This
preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus relate to an effective registration statement under
the Securities Act of 1933, but are not complete and may be
changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these
securities and are not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
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Filed
Pursuant to Rule 424 (b)(3)
Registration No.
333-169315-05
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED
SEPTEMBER 7, 2011
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated March 4, 2011)
$
Entergy Texas, Inc.
FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS,
%
SERIES DUE ,
20
We are offering $ million of
our First Mortgage Bonds, % Series
due ,
20 . We will pay interest on the bonds
on
and
of each year. The first interest payment on the bonds will be
made
on ,
2012. We may redeem the bonds, in whole or in part, at any time
prior to maturity, at the redemption prices described in this
prospectus supplement. The bonds will be issued in denominations
of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof.
As described in the accompanying prospectus, the bonds are a
series of first mortgage bonds issued under our indenture, deed
of trust and security agreement, which has the benefit of a
first mortgage lien on substantially all of our tangible
electric utility property in Texas, our franchises, permits and
licenses that are transferable and necessary for the operation
of such property and our recorded easements and rights of way.
Investing in the bonds involves risks. See Risk
Factors on
page S-1
of this prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
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Underwriting
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Proceeds to
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Price to
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Discounts and
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Entergy Texas
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Public
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Commissions
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(Before Expenses)
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Per bond
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%
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%
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%
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Total
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$
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$
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$
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The price to public will also include any interest that has
accrued on the bonds since their issue date if delivered after
that date.
The underwriters expect to deliver the bonds to purchasers
through the book-entry facilities of The Depository
Trust Company in New York, New York on or about
September , 2011.
Joint Book-Running Managers
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| Credit
Suisse |
KeyBanc
Capital Markets |
September , 2011
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, the
accompanying prospectus and any related free writing prospectus
required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, or SEC. We have not, and the underwriters have not,
authorized anyone else to provide you with different
information. You should not assume that the information
contained in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying
prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference is
accurate as of any date other than as of the dates of these
documents or the dates these documents were filed with the SEC.
If the information in this prospectus supplement is different
from, or inconsistent with, the information in the accompanying
prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in this
prospectus supplement. We are not, and the underwriters are not,
making an offer of the bonds in any jurisdiction where the offer
or sale is not permitted.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Prospectus
Supplement
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Page
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S-1
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S-1
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S-2
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S-3
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S-3
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S-6
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S-7
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S-7
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2
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2
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2
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3
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4
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4
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4
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19
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20
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20
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RISK
FACTORS
Investing in the bonds involves certain risks. In considering
whether to purchase the bonds, you should carefully consider the
information we have included or incorporated by reference in
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. In
particular, you should carefully consider the information under
the heading Risk Factors as well as the factors
listed under the heading Forward-Looking
Information, in each case, contained in our Annual Report
on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2010 (the 2010
Form 10-K),
our Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 (the First
Quarter 2011
Form 10-Q),
and our Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 (the Second
Quarter 2011
Form 10-Q),
each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the
information filed by us with the SEC, which means that we can
refer you to important information without restating it in this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The
information incorporated by reference is considered to be part
of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus
and should be read with the same care. Accordingly, we
incorporate by reference the documents listed below along with
any future filings that we make with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, if the filings are made prior to the time
that all of the bonds are sold in this offering:
1. the 2010
Form 10-K;
2. the First Quarter 2011
Form 10-Q; and
3. the Second Quarter 2011
Form 10-Q.
You may access a copy of any or all of these filings, free of
charge, at our web site located at
http://www.entergy.com
or by writing or calling us at the following address:
Mr. Mark G. Otts
Assistant Secretary
Entergy Texas, Inc.
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
(504) 576-5228
You may also direct your requests via email to
motts@entergy.com. We do not intend our Internet address
to be an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents of
the website into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying
prospectus.
S-1
SELECTED
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
You should read our selected financial information set forth
below in conjunction with the financial statements and other
financial information contained in the documents incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus. The selected financial information set forth below
has been derived from (1) our annual financial statements
for the three-year period ended December 31, 2010, which
have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, our
independent registered public accounting firm, and incorporated
by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus from the 2010
Form 10-K,
and (2) our unaudited financial statements for the six
months ended and as of June 30, 2011, incorporated by
reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying
prospectus from the Second Quarter 2011
Form 10-Q.
The following material, which is presented in this prospectus
supplement solely to furnish summary information, is qualified
by, and should be considered in conjunction with, the more
detailed information appearing in the documents incorporated by
reference herein.
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For the Twelve Months Ended
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June 30,
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December 31,
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2011
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2010
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2009
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2008
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(Dollars in thousands)
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Income Statement Data:
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Operating Revenues
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$
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1,676,379
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$
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1,690,431
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$
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1,563,823
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$
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2,012,258
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Operating Income
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198,151
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190,574
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151,092
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135,919
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Interest Expense
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88,936
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91,654
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103,653
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77,957
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Net Income
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70,272
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66,200
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63,841
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57,895
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Ratio of Earnings to
Fixed Charges(1)(2)
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2.20
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2.10
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1.92
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2.04
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As of June 30, 2011
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Actual
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As Adjusted(3)
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Amount
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Percent
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Amount
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Percent
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(Dollars in Thousands)
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Balance Sheet Data:
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Common Equity:
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Common Stock
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$
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49,452
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2.0
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%
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$
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%
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Paid-in Capital
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481,994
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19.4
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Retained Earnings
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331,667
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13.3
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Total Common Equity
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863,113
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34.7
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First Mortgage Bonds
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850,000
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34.1
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Other Long-Term Debt(4)
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778,270
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31.2
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Total Capitalization
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$
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2,491,383
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100.0
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%
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$
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%
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(1) |
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As defined by Item 503(d) of
Regulation S-K
of the SEC, Earnings represent the aggregate of
(1) income before the cumulative effect of an accounting
change, (2) taxes based on income, (3) investment tax
credit
adjustments-net
and (4) fixed charges, and Fixed Charges
include interest (whether expensed or capitalized), related
amortization and estimated interest applicable to rentals
charged to operating expenses. We accrue interest expense
related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense and
do not include it in fixed charges. |
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(2) |
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The Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges for the six months ended
June 30, 2011 was 2.34. |
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(3) |
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Adjusted to reflect the issuance and sale of the bonds. See
Use of Proceeds. |
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(4) |
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Other Long-Term Debt includes approximately $775.9 million
of securitization bonds that are non-recourse to our assets and
revenues. |
S-2
USE OF
PROCEEDS
We anticipate our net proceeds from the sale of the bonds will
be approximately $ million
after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and
estimated offering expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds
we receive from the issuance and sale of the bonds for general
corporate purposes. Pending the application of the net proceeds
of the bonds, we will invest them in short-term, highly liquid,
high-rated money market instruments
and/or the
Entergy System money pool.
DESCRIPTION
OF THE BONDS
General
The Mortgage (as defined in the accompanying prospectus) permits
us to issue an unlimited amount of first mortgage bonds from
time to time in one or more series, so long as we meet issuance
tests set forth in the Mortgage, which are generally described
in the accompanying prospectus under the heading
Description of the New Bonds Issuance of
New Bonds. All first mortgage bonds of any one series need
not be issued at the same time, and a series may be reopened for
issuances of additional first mortgage bonds of such series.
Thus, we may, from time to time, without notice to or the
consent of the existing holders of the bonds, create and issue
further first mortgage bonds having the same terms and
conditions as the bonds offered hereby in all respects, except
for issue date, price to public and, if applicable, the initial
interest payment on such first mortgage bonds. Additional first
mortgage bonds issued in this manner will be consolidated with,
and will form a single series with, the previously outstanding
first mortgage bonds of such series.
Interest,
Maturity and Payment
We are offering $ million of
our First Mortgage Bonds, % Series
due ,
20 . We will pay interest on the bonds
on
and
of each year, beginning
on ,
2012. Interest will accrue at the rate
of % per year and starts to accrue
from the date that the bonds are issued. As long as the bonds
are registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company
(DTC) or its nominee, the record date for interest
payable on any interest payment date shall be the close of
business on the Business Day immediately preceding such interest
payment date. We have agreed to pay interest on any overdue
principal and, if such payment is enforceable under applicable
law, on any overdue installment of interest on the bonds at a
rate of % per annum to holders of
record at the close of business on the Business Day immediately
preceding our payment of such interest.
Interest on the bonds will be computed on the basis of a
360-day year
of twelve
30-day
months. If any interest payment date or the maturity date falls
on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment due on that
interest payment date or the maturity date will be made on the
next Business Day without any interest or other payment in
respect of such delay.
Form and
Denomination
The bonds will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral
multiples thereof. The bonds will be represented by a global
certificate without coupons registered in the name of a nominee
of DTC. As long as the bonds are registered in the name of DTC
or its nominee, we will pay principal, any premium and interest
due on the bonds to DTC. DTC will then make payment to its
participants for disbursement to the beneficial owners of the
bonds as described in the accompanying prospectus under the
heading Description of the New Bonds
Book-Entry Only Securities.
Optional
Redemption
At any time prior
to ,
20 (three months prior to the maturity date of the
bonds), we may redeem the bonds, in whole or in part, at our
option, on not less than 30 days nor more than
60 days notice, at a redemption price equal to the
greater of (a) 100% of the principal amount of the bonds
being redeemed and (b) as determined by the Independent
Investment Banker, the sum of the present values of the
remaining
S-3
scheduled payments of principal of and interest on the bonds
being redeemed (excluding the portion of any such interest
accrued to the redemption date), discounted (for purposes of
determining such present values) to the redemption date on a
semi-annual basis (assuming a
360-day year
consisting of twelve
30-day
months) at the Adjusted Treasury Rate
plus % plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon to the redemption date.
At any time on or
after ,
20 (three months prior to the maturity date of the
bonds), we may redeem the bonds, in whole or in part, at our
option, on not less than 30 days nor more than
60 days notice, at a redemption price equal to 100%
of the principal amount of the bonds being redeemed, plus
accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
If, at the time notice of redemption is given, the redemption
monies are not held by the Mortgage Trustee (as defined in the
accompanying prospectus), the redemption may be made subject to
receipt of such monies before the date fixed for redemption, and
such notice shall be of no effect unless such monies are so
received.
We may apply cash we deposit under any provision of the
Mortgage, with certain exceptions, to the redemption or
purchase, including the purchase from us, of first mortgage
bonds of any series under our Mortgage including the bonds.
Certain
Definitions
Adjusted Treasury Rate means, with respect to
any redemption date:
(1) the yield, under the heading which represents the
average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the
most recently published statistical release designated
H.15(519) or any successor publication which is
published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively traded
United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity
under the caption Treasury Constant Maturities, for
the maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue (if
no maturity is within three months before or after the remaining
term of the bonds, yields for the two published maturities most
closely corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue shall be
determined and the Adjusted Treasury Rate shall be interpolated
or extrapolated from such yields on a straight line basis,
rounding to the nearest month); or
(2) if such release (or any successor release) is not
published during the week preceding the calculation date for the
Adjusted Treasury Rate or does not contain such yields, the rate
per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity
of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for
the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its
principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for
such redemption date.
The Adjusted Treasury Rate shall be calculated on the third
Business Day preceding the redemption date.
Business Day means any day other than a
Saturday or a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in
The City of New York are authorized or required by law or
executive order to remain closed or a day on which the corporate
trust office of the Mortgage Trustee is closed for business.
Comparable Treasury Issue means the United
States Treasury security selected by the Independent Investment
Banker as having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of
the bonds that would be utilized, at the time of selection and
in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new
issues of corporate debt securities of comparable maturity to
the remaining term of the bonds.
Comparable Treasury Price means, with respect
to any redemption date, (1) the average of five Reference
Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date after
excluding the highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations or (2) if the Independent Investment Banker
obtains fewer than five such Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations, the average of all such Reference Treasury Dealer
Quotations.
Independent Investment Banker means one of
the Reference Treasury Dealers that we appoint to act as the
Independent Investment Banker from time to time or, if any of
such firms is unwilling or unable to select the Comparable
Treasury Issue, an independent investment banking institution of
national standing appointed by us.
S-4
Reference Treasury Dealer means
(1) Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and its successors;
provided, however, that, if any of the foregoing shall cease to
be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York
City (a Primary Treasury Dealer), we will substitute
therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer, and (2) any other
Primary Treasury Dealer selected by the Independent Investment
Banker after consultation with us.
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations means,
with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any
redemption date, the average, as determined by the Independent
Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the
Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a
percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the
Independent Investment Banker at 5:00 p.m. on the third
Business Day preceding such redemption date.
Issuance
of First Mortgage Bonds
See Description of the New Bonds Issuance of
New Bonds in the accompanying prospectus for a description
of the bases upon which we are permitted to issue first mortgage
bonds under our Mortgage and the related requirements for such
issuance. The bonds will be issued on the basis of Property
Additions (as defined in the accompanying prospectus). As of
July 31, 2011, approximately $229 million of first
mortgage bonds could have been issued on the basis of Property
Additions, and approximately $525 million of first mortgage
bonds could have been issued on the basis of Retired Securities
(as defined in the accompanying prospectus).
Additional
Information
For additional information about the bonds, see
Description of the New Bonds in the accompanying
prospectus, including:
1. additional information about the terms of the bonds,
2. general information about the Mortgage and the Mortgage
Trustee, including the lien of the Mortgage, excepted property
and permitted liens,
3. a description of certain restrictions contained in the
Mortgage, and
4. a description of events of default under the Mortgage.
S-5
UNDERWRITING
Under the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting
agreement, dated the date of this prospectus supplement, we have
agreed to sell each of the underwriters named below, and each of
the underwriters has severally agreed to purchase, the principal
amounts of bonds set forth opposite its name below:
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Principal
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Amount of
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Name
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Bonds
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Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC
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$
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KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc.
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Total
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$
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Under the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting
agreement, the underwriters have committed, subject to the terms
and conditions set forth therein, to take and pay for all of the
bonds if any are taken, provided, that under certain
circumstances involving a default of an underwriter, less than
all of the bonds may be purchased. The underwriters reserve the
right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to
reject orders in whole or in part.
The underwriters initially propose to offer the bonds directly
to the public at the price to public set forth on the cover page
hereof and may offer part of the bonds to certain securities
dealers at such price less a concession not in excess
of % of the principal amount of the
bonds. The underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow
certain brokers and dealers, a concession not in excess
of % of the principal amount of the
bonds. After the initial offering of the bonds, the offering
price and other selling terms may from time to time be varied by
the underwriters.
We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act of 1933.
We estimate that our total expenses for this offering will be
approximately $285,000, excluding underwriting discounts and
commissions.
The bonds will constitute a new class of securities with no
established trading market. We cannot assure you as to
(1) the liquidity of any such market that may develop,
(2) the ability of holders of bonds to sell their bonds or
(3) the price at which the holders of bonds would be able
to sell their bonds. If such a market develops, the bonds could
trade at prices that may be higher or lower than their principal
amount or purchase price, depending on many factors, including
prevailing interest rates, the market for similar debt
securities and our business, results of operations, financial
condition or prospects. We do not intend to apply for listing of
the bonds on any securities exchange or for inclusion of the
bonds in any automated quotation system.
To facilitate the offering of the bonds, the underwriters may
engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the price of the bonds. Specifically, they may over-allot
in connection with the offering, creating a short position in
the bonds for their own accounts. In addition, to cover
over-allotments or to stabilize the price of the bonds, the
underwriters may bid for, and purchase, the bonds in the open
market. Finally, the underwriters may reclaim selling
concessions allowed to dealers for distributing the bonds in the
offering, if they repurchase previously distributed bonds in
transactions to cover short positions established by them, in
stabilization transactions or otherwise. Any of these activities
may stabilize or maintain the market price of the bonds above
independent market levels. The underwriters are not required to
engage in these activities and may end any of these activities
at any time.
It is expected that delivery of the bonds will be made on or
about the date specified on the cover page of this prospectus
supplement, which will be the fourth business day (T+4)
following the date of this prospectus supplement. Under
Rule 15c6-1
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the
secondary market generally are required to settle in three
business days (T+3), unless the parties to any such trade
expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, the purchasers who wish
to trade the bonds on the date of this prospectus supplement or
the next business day will be required to specify an alternate
settlement cycle at the time of any
S-6
such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the
bonds who wish to trade the bonds on the date of this prospectus
supplement or the next business day should consult their own
advisors.
In the ordinary course of their respective businesses, the
underwriters and certain of their affiliates have in the past
and may in the future engage in investment banking or other
transactions of a financial nature with us and our affiliates,
for which they have received customary compensation. All of the
underwriters, either directly or through affiliates, are lenders
under certain Entergy System credit facilities.
EXPERTS
The financial statements and the related financial statement
schedule as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010,
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus from the 2010
Form 10-K,
and the effectiveness of Entergy Texas, Inc. and
Subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting
have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in
their reports, which are incorporated by reference herein. Such
financial statements and financial statement schedule have been
so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given
upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
LEGALITY
The legality of the bonds will be passed upon for us by Morgan,
Lewis & Bockius LLP, New York, New York, as to
matters of New York law, and by Duggins Wren Mann &
Romero, LLP, Austin, Texas, as to matters of Texas law. Certain
legal matters with respect to the offering of the bonds will be
passed on for the underwriters by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw
Pittman LLP, New York, New York. Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
LLP regularly represents our affiliates in connection with
various matters. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP may rely
on the opinion of Duggins Wren Mann & Romero, LLP, as
to matters of Texas law relevant to its opinions.
S-7
FIRST MORTGAGE
BONDS
ENTERGY TEXAS, INC.
350 Pine Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701
(409) 981-2000
We
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may periodically offer our first mortgage bonds in one or more
series; and
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will determine the price and other terms of each series of first
mortgage bonds when sold, including whether any series will be
subject to redemption prior to maturity.
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The First Mortgage Bonds
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will be secured by a mortgage that constitutes a first mortgage
lien on substantially all of our tangible electric utility
property in Texas, our franchises, permits and licenses that are
transferable and necessary for the operation of such property
and our recorded easements and rights of way; and
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will not be listed on a national securities exchange unless
otherwise indicated in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
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You
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will receive interest payments in the amounts and on the dates
specified in an accompanying prospectus supplement.
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This prospectus may be used to offer and sell series of first
mortgage bonds only if accompanied by the prospectus supplement
for that series. We will provide the specific information for
those offerings and the specific terms of these first mortgage
bonds, including their offering prices, interest rates and
maturities, in supplements to this prospectus. The supplements
may also add, update or change the information in this
prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any supplements
carefully before you invest.
Investing in the first mortgage bonds offered by this
prospectus involves risks. See Risk Factors on
page 2.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
We may offer the first mortgage bonds directly or through
underwriters, agents or dealers. Each prospectus supplement will
provide the terms of the plan of distribution for the related
series of first mortgage bonds.
The date of this prospectus is March 4, 2011.
RISK
FACTORS
Investing in the first mortgage bonds involves certain risks. In
considering whether to purchase the first mortgage bonds being
offered by this prospectus (the New Bonds), you
should carefully consider the information we have included or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus. In particular, you
should carefully consider the information under the heading
Risk Factors as well as the factors listed under the
heading Forward-Looking Information, in each case,
contained in our annual report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2010, which is incorporated
by reference in this prospectus.
ABOUT
THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration
statement that we filed with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (the SEC) as a majority-owned
subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, which is a well-known
seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act). By
utilizing a shelf registration statement, we may sell, at any
time and from time to time, in one or more offerings, the New
Bonds described in this prospectus. This prospectus provides a
general description of the New Bonds being offered. Each time we
sell a series of New Bonds we will provide a prospectus
supplement containing specific information about the terms of
that series of New Bonds and the related offering. It is
important for you to consider the information contained in this
prospectus, the related prospectus supplement and the exhibits
to the registration statement, together with the additional
information referenced under the heading Where You Can
Find More Information in making your investment decision.
For more detailed information about the New Bonds, you can read
the exhibits to the registration statement. Those exhibits have
been either filed with the registration statement or
incorporated by reference to earlier SEC filings listed in the
registration statement.
ENTERGY
TEXAS, INC.
Our
Business
We are a business corporation organized under the laws of the
State of Texas. Our principal executive offices are located at
350 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701. Our telephone number is
(409) 838-6631.
We are a public utility company engaged in the generation,
transmission, distribution and sale of electric energy to
approximately 408,000 customers in the State of Texas. All of
our common stock is owned by Entergy Corporation. The other
major public utilities owned by Entergy Corporation are Entergy
Arkansas, Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, L.L.C.
(EGSL), Entergy Louisiana, LLC, Entergy Mississippi,
Inc. and Entergy New Orleans, Inc. Entergy Corporation also owns
all of the common stock of System Energy Resources, Inc., the
principal asset of which is its interest in the Grand Gulf
Electric Generating Station, and Entergy Operations, Inc., a
nuclear management services company.
We are subject to regulation by the Public Utility Commission of
Texas as to electric service, retail rates and charges,
certification of generating facilities, power or capacity
purchase contracts, depreciation, accounting and other matters
involving our service territory, which is exclusively within
Texas. We are also subject to regulation by the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission.
Jurisdictional
Separation and Asset Allocation
Effective December 31, 2007, Entergy Gulf States, Inc.
(EGSI) operating as a public utility in Louisiana
and Texas reorganized pursuant to a jurisdictional separation
plan into two vertically integrated utility
companies EGSL operating as a public utility in
Louisiana and us operating as a public utility in Texas. We own
all of EGSIs distribution and transmission assets located
in Texas, the gas-fired generating plants located in Texas,
undivided 42.5% ownership shares of EGSIs 70% ownership
interest in Nelson 6 and 42% ownership interest in Big Cajun 2,
Unit 3, which are coal-fired generating plants located in
Louisiana, and other assets and
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contract rights to the extent related to EGSIs utility
operations in Texas. On a book value basis, approximately 41.9%
of the EGSI assets were allocated to us and approximately 58.1%
were allocated to EGSL.
We purchase from EGSL, pursuant to a
life-of-the-unit
purchased power agreement (PPA), a 42.5% share of
capacity and energy from the 70% of River Bend Steam Electric
Generating Station (nuclear) (River Bend) subject to
retail regulation. We assumed a share of River Bends
nuclear and environmental liabilities that is identical to the
share of the plants output we purchase under this PPA.
EGSL purchases a 57.5% share of capacity and energy from the
gas-fired generating plants owned by us, and we purchase a 42.5%
share of capacity and energy from the gas-fired generating
plants owned by EGSL. The PPAs associated with the gas-fired
generating plants will terminate when retail open access
commences in our jurisdiction or when the associated unit is no
longer dispatched by the Entergy system. The dispatch and
operation of the generating plants has not changed as a result
of the jurisdictional separation.
In connection with the jurisdictional separation, we executed
separate instruments of assumption in favor of the trustees of
EGSIs debt pursuant to which we assumed our pro rata
share of the long-term debt issued by EGSI that was
outstanding as of December 31, 2007, which share was
approximately 46% of EGSIs long-term debt and aggregated
approximately $1.1 billion of first mortgage bonds at such
date (the Assumed Debt). We have repaid the Assumed
Debt.
Additional
Information
The information above is only a summary and is not complete. You
should read the incorporated documents listed under the heading
Where You Can Find More Information for more
specific information concerning our business and affairs,
including significant contingencies, significant factors and
known trends, our general capital requirements, our financing
plans and capabilities, and pending legal and regulatory
proceedings, including the status of industry restructuring in
our service area.
WHERE YOU
CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act),
and therefore are required to file annual, quarterly and current
reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.
Our filings are available to the public on the Internet at the
SECs website located at
(http://www.sec.gov).
You may read and copy any document that we file with the SEC at
the SEC public reference room located at:
100 F Street, N.E.
Room 1580
Washington, D.C.
20549-1004.
Call the SEC at
1-800-732-0330
for more information about the public reference room and how to
request documents.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the
information filed by us with the SEC, which means we can refer
you to important information without restating it in this
prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is an
important part of this prospectus, and information that we file
later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this
information. We incorporate by reference our annual report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2010, along with any future
filings that we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this
prospectus and until the offerings contemplated by this
prospectus are completed or terminated.
3
You may access a copy of any or all of these filings, free of
charge, at our web site, which is located at
http://
www.entergy.com, or by writing or calling us at the
following address:
Ms. Dawn A. Abuso
Assistant Secretary
Entergy Texas, Inc.
639 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70113
(504) 576-6755
You may also direct your requests via
e-mail to
dabuso@entergy.com. We do not intend our Internet address to be
an active link or to otherwise incorporate the contents of the
website into this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus
supplement.
You should rely only on the information incorporated by
reference or provided in this prospectus or any accompanying
prospectus supplement. We have not, nor have any underwriters,
dealers or agents, authorized anyone else to provide you with
different information about us or the New Bonds. We are not, nor
are any underwriters, dealers or agents, making an offer of the
New Bonds in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted.
You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or
any accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of any
date other than the date on the front of those documents or that
the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus or
any accompanying prospectus supplement are accurate as of any
date other than the date those documents were filed with the
SEC. Our business, financial condition, results of operations
and prospects may have changed since these dates.
RATIOS OF
EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
We have calculated ratios of earnings to fixed charges pursuant
to Item 503 of
Regulation S-K
of the SEC as follows:
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Twelve Months Ended December 31,
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2010
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2009
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2008
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2007
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2006
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2.10
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1.92
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2.04
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2.07
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Earnings represent the aggregate of
(1) income before the cumulative effect of an accounting
change, (2) taxes based on income, (3) investment tax
credit
adjustments-net
and (4) fixed charges. Fixed Charges include
interest (whether expensed or capitalized), related amortization
and estimated interest applicable to rentals charged to
operating expenses. We accrue interest expense related to
unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense and do not
include it in fixed charges.
USE OF
PROCEEDS
Except as otherwise described in a prospectus supplement, the
net proceeds from the offering of the New Bonds will be used
either (a) to repurchase or redeem one or more series of
our outstanding securities on their stated due dates or in some
cases prior to their stated due dates or (b) for other
general corporate purposes. The specific purposes for the
proceeds of a particular series of New Bonds or the specific
securities, if any, to be acquired or redeemed with the proceeds
of a particular series of New Bonds will be described in the
prospectus supplement relating to that series.
DESCRIPTION
OF THE NEW BONDS
The following description sets forth the general terms and
provisions of the New Bonds that we may offer by this
prospectus. We will describe the particular terms of the New
Bonds, and provisions that vary from those described below, in
one or more prospectus supplements.
4
We may issue the New Bonds from time to time in the future, in
one or more series, under an Indenture, Deed of Trust and
Security Agreement dated as of October 1, 2008, as it may
be amended or supplemented from time to time (the
Mortgage), between us and The Bank of New York
Mellon, as trustee (the Mortgage Trustee). The
Mortgage and a form of officers certificate establishing a
series of New Bonds are each filed as exhibits to the
registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
All first mortgage bonds issued or to be issued under the
Mortgage, including the New Bonds offered by this prospectus,
are referred to herein as first mortgage bonds.
This section of the prospectus contains a summary of all
material provisions of the Mortgage. The Mortgage contains the
full legal text of the matters described in this section.
Because this section is a summary, it does not describe every
aspect of the New Bonds or the Mortgage. This summary is subject
to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all the
provisions of the Mortgage, including the definitions of some of
the terms used in the Mortgage. We also include references in
parentheses to some of the sections of the Mortgage. Whenever we
refer to particular sections or defined terms of the Mortgage in
this prospectus or in a prospectus supplement, these sections or
defined terms are incorporated by reference into this prospectus
or into the prospectus supplement. This summary is also subject
to and qualified by reference to the description of the
particular terms of each series of New Bonds described in the
applicable prospectus supplement or supplements. The Mortgage
has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939,
and you should also refer to the Trust Indenture Act of
1939 for provisions that apply to the New Bonds.
General
The Mortgage permits us to issue first mortgage bonds from time
to time in an unlimited aggregate amount subject to the
limitations described under Issuance of New
Bonds. All first mortgage bonds of any one series need not
be issued at the same time, and a series may be reopened for
issuances of additional first mortgage bonds of that series.
This means that we may from time to time, without the consent of
the existing holders of the first mortgage bonds of any series,
including the New Bonds, create and issue additional first
mortgage bonds of a series having the same terms and conditions
as the previously issued first mortgage bonds of that series in
all respects, except for issue date, issue price and, if
applicable, the initial interest payment on those additional
first mortgage bonds. Additional first mortgage bonds issued in
this manner will be consolidated with and will form a single
series with, the previously issued first mortgage bonds of that
series. For more information, see the discussion below under
Issuance of New Bonds.
A prospectus supplement and any supplemental indenture, board
resolution and officers certificate relating to any series
of New Bonds being offered by this prospectus will include
specific terms relating to that offering. These terms will
include some or all of the following terms that apply to that
series:
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the title of the New Bonds;
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any limit upon the total principal amount of the New Bonds;
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the dates, or the method to determine the dates, on which the
principal of the New Bonds will be payable and how it will be
paid;
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the interest rate or rates which the New Bonds will bear, or how
the rate or rates will be determined, the interest payment dates
for the New Bonds and the regular record dates for interest
payments;
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any right to extend the interest payments for, or the maturity
of, the New Bonds and the duration of any such extension;
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the percentage, if less than 100%, of the principal amount of
the New Bonds that will be payable if the maturity of the New
Bonds is accelerated;
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any date or dates on which the New Bonds may be redeemed at our
option and the terms, conditions and any restrictions on those
redemptions;
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any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to
repurchase or otherwise redeem the New Bonds;
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any additions or exceptions to the events of default under the
Mortgage or additions or exceptions to our covenants under the
Mortgage for the benefit of the holders of New Bonds;
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any denominations other than multiples of $1,000 in which the
New Bonds will be issued;
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if payments on the New Bonds may be made in a currency or
currencies other than United States dollars; and, if so, the
means through which the equivalent principal amount of any
payment in United States dollars is to be determined for any
purpose;
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any terms pursuant to which the New Bonds may be converted into
or exchanged for other securities of ours or of another entity;
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any additional collateral security for the New Bonds; and
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any other terms of the New Bonds not inconsistent with the terms
of the Mortgage.
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(Mortgage, Section 301.)
As of December 31, 2010, we had approximately
$850 million principal amount of first mortgage bonds
outstanding.
We may sell New Bonds at a discount below their principal
amount. United States federal income tax considerations
applicable to New Bonds sold at an original issue discount will
be described in the applicable prospectus supplement if we sell
New Bonds at an original issue discount. In addition, important
United States federal income tax or other tax considerations
applicable to any New Bonds denominated or payable in a currency
or currency unit other than United States dollars will be
described in the applicable prospectus supplement if we sell New
Bonds denominated or payable in a currency or currency unit
other than United States dollars.
Except as may otherwise be described in the applicable
prospectus supplement, the covenants contained in the Mortgage
will not afford holders of New Bonds protection in the event of
a highly-leveraged or a change of control transaction involving
us.
Redemption
We will set forth any terms for the redemption of New Bonds of
any series in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless we
indicate differently in a prospectus supplement, and except with
respect to New Bonds redeemable at the option of the holder of
those New Bonds, New Bonds will be redeemable upon notice to
holders by mail at least 30 days prior to the redemption
date. (Mortgage, Section 504.) Unless the New Bonds are
held in book-entry only form through the facilities of The
Depository Trust Company (DTC), in which case
DTCs procedures for selection shall apply (see
Book-Entry Only Securities), if less
than all of the New Bonds of any series or any tranche thereof
are to be redeemed, the Mortgage Trustee will select the New
Bonds to be redeemed. In the absence of any provision for
selection, the Mortgage Trustee will choose a method of random
selection as it may deem appropriate in accordance with the
procedures of the DTC. (Mortgage, Section 503.)
Unless we default in the payment of the redemption price and
accrued interest, if any, in the case of an unconditional notice
of redemption, New Bonds will cease to bear interest on the
redemption date. (Mortgage, Section 505.) We will pay the
redemption price and any accrued interest to the redemption date
upon surrender of any New Bond for redemption. (Mortgage,
Section 505.) If only part of a New Bond is redeemed, the
Mortgage Trustee will deliver to the holder of the New Bond a
new New Bond of the same series for the remaining portion
without charge. (Mortgage, Section 506.)
We may make any redemption at our option conditional upon the
receipt by the paying agent, on or prior to the date fixed for
redemption, of money sufficient to pay the redemption price and
accrued interest, if any. If the paying agent has not received
the money by the date fixed for redemption, we will not be
required to redeem the New Bonds. (Mortgage, Section 504.)
6
Payment
and Paying Agents
Except as may be provided in the applicable prospectus
supplement, interest, if any, on each New Bond payable on any
interest payment date will be paid to the person in whose name
that New Bond is registered at the close of business on the
regular record date for that interest payment date. However,
interest payable at maturity will be paid to the person to whom
the principal is paid. If there has been a default in the
payment of interest on any New Bond, the defaulted interest may
be paid to the holder of that New Bond as of the close of
business on a date between 10 and 15 days before the date
proposed by us for payment of the defaulted interest or in any
other manner permitted by any securities exchange on which that
New Bond may be listed, if the Mortgage Trustee finds it
workable. (Mortgage, Section 307.)
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement, principal, premium, if any, and interest on the New
Bonds at maturity will be payable upon presentation of the New
Bonds at the corporate trust office of The Bank of New York
Mellon in The City of New York, as our paying agent. However, we
may choose to make payment of interest by check mailed to the
address of the persons entitled to payment as they may appear or
have appeared in the security register for the New Bonds. We may
change the place of payment on the New Bonds, appoint one or
more additional paying agents (including us) and remove any
paying agent, all at our discretion. (Mortgage,
Section 702.)
As long as the New Bonds are registered in the name of DTC, or
its nominee, as described under Book-Entry
Only Securities, payments of principal, premium, if any,
and interest will be made to DTC for subsequent disbursement to
beneficial owners of the New Bonds.
Registration
and Transfer
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement, and subject to restrictions related to the issuance
of New Bonds through DTCs book-entry system, the transfer
of New Bonds may be registered, and New Bonds may be exchanged
for other New Bonds of the same series or tranche, of authorized
denominations and with the same terms and principal amount, at
the corporate trust office of the Mortgage Trustee in The City
of New York. (Mortgage, Section 305.) We may, upon prompt
written notice to the Mortgage Trustee and the holders of the
New Bonds, designate one or more additional places, or change
the place or places previously designated, for registration of
transfer and exchange of the New Bonds. (Mortgage,
Section 702.) No service charge will be made for any
registration of transfer or exchange of the New Bonds. However,
we may require payment to cover any tax or other governmental
charge that may be imposed in connection with a registration of
transfer or exchange. We will not be required to execute or to
provide for the registration, transfer or exchange of any New
Bond
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during the 15 days before an interest payment date;
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during the 15 days before giving any notice of
redemption; or
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selected for redemption except the unredeemed portion of any New
Bond being redeemed in part.
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(Mortgage, Section 305.)
Security
The Mortgage secures the first mortgage bonds now outstanding
and will secure the New Bonds. The Mortgage constitutes a first
mortgage lien on all of our tangible electric utility property
located in Texas, together with our franchises, permits and
licenses that are transferable and necessary for the operation
of such property and our recorded easements and rights of way,
other than Excepted Property (as defined below) and subject to
Permitted Liens (as discussed below). These properties are
sometimes referred to as our Mortgaged Property, and
the Mortgaged Property acquired by us after December 31,
2007 is sometimes referred to as Property Additions.
7
Permitted
Liens
The lien of the Mortgage is subject to Permitted Liens described
in the Mortgage. These Permitted Liens include, among others,
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liens existing at October 1, 2008 (the Execution Date
of the Mortgage) that have not been discharged;
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as to property acquired by us after the Execution Date of the
Mortgage, liens existing or placed on such property at the time
we acquire such property and any Purchase Money Liens;
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tax liens, assessments and other governmental charges or
requirements which are not delinquent or which are being
contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or of
which at least ten business days notice has not been given to
our general counsel or to such other person designated by us to
receive such notices;
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mechanics, workmens, repairmens,
materialmens, warehousemens and carriers
liens, other liens incident to construction, liens or privileges
of any of our employees for salary or wages earned, but not yet
payable, and other liens, including without limitation liens for
workers compensation awards, arising in the ordinary
course of business for charges or requirements which are not
delinquent or which are being contested in good faith and by
appropriate proceedings or of which at least ten business days
notice has not been given to our general counsel or to such
other person designated by us to receive such notices;
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specified judgment liens and Prepaid Liens;
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easements, leases, reservations or other rights of others
(including governmental entities) in, and defects of title in,
our property;
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liens securing indebtedness or other obligations relating to
real property we acquired for specified transmission ,
distribution or communication purposes or for the purpose of
obtaining
rights-of-way;
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specified leases and leasehold, license, franchise and permit
interests;
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liens resulting from law, rules, regulations, orders or rights
of Governmental Authorities and specified liens required by law
or governmental regulations;
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liens to secure public obligations; rights of others to take
minerals, timber, electric energy or capacity, gas, water, steam
or other products produced by us or by others on our property;
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rights and interests of persons other than us arising out of
agreements relating to the common ownership or joint use of
property, and liens on the interests of those Persons in the
property;
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restrictions on assignment
and/or
requirements of any assignee to qualify as a permitted assignee
and/or
public utility or public services corporation; and
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liens which have been bonded for the full amount in dispute or
for the payment of which other adequate security arrangements
have been made.
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(Mortgage, Granting Clauses and Section 101.)
The Mortgage provides that the Mortgage Trustee will have a
lien, prior to the lien on the Mortgaged Property securing the
New Bonds, for the payment of its reasonable compensation and
expenses and for indemnity against specified liabilities.
(Mortgage, Section 1007.) This lien would be a Permitted
Lien under the Mortgage.
Excepted
Property
The lien of the Mortgage does not cover, among other things, the
following types of property:
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all cash, deposit accounts, securities and all policies of
insurance on the lives of our officers not paid or delivered to
or deposited with or held by the Mortgage Trustee or required so
to be;
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all contracts, leases, operating agreements and other agreements
of all kinds (other than our franchises, permits and licenses
that are transferable and necessary for the operation of the
Mortgaged Property), contract rights, bills, notes and other
instruments, revenues, income and earnings, all accounts,
accounts receivable, rights to payment, payment intangibles and
unbilled revenues, rights created by statute or governmental
action to bill and collect revenues or other amounts from
customers or others, credits, claims, demands and judgments;
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all governmental and other licenses, permits, franchises,
consents and allowances (other than our franchises, permits and
licenses that are transferable and necessary for the operation
of Mortgaged Property);
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all unrecorded easements and rights of way;
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all intellectual property rights and other general intangibles;
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all vehicles, movable equipment, aircraft and vessels and all
parts, accessories and supplies used in connection with any of
the foregoing;
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all personal property of such character that the perfection of a
security interest therein or other lien thereon is not governed
by the Uniform Commercial Code in effect where we are organized;
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all merchandise and appliances acquired for the purpose of
resale in the ordinary course and conduct of our business, and
all materials and supplies held for consumption in operation or
held in advance of use thereof for fixed capital purposes;
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all electric energy and capacity, gas, steam and other materials
and products generated, manufactured, produced or purchased by
us for sale, distribution or use in the ordinary course and
conduct of our business;
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all property which is the subject of a lease agreement
designating us as lessee, and all our right, title and interest
in and to the property and in, to and under the lease agreement,
whether or not the lease agreement is intended as security, and
the last day of the term of any lease or leasehold which may
become subject to the lien of the Mortgage;
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all property which subsequent to the Execution Date of the
Mortgage has been released from the lien of the Mortgage and any
improvements, extensions and additions to such properties and
renewals, replacements, substitutions of or for any parts
thereof; and
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all property located at Edison Plaza in Beaumont, Texas.
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We sometimes refer to property of ours not covered by the lien
of the Mortgage as Excepted Property. (Mortgage,
Granting Clauses.)
Funded
Property
The Mortgaged Property that was owned by us on December 31,
2007 and on the Execution Date of the Mortgage is considered
Funded Property and is funded at its net book value on
December 31, 2007. Property Additions will become Funded
Property when used under the Mortgage for the issuance of first
mortgage bonds, the release or retirement of Funded Property, or
the withdrawal of cash deposited with the Mortgage Trustee for
the issuance of first mortgage bonds.
Issuance
of New Bonds
Subject to the issuance restrictions described below, the
aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds that may be
authenticated and delivered under the Mortgage is unlimited.
(Mortgage, Section 301) First mortgage bonds of any
series may be issued from time to time only on the basis of, and
in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding, the sum of the
following:
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70% of the cost or fair value to us (whichever is less) of
Property Additions which do not constitute Funded Property
(generally, Property Additions which have been made the basis of
the authentication
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and delivery of New Bonds, the release of Mortgaged Property or
the withdrawal of cash which have been substituted for retired
Funded Property or which have been used for other specified
purposes (Mortgage, Section 102)) after specified
deductions and additions, primarily including adjustments to
offset property retirements;
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the aggregate principal amount of Retired Securities, as defined
below; or
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an amount of cash deposited with the Mortgage Trustee.
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Retired Securities mean
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any first mortgage bonds authenticated and delivered under the
Mortgage which (i) no longer remain outstanding,
(ii) have not been made the basis of the authentication and
delivery of first mortgage bonds, the release of Mortgaged
Property or the withdrawal of cash, which have been substituted
for retired Funded Property or which have been used for other
specified purposes under any of the provisions of the Mortgage;
and (iii) have not been paid, redeemed, purchased or
otherwise retired by the application thereto of Funded
Cash; and
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any Assumed Debt which (i) no longer remains outstanding
because we have paid or caused to be deposited with the
applicable trustee, paying agent or the holder of such Assumed
Debt moneys sufficient to pay our obligations with respect to
such Assumed Debt, (ii) has not been made the basis of the
authentication and delivery of mortgage bonds, the release of
Mortgaged Property or the withdrawal of cash, which have been
substituted for retired Funded Property or which have been used
for other specified purposes under any of the provisions of the
Mortgage; and (iii) has not been paid, redeemed, purchased
or otherwise retired by the application thereto of Funded Cash.
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(Mortgage, Sections 101, 1601, 1602, 1603, 1604 and 1605.)
As of December 31, 2010, we could have issued approximately
$212.4 million of additional first mortgage bonds on the
basis of net property additions and approximately
$525 million of additional first mortgage bonds on the
basis of Retired Securities.
Release
of Property
Unless an event of default under the Mortgage has occurred and
is continuing, we may obtain the release from the lien of the
Mortgage of any collateral for the first mortgage bonds that
constitutes Funded Property, except for cash held by the
Mortgage Trustee, upon delivery to the Mortgage Trustee of an
amount in cash equal to the amount, if any, by which the lower
of the cost or fair value of the property to be released exceeds
the aggregate of:
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an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of any
obligations secured by Purchase Money Liens upon the property to
be released and delivered to the Mortgage Trustee;
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an amount equal to the cost or fair value to us (whichever is
less) of certified Property Additions not constituting Funded
Property after specified deductions and additions, primarily
including adjustments to offset property retirements (except
that these adjustments need not be made if the Property
Additions were acquired, made or constructed within the
90-day
period preceding the release);
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10/7ths of the aggregate principal amount of first mortgage
bonds that we would be entitled to issue on the basis of Retired
Securities or bond credits (with the entitlement being waived by
operation of the release);
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10/7ths of the aggregate principal amount of any outstanding
first mortgage bonds delivered to the Mortgage Trustee (with the
first mortgage bonds to be cancelled by the Mortgage Trustee)
other than first mortgage bonds issued on the basis of deposited
cash;
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any amount in cash
and/or an
amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of any
obligations secured by Purchase Money Liens delivered to a
holder of a prior lien on Mortgaged Property in consideration
for the release of such Mortgaged Property from such prior
lien; and
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any taxes and expenses incidental to any sale, exchange,
dedication or other disposition of the property to be released.
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(Mortgage, Section 1803.)
Unless an event of default under the Mortgage has occurred and
is continuing, we may obtain the release from the lien of the
Mortgage of any part of the Mortgaged Property or any interest
therein, which does not constitute Funded Property or Funded
Cash held by the Mortgage Trustee, without depositing any cash
or property with the Mortgage Trustee as long as (a) the
aggregate amount of cost or fair value to us (whichever is less)
of all Property Additions which do not constitute Funded
Property (excluding the property to be released) after specified
deductions and additions, primarily including adjustments to
offset property retirements, is not less than zero or
(b) the cost or fair value (whichever is less) of property
to be released does not exceed the aggregate amount of the cost
or fair value to us (whichever is less) of Property Additions
acquired, made or constructed within the
90-day
period preceding the release. (Mortgage, Section 1804.)
The Mortgage provides simplified procedures for the release of
Mortgaged Property with a net book value of up to the greater of
$10 million or 3% of outstanding first mortgage bonds
during a calendar year and for the release of Mortgaged Property
taken or sold in connection with the power of eminent domain,
provides for dispositions of certain obsolete or unnecessary
Mortgaged Property and for grants or surrender of certain
easements, leases or rights of way without any release or
consent by the Mortgage Trustee. (Mortgage Sections 1802,
1805 and 1807.)
If we retain any interest in any property released from the lien
of the Mortgage, the Mortgage will not become a lien on the
property or the interest in the property or any improvements,
extensions or additions to, or any renewals, replacements or
substitutions of or for, any part or parts of the property
unless we subject such property to the lien of the Mortgage.
(Mortgage, Section 1810.)
The Mortgage also provides that we may terminate, abandon,
surrender, cancel, release, modify or dispose of any of our
franchises, permits or licenses that are Mortgaged Property
without any consent of the Trustee or the holders of outstanding
first mortgage bonds; provided that (i) such action is, in
our opinion, necessary, desirable or advisable in the conduct of
our business, and (ii) any of our franchises, permits or
licenses that, in our opinion, cease to be necessary for the
operation of Mortgaged Property shall cease to be Mortgaged
Property without any release or consent, or report to, the
Trustee. (Mortgage, Section 1802.)
Withdrawal
of Cash
Unless an event of default under the Mortgage has occurred and
is continuing, and subject to specified limitations, cash held
by the Mortgage Trustee may, generally, (1) be withdrawn by
us (a) to the extent of the cost or fair value to us
(whichever is less) of Property Additions not constituting
Funded Property, after specified deductions and additions,
primarily including adjustments to offset retirements (except
that these adjustments need not be made if the Property
Additions were acquired, made or constructed within the
90-day
period preceding the withdrawal) or (b) in an amount equal
to the aggregate principal amount of first mortgage bonds that
we would be entitled to issue on the basis of Retired Securities
or bond credits (with the entitlement to the issuance being
waived by operation of the withdrawal) or (c) in an amount
equal to the aggregate principal amount of any outstanding first
mortgage bonds delivered to the Mortgage Trustee (with the first
mortgage bonds to be cancelled by the Mortgage Trustee), or
(2) upon our request, be applied to (a) the purchase
of first mortgage bonds or (b) the payment (or provision
for payment) at stated maturity of any first mortgage bonds or
the redemption (or provision for payment) of any first mortgage
bonds which are redeemable. (Mortgage, Section 1806.)
Satisfaction
and Discharge of New Bonds
We will be discharged from our obligations on the New Bonds if
we irrevocably deposit with the Mortgage Trustee or any paying
agent, other than us, sufficient cash or government securities
to pay the principal, interest, any premium and any other sums
when due on the stated maturity date or a redemption date of the
New Bonds. (Mortgage, Section 801.)
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Consolidation,
Merger and Conveyance of Assets
Under the terms of the Mortgage, we may not consolidate with or
merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or lease as, or
substantially as, an entirety to any entity the Mortgaged
Property, unless:
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the surviving or successor entity, or an entity which acquires
by conveyance or transfer or which leases our Mortgaged Property
as, or substantially as, an entirety, is organized and validly
existing under the laws of any domestic jurisdiction, and it
expressly assumes our obligations on all first mortgage bonds
then outstanding under the Mortgage and confirms the lien of the
Mortgage on the Mortgaged Property (as constituted immediately
prior to the time such transaction became effective) and
subjecting to the lien of the Mortgage all property thereafter
acquired by the successor entity that constitutes an
improvement, extension or addition to the Mortgaged Property (as
so constituted) or a renewal, replacement or substitution of or
for any part thereof, but only to the extent that such
improvement, extension or addition is so affixed or attached to
real property as to be regarded a part of such real property or
is an improvement, extension or addition to personal property
that is made to maintain, renew, repair or improve the function
of such personal property and is physically installed in or
affixed to such personal property;
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in the case of a lease, such lease is made expressly subject to
termination by us or by the Mortgage Trustee and by the
purchaser of the property so leased at any sale thereof at any
time during the continuance of an event of default under the
Mortgage;
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we shall have delivered to the Mortgage Trustee an
officers certificate and an opinion of counsel as provided
in the Mortgage; and
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immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and
treating any debt that becomes an obligation of the successor
entity as a result of such transaction as having been incurred
by the successor entity at the time of such transaction), no
event of default under the Mortgage, or event which, after
notice or lapse of time or both, would become an event of
default under the Mortgage, shall have occurred and be
continuing.
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(Mortgage, Section 1201.) In the case of the conveyance or
other transfer of the Mortgaged Property as, or substantially
as, an entirety to any other person, upon the satisfaction of
all the conditions described above, we would be released and
discharged from all our obligations and covenants under the
Mortgage and on the first mortgage bonds then outstanding unless
we elect to waive such release and discharge. (Mortgage,
Section 1204.)
The Mortgage does not prevent or restrict:
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any conveyance or other transfer, or lease, of any part of the
Mortgaged Property that does not constitute the entirety, or
substantially the entirety, of the Mortgaged
Property; (Mortgage, Section 1205.) or
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any conveyance, transfer or lease of any of our properties where
we retain Mortgaged Property with a fair value in excess of 143%
of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding first
mortgage bonds, and any other outstanding debt secured by a
Purchase Money Lien that ranks equally with, or senior to, the
first mortgage bonds with respect to the Mortgaged Property.
This fair value will be determined within 90 days of the
conveyance, transfer or lease by an independent expert that we
select. (Mortgage, Section 1206.)
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Although the successor entity may, in its sole discretion,
subject to the lien of the Mortgage property then owned or
thereafter acquired by the successor entity, the lien of the
Mortgage generally will not cover the property of the successor
entity other than the property it acquires from us and
improvements, extensions and additions to such property and
renewals, replacements and substitutions thereof, within the
meaning of the Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 1203)
The terms of the Mortgage do not restrict mergers in which we
are the surviving entity. (Mortgage, Section 1205.) A
statutory merger of the sort permitted by Texas law in which a
companys assets and
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liabilities may be allocated among one or more entities shall
not be considered to be a merger, consolidation or conveyance of
Mortgaged Property subject to the provisions of the Mortgage
described above unless all or substantially all of the Mortgaged
Property is allocated to one or more other entities.
Events of
Default
Event of default, when used in the Mortgage
with respect to first mortgage bonds, means any of the following:
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failure to pay interest on any mortgage bond for 30 days
after it is due unless we have made a valid extension of the
interest payment period with respect to such mortgage bond as
provided in the Mortgage;
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failure to pay the principal of or any premium on any mortgage
bond when due unless we have made a valid extension of the
maturity of such mortgage bond as provided in the Mortgage;
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failure to perform or breach of any other covenant or warranty
in the Mortgage that continues for 90 days after we receive
written notice from the Mortgage Trustee, or we and the Mortgage
Trustee receive written notice from the holders of at least 33%
in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding first mortgage
bonds, unless the Mortgage Trustee, or the Mortgage Trustee and
the holders of a principal amount of first mortgage bonds not
less than the principal amount of first mortgage bonds the
holders of which gave such notice, as the case may be, agree in
writing to an extension of such period prior to its expiration;
provided, however, that the Mortgage Trustee, or the Mortgage
Trustee and the holders of such principal amount of first
mortgage bonds, as the case may be, shall be deemed to have
agreed to an extension of such period if corrective action is
initiated by us within such period and is being diligently
pursued;
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events of our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization as
specified in the Mortgage; or
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any other event of default included in any supplemental
indenture, board resolution or officers certificate
establishing a series of first mortgage bonds.
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(Mortgage, Sections 301, 901 and 1301.)
Remedies
If an event of default under the Mortgage occurs and is
continuing, then the Mortgage Trustee, by written notice to us,
or the holders of at least 33% in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding first mortgage bonds, by written notice to us
and the Mortgage Trustee, may declare the principal amount of
all of the first mortgage bonds to be due and payable
immediately, and upon our receipt of such notice, such principal
amount, together with premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid
interest will become immediately due and payable.
At any time after such a declaration of acceleration has been
made but before any sale of the Mortgaged Property and before a
judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been
obtained by the Mortgage Trustee, the event of default under the
Mortgage giving rise to such declaration of acceleration will be
considered cured, and such declaration and its consequences will
be considered rescinded and annulled, if:
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we have paid or deposited with the Mortgage Trustee a sum
sufficient to pay:
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(1) all overdue interest on all outstanding first mortgage
bonds;
(2) the principal of and premium, if any, on the
outstanding first mortgage bonds that have become due otherwise
than by such declaration of acceleration and overdue interest
thereon;
(3) interest on overdue interest to the extent
lawful; and
(4) all amounts due to the Mortgage Trustee under the
Mortgage; and
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any other event of default under the Mortgage with respect to
the first mortgage bonds has been cured or waived as provided in
the Mortgage.
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(Mortgage, Section 902.)
There is no automatic acceleration, even in the event of our
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.
Subject to the Mortgage, under specified circumstances and to
the extent permitted by law, if an event of default under the
Mortgage occurs and is continuing, the Mortgage Trustee has the
power to appoint a receiver for the Mortgaged Property, and is
entitled to all other remedies available to mortgagees and
secured parties under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other
applicable law. (Mortgage, Section 916.)
Other than its duties in case of an event of default under the
Mortgage, the Mortgage Trustee is not obligated to exercise any
of its rights or powers under the Mortgage at the request, order
or direction of any of the holders, unless the holders offer the
Mortgage Trustee an indemnity satisfactory to it. (Mortgage,
Section 1003.) If they provide this indemnity, the holders
of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding first
mortgage bonds will have the right to direct the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available
to the Mortgage Trustee, or exercising any trust or power
conferred upon the Mortgage Trustee. The Mortgage Trustee is not
obligated to comply with directions that conflict with law or
other provisions of the Mortgage or that could involve the
Mortgage Trustee in personal liability in circumstances where
indemnity would not, in the Mortgage Trustees sole
discretion, be adequate. (Mortgage, Section 912.)
No holder of first mortgage bonds will have any right to
institute any proceeding under the Mortgage, or any remedy under
the Mortgage, unless:
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the holder has previously given to the Mortgage Trustee written
notice of a continuing event of default under the Mortgage;
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the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding first mortgage bonds of all series have made a
written request to the Mortgage Trustee and have offered
indemnity satisfactory to the Mortgage Trustee to institute
proceedings; and
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the Mortgage Trustee has failed to institute any proceeding for
60 days after notice and has not received during that
period any direction from the holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding first mortgage bonds
inconsistent with the written request of holders referred to
above.
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(Mortgage, Section 907.)
However, these limitations do not apply to the absolute and
unconditional right of a holder of a mortgage bond to institute
suit for payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest
on the mortgage bond on or after the applicable due date.
(Mortgage, Section 908.)
We will provide to the Mortgage Trustee an annual statement by
an appropriate officer as to our compliance with all conditions
and covenants under the Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 705.)
Modification
and Waiver
Without the consent of any holder of first mortgage bonds, we
and the Mortgage Trustee may enter into one or more supplemental
indentures for any of the following purposes:
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to evidence the assumption by any permitted successor of our
covenants in the Mortgage and in the first mortgage bonds;
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to add one or more covenants or other provisions for the benefit
of the holders of all or any series or tranche of first mortgage
bonds, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us;
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to add additional events of default under the Mortgage for all
or any series of first mortgage bonds;
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to change or eliminate or add any new provision to the Mortgage;
provided, however, if the change, elimination or addition will
adversely affect the interests of the holders of first mortgage
bonds of any series in any material respect, the change,
elimination or addition will become effective only:
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(1) when the consent of the holders of first mortgage bonds
of such series has been obtained in accordance with the
Mortgage; or
(2) when no first mortgage bonds of the affected series
remain outstanding under the Mortgage;
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to provide additional security for any first mortgage bonds;
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to establish the form or terms of first mortgage bonds of any
other series as permitted by the Mortgage;
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to provide for the authentication and delivery of bearer
securities with or without coupons;
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to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a
separate or successor Mortgage Trustee or co-trustee;
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to provide for the procedures required for use of a
noncertificated system of registration for the first mortgage
bonds of all or any series;
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to change any place where principal, premium, if any, and
interest shall be payable, first mortgage bonds may be
surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange, and
notices and demands to us may be served;
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to amend and restate the Mortgage as originally executed and as
amended from time to time, with additions, deletions and other
changes that do not adversely affect the interests of the
holders of first mortgage bonds of any series in any material
respect; or
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to cure any ambiguity or inconsistency or to make any other
changes or additions to the provisions of the Mortgage if such
changes or additions will not adversely affect the interests of
first mortgage bonds of any series in any material respect.
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(Mortgage, Section 1301.)
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of then
outstanding first mortgage bonds, considered as one class, may
waive compliance by us with some restrictive provisions of the
Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 706.) The holders of a
majority in principal amount of then outstanding first mortgage
bonds may waive any past default under the Mortgage, except a
default in the payment of principal, premium, if any, or
interest and certain covenants and provisions of the Mortgage
that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the
holder of each outstanding mortgage bond of any affected series.
(Mortgage, Section 913.)
Except as provided below, the consent of the holders of a
majority in aggregate principal amount of then outstanding first
mortgage bonds, considered as one class, is required for all
other amendments or modifications to the Mortgage. However, if
less than all of the series of first mortgage bonds outstanding
are directly affected by a proposed amendment or modification,
then the consent of the holders of only a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding first mortgage bonds of all
series that are directly affected, considered as one class, will
be required. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment or
modification may be made without the consent of the holder of
each directly affected mortgage bond then outstanding to:
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change the stated maturity of the principal of, or any
installment of principal of or interest on, any mortgage bond,
or reduce the principal amount of any mortgage bond or its rate
of interest or change the method of calculating that interest
rate or reduce any premium payable upon redemption, or change
the currency in which payments are made, or impair the right to
institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or after
the stated maturity of any mortgage bond;
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create any lien ranking prior to or on a parity with the lien of
the Mortgage with respect to the Mortgaged Property, terminate
the lien of the Mortgage on the Mortgaged Property or deprive
any holder of a mortgage bond of the benefits of the security of
the lien of the Mortgage;
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reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding
first mortgage bonds of any series the consent of the holders of
which is required for any amendment or modification or any
waiver of compliance with a provision of the Mortgage or of any
default thereunder and its consequences, or reduce the
requirements for a quorum or voting; or
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modify certain provisions of the Mortgage relating to
supplemental indentures, waivers of some covenants and waivers
of past defaults with respect to the first mortgage bonds of any
series.
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A supplemental indenture that changes the Mortgage solely for
the benefit of one or more particular series of first mortgage
bonds, or modifies the rights of the holders of first mortgage
bonds of one or more series, will not affect the rights under
the Mortgage of the holders of the first mortgage bonds of any
other series. (Mortgage, Section 1302.)
The Mortgage provides that first mortgage bonds owned by us or
anyone else required to make payment on the first mortgage bonds
shall be disregarded and considered not to be outstanding in
determining whether the required holders have given a request or
consent. (Mortgage, Section 101.)
We may fix in advance a record date to determine the holders
entitled to give any request, demand, authorization, direction,
notice, consent, waiver or similar act of the holders, but we
have no obligation to do so. If we fix a record date, that
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
waiver or other act of the holders may be given before or after
that record date, but only the holders of record at the close of
business on that record date will be considered holders for the
purposes of determining whether holders of the required
percentage of the outstanding first mortgage bonds have
authorized or agreed or consented to the request, demand,
authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other act
of the holders. For that purpose, the outstanding first mortgage
bonds will be computed as of the record date.
Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent,
election, waiver or other act of a holder of any mortgage bond
will bind every future holder of that mortgage bond and the
holder of every mortgage bond issued upon the registration of
transfer of or in exchange for that mortgage bond. A transferee
will also be bound by acts of the Mortgage Trustee or us in
reliance thereon, whether or not notation of that action is made
upon the mortgage bond. (Mortgage, Section 106.)
Resignation
of a Mortgage Trustee
The Mortgage Trustee may resign at any time by giving written
notice to us or may be removed at any time by an act of the
holders of a majority in principal amount of first mortgage
bonds then outstanding delivered to the Mortgage Trustee and us.
No resignation or removal of the Mortgage Trustee and no
appointment of a successor trustee will be effective until the
acceptance of appointment by a successor trustee. So long as no
event of default or event which, after notice or lapse of time,
or both, would become an event of default has occurred and is
continuing and except with respect to a trustee appointed by act
of the holders, if we have delivered to the Mortgage Trustee a
board resolution appointing a successor trustee and the
successor has accepted the appointment in accordance with the
terms of the Mortgage, the Mortgage Trustee will be deemed to
have resigned and the successor will be deemed to have been
appointed as trustee in accordance with the Mortgage. (Mortgage,
Section 1010.)
Notices
Notices to holders of New Bonds will be given by mail to the
addresses of the holders as they may appear in the security
register for the New Bonds. (Mortgage, Section 108.)
Title
We, the Mortgage Trustee, and any of our or the Mortgage
Trustees agents, may treat the person in whose name New
Bonds are registered as the absolute owner thereof, whether or
not the New Bonds may be overdue, for the purpose of making
payments and for all other purposes irrespective of notice to
the contrary. (Mortgage, Section 308.)
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Governing
Law
The Mortgage is, and the New Bonds will be, governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York
except where otherwise required by law, including with respect
to the creation, perfection, priority or enforcement of the lien
of the Mortgage. (Mortgage, Section 114.)
Information
about the Mortgage Trustee
The Mortgage Trustee will be The Bank of New York Mellon. In
addition to acting as Mortgage Trustee, The Bank of New York
Mellon also acts, and may act, as trustee under various other of
our and our affiliates indentures, trusts and guarantees.
We and our affiliates maintain deposit accounts and credit and
liquidity facilities and conduct other banking transactions with
the Mortgage Trustee and its affiliates in the ordinary course
of our respective businesses.
Book-Entry
Only Securities
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the New Bonds will trade through the Depository
Trust Company (DTC). Each series of New Bonds
will be represented by one or more global certificates and
registered in the name of Cede & Co., DTCs
nominee. Upon issuance of the global certificates, DTC or its
nominee will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer
system, the principal amount of the New Bonds represented by
such global certificates to the accounts of institutions that
have an account with DTC or its participants. The accounts to be
credited shall be designated by the underwriters. Ownership of
beneficial interests in the global certificates will be limited
to participants or persons that may hold interests through
participants. The global certificates will be deposited with the
trustee as custodian for DTC.
DTC is a New York clearing corporation and a clearing agency
registered under Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC holds
securities for its participants. DTC also facilitates the
post-trade settlement of securities transactions among its
participants through electronic computerized book-entry
transfers and pledges in the participants accounts. This
eliminates the need for physical movement of securities
certificates. The participants include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and
certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation
(DTCC). DTCC is the holding company for DTC,
National Securities Clearing Corporation and Fixed Income
Clearing Corporation, all of which are registered clearing
agencies. DTCC is owned by the users of its regulated
subsidiaries. Others who maintain a custodial relationship with
a participant can use the DTC system. The rules that apply to
DTC and those using its systems are on file with the SEC.
Purchases of the New Bonds within the DTC system must be made
through participants, who will receive a credit for the New
Bonds on DTCs records. The beneficial ownership interest
of each purchaser will be recorded on the appropriate
participants records. Beneficial owners will not receive
written confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but beneficial
owners should receive written confirmations of the transactions,
as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the
participants through whom they purchased New Bonds. Transfers of
ownership in the New Bonds are to be accomplished by entries
made on the books of the participants acting on behalf of
beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive
certificates for their New Bonds of a series, except if use of
the book-entry system for the New Bonds of that series is
discontinued.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, all New Bonds deposited by
participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTCs
nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of the New Bonds with
DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co.
effects no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge
of the actual beneficial owners of the New Bonds. DTCs
records reflect only the identity of the participants to whose
accounts such New Bonds are credited. These participants may or
may not be the beneficial owners. Participants will remain
responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of
their customers.
Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to
participants, and by participants to beneficial owners, will be
governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or
regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
Beneficial owners of New Bonds may wish to take certain
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steps to augment transmission to them of notices of significant
events with respect to the New Bonds, such as redemptions,
tenders, defaults and proposed amendments to the indenture.
Beneficial owners of the New Bonds may wish to ascertain that
the nominee holding the New Bonds has agreed to obtain and
transmit notices to the beneficial owners.
Redemption notices will be sent to Cede & Co., as
registered holder of the New Bonds. If less than all of the New
Bonds of a series are being redeemed, DTCs practice is to
determine by lot the amount of New Bonds of such series held by
each participant to be redeemed.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will itself consent or vote
with respect to New Bonds, unless authorized by a participant in
accordance with DTCs procedures. Under its usual
procedures, DTC would mail an omnibus proxy to us as soon as
possible after the record date. The omnibus proxy assigns the
consenting or voting rights of Cede & Co. to those
participants to whose accounts the New Bonds are credited on the
record date. We believe that these arrangements will enable the
beneficial owners to exercise rights equivalent in substance to
the rights that can be directly exercised by a registered holder
of the New Bonds.
Payments of redemption proceeds, principal of, and interest on
the New Bonds will be made to Cede & Co., or such
other nominee as may be requested by DTC. DTCs practice is
to credit participants accounts upon DTCs receipt of
funds and corresponding detail information from us or our agent,
on the payable date in accordance with their respective holdings
shown on DTCs records. Payments by participants to
beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practices. Payments will be the responsibility of
participants and not of DTC, the trustee, or us, subject to any
statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from
time to time. Payment of redemption proceeds, principal and
interest to Cede & Co. (or such other nominee as may
be requested by DTC) is our responsibility. Disbursement of
payments to participants is the responsibility of DTC, and
disbursement of payments to the beneficial owners is the
responsibility of participants.
Except as provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, a
beneficial owner will not be entitled to receive physical
delivery of the New Bonds. Accordingly, each beneficial owner
must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights under
the New Bonds.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities
depositary with respect to the New Bonds at any time by giving
us reasonable notice. In the event no successor securities
depositary is obtained, certificates for the New Bonds will be
printed and delivered. We may decide to replace DTC or any
successor depositary. Additionally, subject to the procedures of
DTC, we may decide to discontinue use of the system of
book-entry transfers through DTC (or a successor depositary)
with respect to some or all of the New Bonds. In that event or
if an event of default with respect to a series of New Bonds has
occurred and is continuing, certificates for the New Bonds of
such series will be printed and delivered. If certificates for
such series of New Bonds are printed and delivered,
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those New Bonds will be issued in fully registered form without
coupons;
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a holder of certificated New Bonds would be able to exchange
those New Bonds, without charge, for an equal aggregate
principal amount of New Bonds of the same series, having the
same issue date and with identical terms and provisions; and
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a holder of certificated New Bonds would be able to transfer
those New Bonds without cost to another holder, other than for
applicable stamp taxes or other governmental charges.
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The information in this section concerning DTC and DTCs
book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe
to be reliable, but we do not take any responsibility for the
accuracy of this information.
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PLAN OF
DISTRIBUTION
Methods
and Terms of Sale
We may use a variety of methods to sell the New Bonds including:
1. through one or more underwriters or dealers;
2. directly to one or more purchasers;
3. through one or more agents; or
4. through a combination of any such methods of sale.
The prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of the
New Bonds will set forth the terms of the offering of the New
Bonds, including:
1. the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents
and any syndicate of underwriters;
2. the initial public offering price;
3. any underwriting discounts and other items constituting
underwriters compensation;
4. the proceeds we receive from that sale; and
5. any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or
paid by any underwriters to dealers.
Underwriters
If we sell the New Bonds through underwriters, they will acquire
the New Bonds for their own account and may resell them from
time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated
transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying
prices determined at the time of sale. The underwriters for a
particular underwritten offering of New Bonds will be named in
the applicable prospectus supplement and, if an underwriting
syndicate is used, the managing underwriter or underwriters will
be named on the cover page of the applicable prospectus
supplement. In connection with the sale of New Bonds, the
underwriters may receive compensation from us or from purchasers
in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions. The
obligations of the underwriters to purchase New Bonds will be
subject to certain conditions. The underwriters will be
obligated to purchase all of the New Bonds of a particular
series if any are purchased. However, the underwriters may
purchase less than all of the New Bonds of a particular series
should certain circumstances involving a default of one or more
underwriters occur.
The initial public offering price and any discounts or
concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers by any
underwriters may be changed from time to time.
Stabilizing
Transactions
Underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions and
syndicate covering transactions in accordance with Rule 104
under the Exchange Act. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to
purchase the underlying New Bond so long as the stabilizing bids
do not exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate covering
transactions involve purchases of the New Bonds in the open
market after the distribution has been completed in order to
cover syndicate short positions. These stabilizing transactions
and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price of the
New Bonds to be higher than it would otherwise be if such
transactions had not occurred.
Agents
If we sell the New Bonds through agents, the applicable
prospectus supplement will set forth the name of any agent
involved in the offer or sale of the New Bonds as well as any
commissions we will pay to them. Unless otherwise indicated in
the applicable prospectus supplement, any agent will be acting
on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
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Related
Transactions
Underwriters, dealers and agents (or their affiliates) may
engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us or our
affiliates in the ordinary course of business.
Indemnification
We will agree to indemnify any underwriters, dealers, agents or
purchasers and their controlling persons against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
1933.
Listing
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement, the New Bonds will not be listed on a national
securities exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market. No assurance can
be given that any broker-dealer will make a market in any series
of the New Bonds and, in any event, no assurance can be given as
to the liquidity of the trading market for any of the New Bonds.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements, and the related
consolidated financial statement schedule, incorporated in this
prospectus by reference from Entergy Texas, Inc. and
Subsidiaries Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2010, and the effectiveness
of Entergy Texas, Inc. and Subsidiaries internal control
over financial reporting have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, as stated in their reports, which are
incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial
statements and consolidated financial statement schedule have
been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm
given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
LEGALITY
The legality of the New Bonds will be passed upon for us by
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, New York, New York, as to
matters of New York law, and by Clark, Thomas &
Winters, A Professional Corporation, Austin, Texas, as to
matters of Texas law. Certain legal matters with respect to the
New Bonds will be passed on for any underwriters by Pillsbury
Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, New York, New York. Pillsbury
Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP regularly represents our affiliates in
connection with various matters. Morgan, Lewis &
Bockius LLP may rely on the opinion of Clark, Thomas &
Winters, A Professional Corporation, as to matters of Texas law
relevant to its opinion.
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