Credit Agreement, dated August 18, 2017, by and among New Jersey Resources Corporation, each of the guarantors thereto, the lenders party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent

EX-10.1 2 njr3300331-ex101.htm CREDIT AGREEMENT, DATED AUGUST 18, 2017

$100,000,000

CREDIT AGREEMENT

by and among

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION,
as Borrower

EACH OF THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO,

THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO

and

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Agent

Dated as of August 18, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.	CERTAIN DEFINITIONS			1
	1.1.	Certain Definitions		1
	1.2.	Construction		21
		1.2.1.	Number; Inclusion	21
		1.2.2.	Determination	22
		1.2.3.	Agent’s Discretion and Consent	22
		1.2.4.	Documents Taken as a Whole	22
		1.2.5.	Headings	22
		1.2.6.	Implied References to this Agreement	22
		1.2.7.	Persons	22
		1.2.8.	Modifications to Documents	22
		1.2.9.	From, To and Through	22
		1.2.10.	Shall; Will	22
	1.3.	Accounting Principles		23
2.	TERM LOAN			23
	2.1.	Commitments		23
	2.2.	Nature of Lenders’ Obligations with Respect to the Term Loan		23
	2.3.	[Reserved]		24
	2.4.	Term Loan Request		24
	2.5.	[Reserved]		24
	2.6.	Making the Term Loan; Presumptions by the Agent		24
		2.6.1.	Making the Term Loan	24
		2.6.2.	Presumptions by the Agent	24
	2.7.	[Reserved]		25
	2.8.	Use of Proceeds		25
	2.9.	[Reserved]		25
	2.10.	[Reserved]		25
	2.11.	[Reserved]		25
	2.12.	Defaulting Lenders		25
3.	Intentionally Omitted			26
4.	INTEREST RATES			26
	4.1.	Interest Rate Options		26
		4.1.1.	Interest Rate Options	26
		4.1.2.	Rate Quotations	27
		4.1.3.	Change in Interest Rates	27
	4.2.	Interest Periods		27
		4.2.1.	Amount of Borrowing Tranche	27
		4.2.2.	Renewals	27
	4.3.	Interest After Default		27
		4.3.1.	Interest Rate	28
		4.3.2.	Other Obligations	28
		4.3.3.	Acknowledgment	28
	4.4.	LIBOR Rate Unascertainable; Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available		28
		4.4.1.	Unascertainable	28
		4.4.2.	Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available	28
		4.4.3.	Agent’s and Lenders’ Rights	29
	4.5.	Selection of Interest Rate Options		29
5.	PAYMENTS			29
	5.1.	Payments		29

	5.2.	Pro Rata Treatment of Lenders; Sharing of Payments; Agent’s Presumptions		30
		5.2.1.	Sharing of Payments by Lenders	30
		5.2.2.	Presumptions by the Agent	31
	5.3.	Interest Payment Dates		31
	5.4.	Prepayments		31
		5.4.1.	Voluntary Prepayments	31
		5.4.2.	Replacement of a Lender	32
		5.4.3.	Change of Lending Office	33
	5.5.	[Reserved]		33
	5.6.	Additional Compensation in Certain Circumstances		33
		5.6.1.	Increased Costs Generally	33
		5.6.2.	Capital Requirements	33
		5.6.3.	Certificates for Reimbursement; Repayment of Outstanding Loans; Borrowing of New Loans	34
		5.6.4.	Delay in Requests	34
		5.6.5.	Indemnity	34
	5.7.	Interbank Market Presumption		35
	5.8.	Taxes		35
		5.8.1.	Payments Free of Taxes	35
		5.8.2.	Payment of Other Taxes by the Loan Parties	35
		5.8.3.	Indemnification by the Loan Parties	35
		5.8.4.	Indemnification by the Lenders	36
		5.8.5.	Evidence of Payments	36
		5.8.6.	Status of Lenders	36
		5.8.7.	Treatment of Certain Refunds	38
		5.8.8.	Survival	38
	5.9.	Notes		38
6.	REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES			38
	6.1.	Representations and Warranties		38
		6.1.1.	Organization and Qualification	39
		6.1.2.	Subsidiaries	39
		6.1.3.	Power and Authority	39
		6.1.4.	Validity and Binding Effect	39
		6.1.5.	No Conflict	39
		6.1.6.	Litigation	40
		6.1.7.	Title to Properties	40
		6.1.8.	Historical Statements; No Material Adverse Change	40
		6.1.9.	Use of Proceeds; Margin Stock	41
		6.1.10.	Full Disclosure	41
		6.1.11.	Taxes	41
		6.1.12.	Consents and Approvals	42
		6.1.13.	No Event of Default; Compliance With Instruments	42
		6.1.14.	Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Licenses, Etc.	42
		6.1.15.	Insurance	42
		6.1.16.	Compliance With Laws	42
		6.1.17.	Material Contracts; Burdensome Restrictions	42
		6.1.18.	Investment Companies; Regulated Entities	43
		6.1.19.	Plans and Benefit Arrangements	43
		6.1.20.	Employment Matters	44
		6.1.21.	Environmental Matters	44
		6.1.22.	Senior Debt Status	44

(ii)

		6.1.23.	Reserved	44
		6.1.24.	[Reserved]	44
		6.1.25.	Anti-Terrorism Laws	44
7.	CONDITIONS OF LENDING			45
	7.1.	Conditions to the Term Loan		45
		7.1.1.	Officer’s Certificate	45
		7.1.2.	Secretary’s Certificate	45
		7.1.3.	Opinion of Counsel	45
		7.1.4.	Legal Details	46
		7.1.5.	Loan Request	46
		7.1.6.	Consents	46
		7.1.7.	Officer’s Certificate Regarding MACs	46
		7.1.8.	No Violation of Laws	46
		7.1.9.	No Actions or Proceedings	46
		7.1.10.	Delivery of Guaranty Agreement	47
		7.1.11.	[Reserved]	47
		7.1.12.	Fees and Expenses	47
8.	COVENANTS			47
	8.1.	Affirmative Covenants		47
		8.1.1.	Preservation of Existence, Etc.	47
		8.1.2.	Payment of Liabilities, Including Taxes, Etc.	47
		8.1.3.	Maintenance of Insurance	47
		8.1.4.	Maintenance of Properties and Leases	48
		8.1.5.	Maintenance of Patents, Trademarks, Etc.	48
		8.1.6.	Visitation Rights	48
		8.1.7.	Keeping of Records and Books of Account	48
		8.1.8.	Plans and Benefit Arrangements	48
		8.1.9.	Compliance With Laws	49
		8.1.10.	Use of Proceeds	49
		8.1.11.	Additional Financial Covenants	49
		8.1.12.	Anti-Terrorism Laws; International Trade Law Compliance	50
	8.2.	Negative Covenants		50
		8.2.1.	Indebtedness	50
		8.2.2.	Liens	51
		8.2.3.	Guaranties	51
		8.2.4.	Loans and Investments	52
		8.2.5.	Liquidations, Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions	52
		8.2.6.	Dispositions of Assets or Unregulated Subsidiaries	53
		8.2.7.	Affiliate Transactions	54
		8.2.8.	Subsidiaries, Partnerships and Joint Ventures	55
		8.2.9.	Continuation of or Change in Business	55
		8.2.10.	Plans and Benefit Arrangements	55
		8.2.11.	Fiscal Year	55
		8.2.12.	Maximum Leverage Ratio	55
		8.2.13.	Payment of Dividends; Redemptions	56
		8.2.14.	Off-Balance Sheet Financing	56
	8.3.	Reporting Requirements		56
		8.3.1.	Quarterly Financial Statements	56
		8.3.2.	Annual Financial Statements	57
		8.3.3.	Certificate of the Borrower	57
		8.3.4.	Notice of Default	57

(iii)

			8.3.5.	Notice of Litigation	58
			8.3.6.	Notice of Change in Debt Rating	58
			8.3.7.	Sale of Assets	58
			8.3.8.	Budgets, Forecasts, Other Reports and Information	58
			8.3.9.	Notices Regarding Plans and Benefit Arrangements	58
			8.3.10.	Other Information	60
			8.3.11.	Electronic Delivery	60
9.		DEFAULT			60
		9.1.	Events of Default		60
			9.1.1.	Payments Under Loan Documents	60
			9.1.2.	Breach of Warranty	60
			9.1.3.	Anti-Terrorism Laws	61
			9.1.4.	Breach of Negative Covenants, Visitation Rights or Borrower’s Existence	61
			9.1.5.	Breach of Other Covenants	61
			9.1.6.	Defaults in Other Agreements or Indebtedness	61
			9.1.7.	Final Judgments or Orders	61
			9.1.8.	Loan Document Unenforceable	62
			9.1.9.	Uninsured Losses; Proceedings Against Assets	62
			9.1.10.	Notice of Lien or Assessment	62
			9.1.11.	Insolvency	62
			9.1.12.	Events Relating to Plans and Benefit Arrangements	62
			9.1.13.	Cessation of Business	63
			9.1.14.	Change of Control	63
			9.1.15.	Involuntary Proceedings	63
			9.1.16.	Voluntary Proceedings	63
			9.1.17.	No Limitation on Dividends and Distributions by Subsidiaries	63
		9.2.	Consequences of Event of Default		64
			9.2.1.	Events of Default Other Than Bankruptcy, Insolvency or Reorganization Proceedings	64
			9.2.2.	Bankruptcy, Insolvency or Reorganization Proceedings	64
			9.2.3.	Set-off	64
			9.2.4.	Suits, Actions, Proceedings	65
			9.2.5.	Application of Proceeds; Collateral Sharing	65
			9.2.6.	Other Rights and Remedies	66
10	.	THE AGENT			66
		10.1.	Appointment and Authority		66
		10.2.	Rights as a Lender		66
		10.3.	Exculpatory Provisions		66
		10.4.	Reliance by Agent		67
		10.5.	Delegation of Duties		67
		10.6.	Resignation of Agent		67
		10.7.	Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders		68
		10.8.	[Reserved]		68
		10.9.	[Reserved]		68
		10.10.	[Reserved]		68
		10.11.	Calculations		68
		10.12.	Beneficiaries		69
11	.	MISCELLANEOUS			69
		11.1.	Modifications, Amendments or Waivers		69
			11.1.1.	Increase of Commitments; Extension of Maturity Date	69

(iv)

	11.1.2.	Extension of Payment; Reduction of Principal, Interest or Fees; Modification of Terms of Payment	69
	11.1.3.	Release of Guarantor	69
	11.1.4.	Miscellaneous	70
11.2.	No Implied Waivers; Cumulative Remedies; Writing Required		70
11.3.	Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver		70
	11.3.1.	Costs and Expenses	70
	11.3.2.	Indemnification by the Borrower	71
	11.3.3.	Reimbursement by Lenders	71
	11.3.4.	Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc.	72
	11.3.5.	Payments	72
11.4.	Holidays		72
11.5.	Funding by Branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate		72
	11.5.1.	Notional Funding	72
	11.5.2.	Actual Funding	72
11.6.	Notices; Lending Offices		73
11.7.	Severability		74
11.8.	Governing Law		74
11.9.	Prior Understanding		74
11.10.	Duration; Survival		74
11.11.	Successors and Assigns		74
	11.11.1.	Successors and Assigns Generally	74
	11.11.2.	Assignments by Lenders	75
	11.11.3.	Register	76
	11.11.4.	Participations	76
	11.11.5.	Certain Pledges; Successors and Assigns Generally	77
11.12.	Confidentiality		77
	11.12.1.	General	77
	11.12.2.	Sharing Information With Affiliates of the Lenders	78
11.13.	Counterparts		78
11.14.	[Reserved]		78
11.15.	Exceptions		78
11.16.	WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL		78
11.17.	JURISDICTION & VENUE		79
11.18.	USA Patriot Act Notice		79
11.19.	Joinder of Guarantors		79
11.20.	Keepwell		80
11.21.	Anti-Money Laundering/International Trade Law Compliance		80
11.22.	No Fiduciary Duty		81
11.23.	Electronic Images of Loan Documents		81

(v)

LIST OF SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1.1(A)	-	[RESERVED]
SCHEDULE 1.1(B)	-	COMMITMENTS OF LENDERS AND ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES
SCHEDULE 1.1(P)	-	PERMITTED LIENS
SCHEDULE 6.1.2	-	SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE 6.1.12	-	CONSENTS AND APPROVALS
SCHEDULE 8.2.1	-	EXISTING INDEBTEDNESS

EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT 1.1(A)	-	ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT 1.1(G)(1)	-	GUARANTOR JOINDER
EXHIBIT 1.1(G)(2)	-	GUARANTY AGREEMENT
EXHIBIT 1.1(R)	-	NOTE
EXHIBIT 2.4	-	LOAN REQUEST
EXHIBIT 5.8.6(A)	-	U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
EXHIBIT 5.8.6(B)	-	U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
EXHIBIT 5.8.6(C)	-	U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
EXHIBIT 5.8.6(D)	-	U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE (For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)
EXHIBIT 7.1.3(A)	-	OPINION OF COUNSEL
EXHIBIT 7.1.3(B)	-	OPINION OF IN-HOUSE COUNSEL
EXHIBIT 8.2.5	-	ACQUISITION COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
EXHIBIT 8.3.3	-	COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT is dated as of August 18, 2017 and is made by and among NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION, a New Jersey corporation (the “Borrower”), EACH OF THE GUARANTORS (as hereinafter defined), the LENDERS (as hereinafter defined) and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders under this Agreement (hereinafter referred to in such capacity as the “Agent”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders provide a term loan to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount of $100,000,000;

WHEREAS, the term loan shall be used for general corporate purposes of the Borrower; and

WHEREAS, the Lenders are willing to provide such term loan upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, in consideration of their mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth and intending to be legally bound hereby, covenant and agree as follows:

1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

1.1. Certain Definitions.

In addition to words and terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following words and terms shall have the following meanings, respectively, unless the context hereof clearly requires otherwise:

“Acquired Person” shall mean a Person or business acquired by any Loan Party in a transaction which is a Permitted Acquisition.

“Acquisition Compliance Certificate” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.2.5 [Liquidations, Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions].

“Affiliate” as to any Person shall mean any other Person (i) which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person, (ii) which beneficially owns or holds 10% or more of any class of the voting or other equity interests of such Person, or (iii) 10% or more of any class of voting interests or other equity interests of which is beneficially owned or held, directly or indirectly, by such Person. Control, as used in this definition, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, including the power to elect a majority of the directors or trustees of a corporation or trust, as the case may be.

“Agent” shall mean U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent as described herein, and its successors and assigns.

“Agreement” shall mean this Credit Agreement, as the same may be supplemented or amended from time to time, including all schedules and exhibits.

“Anti-Terrorism Laws” shall mean any Laws relating to terrorism, trade sanctions programs and embargoes, import/export licensing, money laundering or bribery, and any regulation, order, or directive promulgated, issued or enforced pursuant to such Laws, all as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

“Applicable Margin” shall mean, (i) with respect to the Base Rate Option, 0.00% and (ii) with respect to the LIBOR Rate Option, 0.70%.

“Approved Fund” shall mean, with respect to any Lender, any fund that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and that is administered or managed by such Lender, an Affiliate of such Lender or an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages such Lender.

“Assignment and Assumption Agreement” shall mean an Assignment and Assumption Agreement by and among a Purchasing Lender, a Transferor Lender and the Agent, as Agent and on behalf of the remaining Lenders, substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.1(A).

“Audited Financial Statements” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.1.8.1 [Historical Statements].

“Authorized Officer” shall mean those individuals, designated by written notice to the Agent from the Borrower, authorized to execute notices, reports and other documents on behalf of the Loan Parties required hereunder. The Borrower may amend such list of individuals from time to time by giving written notice of such amendment to the Agent.

“Base Rate” shall mean, for any day, a rate of interest per annum equal to the highest of (i) 0.0%, (ii) the Prime Rate for such day, (iii) the sum of the Federal Funds Effective Rate for such day plus 0.50% per annum and (iv) the LIBOR Rate for a one month Interest Period on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) for Dollars plus 1.00%; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the LIBOR Rate for any day shall be based on the rate reported by the applicable financial information service at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time on such day.

“Base Rate Option” shall mean the option of the Borrower to have any portion of the Term Loan bear interest at the rate and under the terms and conditions set forth in Section 4.1.1(i) [Base Rate Option].

“Benefit Arrangement” shall mean at any time an “employee benefit plan,” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, which is neither a Plan, a Multiple Employer Plan, nor a Multiemployer Plan and which is maintained, sponsored or otherwise contributed to by any member of the ERISA Group.

“Borrower” shall mean New Jersey Resources Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New Jersey.

“Borrowing Date” shall mean (i) the Closing Date and (ii) any date for the renewal or conversion of the Term Loan or any portion thereof at or to the same or a different Interest Rate Option, which shall be a Business Day.

“Borrowing Tranche” shall mean specified portions of the Term Loan outstanding as follows: (i) any portion of the Term Loan to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies which become subject to the same Interest Rate Option under the same Loan Request by the Borrower and which have the same Interest Period shall constitute one Borrowing Tranche, and (ii) any portion of the Term Loan to which a Base Rate Option applies shall constitute one Borrowing Tranche.

“Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or a legal holiday on which commercial banks are authorized or required to be closed for business in New York City and if the applicable Business Day relates to any portion of the Term Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies, such day must also be a day on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

“Change in Law” shall mean the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement (or with respect to any Lender, if later, the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender), of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any Law, (b) any change in any Law or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Official Body or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of Law) by any Official Body or the compliance therewith by any Lender (or, for purposes of Section 5.6.2 [Capital Requirements], any lending office of such Lender or such Lender’s holding company, if any); provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, regulations, guidelines, interpretations or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith (whether or not having the force of Law) and (y) all requests, rules, regulations, guidelines, interpretations or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities (whether or not having the force of Law), in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a Change in Law regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued, promulgated or implemented.

“Closing Date” shall mean the date on which the conditions specified in Section 7.1 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 11.1).

“Commitment” shall mean, as to any Lender at any time, the amount initially set forth opposite its name on Schedule 1.1(B) in the column labeled “Amount of Commitment,” and Commitments shall mean the aggregate Commitments of all of the Lenders.

“Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

“Compliance Certificate” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.3.3 [Certificate of the Borrower].

“Connection Income Taxes” shall mean Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

“Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity” shall mean as of any date of determination the sum of the amounts of common shareholders’ equity and preferred shareholders’ equity on the balance sheet, prepared in accordance with GAAP, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of such date of determination.

“Consolidated Total Capitalization” shall mean as of any date of determination the sum of (i) Consolidated Total Indebtedness, plus (ii) Consolidated Shareholders’ Equity.

“Consolidated Total Indebtedness” shall mean as of any date of determination total Indebtedness (excluding non-recourse Indebtedness of Project Subsidiaries), without duplication, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

“Contamination” shall mean the presence or release or threat of release of Regulated Substances in, on, under or migrating to or from the Property, which pursuant to Environmental Laws requires notification or reporting to an Governmental Body, or which pursuant to Environmental Laws requires the performance of a Remedial Action or which otherwise constitutes a violation of Environmental Laws.

“Covered Entity” shall mean (a) the Borrower, each of Borrower’s Subsidiaries and all Guarantors, and (b) each Person that, directly or indirectly, is in control of a Person described in clause (a) above. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person shall mean the direct or indirect (x) ownership of, or power to vote, 25% or more of the issued and outstanding equity interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or other Persons performing similar functions for such Person, or (y) power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by ownership of equity interests, contract or otherwise.

“Debt Rating” shall mean the rating of New Jersey Natural Gas’s senior secured long-term debt by each of Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s; provided, however, at the option of the Borrower from time to time and with the consent of the Agent which will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, either or both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s shall be replaced by Fitch, Inc. or any other nationally recognized statistical rating agency that is then rating New Jersey Natural Gas’ senior secured Indebtedness.

“Defaulting Lender” shall mean any Lender that (a) has failed, within two Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its portion of the Term Loan or (ii) pay over to the Agent or any Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified the Borrower or the Agent in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within two Business Days after request by the Agent, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations (and is financially able to meet such obligations) to fund its portion of the Term Loan under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon the Agent’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, or (d) has become the subject of a Bankruptcy Event,

As used in this definition and in Section 2.12 [Defaulting Lenders], the term “Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, such Person or such Person’s direct or indirect parent company becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business appointed for it, or, in the good faith determination of the Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment, provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person or such Person’s direct or indirect parent company by an Governmental Body or instrumentality thereof if, and only if, such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Person (or such Governmental Body or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person.

“Dollar, Dollars, U.S. Dollars” and the symbol $ shall mean lawful money of the United States of America.

“ECP” means an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1(a)(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and the applicable rules issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or the SEC.

“Environmental Complaint” shall mean any (i) written notice of non-compliance or violation, citation or order relating in any way to any Environmental Law, Environmental Permit, Contamination or Regulated Substance; (ii) civil, criminal, administrative or regulatory investigation instituted by an Governmental Body relating in any way to any Environmental Law, Environmental Permit, Contamination or Regulated Substance; (iii) administrative, regulatory or judicial action, suit, claim or proceeding instituted by any Person or Governmental Body or any other written notice of liability or potential liability from any Person or Governmental Body, in either instance, relating to or setting forth allegations or a cause of action for personal injury (including but not limited to death), property damage, natural resource damage, contribution or indemnity for the costs associated with the performance of Remedial Actions, direct recovery for the costs associated with the performance of Remedial Actions, liens or encumbrances attached to or recorded or levied against property for the costs associated with the performance of Remedial Actions, civil or administrative penalties, criminal fines or penalties or declaratory or equitable relief arising under any Environmental Laws; or (iv) subpoena, request for information or other written notice or demand of any type issued by an Governmental Body pursuant to any Environmental Laws.

“Environmental Laws” shall mean all federal, tribal, state, local and foreign Laws (including, but not limited to, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601 et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq., the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 1801 et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seq., the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300f-300j, the Federal Air Pollution Control Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq., the Oil Pollution Act, 33 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq., the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. §§ 136 to 136y, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq., each as amended, and any regulations promulgated or any equivalent state or local Law, and any amendments thereto) and any final, non-appealable consent decrees, consent orders, consent agreements, settlement agreements, judgments or orders, or binding directives, policies or programs, issued by or entered into with an Governmental Body pertaining or relating to: (i) pollution or pollution control; (ii) protection of human health from exposure to Regulated Substances; (iii) protection of the environment and/or natural resources; (iv) protection of employee safety in the workplace and protection of employees from exposure to Regulated Substances in the workplace (but excluding workers compensation and wage and hour Laws); (v) the presence, use, management, generation, manufacture, processing, extraction, treatment, recycling, refining, reclamation, labeling, sale, transport, storage, collection, distribution, disposal or release or threat of release of Regulated Substances; (vi) the presence of Contamination; (vii) the protection of endangered or threatened species; and (viii) the protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas.

“Environmental Permits” shall mean all permits, licenses, bonds or other forms of financial assurances, waivers, exemptions, consents, registrations, identification numbers, approvals or authorizations required under Environmental Laws (i) to own, occupy or maintain the Property; (ii) for the operations and business activities of any Loan Party; or (iii) for the performance of a Remedial Action.

“Environmentally Sensitive Area” shall mean (i) any wetland as defined by applicable Environmental Laws; (ii) any area designated as a coastal zone pursuant to applicable Laws, including Environmental Laws; (iii) any area of historic or archeological significance or scenic area as defined or designated by applicable Laws, including Environmental Laws; (iv) habitats of endangered species or threatened species as designated by applicable Laws, including Environmental Laws; or (v) a floodplain or other flood hazard area as defined pursuant to any applicable Laws.

“ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and any successor statute of similar import, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as from time to time in effect.

“ERISA Group” shall mean the Borrower and all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control and all other entities which, together with the Borrower, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code.

“Event of Default” shall mean any of the events described in Section 9.1 [Events of Default] and referred to therein as an “Event of Default.”

“Excluded Swap Obligation” means, means, with respect to any Guarantor, any Specified Swap Obligation if, and only to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Specified Swap Obligation (or any guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof), including by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder at the time the Guarantee of such Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes effective with respect to such Specified Swap Obligation. If a Specified Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.

“Excluded Taxes” shall mean any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient, (i) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (a) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (b) that are Other Connection Taxes, (ii) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in the Term Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (a) such Lender acquires such interest in such Term Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 5.4.2 [Replacement of a Lender]) or (b) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 5.8 [Taxes], amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender became a party hereto or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (iii) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 5.8.6 [Status of Lenders], and (iv) any U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA (except to the extent imposed due to the failure of the Borrower to provide documentation or information to the IRS).

“FATCA” shall mean Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Internal Revenue Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof and any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code.

“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

“Foreign Lender” shall mean (a) if the Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if the Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the Laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes.

“GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles as are in effect in the United States from time to time, subject to the provisions of Section 1.3 [Accounting Principles], and applied on a consistent basis both as to classification of items and amounts.

“Governmental Body” shall mean any government, political subdivision, agency or other body described in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Official Body.”

“Guarantor” shall mean each of the parties to this Agreement which is designated as a “Guarantor” on the signature page hereof and each other Person which joins this Agreement as a Guarantor after the date hereof pursuant to Section 11.19 [Joinder of Guarantors]; provided, however, that the Project Subsidiaries shall not be designated as a “Guarantor” nor required to join this Agreement as a Guarantor pursuant to Section 11.19 [Joinder of Guarantors].

“Guarantor Joinder” shall mean a joinder by a Person as a Guarantor under this Agreement, the Guaranty Agreement and the other Loan Documents in the form of Exhibit 1.1(G)(1).

“Guaranty” of any Person shall mean any obligation of such Person guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any liability or obligation of any other Person in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any agreement to indemnify or hold harmless any other Person, any performance bond or other suretyship arrangement and any other form of assurance against loss, except endorsement of negotiable or other instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business.

“Guaranty Agreement” shall mean the Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.1(G)(2) executed and delivered by each of the Guarantors to the Agent for the benefit of the Lenders and the IRH Providers.

“Hedging Contract Policies” shall mean the written internal policies and procedures with respect to hedging or trading of gas contracts or other commodity, hedging contracts of any kind, or any derivatives or other similar financial instruments of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as in effect on the date of this Agreement, a copy of which has been delivered to the Agent and each Lender.

“Hedge Liabilities” shall have the meaning assigned in the definition of Lender Provided Interest Rate Hedge.

“Hedging Transaction” shall mean any transaction entered into by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in accordance with the Hedging Contract Policies, as the same may be amended, restated, modified, or supplemented from time to time.

“Historical Statements” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.1.8.1(a) [Historical Statements].

“Hybrid Security” shall mean any of the following: (i) beneficial interests issued by a trust which constitutes a Subsidiary of any Loan Party, substantially all of the assets of which trust are unsecured Indebtedness of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party or proceeds thereof, and all payments of which Indebtedness are required to be, and are, distributed to the holders of beneficial interests in such trust promptly after receipt by such trust, or (ii) any shares of capital stock or other equity interest that, other than solely at the option of the issuer thereof, by their terms (or by the terms of any security into which they are convertible or exchangeable) are, or upon the happening of an event or the passage of time would be, required to be redeemed or repurchased, in whole or in part, or have, or upon the happening of an event or the passage of time would have, a redemption or similar payment.

“Impacted Interest Period” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “LIBOR Rate”.

“Inactive Subsidiary” shall have the meaning given in Section 6.1.2 [Subsidiaries].

“Incorporated Covenant” shall have the meaning given in Section 8.1.11 [Additional NJR Note Agreements Financial Covenants].

“Indebtedness” shall mean, as to any Person at any time, any and all indebtedness, obligations or liabilities (whether matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, or joint or several) of such Person for or in respect of (without duplication unless duplication is required pursuant to the NJR Note Agreements): (i) borrowed money, (ii) amounts raised under or liabilities in respect of any note purchase or acceptance credit facility, (iii) reimbursement obligations (contingent or otherwise) under any letter of credit, currency swap agreement, interest rate swap, cap, collar or floor agreement or other interest rate or currency exchange rate management device, (iv) any other transaction (including forward sale or purchase agreements, capitalized leases and conditional sales agreements) having the commercial effect of a borrowing of money entered into by such Person to finance its operations or capital requirements (but not including off-balance sheet transactions which are addressed in Section 8.2.14 [Off-Balance Sheet Financing] and trade payables and accrued expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business which are not represented by a promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness and which are not more than sixty (60) days past due), (v) the net indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of such Person under any Hedging Transaction to the extent constituting “indebtedness,” as determined in accordance with GAAP, adjusted downward dollar for dollar for any related margin collateral account balances maintained by such Person, (vi) any Guaranty of any Hedging Transaction described in the immediately preceding clause (v), (vii) any Guaranty of Indebtedness for borrowed money, (viii) any Hybrid Security described in clause (i) of the definition of Hybrid Security, or (ix) the mandatory repayment obligation of the issuer of any Hybrid Security described in clause (ii) of the definition of Hybrid Security.

“Indemnified Taxes” shall mean (i) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document, and (ii) to the extent not otherwise described in the preceding clause (i), Other Taxes.

“Indemnitee” shall have the meaning specified in Section 11.3.2 [Indemnification by the Borrower].

“Insolvency Proceeding” shall mean, with respect to any Person, (a) a case, action or proceeding with respect to such Person (i) before any court or any other Governmental Body under any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar Law now or hereafter in effect, or (ii) for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator, conservator (or similar official) of such Person or otherwise relating to the liquidation, dissolution, winding-up or relief of such Person, or (b) any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, composition, marshaling of assets for creditors, or other, similar arrangement in respect of such Person’s creditors generally or any substantial portion of its creditors; undertaken under any Law.

“Interest Period” shall mean the period of time selected by the Borrower in connection with (and to apply to) any election permitted hereunder by the Borrower to have any portion of the Term Loan bear interest under the LIBOR Rate Option. Subject to the last sentence of this definition, such period shall be one, two, three or six Months, and solely with approval of the Agent a shorter period. Such Interest Period shall commence on the effective date of such Interest Rate Option, which shall be (i) the Borrowing Date if the Borrower is requesting the Term Loan, or (ii) the date of renewal of or conversion to the LIBOR Rate Option if the Borrower is renewing or converting to the LIBOR Rate Option applicable to any outstanding portion of the Term Loan. Notwithstanding the second sentence hereof: (A) any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a date which is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, and (B) the Borrower shall not select, convert to or renew an Interest Period for any portion of the Term Loan that would end after the Maturity Date.

“Interest Rate Hedge” shall mean an interest rate exchange, collar, cap, swap, adjustable strike cap, adjustable strike corridor or similar agreements entered into by the Loan Parties or their Subsidiaries in order to provide protection to, or minimize the impact upon, the Borrower, any other Loan Party and/or their Subsidiaries of increasing floating rates of interest applicable to Indebtedness.

“Interest Rate Option” shall mean any LIBOR Rate Option or Base Rate Option.

“Internal Revenue Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and any successor statute of similar import, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as from time to time in effect.

“Investment” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.2.4 [Loans and Investments].

“IRH Provider” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.2.5.2 [Collateral Sharing].

“IRS” shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Service.

“Labor Contracts” shall mean all employment agreements, employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements and other agreements among any Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party and unions representing employees of any Loan Party or any such Subsidiary.

“Law” shall mean any law (including common law), constitution, statute, treaty, regulation, rule, ordinance, opinion, release, ruling, order, injunction, writ, decree, bond, judgment, authorization or approval, lien or award of or settlement agreement with any Official Body.

“Lender Provided Interest Rate Hedge” shall mean an Interest Rate Hedge which is provided by an IRH Provider and that meets the following requirements: such Interest Rate Hedge (i) is documented in a standard International Swap Dealer Association Agreement, (ii) provides for the method of calculating the reimbursable amount of the provider’s credit exposure in a reasonable and customary manner, and (iii) is entered into for hedging (rather than speculative) purposes. The liabilities of the Loan Parties to the provider of any Lender Provided Interest Rate Hedge (the “Hedge Liabilities”) shall be “Obligations” hereunder, guaranteed obligations under the Guaranty Agreement and otherwise treated as Obligations for purposes of each of the other Loan Documents. Any Liens securing the Hedge Liabilities shall be pari passu with any Liens securing all other Obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, subject to the express provisions of Section 9.2.5.1 [Application of Proceeds].

“Lenders” shall mean the financial institutions named on Schedule 1.1(B) and their respective successors and assigns as permitted hereunder, each of which is referred to herein as a Lender.

“LIBOR Rate” shall mean, with respect to any portion of the Term Loan comprising any Borrowing Tranche to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies for any Interest Period, the interest rate per annum determined by dividing (the resulting quotient rounded upwards, to the nearest 1/100th of 1% per annum) (i) the greater of (a) zero percent (0.0%) and (b) the applicable interest settlement rate for deposits in Dollars administered by ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other Person that takes over the administration of such rate) appearing on the applicable Reuters Screen (or any successor or substitute page of such screen) as of 11:00 a.m. (London Time) on the date two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period (or on any successor or substitute page on such screen) and having a maturity equal to such Interest Period, provided that, if the applicable Reuters Screen (or any successor or substitute page) is not available to the Agent for any reason, the LIBOR Rate shall instead be the applicable interest settlement rate for deposits in Dollars administered by ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other Person that takes over the administration of such rate) as reported by any other generally recognized financial information service selected by the Agent as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the date two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, and having a maturity equal to such Interest Period, provided that, if no such interest settlement rate administered by ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other Person that takes over the administration of such rate) is available to Agent, the applicable LIBOR Rate for the relevant Interest Period shall instead be the rate determined by the Agent to be the rate at which U.S. Bank or one of its Affiliate banks offers to place deposits in Dollars with first-class banks in the interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period, in the approximate amount of such portion of the Term Loan and having a maturity equal to such Interest Period by (ii) a number equal to 1.00 minus the LIBOR Rate Reserve Percentage.

The LIBOR Rate shall be adjusted with respect to any Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies that is outstanding on the effective date of any change in the LIBOR Rate Reserve Percentage as of such effective date. The Agent shall give prompt notice to the Borrower of the LIBOR Rate as determined or adjusted in accordance herewith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

“LIBOR Rate Option” shall mean the option of the Borrower to have any portion of the Term Loan bear interest at the rate and under the terms set forth in Section 4.1.1(ii) [LIBOR Rate Option].

“LIBOR Rate Reserve Percentage” shall mean as of any day the maximum percentage in effect on such day, as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the reserve requirements (including supplemental, marginal and emergency reserve requirements) with respect to eurodollar funding (currently referred to as “Eurodollar Liabilities”).

“Lien” shall mean any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest, charge or other encumbrance or security arrangement of any nature whatsoever, whether voluntarily or involuntarily given, including any conditional sale or title retention arrangement, and any assignment, deposit arrangement or lease intended as, or having the effect of, security and any filed financing statement or other notice of any of the foregoing (whether or not a lien or other encumbrance is created or exists at the time of the filing).

“LLC Interests” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 6.1.2 [Subsidiaries].

“Loan Documents” shall mean this Agreement, the Guaranty Agreement, the Notes (if any) and any other instruments, certificates or documents delivered or contemplated to be delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, as the same may be supplemented or amended from time to time in accordance herewith or therewith, and Loan Document shall mean any of the Loan Documents.

“Loan Parties” shall mean the Borrower and the Guarantors.

“Loan Request” shall mean a request for the Term Loan or a request to select, convert to or renew a Base Rate Option or LIBOR Rate Option with respect to any portion of the outstanding Term Loan in accordance with Sections 2.4 [Term Loan Requests], 4.1 [Interest Rate Options] and 4.2 [Interest Periods].

“Material Adverse Change” shall mean any set of circumstances or events which (i) has or could reasonably be expected to have any material adverse effect whatsoever upon the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) is or could reasonably be expected to be material and adverse to the business, properties, assets, financial condition or results of operations of the Loan Parties taken as a whole, (iii) impairs materially or could reasonably be expected to impair materially the ability of the Loan Parties taken as a whole to duly and punctually pay and perform the Obligations in accordance with the Loan Documents, or (iv) impairs materially or could reasonably be expected to impair materially the ability of the Agent or any of the Lenders, to the extent permitted, to enforce their legal remedies pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

“Maturity Date” shall mean August 16, 2019.

“Month” with respect to an Interest Period under the LIBOR Rate Option, shall mean the interval between the days in consecutive calendar months numerically corresponding to the first day of such Interest Period. If any LIBOR Rate Interest Period begins on a day of a calendar month for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the month in which such Interest Period is to end, the final month of such Interest Period shall be deemed to end on the last Business Day of such final month.

“Moody’s” shall mean Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and its successors.

“Mortgage Indenture” shall mean that certain Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated April 1, 1952 from New Jersey Natural Gas Company to BNY Midwest Trust Company, as successor to Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Trustee, as heretofore and hereafter amended, modified and supplemented.

“Multiemployer Plan” shall mean any “employee benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, which is a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA and to which the Borrower or any member of the ERISA Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or, solely for the purposes of Section 6.1.19 [Plans and Benefit Arrangements], within the preceding five Plan years, has made or had an obligation to make such contributions.

“Multiple Employer Plan” shall mean a Plan which has two or more contributing sponsors (at least one of which is the Borrower or any member of the ERISA Group) at least two of whom are not under common control, as such a plan is described in Sections 4063 and 4064 of ERISA.

“New Jersey Natural Gas” shall mean New Jersey Natural Gas Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New Jersey, which corporation is a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

“NJNG Credit Agreement” shall mean that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2014, among New Jersey Natural Gas, as the borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as syndication agent and U.S. Bank National Association, TD Bank, N.A. and Santander Bank, N.A. each as a documentation agent, PNC Bank, National Association, as the administrative agent, and the “lenders” party thereto, as the same has been amended and may be further restated, amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

“NJR 2007 Note Agreement” shall mean the unsecured Note Purchase Agreement, dated September 24, 2007, by and among the Borrower and the purchasers party thereto, as the same may be restated, amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

“NJR 2007 Notes” shall mean the unsecured Indebtedness issued by the Borrower pursuant to the NJR 2007 Note Agreement.

“NJR 2016 Note Agreement” shall mean the unsecured Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 22, 2016, by and among the Borrower and the purchasers party thereto, as the same may be restated, amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

“NJR 2016 Notes” shall mean the unsecured Indebtedness issued by the Borrower pursuant to the NJR 2016 Note Agreement.

“NJR Note Agreements” shall mean, collectively, the NJR 2007 Note Agreement, the NJR 2016 Note Agreement, the NJR Shelf Note Agreements and any refinancings, renewals or replacements thereof, or other unsecured private placement note agreements, permitted under Section 8.2.1(ix), (x) or (xiii) (as applicable).

“NJR Notes” shall mean, collectively, the NJR 2007 Notes, the NJR 2016 Notes, the NJR Shelf Notes and any refinancings, renewals or replacements thereof, or other unsecured private placement notes, permitted under Section 8.2.1(ix) or (x) (as applicable).

“NJR Shelf Note Agreements” shall mean each of the following: (a) the unsecured $100,000,000 Shelf Note Purchase Agreement dated as of May 12, 2011, by and between NJR and Metropolitan Life Insurance Company; and (b) the unsecured $175,000,000 Shelf Note Purchase Agreement dated as of June 30, 2011, as amended by that certain First Amendment dated July 25, 2014, by and between NJR and Prudential Investment Management, Inc., in each case, as the same may be restated, amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

“NJR Shelf Notes” shall mean the unsecured Indebtedness issued by the Borrower pursuant to the NJR Shelf Note Agreements.

“NJR Revolving Credit Agreement” shall mean that certain $425,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 28, 2015, by and among the Borrower, the Guarantors party thereto, the “lenders” party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, as the same may be restated, amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

“Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 11.1.4 [Miscellaneous].

“Notes” shall mean any Note of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit 1.1(R) issued by the Borrower at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 5.9 [Notes] evidencing the Term Loan to such Lender, together with all amendments, extensions, renewals, replacements, refinancings or refundings thereof in whole or in part.

“Notices” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 11.6 [Notices, Lending Offices].

“Obligations” shall mean any obligation or liability of any of the Loan Parties to the Agent or any of the Lenders, howsoever created, arising or evidenced, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, now or hereafter existing, or due or to become due, under or in connection with this Agreement, any Notes or any other Loan Document. “Obligations” shall include, to the extent set forth in the definitions of “Lender Provided Interest Hedge” and “Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product”, the liabilities to any Lender (or any Affiliate thereof) under any Lender Provided Interest Rate Hedge and any Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product; provided that the definition of “Obligations” shall not create any guaranty by any Loan Party of (or grant of security interest by any Loan Party to support) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Loan Party for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Party.

“Official Body” shall mean (a) the government of the United States of America or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, (b) any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank) and (c) any group or body charged with setting regulatory capital rules or standards (including, without limitation, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Bank for International Settlements or the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision or any successor or similar authority to any of the foregoing).

“Other Connection Taxes” shall mean, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of such Recipient conducting or having conducted a sufficient level of ongoing business or income-generating activity in the jurisdiction imposing such Tax to subject it to tax generally on the income or privilege of doing business or unretained earnings associated with such activity (but, without broadening the scope of the foregoing, not including any Tax imposed as a result of such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Documents, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document).

“Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product” shall mean agreements or other arrangements under which any Lender or Affiliate of a Lender provides any of the following products or services to the Borrower: (a) credit cards, (b) credit card processing services, (c) debit cards, (d) purchase cards, (e) ACH transactions, (f) cash management, including controlled disbursement, accounts or services, or (g) foreign currency exchange. The liabilities of the Borrower to the provider of any Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product shall be “Obligations” for the purposes of Section 5.2.1 [Sharing of Payments by Lenders] and any collateral security for the Obligations hereafter granted under the Loan Documents.

“Other Taxes” shall mean all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 5.4.2 [Replacement of a Lender]).

“Participant” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 11.11.4 [Participations].

“Partnership Interests” shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 6.1.2 [Subsidiaries].

“Payment Office” shall mean the office of the Agent at Complex Credits, 400 City Center, Oshkosh, WI 54901, or such other office as to which the Agent may notify the other parties hereto.

“PBGC” shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA or any successor.

“Permitted Acquisitions” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.2.5 [Liquidations, Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions].

“Permitted Investments” shall mean:

(i) direct obligations of the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof or obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America maturing in twelve (12) months or less from the date of acquisition;

(ii) repurchase agreements having a duration of not more than sixty (60) days that are collateralized by full faith and credit obligations of the United States Government or obligations guaranteed by the United States Government and its agencies;

(iii) interests in investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (or in a separate portfolio of such an investment company), that invest primarily in full faith and credit obligations of the United States Government or obligations guaranteed by the United States Government and its agencies and repurchase agreements collateralized by such obligations;

(iv) time deposits with any office located in the United States of the Lenders or any other bank or trust company which is organized under the laws of the United States and has combined capital, surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000 or with any bank which is organized other than under the laws of the United States (y) the commercial paper of which is rated at least A-1 by Standard & Poor’s and P-1 by Moody’s (or, if such commercial paper is rated only by Standard & Poor’s, at least A-1 by Standard & Poor’s, or if such commercial paper is rated only by Moody’s, at least P-1 by Moody’s) or (z) the long term senior debt of which is rated at least AA by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s (or, if such debt is rated only by Standard & Poor’s, at least AA by Standard & Poor’s, or if such debt is rated only by Moody’s, at least Aa2 by Moody’s);

(v) commercial paper having a maturity of not more than one year from the date of such investment and rated at least A-1 by Standard & Poor’s and P-1 by Moody’s (or, if such commercial paper is rated only by Standard & Poor’s, at least A-1 by Standard & Poor’s or, if such commercial paper is rated only by Moody’s, at least P-1 by Moody’s);

(vi) instruments held for collection in the ordinary course of business;

(vii) any equity or debt securities or other form of debt instrument obtained in settlement of debts previously contracted;

(viii) any Investment held on the Closing Date;

(ix) Investments in treasury stock of the Borrower;

(x) Investments consisting of prepaid expenses, pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business;

(xi) Investments arising out of Hedging Agreements;

(xii) Investments consisting of non-cash consideration received in the form of securities, notes or similar obligations in connection with sales, transfers or other dispositions of assets not prohibited by this Agreement;

(xiii) Investments in Inactive Subsidiaries; and

(xiv) any other form of Investment by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in any Person so long as the consideration paid or exchanged by the Borrower, or any of its Subsidiaries, for such investment (whether in cash or the value of payment-in-kind, with the value of payment-in-kind as reasonably determined by the Borrower) does not exceed $100,000,000 in the aggregate for all Investments permitted by this clause (xi).

“Permitted Liens” shall mean:

(i) Liens for taxes, assessments, or similar charges, incurred in the ordinary course of business and which are not yet due and payable or are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP are maintained on such Person’s books, and which could not be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

(ii) Pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure payment of workmen’s compensation, or to participate in any fund in connection with workmen’s compensation, unemployment insurance, old-age pensions or other social security programs or retirement plan legislation;

(iii) Liens of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen, carriers, or other Liens, securing obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business other than Indebtedness that are not yet due and payable or which could not be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

(iv) Liens of landlords on fixtures, equipment and personal property located on premises leased in the ordinary course of business;

(v) Any Lien arising out of judgments or awards but only to the extent that the creation of any such Lien does not constitute an Event of Default under Section 9.1.7 [Final Judgments or Orders];

(vi) Security interests in favor of lessors of personal property, which property is the subject of a true lease;

(vii) (a) Good-faith pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure performance of bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or leases, not in excess of the aggregate amount due thereunder, or to secure statutory obligations, or surety, appeal, indemnity, performance or other similar bonds required in the ordinary course of business, and (b) required margin collateral account deposits made in the ordinary course in connection with Hedging Transactions permitted by this Agreement;

(viii) Encumbrances consisting of zoning restrictions, easements, rights-of-way or other restrictions on the use of real property and minor defects to title to real property, none of which materially impairs the use of such property or the value thereof;

(ix) Liens on property leased by any Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party securing obligations of such Loan Party or Subsidiary to the lessor under capitalized leases or other lease constituting Indebtedness, provided that to the extent the payments or other amounts due and owing under any such lease constitute Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 8.2.1(iv) [Indebtedness];

(x) Liens existing on the date of this Agreement and described on Schedule 1.1(P), provided that such Liens secure only Indebtedness permitted by Section 8.2.1 [Indebtedness] including any renewals or extensions of such Indebtedness permitted by Section 8.2.1 [Indebtedness];

(xi) Liens extending only to assets related to off-balance sheet transactions permitted under Section 8.2.14 [Off-Balance Sheet Financing];

(xii) Purchase Money Security Interests encumbering only the assets purchased and proceeds thereof; provided that such Liens secure only Indebtedness permitted by Section 8.2.1(vii);

(xiii) Liens on any property or asset of an Acquired Person attaching solely to the assets of the Acquired Person and not to any asset of any Loan Party, provided that such Liens secure only Indebtedness permitted by Section 8.2.1(viii) and were not incurred in contemplation of the acquisition of such Acquired Person;

(xiv) Liens in favor of the trustee under any indenture (as provided for therein) on money or property held or collected by the trustee thereunder in its capacity as such in connection with the defeasance or discharge of Indebtedness thereunder;

(xv) Liens created under any agreement relating to the sale, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted hereunder, provided that such Liens relate solely to the assets subject to such sale, transfer or other disposition;

(xvi) Liens existing on assets subject to a sale/leaseback or other similar tax equity financing arrangement permitted by Section 8.2.6(viii);

(xvii) Liens on the assets of a Project Subsidiary; and

(xviii) Other Liens securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 8.2.1(xiii), provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed $35,000,000 in the aggregate.

Notwithstanding the foregoing definition of Permitted Lien or any other provision of the Loan Documents to the contrary, each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, at any time create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any consensual Lien on any of the capital stock of New Jersey Natural Gas, or agree or become liable to do so.

“Permitted Transferee” shall mean, as of any date of determination, any of the following with respect to any then current officer or director of the Borrower: (i) such Person’s spouse, lineal descendants or lineal descendants of such Person’s spouse, (ii) any charitable corporation or trust established by such officer or director or by any Person described in the immediately preceding clause (i), (iii) any trust (or in the case of a minor, a custodial account under a Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minors Act) of which the beneficiary or beneficiaries are one or more Persons described in the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii), or (iv) any executor or administrator upon the death of such officer or director or the death of any Person described in the immediately preceding clauses (i) or (ii).

“Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, joint venture, government or political subdivision or agency thereof, or any other entity.

“Plan” shall mean at any time an “employee pension benefit plan,” within the meaning of Section (3)(2) of ERISA (not including a Multiple Employer Plan or a Multiemployer Plan), which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code and either (a) is maintained by any member of the ERISA Group for employees of any member of the ERISA Group or (b) solely for purposes of Section 6.1.19 [Plans and Benefit Arrangements], has at any time within the preceding five years been maintained by any entity which was at such time a member of the ERISA Group for employees of any entity which was at such time a member of the ERISA Group.

“Potential Default” shall mean any event or condition which with notice, passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

“Prime Rate” shall mean a rate per annum equal to the prime rate of interest announced from time to time by U.S. Bank or its parent (which is not necessarily the lowest rate charged to any customer), changing when and as said prime rate changes.

“Prohibited Transaction” shall mean any prohibited transaction as defined in Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 406 of ERISA for which neither an individual nor a class exemption has been issued by the United States Department of Labor.

“Project Subsidiaries” shall mean the present Subsidiaries of NJR Midstream Holdings Corporation, a New Jersey corporation, NJR Clean Energy Ventures Corporation, a New Jersey corporation, and any other future asset project Subsidiaries of the Borrower or of NJR Midstream Holdings Corporation, NJR Clean Energy Ventures Corporation and their respective Subsidiaries; provided, however, that any Subsidiary of NJR Clean Energy Ventures Corporation which has guaranteed the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement shall not constitute a Project Subsidiary so long as such guarantee remains in effect.

“Property” shall mean all real property, both owned and leased, of any Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party.

“Purchase Money Security Interest” shall mean Liens upon tangible personal property securing loans to any Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party or deferred payments by such Loan Party or Subsidiary for the purchase of such tangible personal property.

“Purchasing Lender” shall mean a Lender which becomes a party to this Agreement by executing an Assignment and Assumption Agreement.

“Qualified ECP Guarantor” means, in respect of any Specified Swap Obligation, each Loan Party that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant Guarantee or grant of the relevant security interest becomes effective with respect to such Specified Swap Obligation or such other person as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

“Quarterly Financial Statements” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.1.8.1 [Historical Statements].

“Ratable Share” shall mean the proportion that a Lender’s Commitment bears to the Commitments of all of the Lenders, provided that in the case of Section 2.12 [Defaulting Lenders] when a Defaulting Lender shall exist, “Ratable Share” shall mean the percentage of the aggregate Commitments (disregarding any Defaulting Lender’s Commitment) represented by such Lender’s Commitment. If the Commitments have terminated or expired, the Ratable Share shall be determined based upon the Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments.

“Recipient” shall mean (i) the Agent and (ii) any Lender, as applicable.

“Regulated Entity” shall mean any Person which is subject under Law to any of the laws, rules or regulations respecting the financial, organizational or rate regulation of electric companies, public utilities, or public utility holding companies.

“Regulated Substances” shall mean, without limitation, any substance, material or waste, regardless of its form or nature, defined under Environmental Laws as a “hazardous substance,” “pollutant,” “pollution,” “contaminant,” “hazardous or toxic substance,” “extremely hazardous substance,” “toxic chemical,” “toxic substance,” “toxic waste,” “hazardous waste,” “special handling waste,” “industrial waste,” “residual waste,” “solid waste,” “municipal waste,” “mixed waste,” “infectious waste,” “chemotherapeutic waste,” “medical waste,” or “regulated substance” or any other substance, material or waste, regardless of its form or nature, which is regulated, controlled or governed by Environmental Laws due to its radioactive, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, explosive, toxic, carcinogenic or infectious properties or nature or any other material, substance or waste, regardless of its form or nature, which otherwise is regulated, controlled or governed by Environmental Laws, including without limitation, petroleum and petroleum products (including crude oil and any fractions thereof), natural gas, synthetic gas and any mixtures thereof, asbestos, urea formaldehyde, polychlorinated biphenlys, mercury, radon and radioactive materials.

“Regulation U” shall mean Regulation U, T, or X as promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as amended from time to time.

“Related Parties” shall mean, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the partners, members, directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, administrators, managers, advisors and representatives of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

“Remedial Action” shall mean any investigation, identification, characterization, delineation, cleanup, removal, remediation, containment, control or abatement of or other response actions to Regulated Substances and any closure or post-closure measures associated therewith.

“Reportable Compliance Event” shall mean that any Covered Entity becomes a Sanctioned Person, or is charged by indictment, criminal complaint or similar charging instrument, arraigned, or custodially detained in connection with any Anti-Terrorism Law or any predicate crime to any Anti-Terrorism Law, or has knowledge of facts or circumstances to the effect that it is reasonably likely that any aspect of its operations is in actual or probable violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law. “Reportable Event” shall mean a reportable event described in Section 4043 of ERISA and regulations thereunder with respect to a Plan, Multiple Employer Plan which is covered under Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 or 430 of the Internal Revenue Code, or Multiemployer Plan.

“Required Lenders” shall mean:

(a) If there exists fewer than three (3) Lenders, all Lenders (other than any Defaulting Lender), and

(b) If there exist three (3) or more Lenders, Lenders (other than any Defaulting Lender) having 51% or more of the aggregate amount of the Commitments of the Lenders (excluding any Defaulting Lender) or, after the termination of the Commitments, the outstanding portion of the Term Loan (excluding any Defaulting Lender).

“Sanctioned Country” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.21.

“Sanctioned Person” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.21.

“SEC” shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any governmental agencies substituted therefor.

“SEC Filings” shall mean, as of the Closing Date, the Borrower’s Form 10-K, filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 and its Form 10-Q filed with the SEC for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2017, and after the Closing Date as of any date, the Borrower’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC for its most recently ended fiscal year and its Forms 10-Q filed with the SEC for the fiscal quarters ending after such most recently ended fiscal year through such date.

“Significant Subsidiary” shall mean, New Jersey Natural Gas, NJR Energy Services Company, or any Subsidiary of the Borrower which at any time (i) has gross revenues equal to or in excess of five percent (5%) of the gross revenues of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, or (ii) has total assets equal to or in excess of five percent (5%) of the total assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, in either case, as determined and consolidated in accordance with GAAP.

“Solvent” shall mean, with respect to any Person on a particular date taking into account any right of reimbursement, contribution or similar right available to such Person from other Persons, that on such date (i) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (ii) the present fair saleable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (iii) such Person is able to realize upon its assets and pay its debts and other liabilities as they mature in the normal course of business, (iv) such Person has not incurred debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature, and (v) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute unreasonably small capital after giving due consideration to the prevailing practice in the industry in which such Person is engaged. In computing the amount of contingent liabilities at any time, it is intended that such liabilities will be computed at the amount which, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

“Specified Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act between any Lender and one or more Swap Counterparties.

“Standard & Poor’s” shall mean Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of S&P Global Inc., and its successors.

“Swap Counterparty” means, with respect to any swap with a Lender, any person or entity that is or becomes a party to such swap.

“Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act between any Lender and one or more Swap Counterparties.

“Subsidiary” of any Person at any time shall mean (i) any corporation or trust of which more than 50% (by number of shares or number of votes) of the outstanding capital stock or shares of beneficial interest normally entitled to vote for the election of one or more directors or trustees (regardless of any contingency which does or may suspend or dilute the voting rights) is at such time owned directly or indirectly by such Person or one or more of such Person’s Subsidiaries, (ii) any partnership of which such Person is a general partner or of which more than 50% of the partnership interests is at the time directly or indirectly owned by such Person or one or more of such Person’s Subsidiaries, (iii) any limited liability company of which such Person is a member or of which more than 50% of the limited liability company interests is at the time directly or indirectly owned by such Person or one or more of such Person’s Subsidiaries or (iv) any corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company or other entity which is controlled or capable of being controlled by such Person or one or more of such Person’s Subsidiaries.

“Subsidiary Shares” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.1.2 [Subsidiaries].

“Synthetic Lease” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.2.14 [Off-Balance Sheet Financing].

“Taxes” shall mean all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Official Body, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

“Term Loan” shall mean the Term Loan made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1 [Term Loan]. The aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan shall be $100,000,000.

“Transferor Lender” shall mean the selling Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption Agreement.

“Unregulated Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower other than New Jersey Natural Gas.

“USA Patriot Act” shall mean the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 107-56, as the same has been, or shall hereafter be, renewed, extended, amended or replaced.

“U.S. Bank” shall mean U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association, in its individual capacity, and its successors.

“U.S. Person” shall mean any Person that is a “United States Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code.

“U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.8.6 [Status of Lenders].

“Website Posting” shall mean assigned to such term in Section 11.6 [Notices; Lending Offices].

“Withholding Agent” shall mean any Loan Party and the Agent.

1.2. Construction.

Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise clearly requires, the following rules of construction shall apply to this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents:

1.2.1. Number; Inclusion.

References to the plural include the singular, the plural, the part and the whole; “or” has the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or” and “including” has the meaning represented by the phrase “including without limitation”;

1.2.2. Determination.

References to “determination” of or by the Agent or the Lenders shall be deemed to include good-faith estimates by the Agent or the Lenders (in the case of quantitative determinations) and good-faith beliefs by the Agent or the Lenders (in the case of qualitative determinations) and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error;

1.2.3. Agent’s Discretion and Consent.

Whenever the Agent or the Lenders are granted the right herein to act in its or their sole discretion or to grant or withhold consent such right shall be exercised in good faith;

1.2.4. Documents Taken as a Whole.

The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder,” “hereto,” and similar terms in this Agreement or any other Loan Document refer to this Agreement or such other Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement or such other Loan Document;

1.2.5. Headings.

The section and other headings contained in this Agreement or such other Loan Document and the Table of Contents (if any), preceding this Agreement or such other Loan Document are for reference purposes only and shall not control or affect the construction of this Agreement or such other Loan Document or the interpretation thereof in any respect;

1.2.6. Implied References to this Agreement.

Article, section, subsection, clause, schedule and exhibit references are to this Agreement or other Loan Document, as the case may be, unless otherwise specified;

1.2.7. Persons.

Reference to any Person includes such Person’s successors and assigns but, if applicable, only if such successors and assigns are permitted by this Agreement or such other Loan Document, as the case may be, and reference to a Person in a particular capacity excludes such Person in any other capacity;

1.2.8. Modifications to Documents.

Reference to any agreement (including this Agreement and any other Loan Document together with the schedules and exhibits hereto or thereto), document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended, modified, replaced, substituted for, superseded or restated;

1.2.9. From, To and Through.

Relative to the determination of any period of time, “from” means “from and including,” “to” means “to but excluding,” and “through” means “through and including”; and

1.2.10. Shall; Will.

References to “shall” and “will” are intended to have the same meaning.

1.3. Accounting Principles.

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all computations and determinations as to accounting or financial matters and all financial statements to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be made and prepared in accordance with GAAP (including principles of consolidation where appropriate), and all accounting or financial terms shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms by GAAP; provided, however, that all accounting terms used in Section 8.2 [Negative Covenants] (and all defined terms used in the definition of any accounting term used in Section 8.2 [Negative Covenants]) shall have the meaning given to such terms (and defined terms) under GAAP as in effect on the date hereof applied on a basis consistent with those used in preparing the Annual Statements referred to in Section 6.1.8.1 [Historical Statements]. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Borrower notifies the Agent in writing that the Borrower wishes to amend any financial covenant in Section 8.2 [Negative Covenants] of this Agreement, any related definition and/or the definition of the term Leverage Ratio for purposes of interest determinations to eliminate the effect of any change in GAAP occurring after the Closing Date on the operation of such financial covenants and/or interest determinations (or if the Agent notifies the Borrower in writing that the Required Lenders wish to amend any financial covenant in Section 8.2 [Negative Covenants], any related definition and/or the definition of the term Leverage Ratio for purposes of interest determinations to eliminate the effect of any such change in GAAP), then the Agent, the Lenders and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratios or requirements to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders, such approval not to be unreasonably delayed); provided that, until so amended, the Borrower’s compliance with such covenants and/or the definition of the term Leverage Ratio for purposes of interest determinations shall be determined on the basis of GAAP in effect immediately before the relevant change in GAAP became effective, until either such notice is withdrawn or such covenants or definitions are amended as contemplated above, and the Borrower shall provide to the Agent, when it delivers its financial statements pursuant to Section 8.3.1 [Quarterly Financial Statements] and Section 8.3.2 [Annual Financial Statements] of this Agreement, such reconciliation statements as shall be reasonably requested by the Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of calculating compliance with Section 8.2.1 only, any lease (whether entered into before or after the Closing Date) that would have been classified as an operating lease pursuant to GAAP as in effect on the Closing Date will be deemed not to represent a capital lease obligation.

2. TERM LOAN

2.1. Commitments.

Subject to the terms and conditions hereof and relying upon the representations and warranties herein set forth, each Lender severally agrees to make its Ratable Share of the Term Loan in Dollars to the Borrower on the third Business Day after the Closing Date. The aggregate amount of each Lender’s portion of the Term Loan to be funded hereunder shall never exceed such Lender’s Commitment. Any amount borrowed under this Section 2.1 and subsequently repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. The outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan, together with accrued interest thereon, shall be due and payable on the Maturity Date. Each Lender’s Commitment shall terminate immediately and without further action on the funding of such Lender’s Commitment on such date.

2.2. Nature of Lenders’ Obligations with Respect to the Term Loan.

Each Lender shall be obligated to participate in the request for the Term Loan pursuant to Section 2.4 [Term Loan Request] in accordance with its Ratable Share. The obligations of each Lender hereunder are several. The failure of any Lender to perform its obligations hereunder shall not affect the Obligations of the Borrower to any other party nor shall any other party be liable for the failure of such Lender to perform its obligations hereunder.

2.3. [Reserved].

2.4. Term Loan Request.

Except as otherwise provided herein, the Borrower may request the Lenders to make the Term Loan or renew or convert the Interest Rate Option applicable to the Term Loan pursuant to Section 4.2 [Interest Periods], by delivering to the Agent, not later than 10:00 a.m., New York time, (i) three (3) Business Days prior to the proposed Borrowing Date with respect to the making of the portion of the Term Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies or the date of conversion to or the renewal of the LIBOR Rate Option for any such portion of the Term Loan; and (ii) one (1) Business Day prior to either the proposed Borrowing Date with respect to the making of the portion of the Term Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies or the last day of the preceding Interest Period with respect to the conversion to the Base Rate Option for any such portion of the Term Loan, of a Loan Request therefor duly completed by an Authorized Officer substantially in the form of Exhibit 2.4 or a Loan Request by telephone immediately confirmed in writing by letter, facsimile or telex in the form of such Exhibit, it being understood that the Agent may rely on the authority of any individual making such a telephonic request without the necessity of receipt of such written confirmation, provided such individual purports to be an Authorized Officer. Each Loan Request shall be irrevocable and shall specify (i) the proposed Borrowing Date; (ii) the aggregate amount of the proposed portion of the Term Loan comprising each Borrowing Tranche, the amount of which shall be in integral multiples of $1,000,000 and not less than $3,000,000 for each Borrowing Tranche to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies and not less than the lesser of $1,000,000 and in integral multiples of $100,000 or the maximum amount available for Borrowing Tranches to which the Base Rate Option applies; (iii) whether the LIBOR Rate Option or Base Rate Option shall apply to the portion of the Term Loan comprising the applicable Borrowing Tranche; and (iv) in the case of a Borrowing Tranche to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies, an appropriate Interest Period for the portion of the Term Loan comprising such Borrowing Tranche.

2.5. [Reserved].

2.6. Making the Term Loan; Presumptions by the Agent.

2.6.1. Making the Term Loan. The Agent shall, promptly after receipt by it of a Loan Request for or with respect to the Term Loan pursuant to Section 2.4 [Term Loan Requests], notify the Lenders of its receipt of such Loan Request specifying: (i) the proposed Borrowing Date and the time and method of disbursement of the Term Loan requested thereby; (ii) the amount and type of each portion of the Term Loan and the applicable Interest Period (if any); and (iii) the apportionment among the Lenders of the Term Loan as determined by the Agent in accordance with Section 2.2 [Nature of Lenders’ Obligations etc.]. Each Lender shall remit the principal amount of its portion of the Term Loan to the Agent such that the Agent is able to, and the Agent shall, to the extent the Lenders have made funds available to it for such purpose and subject to Section 7.1, fund the Term Loan to the Borrower in U.S. Dollars and immediately available funds at the Payment Office prior to 2:00 p.m., New York time, on the such Borrowing Date, provided that if any Lender fails to remit such funds to the Agent in a timely manner, the Agent may elect in its sole discretion to fund with its own funds such Lender’s portion of the Term Loan on such Borrowing Date, and such Lender shall be subject to the repayment obligation in Section 2.6.2 [Presumptions by the Agent].

2.6.2. Presumptions by the Agent. Unless the Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of the Term Loan that such Lender will not make available to the Agent such Lender’s share of the Term Loan, the Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with Section 2.6.1 [Making the Term Loan] and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the Term Loan available to the Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Agent, at (i) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation and (ii) in the case of a payment to be made by the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to the portion of the Term Loan under the Base Rate Option. If such Lender pays its share of the Term Loan to the Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s portion of the Term Loan. Any prepayment by the Borrower that shall duplicate a payment by such Lender shall be promptly returned to the Borrower in immediately available funds or otherwise as shall be determined by the Borrower and Agent. Any payment by the Borrower shall be without prejudice to any claim the Borrower may have against a Lender that shall have failed to make such payment to the Agent.

2.7. [Reserved].

2.8. Use of Proceeds.

The proceeds of the Loans shall be used by the Borrower for general corporate purposes (including Permitted Investments in any Loan Party or in any Project Subsidiary) of the Borrower and in accordance with Section 8.1.10 [Use of Proceeds], but in any event not to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law.

2.9. [Reserved].

2.10. [Reserved].

2.11. [Reserved].

2.12. Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:

(i) the Commitment and outstanding portion of the Term Loan of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment, waiver or other modification pursuant to Section 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers]); provided, that this Section 2.12 shall not apply to the vote of a Defaulting Lender to the extent provided in such Section 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers].

(ii) any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, or otherwise) or received by the Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers] shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Agent hereunder; second, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Potential Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Agent; third, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; fourth, so long as no Potential Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender's breach of its obligations under this Agreement; fifth, if so determined by the Agent, distributed to the Lenders other than the Defaulting Lender until the ratio of the outstanding portion of the Term Loan equals such ratio immediately prior to the Defaulting Lender’s failure to fund any portion of any Loans; and sixth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share.

3. INTENTIONALLY OMITTED

4. INTEREST RATES

4.1. Interest Rate Options.

The Borrower shall pay interest in respect of the outstanding unpaid principal amount of the Term Loan as selected by it from the Base Rate Option or LIBOR Rate Option set forth below applicable to the Term Loan, it being understood that, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower may select different Interest Rate Options and different Interest Periods to apply simultaneously to portions of the Term Loan comprising different Borrowing Tranches and may convert to or renew one or more Interest Rate Options with respect to all or any portion of the Term Loan comprising any Borrowing Tranche, provided that there shall not be at any one time outstanding more than ten (10) Borrowing Tranches in the aggregate among all the portions of the Term Loan. If at any time the designated rate applicable to any portion of the Term Loan made by any Lender exceeds such Lender’s highest lawful rate, the rate of interest on such Lender’s portion of the Term Loan shall be limited to such Lender’s highest lawful rate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, if an Event of Default or Potential Default exists and is continuing, the Borrower may not request, convert to, or renew the LIBOR Rate Option for any portion of the Term Loan and the Required Lenders may demand that all existing Borrowing Tranches bearing interest under the LIBOR Rate Option shall be converted immediately to the Base Rate Option, subject to the obligation of the Borrower to pay any indemnity under Section 5.6.5 [Indemnity] in connection with such conversion.

4.1.1. Interest Rate Options.

The Borrower shall have the right to select from the following Interest Rate Options applicable to the Term Loan:

(i) Base Rate Option: A fluctuating rate per annum (computed on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and actual days elapsed) equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin, such interest rate to change automatically from time to time effective as of the effective date of each change in the Base Rate and/or the Applicable Margin; or

(ii) LIBOR Rate Option: A rate per annum (computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed) equal to the LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Margin, such interest rate to change automatically from time to time as of the effective date of each change in the Applicable Margin.

4.1.2. Rate Quotations.

The Borrower may call the Agent on or before the date on which a Loan Request is to be delivered to receive an indication of the interest rates then in effect, but it is acknowledged that such projection shall not be binding on the Agent or the Lenders nor affect the rate of interest which thereafter is actually in effect when the election is made.

4.1.3. Change in Interest Rates.

If the Applicable Margin is increased or reduced with respect to any period for which the Borrower has already paid interest, the Agent shall recalculate the additional interest due from or to the Borrower and shall, within fifteen (15) Business Days after the Borrower notifies the Agent of such increase or decrease, give the Borrower and the Lenders notice of such recalculation.

4.1.3.1. Any additional interest due from the Borrower shall be paid to the Agent for the account of the Lenders on the next date on which an interest or fee payment is due; provided, however, that if the Term Loan is due and payable, such additional interest shall be paid promptly after receipt of written request for payment from the Agent.

4.1.3.2. Any interest refund due to the Borrower shall be credited against payments otherwise due from the Borrower on the next interest or fee payment due date or, if the Term Loan has been repaid and the Lenders are no longer committed to lend under this Agreement, the Lenders shall pay the Agent for the account of the Borrower such interest refund not later than five Business Days after written notice from the Agent to the Lenders.

4.2. Interest Periods.

At any time when the Borrower shall select, convert to or renew a LIBOR Rate Option, the Borrower shall notify the Agent thereof by delivering a Loan Request at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such Interest Rate Option. The notice shall specify an Interest Period during which such Interest Rate Option shall apply. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the following provisions shall apply to any selection of, renewal of, or conversion to a LIBOR Rate Option:

4.2.1. Amount of Borrowing Tranche.

the amount of each Borrowing Tranche of any portion of the Term Loan to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies shall be in integral multiples of $1,000,000 and not less than $3,000,000; and

4.2.2. Renewals.

in the case of the renewal of a LIBOR Rate Option at the end of an Interest Period, the first day of the new Interest Period shall be the last day of the preceding Interest Period, without duplication in payment of interest for such day.

4.3. Interest After Default.

To the extent permitted by Law, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and until such time such Event of Default shall have been cured or waived at the discretion of the Agent or upon written demand of the Required Lenders to the Agent:

4.3.1. Interest Rate.

the rate of interest for each Loan otherwise applicable pursuant to Section 4.1 [Interest Rate Options] shall be increased by 2.0% per annum; and

4.3.2. Other Obligations.

each other Obligation hereunder if not paid when due shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the sum of the rate of interest applicable under the Base Rate Option plus an additional 2.0% per annum from the time such Obligation becomes due and payable and until it is paid in full.

4.3.3. Acknowledgment.

The Borrower acknowledges that the increase in rates referred to in this Section 4.3 [Interest After Default] reflects, among other things, the fact that such Loans or other amounts have become a substantially greater risk given their default status and that the Lenders are entitled to additional compensation for such risk; and all such interest shall be payable by Borrower upon demand by Agent.

4.4. LIBOR Rate Unascertainable; Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available.

4.4.1. Unascertainable.

If on any date on which a LIBOR Rate would otherwise be determined with respect to a portion of the Term Loan, the Agent shall have determined that:

(i) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining such LIBOR Rate, or

(ii) a contingency has occurred which materially and adversely affects the London interbank eurodollar market relating to the LIBOR Rate,

then the Agent shall have the rights specified in Section 4.4.3 [Agent’s and Lenders’ Rights].

4.4.2. Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available.

If at any time any Lender shall have determined that:

(i) the making, maintenance or funding of any portion of the Term Loan to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies has been made unlawful or materially impracticable by compliance by such Lender in good faith with any Law or any interpretation or application thereof by any Official Body or with any request or directive of any such Official Body (whether or not having the force of Law), or

(ii) such LIBOR Rate Option will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lender of the establishment or maintenance of any portion of the Term Loan in a material respect, or

(iii) after making all reasonable efforts, deposits of the relevant amount in Dollars for the relevant Interest Period for any portion of the Term Loan, or to banks generally, to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies, respectively, are not available to such Lender with respect to such portion of the Term Loan, or to banks generally, in the interbank eurodollar market,

then the Agent shall have the rights specified in Section 4.4.3 [Agent’s and Lenders’ Rights].

4.4.3. Agent’s and Lenders’ Rights.

In the case of any event specified in Section 4.4.1 [Unascertainable] above, the Agent shall promptly so notify the Lenders and the Borrower thereof, and in the case of an event specified in Section 4.4.2 [Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available] above, such Lender shall promptly so notify the Agent and endorse a certificate to such notice as to the specific circumstances of such notice, and the Agent shall promptly send copies of such notice and certificate to the other Lenders and the Borrower. Upon such date as shall be specified in such notice (which shall not be earlier than the date such notice is given), the obligation of (A) the Lenders, in the case of such notice given by the Agent, or (B) such Lender, in the case of such notice given by such Lender, to allow the Borrower to select, convert to or renew a LIBOR Rate Option shall be suspended until the Agent shall have later notified the Borrower, or such Lender shall have later notified the Agent, of the Agent’s or such Lender’s, as the case may be, determination that the circumstances giving rise to such previous determination no longer exist. If at any time the Agent makes a determination under Section 4.4.1 [Unascertainable] and the Borrower has previously notified the Agent of its selection of, conversion to or renewal of a LIBOR Rate Option and such Interest Rate Option has not yet gone into effect, such notification shall be deemed to provide for the selection of, conversion to or renewal of the Base Rate Option otherwise available with respect to such applicable portion of the Term Loan if the Borrower has requested the LIBOR Rate Option. If any Lender notifies the Agent of a determination under Section 4.4.2 [Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available], the Borrower shall, subject to the Borrower’s indemnification Obligations under Section 5.6.5 [Indemnity], as to any portion of the Term Loan of the Lender to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies, on the date specified in such notice either (i) as applicable, convert such portion of the Term Loan to the Base Rate Option otherwise available with respect to such portion of the Term Loan, or (ii) prepay such portion of the Term Loan in accordance with Section 5.4.1 [Voluntary Prepayments]. Absent due notice from the Borrower of conversion or prepayment, such portion of the Term Loan shall automatically be converted to the Base Rate Option otherwise available with respect to such portion of the Term Loan upon such specified date.

4.5. Selection of Interest Rate Options.

If the Borrower fails to select a new Interest Period to apply to any Borrowing Tranche of any portion of the Term Loan under the LIBOR Rate Option at the expiration of an existing Interest Period applicable to such Borrowing Tranche in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.2 [Interest Periods], the Borrower shall be deemed to have converted such Borrowing Tranche to the Base Rate Option, commencing upon the last day of the existing Interest Period.

5. PAYMENTS

5.1. Payments.

All payments and prepayments to be made in respect of principal, interest or other fees or amounts due from the Borrower hereunder shall be payable prior to 11:00 a.m., New York time, on the date when due without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, and without set-off, counterclaim or other deduction of any nature, and an action therefor shall immediately accrue. Such payments shall be made to the Agent at the Payment Office for the ratable accounts of the Lenders and in immediately available funds, and the Agent shall promptly distribute such amounts to the Lenders in immediately available funds, provided that in the event payments are received by 11:00 a.m., New York time, by the Agent and such payments are not distributed to the Lenders on the same day received by the Agent, the Agent shall pay the Lenders the Federal Funds Effective Rate, with respect to the amount of such payments for each day held by the Agent and not distributed to the Lenders. The Agent’s and each Lender’s statement of account, ledger or other relevant record shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive as the statement of the amount of principal of and interest on the Term Loan and other amounts owing under this Agreement and shall be deemed an “account stated.”

5.2. Pro Rata Treatment of Lenders; Sharing of Payments; Agent’s Presumptions.

The borrowing of the Term Loan shall be allocated to each Lender according to its Ratable Share and each selection of, conversion to or renewal of any Interest Rate Option applicable to any portion of the Term Loan and each payment or prepayment by the Borrower with respect to principal or interest on the Term Loan or other fees or amounts due from the Borrower hereunder to the Lenders with respect to the Term Loan shall (except as otherwise may be provided with respect to a Defaulting Lender and as provided in Section 4.4.3 [Agent’s and Lenders’ Rights] in the case of an event specified in Section 4.4 [LIBOR Rate Unascertainable; Etc.], Section 5.4.2 [Replacement of a Lender] or Section 5.6 [Additional Compensation in Certain Circumstances]) be made in proportion to the applicable portion of the Term Loan outstanding from each Lender.

5.2.1. Sharing of Payments by Lenders.

If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff, counterclaim or banker’s lien, by receipt of voluntary payment, by realization upon security, or by any other non-pro rata source, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its portion of the Term Loan or other obligations hereunder resulting in such Lender’s receiving payment of a proportion of the aggregate amount of its portion of the Term Loan and accrued interest thereon or other such obligations greater than its Ratable Share thereof as provided herein, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall (a) notify the Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the application portion of the Term Loan and such other obligations of the other Lenders, or make such other adjustments as shall be equitable, so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective portions of the Term Loan and other amounts owing them, provided that:

(i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, together with interest or other amounts, if any, required by Law (including court order) to be paid by the Lender or the holder making such purchase; and

(ii) the provisions of this Section shall not be construed to apply to (A) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of the Loan Documents or (B) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its portion of the Term Loan to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof (as to which the provisions of this Section shall apply).

The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable Law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

5.2.2. Presumptions by the Agent.

Unless the Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Agent for the account of the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders severally agrees to repay to the Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender, with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

5.3. Interest Payment Dates.

Interest on the portion of the Term Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the first day of each January, April, July and October after the date hereof and on the Maturity Date or upon acceleration of the Loans. Interest on the portion of the Term Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies shall be due and payable on the last day of each Interest Period for those portions of the Term Loan and, if such Interest Period is longer than three (3) Months, also on the 90^th day of such Interest Period, and on the Maturity Date or upon acceleration of the Term Loan. Interest payable under Section 4.3 [Interest After Default] shall be payable on demand.

5.4. Prepayments.

5.4.1. Voluntary Prepayments.

The Borrower shall have the right at its option from time to time to prepay the Term Loan in whole or part without premium or penalty (except as provided in Section 5.4.2 [Replacement of a Lender] below or in Section 5.6 [Additional Compensation in Certain Circumstances]) at any time including, without limitation, on the date specified in a notice by any Lender pursuant to Section 4.4 [LIBOR Rate Unascertainable, Etc.] with respect to any portion of the Term Loan to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies.

Whenever the Borrower desires to prepay any part of the Term Loan, it shall provide a prepayment notice to the Agent by 1:00 p.m., New York time, at least (i) one (1) Business Day prior to the date of prepayment of such portion of the Term Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies and (ii) three (3) Business Days prior to the date of prepayment of such portion of the Term Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies, in each case setting forth the following information:

(x) the date, which shall be a Business Day, on which the proposed prepayment is to be made;

(y) the total principal amount of such prepayment which, with respect to the portion of the Term Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies, shall not be less than $500,000 unless such repayment is of the total amount of such portion of the Term Loan outstanding, and

(z) the total principal amount of such prepayment, which, with respect to the portion of the Term Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies, shall not be less than $1,000,000 unless such repayment is of the total amount of such portion of the Term Loan outstanding.

All prepayment notices shall be irrevocable. The principal amount of the portion of the Term Loan for which a prepayment notice is given, together with interest on such principal amount except with respect to any portion of the Term Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies, shall be due and payable on the date specified in such prepayment notice as the date on which the proposed prepayment is to be made. Except as provided in Section 4.4.3 [Agent’s and Lenders’ Rights], if the Borrower prepays a portion of the Term Loan but fails to specify the applicable Borrowing Tranche which the Borrower is prepaying, the prepayment shall be applied first to the portion of the Term Loan to which the Base Rate Option applies, and then to the portion of the Term Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies. Any prepayment hereunder shall be subject to the Borrower’s Obligation to indemnify the Lenders under Section 5.6.5 [Indemnity].

5.4.2. Replacement of a Lender.

In the event any Lender (a) gives notice under Section 4.4 [LIBOR Rate Unascertainable, Etc.], (b) requests compensation under Section 5.6.1 [Increased Costs Generally] or requires the Borrower to pay or withhold any Indemnified Taxes or additional amount to any Lender or Official Body for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 5.8 [Taxes], (c) is a Defaulting Lender or (d) becomes subject to the control of an Official Body (other than normal and customary supervision), or (e) is a Non-Consenting Lender referred to in Section 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers], then in any such event the Borrower may, at its sole expense, upon notice to such Lender and the Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 11.11 [Successors and Assigns]), all of its interests, rights (other than existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 5.6.1 [Increased Costs Generally] or 5.8 [Taxes]) and obligations under this Agreement and the related Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment), provided that:

(i) the Borrower shall have paid to the Agent the assignment fee specified in Section 11.11 [Successors and Assigns];

(ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its portion of the Term Loan, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder and under the other Loan Documents (including any amounts under Section 5.6.5 [Indemnity]) from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts);

(iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 5.6.1 [Increased Costs Generally] or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 5.8 [Taxes], such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments thereafter; and

(iv) such assignment does not conflict with applicable Law. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment or delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply.

5.4.3. Change of Lending Office.

Each Lender agrees that prior to giving notice to any claim for increased costs, indemnification or other special payments under Section 4.4.2 [Illegality, Etc.], 5.6.1 [Increased Costs Generally] or Section 5.8 [Taxes] with respect to such Lender, it will have initiated reasonable efforts (subject to overall policy considerations of such Lender) to designate another lending office for any portion of the Term Loan affected by such event, provided that such designation is made on such terms that such Lender and its lending office suffer no economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage, with the object of avoiding the consequence of the event giving rise to the operation of such Section. Nothing in this Section 5.4.3 shall affect or postpone any of the Obligations of the Borrower or any other Loan Party or the rights of the Agent or any Lender provided in this Agreement.

5.5. [Reserved].

5.6. Additional Compensation in Certain Circumstances.

5.6.1. Increased Costs Generally.

If any Change in Law shall:

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any reserve requirement reflected in the LIBOR Rate);

(ii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (ii) through (iv) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto; or

(iii) impose on any Lender or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or portion of the Term Loan made by such Lender;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, converting to, continuing or maintaining any portion of the Term Loan, or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or any other amount) then, upon request of such Lender or other Recipient, the Borrower will pay to such Lender or other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.

5.6.2. Capital Requirements.

Without duplication, if any Change in Law affecting any Lender or any lending office of such Lender or such Lender’s holding company, if any, regarding capital or liquidity requirements has the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the portion of the Term Loan made by such Lender to a level below that which such Lender or such Lender’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy or liquidity), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Lender’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

5.6.3. Certificates for Reimbursement; Repayment of Outstanding Loans; Borrowing of New Loans.

A certificate of a Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or its holding company as specified in Section 5.6.1 [Increased Costs Generally] or 5.6.2 [Capital Requirements] and delivered to the Borrower shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof.

5.6.4. Delay in Requests.

Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s right to demand such compensation, provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender pursuant to this Section for any increased costs incurred or reductions suffered more than nine months prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s intention to claim compensation therefor (except that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the nine (9) month period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof).

5.6.5. Indemnity.

The Borrower shall indemnify each Lender against all direct liabilities, losses, costs or expenses (including any loss or expense incurred in connection with the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan, from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained or from the performance of any foreign exchange contract but excluding Taxes, which are governed by Section 5.6.1 [Increased Costs Generally] or Section 5.8 [Taxes]) which such Lender actually sustains or incurs as a consequence of any:

(a) payment, prepayment, conversion or renewal of any portion of the Term Loan to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies on a day other than the last day of the corresponding Interest Period (whether or not such payment or prepayment is mandatory, voluntary or automatic and whether or not such payment or prepayment is then due),

(b) attempt by the Borrower to revoke (expressly, by later inconsistent notices or otherwise) in whole or part any Loan Requests under Section 2.4 [Term Loan Request] or Section 4.2 [Interest Periods] or notice relating to voluntary prepayments under Section 5.4.1 [Voluntary Prepayments],

(c) default by the Borrower in the performance or observance of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, including any failure of the Borrower to pay when due (by acceleration or otherwise) any principal of or interest on the Term Loan or any other amount due hereunder, or

(d) the assignment of any portion of the Term Loan to which a LIBOR Rate Option applies, as a result of the Borrower’s exercise of its rights to replace a Lender under Section 5.4.2 [Replacement of a Lender].

If any Lender sustains or incurs any such loss or expense, it shall from time to time notify the Borrower of the amount determined in good faith by such Lender (which determination may include such assumptions, allocations of costs and expenses and averaging or attribution methods as such Lender shall deem reasonable) to be necessary to indemnify such Lender for such loss or expense. Such notice shall set forth in reasonable detail the basis for such determination. Such amount shall be due and payable by the Borrower to such Lender thirty (30) days after such notice is given.

5.7. Interbank Market Presumption.

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, for all purposes of this Agreement and each Note with respect to any aspects of the LIBOR Rate or any portion of the Term Loan under the LIBOR Rate Option, each Lender and Agent shall be presumed to have obtained rates, funding, currencies, deposits, and the like in the London interbank market regardless whether it did so or not; and, each Lender’s and the Agent’s determination of amounts payable under, and actions required or authorized by, Sections 4.4 [LIBOR Rate Unascertainable; Illegality; Increased Costs; Deposits Not Available] and 5.6 [Additional Compensation in Certain Circumstances] shall be calculated, at each Lender’s and Agent’s option, as though each Lender and Agent funded its pro rata share of each Borrowing Tranche of a portion of the Term Loan under the LIBOR Rate Option through the purchase of deposits of the types and maturities corresponding to the deposits used as a reference in accordance with the terms hereof in determining the LIBOR Rate applicable to such portion of the Term Loan, whether in fact that is the case.

5.8. Taxes.

For purposes of this Section 5.8, “applicable Law” includes FACTA. Each reference to an IRS form in this Section 5.8 shall include any successors and amendments thereto.

5.8.1. Payments Free of Taxes.

Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable Law. If any applicable Law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Official Body in accordance with applicable Law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 5.8 [Taxes]) the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

5.8.2. Payment of Other Taxes by the Loan Parties.

Without limiting the provisions of Section 5.8.1 [Payments Free of Taxes] above, the Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Official Body in accordance with applicable Law, or at the option of the Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

5.8.3. Indemnification by the Loan Parties.

The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within ten (10) days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 5.8 [Taxes]) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Official Body. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Agent), or by the Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

5.8.4. Indemnification by the Lenders.

Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Agent, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of any of the Loan Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 11.11.4 [Participations] relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register, and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Official Body. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Agent under this Section 5.8.4 [Indemnification by the Lenders].

5.8.5. Evidence of Payments.

Within thirty (30) days after the date of any such payment, by any Loan Party to an Official Body pursuant to this Section 5.8 [Taxes], such Loan Party shall deliver to the Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Official Body evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

5.8.6. Status of Lenders.

(i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable Law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 5.8.6(ii)(1), (ii)(2) and (ii)(4) below) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. Borrower,

(1) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Agent), executed originals of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;

(2) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

a. in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under any Loan Document, executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under any Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

b. executed originals of IRS Form W-8ECI;

c. in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 5.8.6(A) to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, (B) a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN; or

d. to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 5.8.6(B) or Exhibit 5.8.6(C), IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 5.8.6(D) on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;

(3) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Agent), executed originals of any other form prescribed by applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable Law to permit the Borrower or the Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made; and

(4) if a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Agent at the time or times prescribed by Law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (4), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

5.8.7. Treatment of Certain Refunds.

If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 5.8 [Taxes] (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 5.8 [Taxes]), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 5.8 [Taxes] with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party incurred in connection with obtaining such refund and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Official Body with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this Section 5.8.7 (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Official Body) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Official Body. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.8.7), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 5.8.7 the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the indemnification payments or additional amounts giving rise to such refund had never been paid. This paragraph shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

5.8.8. Survival.

Each party’s obligations under this Section 5.8 [Taxes] shall survive the resignation of the Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations.

5.9. Notes.

Upon the request of any Lender, the portion of the Term Loan made by such Lender may be evidenced by a Note in the form of Exhibit 1.1(R).

6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

6.1. Representations and Warranties.

The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, represent and warrant to the Agent and each of the Lenders as follows:

6.1.1. Organization and Qualification.

Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary that is not an Inactive Subsidiary of each Loan Party is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary that is not an Inactive Subsidiary of each Loan Party has the lawful power to own or lease its properties and to engage in the business it presently conducts or proposes to conduct. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary that is not an Inactive Subsidiary of each Loan Party is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction where the failure to be so licensed or qualified could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

6.1.2. Subsidiaries.

Schedule 6.1.2 states as of the date hereof the name of each of the Borrower’s Subsidiaries, its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation and also indicates if such Subsidiary is an Inactive Subsidiary. An “Inactive Subsidiary” is a Subsidiary that (i) does not conduct any business or have operations, (ii) does not have total assets with a net book value, as of any date of determination, in excess of $100,000, and (iii) has no liabilities, contingent or otherwise, except Indebtedness permitted by Section 8.2.1 [Indebtedness]. The Borrower and each Subsidiary of the Borrower has good and marketable title to all of the Equity Interests of its Subsidiaries it purports to own, free and clear in each case of any Lien other than Permitted Liens.

6.1.3. Power and Authority.

Each Loan Party has full power to enter into, execute, deliver and carry out this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, to incur the Indebtedness contemplated by the Loan Documents and to perform its Obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and all such actions have been duly authorized by all necessary proceedings on its part.

6.1.4. Validity and Binding Effect.

This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each Loan Party, and each other Loan Document which any Loan Party is required to execute and deliver on or after the date hereof will have been duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party on the required date of delivery of such Loan Document. This Agreement and each other Loan Document constitutes, or will constitute, legal, valid and binding obligations of each Loan Party which is or will be a party thereto on and after its date of delivery thereof, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforceability of any of such Loan Document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally or limiting the right of specific performance.

6.1.5. No Conflict.

Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents by any Loan Party nor the consummation of the transactions herein or therein contemplated or compliance with the terms and provisions hereof or thereof by any of them will conflict with, constitute a default under or result in any breach of (i) the terms and conditions of the certificate of incorporation, bylaws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or other organizational documents of any Loan Party or (ii) any Law or any material agreement or instrument or order, writ, judgment, injunction or decree to which any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of its Subsidiaries is bound or to which it is subject, or result in the creation or enforcement of any Lien, charge or encumbrance whatsoever upon any property (now or hereafter acquired) of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries (other than Liens granted under the Loan Documents).

6.1.6. Litigation.

Except as set forth in the SEC Filings, there are no actions, suits, proceedings or investigations (other than Environmental Complaints which are specifically addressed in Section 6.1.21 [Environmental Matters]) pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened against such Loan Party or any Subsidiary of such Loan Party at law or equity before any Governmental Body which individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. None of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiaries of any Loan Party is in violation of any order, writ, injunction or any decree of any Governmental Body which could reasonably be expected to result in any Material Adverse Change.

6.1.7. Title to Properties.

Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of each Loan Party has good and marketable title to or valid leasehold interest in all properties, assets and other rights which it purports to own or lease or which are reflected as owned or leased on its books and records, free and clear of all Liens (other than Environmental Complaints which are specifically addressed in Section 6.1.21 [Environmental Matters]) except Permitted Liens, and subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable leases, except where the failure to hold such properties, assets and other rights subject to such terms and conditions could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. All leases of property are in full force and effect without the necessity for any consent which has not previously been obtained upon consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby to the extent that the failure of such leases to be in full force or effect or have obtained any such consent could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

6.1.8. Historical Statements; No Material Adverse Change.

6.1.8.1. Historical Statements.

(a) The Borrower has delivered to the Agent copies of its audited consolidated year-end financial statements for and as of the end of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 (the “Audited Financial Statements”) and its unaudited management-prepared consolidated financial statements for the fiscal quarters ended December 31, 2016, March 31, 2017 and June 30, 2017 (the “Quarterly Financial Statements” and, together with the Audited Financial Statements, the “Historical Statements”).

(b) The Audited Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein; (ii) fairly present the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their consolidated results of operations for the period covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby; and (iii) show all material indebtedness and other material liabilities, direct or contingent, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof, including liabilities for taxes, material commitments and Indebtedness, required to be reflected on the Audited Financial Statements under GAAP.

(c) The Quarterly Financial Statements (i) were prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the period covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein, and (ii) fairly present the consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the date thereof and their consolidated results of operations for the period covered thereby, in each case, subject to the absence of footnotes and to normal year-end audit adjustments.

6.1.8.2. No Material Adverse Change.

Since September 30, 2016, no Material Adverse Change has occurred.

6.1.9. Use of Proceeds; Margin Stock.

6.1.9.1. General.

The Loan Parties intend to use the proceeds of the Term Loan in accordance with Sections 2.8 [Use of Proceeds] and 8.1.10 [Use of Proceeds].

6.1.9.2. Margin Stock.

None of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiaries of any Loan Party engages or intends to engage principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose, immediately, incidentally or ultimately, of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U). No part of the proceeds of the Term Loan has been or will be used, immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry any margin stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock or to refund Indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose, or for any other purpose, in each case which entails a violation of the provisions of the regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Margin stock does not, and will not, constitute, more than 25% of the value of the consolidated assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

6.1.10. Full Disclosure.

Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document, nor any certificate, statement, agreement or other documents furnished to the Agent or any Lender in connection herewith or therewith, when taken together with the information contained in the SEC Filings, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein and therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading.

6.1.11. Taxes.

All federal, state, local and other Tax returns required to have been filed with respect to each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of each Loan Party have been filed, and payment or adequate provision has been made for the payment of all Taxes which have or may become due pursuant to said returns or to assessments received, except to the extent that (i) such Taxes are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which such reserves or other appropriate provisions if any, as shall be required by GAAP, shall have been made, or (ii) the failure to so pay or so contest such Taxes could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

6.1.12. Consents and Approvals.

No consent, approval, exemption, order or authorization of, or a registration or filing with, any Official Body or any other Person is required by any Law or any agreement in connection with the execution, delivery and carrying out of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by any Loan Party, except as listed on Schedule 6.1.12, all of which shall have been obtained or made on or prior to the Closing Date except as otherwise indicated on Schedule 6.1.12.

6.1.13. No Event of Default; Compliance With Instruments.

No event has occurred and is continuing and no condition exists or will exist after giving effect to the borrowings or other extensions of credit to be made on the Closing Date under or pursuant to the Loan Documents which constitutes an Event of Default or Potential Default. None of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiaries of any Loan Party is in violation of (i) any term of its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or other organizational documents or (ii) any material agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be subject or bound where such violation could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

6.1.14. Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Licenses, Etc.

Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of each Loan Party owns or has the contractual right to use all the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses, registrations, franchises, permits and rights reasonably necessary to own and operate its properties and to carry on its business as presently conducted and planned to be conducted by such Loan Party or Subsidiary, without known possible, alleged or actual conflict with the rights of others, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change.

6.1.15. Insurance.

The Borrower is in compliance with the requirements of Section 8.1.3 [Maintenance of Insurance] in all material respects.

6.1.16. Compliance With Laws.

The Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws (other than Environmental Laws which are specifically addressed in Section 6.1.21 [Environmental Matters]) in all jurisdictions in which any Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party is presently or will be doing business except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

6.1.17. Material Contracts; Burdensome Restrictions.

All material contracts relating to the business operations of each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of any Loan Party, including all employee benefit plans and material Labor Contracts, are valid, binding and enforceable upon such Loan Party or Subsidiary and, to the best of such Loan Parties’ knowledge, each of the other parties thereto in accordance with their respective terms, except to the extent that the failure to be valid, binding and enforceable could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; and there is no material default thereunder, to the Loan Parties’ knowledge, with respect to parties other than such Loan Party or Subsidiary which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. None of the Loan Parties or their Subsidiaries is bound by any contractual obligation, or subject to any restriction in any organization document, or any requirement of Law which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

6.1.18. Investment Companies; Regulated Entities.

None of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiaries of any Loan Party is an “investment company” registered or required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or under the “control” of an “investment company” as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 and shall not become such an “investment company” or under such “control”. None of the Loan Parties is subject to any other federal or state statute or regulation limiting its ability to incur Indebtedness for borrowed money.

6.1.19. Plans and Benefit Arrangements.

(i) The Borrower and each other member of the ERISA Group are in compliance with any applicable provisions of ERISA with respect to all Benefit Arrangements, Plans, Multiple Employer Plans and Multiemployer Plans except where any instance of noncompliance could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. There has been no Prohibited Transaction with respect to any Benefit Arrangement or any Plan or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, with respect to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan, in either case which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. The Borrower and all other members of the ERISA Group have made when due any and all material payments required to be made under any agreement relating to a Multiemployer Plan or a Multiple Employer Plan or any Law pertaining thereto except for any failure that could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. With respect to each Plan and Multiple Employer Plan, the Borrower and each other member of the ERISA Group (a) have fulfilled in all material respects their obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA, (b) have not incurred any material liability to the PBGC which has not been paid in the ordinary course, and (c) have not had asserted against them any penalty for failure to fulfill the minimum funding requirements of ERISA, except for any failure under (a), (b) or (c) that could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. All Plans, Benefit Arrangements and, to the best knowledge of Borrower, Multiple Employer Plans and Multiemployer Plans have been administered in all material respects in accordance with their terms and applicable Law except for any failure that could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

(ii) No event requiring notice to the PBGC under Section 303(k)(4)(A) of ERISA has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan except for any failure that could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

(iii) Neither the Borrower nor any other member of the ERISA Group has incurred or reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability under ERISA to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. Neither the Borrower nor any other member of the ERISA Group has been notified by any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan that such Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan has been terminated within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA and, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, no Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan is reasonably expected to be reorganized or terminated, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA which, in either case, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

6.1.20. Employment Matters.

Each of the Loan Parties and each of their Subsidiaries is in compliance with the Labor Contracts and all applicable federal, state and local labor and employment Laws including those related to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, labor relations, minimum wage, overtime, child labor, medical insurance continuation, worker adjustment and relocation notices, immigration controls and worker and unemployment compensation, where the failure to comply could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. There are no outstanding grievances, arbitration awards or appeals therefrom arising out of the Labor Contracts or current or threatened strikes, picketing, handbilling or other work stoppages or slowdowns at facilities of any of the Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries which in any case could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

6.1.21. Environmental Matters.

Except as set forth in the SEC Filings, none of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiaries of any Loan Party has received any Environmental Complaint which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. There are no pending or, to any Loan Party’s knowledge, threatened Environmental Complaints relating to any Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party or any of the Properties or, to any Loan Party’s knowledge, any prior owner, operator or occupant of any of the Properties pertaining to, or arising out of, any Contamination or violations of Environmental Laws or Environmental Permits which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. The Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws in all jurisdictions in which any Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party is doing business except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. The Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries hold and are operating in compliance with Environmental Permits, except where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

6.1.22. Senior Debt Status.

The Obligations of each Loan Party under this Agreement, the Guaranty Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents to which it is a party do rank and will rank at least pari passu in priority of payment with all other Indebtedness of such Loan Party except Indebtedness of such Loan Party to the extent secured by Permitted Liens. There is no Lien upon or with respect to any of the properties or income of any Loan Party or Unregulated Subsidiary of any Loan Party which secures indebtedness or other obligations of any Person except for Permitted Liens.

6.1.23. Reserved.

6.1.24. [Reserved]

6.1.25. Anti-Terrorism Laws.

(i) No Covered Entity is a Sanctioned Person, and (ii) no Covered Entity, either in its own right or through any third party, (a) has any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law, (b) does business in or with, or derives any of its income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; or (c) engages in any dealings or transactions prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Law.

7. CONDITIONS OF LENDING

The obligation of each Lender to make the Term Loan hereunder is subject to the performance by each of the Loan Parties of its Obligations to be performed hereunder at or prior to the making of the Term Loan to the satisfaction of the following further conditions:

7.1. Conditions to the Term Loan.

On the Closing Date:

7.1.1. Officer’s Certificate.

The representations and warranties of each of the Loan Parties contained in Section 6 [Representations and Warranties] and in each of the other Loan Documents shall be true and accurate on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date (except representations and warranties which relate solely to an earlier date or time, which representations and warranties shall be true and correct on and as of the specific dates or times referred to therein), and each of the Loan Parties shall have performed and complied with all covenants and conditions hereof and thereof required to have been performed and complied with on or prior to the Closing Date, no Event of Default or Potential Default shall have occurred and be continuing or shall exist; and there shall be delivered to the Agent for the benefit of each Lender a certificate of the Borrower, dated the Closing Date and signed by the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer or other Authorized Officer of the Borrower, to each such effect.

7.1.2. Secretary’s Certificate.

There shall be delivered to the Agent for the benefit of each Lender a certificate dated the Closing Date and signed by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of each of the Loan Parties, certifying as appropriate as to:

(i) all action taken by each Loan Party in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents;

(ii) the names of the officer or officers authorized to sign this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the true signatures of such officer or officers and specifying the Authorized Officers permitted to act on behalf of each Loan Party for purposes of this Agreement and the true signatures of such officers, on which the Agent and each Lender may conclusively rely; and

(iii) copies of its organizational documents, including its certificate of incorporation, bylaws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, and limited liability company agreement as in effect on the Closing Date certified by the appropriate state official where such documents are filed in a state office together with certificates from the appropriate state officials as to the continued existence and good standing of each Loan Party in each state where organized or qualified to do business.

7.1.3. Opinion of Counsel.

There shall be delivered to the Agent for the benefit of each Lender a written opinion of (a) Troutman Sanders LLP, counsel for the Loan Parties (who may rely on the opinions of such other counsel and Certificates of the Borrower’s in-house counsel as may be reasonably acceptable to the Agent), dated the Closing Date and in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 7.1.3(A), and (b) Alexander Gonzalez, in-house counsel for the Loan Parties in his capacity as Assistant General Counsel of NJR Service Corporation, dated the Closing Date and in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 7.1.3(B).

7.1.4. Legal Details.

All legal details and proceedings in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and counsel for the Agent, and the Agent shall have received all such other counterpart originals or certified, electronic or other copies of such documents and proceedings in connection with such transactions, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent and said counsel, as the Agent or said counsel may reasonably request. The Agent shall have received this Agreement executed by the Borrower and each Lender and the Notes executed by the Borrower, to the extent requested by any Lender.

7.1.5. Loan Request.

The Agent shall have received a Loan Request duly executed by the Borrower.

7.1.6. Consents.

The material consents, if any, required to effectuate the transactions contemplated hereby as set forth on Schedule 6.1.12 shall have been obtained.

7.1.7. Officer’s Certificate Regarding MACs.

Since September 30, 2016, no Material Adverse Change shall have occurred; since that date through and including the Closing Date, there shall have been no material change in the management of any Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party; and there shall have been delivered to the Agent for the benefit of each Lender a certificate dated the Closing Date and signed by the Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer or other Authorized Officer of each Loan Party to each such effect.

7.1.8. No Violation of Laws.

The making of the Term Loan shall not contravene any Law applicable to any Loan Party or any of the Lenders.

7.1.9. No Actions or Proceedings.

No action, proceeding, investigation, regulation or legislation shall have been instituted, threatened or proposed before any court, governmental agency or legislative body to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or to obtain damages in respect of, this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or which, in the Agent’s sole discretion, would make it inadvisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

7.1.10. Delivery of Guaranty Agreement.

The Guaranty Agreement shall have been duly executed and delivered to the Agent for the benefit of the Lenders.

7.1.11. [Reserved].

7.1.12. Fees and Expenses.

The Borrower shall have paid all fees and reasonable expenses of the Agent and the Lenders required to be paid on or prior to the Closing Date which have been invoiced to Borrower at least one (1) Business Days prior to the Closing Date (including reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Agent) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, it being understood and agreed that any additional reasonable fees and disbursements of Agent’s counsel shall be billed post-closing and shall be paid promptly upon receipt of an invoice therefor.

8. COVENANTS

8.1. Affirmative Covenants.

The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, covenant and agree that until payment in full of the Term Loan and interest thereon, satisfaction of all of the Loan Parties’ other Obligations under the Loan Documents and termination of the Commitments, the Loan Parties shall comply at all times with the following affirmative covenants:

8.1.1. Preservation of Existence, Etc.

Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (a) maintain its legal existence as a corporation, partnership or limited liability company and (b) its license or qualification and good standing in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of property or the nature of its business makes such license or qualification necessary, except (i) where the lack of legal existence of any Subsidiary or the failure to be so licensed or qualified could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Change, or (ii) as otherwise expressly permitted in Section 8.2.5 [Liquidations, Mergers, Etc.].

8.1.2. Payment of Liabilities, Including Taxes, Etc.

Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, duly pay and discharge all liabilities to which it is subject or which are asserted against it, promptly as and when the same shall become due and payable, including all Taxes upon it or any of its properties, assets, income or profits, prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto, except to the extent that such liabilities or Taxes are being contested in good faith and by appropriate and lawful proceedings diligently conducted and for which such reserve or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made, but only to the extent that failure to discharge any such liabilities would not result in any additional liability which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

8.1.3. Maintenance of Insurance.

Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, insure its properties and assets against loss or damage by fire and such other insurable hazards as such assets are commonly insured (including fire, extended coverage, property damage, workers’ compensation, public liability and business interruption insurance) and against other risks (including errors and omissions) in such amounts as similar properties and assets are insured by prudent companies in similar circumstances carrying on similar businesses, and with reputable and financially sound insurers, including self-insurance to the extent customary.

8.1.4. Maintenance of Properties and Leases.

Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain in good repair, working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) in accordance with the general practice of other businesses of similar character and size, all of those properties useful or necessary to its business, and from time to time, such Loan Party will make or cause to be made all appropriate repairs, renewals or replacements thereof.

8.1.5. Maintenance of Patents, Trademarks, Etc.

Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain in full force and effect all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses, franchises, permits and other authorizations necessary for the ownership and operation of its properties and business if the failure so to maintain the same could constitute a Material Adverse Change.

8.1.6. Visitation Rights.

Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, permit any of the officers or authorized employees or representatives of the Agent or any of the Lenders to visit and inspect any of its properties and to examine and make excerpts from its books and records and discuss its business affairs, finances and accounts with its officers, all in such detail and at such times and as often as any of the Lenders may reasonably request, provided that each Lender shall provide the Borrower and the Agent with reasonable notice prior to any visit or inspection, and, except after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, any such visit or inspection shall occur during regular business hours and without material disruption to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. In the event any Lender desires to conduct an audit of any Loan Party, such Lender shall make a reasonable effort to conduct such audit contemporaneously with any audit to be performed by the Agent, and except after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, any such audit (whether by the Agent or any Lender) shall be at the sole cost and expense of the Agent or such Lender, as the case may be.

8.1.7. Keeping of Records and Books of Account.

The Borrower shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary of the Borrower to, maintain and keep proper books of record and account which enable the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to issue financial statements in accordance with GAAP and as otherwise required by applicable Laws of any Official Body having jurisdiction over the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower, and in which full, true and correct entries shall be made in all material respects of all its dealings and business and financial affairs.

8.1.8. Plans and Benefit Arrangements.

The Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries and each other member of the ERISA Group to, comply with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code and other applicable Laws applicable to Plans and Benefit Arrangements except where such failure, alone or in conjunction with any other failure, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower shall cause all of its Plans and all Plans maintained by any of its Subsidiaries and any member of the ERISA Group to be funded in accordance with the minimum funding requirements of ERISA and shall make, and cause each member of the ERISA Group to make, in a timely manner, all contributions due to Plans, Benefit Arrangements and Multiemployer Plans, except where any such failure, alone or in conjunction with any other failure, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

8.1.9. Compliance With Laws.

Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all applicable Laws, including all Environmental Laws, in all material respects, provided that it shall not be deemed to be a violation of this Section 8.1.9 if any failure to comply with any Law would not result in fines, penalties, costs associated with the performance of any Remedial Actions, other similar liabilities or injunctive relief which in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, obtain, maintain, renew and comply with all Environmental Permits applicable to their respective operations and activities, provided that it shall not be deemed to be a violation of this Section 8.1.9 if any failure to do so would not result in cease and desist orders or fines, penalties or other similar liabilities or injunctive relief which in the aggregate could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

8.1.10. Use of Proceeds.

The Loan Parties will use the proceeds of the Term Loan only for general corporate purposes of the Borrower and for working capital of the Borrower. The Loan Parties shall not use the proceeds of the Term Loan for any purposes which contravenes any applicable Law or any provision hereof.

8.1.11. Additional Financial Covenants.

In the event that the Borrower shall amend any of the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement or NJR Note Agreements, or shall enter into a new, similar agreement providing for the issuance of unsecured, privately placed notes, which include one or more financial covenants in addition to those contained in the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement or NJR Note Agreements on the date hereof, then the Borrower shall offer to the Lenders to amend this Agreement to include such additional financial covenant or financial covenants in this Agreement pursuant to an amendment to this Agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the Borrower. In such event, the Borrower promptly, upon acceptance of any offer referred to in the preceding sentence, shall execute and deliver at its expense an amendment to this Agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the Borrower evidencing the amendment of this Agreement to include such additional financial covenant or financial covenants (any such additional financial covenant so included in this Agreement being called an “Incorporated Covenant”). In the event that at any time and from time to time after the execution of such an amendment with respect to any Incorporated Covenant, the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement, the applicable NJR Note Agreement or other similar agreement shall no longer include such Incorporated Covenant, then upon notice by the Borrower to the Agent, the Agent and the Lenders shall execute and deliver to the Borrower, at the Borrower’s expense, an amendment to this Agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the Borrower evidencing the amendment of this Agreement to delete such Incorporated Covenant from this Agreement.

8.1.12. Anti-Terrorism Laws; International Trade Law Compliance.

(a) No Covered Entity will become a Sanctioned Person, (b) no Covered Entity, either in its own right or through any third party, will (A) have any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (B) do business in or with, or derive any of its income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (C) engage in any dealings or transactions prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Law or (D) use the Loans to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law, (c) the funds used to repay the Obligations will not be derived from any unlawful activity, (d) each Covered Entity shall comply with all Anti-Terrorism Laws, and (e) the Borrower shall promptly notify the Agent in writing upon the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event.

8.2. Negative Covenants.

The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, covenant and agree that until payment in full of the Term Loan and interest thereon, satisfaction of all of the Loan Parties’ other Obligations hereunder and termination of the Commitments, the Loan Parties shall comply with the following negative covenants:

8.2.1. Indebtedness.

Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Unregulated Subsidiaries to, at any time create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

(i) Indebtedness under the Loan Documents;

(ii) Existing Indebtedness as set forth on Schedule 8.2.1 including any amendments, extensions, renewals or refinancings thereof, so long as at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, the Borrower is in compliance with Section 8.2.12 [Maximum Leverage Ratio] and no Event of Default would be caused thereby;

(iii) Indebtedness of a Loan Party to another Loan Party;

(iv) Indebtedness in respect of capitalized leases (including, without limitation, capitalized leases for metered assets) not to exceed at any time outstanding in the aggregate for the Loan Parties and their Unregulated Subsidiaries $100,000,000;

(v) Indebtedness of a Loan Party arising under any Hedging Transaction;

(vi) Indebtedness, at any time outstanding not to exceed $35,000,000, secured by Liens permitted by Section 8.2.2(i);

(vii) Indebtedness, secured by Purchase Money Security Interests as permitted by clause (xi) of the definition of Permitted Liens, not to exceed at any time outstanding in the aggregate for the Loan Parties and their Unregulated Subsidiaries $20,000,000;

(viii) Indebtedness not to exceed at any time outstanding in the aggregate for the Loan Parties and their Unregulated Subsidiaries $75,000,000, so long as such Indebtedness: (a) is Indebtedness of an Acquired Person which existed prior to the consummation of the Permitted Acquisition in connection with which such Acquired Person was acquired by a Loan Party and such Indebtedness was not incurred in contemplation of or in connection with such Permitted Acquisition; and (b) if secured, is secured by Liens permitted by clause (xii) of the definition of Permitted Liens;

(ix) The NJR Notes, including any amendments, extensions, renewals or refinancings thereof, so long as at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, the Borrower is in compliance with Section 8.2.12 [Maximum Leverage Ratio] and no Event of Default would be caused thereby;

(x) Additional NJR Notes, in each case including any amendments, extensions, renewals or refinancings thereof, so long as at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, the Borrower is in compliance with Section 8.2.12 [Maximum Leverage Ratio] and no Event of Default would be caused thereby;

(xi) Indebtedness of the Project Subsidiaries;

(xii) Guaranties permitted by Section 8.2.3 [Guaranties];

(xiii) Indebtedness under the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement, including any amendments, extensions, renewals or refinancings thereof, so long as at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, the Borrower is in compliance with Section 8.2.12 [Maximum Leverage Ratio] and no Event of Default would be caused thereby; and

(xiv) Additional Indebtedness of the Loan Parties (including, but not limited to, any Guaranty of Indebtedness of Project Subsidiaries) incurred after the Closing Date, in each case including any amendments, extensions, renewals or refinancings thereof, so long as at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness, the Borrower is in compliance with Section 8.2.12 [Maximum Leverage Ratio] both before and after such incurrence and no Event of Default may be caused thereby.

8.2.2. Liens.

Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Unregulated Subsidiaries (other than Project Subsidiaries) to, at any time create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any of its property or assets, tangible or intangible, now owned or hereafter acquired, or agree or become liable to do so, except:

(i) Permitted Liens; and

(ii) Extensions or renewals of any Permitted Lien provided that the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by such Permitted Lien shall continue to be permitted by Section 8.2.1 [Indebtedness].

8.2.3. Guaranties.

Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Unregulated Subsidiaries to, at any time, directly or indirectly, become or be liable in respect of any Guaranty, or assume, guarantee, become surety for, endorse or otherwise agree, become or remain directly or contingently liable upon or with respect to any obligation or liability of any other Person, except for

(i) Guaranties of Indebtedness of the Loan Parties permitted pursuant to Section 8.2.1 [Indebtedness]; provided however, that neither Indebtedness under the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement nor the NJR Notes shall be guaranteed by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party unless such Person is also a Guarantor;

(ii) Guaranties of any Loan Party or any of its Unregulated Subsidiaries of obligations of NJR Energy Services Company arising under any Hedging Transaction;

(iii) Guaranties of any Loan Party of Indebtedness of any Project Subsidiary so long as the Indebtedness represented by such Guaranty is permitted by Section 8.2.1 (excluding clause (xi) thereof); and

(iv) Guaranties by the Borrower of various obligations of any of its Unregulated Subsidiaries in connection with any transaction arising in connection with its ordinary course of business as conducted on the Closing Date or as otherwise permitted to be conducted pursuant to Section 8.2.9 [Continuation of or Change in Business].

8.2.4. Loans and Investments.

Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Unregulated Subsidiaries to, at any time make or suffer to remain outstanding any loan or advance to, or purchase, acquire or own any stock, bonds, notes or securities of, or any partnership interest (whether general or limited) or limited liability company interest in, or any other investment or interest in, or make any capital contribution to, any other Person, or agree, become or remain liable to do any of the foregoing (any of the foregoing being an “Investment”), except:

(i) trade credit extended on usual and customary terms in the ordinary course of business;

(ii) advances to employees to meet expenses incurred by such employees in the ordinary course of business;

(iii) Permitted Investments;

(iv) loans, advances and Investments in other Loan Parties and in the Project Subsidiaries; and

(v) any Investment which constitutes a Permitted Acquisition in accordance with Section 8.2.5 [Liquidations, Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions].

8.2.5. Liquidations, Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions.

Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Unregulated Subsidiaries to, dissolve, liquidate or wind-up its affairs, or become a party to any merger or consolidation, or acquire by purchase, lease or otherwise all or substantially all of the assets or capital stock of any other Person, provided that:

(1) any Loan Party other than the Borrower may consolidate, liquidate or merge into another Loan Party which is wholly-owned by one or more of the other Loan Parties,

(2) any Inactive Subsidiary of the Borrower may dissolve, liquidate or wind-up its affairs or any Inactive Subsidiary of the Borrower may consolidate or merge into: (a) any other Inactive Subsidiary of the Borrower, or (b) any Loan Party, other than the Borrower, and

(3) any Loan Party may acquire, whether by purchase or by merger, (A) all of the ownership interests of another Person or (B) substantially all of assets of another Person or of a business or division of another Person (each a “Permitted Acquisition”), provided that each of the following requirements is met:

a. if the Loan Parties are acquiring the ownership interests in such Person, such Person (other than Project Subsidiaries) shall execute a Guarantor Joinder and join this Agreement as a Guarantor pursuant to and otherwise comply with Section 11.19 [Joinder of Guarantors] to the extent required by such Section;

b. the board of directors or other equivalent governing body of such Person shall have approved such Permitted Acquisition and, if the Loan Parties shall use any portion of the Loans to fund such Permitted Acquisition, the Loan Parties also shall have delivered to the Lenders written evidence of the approval of the board of directors (or equivalent body) of such Person for such Permitted Acquisition;

c. the business acquired, or the business conducted by the Person whose ownership interests are being acquired, as applicable, shall be substantially the same as one or more line or lines of business conducted by the Loan Parties or otherwise be compliant with Section 8.2.9 [Continuation of or Change in Business];

d. no Potential Default or Event of Default shall exist immediately prior to and after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition;

e. the Borrower shall be in compliance with the covenants contained in Section 8.2.12 [Maximum Leverage Ratio] after giving effect to such Permitted Acquisition on a pro forma basis and, if the total consideration of such Permitted Acquisition exceeds an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the consolidated assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, by delivering at least five (5) Business Days prior to such Permitted Acquisition a certificate in the form of Exhibit 8.2.5 (the “Acquisition Compliance Certificate”) evidencing such compliance; and

f. if the total consideration of such Permitted Acquisition exceeds five percent (5%) of the consolidated assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, the Loan Parties shall deliver to the Agent as soon as available prior to (if practicable), or in any event within five (5) Business Days after, the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition copies of any agreements entered into or proposed to be entered into by such Loan Parties in connection with such Permitted Acquisition and shall deliver to the Agent, as soon as available, such other information about such Person or its assets as the Agent or any Lender may reasonably require.

8.2.6. Dispositions of Assets or Unregulated Subsidiaries.

Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Unregulated Subsidiaries to, sell, convey, assign, lease, abandon or otherwise transfer or dispose of, voluntarily or involuntarily, any of its properties or assets, tangible or intangible (including sale, assignment, discount or other disposition of accounts, contract rights, chattel paper, equipment or general intangibles with or without recourse or of capital stock, shares of beneficial interest, partnership interests or limited liability company interests of an Unregulated Subsidiary of such Loan Party), except:

(i) transactions involving the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business;

(ii) any sale, transfer or lease of assets in the ordinary course of business which are no longer necessary or required in the conduct of such Loan Party’s or such Unregulated Subsidiary’s business;

(iii) any sale, transfer or lease of assets by any Unregulated Subsidiary of such Loan Party to another Unregulated Subsidiary or to a Loan Party and any sale, transfer or lease of assets by any Loan Party to any other Loan Party;

(iv) any sale, transfer or lease of assets in the ordinary course of business which are replaced by substitute assets acquired or leased;

(v) the issuance of shares of capital stock of the Borrower, and the issuance of shares of capital stock of (a) any direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Borrower to the Borrower or (b) any Loan Party to another Loan Party;

(vi) any sale, transfer or lease of assets or capital stock of any Inactive Subsidiary of the Borrower;

(vii) any sale, transfer or lease of assets or capital stock of any Project Subsidiary;

(viii) any sale/leaseback or other similar tax equity financing arrangement of meter assets or of solar or wind facilities; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness incurred in sale/leasebacks of solar or wind facilities does not exceed $100,000,000 at any one time outstanding; and

(ix) any sale, transfer or lease of assets, other than those specifically excepted pursuant to clauses (i) through (viii) above, by any Loan Party or any Unregulated Subsidiary of a Loan Party, provided that (i) at the time of any disposition, no Event of Default shall exist or shall result from such disposition, and (ii) the aggregate net book value of all assets so sold by the Loan Parties and their Unregulated Subsidiaries shall not exceed in any twelve (12) consecutive month period ten percent (10%) of the consolidated assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

8.2.7. Affiliate Transactions.

Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Unregulated Subsidiaries to, enter into or carry out any transaction (including purchasing property or services from or selling property or services to any Affiliate of any Loan Party or other Person) with any Affiliate of Borrower or any Loan Party unless such transaction is not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement, is entered into in the ordinary course of business upon fair and reasonable arm’s-length terms and conditions and is in accordance with all applicable Law other than (a) payment of reasonable compensation (including reasonable bonus and other reasonable incentive arrangements) to officers and employees; (b) reasonable directors’ fees; (c) Restricted Payments permitted pursuant to Section 8.2.13; (d) reimbursement of employee travel and lodging costs and other business expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business; (e) Investments permitted by Sections 8.2.4; (f) transactions with any Person that is an Affiliate solely by reason of the ownership by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of equity interests of such Person; and (g) Indebtedness permitted by Section 8.2.1.

8.2.8. Subsidiaries, Partnerships and Joint Ventures.

Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Unregulated Subsidiaries to, own or create directly or indirectly any Subsidiaries other than (i) any Subsidiary which is a Regulated Entity, (ii) any Subsidiary which is an Inactive Subsidiary of the Borrower, (iii) Conserve to Preserve Foundation, a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey, (iv) any Subsidiary which has joined this Agreement as Guarantor on the Closing Date, (v) any Project Subsidiary, and (vi) any Subsidiary formed after the Closing Date which joins this Agreement as a Guarantor pursuant to Section 11.19 [Joinder of Guarantors] or which is not required by Section 11.19 to become a Guarantor. Each of the Loan Parties shall not become or agree to (1) become a general or limited partner in any general or limited partnership, except that the Loan Parties may be general or limited partners in other Loan Parties, (2) become a member or manager of, or hold a limited liability company interest in, a limited liability company, except that the Loan Parties may be members or managers of, or hold limited liability company interests in, other Loan Parties, or (3) become a joint venturer or hold a joint venture interest in any joint venture, except in each case in respect of business permitted by Section 8.2.9.

8.2.9. Continuation of or Change in Business.

Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Unregulated Subsidiaries to, engage in any business other than the sale, generation, transmission or storage of energy, the provision of energy related services, any other business conducted and operated by such Loan Party or Unregulated Subsidiary during the present fiscal year, and any line of business or business activity related, ancillary or complementary to any of the foregoing.

8.2.10. Plans and Benefit Arrangements.

Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in a Prohibited Transaction with any Plan, Benefit Arrangement, Multiple Employer Plan or Multiemployer Plan which, alone or in conjunction with any other circumstances or set of circumstances, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

8.2.11. Fiscal Year.

The Borrower shall not, and shall not permit any Unregulated Subsidiary (other than Project Subsidiaries) of the Borrower to, change its fiscal year from the twelve-month period beginning October 1 and ending September 30 without the prior consent of the Agent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

8.2.12. Maximum Leverage Ratio.

The Loan Parties shall not at any time permit the ratio of Consolidated Total Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to Consolidated Total Capitalization to exceed 0.65 to 1.00.

8.2.13. Payment of Dividends; Redemptions.

The Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any Unregulated Subsidiary to, declare or make any dividend payment or other distribution of assets, properties, cash, rights, obligations or securities on account of any shares of any class of capital stock of any Loan Party, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for value (or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so) any shares of any class of capital stock or other securities of any Loan Party or any warrants, rights or options to acquire any such shares or other securities, now or hereafter outstanding, except that (a) the Borrower may (i) declare and make any dividend payment or other distribution payable in common stock of the Borrower, (ii) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire shares of its common stock or warrants, rights or options to acquire any such shares so long as no Event of Default or Potential Default shall have occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, and (iii) declare and make cash dividends, so long as, after giving effect thereto, no Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing, and (b) that (i) any Unregulated Subsidiary of the Borrower may declare and make any dividend payment or other distribution to the Borrower or to any other Loan Party, (ii) any Loan Party may declare and make any dividend payment or other distribution to any other Loan Party and (iii) any Project Subsidiary may declare and make any dividend payment or other distribution to any Person.

8.2.14. Off-Balance Sheet Financing.

Each Loan Party and each Unregulated Subsidiary of each Loan Party shall not engage in any off-balance sheet transaction (i.e., the liabilities in respect of which do not appear on the liability side of the balance sheet, with such balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP) providing the functional equivalent of borrowed money (including asset securitizations, sale/leasebacks or Synthetic Leases (other than any sale/leaseback transaction, Synthetic Lease or other similar tax equity financing arrangement entered into, in any case, with respect to meter assets or solar or wind facilities and which transaction is otherwise permitted by this Agreement)) with liabilities in excess, in the aggregate for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of any date of determination, of ten percent (10%) of the total assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, determined and consolidated in accordance with GAAP as of the date of determination. For purposes of this Section 8.2.14, (a) “Synthetic Lease” shall mean any lease transaction under which the parties intend that (i) the lease will be treated as an “operating lease” by the lessee pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, as amended, or appropriate successor thereto, and (ii) the lessee will be entitled to various tax benefits ordinarily available to owners (as opposed to lessees) of like property and (b) the amount of any lease which is not a capital lease in accordance with GAAP is the aggregate amount of minimum lease payments due pursuant to such lease for any non-cancelable portion of its term.

8.3. Reporting Requirements.

The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, covenant and agree that until payment in full of the Loans and interest thereon, satisfaction of all of the Loan Parties’ other Obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and termination of the Commitments, the Loan Parties will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Agent and each of the Lenders:

8.3.1. Quarterly Financial Statements.

As soon as available and in any event within forty-five (45) calendar days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters in each fiscal year (or such earlier or later date, from time to time established by the SEC in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or within fifty (50) days in the event the Borrower shall file its Form 10-Q within the extension period pursuant to Rule 12b-25 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), financial statements of the Borrower, consisting of a consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal quarter and related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal quarter then ended and the fiscal year through that date, all in reasonable detail and certified (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments) by the Chief Executive Officer, President or Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, and setting forth in comparative form the respective financial statements for the corresponding date and period in the previous fiscal year. The Loan Parties will be deemed to have complied with the delivery requirements of this Section 8.3.1 if within forty-five (45) days after the end of their fiscal quarter (or such earlier or later date, from time to time established by the SEC in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or within fifty (50) days in the event the Borrower shall file its Form 10-Q within the extension period pursuant to Rule 12b-25 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2017), the Borrower delivers to the Agent and each of the Lenders a copy of its Form 10-Q as filed with the SEC and the financial statements contained therein meets the requirements described in this Section.

8.3.2. Annual Financial Statements.

As soon as available and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower (or such earlier or later date, from time to time established by the SEC in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or within one hundred five (105) days in the event the Borrower shall file its Annual Report on Form 10-K within the extension period pursuant to Rule 12b-25 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), financial statements of the Borrower consisting of a consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal year, and related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended, all in reasonable detail and setting forth in comparative form the financial statements as of the end of and for the preceding fiscal year, and certified by independent certified public accountants of nationally recognized standing satisfactory to the Agent. The certificate or report of accountants shall be free of qualifications (other than any consistency qualification that may result from a change in the method used to prepare the financial statements as to which such accountants concur) and shall not indicate the occurrence or existence of any event, condition or contingency which would materially impair the prospect of payment or performance of any covenant, agreement or duty of any Loan Party under any of the Loan Documents. The Loan Parties will be deemed to have complied with the delivery requirements of this Section 8.3.2 if within ninety (90) days (or one hundred five (105) days, if applicable) after the end of their fiscal year (or such earlier or later date, from time to time established by the SEC in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), the Borrower delivers to the Agent and each of the Lenders a copy of its Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC and the financial statements and certification of public accountants contained therein meets the requirements described in this Section.

8.3.3. Certificate of the Borrower.

Concurrently with the financial statements of the Borrower furnished to the Agent and to the Lenders pursuant to Sections 8.3.1 [Quarterly Financial Statements] and 8.3.2 [Annual Financial Statements], a certificate (each a “Compliance Certificate”) of the Borrower signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit 8.3.3.

8.3.4. Notice of Default.

Promptly after any Authorized Officer (or other executive officer) of any Loan Party has learned of the occurrence of an Event of Default or Potential Default, a certificate signed by the Chief Executive Officer, President or Chief Financial Officer of such Loan Party setting forth the details of such Event of Default or Potential Default and the action which the such Loan Party proposes to take with respect thereto.

8.3.5. Notice of Litigation.

Promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of (i) all actions, suits, proceedings or investigations before or by any Governmental Body or any other Person against any Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party, involve a claim or series of claims in excess of $15,000,000 or, (ii) any Environmental Complaint, individually or in the aggregate exceed $15,000,000, and in either case which if adversely determined could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

8.3.6. Notice of Change in Debt Rating.

Within five (5) Business Days after Standard & Poor’s or Moody’s announces a change in the Debt Rating of New Jersey Natural Gas, notice of such change. The Borrower will deliver, together with such notice, a copy of any written notification which Borrower or New Jersey Natural Gas received from the applicable rating agency regarding such change of Debt Rating.

8.3.7. Sale of Assets.

At least thirty (30) calendar days prior thereto, notice with respect to any proposed sale or transfer of assets pursuant to Section 8.2.6(ix) where the consideration for such sale or transfer of assets is in excess of $10,000,000.

8.3.8. Budgets, Forecasts, Other Reports and Information.

Promptly upon their becoming available to the Borrower:

(i) any reports, notices or proxy statements generally distributed by the Borrower to its stockholders on a date no later than the date supplied to such stockholders,

(ii) regular or periodic reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, registration statements and prospectuses, filed by the Borrower with the SEC,

(iii) to the extent not previously reported in regular or periodic reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, registration statements and prospectuses, filed by the Borrower with the SEC, the Borrower shall notify the Lenders promptly of the enactment or adoption of any Law which may result in a Material Adverse Change,

(iv) to the extent requested by the Agent or any Lender, the annual budget and any forecasts or projections of the Loan Parties, and

(v) with respect to the Hedging Transaction activities of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, to the extent not previously reported in regular or periodic reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, registration statements and prospectuses, filed by the Borrower with the SEC, such other reports and information as any of the Lenders may from time to time reasonably request.

8.3.9. Notices Regarding Plans and Benefit Arrangements.

8.3.9.1. Certain Events.

Promptly upon becoming aware of the occurrence thereof, notice (including the nature of the event and, when known, any action taken or threatened by the Internal Revenue Service or the PBGC with respect thereto) of:

(i) any Reportable Event with respect to the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group, which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change,

(ii) any Prohibited Transaction which could subject the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group to a civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 502(i) of ERISA or a tax imposed by Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with any Plan, any Benefit Arrangement or any trust created thereunder which penalty or tax could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change,

(iii) any assertion of material withdrawal liability with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change,

(iv) any partial or complete withdrawal from a Multiemployer Plan by the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group under Title IV of ERISA (or assertion thereof), which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change,

(v) any cessation of operations (by the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group) at a facility in the circumstances described in Section 4062(e) of ERISA, which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change,

(vi) withdrawal by the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group from a Multiple Employer Plan, which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change,

(vii) a failure by the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group to make a payment to a Plan required to avoid imposition of a Lien under Section 303(k) of ERISA,

(viii) the adoption of an amendment to a Plan requiring the provision of security to such Plan pursuant to Section 307 of ERISA, or

(ix) any change in the actuarial assumptions or funding methods used for any Plan, where the effect of such change is to materially increase or materially reduce the unfunded benefit liability or obligation to make periodic contributions, except for any such change required under applicable Law.

8.3.9.2. Notices of Involuntary Termination and Annual Reports.

Promptly after receipt thereof, copies of (a) all notices received by the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group of the PBGC’s intent to terminate any Plan administered or maintained by the Borrower or any member of the ERISA Group, or to have a trustee appointed to administer any such Plan; and (b) at the request of the Agent or any Lender each annual report (IRS Form 5500 series) and all accompanying schedules, the most recent actuarial reports, the most recent financial information concerning the financial status of each Plan administered or maintained by the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group, and schedules showing the amounts contributed to each such Plan by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group in which any of their personnel participate or from which such personnel may derive a benefit, and each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report filed by the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group with the Internal Revenue Service with respect to each such Plan.

8.3.9.3. Notice of Voluntary Termination.

Promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of any Form 5310, or any successor or equivalent form to Form 5310, filed with the PBGC in connection with the termination of any Plan.

8.3.10. Other Information.

Such additional information as may be reasonably requested in writing by the Agent.

8.3.11. Electronic Delivery.

Documents required to be delivered pursuant to this Section 8.3 (other than notices required to be delivered pursuant to Section 8.3.4) shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Borrower’s website on the Internet; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website, if any, to which each Lender and the Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Agent), provided, that, in each case the Borrower shall promptly notify the Agent that such documents have been so posted.

9. DEFAULT

9.1. Events of Default.

An Event of Default shall mean the occurrence or existence of any one or more of the following events or conditions (whatever the reason therefor and whether voluntary, involuntary or effected by operation of Law):

9.1.1. Payments Under Loan Documents.

The Borrower shall fail to pay (i) any principal of the Term Loan (including scheduled installments, mandatory prepayments or the payment due at maturity) when such principal is due hereunder or (ii) any interest on the Term Loan or any other amount owing hereunder or under the other Loan Documents within three (3) Business Days after such interest, fee, or other amount becomes due in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof;

9.1.2. Breach of Warranty.

Any representation or warranty made at any time by any of the Loan Parties herein or by any of the Loan Parties in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, other instrument or statement furnished pursuant to the provisions hereof or thereof, shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect as of the time it was made or furnished;

9.1.3. Anti-Terrorism Laws.

Any representation or warranty contained in Section 6.1.25 [Anti-Terrorism Laws] is or becomes false or misleading at any time;

9.1.4. Breach of Negative Covenants, Visitation Rights or Borrower’s Existence.

Any of the Loan Parties shall default in the observance or performance of any covenant contained in Section 8.1.6 [Visitation Rights], Section 8.1.12 [Anti-Terrorism Laws; Informational Trade Compliance] or Section 8.2 [Negative Covenants];

9.1.5. Breach of Other Covenants.

Any of the Loan Parties shall default in the observance or performance of any other covenant, condition or provision hereof or of any other Loan Document and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after any Authorized Officer (or other executive officer) of any Loan Party becomes aware of the occurrence thereof (such grace period to be applicable only in the event such default can be remedied by corrective action of the Loan Parties as determined by the Agent in its reasonable discretion);

9.1.6. Defaults in Other Agreements or Indebtedness.

(i) A default or event of default shall occur at any time under the terms of any other agreement involving borrowed money or the extension of credit or any other Indebtedness under which any Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party may be obligated as a borrower or guarantor in excess of $15,000,000 in the aggregate, and such breach, default or event of default consists of the failure to pay (beyond any period of grace permitted with respect thereto, whether waived or not) any indebtedness when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) or if such breach or default permits or causes the acceleration of any indebtedness (whether or not such right shall have been waived) or the termination of any commitment to lend;

(ii) There shall occur under the NJNG Credit Agreement or the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement an “Event of Default” (as such term is defined in the NJNG Credit Agreement or the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement, respectively);

(iii) A default or event of default shall occur at any time under the terms of any agreement involving any off balance sheet transaction (including any asset securitization, sale/leaseback transaction, or Synthetic Lease (other than any sale/leaseback transaction, Synthetic Lease or other similar tax equity financing arrangement entered into, in any case, with respect to meter assets or solar or wind facilities and which transaction is otherwise permitted by this Agreement)) with obligations in the aggregate thereunder for which any Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party may be obligated in excess of $15,000,000, and such breach, default or event of default consists of the failure to pay (beyond any period of grace permitted with respect thereto, whether waived or not) any obligation when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) or if such breach or default permits or causes the acceleration of any obligation (whether or not such right shall have been waived) or the termination of any such agreement;

9.1.7. Final Judgments or Orders.

Any final judgments or orders for the payment of money in excess of $15,000,000 in the aggregate, to the extent not covered by insurance, shall be entered against any Loan Party by a court having jurisdiction in the premises, which judgment is not discharged, vacated, bonded or stayed pending appeal within a period of thirty (30) days from the date of entry;

9.1.8. Loan Document Unenforceable.

Any of the Loan Documents shall cease to be legal, valid and binding agreements enforceable against the party executing the same or such party’s successors and assigns (as permitted under the Loan Documents) in accordance with the respective terms thereof or shall in any way be terminated (except in accordance with its terms) or become or be declared ineffective or inoperative or shall in any way be challenged or contested or cease to give or provide the respective rights, titles, interests, remedies, powers or privileges intended to be created thereby;

9.1.9. Uninsured Losses; Proceedings Against Assets.

The assets of any Loan Party are attached, seized, levied upon or subjected to a writ or distress warrant; or such come within the possession of any receiver, trustee, custodian or assignee for the benefit of creditors and the same is not cured within thirty (30) days thereafter or otherwise fully bonded or covered by insurance (subject to reasonable and customary deductible amounts);

9.1.10. Notice of Lien or Assessment.

A notice of Lien or assessment in excess of $15,000,000 which is not a Permitted Lien or Environmental Complaint in excess of $15,000,000 is filed of record with respect to all or any part of any of the Loan Parties’ or any of their Subsidiaries’ assets by the United States, or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof, or by any state, county, municipal or other governmental agency, including the PBGC, or any taxes or debts owing at any time or times hereafter to any one of these becomes payable and the same is not paid, otherwise vacated, bonded or discharged within thirty (30) days after the same becomes payable;

9.1.11. Insolvency.

Any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary of a Loan Party ceases to be Solvent or admits in writing to a creditor or Governmental Body its inability to pay its debts as they mature;

9.1.12. Events Relating to Plans and Benefit Arrangements.

Any of the following occurs: (a) any Reportable Event; (b) proceedings shall have been instituted or other action taken to terminate any Plan in a distress termination; (c) a trustee shall be appointed by the PBGC to administer or liquidate any Plan; (d) the PBGC shall give notice of its intent to institute proceedings to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer or liquidate any Plan; and, in the case of the occurrence of (a), (b), (c) or (d) above, which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change; (e) the Borrower or any member of the ERISA Group shall fail to make any contributions when due to a Plan or a Multiemployer Plan; (f) the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group shall withdraw completely or partially from a Multiemployer Plan; (g) the Borrower or any other member of the ERISA Group shall withdraw (or shall be deemed under Section 4062(e) of ERISA to withdraw) from a Multiple Employer Plan; or (h) any applicable Law is adopted, changed or interpreted by any Official Body with respect to or otherwise affecting one or more Plans, Multiple Employer Plans Multiemployer Plans or Benefit Arrangements and, in each case, such occurrence could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change;

9.1.13. Cessation of Business.

Any Loan Party or a Significant Subsidiary of a Loan Party ceases to conduct its business as contemplated, except as expressly permitted under Section 8.2.5 [Liquidations, Mergers, Etc.], Section 8.2.6 [Disposition of Assets or Unregulated Subsidiaries] or Section 8.2.9 [Continuation of or Change of Business] or any Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party is enjoined, restrained or in any way prevented by court order from conducting all or any material part of its business and such injunction, restraint or other preventive order is not dismissed within thirty (30) days after the entry thereof;

9.1.14. Change of Control.

(i) Any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Sections 13(d) or 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) shall have acquired beneficial ownership of (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the SEC under said Act) 25% or more of the voting capital stock of the Borrower (provided that, for purposes of calculating the acquisition of beneficial ownership, any transfer of voting stock of the Borrower by any Person or group of Persons to a Permitted Transferee shall be deemed not to constitute a conveyance and acquisition of such stock), or (ii) Borrower shall cease to own 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of New Jersey Natural Gas; or (iii) except as permitted by Section 8.2.6, Borrower shall cease to own 51% or more of the issued and outstanding equity interests in any other Loan Party;

9.1.15. Involuntary Proceedings.

A proceeding shall have been instituted in a court having jurisdiction in the premises seeking a decree or order for relief in respect of any Loan Party or Significant Subsidiary of a Loan Party in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator, conservator (or similar official) of any Loan Party or Significant Subsidiary of a Loan Party for any substantial part of its property, or for the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs, and such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed and in effect for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days or such court shall enter a decree or order granting any of the relief sought in such proceeding; or

9.1.16. Voluntary Proceedings.

Any Loan Party or Significant Subsidiary of a Loan Party shall commence a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, shall consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or shall consent to the appointment or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator, conservator (or other similar official) of itself or for any substantial part of its property or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become due, or shall take any action in furtherance of any of the foregoing.

9.1.17. No Limitation on Dividends and Distributions by Subsidiaries.

Any Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party (including, without limitation, New Jersey Natural Gas) enters into or otherwise agrees to be bound by any agreement not to pay dividends or make distributions to the Borrower, except for the restrictions that are no more onerous than the restrictions set forth in this Agreement and the restrictions set forth in the Mortgage Indenture, in each case as such restrictions exist as of the Closing Date.

9.2. Consequences of Event of Default.

9.2.1. Events of Default Other Than Bankruptcy, Insolvency or Reorganization Proceedings.

If an Event of Default specified under Sections 9.1.1 [Payments Under Loan Documents] through 9.1.13 [Change of Control] or Section 9.1.16 [No Limitation on Dividends and Distributions by Subsidiaries] shall occur and be continuing, the Lenders and the Agent shall be under no further obligation to make the Term Loan and the Agent may, and upon the request of the Required Lenders shall, by written notice to the Borrower, take one or more of the following actions: (i) terminate the Commitments and thereupon the Commitments shall be terminated and of no further force and effect or (ii) declare the unpaid principal amount of the Notes and the Term Loan then outstanding and all interest accrued thereon, any unpaid fees and all other Indebtedness of the Borrower to the Lenders hereunder and thereunder to be forthwith due and payable, and the same shall thereupon become and be immediately due and payable to the Agent for the benefit of each Lender without presentment, demand, protest or any other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived. Upon the curing of all existing Events of Default to the satisfaction of the Required Lenders, the Agent shall return such cash collateral to the Borrower; and

9.2.2. Bankruptcy, Insolvency or Reorganization Proceedings.

If an Event of Default specified under Section 9.1.14 [Involuntary Proceedings] or 9.1.15 [Voluntary Proceedings] shall occur, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and be of no further force and effect, the Agent and the Lenders shall be under no further obligations to make the Term Loan and the unpaid principal amount of the Term Loan then outstanding and all interest accrued thereon, any unpaid fees and all other Indebtedness of the Borrower to the Lenders hereunder and thereunder shall be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived; and

9.2.3. Set-off.

If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, any Lender to whom any Obligation is owed by any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any participant of such Lender which has agreed in writing to be bound by the provisions of Section 5.2.1 [Sharing of Payments by Lenders] and any branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate of such Lender or participant anywhere in the world shall have the right, in addition to all other rights and remedies available to it, without notice to such Loan Party, to set-off against and apply to the then unpaid balance of all the Loans and all other Obligations of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties hereunder or under any other Loan Document any debt owing to, and any other funds held in any manner for the account of, the Borrower or such other Loan Party by such Lender or participant or by such branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate, including all funds in all deposit accounts (whether time or demand, general or special, provisionally credited or finally credited, or otherwise) now or hereafter maintained by the Borrower or such other Loan Party for its own account (but not including funds held in custodian or trust accounts) with such Lender or participant or such branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate. Such right shall exist whether or not any Lender or the Agent shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, whether or not such debt owing to or funds held for the account of the Borrower or such other Loan Party is or are matured or unmatured and regardless of the existence or adequacy of any Guaranty or any other security, right or remedy available to any Lender or the Agent; and

9.2.4. Suits, Actions, Proceedings.

If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, and whether or not the Agent shall have accelerated the maturity of the Term Loan pursuant to any of the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.2 [Consequences of Event of Default], the Agent or any Lender, if owed any amount with respect to the Term Loan, may proceed to protect and enforce its rights by suit in equity, action at law and/or other appropriate proceeding, whether for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; and

9.2.5. Application of Proceeds; Collateral Sharing.

9.2.5.1. Application of Proceeds.

From and after the date on which the Agent has taken any action pursuant to this Section 9.2 and until all Obligations of the Loan Parties have been paid in full, any and all proceeds received by the Agent from the exercise of any remedy by the Agent, shall be applied as follows:

(i) first, to reimburse the Agent and the Lenders for out-of-pocket costs, expenses and disbursements, including reasonable attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees and legal expenses, incurred by the Agent or the Lenders in connection with collection of any Obligations of any of the Loan Parties under any of the Loan Documents;

(ii) second, to the repayment of all Obligations then due and unpaid of the Loan Parties to the Lenders under this Agreement in respect of interest in such manner as the Agent may determine in its discretion; and

(iii) third, to the repayment of all Obligations then due and unpaid of the Loan Parties to the Lenders incurred under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, or under any Lender Provided Interest Rate Hedge or Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product or otherwise, whether of principal, interest, fees, expenses or otherwise (in each case to the extent not covered by the preceding provisions of this subsection), in such manner as the Agent may determine in its discretion; and

(iv) the balance, if any, as required by Law.

9.2.5.2. Collateral Sharing.

All Liens granted under each Loan Document (the “Collateral Documents”) shall secure ratably and on a pari passu basis (i) the Obligations in favor of the Agent and the Lenders hereunder and (ii) the Obligations incurred by any of the Loan Parties in favor of any Lender and any Lender’s Affiliates which provides a Lender Provided Interest Rate Hedge or Other Lender Provided Financial Service Product (the “IRH Provider”). The Agent under the Collateral Documents shall be deemed to serve as the collateral agent (the “Collateral Agent”) for the IRH Provider and the Lenders hereunder, provided that the Collateral Agent shall comply with the instructions and directions of the Agent (or the Lenders under this Agreement to the extent that this Agreement or any other Loan Documents empowers the Lenders to direct the Agent), as to all matters relating to the collateral, including the maintenance and disposition thereof. No IRH Provider (except in its capacity as a Lender hereunder) shall be entitled or have the power to direct or instruct the Collateral Agent on any such matters or to control or direct in any manner the maintenance or disposition of the collateral.

9.2.6. Other Rights and Remedies.

In addition to all of the rights and remedies contained in this Agreement or in any of the other Loan Documents, the Agent shall have all of the rights and remedies under applicable Law, all of which rights and remedies shall be cumulative and non-exclusive, to the extent permitted by Law. The Agent may, and upon the request of the Required Lenders shall, exercise all post-default rights granted to the Agent and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or applicable Law.

10. THE AGENT

10.1. Appointment and Authority.

Each of the Lenders hereby irrevocably appoints U.S. Bank National Association to act on its behalf as the Agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and authorizes the Agent to take such actions on its behalf and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof or thereof, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The provisions of this Section 10 [The Agent] are solely for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, and neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third party beneficiary of any of such provisions.

10.2. Rights as a Lender.

The Person serving as the Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Agent and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, include the Person serving as the Agent hereunder in its individual capacity. Such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

10.3. Exculpatory Provisions.

The Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agent and each Lender:

(a) shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Potential Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;

(b) shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents); provided that the Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable Law; and

(c) shall not, except as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as the Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.

The Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Agent shall believe in good faith shall be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in Sections 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers] and 9.2 [Consequences of Event of Default]) or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment. The Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Potential Default or Event of Default unless and until notice describing such Potential Default or Event of Default is given to the Agent by the Borrower or a Lender.

The Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth herein or therein or the occurrence of any Potential Default or Event of Default, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Section 7 [Conditions of Lending] or elsewhere herein, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Agent.

10.4. Reliance by Agent.

The Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person. The Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to have been made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon. In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of the Term Loan that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender, the Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender unless the Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender prior to the making of the Term Loan. The Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

10.5. Delegation of Duties.

The Agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub agents appointed by the Agent. The Agent and any such sub agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Section 10.5 shall apply to any such sub agent and to the Related Parties of the Agent and any such sub agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Agent.

10.6. Resignation of Agent.

The Agent may at any time give notice of its resignation as Agent to the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, with approval from the Borrower (so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), to appoint a successor, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If no such successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and so approved by the Borrower (as applicable) and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Agent may on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Agent meeting the qualifications set forth above; provided that if the Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that no qualifying Person has accepted such appointment, then such resignation shall nonetheless become effective in accordance with such notice and (a) the retiring Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents and (b) all payments, communications and determinations provided to be made by, to or through the Agent shall instead be made by or to each Lender directly, until such time as the Required Lenders appoint a successor Agent as provided for above in this Section. Upon the acceptance of a successor’s appointment as Agent hereunder, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all of the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring (or retired) Agent, and the retiring Agent shall be discharged from all of its duties and obligations hereunder or under the other Loan Documents (if not already discharged therefrom as provided above in this Section). The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor. After the retiring Agent’s resignation hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the provisions of this Section 10.6 and Section 11.3 [Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver] shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Agent, its sub agents and their respective Related Parties, in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Agent was acting as Agent.

10.7. Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders.

Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that the extensions of credit made hereunder are commercial loans and not investments in a business enterprise or securities. Each Lender further represents that it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans in the ordinary course of its business and has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold a portion of the Term Loan hereunder. Each Lender shall, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other Lender or any of their Related Parties and based on such documents and information (which may contain material, non-public information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Borrower and its Affiliates) as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder in deciding whether or to the extent to which it will continue as a Lender or assign or otherwise transfer its rights, interests and obligations hereunder.

10.8. [Reserved].

10.9. [Reserved].

10.10. [Reserved].

10.11. Calculations.

In the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final, nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, the Agent shall not be liable for any error in computing the amount payable to any Lender whether in respect of the Loans, fees or any other amounts due to the Lenders under this Agreement. In the event an error in computing any amount payable to any Lender is made, the Agent, the Borrower and each affected Lender shall, forthwith upon discovery of such error, make such adjustments as shall be required to correct such error, and any compensation therefor will be calculated at the Federal Funds Effective Rate.

10.12. Beneficiaries.

Except as expressly provided herein, the provisions of this Section 10 [The Agent] are solely for the benefit of the Agent and the Lenders, and the Borrower shall not have any rights to rely on or enforce any of the provisions of this Section 10 [The Agent]. In performing its functions and duties under this Agreement, the Agent shall act solely as agent of the Lenders and does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation toward or relationship of agency or trust with or for the Borrower.

11. MISCELLANEOUS

11.1. Modifications, Amendments or Waivers.

With the written consent of the Required Lenders, the Agent, acting on behalf of all the Lenders, and the Borrower, on behalf of the Loan Parties, may from time to time enter into written agreements amending or changing any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the rights of the Lenders or the Loan Parties hereunder or thereunder, or may grant written waivers or consents to a departure from the due performance of the Obligations of the Loan Parties hereunder or thereunder. Any such agreement, waiver or consent made with such written consent shall be effective to bind all the Lenders and the Loan Parties; provided, that, no such agreement, waiver or consent may be made which will:

11.1.1. Increase of Commitments; Extension of Maturity Date.

Increase the amount of the Commitment of any Lender hereunder without the consent of such Lender; or extend the Maturity Date, in each case, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

11.1.2. Extension of Payment; Reduction of Principal, Interest or Fees; Modification of Terms of Payment.

Extend the time for payment of principal of or interest on the Term Loan or any fee payable to any Lender; or reduce the principal amount of or the rate of interest borne by the Term Loan or reduce any fee payable to any Lender, or otherwise affect the terms of payment of the principal of or interest on the Term Loan or any fee payable to any Lender which has a Commitment, in each case, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;

11.1.3. Release of Guarantor.

Without the written consent of all Lenders (other than Defaulting Lenders), release any Guarantor from its Obligations under the Guaranty Agreement or any other security for any of the Loan Parties’ Obligations other than in connection with the disposition permitted by Section 8.2.6; provided, however, that the Agent shall, at the request of the Borrower, release any Guarantor which is not required by Section 11.19 to be a Guarantor.

11.1.4. Miscellaneous.

Without the written consent of all Lenders (other than Defaulting Lenders), amend Section 5.2 [Pro Rata Treatment of Lenders, Etc.], 9.2.5 [Application of Proceeds; Collateral Sharing], 10.3 [Exculpatory Provisions, Etc.] or 5.2.1 [Sharing of Payments by Lenders] or this Section 11.1 [Modifications, Amendments or Waivers], alter any provision regarding the pro rata treatment of the Lenders, change the definition of Required Lenders, or change any requirement providing for the Lenders or the Required Lenders to authorize the taking of any action hereunder;

provided, that no agreement, waiver or consent which would modify the interests, rights or obligations of the Agent in its capacity as Agent shall be effective without the written consent of the Agent; and provided, further that, if in connection with any proposed waiver, amendment or modification referred to in Sections 11.1.1 [Increase of Commitments; Extension of Maturity Date] through 11.1.4 above, the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained but the consent of one or more of such other Lenders whose consent is required is not obtained (each a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then the Borrower shall have the right to replace any such Non-Consenting Lender with one or more replacement Lenders pursuant to Section 5.4.2 [Replacement of a Lender].

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Agent may, with the consent of the Borrower only, amend, modify or supplement this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency.

11.2. No Implied Waivers; Cumulative Remedies; Writing Required.

No course of dealing and no delay or failure of the Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power, remedy or privilege under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any other or future exercise thereof or operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right, power, remedy or privilege preclude any further exercise thereof or of any other right, power, remedy or privilege. The rights and remedies of the Agent and the Lenders under this Agreement and any other Loan Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which they would otherwise have. Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any Lender of any breach or default under this Agreement or any such waiver of any provision or condition of this Agreement must be in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in such writing.

11.3. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

11.3.1. Costs and Expenses.

The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by the Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Agent), and shall pay all fees and time charges and disbursements for attorneys who may be employees of the Agent, in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by the Agent or any Lender (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Agent or any Lender), and shall pay all fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of the Agent or any Lender in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with the Term Loan made hereunder, including all such out of pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of the Term Loan, and (iii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent’s regular employees and agents engaged periodically to perform audits of the Loan Parties’ books, records and business properties. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 11.3.1 shall not apply to Taxes, the payment of which is governed by Section 5.8 [Taxes].

11.3.2. Indemnification by the Borrower.

The Borrower shall indemnify the Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Lender and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and related expenses (including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee), and shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee from all reasonable fees and time charges and disbursements for attorneys (who may be employees of any Indemnitee), incurred by any Indemnitee or asserted against any Indemnitee by any third party or by the Borrower or any other Loan Party arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance or nonperformance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (ii) the Term Loan or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, (iii) breach of representations, warranties or covenants of the Borrower under the Loan Documents, or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, including any such items or losses relating to or arising under Environmental Laws or pertaining to environmental matters, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory, whether brought by a third party or by the Borrower or any other Loan Party, and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses (x) are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or (y) result from a claim brought by the Borrower or any other Loan Party against an Indemnitee for breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, if the Borrower or such Loan Party has obtained a final and nonappealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. The Lenders will attempt to minimize the fees and expenses of legal counsel for the Lenders which are subject to reimbursement by the Borrower hereunder by considering the usage of one law firm to represent the Lenders and the Agent if appropriate under the circumstances. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 11.3.2 [Indemnification by the Borrower] shall not apply to Taxes, the payment of which is governed by Section 5.8 [Taxes].

11.3.3. Reimbursement by Lenders.

To the extent that the Borrower for any reason fails to indefeasibly pay any amount required under Section 11.3.1 [Costs and Expenses] or 11.3.2 [Indemnification by the Borrower] to be paid by it to the Agent (or any sub-agent thereof) or any Related Party of any of the foregoing, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Agent (or any such sub-agent) or such Related Party, as the case may be, such Lender’s Ratable Share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount, provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Agent (or any such sub-agent) in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Agent (or any such sub-agent) in connection with such capacity.

11.3.4. Waiver of Consequential Damages, Etc.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or the Term Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof. No Indemnitee referred to in Section 11.3.2 [Indemnification by Borrower] shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by unintended recipients of any information or other materials distributed by it through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

11.3.5. Payments.

All amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than thirty (30) days after demand therefor.

11.4. Holidays.

Whenever payment of the Term Loan to be made or taken hereunder shall be due on a day which is not a Business Day such payment shall be due on the next Business Day (except as provided in Section 4.2 [Interest Periods] with respect to Interest Periods under the LIBOR Rate Option) and such extension of time shall be included in computing interest and fees, except that the Term Loan shall be due on the Business Day preceding the Maturity Date if the Maturity Date is not a Business Day. Whenever any payment or action to be made or taken hereunder (other than payment of the Term Loan) shall be stated to be due on a day which is not a Business Day, such payment or action shall be made or taken on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall not be included in computing interest or fees, if any, in connection with such payment or action.

11.5. Funding by Branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate.

11.5.1. Notional Funding.

Each Lender shall have the right from time to time, without notice to the Borrower, to deem any branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate (which for the purposes of this Section 11.5 [Funding by Branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate] shall mean any corporation or association which is directly or indirectly controlled by or is under direct or indirect common control with any corporation or association which directly or indirectly controls such Lender) of such Lender to have made, maintained or funded the Term Loan to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies at any time, provided that immediately following (on the assumption that a payment were then due from the Borrower to such other office), and as a result of such change, the Borrower would not be under any greater financial obligation pursuant to Section 5.6 [Additional Compensation in Certain Circumstances] or Section 5.8 [Taxes] than it would have been in the absence of such change. Notional funding offices may be selected by each Lender without regard to such Lender’s actual methods of making, maintaining or funding the Term Loan or any sources of funding actually used by or available to such Lender.

11.5.2. Actual Funding.

Each Lender shall have the right from time to time to make or maintain any portion of the Term Loan by arranging for a branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate of such Lender to make or maintain such portion of the Term Loan subject to the last sentence of this Section 11.5.2. If any Lender causes a branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate to make or maintain any part of its portion of the Term Loan hereunder, all terms and conditions of this Agreement shall, except where the context clearly requires otherwise, be applicable to such portion of the Term Loan to the same extent as if such portion of the Term Loan were made or maintained by such Lender, but in no event shall any Lender’s use of such a branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate to make or maintain any part of the Term Loan hereunder cause such Lender or such branch, Subsidiary or Affiliate to incur any cost or expenses payable by the Borrower hereunder or require the Borrower to pay any other compensation to any Lender (including any expenses incurred or payable pursuant to Section 5.6 [Additional Compensation in Certain Circumstances]) or Section 5.8 [Taxes] which would otherwise not be incurred.

11.6. Notices; Lending Offices.

Any notice, request, demand, direction or other communication (for purposes of this Section 11.6 only, a “Notice”) to be given to or made upon any party hereto under any provision of this Agreement shall be given or made by telephone or in writing (which includes means of electronic transmission (i.e., “e-mail”) or transmission or by setting forth such Notice on a restricted access site on the World Wide Web (a “Website Posting”) if Notice of such Website Posting (including the information necessary to access such site) has previously been delivered to the applicable parties hereto by another means set forth in this Section 11.6) in accordance with this Section 11.6. Any such Notice must be delivered to the applicable parties hereto at the addresses and numbers set forth under their respective names on Schedule 1.1(B) hereof or in accordance with any subsequent unrevoked Notice from any such party that is given in accordance with this Section 11.6. Any Notice shall be effective:

(i) In the case of hand-delivery, when delivered;

(ii) If given by mail, four (4) days after such Notice is deposited with the United States Postal Service, with first-class postage prepaid, return receipt requested;

(iii) In the case of a telephonic Notice, when a party is contacted by telephone, if delivery of such telephonic Notice is confirmed no later than the next Business Day by hand delivery, a facsimile or electronic transmission, a Website Posting or overnight courier delivery of a confirmatory notice (received at or before noon on such next Business Day);

(iv) In the case of a facsimile transmission, when sent to the applicable party’s facsimile machine’s telephone number if the party sending such Notice receives confirmation of the delivery thereof from its own facsimile machine;

(v) In the case of electronic transmission, when actually received;

(vi) In the case of a Website Posting, upon delivery of a Notice of such posting (including the information necessary to access such web site) by another means set forth in this Section 11.6; and

(vii) If given by any other means (including by overnight courier), when actually received.

Any Lender giving a Notice to a Loan Party shall concurrently send a copy thereof to the Agent, and the Agent shall promptly notify the other Lenders of its receipt of such Notice.

11.7. Severability.

The provisions of this Agreement are intended to be severable. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part in any jurisdiction, such provision shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without in any manner affecting the validity or enforceability thereof in any other jurisdiction or the remaining provisions hereof in any jurisdiction.

11.8. Governing Law.

The Loan Documents shall, pursuant to New York General Obligations Law Section 5-1401, for all purposes be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

11.9. Prior Understanding.

This Agreement and the other Loan Documents supersede all prior understandings and agreements, whether written or oral, between the parties hereto and thereto relating to the transactions provided for herein and therein, including any prior confidentiality agreements and commitments.

11.10. Duration; Survival.

All representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained herein or made in connection herewith shall survive the making of the Term Loan and shall not be waived by the execution and delivery of this Agreement, any investigation by the Agent or the Lenders, the making of the Term Loan or payment in full of the Term Loan. All covenants and agreements of the Loan Parties contained in Sections 8.1 [Affirmative Covenants], 8.2 [Negative Covenants] and 8.3 [Reporting Requirements] herein shall continue in full force and effect from and after the date hereof until termination of the Commitments and payment in full of the Term Loan. All covenants and agreements of the Borrower contained herein relating to the payment of principal, interest, premiums, additional compensation or expenses and indemnification, including those set forth in Section 5 [Payments] and Sections 11.3.2 [Indemnification by the Borrower] and 11.3.3 [Reimbursement by Lenders] and shall survive payment in full of the Term Loan and termination of the Commitments.

11.11. Successors and Assigns.

11.11.1. Successors and Assigns Generally.

The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Agent and each Lender and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an assignee in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.11.2 [Assignments by Lenders], (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.11.4 [Participations], or (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 11.11.5 [Certain Pledges; Successors and Assigns Generally] (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void). Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in Section 11.11.4 [Participations] and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Agent and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

11.11.2. Assignments by Lenders.

Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it); provided that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:

(i) Minimum Amounts.

(A) in the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and portion of the Term Loan at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and

(B) in any case not described in clause (i)(A) of this Section 11.11.2 [Assignments by Lenders], the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes such Lender’s portion of the Term Loan outstanding thereunder) or, if the applicable Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the portion of the Term Loan of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption Agreement with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Agent or, if “Trade Date” is specified in the Assignment and Assumption Agreement, as of the Trade Date) shall not be less than $5,000,000, in the case of any assignment in respect of the Commitment of the assigning Lender, unless each of the Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed).

(ii) Proportionate Amounts. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Term Loan or the Commitment assigned.

(iii) Required Consents. No consent shall be required for any assignment except for the consent of the Agent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (x) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (y) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof.

(iv) Assignment and Assumption Agreement. The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Agent an Assignment and Assumption Agreement, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500, and the assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Agent an administrative questionnaire provided by the Agent.

(v) No Assignment to Borrower or Defaulting Lender. No such assignment shall be made to the Borrower, any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries or any Defaulting Lender.

(vi) No Assignment to Natural Persons. No such assignment shall be made to a natural person (or a holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person).

Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Agent pursuant to Section 11.11.3 [Register], from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption Agreement, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption Agreement, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption Agreement, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption Agreement covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 4.4 [LIBOR Rate Unascertainable; Etc.], 5.6.1 [Increased Costs Generally], and 11.3 [Expenses, Indemnity; Damage Waiver] with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 11.11.2 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 11.11.4 [Participations].

11.11.3. Register.

The Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower (and such agency being only for tax purposes), shall maintain at its office in the Unites States a copy of Assignment and Assumption delivered to it (or the equivalent thereof in electronic form) and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and stated interest) of the portion of the Term Loan owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by each of the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

11.11.4. Participations.

Any Lender may at any time, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower or the Agent, sell participations to any Person (other than a natural person or the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries) (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree (other than as is already provided for herein) to any amendment, modification or waiver with respect to Sections 11.1.1 [Increase of Commitments; Extension of Maturity Date] or (b) [Release of Guarantor]) that affects such Participant. The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 4.4 [Libor Rate Unascertainable, Etc.], 5.6.1 [Increased Costs Generally], 5.6.5 [Indemnity] and 5.8 [Taxes] (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 5.8.6 [Status of Lenders] (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 5.8.6 [Status of Lenders] shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 11.11.2 [Assignments by Lenders]; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Section 5.4.2 [Replacement of a Lender] as if it were an assignee under Section 11.11.2 [Assignments by Lenders]; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 5.6.1 [Increased Costs Generally] or 5.8 [Taxes], with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation. Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 5.4.2 [Replacement of a Lender] with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.2.3 [Set-off] as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 5.2.1 [Sharing of Payments by Lenders] as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the portion of the Term Loan or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans or its other Obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan or other Obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Agent (in its capacity as Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

11.11.5. Certain Pledges; Successors and Assigns Generally.

Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

11.12. Confidentiality.

11.12.1. General.

The Agent and the Lenders each agree to keep confidential all information obtained from any Loan Party or its Subsidiaries which is nonpublic and confidential or proprietary in nature (including any information the Borrower specifically designates as confidential), except as provided below, and to use such information only in connection with their respective capacities under this Agreement and for the purposes contemplated hereby. The Agent and the Lenders shall be permitted to disclose such information (i) to outside legal counsel, accountants and other professional advisors who need to know such information in connection with the administration and enforcement of this Agreement, subject to agreement of such Persons to maintain the confidentiality, (ii) to assignees and participants as contemplated by Section 11.11 [Successors and Assigns], and prospective assignees and participants, provided that prior to such disclosure, such parties agree to be bound by this undertaking of confidentiality set forth in this Section 11.12 [Confidentiality], (iii) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority or, with notice to the Borrower, as otherwise required by applicable Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process, or in connection with any investigation or proceeding arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iv) if it becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Agreement or becomes available and is not reasonably known to be subject to confidentiality restrictions, (v) if the Borrower shall have consented to such disclosure, or (vi) after an Event of Default has occurred and commencement of the exercise of Lenders’ remedies hereunder or under the other Loan Documents, in any action or proceeding relating to the enforcement of the Lenders’ rights hereunder or thereunder.

11.12.2. Sharing Information With Affiliates of the Lenders.

Each Loan Party acknowledges that from time to time financial advisory, investment banking and other services may be offered or provided to the Borrower or one or more of its Affiliates (in connection with this Agreement or otherwise) by any Lender or by one or more Subsidiaries or Affiliates of such Lender and each of the Loan Parties hereby authorizes each Lender to share any information delivered to such Lender by such Loan Party and its Subsidiaries pursuant to this Agreement, or in connection with the decision of such Lender to enter into this Agreement, to any such Subsidiary or Affiliate of such Lender, it being understood that any such Subsidiary or affiliate of any Lender receiving such information shall be bound by the provisions of Section 11.12.1 [General] as if it were a Lender hereunder. Such Authorization shall survive the repayment of the Term Loan and other Obligations and the termination of the Commitments.

11.13. Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed by different parties hereto on any number of separate counterparts, each of which, when so executed and delivered, shall be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

11.14. [Reserved].

11.15. Exceptions.

The representations, warranties and covenants contained herein shall be independent of each other, and no exception to any representation, warranty or covenant shall be deemed to be an exception to any other representation, warranty or covenant contained herein unless expressly provided, nor shall any such exceptions be deemed to permit any action or omission that would be in contravention of applicable Law.

11.16. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.

EACH LOAN PARTY, THE AGENT AND THE LENDERS HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY COLLATERAL, OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALINGS, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALINGS, STATEMENTS OR ACTIONS OF THE AGENT OR THE LENDERS RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE TERM LOAN OR ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE LOAN DOCUMENTS, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. NO LOAN PARTY WILL SEEK TO CONSOLIDATE ANY SUCH ACTION WITH ANY OTHER ACTION IN WHICH A JURY TRIAL CANNOT BE OR HAS NOT BEEN WAIVED. EACH LOAN PARTY CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF AGENT OR THE LENDERS, HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT AGENT OR THE LENDERS WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER. THIS WAIVER CONSTITUTES A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR AGENT AND THE LENDERS TO ACCEPT THIS AGREEMENT AND THE LOAN DOCUMENTS AND MAKE THE TERM LOAN.

11.17. JURISDICTION & VENUE.

EACH LOAN PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF COURTS IN THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, AND WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS UPON IT AND CONSENTS THAT ALL SUCH SERVICE OF PROCESS BE MADE BY CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL (RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED) DIRECTED TO SUCH LOAN PARTY AT THE ADDRESSES PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION 11.6 [NOTICES; LENDING OFFICES] AND SERVICE SO MADE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE COMPLETED UPON ACTUAL RECEIPT THEREOF. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF AGENT TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS BY ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW. EACH LOAN PARTY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF ANY ACTION INSTITUTED AGAINST IT AS PROVIDED HEREIN AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT ANY DEFENSE BASED ON FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR ANY LACK OF JURISDICTION OR VENUE THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT.

11.18. USA Patriot Act Notice.

Each Lender that is subject to the USA Patriot Act and the Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies Loan Parties that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Loan Parties, which information includes the name and address of Loan Parties and other information that will allow such Lender or Agent, as applicable, to identify the Loan Parties in accordance with the USA Patriot Act.

11.19. Joinder of Guarantors.

Any Subsidiary of the Borrower which is required to join this Agreement as a Guarantor pursuant to Section 8.2.5 [Liquidations, Mergers, Consolidations, Acquisitions] and Section 8.2.8 [Subsidiaries, Partnerships and Joint Ventures] shall (i) execute and deliver to the Agent a Guarantor Joinder in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 1.1(G)(1) pursuant to which it shall join as a Guarantor each of the documents to which the Guarantors are parties; and (ii) execute and deliver to the Agent documents in the forms described in Section 7.1.2 [Secretary’s Certificate] modified as appropriate to relate to such Subsidiary and (iii) satisfy such other requirements as reasonably requested by the Agent. The Loan Parties shall deliver such Guarantor Joinder and related documents to the Agent within fifteen (15) Business Days after the date of the filing of such Subsidiary’s articles of incorporation if the Subsidiary is a corporation, the date of the filing of its certificate of limited partnership if it is a limited partnership or the date of its organization if it is an entity other than a limited partnership or corporation, or other applicable date of first existing as a Subsidiary. Notwithstanding Sections 8.2.5 and 8.2.8 or any other term of this Agreement, no Subsidiary shall be required to be a Guarantor hereunder if both (a) such Subsidiary is not a Significant Subsidiary and (b) such Subsidiary has not guaranteed any Indebtedness of the Loan Parties in a principal amount of $50,000,000, provided that in all events each Subsidiary that guarantees the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement shall guarantee the Obligations under the Loan Documents.

11.20. Keepwell.

Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other Loan Party to honor all of its obligations under the Guaranty Agreement in respect of all Specified Swap Obligations (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 11.20 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 11.20, or otherwise under the Guaranty Agreement, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 11.20 shall remain in full force and effect until a payment in full of the guaranteed Obligations. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 11.20 constitute, and this Section 11.20 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Loan Party for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a Guarantor or a Swap Counterparty makes a written representation to the Lenders in connection with a Guaranty, a swap, or any master agreement governing a swap to the effect that Guarantor is or will be an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act on the date the Guaranty becomes effective with respect to such swap (this date shall be the date of the execution of the swap if the corresponding Guaranty is then in effect, and otherwise it shall be the date of execution and delivery of such Guaranty unless the Guaranty specifies a subsequent effective date), and such representation proves to have been incorrect when made or deemed to have been made, the Lenders reserve all of their contractual and other rights and remedies, at law or in equity, including (to the extent permitted by applicable law) the right to claim, and pursue a separate cause of action, for damages as a result of such misrepresentation, provided that such Guarantor’s liability for such damages shall not exceed the amount of the Excluded Swap Obligations with respect to such swap.

11.21. Anti-Money Laundering/International Trade Law Compliance.

The Borrower represents and warrants to the Agent and Lenders, as of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each advance of proceeds of Loans hereunder or issuance of any Letter of Credit hereunder, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of this Agreement, that: (A) neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary thereof (i) is listed or otherwise recognized as a specially designated, prohibited, sanctioned or debarred person or entity, or subject to any limitations or prohibitions (including but not limited to the blocking of property or rejections of transactions) under any order or directive of any Compliance Authority; (ii) has any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country in violation of any law or regulation enforced by any Compliance Authority or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person; or (iii) does business in or with, or derives any of its operating income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Person or Sanctioned Country in violation of any law or regulation enforced by any Compliance Authority; (B) the proceeds of the revolving credit facility will not be used to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or make any payments to, a Sanctioned Person or, in violation of any law or regulation enforced by any Compliance Authority, a Sanctioned Country; and (C) the Borrower and each Subsidiary of the Borrower is in compliance with, and neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries engages in any dealings or transactions prohibited by, any laws of the United States including the USA Patriot Act, the Trading with the Enemy Act, or the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, all as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time. As used herein: “Compliance Authority” means each and all of the (a) U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control; (b) U.S. Treasury Department/Financial Crimes Enforcement Network; (c) U.S. State Department/Directorate of Defense Trade Controls; (d) U.S. Commerce Department/Bureau of Industry and Security; (e) U.S. Internal Revenue Service; (f) U.S. Justice Department; and (g) U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; “Sanctioned Country” means a country, territory or region subject to a sanctions program maintained by any Compliance Authority; and “Sanctioned Person” means any individual person, a group, regime, entity or thing subject to, or specially designated under, any sanctions program maintained by any Compliance Authority.

11.22. No Fiduciary Duty.

In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), the Borrower acknowledges and agrees that: (i) (A) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Lenders are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and the Lenders and their Affiliates, on the other hand, (B) the Borrower has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) the Borrower is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii) (A) each of the Lenders and their Affiliates is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any other Person and (B) no Lender or any of its Affiliates has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except, in the case of a Lender, those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) each of the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and no Lender or any of its Affiliates has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against each of the Lenders and their Affiliates with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.

11.23. Electronic Images of Loan Documents.

The Agent is expressly permitted to create electronic images and to destroy paper originals of any imaged documents. Any such images maintained by Agent as a part of its normal business processes shall be given the same legal effect as the paper originals, and all such images may be converted to a “transferable record” under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (the “UETA”), with the image of such instrument in Agent’s possession constituting an “authoritative copy” under the UETA.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

BORROWER:

ATTEST:	NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION

/s/ Richard Reich	By:	/s/ James W. Kent	[Seal]
Richard Reich		James W. Kent
Secretary		Treasurer

	GUARANTORS:

	NJR RETAIL HOLDINGS CORPORATION

	By:	/s/ Patrick M. Migliaccio
		Patrick M. Migliaccio
		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
		Treasurer

	NJR HOME SERVICES COMPANY

	By:	/s/ Patrick M. Migliaccio
		Patrick M. Migliaccio
		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
		Treasurer

	COMMERCIAL REALTY AND RESOURCES
	CORP.

	By:	/s/ Patrick M. Migliaccio
		Patrick M. Migliaccio
		President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

	NJR PLUMBING SERVICES, INC.

	By:	/s/ Patrick M. Migliaccio
		Patrick M. Migliaccio
		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
		Treasurer

	NJR RETAIL SERVICES COMPANY

	By:	/s/ Patrick M. Migliaccio
		Patrick M. Migliaccio
		Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
		Treasurer

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION
CREDIT AGREEMENT]

	GUARANTORS, CONTINUED:

	NJR SERVICE CORPORATION

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

	NJR ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

	NJR STORAGE HOLDINGS COMPANY

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

	NJR MIDSTREAM HOLDINGS CORPORATION

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

	NJR ENERGY INVESTMENTS CORPORATION

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

	NJR CLEAN ENERGY VENTURES
	CORPORATION

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION
CREDIT AGREEMENT]

	GUARANTORS, CONTINUED:

	NJR CLEAN ENERGY VENTURES II
	CORPORATION

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

	NJR CLEAN ENERGY VENTURES III
	CORPORATION

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

	TWO DOT WIND FARM, LLC
	By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation, its
	sole member

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

	CARROLL AREA WIND FARM, LLC
	By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation, its
	sole member

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

	ALEXANDER WIND FARM, LLC
	By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation, its
	sole member

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION
CREDIT AGREEMENT]

	GUARANTORS, CONTINUED:

	RINGER HILL WIND LLC
	By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation, its
	sole member

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

	MEDICINE BOW WIND, LLC
	By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation, its
	sole member

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

	BERNARDS SOLAR, LLC
	By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation, its
	sole member

	By:	/s/ James W. Kent
		James W. Kent
		Treasurer

[SIGNATURE PAGE TO NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION
CREDIT AGREEMENT]

	U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
	individually as a Lender and as Agent

	By:	/s/ Kevin Murphy
		Kevin Murphy
		Assistant Vice President

SCHEDULE 1.1(B)

COMMITMENTS OF LENDERS AND ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES Part 1

- Commitments/Addresses of Lenders

	AMOUNT OF
	COMMITMENT
LENDER	FOR TERM LOAN	PERCENTAGE
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION	$100,000,000.00	100.000000000%

Address for Notices:
U.S. Bank Tower
425 Walnut Street, 8th Floor
ML CN-W-8
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Attention: Eric J. Cosgrove, Portfolio Manager
Telephone No. (513) 632-3033
Telecopier No. (513) 632-2068
E-mail: *@*

Address of Lending Office
425 Walnut Street, 8th Floor
ML CN-OH-W8
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Attention: Eric J. Cosgrove, Portfolio Manager
Telephone No. (513) 632-3033
Telecopier No. (513) 632-2068
E-mail: *@*
Total	$100,000,000.00	100.000000000%

SCHEDULE 1.1(B)

COMMITMENTS OF LENDERS AND ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES

Part 2 - Addresses for Notices to Agent, Borrower:

AGENT:

Name:		U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Address:		425 Walnut Street, 8th Floor
		ML CN-W-8
		Cincinnati, OH 45202
Attention:		Eric J. Cosgrove, Portfolio Manager
Telephone No.		(513) 632-3033
Telecopier No.		(513) 632-2068
E-mail:		*@*

Name:		BRYAN CAVE LLP
Address:		1290 Avenue of the Americas
		New York, New York 10104
Attention:		Jeffrey Chavkin
Telephone No.		(212) ###-###-####
Telecopier No.		(212) 904-0501
E-mail:		*@*

BORROWER:

Name:		NEW JERSEY NATURAL GAS COMPANY
Address:		1415 Wyckoff Road
		Wall, NJ 07719
Attention:		James Kent, Treasurer
Telephone No.		(732) 938-1093
Telecopier No.		(732) 938-3154
E-mail:		*@*

Name:		NEW JERSEY NATURAL GAS COMPANY
Address:		1415 Wyckoff Road
		Wall, NJ 07719
Attention:		Nancy Washington, General Counsel
Telephone No.		(732) 938-8039
Telecopier No.		(732) 938-1226
E-mail:		*@*

SCHEDULE 1.1(P)

Permitted Liens

None

SCHEDULE 6.1.2

SUBSIDIARIES

	Jurisdiction of
	Incorporation/	Shareholder/Partner/
Subsidiary	Formation	LLC Interest Owner
New Jersey Natural Gas Company	New Jersey	New Jersey Resources Corporation
NJR Energy Services Company	New Jersey	New Jersey Resources Corporation
NJR Retail Holdings Corporation	New Jersey	New Jersey Resources Corporation
NJR Home Services Company	New Jersey	NJR Retail Holdings Corporation
NJR Plumbing Services, Inc.	New Jersey	NJR Home Services Company
NJR Retail Services Company	New Jersey	NJR Retail Holdings Corporation
NJR Energy Investments Corporation	New Jersey	New Jersey Resources Corporation
NJR Storage Holdings Company	Delaware	NJR Midstream Holdings Corporation
NJR Steckman Ridge Storage Company	Delaware	NJR Storage Holdings Company
Commercial Realty and Resources Corp.	New Jersey	NJR Retail Holdings Corporation
NJR Midstream Holdings Corporation	New Jersey	NJR Energy Investments Corporation
NJR Clean Energy Ventures Corporation	New Jersey	New Jersey Resources Corporation
NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation	New Jersey	NJR Clean Energy Ventures Corporation
Two Dot Wind Farm, LLC	Delaware	NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation
Carroll Area Wind Farm, LLC	Iowa	NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation
Alexander Wind Farm, LLC	Delaware	NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation
Ringer Hill Wind, LLC	Delaware	NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation
Medicine Bow Wind, LLC	Delaware	NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation
Bernards Solar, LLC	New Jersey	NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation
NJR Clean Energy Ventures III Corporation	New Jersey	NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation
NJR Pipeline Company	New Jersey	NJR Midstream Holdings Corporation
NJNR Pipeline Company	New Jersey	NJR Midstream Holdings Corporation
Adelphia Gateway, LLC	Delaware	NJR Pipeline Company

There are no options, warrants or other rights outstanding to purchase any Subsidiary Shares, Partnership Interests or LLC Interests.

SCHEDULE 6.1.12

Consents and Approvals

None

SCHEDULE 8.2.1

Existing Indebtedness

I. The following is a list of all outstanding Indebtedness of New Jersey Resources Corporation (“NJR”) and its Unregulated Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2017 (unless otherwise indicated).

A. NJR

1. Senior Notes

		Maturity
	Rate	Date	Principal Amt.
Unsecured Senior Notes	6.05%	9/24/17	$	50,000,000
Unsecured Senior Notes	2.51%	9/17/18		25,000,000
Unsecured Senior Notes	3.25%	9/17/22		50,000,000
Unsecured Senior Notes	3.48%	11/7/24		100,000,000
Unsecured Senior Notes	3.20%	8/18/23		50,000,000
Unsecured Senior Notes	3.54%	8/18/26		100,000,000

Total			$	375,000,000

The following Subsidiaries are guarantors of the Senior Notes: Commercial Realty and Resources Corporation, NJR Clean Energy Ventures Corporation, NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation, Two Dot Wind Farm, LLC, Carroll Area Wind Farm, LLC, Alexander Wind Farm, LLC, Ringer Hill Wind, LLC, NJR Energy Investments Corporation, NJR Energy Services Company, NJR Home Services Company, NJR Plumbing Services, Inc., NJR Retail Holdings Corporation, NJR Service Corporation, NJR Retail Services Company, NJR Storage Holdings Company, NJR Midstream Holdings Corporation, Medicine Bow Wind Farm, LLC, Bernards Solar, LLC, and NJR Clean Energy Ventures III Corporation.

2. NJR Revolving Credit Agreement: As of June 30, 2017, NJR had $278.3 million of total indebtedness under the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement and the “Loan Documents” as defined in the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement. The following Subsidiaries are guarantors of the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement: Commercial Realty and Resources Corporation, NJR Clean Energy Ventures Corporation, NJR Clean Energy Ventures II Corporation, NJR Clean Energy Ventures III Corporation, Two Dot Wind Farm, LLC, Carroll Area Wind Farm, LLC, Alexander Wind Farm, LLC, Ringer Hill Wind, LLC, Medicine Bow Wind, LLC, Bernards Solar, LLC, NJR Energy Investments Corporation, NJR Energy Services Company, NJR Home Services Company, NJR Plumbing Services, Inc., NJR Retail Holdings Corporation, NJR Service Corporation, NJR Storage Holdings Company, NJR Midstream Holdings Corporation and NJR Retail Services Company.

3. Letters of Credit: The following letters of credit have been issued pursuant to the NJR Revolving Credit Agreement:

			Principal
	Purpose	Expiry Date	Amt.
NJR	Margin requirements	12/31/2017	$	10,180,000
NJR on behalf of NJRCEV²	Secure construction of solar project	8/21/2017	$	160,337
NJR on behalf of NJRCEV	Secure payment obligations to PJM Interconnection, LLC	5/19/2017	$	1,329,000
NJR on behalf of NJRCEV	Electricity for consumption	8/10/2017	$	1,818,944
NJR on behalf of NJRCEV	Serve electric needs	8/5/2017	$	1,491,930

B. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

NJR is subject to commodity price risk due to fluctuations in the market price of natural gas, Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) and electricity. To manage this risk, NJR enters into a variety of derivative instruments including, but not limited to, futures contracts, physical forward contracts, financial options and swaps to economically hedge the commodity price risk associated with its existing and anticipated commitments to purchase and sell natural gas, SRECs and electricity. In addition, NJR may utilize foreign currency derivatives as cash flow hedges of Canadian dollar denominated gas purchases and/or sales. These contracts, with a few exceptions as described below, are accounted for as derivatives. Accordingly, all of the financial and certain of NJR’s physical derivative instruments are recorded at fair value on NJR’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NJRES also enters into natural gas transactions in Canada and, consequently, is exposed to fluctuations in the value of Canadian currency relative to the US dollar. NJRES may utilize foreign currency derivatives to lock in the currency translation rate associated with natural gas transactions denominated in Canadian currency. The derivatives may include currency forwards, futures, or swaps and are accounted for as derivatives. These derivatives may be used to hedge future forecasted cash payments associated with transportation and storage contracts along with purchases of natural gas.

As a result of NJRES entering into transactions to borrow gas, commonly referred to as “park and loans,” an embedded derivative is created related to differences between the fair value of the amount borrowed and the fair value of the amount that will ultimately be repaid, based on changes in the forward price for natural gas prices at the borrowed location over the contract term. This embedded derivative is accounted for as a forward sale in the month in which the repayment of the borrowed gas is expected to occur, and is considered a derivative transaction that is recorded at fair value on NJR’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in value recognized in current period earnings.

Expected production of SRECs is hedged through the use of forward and futures contracts. All contracts require the Company to physically deliver SRECs through the transfer of certificates as per contractual settlement schedules.

The following table reflects the fair value of NJR’s derivative assets and liabilities recognized in its Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that are designated as hedging instruments as of June 30, 2017:

		Fair Value
		June 30, 2017				September 30, 2016
		Asset		Liability		Asset		Liability
(Thousands)	Balance Sheet Location	Derivatives		Derivatives		Derivatives		Derivatives
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
NJNG:
Physical commodity contracts	Derivatives - current	$	92	$	15	$	235	$	1,154
Financial commodity contracts	Derivatives - current		21		925		805		2,979
	Derivatives - noncurrent		—		—		75		386
Interest rate contracts	Derivatives - current		—		8,594		—		—
Interest rate contracts	Derivatives - noncurrent		—		—		—		23,073
NJRES:
Physical commodity contracts	Derivatives - current		5,205		3,851		5,994		11,660
	Derivatives - noncurrent		4,917		1,443		3,987		1,212
Financial commodity contracts	Derivatives - current		19,384		14,217		22,929		45,255
	Derivatives - noncurrent		998		1,150		1,165		581
Foreign currency contracts	Derivatives - current		16		—		1		32
Fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging		$	30,633	$	30,195	$	35,191	$	86,332
Total fair value of derivatives		$	30,633	$	30,195	$	35,191	$	86,332

EXHIBIT 1.1(A)

FORM OF
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

This Assignment and Assumption Agreement (the “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [Insert name of Assignor] (the “Assignor and [Insert name of Assignee] (the “Assignee”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Agent as contemplated below (i) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and Obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as, the “Assigned Interest”). Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

1.	Assignor:	____________________

2.	Assignee:	____________________
		[and is an Affiliate of [identify Lender³]

³ Select if applicable.

3.	Borrower(s):	New Jersey Resources Corporation

4.	Agent:	U.S. Bank National Association, as the agent under the Credit Agreement

5.	Credit Agreement:	Credit Agreement dated as of August 18, 2017 among New Jersey Resources Corporation, the Guarantors parties thereto, the Lenders parties thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders

6.	Assigned Interest:

	Aggregate Amount
	of	Amount of	Percentage
	Term Loan for all	Term Loan	Assigned
Facility Assigned⁴	Lenders^*	Assigned^*	of Term Loan⁵
	$	$	%
	$	$	%
	$	$	%

Trade Date: ____________________ ⁶

Effective Date: __________ ___, 20___ [TO BE INSERTED BY AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]⁷

⁴ Fill in the appropriate terminology for the types of facilities under the Credit Agreement that are being assigned under this Agreement (e.g. “Term Loan”, etc.).

* Amount to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date.

⁵ Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment of all Lenders thereunder.

⁶ To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date.

⁷ Assignor shall pay a fee of $3,500 to the Agent in connection with the Assignment and Assumption.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOR ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION]

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

	ASSIGNOR

	[NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

	By: _________________________
	Name:
	Title:

	ASSIGNEE

	[NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

	By: _________________________
	Name:
	Title:

Consented to and Accepted:

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Agent

By: _________________________

Name:

Title:

Consented to:

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION,

as Borrower

By: _________________________

Name:

Title:

ANNEX 1

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FOR ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

1. Representations and Warranties.

1.1 Assignor. The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

1.2. Assignee. The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it meets all requirements of an Assignee under the Credit Agreement (subject to receipt of such consents as may be required under the Credit Agreement), (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 8.3 thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Agent or any other Lender, and (v) if Assignee is not incorporated under the Laws of the United States of America or a state thereof, attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the Assignee; and (b) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance on the Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

2. Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

3. General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by telecopy shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

EXHIBIT 1.1(G)(1)

FORM OF
GUARANTOR JOINDER AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT

THIS GUARANTOR JOINDER AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT is made as of ________ ___, 20___, by _______________, a _______________ [corporation/partnership/limited liability company] (the “New Guarantor”).

Background

Reference is made to (i) the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 18, 2017, as the same may be restated, modified, supplemented or amended from time to time (the “Credit Agreement”), by and among New Jersey Resources Corporation, a New Jersey corporation (the “Borrower”), each of the Guarantors now or hereafter party thereto (each a “Guarantor” and collectively the “Guarantors”), the Lenders now or hereafter party thereto (the “Lenders”), and U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Agent”); (ii) the Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement, dated as of August 18, 2017 (as the same may be restated, modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, the “Guaranty”), of Guarantors given to Agent, and (iii) the other Loan Documents referred to in the Credit Agreement, as the same may be modified, supplemented, restated or amended from time to time (the “Loan Documents”).

Agreement

Capitalized terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as defined therein.

New Guarantor hereby becomes a Guarantor under the terms of the Credit Agreement and in consideration of the value of the direct and indirect economic benefits received by New Guarantor as a result of being or becoming affiliated with the Borrower and the Guarantors, New Guarantor hereby agrees that, effective as of the date hereof, it hereby is, and shall be deemed to be, and assumes the obligations of, a “Loan Party” and a “Guarantor” under the Credit Agreement, a “Guarantor”, jointly and severally with the existing Guarantors under the Guaranty, and a Loan Party or Guarantor, as the case may be, under each of the other Loan Documents to which the Loan Parties or Guarantors are a party; and New Guarantor hereby agrees that from the date hereof and so long as any Loan or any Commitment of any Lender shall remain outstanding and until the payment in full of the Loans and the Notes, and the performance of all other obligations of Borrower under the Loan Documents, New Guarantor shall perform, comply with and be subject to and bound by each of the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement, Guaranty and each of the other Loan Documents, jointly and severally, with the existing parties thereto. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, New Guarantor hereby represents and warrants that (i) each of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 6 of the Credit Agreement applicable to a Loan Party is true and correct as to New Guarantor on and as of the date hereof; and (ii) New Guarantor has heretofore received a true and correct copy of the Credit Agreement, Guaranty and each of the other Loan Documents (including any modifications thereof or supplements or waivers thereto) in effect on the date hereof.

New Guarantor hereby makes, affirms and ratifies in favor of the Lenders and the Agent the Credit Agreement, Guaranty and each of the other Loan Documents given by the Guarantors to Agent and any of the Lenders.

New Guarantor is simultaneously delivering to the Agent the documents, together with Guarantor Joinder, required under Sections 8.2.8 [Subsidiaries as Guarantors].

In furtherance of the foregoing, New Guarantor shall execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered at any time and from time to time such further instruments and documents and do or cause to be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary in the reasonable opinion of Agent to carry out more effectively the provisions and purposes of this Guarantor Joinder and Assumption Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

This Guarantor Joinder and Assumption Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument. New Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that a telecopy transmission to Agent or any Lender of signature pages hereof purporting to be signed on behalf of New Guarantor shall constitute effective and binding execution and delivery hereof by New Guarantor.

NEW GUARANTOR SHALL CAUSE BORROWER TO PROVIDE SUCH ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 8.2.8 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound hereby, New Guarantor has duly executed this Guarantor Joinder and Assumption Agreement and delivered the same to the Agent for the benefit of the Lenders, as of the date and year first above written.

[______________________________]

By:
Name:
Title:

Acknowledged and accepted:

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Agent

By:
Name:
Title:

EXHIBIT 1.1(G)(2)

GUARANTY AND SURETYSHIP AGREEMENT

This Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement (the “Guaranty”), dated as of this 18th day of August, 2017, is jointly and severally given by EACH OF THE UNDERSIGNED AND EACH OF THE OTHER PERSONS WHICH BECOME GUARANTORS HEREUNDER FROM TIME TO TIME (each a “Guarantor” and collectively the “Guarantors”) in favor of U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Agent”) in connection with that Credit Agreement dated of even date herewith among New Jersey Resources Corporation, the Guarantors parties thereto, the Lenders parties thereto (the “Lenders”), and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders, and the Lenders now or hereafter party thereto (as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time hereafter, the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them by the Credit Agreement and the rules of construction set forth in Section 1.2 [Construction] of the Credit Agreement shall apply to this Guaranty.

1. GUARANTIED OBLIGATIONS. TO INDUCE THE AGENT AND THE LENDERS TO MAKE LOANS AND GRANT OTHER FINANCIAL ACCOMMODATIONS TO THE BORROWER UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, EACH GUARANTOR HEREBY JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY, UNCONDITIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY GUARANTIES TO THE AGENT AND EACH LENDER AND ANY PROVIDER OF A LENDER PROVIDED INTEREST RATE HEDGE OR ANY PROVIDER OF OTHER LENDER PROVIDED FINANCIAL SERVICE PRODUCTS; AND BECOMES SURETY, AS THOUGH IT WAS A PRIMARY OBLIGOR, FOR THE FULL AND PUNCTUAL PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE WHEN DUE (WHETHER ON DEMAND, AT STATED MATURITY, BY ACCELERATION OR OTHERWISE AND INCLUDING ANY AMOUNTS WHICH WOULD BECOME DUE BUT FOR THE OPERATION OF AN AUTOMATIC STAY UNDER THE FEDERAL BANKRUPTCY CODE OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY SIMILAR LAWS OF ANY COUNTRY OR JURISDICTION) OF ALL OBLIGATIONS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, ALL OBLIGATIONS, LIABILITIES AND INDEBTEDNESS FROM TIME TO TIME OF THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER GUARANTOR TO THE AGENT OR ANY OF THE LENDERS OR ANY AFFILIATE OF ANY LENDER UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE CREDIT AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, WHETHER FOR PRINCIPAL, INTEREST, FEES, INDEMNITIES, EXPENSES OR OTHERWISE, AND ALL RENEWALS, EXTENSIONS, AMENDMENTS, REFINANCINGS OR REFUNDINGS THEREOF, WHETHER SUCH OBLIGATIONS, LIABILITIES OR INDEBTEDNESS ARE DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SECURED OR UNSECURED, JOINT OR SEVERAL, ABSOLUTE OR CONTINGENT, DUE OR TO BECOME DUE, WHETHER FOR PAYMENT OR PERFORMANCE, NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING (AND INCLUDING OBLIGATIONS, LIABILITIES AND INDEBTEDNESS ARISING OR ACCRUING AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF ANY BANKRUPTCY, INSOLVENCY, REORGANIZATION OR SIMILAR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO THE BORROWER OR ANY GUARANTOR OR WHICH WOULD HAVE ARISEN OR ACCRUED BUT FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF SUCH PROCEEDING, EVEN IF THE CLAIM FOR SUCH OBLIGATION, LIABILITY OR INDEBTEDNESS IS NOT ENFORCEABLE OR ALLOWABLE IN SUCH PROCEEDING, AND INCLUDING ALL OBLIGATIONS, LIABILITIES AND INDEBTEDNESS ARISING FROM ANY EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY LOAN DOCUMENT FROM TIME TO TIME, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ANY SUCH EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT ARE IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT COMMITTED UNDER OR CONTEMPLATED BY THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ARE MADE IN CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH ANY CONDITION TO EXTENSION OF CREDIT IS NOT SATISFIED) (ALL OF THE FOREGOING OBLIGATIONS, LIABILITIES AND INDEBTEDNESS ARE REFERRED TO HEREIN COLLECTIVELY AS THE “GUARANTIED OBLIGATIONS” AND EACH AS A “GUARANTIED OBLIGATION”). WITHOUT LIMITATION OF THE FOREGOING, ANY OF THE GUARANTIED OBLIGATIONS SHALL BE AND REMAIN GUARANTIED OBLIGATIONS ENTITLED TO THE BENEFIT OF THIS GUARANTY IF THE AGENT OR ANY OF THE LENDERS (OR ANY ONE OR MORE ASSIGNEES OR TRANSFEREES THEREOF) FROM TIME TO TIME ASSIGN OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OR ANY OTHER GUARANTIED OBLIGATIONS TO ANY OTHER PERSON. IN FURTHERANCE OF THE FOREGOING, EACH GUARANTOR JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY AGREES AS FOLLOWS:

2. Guaranty. Each Guarantor hereby promises to pay and perform all such Guarantied Obligations immediately upon demand of the Agent and the Required Lenders. All payments made hereunder shall be made by each Guarantor in immediately available funds in U.S. Dollars and shall be made without setoff, counterclaim, withholding or other deduction of any nature.

3. Obligations Absolute. The obligations of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise diminished by any failure, default, omission or delay, willful or otherwise, by any Lender, the Agent or Borrower or any other obligor on any of the Guarantied Obligations or by any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Guarantor as a matter of law or equity. Each of the Guarantors agrees that the Guarantied Obligations will be paid and performed strictly in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor hereby consents to at any time and from time to time, and the joint and several obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be diminished, terminated or otherwise similarly affected by, any of the following:

a) Any lack of genuineness, legality, validity, enforceability or allowability (in a bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar proceeding or otherwise) or any avoidance or subordination, in whole or in part, of any Loan Document or any of the Guarantied Obligations and, regardless of any Law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction affecting any of the Guarantied Obligations, any of the terms of the Loan Documents or any rights of the Agent or the Lenders or any other Person with respect thereto;

b) Any increase, decrease or change in the amount, nature, type or purpose of any of, or any release, surrender, exchange, compromise or settlement of any of the Guarantied Obligations (whether or not contemplated by the Loan Documents as presently constituted); any change in the time, manner, method or place of payment or performance of or in any other term of any of the Guarantied Obligations; any execution or delivery of any additional Loan Documents; or any amendment, modification or supplement to, or renewals, extensions, refinancing or refunding of, any Loan Document or any of the Guarantied Obligations;

c) Any failure to assert any breach of or default under any Loan Document or any of the Guarantied Obligations; any extensions of credit in excess of the amount committed under or contemplated by the Loan Documents, or in circumstances in which any condition to such extensions of credit has not been satisfied; any other exercise or non-exercise, or any other failure, omission, breach, default, delay, or wrongful action in connection with any exercise or non-exercise, of any right or remedy against the Borrower or any other Person under or in connection with any Loan Document or any of the Guarantied Obligations; any refusal of payment or performance of any of the Guarantied Obligations, whether or not with any reservation of rights against any Guarantor; or any application of collections (including but not limited to collections resulting from realization upon any direct or indirect security for the Guarantied Obligations) to other obligations, if any, not entitled to the benefits of this Guaranty, in preference to Guarantied Obligations entitled to the benefits of this Guaranty, or if any collections are applied to Guarantied Obligations, any application to particular Guarantied Obligations;

d) Any taking, exchange, amendment, modification, waiver, supplement, termination, subordination, compromise, release, surrender, loss, or impairment of, or any failure to protect, perfect, or preserve the value of, or any enforcement of, realization upon, or exercise of rights, or remedies under or in connection with, or any failure, omission, breach, default, delay, or wrongful action by the Agent or the Lenders, or any of them, or any other Person in connection with the enforcement of, realization upon, or exercise of rights or remedies under or in connection with, or, any other action or inaction by any of the Agent or the Lenders, or any of them, or any other Person in respect of, any direct or indirect security for any of the Guarantied Obligations. As used in this Guaranty, “direct or indirect security” for the Guarantied Obligations, and similar phrases, includes any collateral security, guaranty, suretyship, letter of credit, capital maintenance agreement, put option, subordination agreement, or other right or arrangement of any nature providing direct or indirect assurance of payment or performance of any of the Guarantied Obligations, made by or on behalf of any Person;

e) Any merger, consolidation, liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, charter revocation, or forfeiture, or other change in, restructuring or termination of the corporate structure or existence of, the Borrower or any other Person; any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar proceeding with respect to the Borrower or any other Person; or any action taken or election made by the Agent or the Lenders, or any of them (including but not limited to any election under Section 1111(b)(2) of the United States Bankruptcy Code), the Borrower, or any other Person in connection with any such proceeding;

f) Any defense, setoff, or counterclaim which may at any time be available to or be asserted by the Borrower or any other person with respect to any Loan Document or any of the Guarantied Obligations; or any discharge by operation of law or release of the Borrower or any other Person from the performance or observance of any Loan Document or any of the Guarantied Obligations;

g) Any other event or circumstance, whether similar or dissimilar to the foregoing, and whether known or unknown, which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or limit the liability of, any Guarantor, a guarantor or a surety, excepting only full, strict, and indefeasible payment and performance of the Guarantied Obligations in full.

Each Guarantor acknowledges, consents, and agrees that new Guarantors may join in this Guaranty pursuant to Section 11.19 [Joinder of Guarantors] of the Credit Agreement and each Guarantor affirms that its obligations shall continue hereunder undiminished.

4. Waivers, etc. Each of the Guarantors hereby waives any defense to or limitation on its obligations under this Guaranty arising out of or based on any event or circumstance referred to in Section 3 hereof. Without limitation and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, each Guarantor waives each of the following:

(a) All notices, disclosures and demand of any nature which otherwise might be required from time to time to preserve intact any rights against any Guarantor, including the following: any notice of any event or circumstance described in Section 3 hereof; any notice required by any law, regulation or order now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction; any notice of nonpayment, nonperformance, dishonor, or protest under any Loan Document or any of the Guarantied Obligations; any notice of the incurrence of any Guarantied Obligation; any notice of any default or any failure on the part of the Borrower or any other Person to comply with any Loan Document or any of the Guarantied Obligations or any direct or indirect security for any of the Guarantied Obligations; and any notice of any information pertaining to the business, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower or any other Person;

(b) Any right to any marshalling of assets, to the filing of any claim against the Borrower or any other Person in the event of any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar proceeding, or to the exercise against the Borrower or any other Person of any other right or remedy under or in connection with any Loan Document or any of the Guarantied Obligations or any direct or indirect security for any of the Guarantied Obligations; any requirement of promptness or diligence on the part of the Agent or the Lenders, or any of them, or any other Person; any requirement to exhaust any remedies under or in connection with, or to mitigate the damages resulting from default under, any Loan Document or any of the Guarantied Obligations or any direct or indirect security for any of the Guarantied Obligations; any benefit of any statute of limitations; and any requirement of acceptance of this Guaranty or any other Loan Document, and any requirement that any Guarantor receive notice of any such acceptance;

(c) Any defense or other right arising by reason of any Law now or hereafter in effect in any jurisdiction pertaining to election of remedies (including but not limited to anti-deficiency laws, “one action” laws or the like), or by reason of any election of remedies or other action or inaction by the Agent or the Lenders, or any of them (including but not limited to commencement or completion of any judicial proceeding or nonjudicial sale or other action in respect of collateral security for any of the Guarantied Obligations), which results in denial or impairment of the right of the Agent or the Lenders, or any of them, to seek a deficiency against the Borrower or any other Person or which otherwise discharges or impairs any of the Guarantied Obligations; and

(d) Any and all defenses it may now or hereafter have based on principles of suretyship, impairment of collateral, or the like.

5. Reinstatement. This Guaranty is a continuing obligation of the Guarantors and shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding that no Guarantied Obligations may be outstanding from time to time and notwithstanding any other event or circumstance. Upon termination of all Commitments and indefeasible payment in full of all Guarantied Obligations, this Guaranty shall terminate; provided, however, that this Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, any time any payment of any of the Guarantied Obligations is rescinded, recouped, avoided, or must otherwise be returned or released by any Lender or Agent upon or during the insolvency, bankruptcy, or reorganization of, or any similar proceeding affecting, Borrower or for any other reason whatsoever, all as though such payment had not been made and was due and owing.

6. Subrogation. Each Guarantor waives and agrees it will not exercise any rights against Borrower or any other Guarantor arising in connection with the Guarantied Obligations (including rights of subrogation, contribution, and the like) until the Guarantied Obligations have been indefeasibly paid in full. If any amount shall be paid to any Guarantor by or on behalf of Borrower or any other Guarantor by virtue of any right of subrogation, contribution, or the like, such amount shall be deemed to have been paid to such Guarantor for the benefit of, and shall be held in trust for the benefit of, the Agent and the Lenders and shall forthwith be paid to the Agent to be credited and applied upon the Guarantied Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.

7. No Stay. Without limitation of any other provision of this Guaranty, if any declaration of default or acceleration or other exercise or condition to exercise of rights or remedies under or with respect to any Guarantied Obligation shall at any time be stayed, enjoined, or prevented for any reason (including but not limited to stay or injunction resulting from the pendency against the Borrower or any other Person of a bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar proceeding), the Guarantors agree that, for the purposes of this Guaranty and their obligations hereunder, the Guarantied Obligations shall be deemed to have been declared in default or accelerated, and such other exercise or conditions to exercise shall be deemed to have been taken or met.

8. Taxes. Each Guarantor hereby agrees to be bound by the provisions of Section 5.8 [Taxes] of the Credit Agreement and shall make all payments free and clear of Taxes as provided therein.

9. Notices. Each Guarantor agrees that all notices, statements, requests, demands and other communications under this Guaranty shall be given to such Guarantor at the address set forth on a Schedule to, or in a Guarantor Joinder and Assumption Agreement given under, the Credit Agreement and in the manner provided in Section 11.6 [Notices; Lending Offices] of the Credit Agreement. The Agent and the Lenders may rely on any notice (whether or not made in a manner contemplated by this Guaranty) purportedly made by or on behalf of a Guarantor, and the Agent and the Lenders shall have no duty to verify the identity or authority of the Person giving such notice.

10. Counterparts, Telecopy Signatures. This Guaranty may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument. Each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that a telecopy transmission to Agent or any Lender of signature pages hereof purporting to be signed on behalf of any Guarantor shall constitute effective and binding execution and delivery hereof by such Guarantor.

11. Setoff, Default Payments by Borrower.

(a) In the event that at any time any obligation of the Guarantors now or hereafter existing under this Guaranty shall have become due and payable, the Agent and the Lenders, or any of them, shall have the right from time to time, without notice to any Guarantor, to set off against and apply to such due and payable amount any obligation of any nature of any Lender or the Agent, or any subsidiary or affiliate of any Lender or Agent, to any Guarantor, including but not limited to all deposits (whether time or demand, general or special, provisionally credited or finally credited, however evidenced) now or hereafter maintained by any Guarantor with the Agent or any Lender or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof. Such right shall be absolute and unconditional in all circumstances and, without limitation, shall exist whether or not the Agent or the Lenders, or any of them, shall have given any notice or made any demand under this Guaranty or under such obligation to the Guarantor, whether such obligation to the Guarantor is absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured (it being agreed that the Agent and the Lenders, or any of them, may deem such obligation to be then due and payable at the time of such setoff), and regardless of the existence or adequacy of any collateral, guaranty, or other direct or indirect security or right or remedy available to the Agent or any of the Lenders. The rights of the Agent and the Lenders under this Section are in addition to such other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of setoff and banker’s lien) which the Agent and the Lenders, or any of them, may have, and nothing in this Guaranty or in any other Loan Document shall be deemed a waiver of or restriction on the right of setoff or banker’s lien of the Agent and the Lenders, or any of them. Each of the Guarantors hereby agrees that, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any affiliate or subsidiary of the Agent or any of the Lenders and any holder of a participation in any obligation of any Guarantor under this Guaranty, shall have the same rights of setoff as the Agent and the Lenders as provided in this Section (regardless whether such affiliate or participant otherwise would be deemed a creditor of the Guarantor).

(b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of any default under any Guarantied Obligation, if any amount shall be paid to any Guarantor by or for the account of Borrower, such amount shall be held in trust for the benefit of each Lender and Agent and shall forthwith be paid to the Agent to be credited and applied to the Guarantied Obligations when due and payable.

12. Construction. The section and other headings contained in this Guaranty are for reference purposes only and shall not affect interpretation of this Guaranty in any respect. This Guaranty has been fully negotiated between the applicable parties, each party having the benefit of legal counsel, and accordingly neither any doctrine of construction of guaranties or suretyships in favor of the guarantor or surety, nor any doctrine of construction of ambiguities in agreement or instruments against the party controlling the drafting thereof, shall apply to this Guaranty.

13. Successors and Assigns. This Guaranty shall be binding upon each Guarantor, its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Agent and the Lenders, or any of them, and their successors and assigns. Without limitation of the foregoing, the Agent and the Lenders, or any of them (and any successive assignee or transferee), from time to time may assign or otherwise transfer all or any portion of its rights or obligations under the Loan Documents (including all or any portion of any commitment to extend credit), or any other Guarantied Obligations, to any other Person in accordance with the Loan Documents and such Guarantied Obligations (including any Guarantied Obligations resulting from extension of credit by such other Person under or in connection with the Loan Documents) shall be and remain Guarantied Obligations entitled to the benefit of this Guaranty, and to the extent of its interest in such Guarantied Obligations such other Person shall be vested with all the benefits in respect thereof granted to the Agent and the Lenders in this Guaranty or otherwise.

14. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial,

(a) Governing Law. This Guaranty shall be deemed to be a contract under the Laws of the State of New York and shall, pursuant to New York General Obligations Law Section 51401, for all purposes be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

(b) CERTAIN WAIVERS. EACH GUARANTOR HEREBY:

(i) IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS IN THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AND WAIVES PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANY AND ALL PROCESS UPON IT AND CONSENTS THAT ALL SUCH SERVICE OF PROCESS BE MADE BY CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL (RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED) DIRECTED TO SUCH GUARANTOR AT THE ADDRESS PROVIDED FOR IN THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND SERVICE SO MADE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE COMPLETED UPON ACTUAL RECEIPT THEREOF; NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE AGENT TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS BY ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW;

(ii) IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION TO JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF ANY ACTION INSTITUTED AGAINST IT AS PROVIDED HEREIN AND AGREES NOT TO ASSERT ANY DEFENSE BASED ON FORUM NON CONVENIENS OR ANY LACK OF JURISDICTION OR VENUE THAT IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDINGS WITH RESPECT TO THIS GUARANTY; AND

(iii) KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY AND INTENTIONALLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, PROCEEDING, OR COUNTERCLAIM OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS GUARANTY, THE CREDIT AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT, OR ANY COLLATERAL OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALINGS, STATEMENTS (WHETHER VERBAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF ANY PARTY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALINGS, STATEMENTS OR ACTIONS OF THE AGENT OR THE LENDERS RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LOANS OR ENFORCEMENT OF THIS GUARANTY OR THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. SUCH GUARANTOR WILL NOT SEEK TO CONSOLIDATE ANY SUCH ACTION WITH ANY OTHER ACTION IN WHICH A JURY TRIAL CANNOT BE OR HAS NOT BEEN WAIVED. SUCH GUARANTOR CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF AGENT OR THE LENDERS, HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT AGENT OR THE LENDERS WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER. THIS WAIVER CONSTITUTES A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR AGENT AND THE LENDERS TO ACCEPT THIS GUARANTY, THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND MAKE THE LOANS.

15. Severability; Modification to Conform to Law.

(a) Wherever possible, each provision of this Guaranty shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Law, but if any provision of this Guaranty shall be prohibited by or invalid under such Law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Guaranty.

(b) Without limitation of the preceding subsection (a), to the extent that applicable Law (including applicable Laws pertaining to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent or preferential transfer) otherwise would render the full amount of the Guarantor’s obligations hereunder invalid, voidable, or unenforceable on account of the amount of a Guarantor’s aggregate liability under this Guaranty, then, notwithstanding any other provision of this Guaranty to the contrary, the aggregate amount of such liability shall, without any further action by the Agent or any of the Lenders or such Guarantor or any other Person, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount which is valid and enforceable as determined in such action or proceeding, which (without limiting the generality of the foregoing) may be an amount which is equal to the greater of:

(i) the fair consideration actually received by such Guarantor under the terms and as a result of the Loan Documents and the value of the benefits described in this Section 15(b) hereof, including (and to the extent not inconsistent with applicable federal and state Laws affecting the enforceability of guaranties) distributions, commitments, and advances made to or for the benefit of such Guarantor with the proceeds of any credit extended under the Loan Documents, or

(ii) the excess of (1) the amount of the fair value of the assets of such Guarantor as of the date of this Guaranty as determined in accordance with applicable federal and state Laws governing determinations of the insolvency of debtors as in effect on the date hereof, over (2) the amount of all liabilities of such Guarantor as of the date of this Guaranty, also as determined on the basis of applicable federal and state Laws governing the insolvency of debtors as in effect on the date hereof.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section or elsewhere in this Guaranty, this Guaranty shall be presumptively valid and enforceable to its full extent in accordance with its terms, as if this Section (and references elsewhere in this Guaranty to enforceability to the fullest extent permitted by Law) were not a part of this Guaranty, and in any related litigation the burden of proof shall be on the party asserting the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof or asserting any limitation on any Guarantor’s obligations hereunder as to each element of such assertion.

16. Additional Guarantors. At any time after the initial execution and delivery of this Guaranty to the Agent and the Lenders, additional Persons may become parties to this Guaranty and thereby acquire the duties and rights of being Guarantors hereunder by executing and delivering to the Agent and the Lenders a Guarantor Joinder pursuant to the Credit Agreement. No notice of the addition of any Guarantor shall be required to be given to any pre-existing Guarantor and each Guarantor hereby consents thereto.

17. Joint and Several Obligations. Each of the obligations of each and every Guarantor under this Guaranty are joint and several obligations of the Guarantors, and each Guarantor hereby waives to the full extent permitted by Law any defense it may otherwise have to the payment and performance of the Obligations that its liability hereunder is limited and not joint and several. Each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing waivers and those set forth below serve as a material inducement to the agreement of the Agent and the Lenders to make the Loans, and that the Agent and the Lenders are relying on each specific waiver and all such waivers in entering into this Guaranty. The undertakings of each Guarantor hereunder secure the obligations of itself and the other Guarantors. The Agent and the Lenders, or any of them, may, in their sole discretion, elect to enforce this Guaranty against any Guarantor without any duty or responsibility to pursue any other Guarantor and such an election by the Agent and the Lenders, or any of them, shall not be a defense to any action the Agent and the Lenders, or any of them, may elect to take against any Guarantor. Each of the Lenders and Agent hereby reserve all rights against each Guarantor.

18. Keepwell. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other Loan Party to honor all of its obligations under this Guaranty in respect of all Specified Swap Obligations (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 18 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 18, or otherwise under this Guaranty, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 18 shall remain in full force and effect until a payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 18 constitute, and this Section 18 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Guarantor for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if a Guarantor or a Swap Counterparty makes a written representation to the Lenders in connection with a Guaranty, a swap, or any master agreement governing a swap to the effect that Guarantor is or will be an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act on the date this Guaranty becomes effective with respect to such swap (this date shall be the date of the execution of the swap), and such representation proves to have been incorrect when made or deemed to have been made, the Lenders reserve all of their contractual and other rights and remedies, at law or in equity, including (to the extent permitted by applicable law) the right to claim, and pursue a separate cause of action, for damages as a result of such misrepresentation, provided that such Guarantor’s liability for such damages shall not exceed the amount of the Excluded Swap Obligations with respect to such swap.

19. Receipt of Credit Agreement, Other Loan Documents. Benefits.

(a) Each Guarantor hereby acknowledges that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents and each Guarantor certifies that the representations and warranties made therein with respect to such Guarantor are true and correct. Further, each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees to perform, comply with and be bound by all of the provisions of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

(b) Each Guarantor hereby acknowledges, represents and warrants that it receives direct and indirect benefits by virtue of its affiliation with Borrower and the other Guarantors and that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Credit Agreement and that such benefits, together with the rights of contribution and subrogation that may arise in connection herewith, are a reasonably equivalent exchange of value in return for providing this Guaranty.

20. Miscellaneous.

(a) Generality of Certain Terms. As used in this Guaranty, the terms “hereof’, “herein” and terms of similar import refer to this Guaranty as a whole and not to any particular term or provision; the term “including”, as used herein, is not a term of limitation and means “including without limitation”.

(b) Amendments, Waivers. No amendment to or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty, and no consent to any departure by any Guarantor herefrom, shall in any event be effective unless in a writing manually signed by or on behalf of the Agent and the requisite percentage of Lenders pursuant to Section 11.1 of the Credit Agreement. Any such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given. No delay or failure of the Agent or the Lenders, or any of them, in exercising any right or remedy under this Guaranty shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or remedy. The rights and remedies of the Agent and the Lenders under this Guaranty are cumulative and not exclusive of any other rights or remedies available hereunder, under any other agreement or instrument, by Law, or otherwise.

(c) Telecommunications. Each Lender and Agent shall be entitled to rely on the authority of any individual making any telecopy, electronic or telephonic notice, request or signature without the necessity of receipt of any verification thereof.

(d) Expenses. Each Guarantor unconditionally agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by the Agent or any of the Lenders in enforcing this Guaranty against any Guarantor, and each Guarantor shall pay and indemnify each Lender and Agent for, and hold it harmless from and against, any and all obligations, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, expenses (including disbursements and reasonable legal fees of counsel to any Lender or Agent), penalties, judgments, suits, actions, claims and disbursements imposed on, asserted against or incurred by any Lender or Agent (i) relating to the preparation, negotiation, execution, administration or enforcement of or collection under this Guaranty or any document, instrument or agreement relating to any of the Obligations, including in any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceeding in any jurisdiction or political subdivision thereof; (ii) relating to any amendment, modification, waiver or consent hereunder or relating to any telecopy or telephonic transmission purporting to be by any Guarantor or Borrower; (iii) in any way relating to or arising out of this Guaranty, or any document, instrument or agreement relating to any of the Guarantied Obligations, or any action taken or omitted to be taken by any Lender or Agent hereunder, and including those arising directly or indirectly from the violation or asserted violation by any Guarantor or Borrower or Agent or any Lender of any Law, rule, regulation, judgment, order or the like of any jurisdiction or political subdivision thereof (including those relating to environmental protection, health, labor, importing, exporting or safety) and regardless whether asserted by any governmental entity or any other Person.

(e) Prior Understandings. This Guaranty and the Credit Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all other prior and contemporaneous understandings and agreements.

(f) Survival. All representations and warranties of the Guarantors made in connection with this Guaranty shall survive, and shall not be waived by, the execution and delivery of this Guaranty, any investigation by or knowledge of the Agent and the Lenders, or any of them, any extension of credit or any other event or circumstance whatsoever.

[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Guarantor, intending to be legally bound, has executed this Guaranty as of the date first above written with the intention that this Guaranty shall constitute a sealed instrument.

NJR RETAIL HOLDINGS
CORPORATION


By:
	Patrick M. Migliaccio
	Senior Vice President, Chief
	Financial Officer and Treasurer

NJR HOME SERVICES COMPANY


By:
	Patrick M. Migliaccio
	Senior Vice President, Chief
	Financial Officer and Treasurer

NJR PLUMBING SERVICES, INC.


By:
	Patrick M. Migliaccio
	Senior Vice President, Chief
	Financial Officer and Treasurer

NJR RETAIL SERVICES COMPANY


By:
	Patrick M. Migliaccio
	Senior Vice President, Chief
	Financial Officer and Treasurer

COMMERCIAL REALTY AND
RESOURCES CORP.


By:
	Patrick M. Migliaccio
	President, Chief Financial Officer and
	Treasurer

NJR SERVICE CORPORATION


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

NJR ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

NJR STORAGE HOLDINGS COMPANY


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

NJR MIDSTREAM HOLDINGS
CORPORATION


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

NJR ENERGY INVESTMENTS
CORPORATION


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

NJR CLEAN ENERGY VENTURES
CORPORATION


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

NJR CLEAN ENERGY VENTURES II
CORPORATION


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

NJR CLEAN ENERGY VENTURES III
CORPORATION


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

TWO DOT WIND FARM, LLC

By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II
Corporation, its sole member


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

CARROLL AREA WIND FARM, LLC

By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II
Corporation, its sole member


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

ALEXANDER WIND FARM, LLC

By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II
Corporation, its sole member


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

RINGER HILL WIND LLC

By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II
Corporation, its sole member


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

MEDICINE BOW WIND, LLC

By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II
Corporation, its sole member


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

BERNARDS SOLAR, LLC

By: NJR Clean Energy Ventures II
Corporation, its sole member


By:
	James W. Kent
	Treasurer

EXHIBIT 1.1(R)

FORM OF
NOTE

		New York, New York

$_______________		_________ ___, 2017

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, NEW JERSEY RESOURCES CORPORATION, a New Jersey corporation (herein called the “Borrower”), hereby promises to pay to the order of _______________ (the “Lender”), the principal sum of _______________ Dollars (U.S. $__________), payable on such dates as set forth in the Credit Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Borrower, the Lenders now or hereafter party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as agent (hereinafter referred to in such capacity as the “Agent”) (as amended, restated, modified, or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), with the entire outstanding balance due and payable by 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the Maturity Date, together with interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof from time to time outstanding from the date hereof at the rate or rates per annum specified by the Borrower pursuant to, or as otherwise provided in, the Credit Agreement.

Interest on the unpaid principal balance hereof from time to time outstanding from the date hereof will be payable on the dates and at the times provided for in the Credit Agreement. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, the Borrower shall pay interest on the entire principal amount of the then outstanding Term Loan evidenced by this Note and all other obligations due and payable to the Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents at a rate per annum as set forth in Section 4.3 of the Credit Agreement. Such interest rate will accrue before and after any judgment has been entered.

Subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement, payments of both principal and interest shall be made without setoff, counterclaim, or other deduction of any nature at the office of the Agent located at 461 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017, unless otherwise directed in writing by the holder hereof, in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in, and is entitled to the benefits of, the Credit Agreement and other Loan Documents, including the representations, warranties, covenants and conditions contained or granted therein. The Credit Agreement among other things contains provisions for acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events and also for prepayment, in certain circumstances, on account of principal hereof prior to maturity upon the terms and conditions therein specified. The Borrower waives presentment, demand, notice, protest and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note and the Credit Agreement.

This Note shall bind the Borrower and its successors and assigns, and the benefits hereof shall inure to the benefit of the Lender and its successors and assigns. All references herein to the “Borrower” and the “Lender” shall be deemed to apply to the Borrower and the Lender, respectively, and their respective successors and assigns as permitted under the Credit Agreement.

This Note and any other documents delivered in connection herewith and the rights and obligations of the parties hereto and thereto shall for all purposes be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York without giving effect to its conflicts of law principles.

All capitalized terms used herein shall, unless otherwise defined herein, have the same meanings given to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the undersigned has executed this Note by its duly authorized officer with the intention that it constitutes a sealed instrument.

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES
CORPORATION, A New Jersey
corporation


By:

Name:

Title:

EXHIBIT 2.4

FORM OF
LOAN REQUEST

TO:		U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent
		U.S. Bank Tower
		425 Walnut Street, 8th Floor ML CN-W-8
		Cincinnati, OH 45202

FROM:		New Jersey Resources Corporation (the “Borrower”)

RE:		Credit Agreement (as it may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented, the “Credit Agreement”) to be dated on or about August 18, 2017 by and among the Borrower, the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Agent”)

Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the respective meanings ascribed to them by the Credit Agreement.

Pursuant to Section 2.4 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby makes the following Term Loan Request:

1. The proposed Borrowing Date _________, 201__.

2. The aggregate amount of the proposed portion of the Term Loan comprising the Borrowing Tranche is $__________.¹

3. The Interest Rate Option for the proposed Borrowing Tranche is a [Base Rate Option] [LIBOR Rate Option].

4. [The duration of the Interest Period for the LIBOR Rate Option is _____ month[s]².

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

____________________

¹ Such amount shall be in integral multiples of $1,000,000 and not less than $3,000,000 for each Borrowing Tranche to which the LIBOR Rate Option applies and not less than the lesser of $1,000,000 and in integral multiples of $100,000 for each Borrowing Tranche to which the Base Rate Option applies.

² 1, 2, 3 or 6 months or any shorter period that is approved by the Agent.

The Company has caused this Term Loan Request to be executed and delivered by its officer thereunto duly authorized on _____ __, 201_.

NEW JERSEY RESOURCES
CORPORATION


By:
		Name:
		Title:

EXHIBIT 5.8.6(A)
[FORM OF]

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Banks That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 18, 2017 among New Jersey Resources Corporation, the Guarantors parties thereto, the Lenders parties thereto (the “Lenders”), and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent for the Lenders.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.8 [Taxes] of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished the Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

[NAME OF BANK]


By:	________________________

Name:
Title:

Date: __________________, 20__

EXHIBIT 5.8.6(B)
[FORM OF]

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.8 [Taxes] of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code].

The undersigned has furnished its participating Bank with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Bank in writing, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Bank with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]


By:	________________________

Name:
Title:

Date: __________________, 20__

EXHIBIT 5.8.6(C)
[FORM OF]

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.8 [Taxes] of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) with respect such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished its participating Bank with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Bank and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Bank with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]


By:	________________________

Name:
Title:

Date: __________________, 20__

EXHIBIT 5.8.6(D)
[FORM OF]

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Banks That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 5.8 [Taxes] of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

The undersigned has furnished the Agent and the Borrower with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

[NAME OF BANK]

By:	__________________________


Name: _______________________

Title: ________________________

Date: __________________, 20___

EXHIBIT 7.1.3(A)

Matters to be covered in Opinions of Counsel for
New Jersey Resources Corporation

1.	With respect to the Non-New Jersey Loan Parties:
	(a)	Existence and good standing;
	(b)	Power and authority;
	(c)	Authorization of Loan Documents; and
	(d)	Execution and delivery of Loan Documents.
2.	Enforceability of Loan Documents against the Loan Parties.
3.	Execution, delivery and performance of Loan Documents does not conflict with:
	(a)	Organizational documents of non-New Jersey Loan Parties;
	(b)	New York or Federal law;
	(c)	Material Orders; and
	(d)	Specified Agreements
4.	Investment Company Act

EXHIBIT 7.1.3(B)

Matters to be covered in Opinions of In-House Counsel for
New Jersey Resources Corporation:

1.	With respect to the New Jersey Loan Parties:
	(a)	Existence and good standing;
	(b)	Power and authority;
	(c)	Authorization of Loan Documents; and
	(d)	Execution and delivery of Loan Documents.
2.	Execution, delivery and performance of Loan Documents does not conflict with:
	(a)	Organizational documents of non-New Jersey Loan Parties; and
	(b)	New Jersey law;
3.	Registration under New Jersey Law

EXHIBIT 8.2.5

FORM OF
ACQUISITION COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

________ ___, 20___

U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent
461 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10017
and each Lender party to the Credit Agreement (defined below)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I refer to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 18, 2017 (as amended, supplemented, restated or modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among New Jersey Resources Corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders (the “Agent”). Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meanings. References herein to Sections of the Credit Agreement are qualified, in their entirety, by the applicable provision of the Section of the Credit Agreement so referred to and together with all related provisions and definitions referred to in such Section or incorporated therein.

I, ___________________, [Chief Executive Officer/President/Chief Financial Officer] of the Borrower, do hereby certify on behalf of the Borrower as of the [fiscal quarter/fiscal year ended , 20___] as follows:

In connection with Section 8.2.5 of the Credit Agreement and with respect to a proposed Permitted Acquisition by the Borrower (the “Acquiring Company”) of __________ [assets/stock] [by purchase/by merger and insert description of the transaction] (the “Acquisition”) of ______________ [insert name of entity whose assets are/stock is being acquired] (the “Target”).

The proposed date of the Acquisition is ________ ___, 20___ (the “Acquisition Date”) [at least 5 Business Days after the date of this certificate].

The “Report Date” herein shall be the date of the most recent fiscal quarter ended prior to the proposed Acquisition of the Target.

The total consideration to be paid including (i) cash paid by the Borrower, directly or indirectly, to the Target, (ii) the Indebtedness, fixed or contingent, incurred or assumed the Borrower, whether in favor of Target or otherwise, (iii) any Guaranty given or incurred by the Borrower in connection with the Acquisition and (iv) any other consideration given or obligation incurred by the Borrower in connection with the Acquisition is $________.

The Target is engaged in __________________ [describe business being acquired].

The Borrower is, and after giving effect to the proposed Permitted Acquisition shall be, in compliance with Section 8.2.12 of the Credit Agreement, as more fully set forth on Appendix A attached hereto.

The Borrower, in order to consummate the proposed Permitted Acquisition, has incurred or will incur $_________ of Indebtedness permitted by Section 8.2.1(viii) (and, if secured, clause (xii) of the definition of Permitted Liens).

Immediately prior to and after giving effect to the proposed Acquisition: (i) the representations and warranties of Loan Parties contained in Section 6 of the Credit Agreement and in the other Loan Documents are true on and correct with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date (except representations and warranties which expressly related solely to an earlier date or time and except for the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained in the first sentence of Section 6.1.6 [Litigation], the last sentence of Section 6.1.8(b) [Financial Statements], and Section 6.1.21 [Environmental Matters] of the Credit Agreement), (ii) the Borrower has performed and complied with all covenants and conditions of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and (iii) no event has occurred and is continuing which constitutes an Event of Default or Potential Default.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate this _____ day of ____________, 20___.

By:

Name:

Title:

[Chief Executive Officer/President/
Chief Financial Officer]

APPENDIX A

Credit Agreement			Consolidated for Borrower and its Subsidiaries		Target		Consolidated Pro Forma⁸
Maximum Leverage Ratio (Section 8.2.12). The ratio of (A) Consolidated Total Indebtedness to (B) Consolidated Total Capitalization as of the Report Date is:				_______ to		_______ to		_______ to
				1.00		1.00		1.00

which is not more than the maximum permitted ratio of 0.65 to 1.0

(A)	Consolidated Total Indebtedness, as of the Report Date, is computed as follows:

	(i.)	borrowed moneys	$		$		$

	(ii.)	other transactions similar to borrowed money transactions	$		$		$

	(iii.)	note purchase or acceptance credit facilities	$		$		$

	(iv.)	reimbursement obligations (contingent or otherwise)	$		$		$

	(v.)	Hedging Transactions	$		$		$

	(vi.)	Guarantees of Hedging Transactions and of borrowed money transactions	$		$		$

⁸ All calculations are on a pro-forma basis, based upon the financial statements of the Borrower as of the Report Date, after giving effect to the proposed Permitted Acquisition (i.e., if a financial covenant is measured for the immediately preceding four fiscal quarters as of the Report Date, the financial results of the Target as well as the Borrower and its Subsidiaries will be included in that four fiscal quarter period calculation; provided, however, that income earned or expenses incurred by the Target prior to the date of the proposed Permitted Acquisition shall be excluded) and include in such calculations Indebtedness or other liabilities assumed or incurred in connection with such Permitted Acquisition.

Credit Agreement			Consolidated for Borrower and its Subsidiaries	Target	Consolidated Pro Forma⁸
	(vii.)	Hybrid Securities described in clause (i) of the definition of “Hybrid Security” in the Credit Agreement	$	$	$

	(viii.)	mandatory repayment obligations with respect to Hybrid Securities described in clause (ii) of the definition of “Hybrid Security” in the Credit Agreement	$	$	$

	(ix.)	sum of items (i) through (viii) equals Consolidated Total Indebtedness	$	$	$

(B)	Consolidated Total Capitalization, as of the Report Date, is computed as follows:

	(i.)	Consolidated Total Indebtedness (see item (1)(A)(ix) above)	$	$	$

	(ii.)	Common Shareholders’ Equity	$	$	$

	(iii.)	Preferred Shareholders’ Equity	$	$	$

	(iv.)	sum of items (i) through (iii) equals Consolidated Total Capitalization	$	$	$

EXHIBIT 8.3.3

FORM OF
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

________ ___, 20___

U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent
461 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10017
and each Lender party to the Credit Agreement (defined below)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I, __________________, [Chief Executive Officer/President/Chief Financial Officer] of the Borrower, do hereby certify on behalf of the Borrower as of the [fiscal quarter/fiscal year ended ________ ___, 20__] (the “Report Date”), as follows:

(1)	Maximum Leverage Ratio (Section 8.2.12). The ratio of (A) Consolidated Total Indebtedness to (B) Consolidated Total Capitalization of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is _________ to 1.00 as of the Report Date, which is not more than the maximum permitted ratio of 0.65 to 1.00.

(A)	Consolidated Total Indebtedness, as of the Report Date, is computed as follows:
	(i)	borrowed moneys	$

	(ii)	note purchase or acceptance credit facilities	$

	(iii)	reimbursement obligations (contingent or otherwise)	$

	(iv)	other transactions similar to borrowed money	$

	(v)	Hedging Transactions	$

	(vi)	Guarantees of Hedging Transactions and of borrowed money transactions	$

	(vii)	Hybrid Securities described in clause (i) of the definition of “Hybrid Security” in the Credit Agreement	$

	(viii)	mandatory repayment obligations with respect to Hybrid Securities described in clause (ii) of the definition of “Hybrid Security” in the Credit Agreement	$

	(ix)	sum of items (i) through (viii) equals Consolidated Total Indebtedness	$

(B)	Consolidated Total Capitalization, as of the Report Date, is computed as follows:

	(i)	Consolidated Total Indebtedness (see item (1)(A)(ix) above)	$

	(ii)	Common Shareholders’ Equity	$

	(iii)	Preferred Shareholders’ Equity	$

	(iv)	sum of items (i) through (iii) equals Consolidated Total Capitalization	$

(2)	Indebtedness in respect of capitalized leases incurred pursuant to Section 8.2.1(iv) by the Loan Parties and Unregulated Subsidiaries, as of the Report Date $_________, which does not exceed One Hundred Million and 00/100 Dollars ($100,000,000.00).

(3)	Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 8.2.1(vi) secured by Liens permitted by Section 8.2.2(i) as of the Report Date is $__________, which does not exceed Thirty-Five Million and 00/100 Dollars ($35,000,000.00).

(4)	Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 8.2.1(vii) secured by Purchase Money Security Interests permitted by clause (xi) of the definition of Permitted Liens for the Loan Parties and their Unregulated Subsidiaries as of the Report Date is $________, which does not exceed Twenty Million and 00/100 Dollars ($20,000,000.00).

(5)	Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 8.2.1(viii) of an Acquired Person that existed prior to the Permitted Acquisition, was not incurred in contemplation of the Permitted Acquisition and, if secured, is secured by Liens permitted by clause (xii) of the definition of Permitted Liens as of the Report Date is $________, which does not exceed Seventy- Five Million and 00/100 Dollars ($75,000,000.00).

(6)	Each of the Loan Parties and their Unregulated Subsidiaries have sold, transferred or leased $________ of assets, as permitted by Section 8.2.6(vii), which amount does not exceed the permitted amount of $________ (such permitted amount equal to 10% of consolidated total assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the applicable fiscal year of the Borrower).

(7)	During the fiscal [quarter/year] ended on the Report Date, the Loan Parties and their Unregulated Subsidiaries have declared or made dividend payments or other distribution or purchased or redeemed or otherwise acquired shares of stock, warrants, rights or options permitted by Section 8.2.13 as follows: [Insert description of each action undertaken, including the date thereof, the dollar amount thereof and a description of the transaction].

(8)	The Loan Parties and their Unregulated Subsidiaries have engaged in off-balance sheet transactions that are functionally equivalent to borrowed money, as permitted by Section 8.2.14, with aggregate liabilities, as of the Report Date, of $________, which does not exceed $_________ (such permitted amount equal to 10% of total assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, determined in accordance with GAAP).

(9)	The representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in Section 6 of the Credit Agreement (other than the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties contained in the first sentence of Section 6.1.6 [Litigation], the last sentence of Section 6.1.8(b) [Financial Statements], and Section 6.1.21 [Environmental Matters]) and in the other Loan Documents are true on and as of the Report Date with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date (except representations and warranties which expressly related solely to an earlier date or time) and the Borrower has performed and complied with all covenants and conditions of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents. No event has occurred and is continuing which constitutes an Event of Default or Potential Default.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate this _____ day of __________, 20___.

By:

Name:

Title:

[Chief Executive Officer/President/
Chief Financial Officer]