party hereto acknowledges and agrees that information and documentation provided in connection with this Agreement may be subject to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.).
18.3 Irreparable Injury; Remedies. Receiving Party acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are necessary and reasonable in order to protect Disclosing Party and the business of Disclosing Party, and expressly acknowledges that monetary damages would be inadequate to compensate Disclosing Party for any breach or threatened breach by Receiving Party of any covenants and agreements set forth in this Article 18. Accordingly, Receiving Party acknowledges that any such breach or threatened breach will cause irreparable injury to Disclosing Party and that, in addition to any other remedies that may be available, in law, in equity or otherwise, Disclosing Party will be entitled to obtain injunctive relief against the threatened breach of this Article 18 or the continuation of any such breach, without the necessity of proving actual damages.
18.4 Disclosure to Lenders, Etc.. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article 18, Confidential Information may be disclosed by Seller to any actual or potential Lender or investor or any of their Affiliates, and Seller’s actual or potential agents, consultants, contractors, or trustees, so long as the Person to whom Confidential Information is disclosed agrees in writing to be bound by the confidentiality provisions of this Article 18 to the same extent as if it were a Party.
18.5 Press Releases. Neither Party shall issue (or cause its Affiliates to issue) a press release regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement unless both Parties have agreed upon the contents of any such public statement.
ARTICLE 19
MISCELLANEOUS
19.1 Entire Agreement; Integration; Exhibits. This Agreement, together with the Cover Sheet and Exhibits attached hereto constitutes the entire agreement and understanding
56 between Seller and Buyer 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 attached hereto are integral parts hereof and are made a part of this Agreement by reference. The headings used herein are for convenience and reference purposes only. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Cover Sheet or any Exhibit, the provisions of first the Cover Sheet, and then this Agreement shall prevail, and such Exhibit shall be corrected accordingly. This Agreement shall be considered for all purposes as prepared through the joint efforts of the Parties and shall not be construed against one Party or the other Party as a result of the preparation, substitution, submission or other event of negotiation, drafting or execution hereof.
19.2 Amendments. This Agreement may only be amended, modified or supplemented by an instrument in writing executed by duly authorized representatives of Seller and Buyer; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may not be amended by electronic mail communications.
19.3 No Waiver. Waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party shall not be construed as a waiver of any other default.
19.4 No Agency, Partnership, Joint Venture or Lease. Seller and the agents and employees of Seller shall, in the performance of this Agreement, act in an independent capacity and not as officers or employees or agents of Buyer. Under this Agreement, Seller and Buyer intend to act as energy seller and energy purchaser, respectively, and do not intend to be treated as, and shall not act as, partners in, co-venturers in or lessor/lessee with respect to the Facility or any business related to the Facility. This Agreement shall not impart any rights enforceable by any third party (other than a permitted successor or assignee bound to this Agreement or, to the extent set forth herein, any Lender) or Indemnified Party.
19.5 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable or held to be unenforceable, the Parties agree that all other provisions of this Agreement have force and effect and shall not be affected thereby. The Parties shall, however, use their best endeavors to agree on the replacement of the void, illegal or unenforceable provision(s) with legally acceptable clauses which correspond as closely as possible to the sense and purpose of the affected provision and this Agreement as a whole.
19.6 Mobile-Sierra. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, neither Party shall seek, nor shall they support any third party seeking, to prospectively or retroactively revise the rates, terms or conditions of service of this Agreement through application or complaint to FERC pursuant to the provisions of Section 205, 206 or 306 of the Federal Power Act, or any other provisions of the Federal Power Act, absent prior written agreement of the Parties. Further, absent the prior written agreement in writing by both Parties, the standard of review for changes to the rates, terms or conditions of service of this Agreement proposed by a Party shall be the “public interest” standard of review set forth in United Gas Pipe Line Co. v. Mobile Gas Service Corp., 350 U.S. 332 (1956) and Federal Power Commission v. Sierra Pacific Power Co., 350 U.S. 348 (1956). Changes proposed by a non-Party or FERC acting sua sponte shall be subject to the most stringent standard permissible under applicable Law.
57 19.7 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument and each of which shall be deemed an original. The Parties may rely on electronic, facsimile or scanned signatures as originals.
19.8 Electronic Delivery. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by electronic format (including portable document format (.pdf)) shall be the same as delivery of an original executed signature page.
19.9 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
19.10 No Recourse to Members of Buyer. Buyer is organized as a Joint Powers Authority in accordance with the Joint Exercise of Powers Act of the State of California (Government Code Section 6500, et seq.) pursuant to its Joint Powers Agreement and is a public entity separate from its constituent members. Buyer shall solely be responsible for all debts, obligations and liabilities accruing and arising out of this Agreement. Seller shall have no rights and shall not make any claims, take any actions or assert any remedies against any of Buyer’s constituent members, or the employees, directors, officers, consultants or advisors or Buyer or its constituent members, in connection with this Agreement.
19.11 Forward Contract. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement constitutes a “forward contract” within the meaning of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and Buyer and Seller are “forward contract merchants” within the meaning of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Each Party further agrees that, for all purposes of this Agreement, each Party waives and agrees not to assert the applicability of the provisions of 11 U.S.C. § 366 in any bankruptcy proceeding wherein such Party is a debtor. In any such proceeding, each Party further waives the right to assert that the other Party is a provider of last resort to the extent such term relates to 11 U.S.C. §366 or another provision of 11 U.S.C. § 101-1532.
19.12 Further Assurances. Each of the Parties hereto agree to provide such information, execute and deliver any instruments and documents and to take such other actions as may be necessary or reasonably requested by the other Party which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement and which do not involve the assumptions of obligations other than those provided for in this Agreement, to give full effect to this Agreement and to carry out the intent of this Agreement.
[Signatures on following page]
[Signature Page to Renewable Power Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the Execution Date.
ATLAS SOLAR XIV, LLC
By: Hanwha Energy USA Holdings
Corporation
Its: Manager
By:
Name: Shane Kim
Title: President & CEO
Date:
By:
Name:
Title:
CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY
ENERGY, a California joint powers
authority
By:
Name:
Title:
Date:
Approved as to form:
By:
Name:
Title:
Exhibit D - 1
EXHIBIT D
SCHEDULING COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Scheduling Coordinator Responsibilities.
(a) Buyer as Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility. Upon Initial Synchronization of the Facility to the CAISO Grid and through the end of the Delivery Term, Buyer shall be the Scheduling Coordinator or designate a qualified third party to provide Scheduling Coordinator services with the CAISO for the Facility for the delivery and the receipt of Test Energy and the Product at the Delivery Point. At least thirty (30) days prior to the Initial Synchronization of the Facility to the CAISO Grid, (i) Seller shall take all actions and execute and deliver to Buyer and the CAISO all documents necessary to authorize or designate Buyer (or Buyer’s designee) as the Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility effective as of the Initial Synchronization of the Facility to the CAISO Grid, and (ii) Buyer shall, and shall cause its designee to, take all actions and execute and deliver to Seller and the CAISO all documents necessary to authorize or designate Buyer or its designee as the Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility effective as of the Initial Synchronization of the Facility to the CAISO Grid. On and after Initial Synchronization of the Facility to the CAISO Grid, Seller shall not authorize or designate any other party to act as the Facility’s Scheduling Coordinator, nor shall Seller perform for its own benefit the duties of Scheduling Coordinator, and Seller shall not revoke Buyer’s authorization to act as the Facility’s Scheduling Coordinator unless agreed to by Buyer. Buyer (as the Facility’s SC) shall submit Schedules to the CAISO in accordance with this Agreement and the applicable CAISO Tariff, protocols and Scheduling practices for Product on a day-ahead, hour-ahead, fifteen-minute market or real time basis, as determined by Buyer.
(b) Notices. Buyer (as the Facility’s SC) shall provide Seller with access to a web-based system through which Seller shall submit to Buyer and the CAISO all notices and updates required under the CAISO Tariff regarding the Facility’s status, including, but not limited to, all outage requests, forced outages, forced outage reports, clearance requests, or must offer waiver forms. Seller will cooperate with Buyer to provide such notices and updates. If the web-based system is not available, Seller shall promptly submit such information to Buyer and the CAISO (in order of preference) telephonically or by electronic mail transmission to the personnel designated to receive such information.
(c) CAISO Costs and Revenues. Buyer (as Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility) shall be responsible for CAISO costs (including penalties, Imbalance Energy costs, and other charges) and shall be entitled to all CAISO revenues (including credits, Imbalance Energy revenues, and other payments), including revenues associated with CAISO dispatches, bid cost recovery, Inter-SC Trade credits, or other credits in respect of the Product Scheduled or delivered from the Facility. Seller shall be responsible for all CAISO penalties resulting from any failure by Seller to abide by the CAISO Tariff or the outage notification requirements set forth in this Agreement (except to the extent such non-compliance is caused by Buyer’s failure to perform its duties as Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility). The Parties agree that any Availability Incentive Payments (as defined in the CAISO Tariff) are for the benefit of the Seller and for Seller’s account and that any Non-Availability Charges (as defined in the CAISO Tariff) are the responsibility of the Seller and for Seller’s account. In addition, if during the Delivery Term, the CAISO
Exhibit D - 2
implements or has implemented any sanction or penalty related to scheduling, outage reporting, or generator operation, and any such sanctions or penalties are imposed upon the Facility or to Buyer as Scheduling Coordinator due to failure by Seller to abide by the CAISO Tariff or the outage notification requirements set forth in this Agreement, the cost of the sanctions or penalties shall be the Seller’s responsibility.
(d) CAISO Settlements. Buyer (as the Facility’s SC) shall be responsible for all settlement functions with the CAISO related to the Facility. Buyer shall render a separate invoice to Seller for any CAISO payments, charges or penalties (“CAISO Charges Invoice”) for which Seller is responsible under this Agreement. CAISO Charges Invoices shall be rendered after settlement information becomes available from the CAISO that identifies any such CAISO charges. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller acknowledges that the CAISO will issue additional invoices reflecting CAISO adjustments to such CAISO charges. Buyer will review, validate, and if requested by Seller under paragraph (e) below, dispute any charges that are the responsibility of Seller in a timely manner and consistent with Buyer’s existing settlement processes for charges that are Buyer’s responsibilities. Subject to Seller’s right to dispute and to have Buyer pursue the dispute of any such invoices, Seller shall pay the amount of CAISO Charges Invoices within ten (10) Business Days of Seller’s receipt of the CAISO Charges Invoice. If Seller fails to pay such CAISO Charges Invoice within that period, Buyer may net or offset any amounts owing to it for these CAISO Charges Invoices against any future amounts it may owe to Seller under this Agreement. The obligations under this Section with respect to payment of CAISO Charges Invoices shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement. (e) Dispute Costs. Buyer (as the Facility’s SC) may be required by Seller to dispute CAISO settlements in respect of the Facility. Seller agrees to pay Buyer’s costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) associated with its involvement with such CAISO disputes to the extent they relate to CAISO charges payable by Seller with respect to the Facility that Seller has directed Buyer to dispute.
(f) Terminating Buyer’s Designation as Scheduling Coordinator. At least thirty (30) days prior to expiration of this Agreement or as soon as reasonably practicable upon an earlier termination of this Agreement, the Parties will take all actions necessary to terminate the designation of Buyer as Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility as of 11:59 p.m. on such expiration date.
(g) Master File and Resource Data Template. Seller shall provide the data to the CAISO (and to Buyer) that is required for the CAISO’s Master File and Resource Data Template (or successor data systems) for the Facility consistent with this Agreement. Neither Party shall change such data without the other Party’s prior written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.
(h) NERC Reliability Standards. Buyer (as Scheduling Coordinator) shall cooperate reasonably with Seller to the extent necessary to enable Seller to comply, and for Seller to demonstrate Seller’s compliance with, NERC reliability standards. This cooperation shall include the provision of information in Buyer’s possession that Buyer (as Scheduling Coordinator) has provided to the CAISO related to the Facility or actions taken by Buyer (as Scheduling Coordinator) related to Seller’s compliance with NERC reliability standards.
Exhibit E - 1
EXHIBIT E
PROGRESS REPORTING FORM
Each Progress Report must include the following items:
1. Executive Summary.
2. Facility description.
3. Reserved.
4. Site plan of the Facility.
5. Gantt chart schedule showing progress on achieving each of the Milestones..
6. Description of any material planned changes to the Facility or the Site.
7. Summary of activities during the previous calendar quarter or month, as applicable.
8. Forecast of activities scheduled for the current calendar quarter.
9. Written description about the progress relative to Seller’s Milestones, including whether Seller has met or is on target to meet the Milestones.
10. List of issues that are likely to potentially affect Seller’s Milestones.
11. A status report of start-up activities including a forecast of activities ongoing and after start-up, a report on Facility performance including performance projections for the next twelve (12) months.
12. If applicable, prevailing wage reports as required by Law.
13. Progress and schedule of all major agreements, contracts, permits, approvals, technical studies, financing agreements and major equipment purchase orders showing the start dates, completion dates, and completion percentages.
14. Pictures, in sufficient quantity and of appropriate detail, in order to document construction and startup progress of the Facility, the interconnection into the Transmission System and all other interconnection utility services.
15. Supplier Diversity Reporting (if applicable). Format to be provided by Buyer.
16. Any other documentation reasonably requested by Buyer.
Exhibit F-1 - 1
EXHIBIT F-1
AVERAGE EXPECTED ENERGY
1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:0
0 11:0
0 12:0
0 13:0
0 14:0
0 15:0
0 16:0
0 17:0
0 18:0
0 19:0
0 20:0
0 21:0
0 22:0
0 23:0
0 24:0
0 JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
The foregoing table is provided for informational purposes only, and it shall not constitute, or be deemed to constitute, an obligation of any of the Parties to this Agreement.
Exhibit F-2 - 1
EXHIBIT F-2
AVAILABLE CAPACITY
The following tables are provided for informational purposes only, and shall not constitute, or be deemed to constitute, an obligation of any of the Parties to this Agreement.
Available Generating Capacity, MW Per Hour – [Insert applicable month] 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 24:00 Day
1 Day
2 Day
3 Day
4 Day
5 [insert additional rows for each day in the month]
Day
29 Day
30 Day
31 The following table is provided for informational purposes only, and it shall not constitute, or be deemed to constitute, an obligation of any of the Parties to this Agreement.
Exhibit G - 2
Within sixty (60) days after each Contract Year, Buyer will send Seller Notice of the amount of damages owing, if any, which shall be payable to Buyer before the later of (a) thirty (30) days of such Notice and (b) ninety (90) days after each Performance Measurement Period.
Exhibit H - 1
EXHIBIT H
FORM OF COMMERCIAL OPERATION DATE CERTIFICATE
This certification (“Certification”) of Commercial Operation is delivered by _______[licensed professional engineer] (“Engineer”) to Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority (“Buyer”) in accordance with the terms of that certain Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated _______ (“Agreement”) by and between Atlas Solar XIV, LLC (“Seller”) and Buyer. All capitalized terms used in this Certification but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.
As of [DATE], Engineer hereby certifies and represents to Buyer the following:
1. The Generating Facility is fully operational, reliable and interconnected, fully integrated and synchronized with the Transmission System.
2. Seller has installed equipment for the Generating Facility with a nameplate capacity of no less than of the Guaranteed Capacity.
3. The Generating Facility’s testing included a performance test demonstrating peak electrical output of no less than of the Guaranteed Capacity for the Generating Facility at the Delivery Point, adjusted for ambient conditions on the date of the Facility testing, and such peak electrical output, as adjusted, was [peak output in MW].
4. Authorization to parallel the Facility was obtained by the Participating Transmission Provider, [Name of Participating Transmission Owner as appropriate] on [DATE].
5. The Transmission Provider has provided documentation supporting full unrestricted release for Commercial Operation by [Name of Participating Transmission Owner as appropriate] on [DATE].
6. The CAISO has provided notification supporting Commercial Operation, in accordance with the CAISO Tariff on [DATE].
EXECUTED by [LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER]
this ________ day of _____________, 20__.
[LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER]
By:
Name:
Title:
Exhibit I - 1
EXHIBIT I
FORM OF INSTALLED CAPACITY CERTIFICATE
This certification (“Certification”) of Installed Capacity is delivered by [licensed professional engineer] (“Engineer”) to Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority (“Buyer”) in accordance with the terms of that certain Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated __________ (“Agreement”) by and between Atlas Solar XIV, LLC (“Seller”) and Buyer. All capitalized terms used in this Certification but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.
I hereby certify the following:
The performance test for the Generating Facility demonstrated peak electrical output of __ MW AC at the Delivery Point, as adjusted for ambient conditions on the date of the performance test (“Installed PV Capacity”).
[LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER]
By:
Name:
Title: _______________________________
Date:
Exhibit J - 1
EXHIBIT J
FORM OF CONSTRUCTION START DATE CERTIFICATE
This certification of Construction Start Date (“Certification”) is delivered by Atlas Solar XIV, LLC (“Seller”) to Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority (“Buyer”) in accordance with the terms of that certain Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated __________ (“Agreement”) by and between Seller and Buyer. All capitalized terms used in this Certification but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.
Seller hereby certifies and represents to Buyer the following:
1. Construction Start (as defined in Exhibit B of the Agreement) has occurred, and a copy of the notice to proceed that Seller issued to its contractor as part of Construction Start is attached hereto;
2. the Construction Start Date occurred on _____________ (the “Construction Start Date”); and
3. the precise Site on which the Facility is located is, which must be within the boundaries of the previously identified Site: _________________________________________.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certification on behalf of Seller as of the ___ day of ________.
[SELLER ENTITY]
By:
Name:
Title:
Exhibit K - 1
EXHIBIT K
FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT
[Issuing Bank Letterhead and Address]
IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT NO. [XXXXXXX]
Date: ___________________
Bank Ref.: _______________
Amount: US$ ____________
Expiration Date: ___________
Beneficiary:
Central Coast Community Energy
70 Garden Court, Suite 300
Monterey, CA 93940
Attn: Chief Financial Officer
To Whom it May Concern:
By the order of __________ (“Applicant”), we, [insert bank name and address] (“Issuer”) hereby issue our Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. [XXXXXXX] (the “Letter of Credit”) in favor of Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority (“Beneficiary”), for an amount not to exceed the aggregate sum of U.S. $[XXXXXX] (United States Dollars [XXXXX] and 00/100), pursuant to that certain Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated as of [insert date] and as amended between Applicant and Beneficiary (the “Agreement”). This Letter of Credit shall become effective immediately and shall expire on [Insert Date] which is one year after the issue date of this Letter of Credit, or any expiration date extended in accordance with the terms hereof (the “Expiration Date”).
Funds under this Letter of Credit are available to Beneficiary by presentation on or before the Expiration Date of a dated statement signed by Beneficiary’s duly authorized representative, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, containing one of the two alternative paragraphs set forth in paragraph 2 therein, referencing our Letter of Credit No. [XXXXXXX] (“Drawing Certificate”).
The Drawing Certificate may be presented by (a) physical delivery, (b) as a PDF attachment to an email to [bank email address] or (c) facsimile to [bank fax number] confirmed by [email to [bank email address]]. Transmittal by facsimile or email shall be deemed delivered when received.
The original of this Letter of Credit (and all amendments, if any) is not required to be presented in connection with any presentment of a Drawing Certificate by Beneficiary hereunder in order to receive payment.
We hereby agree with Beneficiary that all documents presented under and in compliance with the terms of this Letter of Credit, that such drafts will be duly honored upon presentation to the Issuer on or before the Expiration Date.
Exhibit K - 2
All payments made under this Letter of Credit shall be made with Issuer’s own immediately available funds by means of wire transfer in immediately available United States dollars to Beneficiary’s account as indicated by Beneficiary in its Drawing Certificate or in a communication accompanying its Drawing Certificate.
Partial draws are permitted under this Letter of Credit, and this Letter of Credit shall remain in full force and effect with respect to any continuing balance.
It is a condition of this Letter of Credit that the Expiration Date shall be deemed automatically extended without an amendment for a one year period beginning on the present Expiration Date hereof and upon each anniversary for such date, unless at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior to any such Expiration Date Issuer has sent Beneficiary written notice by overnight courier service at the address provided below that Issuer elects not to extend this Letter of Credit, in which case it will expire on such Expiration Date, or such later date as may be specified in such notice.
No presentation made under this Letter of Credit after such Expiration Date (or such later date, if applicable) will be honored.
This Letter of Credit is issued subject to the rules of the ‘International Standby Practices 1998’, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590 (“ISP98”) and, as to matters not addressed by ISP98, shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of state of California.
Notwithstanding any reference in this Letter of Credit to any other documents, instruments or agreements (other than as set forth in the immediately prior paragraph), this Letter of Credit contains the entire agreement between Beneficiary and Issuer relating to the obligations of Issuer hereunder.
Please address all correspondence regarding this Letter of Credit to the attention of the Letter of Credit Department at [insert bank address information], referring specifically to Issuer’s Letter of Credit No. [XXXXXXX]. For telephone assistance, please contact Issuer’s Standby Letter of Credit Department at [XXX-XXX-XXXX] and have this Letter of Credit available.
All notices to Beneficiary shall be in writing and are required to be sent by electronic mail with acknowledgment of receipt, certified letter, overnight courier, or delivered in person to: Central Coast Community Energy, Attn: Chief Financial Officer, 70 Garden Court, Suite 300, Monterey, CA 93940 or Email[___]. Only notices to Beneficiary meeting the requirements of this paragraph shall be considered valid. Any notice to Beneficiary which is not in accordance with this paragraph shall be void and of no force or effect.
[Bank Name]
_ ___
[Insert officer name]
[Insert officer title]
Exhibit K - 3
Exhibit A
Drawing Certificate
(DRAW REQUEST SHOULD BE ON BENEFICIARY’S LETTERHEAD)
[Insert Bank Name and Address]
To Whom it May Concern:
The undersigned, a duly authorized representative of Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority, 70 Garden Court, Suite 300, Monterey, CA 93940, as beneficiary (the “Beneficiary”) of the Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. [XXXXXXX] (the “Letter of Credit”) issued by [insert bank name] (the “Bank”) by order of __________ (the “Applicant”), hereby certifies to the Bank as follows:
1. Applicant and Beneficiary are party to that certain Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated as of [insert date] (the “Agreement”).
2. Beneficiary is making a drawing under this Letter of Credit in the amount of U.S. $___________ because a Seller Event of Default (as such term is defined in the Agreement) has occurred or other occasion provided for in the Agreement where Beneficiary is authorized to draw on the Letter of Credit has occurred.
OR
Beneficiary is making a drawing under this Letter of Credit in the amount of U.S. $___________, which equals the full available amount under the Letter of Credit, because Applicant is required to maintain the Letter of Credit in force and effect beyond the Expiration Date of the Letter of Credit but has failed to provide Beneficiary with a replacement Letter of Credit or other acceptable instrument within thirty (30) days prior to such Expiration Date.
3. The undersigned is a duly authorized representative of Central Coast Community Energy and is authorized to execute and deliver this Drawing Certificate on behalf of Beneficiary.
You are hereby directed to make payment of the requested amount to Central Coast Community Energy by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the following account: [Specify account information]
Central Coast Community Energy
By: _________________________________
Printed Name: ________________________
Title: _______________________________
Exhibit K - 4
Date: _______________________________
Exhibit L - 1
EXHIBIT L
FORM OF GUARANTY
This Guaranty (this “Guaranty”) is entered into as of [_____] (the “Effective Date”) by and between [_____], a [______] (“Guarantor”), and Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority (together with its successors and permitted assigns, “Buyer”).
Recitals
A. Buyer and Atlas Solar XIV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Seller”), entered into that certain Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated as of [____], 20___ (as further amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “PPA”).
B. Guarantor is entering into this Guaranty as Performance Security to secure Seller’s obligations under the PPA, as required by Section 8.8 of the PPA.
C. It is in the best interest of Guarantor to execute this Guaranty inasmuch as Guarantor will derive substantial direct and indirect benefits from the execution and delivery of the PPA.
D. Initially capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meaning set forth in the PPA.
Agreement
1. Guaranty. For value received, Guarantor does hereby unconditionally, absolutely and irrevocably guarantee, as primary obligor and not as a surety, to Buyer the prompt payment by Seller of any and all amounts and payment obligations now or hereafter owing from Seller to Buyer under the PPA, including, without limitation, compensation for penalties, the Termination Payment, indemnification payments or other damages, as and when required pursuant to the terms of the PPA (the “Guaranteed Amount”), provided, that Guarantor’s aggregate liability under or arising out of this Guaranty shall not exceed ________ Dollars ($___________). The Parties understand and agree that any payment by Guarantor or Seller of any portion of the Guaranteed Amount shall thereafter reduce Guarantor’s maximum aggregate liability hereunder on a dollar-for-dollar basis. This Guaranty is an irrevocable, absolute, unconditional and continuing guarantee of the full and punctual payment, and not of collection, of the Guaranteed Amount and, except as otherwise expressly addressed herein, is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that Buyer first attempt to collect the payment of the Guaranteed Amount from Seller, any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Amount or any other Person or entity or resort to any other means of obtaining payment of the Guaranteed Amount. In the event Seller shall fail to duly, completely or punctually pay any Guaranteed Amount as required pursuant to the PPA, Guarantor shall promptly pay such amount as required herein.
2. Demand Notice. For avoidance of doubt, a payment shall be due for purposes of this Guaranty only when and if a payment is due and payable by Seller to Buyer under the terms and conditions of the Agreement. If Seller fails to pay any Guaranteed Amount as required pursuant to the PPA for five (5) Business Days following Seller’s receipt of Buyer’s written notice of such failure (the “Demand Notice”), then Buyer may elect to exercise its rights under this Guaranty
Exhibit L - 2
and may make a demand upon Guarantor (a “Payment Demand”) for such unpaid Guaranteed Amount. A Payment Demand shall be in writing and shall reasonably specify in what manner and what amount Seller has failed to pay and an explanation of why such payment is due and owing, with a specific statement that Buyer is requesting that Guarantor pay under this Guaranty.
Guarantor shall, within five (5) Business Days following its receipt of the Payment Demand, pay the Guaranteed Amount to Buyer.
3. Scope and Duration of Guaranty. This Guaranty applies only to the Guaranteed Amount.
This Guaranty shall continue in full force and effect from the Effective Date until the earlier of the following: (x) all Guaranteed Amounts have been paid in full (whether directly or indirectly through set-off or netting of amounts owed by Buyer to Seller), or (y) replacement Performance Security is provided in an amount and form required by the terms of the PPA. Further, this Guaranty (a) shall remain in full force and effect without regard to, and shall not be affected or impaired by any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability in whole or in part of this Guaranty, and (b) subject to the preceding sentence, shall be discharged only by complete performance of the undertakings herein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall not be released, discharged, or otherwise affected and this Guaranty shall not be invalidated or impaired or otherwise affected for the following reasons:
(i) the extension of time for the payment of any Guaranteed Amount, or (ii) any amendment, modification or other alteration of the PPA, or (iii) any indemnity agreement Seller may have from any party, or (iv) any insurance that may be available to cover any loss, except to the extent insurance proceeds are used to satisfy the Guaranteed Amount, or
(v) any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of, or other similar proceeding affecting, Seller or any of its assets, including but not limited to any rejection or other discharge of Seller’s obligations under the PPA imposed by any court, trustee or custodian or any similar official or imposed by any law, statue or regulation, in each such event in any such proceeding, or
(vi) the release, modification, waiver or failure to pursue or seek relief with respect to any other guaranty, pledge or security device whatsoever, or (vii) any payment to Buyer by Seller that Buyer subsequently returns to Seller pursuant to court order in any bankruptcy or other debtor-relief proceeding, or (viii) those defenses based upon (A) the legal incapacity or lack of power or authority of any Person, including Seller and any representative of Seller to enter into the PPA or perform its obligations thereunder, (B) lack of due execution, delivery, validity or enforceability, including of the PPA, or (C) Seller’s inability to pay any Guaranteed Amount or perform its obligations under the PPA, or
Exhibit L - 3
(ix) any other event or circumstance that may now or hereafter constitute a defense to payment of the Guaranteed Amount, including, without limitation, statute of frauds and accord and satisfaction;
provided that Guarantor reserves the right to assert for itself any defenses, setoffs or counterclaims that Seller is or may be entitled to assert against Buyer.
4. Waivers by Guarantor. Guarantor hereby unconditionally waives as a condition precedent to the performance of its obligations hereunder, with the exception of the requirements in Paragraph 2, (a) notice of acceptance, presentment or protest with respect to the Guaranteed Amounts and this Guaranty, (b) notice of any action taken or omitted to be taken by Buyer in reliance hereon, (c) any requirement that Buyer exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against Seller under the PPA, and (d) any event, occurrence or other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing waiver of surety defenses, it is agreed that the occurrence of any one or more of the following shall not affect the liability of Guarantor hereunder:
(i) at any time or from time to time, without notice to Guarantor, the time for payment of any Guaranteed Amount shall be extended, or such performance or compliance shall be waived; (ii) the obligation to pay any Guaranteed Amount shall be modified, supplemented or amended in any respect in accordance with the terms of the PPA; (iii) subject to Section 10, any (a) sale, transfer or consolidation of Seller into or with any other entity, (b) sale of substantial assets by, or restructuring of the corporate existence of, Seller or (c) change in ownership of any membership interests of, or other ownership interests in, Seller; or
(iv) the failure by Buyer or any other Person to create, preserve, validate, perfect or protect any security interest granted to, or in favor of, Buyer or any Person.
5. Subrogation. Notwithstanding any payments that may be made hereunder by the Guarantor, Guarantor hereby agrees that until the earlier of payment in full of all Guaranteed Amounts or expiration of the Guaranty in accordance with Section 3, it shall not be entitled to, nor shall it seek to, exercise any right or remedy arising by reason of its payment of any Guaranteed Amount under this Guaranty, whether by subrogation or otherwise, against Seller or seek contribution or reimbursement of such payments from Seller.
6. Representations and Warranties. Guarantor hereby represents and warrants that (a) it has all necessary and appropriate [limited liability company][corporate] powers and authority and the legal right to execute and deliver, and perform its obligations under, this Guaranty, (b) this Guaranty constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights or general principles of equity, (c) the execution, delivery and performance of this Guaranty does not and will not contravene Guarantor’s organizational documents, any applicable Law or any contractual provisions binding on or affecting Guarantor, (d) there are no actions, suits or proceedings pending before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, or, to the knowledge of the Guarantor, threatened, against or
Exhibit L - 4
affecting Guarantor or any of its properties or revenues which may, in any one case or in the aggregate, adversely affect the ability of Guarantor to enter into or perform its obligations under this Guaranty, and (e) no consent or authorization of, filing with, or other act by or in respect of, any arbitrator or Governmental Authority, and no consent of any other Person (including, any stockholder or creditor of the Guarantor), that has not heretofore been obtained is required in connection with the execution, delivery, performance, validity or enforceability of this Guaranty by Guarantor.
7. Notices. Notices under this Guaranty shall be deemed received if sent to the address specified below: (i) on the day received if served by overnight express delivery, and (ii) four (4) Business Days after mailing if sent by certified, first class mail, return receipt requested. If transmitted by facsimile, such notice shall be deemed received when the confirmation of transmission thereof is received by the party giving the notice. Any party may change its address or facsimile to which notice is given hereunder by providing notice of the same in accordance with this Paragraph 7.
If delivered to Buyer, to it at [____]
Attn: [____]
Fax: [____]
If delivered to Guarantor, to it at [____]
Attn: [____]
Fax: [____]
8. Governing Law and Forum Selection. This Guaranty shall be governed by, and interpreted and construed in accordance with, the laws of the United States and the State of California, excluding choice of law rules. The Parties agree that any suit, action or other legal proceeding by or against any party (or its affiliates or designees) with respect to or arising out of this Guaranty shall be brought in the federal courts of the United States or the courts of the State of California sitting in the City and County of Monterey, California.
9. Miscellaneous. This Guaranty shall be binding upon Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Buyer and its successors and permitted assigns pursuant to the PPA. No provision of this Guaranty may be amended or waived except by a written instrument executed by Guarantor and Buyer. This Guaranty is not assignable by Guarantor without the prior written consent of Buyer. No provision of this Guaranty confers, nor is any provision intended to confer, upon any third party (other than Buyer’s successors and permitted assigns) any benefit or right enforceable at the option of that third party. This Guaranty embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements and understandings of the parties hereto, verbal or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. If any provision of this Guaranty is determined to be illegal or unenforceable (i) such provision shall be deemed restated in accordance with applicable Laws to reflect, as nearly as possible, the original intention of the parties hereto and (ii) such determination shall not affect any other provision of this Guaranty and all other provisions shall remain in full force
Exhibit L - 5
and effect. This Guaranty may be executed in any number of separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed an original, and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. This Guaranty may be executed and delivered by electronic means with the same force and effect as if the same was a fully executed and delivered original manual counterpart.
[Signature on next page]
Exhibit L - 6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Guaranty to be duly executed and delivered by its duly authorized representative on the date first above written.
GUARANTOR:
[_______]
By:______________________________
Printed Name:__________________
Title:____________________________
BUYER:
[_______]
By:______________________________
Printed Name:__________________
Title:____________________________
By:______________________________
Printed Name:__________________
Title:____________________________
Exhibit M - 1
EXHIBIT M
[RESERVED]
Exhibit O - 1
EXHIBIT O
[RESERVED]
Exhibit P - 1
EXHIBIT P
[RESERVED]
Exhibit Q - 1
EXHIBIT Q
[RESERVED]
Exhibit R - 1
EXHIBIT R
METERING DIAGRAM
[RESERVED]
Exhibit S - 1
EXHIBIT S
FORM OF LIMITED ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT
This Limited Assignment Agreement (this “Assignment Agreement” or “Agreement”) is entered into as of [______], 2023 by and among [_______], [__________] (“PPA Seller”), Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority (“PPA Buyer”), and J. Aron & Company LLC, a New York limited liability company (“J. Aron”), and relates to that certain power purchase agreement (the “PPA”) between PPA Buyer and PPA Seller as described on Appendix 1. Unless the context otherwise specifies or requires, capitalized terms used but not defined in this Agreement have the meanings set forth in the PPA.
In consideration of the premises above and the mutual covenants and agreements herein set forth, PPA Seller, PPA Buyer and J. Aron (the “Parties” hereto; each is a “Party”) agree as follows:
1. Limited Assignment and Delegation.
(a) PPA Buyer hereby assigns, transfers and conveys to J. Aron all right, title and interest in and to the rights of PPA Buyer under the PPA to receive delivery of the products described on Appendix 1 (the “Assigned Products”) during the Assignment Period (as defined in Appendix 1), as such rights may be limited or further described in the “Further Information” section on Appendix 1 (the “Assigned Product Rights”). All Assigned Products shall be delivered pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement during the Assignment Period as provided in Appendix 1. All other rights of PPA Buyer under the PPA are expressly reserved for PPA Buyer.
(b) PPA Buyer hereby delegates to J. Aron the obligation to pay for all Assigned Products that are actually delivered to J. Aron pursuant to the Assigned Product Rights during the Assignment Period (the “Delivered Product Payment Obligation” and together with the Assigned Product Rights, collectively the “Assigned Rights and Obligations”); provided that (i) all other obligations of PPA Buyer under the PPA are expressly retained by PPA Buyer and PPA Buyer shall be solely responsible for any amounts due to PPA Seller that are not directly related to Assigned Products; and (ii) the Parties acknowledge and agree that PPA Seller will only be obligated to deliver a single consolidated invoice during the Assignment Period (with a copy to J. Aron consistent with Section 1(d) hereof). To the extent J. Aron fails to pay the Delivered Product Payment Obligation by the due date for payment set forth in the PPA, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, PPA Buyer agrees that it remains responsible for such payment and that it will be an Event of Default pursuant to Section [__] if PPA Buyer does not make such payment within five (5) Business Days (as defined in the PPA) of receiving notice of such non-payment from PPA Seller.
(c) J. Aron hereby accepts and PPA Seller hereby consents and agrees to the assignment, transfer, conveyance and delegation described in clauses (a) and (b) above.
Exhibit S - 2
(d) All scheduling of Assigned Products and other communications related to the PPA shall take place between PPA Buyer and PPA Seller pursuant to the terms of the PPA; provided that (i) title to Assigned Product will pass from PPA Seller to J. Aron upon delivery by PPA Seller of Assigned Product in accordance with the PPA; (ii) PPA Buyer is hereby authorized by J. Aron and shall act as J. Aron’s agent with regard to scheduling Assigned Product; (iii) PPA Buyer will provide copies to J. Aron of any Notice (as defined in the PPA) of a Force Majeure Event or Event of Default or default, breach or other occurrence that, if not cured within the applicable grace period, could result in an Event of Default contemporaneously upon delivery thereof to PPA Seller and promptly after receipt thereof from PPA Seller; (iv) PPA Seller will provide copies to J. Aron of annual forecasts of Metered Energy and monthly forecasts of Available Capacity provided pursuant to Section [__] of the PPA; (v) PPA Seller will provide copies to J. Aron of all invoices and supporting data provided to PPA Buyer pursuant to Section [__], provided that any payment adjustments or subsequent reconciliations occurring after the date that is 10 days prior to the payment due date for a monthly invoice, including pursuant to Section [__], will be resolved solely between PPA Buyer and PPA Seller and therefore PPA Seller will not be obligated to deliver copies of any communications relating thereto to J. Aron; and (vi) PPA Buyer and PPA Seller, as applicable, will provide copies to J. Aron of any other information reasonably requested by J. Aron relating to Assigned Products. (e) PPA Seller acknowledges that (i) J. Aron intends to immediately transfer title to any Assigned Products received from PPA Seller through one or more intermediaries such that all Assigned Products will be re-delivered to PPA Buyer, and (ii) J. Aron has the right to purchase receivables due from PPA Buyer for any such Assigned Products. PPA. To the extent J. Aron purchases any such receivables due from PPA Buyer, J. Aron may transfer such receivables to PPA Seller and apply the face amount thereof as a reduction to any Delivered Product Payment Obligation.
(f) On or before the commencement of the Assignment Period, The Goldman Sachs Group (“Guarantor”), Inc. will issue, in favor of PPA Seller, a guaranty of J. Aron’s payment obligations under this Assignment Agreement substantially in the form of Appendix 3 attached hereto (“Guaranty”).
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, PPA Buyer shall be entitled to retain for its own account all CAISO revenues associated with delivery of the Assigned Product to CAISO, including where PPA Buyer is acting as Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility (as defined in the PPA) and through scheduling of ISTs. Nothing in this Agreement modifies or amends any rights or obligations of PPA Buyer and PPA Seller under the PPA with respect to CAISO revenues and costs. As used in this clause (h), the following terms have the meanings specified below.
“CAISO” means California Independent System Operator or its successor. “CAISO Tariff” means CAISO’s Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved tariff, as modified, amended or supplemented from time to time. “Inter-SC Trade” or “IST” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff. “Scheduling Coordinator” means an entity certified by the CAISO as qualifying as a
Exhibit S - 3
Scheduling Coordinator pursuant to the CAISO Tariff for the purposes of undertaking the functions specified in “Responsibilities of a Scheduling Coordinator,” of the CAISO.
(h) The Assigned Prepay Quantity set forth in Appendix 2 relates to obligations by and between J. Aron and PPA Buyer and has no impact on PPA Seller’s rights and obligations under the PPA.
2. Assignment Early Termination.
(a) The Assignment Period may be terminated early upon the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) delivery of a written notice of termination by either J. Aron or PPA Buyer to each of the other Parties hereto;
(2) delivery of a written notice of termination by PPA Seller to each of J. Aron and PPA Buyer following J. Aron’s failure to pay when due any amounts owed to PPA Seller in respect of any Delivered Product Payment Obligation and such failure continues for one business day following receipt by J. Aron of written notice thereof; (3) delivery of a written notice by PPA Seller if any of the events described in Section [__] [Bankruptcy] of the PPA occurs with respect to J. Aron; or (4) delivery of a written notice by J. Aron if any of the events described in Section [__] [Bankruptcy] of the PPA occurs with respect to PPA Seller. (b) The Assignment Period will end at the end of last delivery hour on the date specified in the termination notice provided pursuant to Section 2(a), which date shall not be earlier than the end of the last day of the calendar month in which such notice is delivered if termination is pursuant to clause (a)(1) or (a)(2) above. All Assigned Rights and Obligations shall revert from J. Aron to PPA Buyer upon the early termination of the Assignment Period, provided that (i) J. Aron shall remain responsible for the Delivered Product Payment Obligation with respect to any Assigned Product delivered to J. Aron prior to the end of the Assignment Period, and (ii) any legal restrictions on the effectiveness of such reversion (whether arising under bankruptcy law or otherwise) shall not affect the expiration or early termination of the Assignment Period.
(c) The Assignment Period will automatically terminate upon the expiration or early termination of the PPA. All Assigned Rights and Obligations shall revert from J. Aron to PPA Buyer upon the expiration of or early termination of the PPA, provided that (i) J. Aron shall remain responsible for the Delivered Product Payment Obligation with respect to any Assigned Product delivered to J. Aron prior to the end of the Assignment Period, and (ii) any legal restrictions on the effectiveness of such reversion (whether arising under bankruptcy law or otherwise) shall not affect the expiration or early termination of the Assignment Period.
Exhibit S - 4
(d) The Assignment Period will automatically terminate upon delivery by Guarantor of a notice of termination of the Guaranty. All Assigned Rights and Obligations shall revert from J. Aron to PPA Buyer upon the termination of the Assignment Period, provided that (i) J. Aron shall remain responsible for the Delivered Product Payment Obligation with respect to any Assigned Product delivered to J. Aron prior to the end of the Assignment Period, and (ii) any legal restrictions on the effectiveness of such reversion (whether arising under bankruptcy law or otherwise) shall not affect the expiration or early termination of the Assignment Period.
3. Representations and Warranties. The PPA Seller and the PPA Buyer represent and warrant to J. Aron that (a) the PPA is in full force and effect; (b) no event or circumstance exists (or would exist with the passage of time or the giving of notice) that would give either of them the right to terminate the PPA or suspend performance thereunder; and (c) all of its obligations under the PPA required to be performed on or before the Assignment Period Start Date have been fulfilled.
4. Notices. Any notice, demand, or request required or authorized by this Assignment Agreement to be given by one Party to another Party shall be delivered in accordance with Section [__] of the PPA and to the addresses of each of PPA Seller and PPA Buyer specified in the PPA. PPA Buyer agrees to notify J. Aron of any updates to such notice information, including any updates provided by PPA Seller to PPA Buyer. Notices to J. Aron shall be provided to the following address, as such address may be updated by J. Aron from time to time by notice to the other Parties:
J. Aron & Company LLC
200 West Street
New York, New York 10282-2198
Email: [email protected]
5. Miscellaneous. Sections [__] (Buyer’s Representations and Warranties), [__] (Confidential Information), Sections [__] (Severability), [___] (Counterparts), [____] (Amendments), [____] (No Agency), [____] (Mobile-Sierra), [_____] (Counterparts), [_____] (Facsimile or Electronic Delivery), Section [_____] (Binding Effect) and [_____] (No Recourse to Members of Buyer) of the PPA are incorporated by reference into this Agreement, mutatis mutandis, as if fully set forth herein.
6. U.S. Resolution Stay Provisions. The Parties hereby confirm that they are adherents to the ISDA 2018 U.S. Resolution Stay Protocol (“ISDA U.S. Stay Protocol”), the terms of the ISDA U.S. Stay Protocol are incorporated into and form a part of this Agreement, and for the purposes of such incorporation, (i) J. Aron shall be deemed to be a Regulated Entity, (ii) each of PPA Buyer and PPA Seller shall be deemed to be an Adhering Party, and (iii) this Agreement shall be deemed a Protocol Covered Agreement. In the event of any inconsistencies between this Agreement and the ISDA U.S. Stay Protocol, the ISDA U.S. Stay Protocol will prevail.
Exhibit S - 5
7. Governing Law, Jurisdiction, Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) Governing Law. This Assignment Agreement and the rights and duties of the parties under this Assignment Agreement will be governed by and construed, enforced and performed in accordance with the laws of the State of [California], without reference to any conflicts of laws provisions that would direct the application of another jurisdiction’s laws; provided, however, that the authority of PPA Buyer to enter into and perform its obligations under this Assignment Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
(b) Jurisdiction. Each party submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal courts of the United States of America for the Northern Districst of California sitting in the city and county of San Francisco.
(c) Waiver of Right to Trial by Jury. Each party waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in respect of any suit, action or proceeding relating to this assignment agreement.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank]
Exhibit S - 6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Assignment Agreement effective as of the date first set forth above.
[PPA SELLER]
By:
Name:
Title:
CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY ENERGY
By:
Name:
Title:
J. ARON & COMPANY LLC
By:
Name:
Title:
Execution and delivery of the foregoing Assignment Agreement is hereby approved.
CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY CHOICE FINANCING AUTHORITY
By:
Name:
Title:
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................1
1.1 Contract Definitions .................................................................................................1
1.2 Rules of Interpretation ...........................................................................................18 ARTICLE 2 TERM; CONDITIONS PRECEDENT .....................................................................19
2.1 Contract Term ........................................................................................................19
2.2 Conditions Precedent .............................................................................................19
2.3 Development; Construction; Progress Reports ......................................................20
2.4 Remedial Action Plan ............................................................................................20 ARTICLE 3 PURCHASE AND SALE .........................................................................................21
3.1 Purchase and Sale of Product .................................................................................21
3.2 Sale of Green Attributes .........................................................................................21
3.3 Imbalance Energy ..................................................................................................21
3.4 Ownership of Renewable Energy Incentives .........................................................21
3.5 Future Environmental Attributes ...........................................................................21
3.6 Test Energy ............................................................................................................22
3.7 Future Capacity Attributes .....................................................................................22
3.8 Reserved .................................................................................................................23
3.9 CEC Certification and Verification .......................................................................23
3.10 Reserved .................................................................................................................23
3.11 RPS Non-Modifiable Standard Terms and Conditions ..........................................23
3.12 Compliance Expenditure Cap ................................................................................24
3.13 Project Configuration .............................................................................................25
3.14 Bridge Product .......................................................................................................25 ARTICLE 4 OBLIGATIONS AND DELIVERIES ......................................................................27
4.1 Delivery..................................................................................................................27
4.2 Title and Risk of Loss ............................................................................................27
4.3 Forecasting .............................................................................................................27
4.4 Dispatch Down/Curtailment ..................................................................................29
4.5 Reduction in Delivery Obligation ..........................................................................30
4.6 Guaranteed Energy Production ..............................................................................31
4.7 WREGIS ................................................................................................................31 ARTICLE 5 TAXES ......................................................................................................................33
5.1 Allocation of Taxes and Charges ...........................................................................33
5.2 Cooperation ............................................................................................................33
ii
ARTICLE 6 MAINTENANCE OF THE FACILITY ...................................................................33
6.1 Maintenance of the Facility ...................................................................................33
6.2 Maintenance of Health and Safety .........................................................................33
6.3 Shared Facilities .....................................................................................................33 ARTICLE 7 METERING ..............................................................................................................34
7.1 Metering .................................................................................................................34
7.2 Meter Verification ..................................................................................................34 ARTICLE 8 INVOICING AND PAYMENT; CREDIT ...............................................................34
8.1 Invoicing ................................................................................................................34
8.2 Payment..................................................................................................................35
8.3 Books and Records ................................................................................................35
8.4 Payment Adjustments; Billing Errors ....................................................................35
8.5 Billing Disputes .....................................................................................................36
8.6 Netting of Payments ...............................................................................................36
8.7 Seller’s Development Security ..............................................................................36
8.8 Seller’s Performance Security ................................................................................37
8.9 First Priority Security Interest in Cash or Cash Equivalent Collateral ..................37
8.10 Financial Statements ..............................................................................................38 ARTICLE 9 NOTICES ..................................................................................................................38
9.1 Addresses for the Delivery of Notices ...................................................................38
9.2 Acceptable Means of Delivering Notice ................................................................38 ARTICLE 10 FORCE MAJEURE ................................................................................................38
10.1 Definition ...............................................................................................................38
10.2 No Liability If a Force Majeure Event Occurs ......................................................39
10.3 Notice .....................................................................................................................40
10.4 Termination Following Force Majeure Event ........................................................40 ARTICLE 11 DEFAULTS; REMEDIES; TERMINATION ........................................................40
11.1 Events of Default ...................................................................................................40
11.2 Remedies; Declaration of Early Termination Date ................................................43
11.3 Termination Payment .............................................................................................43
11.4 Notice of Payment of Termination Payment .........................................................44
11.5 Disputes With Respect to Termination Payment ...................................................44
11.6 Rights And Remedies Are Cumulative ..................................................................44 ARTICLE 12 LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND EXCLUSION OF WARRANTIES. ...........45
iii
12.1 No Consequential Damages ...................................................................................45
12.2 Waiver and Exclusion of Other Damages ..............................................................45 ARTICLE 13 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; AUTHORITY .............................46
13.1 Seller’s Representations and Warranties ...............................................................46
13.2 Buyer’s Representations and Warranties ...............................................................47
13.3 General Covenants .................................................................................................48
13.4 Prevailing Wage .....................................................................................................48 ARTICLE 14 ASSIGNMENT .......................................................................................................48
14.1 General Prohibition on Assignments .....................................................................48
14.2 Collateral Assignment ............................................................................................49
14.3 Buyer Assignment ..................................................................................................51 ARTICLE 15 DISPUTE RESOLUTION ......................................................................................51
15.1 Governing Law ......................................................................................................51
15.2 Venue .....................................................................................................................51
15.3 Dispute Resolution .................................................................................................51 ARTICLE 16 INDEMNIFICATION .............................................................................................52
16.1 Mutual Indemnity...................................................................................................52
16.2 Notice of Claim ......................................................................................................52
16.3 Failure to Provide Notice .......................................................................................52
16.4 Defense of Claims ..................................................................................................53
16.5 Subrogation of Rights ............................................................................................53
16.6 Rights and Remedies are Cumulative ....................................................................53 ARTICLE 17 INSURANCE ..........................................................................................................53
17.1 Insurance ................................................................................................................53 ARTICLE 18 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ......................................................................55
18.1 Definition of Confidential Information ..................................................................55
18.2 Duty to Maintain Confidentiality ...........................................................................55
18.3 Irreparable Injury; Remedies .................................................................................55
18.4 Disclosure to Lenders, Etc. ....................................................................................56
18.5 Press Releases ........................................................................................................56 ARTICLE 19 MISCELLANEOUS ...............................................................................................56
19.1 Entire Agreement; Integration; Exhibits ................................................................56
19.2 Amendments ..........................................................................................................56
19.3 No Waiver ..............................................................................................................56
iv
19.4 No Agency, Partnership, Joint Venture or Lease ...................................................56
19.5 Severability ............................................................................................................57
19.6 Mobile-Sierra .........................................................................................................57
19.7 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures ......................................................................57
19.8 Electronic Delivery ................................................................................................57
19.9 Binding Effect ........................................................................................................57
19.10 No Recourse to Members of Buyer .......................................................................57
19.11 Forward Contract ...................................................................................................57
19.12 Further Assurances.................................................................................................58
19.13 Amendment and Restatement ................................................................................58 Exhibits:
Exhibit A Facility Description
Exhibit B Major Project Development Milestones and Commercial Operation Exhibit C Compensation
Exhibit D Scheduling Coordinator Responsibilities
Exhibit E Progress Reporting Form
Exhibit F-1 Form of Average Expected Energy Forecast
Exhibit F-2 Form of Monthly Delivery Forecast
Exhibit G Guaranteed Energy Production Damages Calculation Exhibit H Form of Commercial Operation Date Certificate Exhibit I Form of Installed Capacity Certificate
Exhibit J Form of Construction Start Date Certificate
Exhibit K Form of Letter of Credit
Exhibit L Form of Guaranty
Exhibit M Reserved
Exhibit N Notices
Exhibit 0 Reserved
Exhibit P Reserved
Exhibit Q Reserved
Exhibit R Metering Diagram
Exhibit S Form of Limited Assignment Agreement
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED RENEWABLE POWER PURCHASE
AGREEMENT
This Second Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Buyer and Seller as of the last dated signature on the signature page hereto (the “Execution Date”). Buyer and Seller are sometimes referred to herein individually as a “Party” and jointly as the “Parties.” All capitalized terms used in this Agreement are used with the meanings ascribed to them in Article 1 to this Agreement.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Seller intends to develop, design, permit, construct, own or otherwise control, and operate the Facility;
WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell, and Buyer desires to purchase, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, the Product;
WHEREAS, Buyer and Seller are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated as of December 6, 2024 (as amended prior to the date hereof, the “Existing PPA”), which the Parties agree replaced and superseded all prior agreements between the Parties relating to the purchase and sale of energy from the Facility; WHEREAS, the Parties desire to further amend and restate the Existing PPA in its entirety as set forth herein;
WHEREAS, the Parties hereby agree to amend, restate, replace and supersede the terms of the Existing PPA in its entirety as provided herein; and WHEREAS, upon execution of this Agreement, the Existing PPA shall be amended, restated, replaced, and superseded in its entirety by this Agreement as of the Execution Date.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree to the following:
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Contract Definitions. The following terms, when used herein with initial capitalization, shall have the meanings set forth below:
“AC” means alternating current.
“Accepted Compliance Costs” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.12. “Adjusted Energy Production” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit G.
2 “Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, each Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such designated Person. For purposes of this definition and the definition of “Permitted Transferee”, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean (a) the direct or indirect right to cast at least fifty percent (50%) of the votes exercisable at an annual general meeting (or its equivalent) of such Person or, if there are no such rights, ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of the equity or other ownership interest in such Person, or (b) the right to direct the policies or operations of such Person. “Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble and includes any Exhibits, schedules and any written supplements hereto, the Cover Sheet, and any designated collateral, credit support or similar arrangement between the Parties. “Ancillary Services” means all ancillary services, products and other attributes, if any, associated with the Facility.
“Approved Forecast Vendor” means a vendor reasonably acceptable to both Buyer and Seller for the purposes of providing or verifying the forecasts under Section 4.3(d). “Assignment Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals. “Available Generating Capacity” means the capacity of the Generating Facility, expressed in whole MWs, that is mechanically available to generate Energy. “Bankrupt” means with respect to any entity, such entity that (a) files a petition or otherwise commences, authorizes or acquiesces in the commencement of a proceeding or cause of action under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar Law, (b) has any such petition filed or commenced against it which remains unstayed or undismissed for a period of ninety (90) days, (c) makes an assignment or any general arrangement for the benefit of creditors, (d) otherwise becomes bankrupt or insolvent (however evidenced), (e) has a liquidator, administrator, receiver, trustee, conservator or similar official appointed with respect to it or any substantial portion of its property or assets, or (f) is generally unable to pay its debts as they fall due. “BP Delivery Cessation Date” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(a). “Bridge Product” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14. “Bridge Product Delivery Term” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(a). “Bridge Product Offer” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(b). “Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday, or a Federal Reserve Bank holiday in California. A Business Day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. local time for the Party sending a Notice, or payment, or performing a specified action. “Buyer” means Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority.
3 “Buyer Bid Curtailment” means any curtailment of the Facility arising out of or resulting from the manner in which Buyer bids, offers or schedules the Facility, the Energy or any Products, or in which Buyer fails to do so, including a situation where all of the following occurs:
(a) the CAISO provides notice to a Party or the Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility, requiring the Party to deliver less Facility Energy from the Facility than the full amount of energy forecasted in accordance with Section 4.3 to be produced from the Facility for a period of time; (b) for the same time period as referenced in (a), the notice referenced in (a) results from the manner in which Buyer or the SC schedules or bids the Facility or Facility Energy, including where the Buyer or the SC for the Facility:
(i) did not submit a Self-Schedule or an Energy Supply Bid for the MW subject to the reduction; or
(ii) submitted an Energy Supply Bid and the CAISO notice referenced in (a) is solely a result of CAISO implementing the Energy Supply Bid; or (iii) submitted a Self-Schedule for less than the full amount of Facility Energy forecasted to be generated by or delivered from the Facility.
If the Facility is subject to a Planned Outage, Forced Facility Outage, Force Majeure Event or a Curtailment Period during the same time period as referenced in (a), then the calculation of Deemed Delivered Energy in respect of such period shall not include any Energy that was not generated due to such Planned Outage, Forced Facility Outage, Force Majeure Event or Curtailment Period.
“Buyer Curtailment Order” means an instruction from Buyer to Seller to reduce Facility Energy from the Facility by the amount, and for the period of time set forth in such instruction, for reasons unrelated to a Planned Outage, Forced Facility Outage, Force Majeure Event or Curtailment Order.
“Buyer Curtailment Period” means the period of time, as measured using current Settlement Intervals, during which Seller reduces Facility Energy from the Facility pursuant to or as a result of (a) Buyer Bid Curtailment, (b) a Buyer Curtailment Order, or (c) Buyer Default; provided, that the duration of any Buyer Curtailment Period shall be inclusive of the time required for the Generating Facility to ramp down and ramp up.
“Buyer Default” means a failure by Buyer (or its agents) to perform Buyer’s obligations hereunder, and includes an Event of Default of Buyer.
“Buyer’s WREGIS Account” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7(a). “CAISO” means the California Independent System Operator Corporation or any successor entity performing similar functions.
“CAISO Approved Meter” means a CAISO approved revenue quality meter or meters, CAISO approved data processing gateway or remote intelligence gateway, telemetering equipment
4 and data acquisition services sufficient for monitoring, recording and reporting, in real time, all Facility Energy delivered to the Delivery Point.
“CAISO Charges Invoice” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit D. “CAISO Grid” has the same meaning as “CAISO Controlled Grid” as defined in the CAISO Tariff.
“CAISO Operating Order” means the “operating order” defined in Section 37.2.1.1 of the CAISO Tariff.
“CAISO Tarif” means the California Independent System Operator Corporation Agreement and Tariff, Business Practice Manuals (BPMs), and operating procedures, including the rules, protocols, procedures and standards attached thereto, as the same may be amended or modified from time-to-time and approved by FERC.
“California Renewables Portfolio Standard” or “RPS” means the renewable energy program and policies established by California State Senate Bills 1038 (2002), 1078 (2002), 107 (2008), X-1 2 (2011), 350 (2015), and 100 (2018) as codified in, inter alia, California Public Utilities Code Sections 399.11 through 399.31 and California Public Resources Code Sections 25740 through 25751, as such provisions are amended or supplemented from time to time. “Capacity Attribute” means any current or future defined characteristic, certificate, tag, credit, or accounting construct associated with the amount of power that the Facility can generate and deliver to the Delivery Point at a particular moment and that can be purchased and sold under CAISO market rules, including Resource Adequacy Benefits. “Capacity Damages” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit B. “CEC” means the California Energy Commission, or any successor agency performing similar statutory functions.
“CEC Certification and Verification” means that the CEC has certified (or, with respect to periods before the date that is one hundred eighty (180) days following the Commercial Operation Date, that the CEC has pre-certified, as such date may be extended pursuant to Section
3.9) that the Generating Facility is an Eligible Renewable Energy Resource for purposes of the California Renewables Portfolio Standard and that all Facility Energy delivered to the Delivery Point qualifies as generation from an Eligible Renewable Energy Resource. “CEC Precertification” means that the CEC has issued a precertification for the Facility indicating that the planned operations of the Facility would comply with applicable CEC requirements for CEC Certification and Verification.
“CEQA” means the California Environmental Quality Act.
“Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.2.
“COD Certificate” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit B.
8 “Executed Interconnection Agreement Milestone” means the date for completion of execution of the Interconnection Agreement by Seller and the PTO as set forth on the Cover Sheet. “Execution Date” has the meaning set forth in the preamble. “Existing PPA” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals. “Expected Commercial Operation Date” is the date set forth on the Cover Sheet by which Seller reasonably expects to achieve Commercial Operation. “Expected Construction Start Date” is the date set forth on the Cover Sheet by which Seller reasonably expects to achieve Construction Start. “Expected Energy” means the quantity of Energy that Seller expects to be able to deliver to Buyer from the Generating Facility during each Contract Year or other time period in the quantity specified on the Cover Sheet.
“Facility” means the Generating Facility.
“Facility Energy” means Energy delivered to the Delivery Point, net of Electrical Losses and Station Use, as measured by the Facility Meter, which Facility Meter will be adjusted in accordance with CAISO meter requirements and Prudent Operating Practices to account for Electrical Losses and Station Use.
“Facility Meter” means the CAISO Approved Meter that will measure all Facility Energy. “FERC” means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or any successor government agency.
“Force Majeure Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.1. “Forced Facility Outage” means an unexpected failure of one or more components of the Facility that prevents Seller from generating Energy or making Facility Energy available at the Delivery Point and that is not the result of a Force Majeure Event, “Forecasting Penalty” means for each hour in which Seller does not provide the forecast required in Section 4.3(d) and Buyer incurs a loss or penalty resulting from Seller’s failure and Buyer’s scheduling activities in such hour with respect to Facility Energy, the product of (A) the absolute difference (if any) between (i) the expected Energy for such hour set forth in the Day-Ahead Forecast, or if there is no Day-Ahead Forecast, then the Monthly Delivery Forecast, and (ii) the actual Energy produced by the Generating Facility, multiplied by “Future Capacity Attributes” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.7. “Future Environmental Attributes” shall mean any and all generation attributes (other than Green Attributes or Renewable Energy Incentives) under the RPS regulations or under any
9 and all other international, federal, regional, state or other law, rule, regulation, bylaw, treaty or other intergovernmental compact, decision, administrative decision, program (including any voluntary compliance or membership program), competitive market or business method (including all credits, certificates, benefits, and emission measurements, reductions, offsets and allowances related thereto) that are attributable, now, or in the future, to the generation of electrical energy by the Facility and its displacement of conventional energy generation. Future Environmental Attributes do not include investment tax credits or production tax credits associated with the construction or operation of the Facility, or other financial incentives in the form of credits, reductions, or allowances associated with the Facility that are applicable to a state or federal income taxation obligation.
“Gains” means, with respect to any Party, an amount equal to the present value of the economic benefit to it, if any (exclusive of Costs), resulting from the termination of this Agreement for the remaining Contract Term, determined in a commercially reasonable manner. Factors used in determining the economic benefit to a Party may include, without limitation, reference to information supplied by one or more third parties, which shall exclude Affiliates of the Non-Defaulting Party, including without limitation, quotations (either firm or indicative) of relevant rates, prices, yields, yield curves, volatilities, spreads or other relevant market data in the relevant markets, comparable transactions, forward price curves based on economic analysis of the relevant markets, settlement prices for comparable transactions at liquid trading hubs (e.g., SP-15), all of which should be calculated for the remaining Contract Term. “Generating Facility” means the solar photovoltaic generating facility described on the Cover Sheet and in Exhibit A, located at the Site and including mechanical equipment and associated facilities and equipment required to deliver Energy to the Delivery Point. “Governmental Authority” means any federal, state, provincial, local or municipal government, any political subdivision thereof or any other governmental, congressional or parliamentary, regulatory, or judicial instrumentality, authority, body, agency, department, bureau, or entity with authority to bind a Party at law, including CAISO; provided, however, that “Governmental Authority” shall not in any event include any Party. “Green Attributes” means any and all credits, benefits, emissions reductions, offsets, and allowances, howsoever entitled, attributable to the generation from the Facility and its displacement of conventional energy generation. Green Attributes include but are not limited to Renewable Energy Credits, as well as: (1) any avoided emissions of pollutants to the air, soil or water such as sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and other pollutants; (2) any avoided emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) that have been determined by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or otherwise by law, to contribute to the actual or potential threat of altering the Earth’s climate by trapping heat in the atmosphere; (3) the reporting rights to these avoided emissions, such as Green Tag Reporting Rights. Green Tags are accumulated on a MWh basis and one Green Tag represents the Green Attributes associated with one (1) MWh of Energy. Green Attributes do not include (i) any energy, capacity, reliability or other power attributes from the Facility, (ii) production tax credits associated with the construction or operation of the Facility and other financial incentives in the form of credits, reductions, or allowances associated with the Facility that are applicable to
11 “Indemnified Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.1(a). “Indemnifying Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.1(a). “Initial Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.14(b). “Initial Synchronization” means the initial delivery of Facility Energy to the Delivery Point.
“Installed Capacity” means the Installed PV Capacity.
“Installed PV Capacity” means the actual generating capacity of the Generating Facility, as measured in MW(ac) at the Delivery Point, that achieves Commercial Operation, as demonstrated by a performance test, adjusted for ambient conditions on the date of the performance test, and evidenced by a certificate substantially in the form attached as Exhibit I hereto.
“Interconnection Agreement” means the interconnection agreement entered into by Seller pursuant to which the Facility will be interconnected with the Transmission System, and pursuant to which Seller’s Interconnection Facilities and any other Interconnection Facilities will be constructed, operated and maintained during the Contract Term. “Interconnection Facilities” means the interconnection facilities, control and protective devices and metering facilities required to connect the Facility with the Transmission System in accordance with the Interconnection Agreement.
“Interest Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2. “Inter-SC Trade” or “IST” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff. “Investment Grade Credit Rating” means a Credit Rating of “ITC” means the investment tax credit established pursuant to Section 48 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
“Inverters” means inverters and inverter transformers required for the Project. “Joint Powers Act” means the Joint Exercise of Powers Act of the State of California (Government Code Section 6500 et seq.).
“Joint Powers Agreement” means that certain Joint Powers Agreement dated February 21, 2017, as amended from time to time, under which Buyer is organized as a Joint Powers Authority in accordance with the Joint Powers Act.
“Law” means any applicable law, statute, rule, regulation, decision, writ, order, decree or judgment, permit or any interpretation thereof, promulgated or issued by a Governmental Authority.
12 “Lender” means, collectively, any Person (i) providing senior or subordinated construction, interim, back leverage or long-term debt, tax equity financing or refinancing for or in connection with the development, construction, purchase, installation or operation of the Facility, whether that financing or refinancing takes the form of private debt (including back-leverage debt), public debt or any other form (including financing or refinancing provided to a member or other direct or indirect owner of Seller), including any Person directly or indirectly providing financing or refinancing for the Facility, and any trustee or agent or similar representative acting on their behalf, (ii) providing interest rate or commodity protection under an agreement hedging or otherwise mitigating the cost of any of the foregoing obligations or (iii) participating in a lease financing (including a sale leaseback or leveraged leasing structure) with respect to the Facility.
“Letter(s) of Credit” means one or more irrevocable, standby letters of credit issued by a U.S. commercial bank or a foreign bank with a U.S. branch with such bank (a) having a Credit Rating of at least A- with an outlook designation of “stable” from S&P or A3 with an outlook designation of “stable” from Moody’s or (b) being reasonably acceptable to Buyer, in a form substantially similar to the letter of credit set forth in Exhibit K. “Licensed Professional Engineer” means an independent, professional engineer selected by Seller and reasonably acceptable to Buyer, licensed in the State of California. “Limited Assignee” has the meaning set forth in Section 14.3. “Locational Marginal Price” or “LMP” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff. “Losses” means, with respect to any Party, an amount equal to the present value of the economic loss to it, if any (exclusive of Costs), resulting from termination of this Agreement for the remaining Contract Term, determined in a commercially reasonable manner. Factors used in determining economic loss to a Party may include, without limitation, reference to information supplied by one or more third parties, which shall exclude Affiliates of the Non-Defaulting Party, including without limitation, quotations (either firm or indicative) of relevant rates, prices, yields, yield curves, volatilities, spreads or other relevant market data in the relevant markets, comparable transactions, forward price curves based on economic analysis of the relevant markets, settlement prices for comparable transactions at liquid trading hubs (e.g., SP-15), all of which should be calculated for the remaining Contract Term and must include the value of Green Attributes and Renewable Energy Incentives.
“Lost Output” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6. “Major Project Development Milestone” has the meaning set forth in in Exhibit B. “Master File” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff “Meter Service Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff. “Milestones” means the development activities for significant permitting, interconnection, financing and construction milestones set forth on the Cover Sheet.
13 “Monthly Delivery Forecast” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(b). “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or its successors. “MW” means megawatts in alternating current, unless expressly stated in terms of direct current.
“MWh” means megawatt-hour measured in alternating current, unless expressly stated in terms of direct current.
“Negative LMP” means, in any Settlement Interval, the Real-Time Market LMP at the Facility’s PNode is less than zero dollars ($0).
“Negative LMP Costs” has the meaning set forth in Exhibit C. “NERC” means the North American Electric Reliability Corporation or any successor entity performing similar functions.
“Network Upgrades” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff. “Non-Defaulting Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2. “Notice” shall, unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, mean written communications by a Party to be delivered by hand delivery, United States mail, overnight courier service, or electronic messaging (email).
“Notice of Claim” has the meaning set forth in Section 16.2. “NP-15” means the Existing Zone Generation Trading Hub for Existing Zone region NP15 as set forth in the CAISO Tariff.
“Participating Generator Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff. “Participating Transmission Owner” or “PTO” means an entity that owns, operates and maintains transmission or distribution lines and associated facilities or has entitlements to use certain transmission or distribution lines and associated facilities where the Facility is interconnected. For purposes of this Agreement, the Participating Transmission Owner is set forth in Exhibit A.
“Party” or “Parties” has the meaning set forth in the preamble. “Performance Measurement Period” means
“Performance Security” means (i) cash or (ii) a Letter of Credit or (iii) a Guaranty in the amount set forth on the Cover Sheet.
15 “PTC” means the production tax credit established pursuant to Section 45 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
“Recurring Certificate Transfers” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7(a). “Real-Time Forecast” means any Notice of any change to the Available Generating Capacity or hourly expected Energy delivered by or on behalf of Seller pursuant to Section 4.3(d). “Real-Time Market” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff “Real-Time Price” means the Resource-Specific Settlement Interval LMP as defined in the CAISO Tariff. If there is more than one applicable Real-Time Price for the same period of time, Real-Time Price shall mean the price associated with the smallest time interval. “Receiving Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 18.2. “Remedial Action Plan” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4. “Renewable Energy Credit” has the meaning set forth in California Public Utilities Code Section 399.12(h), as may be amended from time to time or as further defined or supplemented by Law.
“Renewable Energy Incentives” means: (a) all federal, state, or local Tax credits or other Tax benefits associated with the construction, ownership, or production of electricity from the Facility (including credits under Sections 38, 45, 46 and 48 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended); (b) any federal, state, or local grants, subsidies or other like benefits relating in any way to the Facility; and (c) any other form of incentive relating in any way to the Facility that is not a Green Attribute or a Future Environmental Attribute. “Renewable Rate” has the meaning set forth on the Cover Sheet. “Resource Adequacy Benefits” means the rights and privileges attached to the Facility that satisfy any entity’s resource adequacy obligations, as those obligations are set forth in any Resource Adequacy Rulings and includes any local, zonal or otherwise locational attributes associated with the Facility, in addition to flex attributes. “Resource Adequacy Rulings” means CPUC Decisions 04-01-050, 04-10-035, 05-10- 042, 06-04-040, 06-06-064, 06-07-031 06-07-031, 07-06-029, 08-06-031, 09-06-028, 10-06-036, 11-06-022, 12-06-025, 13-06-024 and any other existing or subsequent ruling or decision, or any other resource adequacy Law, however described, as such decisions, rulings, Laws, rules or regulations may be amended or modified from time-to-time throughout the Delivery Term. “S&P” means the Standard & Poor’s Financial Services, LLC (a subsidiary of S&P Global Inc.) or its successor.
“Schedule” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff, and “Scheduled” has a corollary meaning.
16 “Scheduled Energy” means the Facility Energy that clears under the applicable CAISO market based on the final Day-Ahead Schedule, FIVIM Schedule (as defined in the CAISO Tariff), or any other financially binding Schedule, market instruction or dispatch for the Facility for a given period of time implemented in accordance with the CAISO Tariff. “Scheduling Coordinator” or “SC” means an entity certified by the CAISO as qualifying as a Scheduling Coordinator pursuant to the CAISO Tariff for the purposes of undertaking the functions specified in “Responsibilities of a Scheduling Coordinator,” of the CAISO Tariff, as amended from time to time.
“Security Interest” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.9. “Self-Schedule” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff “Seller” has the meaning set forth on the Cover Sheet.
“Seller’s WREGIS Account” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7(a). “Settlement Amount” means the Non-Defaulting Party’s Costs and Losses, on the one hand, netted against its Gains, on the other. If the Non-Defaulting Party’s Costs and Losses exceed its Gains, then the Settlement Amount shall be an amount owing to the Non-Defaulting Party. If the Non-Defaulting Party’s Gains exceed its Costs and Losses, then the Settlement Amount shall be zero dollars ($0). The Settlement Amount does not include consequential, incidental, punitive, exemplary or indirect or business interruption damages. “Settlement Interval” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff. “Settlement Period” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff. “Shared Facilities” means the gen-tie lines, transformers, substations, or other equipment, permits, contract rights, and other assets and property (real or personal), in each case, as necessary to enable delivery of energy from the Facility (which is excluded from Shared Facilities) to the point of interconnection, including the Interconnection Agreement itself, that are used in common with third parties.
“Site” means the real property on which the Facility is or will be located, as further described in Exhibit A.
“Site Control” means that Seller (or, prior to the Delivery Term, its Affiliate): (a) owns or has the option to purchase the Site; (b) is the lessee or has the option to lease the Site; or (c) is the holder of an easement or an option for an easement, right-of-way grant, or similar instrument with respect to the Site.
“Station Use” means:
(a) The Energy generated by the Facility that is used within the Facility to power the lights, motors, control systems and other electrical loads that are necessary for operation of the Facility; and
17 (b) The Energy generated by the Facility that is consumed within the Facility’s electric energy distribution system as losses.
“System Emergency” means any condition that requires, as determined and declared by CAISO or the PTO, automatic or immediate action to (i) prevent or limit harm to or loss of life or property, (ii) prevent loss of transmission facilities or generation supply in the immediate vicinity of the Facility, or (iii) to preserve Transmission System reliability. “Tax” or “Taxes” means all U.S. federal, state and local and any foreign taxes, levies, assessments, surcharges, duties and other fees and charges of any nature imposed by a Governmental Authority, whether currently in effect or adopted during the Contract Term, including ad valorem, excise, franchise, gross receipts, import/export, license, property, sales and use, stamp, transfer, payroll, unemployment, income, and any and all items of withholding, deficiency, penalty, additions, interest or assessment related thereto. “Tax Credits” means the PTC, ITC and any other state, local or federal production tax credit, depreciation benefit, tax deduction or investment tax credit specific to the production of renewable energy or investments in renewable energy facilities. “Terminated Transaction” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2(a). “Termination Payment” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.3. “Test Energy” means Facility Energy delivered (a) commencing on the later of (i) the first date that the CAISO informs Seller in writing that Seller may deliver Facility Energy to the CAISO and (ii) the first date that the PTO informs Seller in writing that Seller has conditional or temporary permission to parallel and (b) ending upon the occurrence of the Commercial Operation Date. “Test Energy Rate” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.6. “Transmission Provider” means any entity or entities transmitting or transporting the Facility Energy on behalf of Seller or Buyer to or from the Delivery Point. “Transmission System” means the transmission facilities operated by the CAISO, now or hereafter in existence, which provide energy transmission service within the CAISO grid from the Delivery Point.
“Variable Energy Resource” or “VER” has the meaning set forth in the CAISO Tariff “VER Forecast” means the forecast of output provided by CAISO pursuant to Section
4.8.2.1.2 and Appendix Q of the CAISO Tariff, as such provisions may be modified or amended from time to time.
“WREGIS” means the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System or any successor renewable energy tracking program.
“WREGIS Certificate Deficit” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.7(e).
18 “WREGIS Certificates” has the same meaning as “Certificate” as defined by WREGIS in the WREGIS Operating Rules and are designated as eligible for complying with the California Renewables Portfolio Standard.
“WREGIS Operating Rules” means those operating rules and requirements adopted by WREGIS as of October 2022, as subsequently amended, supplemented or replaced (in whole or in part) from time to time.
1.2 Rules of Interpretation. In this Agreement, except as expressly stated otherwise or unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) headings and the rendering of text in bold and italics are for convenience and reference purposes only and do not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement; (b) words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa and the masculine, feminine and neuter genders include all genders; (c) the words “hereof”, “herein”, and “hereunder” and words of similar import shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (d) a reference to an Article, Section, paragraph, clause, Party, or Exhibit is a reference to that Section, paragraph, clause of, or that Party or Exhibit to, this Agreement unless otherwise specified;
(e) a reference to a document or agreement, including this Agreement means such document, agreement or this Agreement including any amendment or supplement to, or replacement, novation or modification of this Agreement, but disregarding any amendment, supplement, replacement, novation or modification made in breach of such document, agreement or this Agreement;
(f) a reference to a Person includes that Person’s successors and permitted assigns;
(g) the term “including” means “including without limitation” and any list of examples following such term shall in no way restrict or limit the generality of the work or provision in respect of which such examples are provided; (h) references to any statute, code or statutory provision are to be construed as a reference to the same as it may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, modified or reenacted, and include references to all bylaws, instruments, orders and regulations for the time being made thereunder or deriving validity therefrom unless the context otherwise requires; (i) in the event of a conflict, a mathematical formula or other precise description of a concept or a term shall prevail over words providing a more general description of a concept or a term;
(j) references to any amount of money shall mean a reference to the amount in United States Dollars;
19 (k) words, phrases or expressions not otherwise defined herein that (i) have a generally accepted meaning in Prudent Operating Practice shall have such meaning in this Agreement or (ii) do not have well known and generally accepted meaning in Prudent Operating Practice but that have well known and generally accepted technical or trade meanings, shall have such recognized meanings; and
(l) each Party acknowledges that it was represented by counsel in connection with this Agreement and that it or its counsel reviewed this Agreement and that any rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 2
TERM; CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
2.1 Contract Term.
(a) The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in full force and effect until the conclusion of the Delivery Term, subject to any early termination provisions and any contract term extension provisions set forth herein (“Contract Term”); provided, however, that subject to Buyer’s obligations in Section 3.6, Buyer’s obligations to pay for or accept any Product are subject to Seller’s completion of the conditions precedent pursuant to Section 2.2.
(b) Applicable provisions of this Agreement shall continue in effect after termination, including early termination, to the extent necessary to enforce or complete the duties, obligations or responsibilities of the Parties arising prior to termination. The confidentiality obligations of the Parties under Article 18 and all indemnity and audit rights shall remain in full force and effect for two (2) years following the termination of this Agreement.
2.2 Conditions Precedent. The Delivery Term shall not commence until Seller completes each of the following conditions:
(a) Seller has delivered to Buyer (i) a completion certificate from a Licensed Professional Engineer substantially in the form of Exhibit H and (ii) a certificate from a Licensed Professional Engineer substantially in the form of Exhibit I setting forth the Installed Capacity on the Commercial Operation Date;
(b) A Participating Generator Agreement and a Meter Service Agreement between Seller and CAISO shall have been executed and delivered and be in full force and effect, and a copy of each such agreement delivered to Buyer;
(c) An Interconnection Agreement between Seller and the PTO shall have been executed and delivered and be in full force and effect and a copy of the Interconnection Agreement delivered to Buyer;
(d) All applicable regulatory authorizations, approvals and permits required for the operation of the Facility have been obtained and all required conditions thereof that are capable
20 of being satisfied on the Commercial Operation Date have been satisfied and shall be in full force and effect;
(e) Seller has received CEC Precertification of the Facility (and reasonably expects to receive final CEC Certification and Verification for the Facility in no more than one hundred eighty (180) days from the Commercial Operation Date); (f) Seller (with the reasonable participation of Buyer) shall have completed all applicable WREGIS registration requirements that are reasonably capable of being completed prior to the Commercial Operation Date under WREGIS rules, including (as applicable) the completion and submittal of all applicable registration forms and supporting documentation, which may include applicable interconnection agreements, informational surveys related to the Facility, QRE service agreements, and other appropriate documentation required to effect Facility registration with WREGIS and to enable Renewable Energy Credit transfers related to the Facility within the WREGIS system;
(g) Seller has delivered the Performance Security to Buyer in accordance with Section 8.8; and
(h) Seller has paid Buyer for all amounts owing under this Agreement as of the Commercial Operation Date, if any, including Daily Delay Damages and Commercial Operation Delay Damages.
2.3 Development; Construction; Progress Reports. Within fifteen (15) days after the close of (i) each calendar quarter from the first calendar quarter following the Effective Date until the Construction Start Date, and (ii) each calendar month from the first calendar month following the Construction Start Date until the Commercial Operation Date, Seller shall provide to Buyer a Progress Report and shall hold regularly scheduled meetings between representatives of Buyer and Seller to review such monthly reports and discuss Seller’s construction progress, such meeting to be held in person or by teleconference as agreed between the Parties. The form of the Progress Report is set forth in Exhibit E, and shall include such additional information as may be reasonably requested by Buyer from time to time. Seller shall also provide Buyer with any reasonable requested documentation (subject to confidentiality restrictions) directly related to the achievement of Milestones within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of such request by Seller.
For the avoidance of doubt, as between Seller and Buyer, Seller is solely responsible for the design and construction of the Facility, including the location of the Site, obtaining all permits and approvals to build the Facility, the Facility layout, and the selection and procurement of the equipment comprising the Facility.
2.4 Remedial Action Plan. If Seller (a) misses the Guaranteed Construction Start Date, (b) misses three (3) or more Milestones (other than the Guaranteed Construction Start Date), or (c) misses any one (1) Milestone (other than Guaranteed Construction Start Date) by more than ninety (90) days, except as the result of Force Majeure Event or Buyer Default, Seller shall submit to Buyer, within ten (10) Business Days after the occurrence of (a), (b) or (c), a remedial action plan (“Remedial Action Plan”), which will describe in detail any delays (actual or anticipated) beyond the scheduled Milestone dates, including the cause of the delay, if known (e.g., governmental approvals, financing, property acquisition, design activities, equipment
21 procurement, project construction, interconnection, or any other factor), Seller’s detailed description of its proposed course of action to achieve the missed Milestones and all subsequent Milestones by the Guaranteed Commercial Operation Date; provided, that delivery of any Remedial Action Plan shall not relieve Seller of its obligation to provide Remedial Action Plans with respect to any subsequent Milestones and to achieve the Guaranteed Commercial Operation Date in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Subject to the provisions of Exhibit B, so long as Seller complies with its obligations under this Section 2.4, Seller shall not be considered in default of its obligations under this Agreement solely as a result of missing any Milestone.
ARTICLE 3
PURCHASE AND SALE
3.1 Purchase and Sale of Product. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, during the Delivery Term, Buyer will purchase and receive all of the Product produced by or associated with the Facility at the Contract Price and in accordance with Exhibit C, and Seller shall supply and deliver to Buyer all of the Product produced by or associated with the Facility (net of applicable losses). At its sole discretion, Buyer may during the Delivery Term re-sell or use for another purpose all or a portion of the Product, provided that no such re-sale or use shall relieve Buyer of any obligations hereunder. During the Delivery Term, Buyer will have exclusive rights to offer, bid, or otherwise submit the Product, or any component thereof, from the Facility after the Delivery Point for resale into the market or to any third party, and retain and receive any and all related revenues. Subject to Buyer’s obligation to purchase Product in accordance with this Section 3.1 and Exhibit C, Buyer has no obligation to purchase from Seller any Product for which the associated Facility Energy is not or cannot be delivered to the Delivery Point as a result of an outage of the Facility, a Force Majeure Event, or a Curtailment Order.
3.2 Sale of Green Attributes. During the Delivery Term, Seller shall sell and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase and receive from Seller, all Green Attributes attributable to the Facility Energy generated by the Facility.
3.3 Imbalance Energy. Buyer and Seller recognize that in any given Settlement Period there may be Imbalance Energy. To the extent there is any Imbalance Energy, any payments related to such Imbalance Energy shall be for the account of Buyer.
3.4 Ownership of Renewable Energy Incentives. Seller shall have all right, title and interest in and to all Renewable Energy Incentives. Buyer acknowledges that any Renewable Energy Incentives belong to Seller. If any Renewable Energy Incentives, or values representing the same, are initially credited or paid to Buyer, Buyer shall cause such Renewable Energy Incentives or values relating to same to be assigned or transferred to Seller without delay. Buyer shall reasonably cooperate with Seller, at Seller’s sole expense, in Seller’s efforts to meet the requirements for any certification, registration, or reporting program relating to Renewable Energy Incentives.
3.5 Future Environmental Attributes.
(a) The Parties acknowledge and agree that as of the Effective Date, environmental attributes sold under this Agreement are restricted to Green Attributes; however, if,
22 after the Effective Date the Facility is able to provide Future Environmental Attributes for any reason, including due to a change in market conditions or Law, Buyer shall have the exclusive right to such Future Environmental Attributes and there shall be no increase in the Contract Price; provided, however, that such right shall be subject to the final sentence of this Section 3.5(a) and Section 3.5(b) and Buyer shall bear all costs and risks associated with the transfer, qualification, verification, registration and ongoing compliance for such Future Environmental Attributes. Upon Seller’s receipt of Notice from Buyer of Buyer’s intent to claim such Future Environmental Attributes, the Parties shall determine the necessary actions and additional costs associated with such Future Environmental Attributes. Seller shall have no obligation to bear any costs, losses or liability, or alter the Facility or the operation of the Facility, unless the Parties have agreed on all necessary terms and conditions relating to such alteration or change in operation and Buyer has agreed to reimburse Seller for all costs, losses, and liabilities associated with such alteration or change in operation.
(b) If Buyer elects to receive Future Environmental Attributes pursuant to Section 3.5(a), Seller agrees to work with Buyer in good faith to provide reasonably requested documentation and execute reasonable documentation necessary to effectuate the transfer and registration of such Future Environmental Attributes, including agreement with respect to (i) appropriate transfer, delivery and risk of loss mechanisms, and (ii) appropriate allocation of any additional costs to Buyer, as set forth above (in any event subject to Section 3.12); provided, that the Parties acknowledge and agree such terms are not intended to alter the other material terms of this Agreement.
3.6 Test Energy. No less than fourteen (14) days prior to the first day on which Test Energy is expected to be available from the Facility, Seller shall notify Buyer of the availability of the Test Energy. If and to the extent the Facility generates Test Energy, Seller shall sell and Buyer shall purchase from Seller all Test Energy and any associated Products on an as-available basis for up to days from the first delivery of Test Energy. As compensation for such Test Energy and associated Product, Buyer shall remit to Seller all CAISO revenues arising from such Test Energy (the “Test Energy Rate”). For the avoidance of doubt, the conditions precedent in Section 2.2 are not applicable to the Parties’ obligations under this Section 3.6.
3.7 Future Capacity Attributes.
(a) Throughout the Delivery Term, Seller grants, pledges, assigns and otherwise commits to Buyer all the Capacity Attributes from the Facility, it being acknowledged by the Parties that the Facility is only required to maintain “Energy Only Deliverability Status” (as defined in the CAISO Tariff) under this Agreement, and that as of the Effective Date, Capacity Attributes and Ancillary Services are not available from the Facility. If, however, after the Effective Date the Facility is able to provide Capacity Attributes or Ancillary Services for any reason, including due to the creation of a new competitive market or business method or a change in Law (collectively, the “Future Capacity Attributes”), Buyer shall have the exclusive right to such Future Capacity Attributes and there shall be no increase in the Contract Price; provided, however, that such right is subject to the final sentence of this Section 3.7(a) and Section 3.7(b) and Buyer shall bear all costs and risks associated with the transfer, qualification, verification, registration and ongoing compliance for such Future Capacity Attributes. Upon Seller’s receipt of Notice from Buyer of Buyer’s intent to claim such Future Capacity Attributes, the Parties shall
23 determine the necessary actions and additional costs associated with such Future Capacity Attributes. Seller shall have no obligation to bear any costs, losses or liability, or alter the Facility or the operation of the Facility, unless the Parties have agreed on all necessary terms and conditions relating to such alteration or change in operation and Buyer has agreed to reimburse Seller for all costs, losses, and liabilities associated with such alteration or change in operation. (b) If Buyer elects to receive Future Capacity Attributes pursuant to Section
3.7(a), Seller agrees to work with Buyer in good faith to provide reasonably requested documentation and execute reasonable documentation necessary to effectuate the transfer and registration of such Future Capacity Attributes, including agreement with respect to (i) appropriate transfer, delivery and risk of loss mechanisms, and (ii) appropriate allocation of any additional costs to Buyer, as set forth above (in any event subject to Section 3.12), and to the extent necessary, take all commercially reasonable administrative actions, including complying with all applicable registration and reporting requirements; provided, that the Parties acknowledge and agree such terms are not intended to alter the other material terms of this Agreement. Seller further agrees to take all commercially reasonable administrative actions, including complying with all applicable registration and reporting requirements, to the extent necessary to enable Buyer to use all of the Future Capacity Attributes committed by Seller to Buyer pursuant to this Agreement.
3.8 Reserved.
3.9 CEC Certification and Verification. Subject to Section 3.12, Seller shall take all necessary steps including, but not limited to, making or supporting timely filings with the CEC to obtain and maintain CEC Certification and Verification for the Facility throughout the Delivery Term, including compliance with all applicable requirements for certified facilities set forth in the current version of the RPS Eligibility Guidebook (or its successor). Seller shall obtain CEC Precertification by the Commercial Operation Date. Within thirty (30) days after the Commercial Operation Date, Seller shall apply with the CEC for final CEC Certification and Verification.
Within one hundred eighty (180) days after the Commercial Operation Date, Seller shall, subject to Section 3.12, obtain and maintain throughout the remainder of the Delivery Term the final CEC Certification and Verification. Seller must promptly notify Buyer and the CEC of any changes to the information included in Seller’s application for CEC Certification and Verification for the Facility.
3.10 Reserved.
3.11 RPS Non-Modifiable Standard Terms and Conditions.
(a) Eligibility. Seller, and, if applicable, its successors, represents and warrants that throughout the Delivery Term of this Agreement that: (i) the Project qualifies and is certified by the CEC as an Eligible Renewable Energy Resource (“ERR”) as such term is defined in Public Utilities Code Section 399.12 or Section 399.16; and (ii) the Project’s output delivered to Buyer qualifies under the requirements of the California Renewables Portfolio Standard. To the extent a change in law occurs after execution of this Agreement that causes this representation and warranty to be materially false or misleading, it shall not be an Event of Default if Seller has used commercially reasonable efforts to comply with such change in law. [STC 6]. The term
24 “commercially reasonable efforts” as used in this Section 3.11 means efforts consistent with and subject to Section 3.12 below.
(b) Transfer of Renewable Energy Credits. Seller and, if applicable, its successors, represents and warrants that throughout the Delivery Term of this Agreement the Renewable Energy Credits transferred to Buyer conform to the definition and attributes required for compliance with the California Renewables Portfolio Standard, as set forth in California Public Utilities Commission Decision 08-08-028, and as may be modified by subsequent decision of the California Public Utilities Commission or by subsequent legislation. To the extent a change in law occurs after execution of this Agreement that causes this representation and warranty to be materially false or misleading, it shall not be an Event of Default if Seller has used commercially reasonable efforts to comply with such change in law. [STC REC-1]. (c) Tracking of RECs in WREGIS. Seller warrants that all necessary steps to allow the Renewable Energy Credits transferred to Buyer to be tracked in the Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System will be taken prior to the first delivery under the contract. [STC REC-2].
(d) With respect to the immediately preceding paragraphs, (i) the reference in Section 3.11(a)(i) to “Project” has the same meaning as “Facility”, (ii) the reference in Section
3.11(a)(ii) to “the Project’s output” has the same meaning as “Facility Energy”, and (iii) the reference in Section 3.11(c) to “first delivery under the contract” has the same meaning as “first delivery of Facility Energy under this Agreement”.
3.12 Compliance Expenditure Cap. If a change in Laws occurring after the Effective Date has increased Seller’s known or reasonably expected costs to comply with Seller’s obligations under this Agreement with respect to obtaining, maintaining, conveying or effectuating Buyer’s use of (as applicable) any Product then the Parties agree that the maximum aggregate amount of out-of-pocket costs and expenses (“Compliance Costs”) Seller shall be required to bear during the Delivery Term to comply with all of such obligations shall be capped at (“Compliance Expenditure Cap”). Seller’s
internal administrative costs association with obtaining, maintaining, conveying or effectuating, Buyer’s use of (as applicable) any Product are excluded from the Compliance Expenditure Cap.
Any actions required for Seller to comply with its obligations set forth in the first paragraph above, the Compliance Costs of which will be included in the Compliance Expenditure Cap, shall be referred to collectively as the “Compliance Actions.”
If Seller reasonably anticipates the need to incur Compliance Costs in excess of the Compliance Expenditure Cap in order to take any Compliance Action Seller shall provide Notice to Buyer of such anticipated Compliance Costs.
Buyer will have sixty (60) days to evaluate such Notice (during which time period Seller is not obligated to take any Compliance Actions described in the Notice) and shall, within such time, either (1) agree to reimburse Seller for all or some portion of the Compliance Costs that exceed the Compliance Expenditure Cap (such Buyer-agreed upon costs, the “Accepted Compliance
25 Costs”), or (2) waive Seller’s obligation to take such Compliance Actions, or any part thereof for which Buyer has not agreed to reimburse Seller.
If Buyer agrees to reimburse Seller for the Accepted Compliance Costs, then Seller shall take such Compliance Actions covered by the Accepted Compliance Costs as agreed upon by the Parties and Buyer shall reimburse Seller for Seller’s actual costs to effect the Compliance Actions, not to exceed the Accepted Compliance Costs, within sixty (60) days from the time that Buyer receives an invoice and documentation of such costs from Seller.
3.13 Project Configuration. In order to optimize the benefits of the Facility, Buyer and Seller each agree that if requested by the other Party, then Buyer and Seller will discuss in good faith potential reconfiguration of the Facility or Interconnection Facilities; provided that neither Party shall be obligated to agree to any changes under this Agreement, or to incur any expense in connection with such changes, except under terms mutually acceptable to both Parties (and Seller’s Lenders) as set forth in a written agreement executed by the Parties.
3.14 Bridge Product. In addition to the Parties’ rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Facility, Seller agrees to deliver and Buyer agrees to purchase the following bundled renewable energy product (the “Bridge Product”) in accordance with the following terms and conditions:
(a) Seller warrants that all necessary steps to allow the Renewable Energy Credits transferred to Buyer to be tracked in WREGIS will be taken prior to the first delivery under this Agreement. The “Bridge Product Delivery Term” shall commence on and continue through the earlier of the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, or the commencement of the Delivery Term (the “BP Delivery Cessation Date”); provided that the Bridge Product Delivery Term shall be extended solely for the purpose of transferring the WREGIS Certificates associated with the Bridge Product delivered to Buyer prior to the BP Delivery Cessation Date.
(b) At least thirty (30) days prior to the start of the Bridge Product Delivery Term and at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the start of any subsequent calendar year during the Bridge Product Delivery Term (each such calendar year, a “BP Delivery Year”), Buyer shall provide Notice of its intent to purchase Bridge Product from Seller for the applicable BP Delivery Year(s) and the maximum volume that Buyer is willing to purchase for such BP Delivery Year(s) (“Initial Notice”). Within sixty (60) days of Buyer’s Initial Notice, Seller shall provide Buyer the “Contract Price for Bridge Product”, which will be equal to Seller’s actual cost of procurement at current market prices, and the quantity available at the Contract Price for Bridge Product for each applicable BP Delivery Year or BP Delivery Years specified in the Initial Notice (“Bridge Product Offer”). Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to offer the maximum volume of Bridge Product (up to the amount specified in Buyer’s Initial Notice), provided, however, the Bridge Product Offer shall be based on market conditions and Bridge Product availability at that time and the inability to source all or any portion of the quantity requested by Buyer in its Initial Notice will not be a breach of Seller’s obligations hereunder or an Event of Default of Seller or otherwise subject Seller to any liability; provided, that if Seller is unable to source the Bridge Product from the market, or Buyer is able to provide all or a portion of the Bridge Product at a lower price, Seller agrees to work with Buyer in good faith to facilitate the delivery
26 of the Bridge Product through third parties identified by Buyer. Following receipt of the Bridge Product Offer, Buyer shall provide Notice to Seller within five (5) Business Days as to whether Buyer will accept the Bridge Product Offer, and specifying the desired quantity thereof (not less than a reasonable minimum amount set forth in such offer, and not to exceed the amount offered by Seller), and subject to timely receipt of Buyer’s Notice, Seller shall thereupon use commercially reasonable efforts to procure the Bridge Product in accordance with the Bridge Product Offer and in the volume specified in Buyer’s Notice; provided, however, the Parties acknowledge that Seller’s ability to purchase the Bridge Product shall be based on market conditions and Bridge Product availability at that time and the inability to source all or any portion of the quantity requested by Buyer in its response to the Bridge Product Offer due to circumstances outside of the control of Seller will not be a breach of Seller’s obligations hereunder or an Event of Default of Seller otherwise subject Seller to any liability. Seller will promptly provide Notice to Buyer confirming the volume of Bridge Product specified in Buyer’s Notice responding to the Bridge Product Offer that Seller is able to procure (“Contract Quantity of Bridge Product”), and thereafter Seller shall sell and deliver, and Buyer shall purchase and receive, the Contract Quantity of Bridge Product. If Seller procures Bridge Product from a third party and such third party fails to deliver any portion of the contracted Bridge Product to Seller through no fault of Seller, then Seller will be excused from its obligations to sell and deliver, and Buyer will be excused from its obligation to pay for and receive, the applicable portion of the Bridge Product hereunder. (c) Notwithstanding Section 3.14(b) above, if Buyer fails to send its Initial Notice to Seller on or before April 1 of the first BP Delivery Year or January 1 of a BP Delivery Year after the first BP Delivery Year, neither Party shall have any further obligation with respect to the Bridge Product for the BP Delivery Year for which Buyer failed to provide a timely Initial Notice to Seller.
(d) Other terms and conditions regarding the Bridge Product:
(i) The Bridge Product shall meet the RPS compliance requirements for Portfolio Content Category 1 as set forth in California Public Utilities Code Section 399.16(b)(1)(A) and CPUC Decision 11-12-052.
(ii) Seller, or its designated scheduling coordinator, will perform all scheduling requirements applicable to the Bridge Product. All scheduling shall be performed consistent with all applicable CAISO and WECC prevailing protocols. (iii) This Bridge Product is intended to qualify as a long-term contract pursuant to California Public Utilities Code 399.13(b) and CPUC Decision D.17-06-026. (iv) Seller makes no representation or warranty as to the Bridge Product requirements set forth in subparts (i) and (iii) above and the failure to meet such requirements shall not affect the Parties’ rights and obligations hereunder. (v) For the avoidance of doubt, Buyer remains obligated to purchase the Bridge Product at the Contract Price for Bridge Product even if the Bridge Product does not satisfy the requirements set forth in subparts (i) and (iii) above, and the failure of the Bridge Product to
27 satisfy the requirements set forth in subparts (i) and (iii) above will not be a breach of Seller’s obligations hereunder or an Event of Default of Seller or otherwise subject Seller to any liability. (vi) For each month during the Bridge Product Delivery Term, Buyer will pay Seller an amount equal to the Contract Price for Bridge Product multiplied by the portion of the Contract Quantity of Bridge Product delivered in such month, as evidenced by WREGIS Certificates transferred from, or on behalf of, Seller to Buyer through WREGIS in such month.
Invoicing and payment for Bridge Product shall be in accordance with Article 8.
ARTICLE 4
OBLIGATIONS AND DELIVERIES
4.1 Delivery.
(a) Energy. Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, commencing on the Commercial Operation Date and through the end of the Contract Term, Seller shall supply and deliver the Product to Buyer at the Delivery Point, and Buyer shall take delivery of the Product at the Delivery Point in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Seller will be responsible for paying or satisfying when due any costs or charges imposed in connection with the delivery of Facility Energy to the Delivery Point, including without limitation, Station Use, Electrical Losses, and any operation and maintenance charges imposed on Seller by the Transmission Provider directly relating to the Facility’s operations. Buyer shall be responsible for all costs, charges and penalties, if any, imposed in connection with the delivery of Facility Energy at and after the Delivery Point, including without limitation transmission costs and transmission line losses and imbalance charges. The Facility Energy will be scheduled with the CAISO by Buyer (or Buyer’s designated Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility) in accordance with Exhibit D. (b) Green Attributes. All Green Attributes associated with the Facility Energy during the Delivery Term are exclusively dedicated to and will be conveyed to Buyer. Seller represents and warrants that Seller holds the rights to all Green Attributes from the Facility Energy, and Seller agrees to convey and hereby conveys all such Green Attributes to Buyer as included in the delivery of the Product from the Facility.
4.2 Title and Risk of Loss.
(a) Energy. Title to and risk of loss related to the Facility Energy, shall pass and transfer from Seller to Buyer at the Delivery Point. Seller warrants that all Product delivered to Buyer is free and clear of all liens, security interests, claims and encumbrances of any kind. (b) Green Attributes. Title to and risk of loss related to the Green Attributes associated with the Facility Energy shall pass and transfer from Seller to Buyer upon the transfer of such Green Attributes in accordance with WREGIS.
4.3 Forecasting. Seller shall provide the forecasts described below at its sole expense and in a format reasonably acceptable to Buyer (or Buyer’s designee). Seller shall use reasonable efforts to provide forecasts that are accurate and, to the extent not inconsistent with the requirements of this Agreement, shall prepare such forecasts, or cause such forecasts to be
28 prepared, in accordance with Prudent Operating Practices, including CAISO requirements applicable to projects similar to the Facility.
(a) Annual Forecast of Energy. No less than forty-five (45) days before (i) the first day of the first Contract Year of the Delivery Term and (ii) at the beginning of each calendar year for every subsequent Contract Year during the Delivery Term, Seller shall provide to Buyer and the SC for the Facility (if applicable) a non-binding forecast of each month’s average-day expected Energy, by hour, for the following calendar year in a form substantially similar to the table found in Exhibit F-1, or as reasonably requested by Buyer. (b) Monthly Forecast of Energy and Available Generating Capacity. No less than thirty (30) days before the beginning of Commercial Operation, and thereafter ten (10) Business Days before the beginning of each month during the Delivery Term, Seller shall provide to Buyer and the SC for the Facility (if applicable) a non-binding forecast of the hourly expected Energy and Available Generating Capacity for each day of the following month in a form substantially similar to the table found in Exhibit F-2 (“Form of Monthly Delivery Forecast”). (c) Day-Ahead Forecast. By 5:30 AM Pacific Prevailing Time on the Business Day immediately preceding the date of delivery, or as otherwise specified by Buyer consistent with Prudent Operating Practice, Seller shall provide Buyer with a non-binding forecast of (i) Available Generating Capacity and (ii) hourly expected Energy for each Settlement Interval of each hour of the immediately succeeding day (“Day-Ahead Forecast”). A Day-Ahead Forecast provided in a day prior to any non-Business Day(s) shall include non-binding forecasts for the immediate day, each succeeding non-Business Day and the next Business Day. Each Day-Ahead Forecast shall clearly identify, for each Settlement Interval of each hour, Seller’s best estimate of (i) the Available Generating Capacity and (ii) the hourly expected Energy. These Day-Ahead Forecasts shall be sent to Buyer’s on-duty Scheduling Coordinator. If Seller fails to provide Buyer with a Day-Ahead Forecast as required herein for any period, then for such unscheduled delivery period only Buyer shall rely on any Real-Time Forecast provided in accordance with Section 4.3(d) or the Monthly Delivery Forecast or Buyer’s best estimate based on information reasonably available to Buyer.
(d) Real-Time Forecasts. During the Delivery Term, Seller shall notify Buyer of any changes from the Day-Ahead Forecast in (i) Available Generating Capacity of one (1) MW or more and (ii) hourly expected Energy of one (1) MWh or more, whether due to Forced Facility Outage, Force Majeure or other cause, as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than one (1) hour prior to the deadline for submitting Schedules to the CAISO in accordance with the rules for participation in the Real-Time Market. If the Available Generating Capacity changes by at least one (1) MW or hourly expected Energy changes by one (1) MWh as of a time that is less than one (1) hour prior to the Real-Time Market deadline, but before such deadline, then Seller must notify Buyer as soon as reasonably possible. Such Real-Time Forecasts of Energy shall be provided by an Approved Forecast Vendor and shall contain information regarding the beginning date and time of the event resulting in the change in Available Generating Capacity or hourly expected Energy, as applicable, the expected end date and time of such event, and any other information required by the CAISO or reasonably requested by Buyer. Seller shall also provide access to routinely updated forecasts for each Settlement Interval of each hour of the expected Energy. Such Real-Time Forecasts of Energy shall be provided by the CAISO, or if the CAISO does not provide such
29 forecasts for the Facility then such forecasts shall be provided by an Approved Forecast Vendor.
With respect to any Forced Facility Outage, Seller shall use commercially reasonable efforts to notify Buyer of such outage within ten (10) minutes of the commencement of the Forced Facility Outage. Seller shall inform Buyer of any developments that will affect either the duration of such outage or the availability of the Facility during or after the end of such outage. These Real-Time Forecasts shall be communicated in a method reasonably acceptable to Buyer; provided that Buyer specifies the method no later than twenty (20) Business Days prior to the effective date of such requirement. In the event Buyer fails to provide Notice of an acceptable method for communications under this Section 4.3(d), then Seller shall send such communications by telephone and email to Buyer.
(e) Forced Facility Outages. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Seller shall promptly notify Buyer’s on-duty Scheduling Coordinator of Forced Facility Outages and Seller shall keep Buyer informed of any developments that will affect either the duration of the outage or the availability of the Facility during or after the end of the outage. (f) Forecasting Penalties. Subject to a Force Majeure Event, in the event Seller does not in a given hour provide the forecast required in Section 4.3(d) and Buyer incurs a loss or penalty resulting from Seller’s failure and Buyer’s scheduling activities with respect to Facility Energy during such hour, Seller shall be responsible for a Forecasting Penalty for each such hour.
Settlement of Forecasting Penalties shall occur as set forth in Article 8 of this Agreement. (g) CAISO Tariff Requirements. To the extent such obligations are applicable to the Facility, Seller will comply with all applicable obligations for Variable Energy Resources under the CAISO Tariff and the Eligible Intermittent Resource Protocol, including providing appropriate operational data and meteorological data, and will fully cooperate with Buyer, Buyer’s SC, and CAISO, in providing all data, information, and authorizations required thereunder.
4.4 Dispatch Down/Curtailment.
(a) General. Seller agrees to reduce the amount of Facility Energy produced by the Facility, by the amount and for the period set forth in any Curtailment Order, Buyer Curtailment Order, or notice received from CAISO in respect of a Buyer Bid Curtailment. (b) Buyer Curtailment. Buyer shall have the right to order Seller to curtail deliveries of Facility Energy through Buyer Curtailment Orders, provided that Buyer shall pay Seller for all Deemed Delivered Energy associated with a Buyer Curtailment Period in excess of the Curtailment Cap at the Renewable Rate.
(c) Failure to Comply. If Seller fails to comply with a Buyer Curtailment Order, Buyer Bid Curtailment or Curtailment Order, then, for each MWh of Facility Energy that is delivered by the Facility to the Delivery Point in contradiction to the Buyer Curtailment Order, Buyer Bid Curtailment or Curtailment Order, Seller shall pay Buyer for each such MWh at an amount equal to the sum of (A) + (B) + (C), where: (A) is the amount, if any, paid to Seller by Buyer for delivery of such excess MWh and, (B) is the sum, for all Settlement Intervals with a Negative LMP during the Buyer Curtailment Period or Curtailment Period, of the absolute value of the product of such excess MWh in each Settlement Interval and the Negative LMP for such
32 and maintaining Seller’s WREGIS Account, paying WREGIS Certificate issuance and transfer fees, and transferring WREGIS Certificates from Seller’s WREGIS Account to Buyer’s WREGIS Account.
(b) Seller shall cause Recurring Certificate Transfers to occur on a monthly basis in accordance with the certification procedure established by the WREGIS Operating Rules.
Since WREGIS Certificates will only be created for whole MWh amounts of Facility Energy generated, any fractional MWh amounts (i.e., kWh) will be carried forward until sufficient generation is accumulated for the creation of a WREGIS Certificate. (c) Seller shall, at its sole expense, ensure that the WREGIS Certificates for a given calendar month correspond with the Facility Energy for such calendar month as evidenced by the Facility’s metered data.
(d) Due to the ninety (90) day delay in the creation of WREGIS Certificates relative to the timing of invoice payment under Section 8.2, Buyer shall make an invoice payment for a given month in accordance with Section 8.2 before the WREGIS Certificates for such month are formally transferred to Buyer in accordance with the WREGIS Operating Rules and this Section 4.7. Notwithstanding this delay, Buyer shall have all right and title to all such WREGIS Certificates upon payment to Seller in accordance with Section 8.2. (e) A “WREGIS Certificate Deficit” means any deficit or shortfall in WREGIS Certificates delivered to Buyer for a calendar month as compared to the Facility Energy for the same calendar month (“Deficient Month”) caused by an error or omission of Seller. If any WREGIS Certificate Deficit is caused, or the result of any action or inaction by Seller, then the amount of Facility Energy in the Deficient Month shall be reduced by the amount of the WREGIS Certificate Deficit for purposes of calculating Buyer’s payment to Seller under Article 8 and the Guaranteed Energy Production for the applicable Contract Year; provided, however, that such adjustment shall not apply to the extent that Seller either (x) resolves the WREGIS Certificate Deficit within ninety (90) days after the Deficient Month or (y) provides Replacement Green Attributes (as defined in Exhibit G) delivered to NP-15 EZ Gen Hub as Scheduled Energy within ninety (90) days after the Deficient Month (i) upon a schedule reasonably acceptable to Buyer and (ii) provided that such deliveries do not impose additional costs upon Buyer for which Seller refuses to provide reimbursement. Without limiting Seller’s obligations under this Section 4.7, if a WREGIS Certificate Deficit is caused solely by an error or omission of WREGIS, the Parties shall cooperate in good faith to cause WREGIS to correct its error or omission.
If (i) WREGIS changes the WREGIS Operating Rules after the Effective Date or applies the WREGIS Operating Rules in a manner inconsistent with this Section 4.7 after the Effective Date, the Parties promptly shall modify this Section 4.7 as reasonably required to cause and enable Seller to transfer to Buyer’s WREGIS Account a quantity of WREGIS Certificates for each given calendar month that corresponds to the Facility Energy in the same calendar month.
33 ARTICLE 5
TAXES
5.1 Allocation of Taxes and Charges. Seller shall pay or cause to be paid all Taxes on or with respect to the Facility or on or with respect to the sale and making available of Product to Buyer, that are imposed on Product prior to its delivery to Buyer at the Delivery Point. Buyer shall pay or cause to be paid all Taxes on or with respect to the delivery to and purchase by Buyer of Product that are imposed on Product at and after its delivery to Buyer at the Delivery Point (other than withholding or other Taxes imposed on Seller’s income, revenue, receipts or employees), if any. If a Party is required to remit or pay Taxes that are the other Party’s responsibility hereunder, such Party shall promptly pay the Taxes due and then seek and receive reimbursement from the other for such Taxes. In the event any sale of Product hereunder is exempt from or not subject to any particular Tax, Buyer shall provide Seller with all necessary documentation within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date to evidence such exemption or exclusion. If Buyer does not provide such documentation, then Buyer shall indemnify, defend, and hold Seller harmless from any liability with respect to Taxes from which Buyer claims it is exempt.
5.2 Cooperation. Each Party shall use reasonable efforts to implement the provisions of and administer this Agreement in accordance with the intent of the Parties to minimize all Taxes, so long as no Party is materially adversely affected by such efforts. The Parties shall cooperate to minimize Tax exposure; provided, however, that neither Party shall be obligated to incur any financial or operational burden to reduce Taxes for which the other Party is responsible hereunder without receiving due compensation therefor from the other Party. All Product delivered by Seller to Buyer hereunder shall be a sale made at wholesale, with Buyer reselling such Product.
ARTICLE 6
MAINTENANCE OF THE FACILITY
6.1 Maintenance of the Facility. Seller shall comply with Law and Prudent Operating Practice relating to the operation and maintenance of the Facility and the generation and sale of Product.
6.2 Maintenance of Health and Safety. Seller shall take reasonable safety precautions with respect to the operation, maintenance, repair and replacement of the Facility. If Seller becomes aware of any circumstances relating to the Facility that create an imminent risk of damage or injury to any Person or any Person’s property, Seller shall take prompt, reasonable action to prevent such damage or injury and shall give Notice to Buyer’s emergency contact identified on Exhibit N of such condition. Such action may include, to the extent reasonably necessary, disconnecting and removing all or a portion of the Facility, or suspending the supply of Energy to Buyer.
6.3 Shared Facilities. The Parties acknowledge and agree that certain of the Shared Facilities and Interconnection Facilities, and Seller’s rights and obligations under the Interconnection Agreement, may be subject to certain shared facilities or co-tenancy agreements to be entered into among Seller, the Participating Transmission Owner, Seller’s Affiliates, or third parties pursuant to which certain Interconnection Facilities may be subject to joint ownership and
34 shared maintenance and operation arrangements; provided that such agreements (i) shall permit Seller to perform or satisfy, and shall not purport to limit, its obligations hereunder, including providing interconnection capacity for the Facility in an amount not less than the Guaranteed Capacity, and (ii) provide for separate metering of the Facility.
ARTICLE 7
METERING
7.1 Metering. Seller shall measure the amount of Facility Energy using the Facility Meter, which will be subject to adjustment in accordance with applicable CAISO meter requirements and Prudent Operating Practices, including to account for Electrical Losses and Station Use. All meters will be operated pursuant to applicable CAISO-approved calculation methodologies and maintained as Seller’s cost. Subject to meeting any applicable CAISO requirements, the meters shall be programmed to adjust for Electrical Losses and Station Use from the Facility to the Delivery Point in a manner subject to Buyer’s prior written approval, not to be unreasonably withheld. Seller shall obtain and maintain a single CAISO resource ID dedicated exclusively to the Generating Facility. Seller shall not obtain additional CAISO resource IDs for the Generating Facility without the prior written consent of Buyer, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. In addition, upon the reasonable request of Buyer, Seller shall obtain one or more additional CAISO resource IDs, provided that any out-of-pocket costs associated with obtaining such additional CAISO resource IDs incurred by Seller shall be reimbursed by Buyer. Metering shall be consistent with the Metering Diagram set forth as Exhibit R, a final version of which shall be provided to Buyer at least thirty (30) days before the Commercial Operation Date. Each meter shall be kept under seal, such seals to be broken only when the meters are to be tested, adjusted, modified or relocated. In the event Seller breaks a seal, Seller shall notify Buyer as soon as practicable. In addition, Seller hereby agrees to provide all meter data to Buyer in a form reasonably acceptable to Buyer, and consents to Buyer obtaining from CAISO the CAISO meter data directly relating to the Facility and all inspection, testing and calibration data and reports.
Seller and Buyer, or Buyer’s Scheduling Coordinator, shall cooperate to allow both Parties to retrieve the meter reads from the CAISO Market Results Interface – Settlements (MRI-S) (or its successor) or directly from the CAISO meter(s) at the Facility.
7.2 Meter Verification. Annually, if Seller has reason to believe there may be a meter malfunction, or upon Buyer’s reasonable request, Seller shall test the meter. The tests shall be conducted by independent third parties qualified to conduct such tests. Buyer shall be notified seven (7) days in advance of such tests and have a right to be present during such tests. If a meter is inaccurate it shall be promptly repaired or replaced.
ARTICLE 8
INVOICING AND PAYMENT; CREDIT
8.1 Invoicing. Seller shall make good faith efforts to deliver an invoice to Buyer for Product within fifteen (15) Business Days after the end of the prior monthly billing period. Each invoice shall reflect (a) records of metered data, including CAISO metering and transaction data sufficient to document and verify the amount of Product delivered by the Facility for any Settlement Period during the preceding month, including the amount of Energy produced by the Generating Facility as read by the Facility Meter, the calculation of Facility Energy, Deemed
35 Delivered Energy, and Adjusted Energy Production, the LMP prices at the Delivery Point for each Settlement Period, and the Contract Price applicable to such Product in accordance with Exhibit C; (b) access to any records, including invoices or settlement data from the CAISO, necessary to verify the accuracy of any amount; and (c) be in a format reasonably specified by Buyer, covering the services provided in the preceding month determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Agreement. Buyer shall, and shall cause its Scheduling Coordinator to, provide Seller with all reasonable access (including, in real time, to the maximum extent reasonably possible) to any records, including invoices or settlement data from the CAISO, forecast data and other information, all as may be necessary from time to time for Seller to prepare and verify the accuracy of all invoices.
8.2 Payment. Buyer shall make payment to Seller for Product by wire transfer or ACH payment to the bank account provided on each monthly invoice. Buyer shall pay undisputed invoice amounts within thirty (30) days after receipt of the invoice or the end of the prior monthly billing period, whichever is later. If such due date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, such due date shall be the next Business Day. Payments made after the due date will be considered late and will bear interest on the unpaid balance. If the amount due is not paid on or before the due date or if any other payment that is due and owing from one Party to another is not paid on or before its applicable due date, a late payment charge shall be applied to the unpaid balance and shall be added to the next billing statement. Such late payment charge shall be calculated based on the prime rate published on the date of the invoice in The Wall Street Journal, or, if The Wall Street Journal is not published on that day, the next succeeding date of publication, plus two percent (2%) (the “Interest Rate”). If the due date occurs on a day that is not a Business Day, the late payment charge shall begin to accrue on the next succeeding Business Day.
8.3 Books and Records. To facilitate payment and verification, each Party shall maintain all books and records necessary for billing and payments, including copies of all invoices under this Agreement, for a period of at least two (2) years or as otherwise required by Law. Upon ten (10) Business Days’ Notice to the other Party, either Party shall be granted reasonable access to the accounting books and records within the possession or control of the other Party pertaining to all invoices generated pursuant to this Agreement. Seller acknowledges that in accordance with California Government Code Section 8546.7, Seller may be subject to audit by the California State Auditor with regard to Seller’s performance of this Agreement because the compensation under this Agreement exceeds Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000).
8.4 Payment Adjustments; Billing Errors. Payment adjustments shall be made if Buyer or Seller discovers there have been good faith inaccuracies in invoicing that are not otherwise disputed under Section 8.5 or an adjustment to an amount previously invoiced or paid is required due to a correction of data by the CAISO; provided, however, that there shall be no adjustments to prior invoices based upon meter inaccuracies. If the required adjustment is in favor of Buyer, Buyer’s next monthly payment shall be credited in an amount equal to the adjustment.
If the required adjustment is in favor of Seller, Seller shall add the adjustment amount to Buyer’s next monthly invoice. Adjustments in favor of either Buyer or Seller shall bear interest, until settled in full, in accordance with Section 8.2, accruing from the date on which the adjusted amount should have been due.
36 8.5 Billing Disputes. A Party may, in good faith, dispute the correctness of any invoice or any adjustment to an invoice rendered under this Agreement or adjust any invoice for any arithmetic or computational error within twelve (12) months of the date the invoice, or adjustment to an invoice, was rendered. In the event an invoice or portion thereof, or any other claim or adjustment arising hereunder, is disputed, payment of the undisputed portion of the invoice shall be required to be made when due. Any invoice dispute or invoice adjustment shall be in writing and shall state the basis for the dispute or adjustment. Payment of the disputed amount shall not be required until the dispute is resolved. Upon resolution of the dispute, any required payment shall be made within five (5) Business Days of such resolution along with interest accrued at the Interest Rate from and including the original due date to but excluding the date paid. Inadvertent overpayments shall be returned via adjustments in accordance with Section 8.4. Any dispute with respect to an invoice is waived if the other Party is not notified in accordance with this Section 8.5 within twelve (12) months after the invoice is rendered or subsequently adjusted, except to the extent any misinformation was from a third party not affiliated with any Party and such third party corrects its information after the twelve-month period. If an invoice is not rendered within twelve (12) months after the close of the month during which performance occurred, the right to payment for such performance is waived.
8.6 Netting of Payments. The Parties hereby agree that they shall discharge mutual debts and payment obligations due and owing to each other on the same date through netting, in which case all amounts owed by each Party to the other Party for the purchase and sale of Product during the monthly billing period under this Agreement or otherwise arising out of this Agreement, including any related damages calculated pursuant to Exhibits B and G, interest, and payments or credits, shall be netted so that only the excess amount remaining due shall be paid by the Party who owes it.
8.7 Seller’s Development Security. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, to the extent the amount of Development Security required under this Agreement as of the Execution Date exceeds the amount of Development Security previously posted by Seller, Seller shall deliver the additional Development Security required to satisfy such increased amount within ten (10) Business Days after the Execution Date. Upon delivery, such additional Development Security shall be deemed part of the Development Security for all purposes under this Agreement and shall be maintained in accordance with this Section 8.7. Seller’s failure to deliver such additional Development Security within the foregoing period shall constitute a failure to satisfy the collateral requirements of this Agreement. Seller shall maintain the Development Security in full force and effect and Seller shall within ten (10) Business Days after any draw thereon replenish the Development Security in the event Buyer collects or draws down any portion of the Development Security for any reason permitted under this Agreement other than to satisfy a Damage Payment or a Termination Payment. Upon the earlier of (i) Seller’s delivery of the Performance Security, or (ii) sixty (60) days after termination of this Agreement, Buyer shall return the Development Security to Seller, less the amounts drawn in accordance with this Agreement.
If the Development Security is a Letter of Credit and the issuer of such Letter of Credit (i) fails to maintain the minimum Credit Rating specified in the definition of Letter of Credit, (ii) indicates its intent not to renew such Letter of Credit and such Letter of Credit expires prior to the Commercial Operation Date, or (iii) fails to honor Buyer’s properly documented request to draw on such Letter of Credit by such issuer, Seller shall have ten (10) Business Days to either post cash
37 or deliver a substitute Letter of Credit in the amount of the Development Security and that otherwise meets the requirements set forth in the definition of Development Security.
8.8 Seller’s Performance Security. To secure its obligations under this Agreement, Seller shall deliver Performance Security to Buyer on or before the Commercial Operation Date.
If the Performance Security is not in the form of cash or Letter of Credit, it shall be substantially in the form of Guaranty set forth in Exhibit L. Seller shall maintain the Performance Security in full force and effect, subject to any draws made by Buyer in accordance with this Agreement, until the following have occurred: (A) the Delivery Term has expired or terminated early; and (B) all payment obligations of the Seller then due and payable under this Agreement, including compensation for penalties, Termination Payment, indemnification payments or other damages are paid in full (whether directly or indirectly such as through set-off or netting). Following the occurrence of both events, Buyer shall promptly return to Seller the unused portion of the Performance Security. If the Performance Security is a Letter of Credit and the issuer of such Letter of Credit (i) fails to maintain the minimum Credit Rating set forth in the definition of Letter of Credit, (ii) indicates its intent not to renew such Letter of Credit and such Letter of Credit expires prior to the Commercial Operation Date, or (iii) fails to honor Buyer’s properly documented request to draw on such Letter of Credit by such issuer, Seller shall have ten (10) Business Days to either post cash or deliver a substitute Letter of Credit that meets the requirements set forth in the definition of Performance Security. Seller may at its option exchange one permitted form of Development Security or Performance Security for another permitted form of Development Security or Performance Security, as applicable.
8.9 First Priority Security Interest in Cash or Cash Equivalent Collateral. To secure its obligations under this Agreement, and until released as provided herein, Seller hereby grants to Buyer a present and continuing first-priority security interest (“Security Interest”) in, and lien on (and right to net against), and assignment of the Development Security, Performance Security, any other cash collateral and cash equivalent collateral posted pursuant to Sections 8.7 and 8.8 and any and all interest thereon or proceeds resulting therefrom or from the liquidation thereof, whether now or hereafter held by, on behalf of, or for the benefit of Buyer, and Seller agrees to take all action as Buyer reasonably requires in order to perfect Buyer’s Security Interest in, and lien on (and right to net against), such collateral and any and all proceeds resulting therefrom or from the liquidation thereof.
Upon or any time after the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default caused by Seller, an Early Termination Date resulting from an Event of Default caused by Seller, or an occasion provided for in this Agreement where Buyer is authorized to retain all or a portion of the Development Security or Performance Security, Buyer may do any one or more of the following (in each case subject to the final sentence of this Section 8.9):
(a) Exercise any of its rights and remedies with respect to the Development Security and Performance Security, including any such rights and remedies under Law then in effect;
(b) Draw on any outstanding Letter of Credit issued for its benefit and retain any cash held by Buyer as Development Security or Performance Security; and
38 (c) Liquidate all Development Security or Performance Security (as applicable) then held by or for the benefit of Buyer free from any claim or right of any nature whatsoever of Seller, including any equity or right of purchase or redemption by Seller.
Buyer shall apply the proceeds of the collateral realized upon the exercise of any such rights or remedies to reduce Seller’s obligations under this Agreement (Seller remains liable for any amounts owing to Buyer after such application), subject to Buyer’s obligation to return any surplus proceeds remaining after these obligations are satisfied in full.
8.10 Financial Statements. In the event a Guaranty is provided as Performance Security in lieu of cash or a Letter of Credit, Seller shall provide to Buyer, or cause the Guarantor to provide to Buyer, unaudited quarterly and annual audited financial statements of the Guarantor (including a balance sheet and statements of income and cash flows), all prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, consistently applied.
ARTICLE 9
NOTICES
9.1 Addresses for the Delivery of Notices. Except as provided in Exhibit D, any Notice required, permitted, or contemplated hereunder shall be in writing, shall be addressed to the Party to be notified at the address set forth on Exhibit N or at such other address or addresses as a Party may designate for itself from time to time by Notice hereunder.
9.2 Acceptable Means of Delivering Notice. Each Notice required, permitted, or contemplated hereunder shall be deemed to have been validly served, given or delivered as follows: (a) if sent by United States mail with proper first class postage prepaid, three (3) Business Days following the date of the postmark on the envelope in which such Notice was deposited in the United States mail; (b) if sent by a regularly scheduled overnight delivery carrier with delivery fees either prepaid or an arrangement with such carrier made for the payment of such fees, the next Business Day after the same is delivered by the sending Party to such carrier; (c) if sent by electronic communication (including electronic mail or other electronic means) and if concurrently with the transmittal of such electronic communication the sending Party provides a copy of such electronic Notice by hand delivery or express courier, at the time indicated by the time stamp upon delivery; or (d) if delivered in person, upon receipt by the receiving Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Notices of outages or other scheduling or dispatch information or requests, may be sent by electronic communication and shall be considered delivered upon successful completion of such transmission.
ARTICLE 10
FORCE MAJEURE
10.1 Definition.
(a) “Force Majeure Event” means any act or event that delays or prevents a Party from timely performing all or a portion of its obligations under this Agreement or from complying with all or a portion of the conditions under this Agreement if such act or event, despite the exercise of reasonable efforts, cannot be avoided by and is beyond the reasonable control
39 (whether direct or indirect) of and without the fault or negligence of the Party relying thereon as justification for such delay, nonperformance, or noncompliance. (b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, so long as the following events, despite the exercise of reasonable efforts, cannot be avoided by, and are beyond the reasonable control (whether direct or indirect) of and without the fault or negligence of the Party relying thereon as justification for such delay, nonperformance or noncompliance, a Force Majeure Event may include an act of God or the elements, such as flooding, lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, or ice storms; explosion; fire; volcanic eruption; flood; epidemic or pandemic, including COVID-19; landslide; mudslide; sabotage; terrorism; earthquake; or other cataclysmic events; an act of public enemy; war; blockade; civil insurrection; riot; civil disturbance; or strikes or other labor difficulties caused or suffered by a Party or any third party except as set forth below. (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Force Majeure Event” does not include (i) economic conditions that render a Party’s performance of this Agreement at the Contract Price unprofitable or otherwise uneconomic (including an increase in component costs for any reason, including foreign or domestic tariffs, Buyer’s ability to buy electric energy at a lower price, or Seller’s ability to sell the Product, or any component thereof, at a higher price, than under this Agreement); (ii) Seller’s inability to obtain permits or approvals of any type for the construction, operation, or maintenance of the Facility, except to the extent such inability is caused by a Force Majeure Event; (iii) the inability of a Party to make payments when due under this Agreement, unless the cause of such inability is an event that would otherwise constitute a Force Majeure Event as described above; (iv) a Curtailment Order; (v) Seller’s inability to obtain sufficient labor, equipment, materials, or other resources to build or operate the Facility except to the extent such inability is caused by a Force Majeure Event; (vi) any equipment failure except if such equipment failure is caused by a Force Majeure Event; or (vii) Seller’s inability to achieve Construction Start of the Facility following the Guaranteed Construction Start Date or achieve Commercial Operation following the Guaranteed Commercial Operation Date unless the cause of such inability is an event that would otherwise constitute a Force Majeure Event as described above; it being understood and agreed, for the avoidance of doubt, that the occurrence of a Force Majeure Event may give rise to a Development Cure Period.
10.2 No Liability If a Force Majeure Event Occurs. Neither Seller nor Buyer shall be liable to the other Party in the event it is prevented from performing its obligations hereunder in whole or in part due to a Force Majeure Event. The Party rendered unable to fulfill any obligation by reason of a Force Majeure Event shall take reasonable actions necessary to remove such inability. Nothing herein shall be construed as permitting that Party to continue to fail to perform after said cause has been removed. Neither Party shall be considered in breach or default of this Agreement if and to the extent that any failure or delay in the Party’s performance of one or more of its obligations hereunder is caused by a Force Majeure Event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the occurrence and continuation of a Force Majeure Event shall not (a) suspend or excuse the obligation of a Party to make any payments due hereunder, (b) suspend or excuse the obligation of Seller to achieve the Guaranteed Construction Start Date or the Guaranteed Commercial Operation Date beyond the extensions provided in Exhibit B, or (c) limit Buyer’s right to declare an Event of Default pursuant to Section 11.1(b)(ii) or Section 11.1(b)(iv) and receive a Damage Payment upon exercise of Buyer’s rights pursuant to Section 11.2.
41 (iv) such Party becomes Bankrupt;
(v) such Party assigns this Agreement or any of its rights hereunder other than in compliance with Section 14.1 or 14.2, as applicable; or (vi) such Party consolidates or amalgamates with, or merges with or into, or transfers all or substantially all of its assets to, another entity and, at the time of such consolidation, amalgamation, merger or transfer, the resulting, surviving or transferee entity fails to assume all the obligations of such Party under this Agreement to which it or its predecessor was a party by operation of Law or pursuant to an agreement reasonably satisfactory to the other Party. (b) with respect to Seller as the Defaulting Party, the occurrence of any of the following:
(i) if at any time, Seller delivers or attempts to deliver electric energy to the Delivery Point for sale under this Agreement that was not generated or discharged by the Facility;
(ii) the failure by Seller to achieve Commercial Operation within after the Guaranteed Commercial Operation Date;
(iii) if not remedied within ten (10) Business Days after Notice thereof, the failure by Seller to deliver a reasonable Remedial Action Plan required under Section 2.4; (iv) the failure by Seller to achieve Construction Start within after the Guaranteed Construction Start Date;
(v) if, in period after the Commercial
Operation Date, the Adjusted Energy Production amount (calculated in accordance with Exhibit G) for such period is not at least of the Expected Energy amount for such period, and Seller fails to either (x) demonstrate to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction, within fifteen (15) Business Days after Notice from Buyer, a legitimate reason for the failure to meet the ; or (y) deliver to Buyer within fifteen (15) Business Days after Notice from Buyer a plan or report developed by Seller that describes the cause of the failure to meet the and the actions that Seller has taken, is taking, or proposes to take in an effort to cure such condition along with the written confirmation of a Licensed Professional Engineer that such plan or report is in accordance with Prudent Operating Practices and capable of cure within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed ;
(vi) if, in any Contract Year during the Delivery Term, the Adjusted Energy Production amount is not at least of the Expected Energy amount; (vii) if, in any two (2) consecutive Contract Years during the Delivery Term, the Adjusted Energy Production amount is not at least of the aggregate Expected Energy for such two (2) consecutive Contract Years; (viii) failure by Seller to satisfy the collateral requirements pursuant to Sections 8.7 or 8.8 after Notice and expiration of the cure periods set forth therein, including the
42 failure to replenish the Development Security or Performance Security amount in accordance with this Agreement in the event Buyer draws against either for any reason other than to satisfy a Damage Payment or a Termination Payment;
(ix) with respect to any Guaranty provided for the benefit of Buyer, the failure by Seller to provide for the benefit of Buyer either (1) cash, (2) a replacement Guaranty from a different Guarantor meeting the criteria set forth in the definition of Guarantor, or (3) a replacement Letter of Credit from an issuer meeting the criteria set forth in the definition of Letter of Credit, in each case, in the amount required hereunder within ten (10) Business Days after Seller receives Notice of the occurrence of any of the following events:
(A) if any representation or warranty made by the Guarantor in connection with this Agreement is false or misleading in any material respect when made or when deemed made or repeated, and such default is not remedied within thirty (30) days after Notice thereof; (B) the failure of the Guarantor to make any payment required or to perform any other material covenant or obligation in any Guaranty; (C) the Guarantor becomes Bankrupt;
(D) the Guarantor shall fail to meet the criteria for an acceptable Guarantor as set forth in the definition of Guarantor;
(E) the failure of the Guaranty to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with its terms) prior to the indefeasible satisfaction of all obligations of Seller hereunder; or
(F) the Guarantor shall repudiate, disaffirm, disclaim, or reject, in whole or in part, or challenge the validity of any Guaranty. (x) with respect to any outstanding Letter of Credit provided for the benefit of Buyer that is not then required under this Agreement to be canceled or returned, the failure by Seller to provide for the benefit of Buyer either (1) cash, or (2) a substitute Letter of Credit from a different issuer meeting the criteria set forth in the definition of Letter of Credit, in each case, in the amount required hereunder within ten (10) Business Days after Seller receives Notice of the occurrence of any of the following events:
(A) the issuer of the outstanding Letter of Credit shall fail to maintain a Credit Rating of
(B) the issuer of such Letter of Credit becomes Bankrupt; (C) the issuer of the outstanding Letter of Credit shall fail to comply with or perform its obligations under such Letter of Credit and such failure shall be continuing after the lapse of any applicable grace period permitted under such Letter of Credit;
43 (D) the issuer of the outstanding Letter of Credit shall fail to honor a properly documented request to draw on such Letter of Credit; (E) the issuer of the outstanding Letter of Credit shall disaffirm, disclaim, repudiate or reject, in whole or in part, or challenge the validity of, such Letter of Credit;
(F) such Letter of Credit fails or ceases to be in full force and effect at any time; or
(G) Seller shall fail to renew or cause the renewal of each outstanding Letter of Credit on a timely basis as provided in the relevant Letter of Credit and as provided in accordance with this Agreement, and in no event less than sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the outstanding Letter of Credit.
11.2 Remedies; Declaration of Early Termination Date. If an Event of Default with respect to a Defaulting Party shall have occurred and be continuing, the other Party (“Non-Defaulting Party”) shall have the following rights:
(a) to send Notice, designating a day, no earlier than the day such Notice is deemed to be received and no later than twenty (20) days after such Notice is deemed to be received, as an early termination date of this Agreement (“Early Termination Date”) that terminates this Agreement (the “Terminated Transaction”) and ends the Delivery Term effective as of the Early Termination Date;
(b) to accelerate all amounts owing between the Parties, and to collect as liquidated damages (i) the Damage Payment (in the case of an Event of Default by Seller occurring before the Commercial Operation Date, including an Event of Default under Sections 11.1(b)(ii) or (iv)) subject to the limitations in Section 11.7, or (ii) the Termination Payment calculated in accordance with Section 11.3 below (in the case of any other Event of Default by either Party); (c) to withhold any payments due to the Defaulting Party under this Agreement; (d) to suspend performance; or
(e) to exercise any other right or remedy available at law or in equity, including specific performance or injunctive relief, except to the extent such remedies are expressly limited under this Agreement;
provided, that payment by the Defaulting Party of the Damage Payment or Termination Payment, as applicable, shall constitute liquidated damages and the Non-Defaulting Party’s sole and exclusive remedy for the Terminated Transaction and the Event of Default related thereto.
11.3 Termination Payment. The Termination Payment (“Termination Payment”) for the Terminated Transaction shall be the aggregate of all Settlement Amounts plus any or all other amounts due to or from the Non-Defaulting Party (as of the Early Termination Date) netted into a single amount. If the Non-Defaulting Party’s aggregate Gains exceed its aggregate Losses and
45 ARTICLE 12
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND EXCLUSION OF WARRANTIES.
12.1 No Consequential Damages. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PART OF AN
EXPRESS REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES HEREIN, OR INCLUDED IN A
LIQUIDATED DAMAGES CALCULATION, OR ARISING FROM FRAUD OR
INTENTIONAL MISREPRESENTATION, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE
OTHER OR ITS INDEMNIFIED PERSONS FOR ANY SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY,
INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LOSSES OR DAMAGES FOR LOST
REVENUE OR LOST PROFITS, WHETHER FORESEEABLE OR NOT, ARISING OUT OF,
OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, BY STATUTE, IN TORT OR CONTRACT.
12.2 Waiver and Exclusion of Other Damages. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET
FORTH HEREIN, THERE IS NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE DISCLAIMED. THE PARTIES CONFIRM THAT THE EXPRESS REMEDIES AND
MEASURES OF DAMAGES PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT SATISFY THE ESSENTIAL PURPOSES HEREOF. ALL LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY CONTAINED IN
THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE PERTAINING TO SELLER’S LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND THE PARTIES’ WAIVER OF
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SHALL APPLY EVEN IF THE REMEDIES FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT ARE DEEMED TO “FAIL OF THEIR ESSENTIAL PURPOSE” OR ARE OTHERWISE HELD TO BE INVALID OR UNENFORCEABLE.
FOR BREACH OF ANY PROVISION FOR WHICH AN EXPRESS AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES IS PROVIDED, SUCH EXPRESS REMEDY OR
MEASURE OF DAMAGES SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, THE OBLIGOR’ S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED AS SET FORTH IN SUCH PROVISION, AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES OR DAMAGES AT LAW OR IN EQUITY ARE WAIVED. IF NO
REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES IS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN, THE OBLIGOR’S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO DIRECT DAMAGES ONLY.
TO THE EXTENT ANY DAMAGES REQUIRED TO BE PAID HEREUNDER ARE LIQUIDATED, INCLUDING UNDER SECTIONS 4.6, 11.2 AND 11.3, AND AS PROVIDED
IN EXHIBIT B AND EXHIBIT G THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE DAMAGES
ARE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE, THAT OTHERWISE OBTAINING AN
ADEQUATE REMEDY IS INCONVENIENT, AND THAT THE LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
CONSTITUTE A REASONABLE APPROXIMATION OF THE ANTICIPATED HARM OR LOSS. IT IS THE INTENT OF THE PARTIES THAT THE LIMITATIONS HEREIN IMPOSED
ON REMEDIES AND THE MEASURE OF DAMAGES BE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE
CAUSE OR CAUSES RELATED THERETO, INCLUDING THE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY
PARTY, WHETHER SUCH NEGLIGENCE BE SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT, OR ACTIVE OR PASSIVE. THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO CONTEST SUCH PAYMENTS AS AN UNREASONABLE PENALTY.
46 THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT MONEY DAMAGES AND THE
EXPRESS REMEDIES PROVIDED FOR HEREIN ARE AN ADEQUATE REMEDY FOR THE
BREACH BY THE OTHER OF THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, AND EACH PARTY
WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE WITH RESPECT TO ANY OBLIGATION OF THE OTHER PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT.
ARTICLE 13
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES; AUTHORITY
13.1 Seller’s Representations and Warranties. As of the Execution Date, Seller represents and warrants as follows:
(a) Seller is a limited liability company, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, and is qualified to conduct business in the state of California and each jurisdiction where the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on the business or financial condition of Seller. (b) Seller has the power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and is not prohibited from entering into this Agreement or discharging and performing all covenants and obligations on its part to be performed under and pursuant to this Agreement, except where such failure does not have a material adverse effect on Seller’s performance under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Seller has been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action on the part of Seller and does not and will not require the consent of any trustee or holder of any indebtedness or other obligation of Seller or any other party to any other agreement with Seller. (c) The execution and delivery of this Agreement, consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, and fulfillment of and compliance by Seller with the provisions of this Agreement will not conflict with or constitute a breach of or a default under any Law presently in effect having applicability to Seller, subject to any permits that have not yet been obtained by Seller, the documents of formation of Seller or any outstanding trust indenture, deed of trust, mortgage, loan agreement or other evidence of indebtedness or any other agreement or instrument to which Seller is a party or by which any of its property is bound. (d) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller. This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by laws of general applicability limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights or by the exercise of judicial discretion in accordance with general principles of equity. (e) The Facility is located in the State of Arizona.
(f) Seller will be responsible for obtaining all permits necessary to construct and operate the Facility.
(g) Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that each of the representations and warranties made by Seller in this Agreement is true and correct in all material respects as of the Execution Date, except to the extent any such representation or warranty is expressly made as of
47 an earlier date, in which case such representation or warranty was true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date.
(h) Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing as of the Execution Date, and no event or circumstance exists that, with notice, the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default. (i) Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that Seller is the sole legal and beneficial owner of all right, title, and interest in and to this Agreement and that Seller has not assigned, transferred, or encumbered this Agreement or any interest herein, in each case, except as expressly permitted under Article 14.
(j) Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that, since the date of the Existing PPA, there has been no action, suit, proceeding, or investigation pending or, to Seller’s knowledge, threatened against Seller or the Facility that would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on Seller’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. (k) Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that the Interconnection Agreement is in full force and effect and has not been terminated or materially amended in a manner adverse to Buyer.
13.2 Buyer’s Representations and Warranties. As of the Execution Date, Buyer represents and warrants as follows:
(a) Buyer is a joint powers authority and a validly existing community choice aggregator, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of California and the rules, regulations and orders of the California Public Utilities Commission, and is qualified to conduct business in each jurisdiction of the Joint Powers Agreement members. All Persons making up the governing body of Buyer are the elected or appointed incumbents in their positions and hold their positions in good standing in accordance with the Joint Powers Agreement and other Law.
(b) Buyer has the power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement and is not prohibited from entering into this Agreement or discharging and performing all covenants and obligations on its part to be performed under and pursuant to this Agreement, except where such failure does not have a material adverse effect on Buyer’s performance under this Agreement. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Buyer has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of Buyer and does not and will not require the consent of any trustee or holder of any indebtedness or other obligation of Buyer or any other party to any other agreement with Buyer.
(c) The execution and delivery of this Agreement, consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, and fulfillment of and compliance by Buyer with the provisions of this Agreement will not conflict with or constitute a breach of or a default under any Law presently in effect having applicability to Buyer, the documents of formation of Buyer or any outstanding trust indenture, deed of trust, mortgage, loan agreement or other evidence of indebtedness or any other agreement or instrument to which Buyer is a party or by which any of its property is bound.
48 (d) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer. This Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Buyer enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by laws of general applicability limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights or by the exercise of judicial discretion in accordance with general principles of equity. (e) Buyer warrants and covenants that with respect to its contractual obligations under this Agreement, it will not claim immunity on the grounds of sovereignty or similar grounds with respect to itself or its revenues or assets from (1) suit, (2) jurisdiction of court (provided that such court is limited within a venue permitted in law and under this Agreement), (3) relief by way of injunction, order for specific performance or recovery of property, (4) attachment of assets, or (5) execution or enforcement of any judgment; provided, however that nothing in this Agreement shall waive the obligations or rights set forth in the California Tort Claims Act (Government Code Section 810 et seq.).
(f) Buyer is a “local public entity” as defined in Section 900.4 of the Government Code of the State of California.
13.3 General Covenants. Each Party covenants that commencing on the Effective Date and continuing throughout the Contract Term:
(a) It shall continue to be duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation and to be qualified to conduct business in California and each jurisdiction where the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition;
(b) It shall maintain (or obtain from time to time as required) all regulatory authorizations, approvals and permits necessary for the operation of the Facility and for Seller to legally perform its obligations under this Agreement; and (c) It shall perform its obligations under this Agreement in compliance with all terms and conditions in its governing documents and in material compliance with any Law.
13.4 Prevailing Wage. Seller shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, and orders and decrees of any courts or administrative bodies or tribunals, including without limitation employment discrimination laws and prevailing wage laws. Seller shall use reasonable efforts to ensure that all employees hired by Seller, and its contractors and subcontractors, that will perform construction work or provide services at the Site related to construction of the Facility are paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing for workers performing similar work in the locality as provided by applicable California law, if any (“Prevailing Wage Requirement”). Buyer agrees that Seller’s obligations under this Section 13.4 with respect to the Prevailing Wage Requirement will be satisfied upon the execution of a project labor agreement related to construction of the Facility.
ARTICLE 14
ASSIGNMENT
14.1 General Prohibition on Assignments. Neither Party may voluntarily assign this Agreement or its rights or obligations under this Agreement, without the prior written consent of
49 the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any assignment made without required written consent, or in violation of the conditions to assignment set out below, shall be null and void. Seller shall be responsible for Buyer’s reasonable costs associated with the preparation, review, execution and delivery of documents in connection with any assignment of this Agreement by Seller, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller may assign this Agreement to an Affiliate of Seller, including for purposes of setting up the corporate structure required by the Lender in the financing of the Facility, without Buyer’s consent.
Seller shall provide Notice of such Affiliate assignment within ten (10) Business Days after the occurrence of such assignment.
14.2 Collateral Assignment. Subject to the provisions of this Section 14.2, Seller has the right to assign this Agreement as collateral for any financing or refinancing of the Facility. In connection with any financing or refinancing of the Facility, Buyer shall in good faith work with Seller and Lender to agree upon a consent to collateral assignment of this Agreement (“Collateral Assignment Agreement”). The Collateral Assignment Agreement must be in form and substance agreed to by Buyer, Seller and Lender, with such agreement not to be unreasonably withheld, and must include, among others, the following provisions:
(a) Buyer shall give Notice of an Event of Default by Seller to the Person(s) to be specified by Lender in the Collateral Assignment Agreement, before exercising its right to terminate this Agreement as a result of such Event of Default; provided that such notice shall be provided to Lender at the time such notice is provided to Seller and any additional cure period of Lender agreed to in the Collateral Assignment Agreement shall not commence until Lender has received notice of such Event of Default;
(b) Following an Event of Default by Seller under this Agreement, Buyer may require Seller or Lender (if Lender has provided the notice set forth in subsection (c) below) to provide to Buyer a report concerning:
(i) The status of efforts by Seller or Lender to develop a plan to cure the Event of Default;
(ii) Impediments to the cure plan or its development;
(iii) If a cure plan has been adopted, the status of the cure plan’s implementation (including any modifications to the plan as well as the expected timeframe within which any cure is expected to be implemented); and
(iv) Any other information which Buyer may reasonably require related to the development, implementation and timetable of the cure plan.
Seller or Lender must provide the report to Buyer within ten (10) Business Days after Notice from Buyer requesting the report. Buyer will have no further right to require the report with respect to a particular Event of Default after that Event of Default has been cured;
(c) Lender will have the right to cure an Event of Default on behalf of Seller, only if Lender sends a written notice to Buyer before the later of (i) the expiration of any cure
50 period under this Agreement, and (ii) five (5) Business Days after Lender’s receipt of notice of such Event of Default from Buyer, indicating Lender’s intention to cure. Lender must remedy or cure the Event of Default within the cure period under this Agreement and any additional cure periods agreed in the Collateral Assignment Agreement up to a maximum of ninety (90) days (or one hundred eighty (180) days in the event of a bankruptcy of Seller or any foreclosure or similar proceeding if required by Lender to cure any Event of Default); (d) Lender will have the right to consent before any termination of this Agreement which does not arise out of an Event of Default; (e) Lender will receive prior Notice of and the right to approve material amendments to this Agreement, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned;
(f) If Lender, directly or indirectly, takes possession of, or title to the Facility (including possession by a receiver or title by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure), Lender must assume all of Seller’s obligations arising under this Agreement and all related agreements (subject to such limits on liability as are mutually agreed to by Seller, Buyer and Lender as set forth in the Collateral Assignment Agreement); provided, before such assumption, if Buyer advises Lender that Buyer will require that Lender cure (or cause to be cured) any Event of Default existing as of the possession date and capable of cure in order to avoid the exercise by Buyer (in its sole discretion) of Buyer’s right to terminate this Agreement with respect to such Event of Default, then Lender at its option, and in its sole discretion, may elect to either:
(i) Cause such Event of Default to be cured, or
(ii) Not assume this Agreement;
(g) If Lender elects to sell or transfer the Facility (after Lender directly or indirectly, takes possession of, or title to the Facility), or sale of the Facility occurs through the actions of Lender (for example, a foreclosure sale where a third party is the buyer, or otherwise), then Lender must cause the transferee or buyer to assume all of Seller’s obligations arising under this Agreement and all related agreements as a condition of the sale or transfer. Such sale or transfer may be made only to an entity that (i) meets the definition of Permitted Transferee and (ii) is an entity that Buyer is permitted to contract with under applicable Law; and (h) Subject to Lender’s cure of any Events of Defaults under this Agreement in accordance with Section 14.2(f), if (i) this Agreement is rejected in Seller’s Bankruptcy or otherwise terminated in connection therewith Lender shall have the right to elect within forty-five (45) days after such rejection or termination, to enter into a replacement agreement with Buyer having substantially the same terms as this Agreement for the remaining term thereof, and, promptly after Lender’s written request, Buyer must enter into such replacement agreement with Lender or Lender’s designee, or (ii) if Lender or its designee, directly or indirectly, takes possession of, or title to, the Facility (including possession by a receiver or title by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure) after any such rejection or termination of this Agreement, promptly after Buyer’s written request which must be made within forty-five (45) days after Buyer receives notice of such rejection or termination, Lender must itself or must cause its designee to promptly
52 and all remedies available to it at Law in or equity. The Parties will cooperate in selecting a qualified neutral mediator selected from a panel of neutrals and in scheduling the time and place of the mediation as soon as reasonably possible, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after the request for mediation is made. The Parties agree to participate in the mediation in good faith and to share the costs of the mediation, including the mediator’s fee, equally, but such shared costs shall not include each Party’s own attorneys’ fees and costs, which shall be borne solely by such Party. If the mediation is unsuccessful, then either Party may seek any and all remedies available to it at law or in equity, subject to the limitations set forth in this Agreement.
ARTICLE 16
INDEMNIFICATION
16.1 Mutual Indemnity.
(a) Each Party (the “Indemnifying Party”) agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the other Party, its directors, officers, agents, attorneys, employees and representatives (each an “Indemnified Party” and collectively, the “Indemnified Group”) from and against all third party claims, demands, losses, liabilities, penalties, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ and expert witness fees, for personal injury or death to Persons and damage to the property of any third party to the extent arising out of, resulting from, or caused by the negligent or willful misconduct of the Indemnifying Party, its Affiliates, its directors, officers, employees or agents (collectively, “Indemnifiable Losses”). (b) Nothing in this Section shall enlarge or relieve Seller or Buyer of any liability to the other for any breach of this Agreement. Neither Party shall be indemnified for its damages resulting from its sole negligence, intentional acts, or willful misconduct. These indemnity provisions shall not be construed to relieve any insurer of its obligations to pay claims consistent with the provisions of a valid insurance policy.
16.2 Notice of Claim. Subject to the terms of this Agreement and upon obtaining knowledge of an Indemnifiable Loss for which it is entitled to indemnity under this Article 16, the Indemnified Party will promptly Notify the Indemnifying Party in writing of any damage, claim, loss, liability or expense which Indemnified Party has determined has given or could give rise to an Indemnifiable Loss under Section 16.1 (“Claim”). The Notice is referred to as a “Notice of Claim”. A Notice of Claim will specify, in reasonable detail, the facts known to Indemnified Party regarding the Indemnifiable Loss.
16.3 Failure to Provide Notice. A failure to give timely Notice or to include any specified information in any Notice as provided in this Section 16.3 will not affect the rights or obligations of any Party hereunder except and only to the extent that, as a result of such failure, any Party which was entitled to receive such Notice was deprived of its right to recover any payment under its applicable insurance coverage or was otherwise materially damaged as a direct result of such failure and, provided further, Indemnifying Party is not obligated to indemnify any member of the Indemnified Group for the increased amount of any Indemnifiable Loss which would otherwise have been payable to the extent that the increase resulted from the failure to deliver timely a Notice of Claim.
53 16.4 Defense of Claims. If, within ten (10) Business Days after giving a Notice of Claim regarding a Claim to Indemnifying Party pursuant to Section 16.2, Indemnified Party receives Notice from Indemnifying Party that Indemnifying Party has elected to assume the defense of such Claim, Indemnifying Party will not be liable for any legal expenses subsequently incurred by Indemnified Party in connection with the defense thereof; provided, however, that if Indemnifying Party fails to take reasonable steps necessary to defend diligently such Claim within ten (10) Business Days after receiving Notice from Indemnifying Party that Indemnifying Party believes Indemnifying Party has failed to take such steps, or if Indemnifying Party has not undertaken fully to indemnify Indemnified Party in respect of all Indemnifiable Losses relating to the matter, Indemnified Party may assume its own defense, and Indemnifying Party will be liable for all reasonable costs or expenses, including attorneys’ fees, paid or incurred in connection therewith.
Without the prior written consent of Indemnified Party, Indemnifying Party will not enter into any settlement of any Claim which would lead to liability or create any financial or other obligation on the part of Indemnified Party for which Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that Indemnifying Party may accept any settlement without the consent of Indemnified Party if such settlement provides a full release to Indemnified Party and no requirement that Indemnified Party acknowledge fault or culpability. If a firm offer is made to settle a Claim without leading to liability or the creation of a financial or other obligation on the part of Indemnified Party for which Indemnified Party is not entitled to indemnification hereunder and Indemnifying Party desires to accept and agrees to such offer, Indemnifying Party will give Notice to Indemnified Party to that effect. If Indemnified Party fails to consent to such firm offer within ten (10) calendar days after its receipt of such Notice, Indemnified Party may continue to contest or defend such Claim and, in such event, the maximum liability of Indemnifying Party to such Claim will be the amount of such settlement offer, plus reasonable costs and expenses paid or incurred by Indemnified Party up to the date of such Notice.
16.5 Subrogation of Rights. Upon making any indemnity payment, Indemnifying Party will, to the extent of such indemnity payment, be subrogated to all rights of Indemnified Party against any third party in respect of the Indemnifiable Loss to which the indemnity payment relates; provided that until Indemnified Party recovers full payment of its Indemnifiable Loss, any and all claims of Indemnifying Party against any such third party on account of said indemnity payment are hereby made expressly subordinated and subjected in right of payment to Indemnified Party’s rights against such third party. Without limiting the generality or effect of any other provision hereof, Buyer and Seller shall execute upon request all instruments reasonably necessary to evidence and perfect the above-described subrogation and subordination rights.
16.6 Rights and Remedies are Cumulative. Except for express remedies already provided in this Agreement, the rights and remedies of a Party pursuant to this Article 16 are cumulative and in addition to the rights of the Parties otherwise provided in this Agreement.
ARTICLE 17
INSURANCE
17.1 Insurance.
(a) General Liability. Seller shall maintain, or cause to be maintained at its sole expense, (i) commercial general liability insurance with a minimum of liability limits in the amount
54 of occurrence and in the
aggregate. Coverage shall include products and completed operations, personal & advertising injury insurance, contractual liability, specifically covering Seller’s obligations under this Agreement. The policy shall include Buyer as an additional insured but only to the extent of the liabilities assumed hereunder by Seller. Defense costs shall be provided as an additional benefit and not included with the limits of liability. Such insurance shall contain standard cross-liability and severability of interest provisions.
(b) Umbrella or Excess Liability Insurance. Seller shall maintain, or cause to be maintained at its sole expense, an Umbrella or Excess Liability Insurance policy in a minimum amount of liability of per occurrence and in the aggregate. (c) Workers Compensation Insurance. Seller, if it has employees, shall also maintain at all times during the Contract Term Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability insurance coverage in accordance with applicable requirements of California Law. Employer’s Liability insurance shall be for injury or death occurring as a result of each accident. With regard to bodily injury by disease, the will apply to each employee.
(d) Business Auto Liability Insurance. Seller shall maintain at all times during the Contract Term Business Auto Liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage with limits of per occurrence. Such insurance shall cover liability arising out of Seller’s use of all owned (if any), non-owned and hired vehicles, including trailers or semi-trailers in the performance of this Agreement.
(e) Construction All-Risk Insurance. Seller shall maintain or cause to be maintained during the construction of the Facility, but only after major electrical generating equipment as arrived at the Facility, prior to the Commercial Operation Date, construction all-risk form property insurance covering the Facility during such construction periods, and naming the Lender (if any) as the loss payee where its interest may appear. (f) Pollution Legal Liability. Seller shall maintain or cause to be maintained during the construction of the Facility prior to the Commercial Operation Date, Pollution Legal Liability Insurance in the amount of per occurrence and in the aggregate. Such insurance shall include coverage for bodily injury and property damage, including clean-up costs and defense costs, resulting from sudden & accidental or new gradual pollution conditions.
(g) Subcontractor Insurance. Seller shall require all of its subcontractors to carry the same levels of insurance as Seller where exposure exists. All subcontractors shall include Seller as an additional insured to (i) Commercial General Liability insurance; (ii) Employers’ Liability coverage; and (iii) Business Auto Liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage. All subcontractors shall provide a primary and non-contributory endorsement and a waiver of subrogation to Seller for the required coverage pursuant to this Section 17.1(g). (h) Evidence of Insurance. Within ten (10) days after execution of this Agreement and upon annual renewal thereafter, Seller shall deliver to Buyer certificates of
55 insurance evidencing such coverage. Buyer shall be given at least thirty (30) days prior Notice by Seller in the event of any cancellation of coverage. Such insurance shall be primary coverage without right of contribution from any insurance of Buyer. Any other insurance maintained by Seller is for the exclusive benefit of Seller and shall not in any manner inure to the benefit of Buyer.
ARTICLE 18
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
18.1 Definition of Confidential Information. The following constitutes “Confidential Information,” whether oral or written which is delivered by Seller to Buyer or by Buyer to Seller including: (a) the terms and conditions of, and proposals and negotiations related to, this Agreement, and (b) information that either Seller or Buyer stamps or otherwise identifies as “confidential” or “proprietary” before disclosing it to the other. Confidential Information does not include (i) information that was publicly available at the time of the disclosure, other than as a result of a disclosure in breach of this Agreement; (ii) information that becomes publicly available through no fault of the recipient after the time of the delivery; (iii) information that was rightfully in the possession of the recipient (without confidential or proprietary restriction) at the time of delivery or that becomes available to the recipient from a source not subject to any restriction against disclosing such information to the recipient; and (iv) information that the recipient independently developed without a violation of this Agreement.
18.2 Duty to Maintain Confidentiality. Confidential Information will retain its character as Confidential Information but may be disclosed by the recipient (the “Receiving Party”) if and to the extent such disclosure is required (a) to be made by any requirements of Law, (b) pursuant to an order of a court or (c) in order to enforce this Agreement. If the Receiving Party becomes legally compelled (by interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoenas, summons, civil investigative demands, or similar processes or otherwise in connection with any litigation or to comply with any applicable Law, order, regulation, ruling, regulatory request, accounting disclosure rule or standard or any exchange, control area or independent system operator request or rule) to disclose any Confidential Information of the disclosing Party (the “Disclosing Party”), Receiving Party shall provide Disclosing Party with prompt notice so that Disclosing Party, at its sole expense, may seek an appropriate protective order or other appropriate remedy. If the Disclosing Party takes no such action after receiving the foregoing notice from the Receiving Party, the Receiving Party is not required to defend against such request and shall be permitted to disclose such Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party, with no liability for any damages that arise from such disclosure. Each Party hereto acknowledges and agrees that information and documentation provided in connection with this Agreement may be subject to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 7920 et seq.).
18.3 Irreparable Injury; Remedies. Receiving Party acknowledges that its obligations hereunder are necessary and reasonable in order to protect Disclosing Party and the business of Disclosing Party, and expressly acknowledges that monetary damages would be inadequate to compensate Disclosing Party for any breach or threatened breach by Receiving Party of any covenants and agreements set forth in this Article 18. Accordingly, Receiving Party acknowledges that any such breach or threatened breach will cause irreparable injury to Disclosing Party and that, in addition to any other remedies that may be available, in law, in equity or otherwise,
56 Disclosing Party will be entitled to obtain injunctive relief against the threatened breach of this Article 18 or the continuation of any such breach, without the necessity of proving actual damages.
18.4 Disclosure to Lenders, Etc.. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article 18, Confidential Information may be disclosed by Seller to any actual or potential Lender or investor or any of their Affiliates, and Seller’s actual or potential agents, consultants, contractors, or trustees, so long as the Person to whom Confidential Information is disclosed agrees in writing to be bound by the confidentiality provisions of this Article 18 to the same extent as if it were a Party.
18.5 Press Releases. Neither Party shall issue (or cause its Affiliates to issue) a press release regarding the transactions contemplated by this Agreement unless both Parties have agreed upon the contents of any such public statement.
ARTICLE 19
MISCELLANEOUS
19.1 Entire Agreement; Integration; Exhibits. This Agreement, together with the Cover Sheet and Exhibits attached hereto constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between Seller and Buyer 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 attached hereto are integral parts hereof and are made a part of this Agreement by reference. The headings used herein are for convenience and reference purposes only. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of the Cover Sheet or any Exhibit, the provisions of first the Cover Sheet, and then this Agreement shall prevail, and such Exhibit shall be corrected accordingly. This Agreement shall be considered for all purposes as prepared through the joint efforts of the Parties and shall not be construed against one Party or the other Party as a result of the preparation, substitution, submission or other event of negotiation, drafting or execution hereof.
19.2 Amendments. This Agreement may only be amended, modified or supplemented by an instrument in writing executed by duly authorized representatives of Seller and Buyer; provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement may not be amended by electronic mail communications.
19.3 No Waiver. Waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party shall not be construed as a waiver of any other default.
19.4 No Agency, Partnership, Joint Venture or Lease. Seller and the agents and employees of Seller shall, in the performance of this Agreement, act in an independent capacity and not as officers or employees or agents of Buyer. Under this Agreement, Seller and Buyer intend to act as energy seller and energy purchaser, respectively, and do not intend to be treated as, and shall not act as, partners in, co-venturers in or lessor/lessee with respect to the Facility or any business related to the Facility. This Agreement shall not impart any rights enforceable by any third party (other than a permitted successor or assignee bound to this Agreement or, to the extent set forth herein, any Lender) or Indemnified Party.
57 19.5 Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is unenforceable or held to be unenforceable, the Parties agree that all other provisions of this Agreement have force and effect and shall not be affected thereby. The Parties shall, however, use their best endeavors to agree on the replacement of the void, illegal or unenforceable provision(s) with legally acceptable clauses which correspond as closely as possible to the sense and purpose of the affected provision and this Agreement as a whole.
19.6 Mobile-Sierra. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, neither Party shall seek, nor shall they support any third party seeking, to prospectively or retroactively revise the rates, terms or conditions of service of this Agreement through application or complaint to FERC pursuant to the provisions of Section 205, 206 or 306 of the Federal Power Act, or any other provisions of the Federal Power Act, absent prior written agreement of the Parties. Further, absent the prior written agreement in writing by both Parties, the standard of review for changes to the rates, terms or conditions of service of this Agreement proposed by a Party shall be the “public interest” standard of review set forth in United Gas Pipe Line Co. v. Mobile Gas Service Corp., 350 U.S. 332 (1956) and Federal Power Commission v. Sierra Pacific Power Co., 350 U.S. 348 (1956). Changes proposed by a non-Party or FERC acting sua sponte shall be subject to the most stringent standard permissible under applicable Law.
19.7 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument and each of which shall be deemed an original. The Parties may rely on electronic or scanned signatures as originals.
19.8 Electronic Delivery. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by electronic format (including portable document format (.pdf)) shall be the same as delivery of an original executed signature page.
19.9 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
19.10 No Recourse to Members of Buyer. Buyer is organized as a Joint Powers Authority in accordance with the Joint Exercise of Powers Act of the State of California (Government Code Section 6500, et seq.) pursuant to its Joint Powers Agreement and is a public entity separate from its constituent members. Buyer shall solely be responsible for all debts, obligations and liabilities accruing and arising out of this Agreement. Seller shall have no rights and shall not make any claims, take any actions or assert any remedies against any of Buyer’s constituent members, or the employees, directors, officers, consultants or advisors or Buyer or its constituent members, in connection with this Agreement.
19.11 Forward Contract. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement constitutes a “forward contract” within the meaning of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and Buyer and Seller are “forward contract merchants” within the meaning of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Each Party further agrees that, for all purposes of this Agreement, each Party waives and agrees not to assert the applicability of the provisions of 11 U.S.C. § 366 in any bankruptcy proceeding wherein such Party is a debtor. In any such proceeding, each Party further waives the right to assert that
58 the other Party is a provider of last resort to the extent such term relates to 11 U.S.C. §366 or another provision of 11 U.S.C. § 101-1532.
19.12 Further Assurances. Each of the Parties hereto agree to provide such information, execute and deliver any instruments and documents and to take such other actions as may be necessary or reasonably requested by the other Party which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement and which do not involve the assumptions of obligations other than those provided for in this Agreement, to give full effect to this Agreement and to carry out the intent of this Agreement.
19.13 Amendment and Restatement. This Agreement amends and restates the Existing PPA in its entirety. All rights and obligations accrued under the Existing PPA prior to the Execution Date, as assumed by Seller, shall survive and continue in accordance with their terms. [Signatures on following page]
[Signature Page to Renewable Power Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the Execution Date.
ATLAS SOLAR XIV, LLC CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY
ENERGY, a California joint powers
authority
By: By:
Name: Sam Massey Name:
Title: Officer Title:
Date: Date:
By: By:
Name: Basilio Guerrero Name:
Title: Officer Title:
5/8/2026
Exhibit A - 1
EXHIBIT A
FACILITY DESCRIPTION
Site Name: Atlas Solar XIV Project
Site includes all or some of the following parcels:
[REDACTED]
County: La Paz County
Local Permitting Lead Agency: La Paz County
Type of Generating Facility: Solar photovoltaic electricity generating facility Guaranteed Capacity: See definition in Section 1.1
Dedicated Interconnection Capacity for Facility: 200 MW Delivery Point: Facility PNode
Facility Meter: See Exhibit R
Facility Interconnection Point: The Facility will interconnect with the Ten West Link Transmission Facilities at a to-be constructed eight-breaker ring bus switchyard to be located at or near the Site.
Participating Transmission Owner: DCR Transmission, LLC.
Exhibit B - 1
EXHIBIT B
MAJOR PROJECT DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES AND COMMERCIAL
OPERATION
1. Major Project Development Milestones.
(a) “Construction Start” will occur upon Seller’s execution of an engineering, procurement, and construction contract (or similar agreement) and issuance thereunder of a notice to proceed that authorizes the contractor to mobilize to Site and begin physical construction at the Site. The date of Construction Start will be evidenced by and subject to Seller’s delivery to Buyer of a certificate substantially in the form attached as Exhibit J hereto, and the date certified therein by Seller shall be the “Construction Start Date.” The Seller shall cause Construction Start to occur no later than the Guaranteed Construction Start Date. (b) If Construction Start is not achieved by the Guaranteed Construction Start Date, Seller shall pay Daily Delay Damages to Buyer on account of such delay. Daily Delay Damages shall be payable for each day for which Construction Start has not begun by the Guaranteed Construction Start Date. Daily Delay Damages shall be payable to Buyer by Seller until Seller reaches Construction Start of the Facility. Buyer shall invoice Seller for Daily Delay Damages, if any, accrued during the prior month and, within ten (10) Business Days following Seller’s receipt of such invoice, Seller shall pay Buyer the amount of the Daily Delay Damages set forth in such invoice. Daily Delay Damages shall be refundable to Seller pursuant to Section 2(b) of this Exhibit B. The Parties agree that Buyer’s receipt of Daily Delay Damages shall be Buyer’s sole and exclusive remedy for Seller’s unexcused delay in achieving the Guaranteed Construction Start Date, but shall (x) not be construed as Buyer’s declaration that an Event of Default has occurred under any provision of Section 11.1 and (y) not limit Buyer’s right to declare an Event of Default pursuant to Section 11.1(b)(iv) and receive a Damage Payment upon exercise of Buyer’s default right pursuant to Section 11.2.
2. Commercial Operation of the Facility. “Commercial Operation” means the condition existing when (i) Seller has provided Notice to Buyer substantially in the form of Exhibit H (the “COD Certificate”), and (ii) Seller has notified Buyer in writing that it has provided the required documentation to Buyer and met the conditions for achieving Commercial Operation set forth pursuant to Section 2.2. The “Commercial Operation Date” shall be the later of (x) sixty (60) days before the Guaranteed Commercial Operation Date or (y) the date specified in the COD Certificate.
(a) Seller shall cause Commercial Operation for the Facility to occur by the Guaranteed Commercial Operation Date. Seller shall notify Buyer at least sixty (60) days before the anticipated Commercial Operation Date.
(b) If Seller achieves Commercial Operation by the Guaranteed Commercial Operation Date, all Daily Delay Damages paid by Seller shall be refunded to Seller. Seller shall include the request for refund of the Daily Delay Damages with the first invoice to Buyer after Commercial Operation.
Exhibit B - 3
demonstrating to Buyer’s reasonable satisfaction that the delays described above did not result from Seller’s actions or failure to take reasonable actions.
5. Failure to Reach Guaranteed Capacity. If, at Commercial Operation, the Installed PV Capacity is less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Guaranteed Capacity, Seller shall have after the Commercial Operation Date to install additional capacity or Network Upgrades such that the Installed PV Capacity is equal to (but not greater than) the Guaranteed Capacity, and Seller shall provide to Buyer a new certificate substantially in the form attached as Exhibit I hereto specifying the new Installed PV Capacity. If Seller fails to construct the Guaranteed Capacity by such date, Seller shall pay “Capacity Damages” to Buyer, in an amount equal to the product of (i) and (ii) each
MW (or portion thereof) that the Guaranteed Capacity exceeds the Installed PV Capacity, and the Guaranteed Capacity and other applicable portions of the Agreement shall be adjusted accordingly.
Exhibit D - 1
EXHIBIT D
SCHEDULING COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Scheduling Coordinator Responsibilities.
(a) Buyer as Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility. Upon Initial Synchronization of the Facility to the CAISO Grid and through the end of the Delivery Term, Buyer shall be the Scheduling Coordinator or designate a qualified third party to provide Scheduling Coordinator services with the CAISO for the Facility for the delivery and the receipt of Test Energy and the Product at the Delivery Point. At least thirty (30) days prior to the Initial Synchronization of the Facility to the CAISO Grid, (i) Seller shall take all actions and execute and deliver to Buyer and the CAISO all documents necessary to authorize or designate Buyer (or Buyer’s designee) as the Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility effective as of the Initial Synchronization of the Facility to the CAISO Grid, and (ii) Buyer shall, and shall cause its designee to, take all actions and execute and deliver to Seller and the CAISO all documents necessary to authorize or designate Buyer or its designee as the Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility effective as of the Initial Synchronization of the Facility to the CAISO Grid. On and after Initial Synchronization of the Facility to the CAISO Grid, Seller shall not authorize or designate any other party to act as the Facility’s Scheduling Coordinator, nor shall Seller perform for its own benefit the duties of Scheduling Coordinator, and Seller shall not revoke Buyer’s authorization to act as the Facility’s Scheduling Coordinator unless agreed to by Buyer. Buyer (as the Facility’s SC) shall submit Schedules to the CAISO in accordance with this Agreement and the applicable CAISO Tariff, protocols and Scheduling practices for Product on a day-ahead, hour-ahead, fifteen-minute market or real time basis, as determined by Buyer.
(b) Notices. Buyer (as the Facility’s SC) shall provide Seller with access to a web-based system through which Seller shall submit to Buyer and the CAISO all notices and updates required under the CAISO Tariff regarding the Facility’s status, including, but not limited to, all outage requests, forced outages, forced outage reports, clearance requests, or must offer waiver forms. Seller will cooperate with Buyer to provide such notices and updates. If the web-based system is not available, Seller shall promptly submit such information to Buyer and the CAISO (in order of preference) telephonically or by electronic mail transmission to the personnel designated to receive such information.
(c) CAISO Costs and Revenues. Buyer (as Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility) shall be responsible for CAISO costs (including penalties, Imbalance Energy costs, and other charges) and shall be entitled to all CAISO revenues (including credits, Imbalance Energy revenues, and other payments), including revenues associated with CAISO dispatches, bid cost recovery, Inter-SC Trade credits, or other credits in respect of the Product Scheduled or delivered from the Facility. Seller shall be responsible for all CAISO penalties resulting from any failure by Seller to abide by the CAISO Tariff or the outage notification requirements set forth in this Agreement (except to the extent such non-compliance is caused by Buyer’s failure to perform its duties as Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility). The Parties agree that any Availability Incentive Payments (as defined in the CAISO Tariff) are for the benefit of the Seller and for Seller’s account and that any Non-Availability Charges (as defined in the CAISO Tariff) are the responsibility of the Seller and for Seller’s account. In addition, if during the Delivery Term, the
Exhibit D - 2
CAISO implements or has implemented any sanction or penalty related to scheduling, outage reporting, or generator operation, and any such sanctions or penalties are imposed upon the Facility or to Buyer as Scheduling Coordinator due to failure by Seller to abide by the CAISO Tariff or the outage notification requirements set forth in this Agreement, the cost of the sanctions or penalties shall be the Seller’s responsibility.
(d) CAISO Settlements. Buyer (as the Facility’s SC) shall be responsible for all settlement functions with the CAISO related to the Facility. Buyer shall render a separate invoice to Seller for any CAISO payments, charges or penalties (“CAISO Charges Invoice”) for which Seller is responsible under this Agreement. CAISO Charges Invoices shall be rendered after settlement information becomes available from the CAISO that identifies any such CAISO charges. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Seller acknowledges that the CAISO will issue additional invoices reflecting CAISO adjustments to such CAISO charges. Buyer will review, validate, and if requested by Seller under paragraph (e) below, dispute any charges that are the responsibility of Seller in a timely manner and consistent with Buyer’s existing settlement processes for charges that are Buyer’s responsibilities. Subject to Seller’s right to dispute and to have Buyer pursue the dispute of any such invoices, Seller shall pay the amount of CAISO Charges Invoices within ten (10) Business Days of Seller’s receipt of the CAISO Charges Invoice. If Seller fails to pay such CAISO Charges Invoice within that period, Buyer may net or offset any amounts owing to it for these CAISO Charges Invoices against any future amounts it may owe to Seller under this Agreement. The obligations under this Section with respect to payment of CAISO Charges Invoices shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement. (e) Dispute Costs. Buyer (as the Facility’s SC) may be required by Seller to dispute CAISO settlements in respect of the Facility. Seller agrees to pay Buyer’s costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) associated with its involvement with such CAISO disputes to the extent they relate to CAISO charges payable by Seller with respect to the Facility that Seller has directed Buyer to dispute.
(f) Terminating Buyer’s Designation as Scheduling Coordinator. At least thirty (30) days prior to expiration of this Agreement or as soon as reasonably practicable upon an earlier termination of this Agreement, the Parties will take all actions necessary to terminate the designation of Buyer as Scheduling Coordinator for the Facility as of 11:59 p.m. on such expiration date.
(g) Master File and Resource Data Template. Seller shall provide the data to the CAISO (and to Buyer) that is required for the CAISO’ s Master File and Resource Data Template (or successor data systems) for the Facility consistent with this Agreement. Neither Party shall change such data without the other Party’s prior written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.
(h) NERC Reliability Standards. Buyer (as Scheduling Coordinator) shall cooperate reasonably with Seller to the extent necessary to enable Seller to comply, and for Seller to demonstrate Seller’s compliance with, NERC reliability standards. This cooperation shall include the provision of information in Buyer’s possession that Buyer (as Scheduling Coordinator) has provided to the CAISO related to the Facility or actions taken by Buyer (as Scheduling Coordinator) related to Seller’s compliance with NERC reliability standards.
Exhibit E - 1
EXHIBIT E
PROGRESS REPORTING FORM
Each Progress Report must include the following items:
1. Executive Summary.
2. Facility description.
3. Reserved.
4. Site plan of the Facility.
5. Gantt chart schedule showing progress on achieving each of the Milestones..
6. Description of any material planned changes to the Facility or the Site.
7. Summary of activities during the previous calendar quarter or month, as applicable.
8. Forecast of activities scheduled for the current calendar quarter.
9. Written description about the progress relative to Seller’s Milestones, including whether Seller has met or is on target to meet the Milestones.
10. List of issues that are likely to potentially affect Seller’s Milestones.
11. A status report of start-up activities including a forecast of activities ongoing and after start-up, a report on Facility performance including performance projections for the next twelve (12) months.
12. If applicable, prevailing wage reports as required by Law.
13. Progress and schedule of all major agreements, contracts, permits, approvals, technical studies, financing agreements and major equipment purchase orders showing the start dates, completion dates, and completion percentages.
14. Pictures, in sufficient quantity and of appropriate detail, in order to document construction and startup progress of the Facility, the interconnection into the Transmission System and all other interconnection utility services.
15. Supplier Diversity Reporting (if applicable). Format to be provided by Buyer.
16. Any other documentation reasonably requested by Buyer.
Exhibit F-1 - 1
EXHIBIT F-1
FORM OF AVERAGE EXPECTED ENERGY FORECAST
Average Expected Energy (in MWh)
1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 24:00 JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
The foregoing table is provided for informational purposes only, and it shall not constitute, or be deemed to constitute, an obligation of any of the Parties to this Agreement.
Exhibit F-2 - 1
EXHIBIT F-2
FORM OF MONTHLY DELIVERY FORECAST
The following tables are provided for informational purposes only, and shall not constitute, or be deemed to constitute, an obligation of any of the Parties to this Agreement.
Hourly Expected Energy
Day
HE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 24
Exhibit F-2 - 2
Available Generating Capacity, MW Per Hour – [Insert applicable month] 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6:00 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 24:00 Day
1 Day
2 Day
3 Day
4 Day
5 [insert additional rows for each day in the month]
Day
29 Day
30 Day
31
Exhibit G - 2
Within sixty (60) days after each Contract Year, Buyer will send Seller Notice of the amount of damages owing, if any, which shall be payable to Buyer before the later of (a) thirty (30) days of such Notice and (b) ninety (90) days after each Performance Measurement Period.
Exhibit I - 1
EXHIBIT I
FORM OF INSTALLED CAPACITY CERTIFICATE
This certification (“Certification”) of Installed Capacity is delivered by [licensed professional engineer] (“Engineer”) to Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority (“Buyer”) in accordance with the terms of that certain Second Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated ______ (“Agreement”) by and between Atlas Solar XIV, LLC (“Seller”) and Buyer. All capitalized terms used in this Certification but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.
I hereby certify the following:
The performance test for the Generating Facility demonstrated peak electrical output of __ MW AC at the Delivery Point, as adjusted for ambient conditions on the date of the performance test (“Installed PV Capacity”).
[LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER]
By:
Name:
Title:
Date:
Exhibit J - 1
EXHIBIT J
FORM OF CONSTRUCTION START DATE CERTIFICATE
This certification of Construction Start Date (“Certification”) is delivered by Atlas Solar XIV, LLC (“Seller”) to Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority (“Buyer”) in accordance with the terms of that certain Second Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated ________ (“Agreement”) by and between Seller and Buyer.
All capitalized terms used in this Certification but not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Agreement.
Seller hereby certifies and represents to Buyer the following:
1. Construction Start (as defined in Exhibit B of the Agreement) has occurred, and a copy of the notice to proceed that Seller issued to its contractor as part of Construction Start is attached hereto;
2. the Construction Start Date occurred on _____________ (the “Construction Start Date”); and
3. the precise Site on which the Facility is located is, which must be within the boundaries of the previously identified Site: ________________________________________.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certification on behalf of Seller as of the ___ day of _________.
[SELLER ENTITY]
By:
Name:
Title:
Exhibit K - 1
EXHIBIT K
FORM OF LETTER OF CREDIT
[Issuing Bank Letterhead and Address]
IRREVOCABLE STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT NO. [XXXXXXX]
Date:
Bank Ref.:
Amount: US$
Expiration Date:
Beneficiary:
Central Coast Community Energy
70 Garden Court, Suite 300
Monterey, CA 93940
Attn: Chief Financial Officer
To Whom it May Concern:
By the order of ___________ (“Applicant”), we, [insert bank name and address] (“Issuer”) hereby issue our Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit No. [XXXXXXX] (the “Letter of Credit”) in favor of Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority (“Beneficiary”), for an amount not to exceed the aggregate sum of U.S. $[XXXXXX] (United States Dollars [XXXXX] and 00/100), pursuant to that certain Second Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated as of [insert date] and as amended between Applicant and Beneficiary (the “Agreement”). This Letter of Credit shall become effective immediately and shall expire on [Insert Date] which is one year after the issue date of this Letter of Credit, or any expiration date extended in accordance with the terms hereof (the “Expiration Date”).
Funds under this Letter of Credit are available to Beneficiary by presentation on or before the Expiration Date of a dated statement signed by Beneficiary’s duly authorized representative, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, containing one of the two alternative paragraphs set forth in paragraph 2 therein, referencing our Letter of Credit No. [XXXXXXX] (“Drawing Certificate”).
The Drawing Certificate may be presented by (a) physical delivery or (b) as a PDF attachment to an email to [bank email address]. Transmittal by email shall be deemed delivered when received.
The original of this Letter of Credit (and all amendments, if any) is not required to be presented in connection with any presentment of a Drawing Certificate by Beneficiary hereunder in order to receive payment.
We hereby agree with Beneficiary that all documents presented under and in compliance with the terms of this Letter of Credit, that such drafts will be duly honored upon presentation to the Issuer on or before the Expiration Date.
Exhibit K - 2
All payments made under this Letter of Credit shall be made with Issuer’s own immediately available funds by means of wire transfer in immediately available United States dollars to Beneficiary’s account as indicated by Beneficiary in its Drawing Certificate or in a communication accompanying its Drawing Certificate.
Partial draws are permitted under this Letter of Credit, and this Letter of Credit shall remain in full force and effect with respect to any continuing balance.
It is a condition of this Letter of Credit that the Expiration Date shall be deemed automatically extended without an amendment for a one year period beginning on the present Expiration Date hereof and upon each anniversary for such date, unless at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior to any such Expiration Date Issuer has sent Beneficiary written notice by overnight courier service at the address provided below that Issuer elects not to extend this Letter of Credit, in which case it will expire on such Expiration Date, or such later date as may be specified in such notice.
No presentation made under this Letter of Credit after such Expiration Date (or such later date, if applicable) will be honored.
This Letter of Credit is issued subject to the rules of the ‘International Standby Practices 1998’, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590 (“ISP98”) and, as to matters not addressed by ISP98, shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of state of California.
Notwithstanding any reference in this Letter of Credit to any other documents, instruments or agreements (other than as set forth in the immediately prior paragraph), this Letter of Credit contains the entire agreement between Beneficiary and Issuer relating to the obligations of Issuer hereunder.
Please address all correspondence regarding this Letter of Credit to the attention of the Letter of Credit Department at [insert bank address information], referring specifically to Issuer’s Letter of Credit No. [XXXXXXX]. For telephone assistance, please contact Issuer’s Standby Letter of Credit Department at [XXX-XXX-XXXX] and have this Letter of Credit available.
All notices to Beneficiary shall be in writing and are required to be sent by electronic mail with acknowledgment of receipt, certified letter, overnight courier, or delivered in person to: Central Coast Community Energy, Attn: Chief Financial Officer, 70 Garden Court, Suite 300, Monterey, CA 93940 or Email [email protected]. Only notices to Beneficiary meeting the requirements of this paragraph shall be considered valid. Any notice to Beneficiary which is not in accordance with this paragraph shall be void and of no force or effect. [Bank Name]
[Insert officer name]
[Insert officer title]
Exhibit K - 3
Exhibit A
Drawing Certificate
(DRAW REQUEST SHOULD BE ON BENEFICIARY’S LETTERHEAD)
[Insert Bank Name and Address]
To Whom it May Concern:
The undersigned, a duly authorized representative of Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority, 70 Garden Court, Suite 300, Monterey, CA 93940, as beneficiary (the “Beneficiary”) of the Irrevocable Letter of Credit No. [XXXXXXX] (the “Letter of Credit”) issued by [insert bank name] (the “Bank”) by order of ________ (the “Applicant”), hereby certifies to the Bank as follows:
1. Applicant and Beneficiary are party to that certain Second Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated as of [insert date] (the “Agreement”).
2. Beneficiary is making a drawing under this Letter of Credit in the amount of U.S. $___________ because a Seller Event of Default (as such term is defined in the Agreement) has occurred or other occasion provided for in the Agreement where Beneficiary is authorized to draw on the Letter of Credit has occurred.
OR
Beneficiary is making a drawing under this Letter of Credit in the amount of U.S. $________, which equals the full available amount under the Letter of Credit, because Applicant is required to maintain the Letter of Credit in force and effect beyond the Expiration Date of the Letter of Credit but has failed to provide Beneficiary with a replacement Letter of Credit or other acceptable instrument within thirty (30) days prior to such Expiration Date.
3. The undersigned is a duly authorized representative of Central Coast Community Energy and is authorized to execute and deliver this Drawing Certificate on behalf of Beneficiary.
You are hereby directed to make payment of the requested amount to Central Coast Community Energy by wire transfer in immediately available funds to the following account: [Specify account information]
Central Coast Community Energy
By:
Printed Name:
Title:
Date:
Exhibit L - 1
EXHIBIT L
FORM OF GUARANTY
This Guaranty (this “Guaranty”) is entered into as of [______] (the “Effective Date”) by and between [______], a [______] (“Guarantor”), and Central Coast Community Energy, a California joint powers authority (together with its successors and permitted assigns, “Buyer”).
Recitals
A. Buyer and Atlas Solar XIV, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Seller”), entered into that certain Second Amended and Restated Renewable Power Purchase Agreement dated as of [____], 20___ (as further amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “PPA”).
B. Guarantor is entering into this Guaranty as Performance Security to secure Seller’s obligations under the PPA, as required by Section 8.8 of the PPA.
C. It is in the best interest of Guarantor to execute this Guaranty inasmuch as Guarantor will derive substantial direct and indirect benefits from the execution and delivery of the PPA.
D. Initially capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meaning set forth in the PPA.
Agreement
1. Guaranty. For value received, Guarantor does hereby unconditionally, absolutely and irrevocably guarantee, as primary obligor and not as a surety, to Buyer the prompt payment by Seller of any and all amounts and payment obligations now or hereafter owing from Seller to Buyer under the PPA, including, without limitation, compensation for penalties, the Termination Payment, indemnification payments or other damages, as and when required pursuant to the terms of the PPA (the “Guaranteed Amount”), provided, that Guarantor’s aggregate liability under or arising out of this Guaranty shall not exceed _______ Dollars ($_________). The Parties understand and agree that any payment by Guarantor or Seller of any portion of the Guaranteed Amount shall thereafter reduce Guarantor’s maximum aggregate liability hereunder on a dollar-for-dollar basis. This Guaranty is an irrevocable, absolute, unconditional and continuing guarantee of the full and punctual payment, and not of collection, of the Guaranteed Amount and, except as otherwise expressly addressed herein, is in no way conditioned upon any requirement that Buyer first attempt to collect the payment of the Guaranteed Amount from Seller, any other guarantor of the Guaranteed Amount or any other Person or entity or resort to any other means of obtaining payment of the Guaranteed Amount. In the event Seller shall fail to duly, completely or punctually pay any Guaranteed Amount as required pursuant to the PPA, Guarantor shall promptly pay such amount as required herein.
2. Demand Notice. For avoidance of doubt, a payment shall be due for purposes of this Guaranty only when and if a payment is due and payable by Seller to Buyer under the terms and conditions of the Agreement. If Seller fails to pay any Guaranteed Amount as required pursuant to the PPA for five (5) Business Days following Seller’s receipt of Buyer’s written notice of such
Exhibit L - 2
failure (the “Demand Notice”), then Buyer may elect to exercise its rights under this Guaranty and may make a demand upon Guarantor (a “Payment Demand”) for such unpaid Guaranteed Amount. A Payment Demand shall be in writing and shall reasonably specify in what manner and what amount Seller has failed to pay and an explanation of why such payment is due and owing, with a specific statement that Buyer is requesting that Guarantor pay under this Guaranty.
Guarantor shall, within five (5) Business Days following its receipt of the Payment Demand, pay the Guaranteed Amount to Buyer.
3. Scope and Duration of Guaranty. This Guaranty applies only to the Guaranteed Amount.
This Guaranty shall continue in full force and effect from the Effective Date until the earlier of the following: (x) all Guaranteed Amounts have been paid in full (whether directly or indirectly through set-off or netting of amounts owed by Buyer to Seller), or (y) replacement Performance Security is provided in an amount and form required by the terms of the PPA. Further, this Guaranty (a) shall remain in full force and effect without regard to, and shall not be affected or impaired by any invalidity, irregularity or unenforceability in whole or in part of this Guaranty, and (b) subject to the preceding sentence, shall be discharged only by complete performance of the undertakings herein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall not be released, discharged, or otherwise affected and this Guaranty shall not be invalidated or impaired or otherwise affected for the following reasons:
(i) the extension of time for the payment of any Guaranteed Amount, or (ii) any amendment, modification or other alteration of the PPA, or (iii) any indemnity agreement Seller may have from any party, or (iv) any insurance that may be available to cover any loss, except to the extent insurance proceeds are used to satisfy the Guaranteed Amount, or
(v) any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, receivership, insolvency, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, reorganization, arrangement, composition or readjustment of, or other similar proceeding affecting, Seller or any of its assets, including but not limited to any rejection or other discharge of Seller’s obligations under the PPA imposed by any court, trustee or custodian or any similar official or imposed by any law, statue or regulation, in each such event in any such proceeding, or
(vi) the release, modification, waiver or failure to pursue or seek relief with respect to any other guaranty, pledge or security device whatsoever, or (vii) any payment to Buyer by Seller that Buyer subsequently returns to Seller pursuant to court order in any bankruptcy or other debtor-relief proceeding, or (viii) those defenses based upon (A) the legal incapacity or lack of power or authority of any Person, including Seller and any representative of Seller to enter into the PPA or perform its obligations thereunder, (B) lack of due execution, delivery, validity or enforceability, including of the PPA, or (C) Seller’s inability to pay any Guaranteed Amount or perform its obligations under the PPA, or
Exhibit L - 3
(ix) any other event or circumstance that may now or hereafter constitute a defense to payment of the Guaranteed Amount, including, without limitation, statute of frauds and accord and satisfaction;
provided that Guarantor reserves the right to assert for itself any defenses, setoffs or counterclaims that Seller is or may be entitled to assert against Buyer.
4. Waivers by Guarantor. Guarantor hereby unconditionally waives as a condition precedent to the performance of its obligations hereunder, with the exception of the requirements in Paragraph 2, (a) notice of acceptance, presentment or protest with respect to the Guaranteed Amounts and this Guaranty, (b) notice of any action taken or omitted to be taken by Buyer in reliance hereon, (c) any requirement that Buyer exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against Seller under the PPA, and (d) any event, occurrence or other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing waiver of surety defenses, it is agreed that the occurrence of any one or more of the following shall not affect the liability of Guarantor hereunder:
(i) at any time or from time to time, without notice to Guarantor, the time for payment of any Guaranteed Amount shall be extended, or such performance or compliance shall be waived; (ii) the obligation to pay any Guaranteed Amount shall be modified, supplemented or amended in any respect in accordance with the terms of the PPA; (iii) subject to Section 10, any (a) sale, transfer or consolidation of Seller into or with any other entity, (b) sale of substantial assets by, or restructuring of the corporate existence of, Seller or (c) change in ownership of any membership interests of, or other ownership interests in, Seller; or
(iv) the failure by Buyer or any other Person to create, preserve, validate, perfect or protect any security interest granted to, or in favor of, Buyer or any Person.
5. Subrogation. Notwithstanding any payments that may be made hereunder by the Guarantor, Guarantor hereby agrees that until the earlier of payment in full of all Guaranteed Amounts or expiration of the Guaranty in accordance with Section 3, it shall not be entitled to, nor shall it seek to, exercise any right or remedy arising by reason of its payment of any Guaranteed Amount under this Guaranty, whether by subrogation or otherwise, against Seller or seek contribution or reimbursement of such payments from Seller.
6. Representations and Warranties. Guarantor hereby represents and warrants that (a) it has all necessary and appropriate [limited liability company][corporate] powers and authority and the legal right to execute and deliver, and perform its obligations under, this Guaranty, (b) this Guaranty constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligations enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights or general principles of equity, (c) the execution, delivery and performance of this Guaranty does not and will not contravene Guarantor’s organizational documents, any applicable Law or any contractual provisions binding on or affecting Guarantor, (d) there are no actions, suits or proceedings pending before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, or, to the knowledge of the Guarantor, threatened, against or