WESTERN RESOURCES INC /KS
S-3, 1997-04-29
ELECTRIC & OTHER SERVICES COMBINED
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     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 1997
                                               Registration No. 333-
===============================================================================
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              Washington, DC 20549
                                ----------------

                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      under
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                ----------------

                             Western Resources, Inc.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

               Kansas                                          48-0290150
    (State or other jurisdiction                            (I.R.S. Employer
  of incorporation or organization)                       Identification No.)

                                818 Kansas Avenue
                              Topeka, Kansas 66612
                                 (913) 575-6300
          (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
                   area code, of principal executive offices)
                                ----------------

   John K. Rosenberg, Esq.                          Steven L. Kitchen
  Executive Vice President                    Executive Vice President and
     and General Counsel                         Chief Financial Officer
   Western Resources, Inc.                       Western Resources, Inc.
    Topeka, Kansas 66612                          Topeka, Kansas 66612
       (913) 575-6300                                (913) 575-6300

            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
                                ----------------

     Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time
to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

     If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. |_|

     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. |X|

     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. |_|

     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.|_|

     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. |_|

                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
================================================================================
   Title of each class of       Proposed maximum aggregate     Amount of
securities to be registered         offering price*         registration fee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 First Mortgage Bonds and
   Debt Securities.....             $550,000,000(1)(2)         $166,667(3)
================================================================================

*    Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee.

(1)  In no event will the aggregate initial offering price of all securities
     issued from time to time pursuant to this Registration Statement exceed
     $550,000,000. If any such securities are issued at an original discount,
     then the aggregate initial offering price as so discounted shall not exceed
     $550,000,000, notwithstanding that the stated principal amount of such
     securities may exceed such amount.

(2)  Subject to footnote (1), there are being registered hereunder an
     indeterminate principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds and an indeterminate
     principal amount of unsecured debt securities ("Debt Securities"), as may
     be sold at indeterminate prices, from time to time, by the Registrant.

(3)  Of the $166,667 registration fee, $104,167 is being paid herewith. Pursuant
     to Rule 429 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Act
     of 1933, the Prospectus which is part of this Registration Statement
     constitutes a combined Prospectus which also relates to Registration
     Statement No. 33-50069, previously filed by the Registrant on Form S-3, as
     to which First Mortgage Bonds having an aggregate offering price of
     $200,000,000 (for which a registration fee of $62,500 was paid) remain
     unsold. This Registration Statement also constitutes Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-50069. Such Post-Effective
     Amendment shall become effective concurrently with the effectiveness of
     this Registration Statement in accordance with Section 8(c) of the
     Securities Act of 1933.

     The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting
pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

================================================================================
<PAGE>
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.


<PAGE>
                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 29, 1997
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED          , 1997)

                                   $ ,000,000
                             Western Resources, Inc.
            $ ,000,000 First Mortgage Bonds, % Convertible Series Due
                  Convertible at the option of the Company into
                     $ ,000,000 % Unsecured Senior Notes Due
                 (Interest payable on _________ and __________)

            $ ,000,000 First Mortgage Bonds, % Convertible Series Due
                  Convertible at the option of the Company into
                     $ ,000,000 % Unsecured Senior Notes Due
                  (Interest payable on _________ and _________)
                             -----------------------

     The First Mortgage Bonds % Convertible Series Due (the " Series") mature on
, and will not be redeemable prior to maturity. The First Mortgage Bonds %
Convertible Series Due (the " Series") mature on , and will not be redeemable
prior to maturity. The Series and the Series are sometimes collectively referred
to herein as the "New Bonds." At any time after the New Bonds are outstanding,
the Company may, solely at its option, convert all but not less than all of the
New Bonds of the Series into $ ,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the
Company's % Unsecured Senior Notes Due (the " Senior Notes"), and the New Bonds
of the Series into $ ,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's %
Unsecured Senior Notes Due (the " Senior Notes"). If the Series is converted,
the Senior Notes will mature on , and will not be redeemable prior to maturity.
If the Series is converted, the Senior Notes will mature on , and will not be
redeemable prior to maturity. The Senior Notes and the Senior Notes are
sometimes collectively referred to herein as the "New Senior Notes" (the New
Bonds and New Senior Notes are referred to collectively as the "Offered
Securities"). The financial covenants and events of default pertaining to the
Debt Securities will differ from those pertaining to the New Bonds. The New
Senior Notes will be unsecured general obligations of the Company and junior in
right of payment to the Company's First Mortgage Bonds. As of December 31, 1996,
the Company had $658.9 million of First Mortgage Bonds outstanding (excluding
the KGE Bonds (as defined in the accompanying Prospectus)) and would have had
$1.3 billion of Mortgage Bonds and other secured indebtedness outstanding on a
pro forma basis giving effect to the pending acquisition of Kansas City Power &
Light Company ("KCPL"), in each case without giving effect to the offering made
hereby. See "Description of New Bonds -- Redemption and Purchase of New Bonds"
and " -- Company Conversion Option" and "Description of New Senior Notes" herein
and related information in the accompanying Prospectus.

                            ------------------------

       See "Risk Factors" on page S-4 for certain information relevant to an
   investment in the New Bonds, including the Company's option to convert
                      the New Bonds into New Senior Notes.

  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
       EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
           SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
               COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF
                 THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS TO
                     WHICH IT RELATES. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
                       THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Underwriting
                                             Price to            Discounts and             Proceeds to
                                             Public*             Commissions+              Company++
<S>                                           <C>                <C>                       <C>

Per Bond,      Series......................             %                      %                      %
 Total......................................  $                  $                         $
 Per Bond,      Series......................             %                      %                      %
 Total......................................  $                  $                         $
</TABLE>

*    The New Bonds will bear interest from the date of delivery, and no accrual
     of interest will be paid on the date of delivery.

+    The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters (as defined herein)
     against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the
     Securities Act of 1933. (See "Underwriting")

++   Before deduction of expenses payable by the Company, estimated at $      .
                           ---------------------------

     The New Bonds are being offered by the Underwriters as set forth under
"Underwriting" herein. It is expected that the New Bonds will be ready for
delivery through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company, New York, New
York on or about , 1997, against payment therefor in immediately available
funds. The Underwriters are:

Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.                               Salomon Brothers Inc
Prudential Securities Incorporated                       Smith Barney Inc.

                            Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.

           The date of this Prospectus Supplement is          ,1997.


<PAGE>
     CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE NEW BONDS
INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING AND SHORT-COVERING TRANSACTIONS IN SUCH
SECURITIES DURING AND AFTER THE OFFERING. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES,
SEE "UNDERWRITING."


                          PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

     The following summary information is qualified in its entirety by the
detailed information and financial statements incorporated herein by reference.

                                   The Company

     The Company and its divisions and wholly owned subsidiaries include KPL, a
rate-regulated electric and gas division of the Company ("KPL"),Kansas Gas and
Electric Company ("KGE"), a rate-regulated utility and wholly owned subsidiary
of the Company, Westar Capital, Inc.("Westar Capital"), Westar Security,
Inc.("Westar Security"), Westar Energy, Inc., The Wing Group, Ltd., non-utility
subsidiaries, and Mid Continent Market Center, Inc., a regulated gas
transmission service provider ("MCMC"). KGE owns 47% of Wolf Creek Nuclear
Operating Corporation ("WCNOC"), the operating company for the Wolf Creek
Generating Station ("Wolf Creek"). The Company's non-utility subsidiaries market
natural gas primarily to large commercial and industrial customers, provide
electronic security services, engage in international power project development
and provide other energy-related products and services.

     The Company is engaged principally in the production, purchase,
transmission, distribution and sale of electricity, and the delivery and sale of
natural gas and the electronic security services. The Company serves
approximately 606,000 electric customers in eastern and central Kansas and
approximately 650,000 natural gas customers in Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma.
On December 12, 1996, the Company and ONEOK, Inc. ("ONEOK") announced a proposed
strategic alliance pursuant to which the Company will contribute its regulated
local natural gas distribution operations, MCMC and Westar Gas Marketing, Inc.,
and will become the largest shareholder of ONEOK. The transaction is anticipated
to be completed during the second half of 1997.

     Westar Capital is a private investment company, wholly owned by the
Company, with investments in energy-related and technology-oriented businesses.
Westar Capital owns 38,287,111 shares of ADT Limited ("ADT"), or approximately
25% of the outstanding shares of ADT.

     Westar Security is an electronic security services business with over
400,000 customer accounts. On December 31, 1996, the Company acquired all of the
assets of Westinghouse Security Systems, Inc. ("Westinghouse Security"), a
national security system monitoring company and a subsidiary of Westinghouse
Electric Corporation ("Westinghouse"). Westar Security is the third-largest
monitored security company in the United States with offices in many major U.S.
markets and direct access to customers in 44 states.

     On February 7, 1997, the Company announced that it had entered into a
merger agreement with KCPL, pursuant to which KCPL will merge with and into the
Company. KCPL is a public utility engaged in the generation, transmission,
distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 430,000 customers in
western Missouri and eastern Kansas.



                                      S-2
<PAGE>



                                  The Offering

Securities Offered  $ ,000,000 aggregate principal amount of First
                    Mortgage Bonds % Convertible Series Due , convertible at the
                    option of the Company into $ ,000,000 ---- aggregate
                    principal amount of % Unsecured Senior Notes due . ------ $
                    ,000,000 aggregate principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds
                    % Convertible Series Due , convertible at the option of the
                    Company into $ ,000,000 ---- aggregate principal amount of
                    _____% Unsecured Senior Notes due . Interest Payment Dates
                    Semiannually, on each _____ and _____, beginning __________.

Redemption          No redemption prior to maturity

Company Conversion  The Company, solely at its option, may at
Option              any time convert either or both the Series or the Series,
                    each only in whole and not in part, into the Senior Notes
                    and the Senior Notes, respectively.

Use of Proceeds     The net proceeds from the sale of the New Bonds
                    will be used for repayment of short-term indebtedness. In
                    the past 12 months short-term indebtedness increased as the
                    result of borrowings for general corporate purposes as well
                    as to finance a portion of the cost of the acquisition of
                    Westinghouse Security and the Company's acquisition in 1996
                    of shares of ADT (see the accompanying the Prospectus and
                    the information incorporated by reference therein).

                    The Company currently intends to surrender to the Trustee
                    any of the New Bonds which have been converted into Senior
                    Notes to effect the release from the lien of the Company's
                    First Mortgage of substantially all of the Company's gas
                    properties in connection with the ONEOK transaction. See
                    "Use of Proceeds" herein and "Description of New Bonds --
                    Release and Substitution of New Property" in the
                    accompanying Prospectus.




                                      S-3
<PAGE>



                                  RISK FACTORS

     Prospective purchasers of the New Bonds should carefully review the
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus Supplement and the
accompanying Prospectus and should particularly consider the following:

Loss of Status as Secured Creditor Upon Conversion.

     The Company has the right, solely at its option, to convert the New Bonds,
which are secured under the Company's Mortgage, into the New Senior Notes, which
will be unsecured obligations of the Company. The Company may exercise its
conversion right at any time and may do so if, among other things, it is
necessary or desirable in connection with a transaction which requires the
release of property from the lien of the Mortgage. By converting the New Bonds,
the Company will be able to satisfy certain requirements under the Mortgage to
retire Bonds in order to obtain the release of all or substantially all of its
gas properties, which release will be required in order to consummate the ONEOK
Transaction. See "The Company" in the accompanying Prospectus.

     As a result of such a conversion, holders of the New Bonds would become
unsecured creditors of the Company as holders of the New Senior Notes. The right
to payment on the New Senior Notes will be junior to the right of payment on any
First Mortgage Bonds outstanding on the Conversion Date. As of December 31,
1996, the Company had $658.9 million of First Mortgage Bonds outstanding
(excluding the KGE Bonds (as defined in the accompanying Prospectus)) and would
have had $1.3 billion of First Mortgage Bonds and other secured indebtedness
outstanding on a pro forma basis giving effect to the consummation of the
pending merger with KCPL. The holders of the New Bonds will not receive any
additional payments or any increase in the rate of interest payable by the
Company as the result of the conversion of the New Bonds into New Senior Notes.

Structural Subordination of New Senior Notes.

     Portions of the Company's operations are conducted through subsidiaries.
Therefore, due to structural subordination, the New Senior Notes will be
effectively subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other
liabilities and commitments of the Company's subsidiaries. As of December 31,
1996, the Company's subsidiaries had $1.3 billion of indebtedness outstanding.

Possible Effects of Bankruptcy on Holders of New Bonds.

     In the event that the Company becomes subject to bankruptcy proceedings at
a time when the New Bonds are outstanding and have not been converted for New
Senior Notes, a court in such proceedings may order or approve the conversion of
New Bonds into New Senior Notes, with the result that holders of New Bonds would
not be entitled to the rights of secured creditors of the Company in such
bankruptcy proceedings. As a further result, among other things, such holders
would not be expected to be entitled to adequate protection of their security or
to interest accruing after the date of commencement of bankruptcy proceedings.
Alternatively, a court in a bankruptcy proceeding with respect to the Company
may decide that, even if the New Bonds cannot be converted for New Senior Notes,
the claims of holders of New Bonds should nevertheless be subordinated to other
secured creditors of the Company under principles of equitable subordination.


                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

     The net proceeds from the sale of the New Bonds will be used for repayment
of short-term indebtedness. In the past 12 months short-term indebtedness
increased as the result of borrowings for general corporate purposes as well as
to finance a portion of the cost of the acquisition of Westinghouse Security and
the Company's acquisition in 1996 of shares of ADT (see the accompanying
Prospectus and the information incorporated therein). As of March 31, 1997, such
short-term indebtedness had a weighted average interest rate of approximately
5.78% per annum and maturities of less than a year from the date of issuance.



                                      S-4
<PAGE>



                          SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     The summary financial information of the Company set forth below should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and other financial
information contained or incorporated by reference herein.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                For the years ended December 31,
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              1996            1995            1994(1)           1993         1992(2)
                                           ----------       --------         -------          ---------     ---------
                                                                     (Dollars in Thousands)
<S>                                       <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>

Consolidated Income Summary:
    Operating Revenues...........         $2,046,819       $1,743,300       $1,764,769       $2,028,411     $1,639,422
    Operating Income.............            303,993          278,709          275,050          292,360        239,721
    Income Before Interest Charges           318,276          303,771          306,364          317,545        263,355
    Net Income...................            168,950          181,676          187,447          177,370        127,884

    Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
        Charges..................               2.16             2.41             2.65             2.36           2.02

</TABLE>
- ----------


(1)  After giving effect to the sales of the Company's Missouri gas properties,
     effective January 31, 1994 and February 28, 1994.

(2) After giving effect to the acquisition of KGE, effective March 31, 1992.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       As of December 31, 1996
                                                            -----------------------------------------------
                                                                   Amount                   Percent
                                                                   ------                   -------
                                                                         (Dollars in Millions)
<S>                                                                <C>                     <C>

Consolidated Capitalization Summary (3):
    First mortgage and pollution control bonds (net                   $1,341                37.2%
        of premium/discount and amortization)
    Other long-term debt                                                 340                 9.4
    Preferred and preference stock                                        75                 2.1
    Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
        preferred securities of subsidiary trusts
        holding solely Company subordinated debentures                   220                 6.1
     Common stock equity                                               1,625                45.2
                                                                       -----               -----
        Total capitalization                                          $3,601         100.0%
                                                                      ======         =====

      Short-term debt                                                   $981                --

</TABLE>
- ----------

(3)  Does not reflect the issuance of the New Bonds.





                                      S-5
<PAGE>



                            DESCRIPTION OF NEW BONDS

     The following description of the particular terms of the New Bonds offered
hereby supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, the
description of the general terms and provisions of the New Bonds set forth in
the accompanying Prospectus under the heading "Description of the New Bonds", to
which description reference is hereby made.

     Interest, Maturity and Payment. The New Bonds of the Series will mature on
      ,    , and the New Bonds of the Series will mature on       ,    . The
New Bonds will bear interest from at the rates per annum shown in their title,
payable on and of each year, commencing . Interest is payable to holders of
record on the interest payment date. Principal and interest are payable at the
office or agency of the Company in New York City. For so long as the New Bonds
are registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York
("DTC"), or its nominee, the principal and interest due on the New Bonds will be
payable by the Company or its agent to DTC for payment to its Participants (as
defined in the accompanying Prospectus) for subsequent disbursement to the
beneficial owners.

     Redemption of New Bonds. The New Bonds will not be redeemable for any
purpose prior to their maturity dates.

     Modifications. The Company has amended the Mortgage to provide that the
Mortgage may be modified or altered and the rights of the holders of Bonds may
be affected with the consent of the holders of 60% of the Bonds or, if less than
all series of Bonds are affected, the consent also of the holders of 60% of the
Bonds of each series affected.

     Reservation of Rights to Amend the Mortgage. The Company has reserved the
right, subject to appropriate corporate action, but without the consent or other
action of holders of bonds of any series created after January 1, 1997, to amend
the Mortgage to permit, unless an event of default shall have happened and be
continuing, or shall happen as a result of making or granting an application (1)
the release of mortgaged property from the lien of the Mortgage, provided the
fair value to the Company of the mortgaged property subject to such lien
(excluding the mortgaged property to be released) equals or exceeds 10/7ths of
the aggregate principal amount of outstanding bonds under the Mortgage and any
prior lien bonds outstanding at the time of such release and (2) in the event
the Company is unable to obtain a release of property as described in clause
(1), the release from the lien of the Mortgage of mortgaged property if the fair
value to the Company thereof is less than 1/2 of 1% of the aggregate principal
amount of outstanding Bonds under the Mortgage and prior lien Bonds outstanding;
provided that, the property released pursuant to clause (2) in any 12
consecutive calendar months shall not exceed 1% of such bonds and prior lien
bonds; (3) the deletion of the net earnings test which must be met prior to the
issuance of additional bonds; (4) the deletion of the requirement to obtain an
independent engineer's certificate in connection with certain releases of
property from the lien of the Mortgage; and (5) the deletion of a financial test
to be met by another corporation in the event of the consolidation or merger of
the Company into or sale by the Company of its property as an entirety or
substantially as an entirety to such other corporation..

     Company Conversion Option. At any time the New Bonds are outstanding, the
Company may, solely at its option, convert either or both of the     Series or
    Series, each only in whole but not in part, into the Senior Notes and the
Senior Notes, respectively. See "Description of Debt Securities" below and in
the accompanying Prospectus for a summary of the terms of the Debt Securities.
Eacg of the Holders of New Bonds will be entitled to receive $1,000 in principal
amount of New Senior Notes for each $1,000 of principal amount of New Bonds held
by such holder as of the date fixed for Conversion (the "Conversion Date"). In
connection with any such conversion, interest on converted New Bonds which has
accrued but has not been paid as of the Conversion Date will accrue on New
Senior Notes from the date on which interest was last paid on the New Bonds so
converted, provided that accrued interest on New Bonds converted after a record
date, but before the related interest payment date, shall be paid to the holder
of record of such New Bonds on such interest payment date, and the New Senior
Notes into which such New Bonds shall have been converted will begin to accrue
interest from such interest payment date. The rights of the holders of the New
Bonds as bondholders of the Company with respect to the New Bonds converted will
cease and the person or persons entitled to receive the New Senior

                                      S-6
<PAGE>


     Notes issuable upon Conversion will be treated as the registered holder or
holders of such New Senior Notes from the Conversion Date. New Senior Notes
issued in conversion of New Bonds will be issued in principal amounts of $1,000
and integral multiples thereof. The Company may condition its obligation to
convert New Bonds upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. The Company will
mail to each holder of record of New Bonds to be converted into Senior Notes
written notice of such conversion at least 15 and not more than 120 days prior
to the Conversion Date. DTC will be the only registered holder of the New Bonds.
See "Book-Entry" in the accompanying Prospectus).

     As described more fully below under "Description of New Senior Notes,"
following the Conversion Date holders of New Senior Notes will, among other
things, no longer be entitled to the security provided by the Mortgage since the
New Senior Notes will be unsecured obligations of the Company.


                         DESCRIPTION OF NEW SENIOR NOTES

     The New Senior Notes will be identical to the New Bonds with respect to
their respective principal amounts, maturity dates, interest rates, record dates
and interest payment dates. However, holders of New Senior Notes will, among
other things, no longer be entitled to the security provided by the Mortgage,
and the financial covenants and the events of default pertaining to the New
Senior Notes will differ from those pertaining to the New Bonds. See
"Description of Debt Securities" in the accompanying Prospectus for a summary of
the other terms of the indenture under which the New Senior Notes will be
issued.

     The following table sets forth certain material differences between the
financial covenants and events of default pertaining to the New Bonds and those
pertaining to the New Senior Notes: <TABLE> <CAPTION>


Covenants:                             New Bonds                             New Senior Notes
- ----------                             ---------                             ----------------
<S>                                    <C>                                   <C>

Limits on Company's ability to         Additional Bonds may be issued        No restrictions
issue additional securities of the     only if the Company pledges
same type                              additional property, deposits
                                       cash with the trustee or retires
                                       other Bonds and if certain
                                       earnings coverage requirements
                                       are met

Limits on Company's ability to         Bonds have a first priority lien      No restrictions unless
issue securities ranking senior        on all Company utility property,      specifically set forth in the
                                       plant and equipment, and so are       Prospectus Supplement relating to
                                       the Company's most senior ranked      an issuance of New Senior Notes
                                       securities

Limits on the ability of the           Must meet specified limits on the     No special tests
Company to combine with other          amount of debt owed by the
companies                              combined company and so long as
                                       prior series of Bonds are
                                       outstanding must meet earnings
                                       test

Events of Default:

Failure to pay principal               No grace period                       The Company lets five days go by
                                                                             without payment of principal


Failure to pay interest                The Company lets 30 days go by        The Company lets 60 days go by
                                       without paying interest               without paying interest


Failure                                to observe other agreements The Company
                                       fails to observe The Company fails to
                                       observe certain agreements made
                                       concerning the New agreements made
                                       concerning the New Bonds (other than the
                                       promise to Senior Notes (other than the
                                       promise pay) for more than 60 days after
                                       to pay) for more than 90 days after
                                       notice from the Trustee. notice from the
                                       Trustee.


</TABLE>

                                      S-7
<PAGE>



                                  UNDERWRITING

     Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement,
the underwriters named below (the "Underwriters") have severally agreed to
purchase from the Company the principal amounts of New Bonds set forth opposite
their names. The nature of the Underwriters' obligation is such that they are
severally committed to purchase and pay for all of the New Bonds if any are
purchased.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Underwriter                           Principal Amount                Principal Amount
                                                           of      Series                  of      Series
                                                           --------------                  --------------
<S>                                                    <C>                              <C>

Dillon, Read & Co. Inc...........................       $                               $
Salomon Brothers Inc ............................
Prudential Securities Incorporated...............
Smith Barney Inc.................................
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc...........................
                                                      -------------------------       -------------------------
                   Totals........................           $   ,000,000                    $   ,000,000
                                                            ============                    ============
</TABLE>

     The Underwriters have advised the Company that the New Bonds will
initially be offered to the public by the Underwriters at the public offering
prices set forth on the cover hereof under "Price to Public," and to certain
dealers at such prices less a concession of % and % of the principal amount of
the Series and the Series, respectively. The Underwriters may allow, and such
dealers may reallow, a concession not exceeding % and % of the principal amount
of the Series and the Series, respectively, on sales to certain other dealers.
After the initial public offering, the offering prices, the concessions and the
reallowances may be changed by the Underwriters.

     The offering of the New Bonds is made for delivery when, as and if accepted
by the Underwriters and subject to prior sale and to withdrawal, cancellation or
modification of the offer without notice. The Underwriters reserve the right to
reject any order for the purchase of the New Bonds.

     The Company has agreed in the Purchase Agreement to indemnify the
Underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to payments made or required to be made
by the Underwriters with respect to such liabilities.

     The Underwriters have rendered certain financial advisory services and
other related services to the Company for which they have received customary
fees.

     The Company does not intend to apply for the listing of the New Bonds on
any national securities exchange. The Company has been advised by the
Underwriters that they intend to make a market in the New Bonds. The
Underwriters are under no obligation to do so and may discontinue, at any time
and without notice, any such market making in which it may engage. The Company
cannot predict the liquidity of any trading market for New Bonds.

     In connection with the sale to the public of the New Bonds, certain of the
Underwriters may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the price of the New Bonds. Specifically, the Underwriters may bid for
and purchase the New Bonds in the open market to stabilize the price of the New
Bonds. The Underwriters may also

                                      S-8
<PAGE>


overallot the New Bonds, creating a syndicate short position, and may bid for
and purchase the New Bonds in the open market to cover the syndicate short
position. In addition, the Underwriters may bid for and purchase the New Bonds
in market making transactions. These activities may stabilize or maintain the
market price of the New Bonds above market levels that may otherwise prevail.
The Underwriters are not required to engage in these activities, and may end
these activities at any time.


                              EXPERTS AND LEGALITY

     The financial statements of Western Resources, Inc. included in or
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration
Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving
said reports.

     The financial statements included in KCPL's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1996 incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
and in the Registration Statement as an Exhibit to the Company's April 2, 1997
Form 8-K, have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent public
accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
included herein, in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
giving said reports.

     For further information, see "Legal Opinions" and "Experts" in the
accompanying Prospectus.


                                      S-9
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                        <C>

=======================================================    ======================================================

No dealer, salesman or any other person has been
authorizied to give any information or to make any 
representations other than those contained in this
Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus
in  connection   with  the  offer  contained  in  this                   Western Resources, Inc.
Prospectus    Supplement    and    the    accompanying                        _____________
Prospectus,  and, if given or made,  such  information
or  representations  must not be relied upon as having                        $   ,000,000
been  authorized  by the Company or the  Underwriters.
This  Prospectus   Supplement  and  the   accompanying
Prospectus  do not  constitute an offer by the Company
or by any  underwriter to sell securities in any state
to any person to whom it is  unlawful  for the Company                        $   ,000,000
or any  Underwriter to sell securities in any state to                    First Mortgage Bonds
any person to whom it is  unlawful  for the Company or                 % Convertible Series Due     ,
such  Underwriter  to make such  offer in such  state.                      Convertible into
Neither  the  delivery of this  Prospectus  Supplement                % Unsecured Senior Notes Due
and the  accompanying  Prospectus  nor any  sale  made
hereunder shall, under any  circumstances,  create any
implication  that  there  has  been no  change  in the                        $   ,000,000
affairs of the Company since the date hereof.                             First Mortgage Bonds,
                                                                        % Convertible Series Due
                                                                            Convertible into
                                                                     % Unsecured Senior Notes Due
                 --------------------


                                                                          PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                  Page

                Prospectus Supplement

Prospectus Supplement Summary...............    S-2                                     , 1997
Risk Factors................................    S-4
Use of Proceeds.............................    S-4
Summary Financial Information...............    S-5                      Dillon, Read & Co. Inc.
Description of New Bonds....................    S-6                       Salomon Brothers Inc
Description of New Senior Notes.............    S-7                Prudential Securities Incorporated
Underwriting................................    S-8                         Smith Barney Inc.
Experts and Legality........................    S-9                      Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.

                      Prospectus

Available Information.......................      2
Incorporation of Certain Documents
    by Reference............................      2
Information on ADT Limited and
    Kansas City Power & Light Company.......      3
The Company.................................      4
Use of Proceeds.............................      5
Description of New Bonds....................      5
Description of Debt Securities..............     11
Book-Entry..................................     18
Plan of Distribution........................     20
Legal Opinions..............................     21
Experts.....................................     21

=======================================================    ======================================================

</TABLE>


<PAGE>
Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A
registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not be sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes
effective. This prospectus shall not constitute an offer to sell or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities
in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such State.





<PAGE>

                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 29, 1997
                                  $550,000,000
                             Western Resources, Inc.
                              First Mortgage Bonds
                               and Debt Securities




                             ----------------------


     Western Resources, Inc. (the "Company") intends from time to time to issue
up to $550,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its First Mortgage Bonds (the
"New Bonds"), senior, unsecured debt securities (the "Debt Securities") or any
combination thereof (the New Bonds and Debt Securities are referred to herein,
collectively, as the "Securities"), in one or more series, on terms to be
determined at the time or times of sale. At each time that Securities (the
"Offered Securities") are offered for which this Prospectus is being delivered,
there will be an accompanying Prospectus Supplement (the "Prospectus
Supplement") that sets forth the series designation, aggregate principal amount,
maturity or maturities, rate or rates and times of payment of interest,
redemption terms, any sinking fund terms, any conversion terms, and any other
special terms of the Offered Securities. The Securities will be offered as set
forth under "Plan of Distribution." If described in a Prospectus Supplement, New
Bonds of any series may be converted, solely at the option of the Company, in
their entirety into Debt Securities with the same aggregate principal amount,
maturity date, interest rate and interest payment dates as the New Bonds so
converted. The financial covenants, events of default and certain other terms
pertaining to the Debt Securities will differ from those pertaining to the New
Bonds. See "Description of New Bonds -- Company Conversion Option" and
"Description of Debt Securities."

                             ----------------------


    THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
       AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS
        THE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
           ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
                     TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.




                 The date of this Prospectus is         , 1997.



<PAGE>



                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), and in accordance therewith
files reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission"). Reports, proxy and information statements, and other
information filed by the Company, can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at certain of its Regional Offices at Seven World
Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL. 60661. Copies of such material can be
obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 and by accessing the
Commission's Web site, http://www.sec.gov. Certain securities of the Company are
listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), and reports, proxy
statements and other information concerning the Company can be inspected at the
offices of such Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, N.Y. 10005. Each of ADT
Limited ("ADT") and Kansas City Power & Light Company ("KCPL") has securities
listed on the NYSE, and in addition ADT has securities listed on the London
Stock Exchange, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the Bermuda Stock Exchange, and
KCPL has securities listed on the Chicago Stock Exchange (the "CSE"). Because
each of ADT and KCPL is also subject to the informational requirements of the
1934 Act and has securities listed on the NYSE, information concerning such
companies is available from the same sources as given above with respect to the
Company. Furthermore, information concerning KCPL only is available at the
offices of the CSE, 440 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60605.


                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

     The following documents filed with the Commission are incorporated herein
by reference as of their respective dates of filing and shall be deemed to be a
part hereof:

     1. The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 1-3523) for the year
ended December 31, 1996 (the "Company's 1996 Form 10-K").

     2. The Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K (File No. 1-3523) dated
February 10, 1997 and April 2, 1997 (the "Company's April 2, 1997 Form 8-K")(in
which KCPL's Annual Report on Form 10-K is included as an exhibit).

     3. The information under the captions "Prospectus Summary," "Risk Factors,"
"Reasons for the Offer," "Litigation," "The Offer" and "The Amalgamation" set
forth in Amendment No. 4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4
(File No. 333-18097) filed by the Company as declared effective on March 14,
1997.

     All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14,
or 15(d) of the 1934 Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of this offering shall also be deemed to be incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of
such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to
be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement herein or in any
other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded,
to constitute a part of this Prospectus.


                                       2
<PAGE>


     The Company hereby undertakes to provide without charge to each person,
including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this Prospectus has been
delivered, on the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or
all documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus (not including exhibits to such incorporated
information that are not specifically incorporated by reference into such
information). Requests for such copies should be directed to Richard D. Terrill,
Esq., Secretary of the Company, 818 Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612, (913)
575-6322.


                                 INFORMATION ON
                ADT LIMITED AND KANSAS CITY POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

     While the Company has included or incorporated in this Prospectus by
reference information concerning ADT and KCPL insofar as it is known or
reasonably available to the Company, KCPL is not affiliated with the Company,
and ADT has not to date permitted access by the Company to ADT's books and
records for the purpose of preparing this Prospectus. Therefore, information
concerning ADT which has not been made public was not available to the Company
for the purpose of preparing this Prospectus. Although the Company has no
knowledge that would indicate that statements relating to ADT or KCPL contained
or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus in reliance upon publicly
available information are inaccurate or incomplete, the Company was not involved
in the preparation of such information and statements and, for the foregoing
reasons, is not in a position to verify any such information or statements. See
"The Company."

     Pursuant to Rule 409 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, the
Company has requested that Coopers & Lybrand provide to the Company the
information required for complete disclosure concerning the business,
operations, financial condition and management of ADT. Neither ADT nor Coopers &
Lybrand has yet provided any information in response to such request and
therefore such information cannot be obtained without unreasonable effort or
expense. The Company will include any and all information which it receives from
ADT or Coopers & Lybrand prior to the expiration of the ADT Offer (as defined
below) and the termination of this offering which the Company deems material,
reliable and appropriate in a subsequently prepared amendment or supplement
hereto or in a document filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference
in this Prospectus.



                                       3
<PAGE>



                                   THE COMPANY

General

     The Company and its divisions and wholly owned subsidiaries include KPL, a
rate-regulated electric and gas division of the Company ("KPL"), Kansas Gas and
Electric Company ("KGE"), a rate-regulated utility and wholly owned subsidiary
of the Company, Westar Capital, Inc.("Westar Capital"), Westar Security, Inc.
("Westar Security"), Westar Energy, Inc., The Wing Group, Ltd., non-utility
subsidiaries, and Mid Continent Market Center, Inc., a regulated gas
transmission service provider ("MCMC"). KGE owns 47% of Wolf Creek Nuclear
Operating Corporation ("WCNOC"), the operating company for the Wolf Creek
Generating Station ("Wolf Creek"). The Company's non-utility subsidiaries market
natural gas primarily to large commercial and industrial customers, provide
electronic security services, engage in international power project development
and provide other energy-related products and services.

     The Company is engaged principally in the production, purchase,
transmission, distribution and sale of electricity, the delivery and sale of
natural gas and electronic security services. The Company serves approximately
606,000 electric customers in eastern and central Kansas and approximately
650,000 natural gas customers in Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma. On December
12, 1996, the Company and ONEOK, Inc. ("ONEOK") announced a proposed strategic
alliance pursuant to which the Company will contribute its regulated local
natural gas distribution operations, MCMC and Westar Gas Marketing, Inc.
("Westar Gas Marketing"), and will become the largest shareholder of ONEOK. This
transaction is scheduled to be completed during the second half of 1997.

     Westar Capital is a private investment company, wholly owned by the
Company, with investments in energy-related and technology-oriented businesses.
Westar Capital owns 38,287,111 shares of ADT, or approximately 25% of the
outstanding shares of ADT. ADT is engaged in the electronic security services
business providing continuous monitoring of commercial and residential security
systems for customers in North America and abroad.

     Westar Security is a rapidly growing electronic security services business
with over 400,000 customer accounts. On December 31, 1996, the Company acquired
all of the assets of Westinghouse Security Systems, Inc. ("Westinghouse
Security"), a national security system monitoring company and a subsidiary of
Westinghouse Electric Corporation ("Westinghouse"). Westar Security is the
third-largest monitored security company in the United States with offices in
many major U.S. markets and direct access to customers in 44 states.

     On February 7, 1997, the Company announced that it had entered into a
merger agreement with KCPL, pursuant to which KCPL will merge with and into the
Company. KCPL is a public utility engaged in the generation, transmission,
distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 430,000 customers in
western Missouri and eastern Kansas.

     During 1996, the Company purchased approximately 38 million common shares
of ADT for approximately $589 million. On December 18, 1996 the Company publicly
announced its intention to commence an offer to exchange $22.50 in cash and
shares of the Company's common stock for each remaining share of ADT not already
owned by the Company (the "ADT Offer"). The value of the ADT Offer, assuming the
Company's average stock price prior to closing is above $29.75 per common share,
is approximately $3.5 billion, including the Company's existing investment in
ADT. A registration statement covering the proposed ADT Offer was declared
effective by the Commission on March 14, 1997, and the Company commenced the ADT
Offer on March 17, 1997. The ADT Offer will be subject to the approval of ADT
and Company shareholders and certain

                                       4
<PAGE>


     regulatory authorities. On March 17, 1997, it was announced that ADT and
Tyco International Ltd. ("Tyco") had entered into a definitive agreement
pursuant to which Tyco would effectively buy ADT. As described in the Company's
1996 Form 10-K incorporated herein, the Company is in litigation with regard to
ADT.

     The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Kansas in 1924.
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 818 Kansas Avenue,
Topeka, Kansas 66612, and its telephone number is (913) 575-6300.


                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

     The net proceeds from the sale of the Securities will be added to the
general funds of the Company to be used for repayment of indebtedness and
general corporate purposes. Information concerning the use of proceeds from the
sale of each series of the Securities will be set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to such series.


                            DESCRIPTION OF NEW BONDS

     The New Bonds are to be issued under and secured by the Mortgage and Deed
of Trust, dated July 1, 1939 (the "Original Indenture"), between the Company and
Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Trustee (the "Trustee"), as supplemented and
amended by thirty-two supplemental indentures and as to be supplemented and
amended by a new supplemental indenture or indentures providing for the series
of New Bonds to be issued (the Original Indenture as so supplemented and amended
being herein called the "Mortgage"). The Mortgage has been filed as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, and the bonds
of any series issued under the Mortgage are referred to herein as "Bonds" or
"First Mortgage Bonds." The following is a brief summary of certain provisions
contained in the Mortgage. Such summary does not purport to be complete and is
qualified in its entirety by express reference to the Mortgage.

     If the Supplemental Indenture under which a series of New Bonds are issued
so provides, at any time such New Bonds are outstanding, the Company may, solely
at its option, convert the New Bonds, in whole but not in part, into Debt
Securities. Such Debt Securities will be identical to the series of New Bonds
with respect to the maturity date, interest rate and interest payment dates;
however, holders of Debt Securities will, among other things, no longer be
entitled to the security provided by the Mortgage since the Debt Securities will
be unsecured obligations of the Company, and the financial covenants, the events
of default and certain other terms pertaining to the Debt Securities will differ
from those pertaining to the New Bonds. See "--Company Conversion Option" and
"Description of Debt Securities."

General

     The New Bonds will be issued only in the form of registered bonds without
coupons in denominations of $1,000 and multiples thereof. New Bonds will be
exchangeable for other New Bonds of the same series in equal aggregate principal
amounts without charge to the holders except for any applicable tax or
governmental charge. The Company intends that the New Bonds will be issued in
the form of one or more fully registered global certificates representing the
aggregate principal amount of the New Bonds and will be deposited with The
Depository Trust Company ("DTC"). See "Book-Entry."

     The Prospectus Supplement for each series of New Bonds will set forth the
issue date, maturity date, interest rate, and interest payment dates applicable
to such series and whether such series of New Bonds will be

                                       5
<PAGE>


convertible at the Company's option for Debt Securities, as well as the terms
thereof. Subject to certain exceptions provided in the Mortgage, interest is
payable at either the office of the Trustee in Chicago, Illinois, or of the
Paying Agent, Harris Trust and Savings Bank, New York, New York, to the persons
in whose names the New Bonds are registered at the close of business on the
tenth day prior to the interest payment date (the "Record Date") or, at the
option of the Company, may be paid by checks mailed to such persons at their
registered addresses. Principal of the New Bonds is to be payable at either of
the agencies of the Company mentioned above.

     There will be no improvement or maintenance fund for the New Bonds. The
applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth any sinking fund provided for a
particular series of New Bonds.

     The Company maintains routine banking relationships with the Bank of
Montreal, the parent of the Trustee. The Trustee is also Indenture Trustee under
the Indenture pursuant to which the Debt Securities will be issued. The Bank of
Montreal had a $49.5 million participation in the Company's revolving credit
facilities as of February 28, 1997.

Redemption Provisions

     The Prospectus Supplement for each series of New Bonds will set forth the
redemption provisions, if any, of such New Bonds.

Issuance of Additional Bonds

     Additional Bonds ranking equally with the Bonds of other series then
outstanding may be issued having such dates, maturities, interest rates,
redemption prices and other terms as may be determined by the Board of
Directors. Additional Bonds may be issued in principal amounts not exceeding:
(1) 60% (so long as Bonds issued prior to January 1, 1997 remain outstanding,
and thereafter 70%) of the net bondable value of property additions not subject
to an unfunded prior lien; (2) the principal amount of Bonds retired or to be
retired (except out of trust moneys); and (3) the amount of cash deposited with
the Trustee for such purpose, which may thereafter be withdrawn upon the same
basis that additional Bonds are issuable under (1) or (2) above. Additional
Bonds may not be issued on the basis of property additions subject to an
unfunded prior lien. (Mortgage, Article III; Twenty-Sixth, Twenty-Eighth,
Twenty-Ninth, Thirtieth, Thirty-First and Thirty-Second Supplemental Indentures,
Article V.)

     As of December 31, 1996, the Company had approximately $1.0 billion of net
bondable property additions not subject to unfunded prior liens (the KGE
Mortgage described under "Priority and Security" below constitutes such an
unfunded prior lien in respect of certain properties of the Company) enabling it
to issue approximately $618 million principal amount of additional Bonds on such
date. As of December 31, 1996, the Company may also issue up to approximately $3
million of additional Bonds on the basis of Bonds which have been retired. The
New Bonds may be issued against the principal amount of Bonds retired or to be
retired.

     So long as Bonds issued prior to January 1, 1997 remain outstanding,
additional Bonds may not be issued unless net earnings of the Company available
for interest, depreciation and property retirements for a period of any 12
consecutive months during the period of 15 calendar months immediately preceding
the first day of the month in which the application for authentication and
delivery of additional Bonds is made shall have been not less than the greater
of two times the annual interest charges on, or 10% of the principal amount of,
all Bonds then outstanding, all additional Bonds then applied for, all
outstanding prior lien bonds and all prior lien bonds, if any, then being
applied for. Bonds cancelled at or prior to the time application is made for the
issuance of New Bonds are not deemed to be outstanding for purposes of
calculating interest charges in determining whether the net

                                       6
<PAGE>


earnings test is met for the issuance of additional Bonds. Bonds or prior lien
bonds for which moneys sufficient for the payment thereof have been deposited
are not considered outstanding for this purpose. The net earnings test referred
to need not be satisfied to issue additional Bonds (i) on the basis of property
additions subject to an unfunded prior lien which simultaneously will become a
funded prior lien, if application for the issuance of the additional Bonds is
made at any time after a date two years prior to the date of the maturity of the
Bonds secured by the prior lien and (ii) on the basis of the payment at maturity
of Bonds theretofore issued by the Company, or the redemption, conversion or
purchase of Bonds after a date two years prior to the date on which such Bonds
mature. Based on the Company's results for the year ended December 31, 1996, the
Company could issue approximately $772 million principal amount of additional
Bonds (7.75% interest rate assumed, without giving effect to the issuance of the
New Bonds offered hereby). (Mortgage, Article III, Sections 3, 4, and 6;
Twenty-Sixth, Twenty-Eighth, Twenty-Ninth, Thirtieth, Thirty-First and
Thirty-Second Supplemental Indentures, Article V.) The Company has reserved the
right and intends to amend the Mortgage to eliminate the foregoing requirement
once all Bonds issued prior to January 1, 1997 are no longer outstanding. See
"Modification of the Mortgage."

Release and Substitution of Property

     The Mortgage provides that, subject to various limitations, property may be
released from the lien thereof upon the basis of cash deposited with the
Trustee, Bonds or purchase money obligations delivered to the Trustee, prior
lien bonds delivered to the Trustee, or unfunded net property additions
certified to the Trustee. (Mortgage, Article VII.) The Mortgage also in effect
permits the withdrawal of cash against the certification to the Trustee of gross
property additions at 100%, or the net bondable value of property additions at
60% (so long as Bonds issued prior to January 1, 1997 remain outstanding and
thereafter 70%), or the deposit with the Trustee of Bonds acquired by the
Company. (Mortgage, Article VIII; Sections 1-3; Twenty-Sixth, Twenty-Eighth,
Twenty-Ninth, Thirtieth, Thirty-First and Thirty-Second Supplemental Indentures,
Article V.)

     The Mortgage contains special provisions with respect to the release of all
or substantially all of the Company's gas properties or its electric properties.
(Twenty-Sixth, Twenty-Eighth, Twenty-Ninth, Thirtieth, Thirty-First and
Thirty-Second Supplemental Indentures, Article IV, Sections 2 and 3.) The
Company currently intends to tender the converted New Bonds to the Trustee to
effect the release of substantially all of its gas properties in connection with
the closing of the ONEOK Transaction. See "The Company." To the extent not so
used, converted New Bonds may be used by the Company to provide for the issuance
of additional Bonds under the Mortgage in substitution of such New Bonds.
(Mortgage, Article III, Section 6). The Company has reserved the right and
intends to amend the Mortgage to change the release and substitution provisions.
See "Modification of the Mortgage."

Priority and Security

     In the opinion of Richard D. Terrill, Esq., Corporate Secretary and
Associate General Counsel of the Company, the New Bonds, with the qualifications
described in the last two paragraphs under this "Priority and Security" caption
relating to the lien of the KGE Mortgage (as defined below), will be secured,
equally and ratably with all of the Bonds now outstanding or hereafter issued
under the Mortgage, by the lien on substantially all of the Company's fixed
property and franchises purported to be conveyed by the Mortgage, subject to the
exceptions referred to below, to certain minor leases and easements, permitted
liens and to the exceptions and reservations in the instruments by which the
Company acquired title to its property and to the prior lien of the Trustee for
compensation, expenses and liability.


                                       7
<PAGE>


     In the opinion of Mr. Terrill, the Mortgage constitutes a lien on
after-acquired property of the character intended to be mortgaged property.

     Excepted from the lien of the Mortgage are: cash and accounts receivable;
contracts or operating agreements; securities not pledged under the Mortgage;
electric energy, gas, water, materials and supplies held for consumption in
operation or held in advance of use for fixed capital purposes; and merchandise,
appliances and supplies held for resale or lease to customers. There is further
expressly excepted any property of any other corporation, all the securities of
which may be owned or later acquired by the Company. (Granting Clauses of the
Mortgage.) The lien of the Mortgage does not apply to property of KGE so long as
KGE remains a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, or to the stock of KGE
owned by the Company.

     The Mortgage permits the consolidation or merger of the Company with or the
conveyance of its property to any other corporation, provided that the successor
corporation assumes the due and punctual payment of the principal and interest
on the Bonds of all series then outstanding under the Mortgage and assumes the
due and punctual performance of all the covenants and conditions of the
Mortgage. (Mortgage, Article XII, Section 1.)

     KGE has outstanding first mortgage bonds (the "KGE Bonds") which are
secured by a lien on substantially all of KGE's fixed property and franchises
purported to be conveyed by the Mortgage and Deed of Trust and the various
Supplemental Indentures creating the KGE Bonds (collectively, the "KGE
Mortgage"). In the event that KGE combines with the Company, the after-acquired
property clauses of the Mortgage would cause the lien of the Mortgage to attach
(but in a subordinate position to the prior lien of the KGE Mortgage) to the
property of KGE owned by KGE at the date of combination. All property subject to
the after-acquired property clause of the Mortgage acquired by the Company after
the effective date of combination of KGE with the Company would be subject to
the first lien of the Mortgage, with the exception of (a) betterments,
extensions, improvements and additions to the property formerly owned by KGE,
(b) property made the basis for the issuance of new KGE Bonds or property
acquired with insurance or eminent domain proceeds relating to the former KGE
property or (c) property acquired to comply with the covenants contained in the
KGE Mortgage, on all of which property the KGE Mortgage would continue to
constitute a first, and the Mortgage a subordinate, lien. The Company may not
issue additional Bonds on the basis of property additions subject to the prior
lien of the KGE Mortgage. There is no certainty as to whether or when such a
combination would occur or as to the terms and conditions thereof.

     KCPL has outstanding first mortgage bonds (the "KCPL Bonds") which are
secured by a lien on substantially all of KCPL's fixed property and franchises
purported to be conveyed by the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust and
the various Supplemental Indentures creating the KCPL Bonds (collectively, the
"KCPL Mortgage"). If the Company consummates its planned merger with KCPL, the
Company, as the successor corporation to such merger, would be required pursuant
to the terms of the KCPL Mortgage to confirm the liens thereunder and to keep
the mortgaged property with respect thereto as far as practicable identifiable.
In the absence of an express grant, however, the KCPL Mortgage will not
constitute or become a lien on any property or franchises owned by the Company
prior to such merger or on any property or franchises which may be purchased,
constructed or otherwise acquired by the Company except for such as form an
integral part of the mortgaged property under the KCPL Mortgage. Upon
consummation of the merger with KCPL, the after-acquired property clauses of the
Company's Mortgage would cause the lien of the Mortgage to attach (but in a
subordinate position to the prior lien of the KCPL Mortgage) to the property of
KCPL at the date of combination.

                                       8
<PAGE>


Modification of the Mortgage

     The Mortgage may be modified or altered, subject to the rights and
obligations of the Company and the rights of Bondholders thereunder, by the
affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% in principal amount of the
Bonds; provided, that no action may be taken which would affect less than all
series of Bonds without, in addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of at
least 80% in principal amount of the Bonds of each series so affected. The
Company intends upon the next issuance of Bonds under the Mortgage to exercise
the right it has reserved to amend the Mortgage to provide that the Mortgage may
be modified or altered and the rights of the holders of Bonds may be affected
with the consent of the holders of 60% of the Bonds and, if less than all series
of Bonds are affected, the consent also of the holders of 60% of the Bonds of
each series affected. No modification or alteration may be made which will
permit the extension of the time or times of payment of the principal of or
interest on any Bond or a reduction in the rate of interest thereon, or
otherwise affect the terms of payment of the principal of or interest on any
Bond or a reduction in the rate of interest thereon or reduce the percentages
required for the taking of any action thereunder. Bonds owned by the Company or
any affiliated corporation are excluded for the purpose of any vote,
determination of a quorum or consent. (Mortgage, Article XV; Section 6;
Twenty-Sixth, Twenty-Eighth, Twenty-Ninth, Thirtieth, Thirty-First and
Thirty-Second Supplemental Indentures, Article V, Sections 3 and 4.)

     The Mortgage also provides that no modification or alteration of the
Mortgage may be made, without the consent of the holder of any Bond issued
thereunder, which would impair or affect the right of such holder to receive
payment of the principal of, and interest on, such Bond, on or after the
respective due date expressed in such Bond, or to institute suit for the
enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates. (Mortgage,
Article XXII, Section 2.)

     The Company intends upon the next issuance of Bonds under the Mortgage to
reserve the right, subject to appropriate corporate action but without the
consent or other action of holders of Bonds of any series created after January
1, 1997, to amend the Mortgage to permit, unless an event of default shall have
happened and be continuing, or shall happen as a result of making or granting an
application, (1) the release of mortgaged property from the lien of the Mortgage
provided the fair value to the Company of the mortgaged property subject to such
lien (excluding the mortgaged property to be released) equals or exceeds 10/7ths
of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Bonds under the Mortgage and
any prior lien bonds outstanding at the time of such release; (2) in the event
the Company is unable to obtain a release of property as described in clause
(1), the release from the lien of the Mortgage of mortgaged property if the fair
value to the Company thereof is less than 1/2 of 1% of the aggregate principal
amount of Bonds and prior lien bonds outstanding; provided that, the property
released pursuant to clause (2) in any 12 consecutive calendar months shall not
exceed 1% of such Bonds and prior lien bonds; (3) the deletion of the net
earnings test which must be met prior to the issuance of additional bonds; (4)
the deletion of the requirement to obtain an independent engineer's certificate
in connection with certain releases of property from the lien of the Mortgage;
and (5) the deletion of a financial test to be met by another corporation in the
event of the consolidation or merger of the Company into or sale by the Company
of its property as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to such other
corporation.

Events of Default

     An event of default under the Mortgage includes: (a) default in the payment
of the principal of any Bond when the same shall become due and payable, whether
at maturity or otherwise; (b) default continuing for 30 days in the payment of
any installment of interest on any Bond or in the payment or satisfaction of any
sinking fund obligation; (c) default in performance or observance of any other
covenant, agreement or condition in the Mortgage continuing for a period of 60
days after written notice to the Company thereof by the Trustee or by the
holders of not less than 15% of the aggregate principal amount of all Bonds then
outstanding; (d) failure to

                                       9
<PAGE>


discharge or stay within 30 days a final judgment against the Company for the
payment of money in excess of $100,000; and (e) certain events in bankruptcy,
insolvency or reorganization. (Mortgage, Article IX, Section 1.)

     The Trustee is required, within 90 days after the occurrence thereof, to
give to the holders of the Bonds notice of all defaults known to the Trustee
unless such defaults shall have been cured before the giving of such notice (the
term "defaults" for such purposes being defined to be the events specified
above, not including any periods of grace); provided, however, that except in
the case of default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any of the
Bonds, or in the payment or satisfaction of any sinking or purchase fund
installment, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so
long as the Trustee in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice
is in the interests of the holders of the Bonds and, in the case of any default
specified in (c) above, no notice shall be given until at least 60 days after
the occurrence thereof. (Mortgage, Article XIX, Section 3.) The Trustee is under
no obligation to defend or initiate any action under the Mortgage which would
result in the incurring of non-reimbursable expenses unless one or more of the
holders of Bonds issued under the Mortgage, including the New Bonds, furnishes
the Trustee with reasonable indemnity against such expenses. In the event of
default, the Trustee is not required to act unless requested to act by holders
of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Bonds then outstanding.
(Mortgage, Article IX, Sections 1 and 4, Article XIII, Section 2 and Article
XXI, Section 6.) In addition, a majority of the Bondholders have the right to
direct all proceedings under the Mortgage, provided the Trustee is indemnified
to its satisfaction. (Mortgage, Article IX, Section 11.)

Company Conversion Option

     If the Supplemental Indenture under which a series of New Bonds are issued
so provides, the Company may, solely at its option, convert such series of New
Bonds, in whole but not in part, into the Debt Securities. The Debt Securities
would be identical to such series of New Bonds with respect to the maturity
date, interest rate and interest payment dates; however, holders of Debt
Securities will, among other things, no longer be entitled to the security
provided by the Mortgage since the Debt Securities will be unsecured obligations
of the Company and the financial covenants, the events of default and certain
other terms pertaining to the Debt Securities will differ from those pertaining
to such series of New Bonds. See "Description of the Debt Securities" below for
a summary of the terms of the Debt Securities. Holders of New Bonds so converted
will be entitled to receive an equal principal amount of Debt Securities for the
principal amount of New Bonds held by such holder as of the date fixed for
Conversion (the "Conversion Date"). In connection with any such conversion,
interest on converted New Bonds which has accrued but has not been paid as of
the Conversion Date will accrue on Debt Securities from the date on which
interest was last paid on the New Bonds so converted, provided that accrued
interest on New Bonds converted after a record date, but before the related
interest payment date, shall be paid to the holder of record of such New Bonds
on such interest payment date, and the Debt Securities into which such New Bonds
shall have been converted will begin to accrue interest from such interest
payment date. The rights of the holders of the New Bonds as bondholders of the
Company with respect to the Bonds converted will cease, and the person or
persons entitled to receive the Debt Securities issuable upon Conversion will be
treated as the registered holder or holders of such Debt Securities from the
Conversion Date. Debt Securities issued in conversion of New Bonds will be
issued in principal amounts of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. The
Company may condition its obligation to convert New Bonds upon the satisfaction
of certain conditions. The Company will mail to each holder of record of New
Bonds to be converted into Debt Securities written notice thereof at least 15
and not more than 120 days prior to the Conversion Date. The notice must state
(i) the Conversion Date, (ii) the place or places where certificates for New
Bonds may be surrendered for conversion into Debt Securities, (iii) that
interest on the Debt Securities will accrue from the date on which interest on
the New Bonds was last paid (except in the case of a Conversion Date after a
record date, but before the related interest payment date, in which case
interest will accrue from the interest payment date next following such record
date), (iv) the conditions to conversion, if any,

                                       10
<PAGE>


required to be satisfied concurrent with or prior to the Conversion Date; and
(v) that whether or not certificates for New Bonds are surrendered for
conversion on such Conversion Date, holders of the New Bonds will be treated as
holders of Debt Securities from and after the Conversion Date, which each holder
of the Bonds by its acceptance of the issue thereof agrees to. It is anticipated
that the only holder of record of the New Bonds will be DTC. See "Book-Entry"

     In the event that the Company becomes subject to bankruptcy proceedings at
a time when the New Bonds are outstanding and have not been converted for Debt
Securities, a court in such proceedings may order or approve the conversion of
New Bonds into Debt Securities, with the result that holders of New Bonds would
not be entitled to the rights of secured creditors of the Company in such
bankruptcy proceedings. As a further result, among other things, such holders
would not be expected to be entitled to adequate protection of their security or
to interest accruing after the date of commencement of bankruptcy proceedings.
Alternatively, a court in a bankruptcy proceeding with respect to the Company
may decide that, even if the New Bonds cannot be converted for Debt Securities,
the claims of holders of New Bonds should nevertheless be subordinated to other
secured creditors of the Company under principles of equitable subordination.

     If, by reason of the Company's merger with KCPL, or for any other reason,
properties of KCPL become subject to the Mortgage, and within the applicable
preference period thereafter the Company becomes the subject of federal
bankruptcy proceedings, the security interests of holders of New Bonds in such
newly acquired properties may be voidable as preferences. The applicable
preference period, generally, is 90 days for holders of New Bonds who are not
"insiders" of the Company and one year for holders of New Bonds who are
"insiders" of the Company, as that term is defined in the federal bankruptcy
code.


                         DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

     The Debt Securities will be issued in one or more series under an Indenture
(the "Indenture") between the Company and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as
Indenture Trustee, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement. The following summaries of certain provisions of the Indenture do not
purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by express reference
to the Indenture and the Securities Resolutions or the indentures supplemental
thereto (copies of which have been or will be filed with the Commission).
Capitalized terms used in this section without definition have the meanings
given such terms in the Indenture.

General

     The Indenture does not limit the amount of Debt Securities that can be
issued thereunder and provides that the Debt Securities may be issued from time
to time in one or more series pursuant to the terms of one or more Securities
Resolutions or supplemental indentures creating such series. As of the date of
this Prospectus, there were no Debt Securities outstanding under the Indenture.
The Debt Securities will be unsecured and will rank on a parity with all other
unsecured and unsubordinated debt of the Company, but will rank junior to the
Company's First Mortgage Bonds. The Debt Securities will be senior to all
indebtedness of the Company which by its terms is made subordinate to the Debt
Securities. Although the Indenture provides for the possible issuance of Debt
Securities in other forms or currencies, the only Debt Securities covered by
this Prospectus will be Debt Securities denominated in U.S. dollars in
registered form without coupons.

     Substantially all of the fixed properties and franchises of the Company are
subject  to the  lien of the  Mortgage  under  which  the  Company's  Bonds  are
outstanding. See "Description of New Bonds."


                                       11
<PAGE>


Terms

     Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for the following terms, if
applicable, of the Debt Securities offered thereby: (1) the designation,
aggregate principal amount, currency or composite currency and denominations;
(2) the price at which such Debt Securities will be issued and, if an index
formula or other method is used, the method for determining amounts of principal
or interest; (3) the maturity date and other dates, if any, on which principal
will be payable; (4) the interest rate (which may be fixed or variable), if any;
(5) the date or dates from which interest will accrue and on which interest will
be payable, and the record dates for the payment of interest (see "Description
of New Bonds -- Company Conversion Option"); (6) the manner of paying principal
and interest; (7) the place or places where principal and interest will be
payable; (8) the terms of any mandatory or optional redemption by the Company
including any sinking fund; (9) the terms of any conversion or exchange right;
(10) the terms of any redemption at the option of Holders; (11) any tax
indemnity provisions; (12) if the Debt Securities provide that payments of
principal or interest may be made in a currency other than that in which Debt
Securities are denominated, the manner for determining such payments; (13) the
portion of principal payable upon acceleration of a Discounted Security (as
defined below); (14) whether and upon what terms Debt Securities may be
defeased; (15) whether the covenant referred to below under "Certain
Covenants--Limitations on Liens" applies, and any events of default or
restrictive covenants in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in the
Indenture; (16) provisions for electronic issuance of Debt Securities or for
Debt Securities in uncertificated form; and (17) any additional provisions or
other special terms not inconsistent with the provisions of the Indenture,
including any terms that may be required or advisable under United States or
other applicable laws or regulations, or advisable in connection with the
marketing of the Debt Securities. (Section 2.01)

     Debt Securities of any series may be issued as registered Debt Securities,
bearer Debt Securities or uncertificated Debt Securities, and in such
denominations as specified in the terms of the series. (Section 2.01)

     In connection with its original issuance, no bearer Security will be
offered, sold or delivered to any location in the United States, and a bearer
Security in definitive form may be delivered in connection with its original
issuance only upon presentation of a certificate in a form prescribed by the
Company to comply with United States laws and regulations. (Section 2.04)

     Registration of transfer of registered Debt Securities may be requested
upon surrender thereof at any agency of the Company maintained for that purpose
and upon fulfillment of all other requirements of the agent. (Sections 2.03 and
2.07)

     Securities may be issued under the Indenture as Discounted Debt Securities
to be offered and sold at a substantial discount from the principal amount
thereof. Special United States federal income tax and other considerations
applicable thereto will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating to
such Discounted Debt Securities. "Discounted Debt Security" means a Security
where the amount of principal due upon acceleration is less than the stated
principal amount. (Section 2.10)

Certain Covenants

     The Debt Securities will not be secured by any properties or assets and
will represent unsecured debt of the Company. As indicated under "General"
above, substantially all of the fixed properties and franchises of the Company
are subject to the lien of the Mortgage securing the Company's First Mortgage
Bonds.

     As discussed below, the Indenture includes certain limitations on the
Company's ability to create liens which will apply only if the Securities
Resolution establishing the terms of a series of Debt Securities so provides

                                       12
<PAGE>


(in which event the Prospectus Supplement will so state). If applicable, the
limitations are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions. The
Indenture does not limit the Company's ability to issue additional First
Mortgage Bonds or to enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition,
the Indenture does not limit the ability of the Company's subsidiaries to issue
debt, and the Debt Securities will be effectively subordinated to all existing
and future indebtedness and other liabilities and commitments of the Company's
subsidiaries.

     Unless otherwise indicated in a Prospectus Supplement, such covenants, if
applicable, does not afford holders of the Debt Securities protection in the
event of a highly leveraged or other transaction involving the Company that may
adversely affect holders of the Debt Securities.

Issuance of Additional First Mortgage Bonds

     If the Securities Resolution establishing the terms of a series of Debt
Securities so provides (in which event the Prospectus Supplement will so state),
the following provision of the Indenture will be applicable so long as there
remain outstanding any Debt Securities of any series to which this covenant
applies, and subject to termination upon defeasance as referred to above. The
Company will not (i) issue any additional First Mortgage Bonds under the
Mortgage, or any mortgage bonds (such additional First Mortgage Bonds and
mortgage bonds being hereafter referred to as "Mortgage Bonds") under any
additional mortgage which it may enter into or the obligations of which it may
assume (collectively, the "Restricted Mortgages") except (A) to replace any
mutilated, lost, destroyed or stolen Mortgage Bonds or to effect exchanges and
transfers of Mortgage Bonds or (B) to issue Mortgage Bonds in connection with
any refinancing of Mortgage Bonds, or any security for which Mortgage Bonds
provide collateral, having the same or lesser aggregate principal amount at
maturity and the same or earlier maturity date, but with such other terms as the
Company may determine or (ii) subject to the lien of any Restricted Mortgage,
any property which is excepted and excluded under such Restricted Mortgage and
the lien and operation thereof by the terms of such Restricted Mortgage, unless
concurrently with the issuance of such Mortgage Bonds or subjection of any such
property to such lien, the Company issues to the Trustee under the Indenture a
Mortgage Bond or Bonds in the same aggregate principal amount and having the
same interest rate or rates, maturity date or dates, redemption provisions and
other terms as the Debt Securities then outstanding and thereby gives to the
holders of all outstanding Debt Securities the benefit of the security of such
First Mortgage Bond or Bonds, provided, that the obligation of the Company to
make payments with respect to the principal of and interest on any such Mortgage
Bond or Bonds issued under a Restricted Mortgage to the Trustee shall be fully
or partially, as the case may be, satisfied or discharged to the extent that, at
the time that any such payment shall be due, the then due principal of and
interest on the Debt Securities shall have been fully or partially paid. For
purposes of this provision the merger or combination of the Company with another
entity having Mortgage Bonds outstanding under a Restricted Mortgage on the date
such a transaction is consummated shall not constitute an issuance of additional
Mortgage Bonds and therefore, Mortgage Bonds shall not be required to be issued
under such Restricted Mortgage in connection with the consummation of such a
transaction.

     At such time as the Trustee under the Indenture is the only holder of
Mortgage Bonds outstanding under a Restricted Mortgage, the Trustee will
surrender such Mortgage Bonds to the Company for cancellation and such
Restricted Mortgage will be discharged and defeased. (Section 4.08).

Limitation on Liens

     If the Securities Resolution establishing the terms of a series so provides
(in which event the Prospectus Supplement will so state), the following
provisions of the Indenture will be applicable so long as there remain
outstanding any Debt Securities of any series to which this limitation applies,
and subject to termination upon defeasance as referred to above, the Company
will not create or suffer to be created or to exist any mortgage,

                                       13
<PAGE>


pledge, security interest or other lien (collectively, "Lien") on any of its
properties or assets, owned as of the date such series is issued or hereafter
acquired to secure any indebtedness, without making effective provision whereby
the Debt Securities of such series shall be equally and ratably secured with any
and all such indebtedness and with any other indebtedness similarly entitled to
be equally and ratably secured. This restriction does not apply to, or prevent
the creation or existence of: (1) the Mortgage securing the Company's First
Mortgage Bonds or any indenture supplemental thereto subjecting any property to
the Lien thereof or confirming the Lien thereof upon any property, whether owned
before or acquired after the date of the Indenture; (2) the Lien of any
Restricted Mortgage; (3) Liens on property existing at the time of the
acquisition or construction of such property (or created within two years after
completion of such acquisition or construction), whether by purchase, merger,
construction or otherwise, or to secure the payment of all or any part of the
purchase price or construction cost thereof, including the extension of any such
Liens to repairs, renewals, replacements, substitutions, betterments, additions,
extensions and improvements then or thereafter made on the property subject
thereto; (4) a Lien securing any bank indebtedness now or hereafter incurred or
assumed by the Company; (5) any extensions, renewals or replacements (or
successive extensions, renewals or replacements), in whole or in part, of Liens
(including, without limitation, the Restricted Mortgages) permitted by the
foregoing clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4); (6) the pledge of any bonds or other
securities at any time issued under any of the Liens permitted by clause (1),
(2), (3), (4) or (5) above; or (7) Permitted Encumbrances. (Section 4.07)

     "Permitted Encumbrances" includes, among other items: (a) the pledge or
assignment in the ordinary course of business of electricity, gas (either
natural or artificial), steam, fuel (including nuclear fuel) whether or not
consumable in the operation of the mortgaged property, accounts receivable or
customers' installment paper; (b) Liens affixing to property of the Company at
the time a person consolidates with or merges into, or transfers all or
substantially all of its assets to, the Company, provided that in the opinion of
the Board of Directors of the Company or Company management (evidenced by a
certified Board resolution or an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee)
the property acquired pursuant to the consolidation, merger or asset transfer is
adequate security for such Lien; (c) Liens or encumbrances not otherwise
permitted if, at the time of incurrence thereof and after giving effect thereto,
the aggregate of all obligations of the Company secured thereby does not exceed
10% of Tangible Net Worth (as defined below); (d) Liens on securities held by
the Company; and (e) Liens or encumbrances affixing to the property of a
Subsidiary.

     "Tangible Net Worth" means (i) common stockholders' equity appearing on the
most recent balance sheet of the Company (or consolidated balance sheet of the
Company and its Subsidiaries if the Company then has one or more consolidated
Subsidiaries) prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, less (ii) intangible assets (excluding intangible assets recoverable
through rates as prescribed by applicable regulatory authorities).

     "Subsidiary" of any person means (i) a corporation more than 50% of the
outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by such
person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such person or by such person and
one or more Subsidiaries thereof; or (ii) any other person (other than a
corporation) in which such person, or one or more Subsidiaries of such person or
such person and one or more Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, has at
least a majority ownership and power to direct the policy, management and
affairs thereof. (Section 4.06)

     Further, this restriction will not apply to or prevent the creation or
existence of leases made, or existing on property acquired, in the ordinary
course of business. (Section 4.07)

Other Covenants


                                       14
<PAGE>


     Any other restrictive covenants which may apply to a particular series of
Debt Securities will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.

Successor Obligor

     The Indenture provides that, unless otherwise specified in the Securities
Resolution establishing a series of Debt Securities, the Company shall not
consolidate with or merge into, or transfer all or substantially all of its
assets to, any person in any transaction in which the Company is not the
survivor, unless: (1) the person is organized under the laws of the United
States or a State thereof or is organized under the laws of a foreign
jurisdiction and consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States
or a State thereof; (2) the person assumes by supplemental indenture all the
obligations of the Company under the Indenture, the Debt Securities and any
coupons; (3) all required approvals of any regulatory body having jurisdiction
over the transaction shall have been obtained; and (4) immediately after the
transaction no Default (as defined) exists. The successor shall be substituted
for the Company, and thereafter all obligations of the Company under the
Indenture, the Debt Securities and any coupons shall terminate. (Section 5.01)

Exchange of Debt Securities

     Registered Debt Securities may be exchanged for an equal aggregate
principal amount of registered Debt Securities of the same series and date of
maturity in such authorized denominations as may be requested upon surrender of
the registered Debt Securities at an agency of the Company maintained for such
purpose and upon fulfillment of all other requirements of such agent. (Section
2.07)

Default and Remedies

     Unless the Securities Resolution establishing the series otherwise provides
(in which event the Prospectus Supplement will so state), an "Event of Default"
with respect to a series of Debt Securities will occur if:

          (1) the Company defaults in any payment of interest on any Debt
     Securities of such series when the same becomes due and payable and the
     Default continues for a period of 60 days;

          (2) the Company defaults in the payment of the principal and premium,
     if any, of any Debt Securities of the series when the same becomes due and
     payable at maturity or upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise and such
     default shall continue for five or more days;

          (3) the Company defaults in the payment or satisfaction of any sinking
     fund obligation with respect to any Debt Securities of a series as required
     by the Securities Resolution establishing such series and the Default
     continues for a period of 60 days;

          (4) the Company defaults in the performance of any of its other
     agreements applicable to the series and the Default continues for 90 days
     after the notice specified below;

          (5) the Company  pursuant  to or within the meaning of any  Bankruptcy
     Law:

               (A) commences a voluntary case,

               (B) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in an
          involuntary case,


                                       15
<PAGE>


               (C) consents to the  appointment of a Custodian for it or for all
          or substantially all of its property, or

               (D) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;

          (6) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under
     any Bankruptcy Law that:

               (A) is for relief against the Company in an involuntary case,

               (B)  appoints  a  Custodian   for  the  Company  or  for  all  or
          substantially all of its property, or

               (C)  orders  the  liquidation  of the  Company,  and the order or
          decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 days; or

          (7) there  occurs  any other  Event of  Default  provided  for in such
     series. (Section 6.01)

     The term "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar Federal
or State law for the relief of debtors. The term "Custodian" means any receiver,
trustee, assignee, liquidator or a similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.
(Section 6.01)

     "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time
would be, an Event of Default. A Default under subparagraph (4) above is not an
Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of at least 33-1/3% in
principal amount of the series notify the Company of the Default and the Company
does not cure the Default within the time specified after receipt of the notice.
(Section 6.01) The Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory to it before it
enforces the Indenture or the Debt Securities of the series. (Section 7.01)
Subject to certain limitations, Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Debt Securities of the series may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any
trust or power with respect to such series. (Section 6.05) Except in the case of
Default in payment on a series, the Trustee may withhold from Securityholders of
such series notice of any continuing Default (except a Default in payment of
principal or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their
interest (Section 7.04) The Company is required to furnish the Trustee annually
a brief certificate as to the Company's compliance with all conditions and
covenants under the Indenture. (Section 4.04)

     The failure to redeem any Debt Securities subject to a Conditional
Redemption (as defined) is not an Event of Default if any event on which such
redemption is so conditioned does not occur and is not waived before the
scheduled redemption date. (Section 6.01)

     The Indenture does not have a cross-default provision. Thus, a default by
the Company on any other debt, including any other series of Debt Securities,
would not constitute an Event of Default.

Amendments and Waivers

     The Indenture and the Debt Securities or any coupons of the series may be
amended, and any default may be waived as follows: Unless the Securities
Resolution otherwise provides (in which event the Prospectus Supplement will so
state), the Debt Securities and the Indenture may be amended with the consent of
the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities of all
series affected voting as one class. (Section 10.02) Unless the Securities
Resolution otherwise provides (in which event the Prospectus Supplement will so
state), a

                                       16
<PAGE>


Default on a particular series may be waived with the consent of the Holders of
a majority in principal amount of the Debt Securities of the series. (Section
6.04) However, without the consent of each Securityholder affected, no amendment
or waiver may (1) reduce the amount of Debt Securities whose Holders must
consent to an amendment or waiver, (2) reduce the interest on or change the time
for payment of interest on any Security, (3) change the fixed maturity of any
Security, (4) reduce the principal of any non-Discounted Security or reduce the
amount of the principal of any Discounted Security that would be due on
acceleration thereof, (5) change the currency in which the principal or interest
on a Security is payable, (6) make any change that materially adversely affects
the right to convert any Security, or (7) waive any Default in payment of
interest on or principal of a Security. (Sections 6.04 and 10.02) Without the
consent of any Securityholder, the Indenture or the Debt Securities may be
amended: to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency; to provide
for assumption of Company obligations to Securityholders in the event of a
merger or consolidation requiring such assumption; to provide that specific
provisions of the Indenture shall not apply to a series of Debt Securities not
previously issued; to create a series and establish its terms; to provide for a
separate Trustee for one or more series; or to make any change that does not
materially adversely affect the rights of any Securityholder. (Section 10.01)

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

     Debt Securities of a series may be defeased in accordance with their terms
and, unless the Securities Resolution establishing the terms of the series
otherwise provides, as set forth below. The Company at any time may terminate as
to a series all of its obligations (except for certain obligations, including
obligations with respect to the defeasance trust and obligations to register the
transfer or exchange of a Security, to replace destroyed, lost or stolen Debt
Securities and coupons and to maintain paying agencies in respect of the Debt
Securities) with respect to the Debt Securities of the series and any related
coupons and the Indenture ("legal defeasance"). The Company at any time may
terminate as to a series its obligations with respect to the Debt Securities and
coupons of the series under the covenant described under "Certain
Covenants--Limitations on Liens" and any other restrictive covenants which may
be applicable to a particular series ("covenant defeasance").

     The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its
prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. If the Company exercises its
legal defeasance option, a series may not be accelerated because of an Event of
Default. If the Company exercises its covenant defeasance option, a series may
not be accelerated by reference to the covenant described under "Certain
Covenants--Limitations on Liens" or any other restrictive covenants which may be
applicable to a particular series. (Section 8.01)

     To exercise either defeasance option as to a series, the Company must (i)
irrevocably deposit in trust (the "defeasance trust") with the Trustee or
another trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations, deliver a certificate from
a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants expressing their opinion
that the payments of principal and interest when due on the deposited U.S.
Government Obligations, without reinvestment, plus any deposited money without
investment will provide cash at such times and in such amounts as will be
sufficient to pay the principal and interest when due on all Debt Securities of
such series to maturity or redemption, as the case may be, and (ii) comply with
certain other conditions. In particular, the Company must obtain an opinion of
tax counsel that the defeasance will not result in recognition of any gain or
loss to holders for Federal income tax purposes. "U.S. Government Obligations"
means direct obligations of the United States or an instrumentality of the
United States, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed by the United
States, which, in either case, have the full faith and credit of the United
States of America pledged for payment and which are not callable at the issuer's
option, or certificates representing an ownership interest in such obligations.
(Section 8.02)


                                       17
<PAGE>


Regarding the Trustee

     Harris Trust and Savings Bank will act as Indenture Trustee and Registrar
for Debt Securities issued under the Indenture and, unless otherwise indicated
in a Prospectus Supplement, the Indenture Trustee will also act as Transfer
Agent and Paying Agent with respect to the Debt Securities. (Section 2.03) The
Company may remove the Indenture Trustee with or without cause if the Company so
notifies the Indenture Trustee three months in advance and if no Default occurs
during the three-month period. (Section 7.07) The Indenture Trustee is also
Trustee under the Mortgage for the Company's First Mortgage Bonds, including the
New Bonds, and provides services for the Company and certain affiliates, as a
depository of funds, registrar, trustee under other indentures and similar
services.


                                   BOOK-ENTRY

     DTC will act as securities depository for the Securities. The Securities
will be issued only as fully registered securities registered in the name of
Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership nominee). One or more fully registered global
certificates will be issued for the Securities representing the aggregate
principal amount of the Securities and will be deposited with DTC.

     DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the 1934 Act, as
amended, DTC holds securities that its participants (the "Direct Participants")
deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among Direct Participants
of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited
securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in Direct
Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
securities certificates. Direct Participants include securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its Direct Participants and by the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange, Inc., and the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is
also available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust
companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Direct
Participant, either directly or indirectly (the "Indirect Participants," and
together with the Direct Participants, the "Participants"). The rules applicable
to DTC and its Participants are on file with the SEC.

     Purchases of the Securities within the DTC system must be made by or
through Direct Participants which will receive a credit for the Securities on
DTC's records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of each Security
(a "Beneficial Owner") will in turn be recorded on the Direct and Indirect
Participants' respective records. Beneficial Owners will not receive written
confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but Beneficial Owners are expected to
receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as
periodic statements of their holdings, from the Direct or Indirect Participant
through which the Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of
ownership interest in the Securities will be effected by entries made on the
books of Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners
will not receive certificates representing their ownership interest in
Securities except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the
Securities is discontinued.

     The deposit of the Securities with DTC and their registration in the name
of Cede & Co. effect no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of
the actual Beneficial Owners of the Securities; DTC's records reflect only the
identity of the Direct Participants to whose accounts such Securities are
credited, which

                                       18
<PAGE>


may or may not be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants will remain
responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

     Conveyance of notices and other direct communications by DTC to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct
Participants and Indirect 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.

     Redemption notices shall be sent to Cede & Co. If less than all of the
Securities of an issue are being redeemed, DTC's practice will determine by lot
the amount of the interest of each Direct Participant in such series to be
redeemed.

     In the event of a Conversion of New Bonds into Debt Securities, notice
thereof shall be sent to Cede & Co. After the Conversion Date, DTC or its
nominee, as the record holder of the New Bonds, will receive a registered global
certificate or certificates representing the Debt Securities and will deliver
the global certificate or certificates representing the New Bonds to the Trustee
for cancellation.

     Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will consent or vote with respect to the
Securities. Under its usual procedures. DTC mails an omnibus proxy (an "Omnibus
Proxy") to the Participants as soon as possible after the record date. The
Omnibus Proxy assigns Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct
Participants to whose accounts the Securities are credited on the record date
(identified in a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).

     Principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Securities will be paid to
DTC. DTC's practice is to credit Direct Participants' accounts on the relevant
payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC's records
unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on such
payment date. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities
held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in
"street-name," and will be the responsibility of such Participant and not of
DTC, the underwriters, or the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of principal,
premium, if any, and interest to DTC is the responsibility of the Company or the
Trustee. Disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants is the
responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial
Owners is the responsibility of Direct and Indirect Participants.

     DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with
respect to the Securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the
Company. Under such circumstances and in the event that a successor securities
depository is not obtained, certificates for the Securities are required to be
printed and delivered. In addition, the Company may decide to discontinue use of
the system of book-entry transfers through DTC (or any successor securities
depository). In that event, certificates for the Securities will be printed and
delivered.

     The Company will not have any responsibility or obligation to Participants
or to the persons for whom they act as nominees with respect to the accuracy of
the records of DTC, its nominees or any Direct or Indirect Participant with
respect to any ownership interest in the Securities, or with respect to payments
or providing of notice to the Direct Participants, the Indirect Participants or
the Beneficial Owners.

     So long as Cede & Co. is the registered owner of the Securities, as nominee
of DTC, references herein to holders of the Securities shall mean Cede & Co. or
DTC and shall not mean the Beneficial Owners of the Securities.


                                       19
<PAGE>


     The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC's book-entry system
has been obtained from DTC. None of the Company, the Trustees or the
underwriters take any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness thereof.


                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

     The Company may sell Securities in any of the following ways: (i) through
underwriters or dealers; (ii) directly to one or more purchasers; or (iii)
through agents. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth the terms of
the offering of any Securities, including the names of any underwriters or
agents, the purchase price of such Securities and the proceeds to the Company
from such sale, any underwriting discounts and other items constituting
underwriters' compensation, any initial public offering price, any discounts or
concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers and any securities exchanges
on which such Securities may be listed.

     If underwriters are used in the sale, Securities will be acquired by the
underwriters for their own account and may be resold 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. Such Securities may
be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by
managing underwriters or by underwriters without a syndicate. Unless otherwise
set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the obligations of the
underwriters to purchase such Securities will be subject to certain conditions
precedent, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of such
Securities if any of such Securities are purchased. Any initial public offering
price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers
may be changed from time to time. Only underwriters named in a Prospectus
Supplement are deemed to be underwriters in connection with the Securities
offered thereby.

     Securities may also be sold directly by the Company or through agents
designated by the Company from time to time. Any agent involved in the offer or
sale of Securities will be named, and any commissions payable by the Company to
such agent will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Unless
otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, any such agent will
act on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.

     If so indicated in a Prospectus Supplement with respect to Securities, the
Company will authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by
certain institutions to purchase such Securities from the Company at the public
offering price set forth in the Prospectus Supplement pursuant to Delayed
Delivery Contracts ("Contracts") providing for payment and delivery on the date
or dates stated in the Prospectus Supplement. Each Contract will be for an
amount not less than, and the aggregate principal amount of the Securities sold
pursuant to the Contracts shall be not less nor more than, the respective
amounts stated in the Prospectus Supplement. Institutions with whom the
Contracts, when authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks,
insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and
charitable institutions, and other institutions, but will in all cases be
subject to the approval of the Company. The Contracts will not be subject to any
conditions except (i) the purchase by an institution of the Securities covered
by its Contract shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws
of any jurisdiction in the United States to which such institution is subject,
and (ii) if the Securities are being sold to underwriters, the Company shall
have sold to such underwriters the total principal amount of the Securities less
the principal amount thereof covered by the Contracts. The underwriters will not
have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of the
Contracts.

     If dealers are utilized in the sale of any Securities, the Company will
sell such Securities to the dealers, as principal. Any dealer may then resell
such Securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such

                                       20
<PAGE>


dealer at the time of resale. The name of any dealer and the terms of the
transaction will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement with respect to such
Securities being offered thereby.

     It has not been determined whether any series of Securities will be listed
on a securities exchange. Underwriters will not be obligated to make a market in
any series of Securities. The Company cannot predict the level of trading
activity in, or the liquidity of, any series of Securities.

     Any underwriters, dealers or agents participating in the distribution of
Securities may be deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts or commissions
received by them on the sale or resale of Securities may be deemed to be
underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act of 1933. Agents
and underwriters may be entitled under agreements entered into with the Company
to indemnification by the Company against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribution with respect to
payments that the agents or underwriters may be required to make in respect
thereof. Agents and underwriters may be customers of, engaged in transactions
with, or perform service for, the Company or its affiliates in the ordinary
course of business.


                                 LEGAL OPINIONS

     The statements as to matters of law and legal conclusions set forth in this
Prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference herein have been
reviewed by Richard D. Terrill, Esq., Corporate Secretary and Associate General
Counsel of the Company, and are set forth or incorporated herein in reliance
upon the opinion of Mr. Terrill. At April 24, 1997, Mr. Terrill owned directly
and/or beneficially, 1190 shares of Common Stock and had been granted, pursuant
to and subject to the terms of the Company's long-term incentive programs, 376
performance shares and stock options exercisable for 4500 shares of Common
Stock.

     Certain legal matters in connection with the Securities will be passed upon
by Richard D. Terrill, Esq., Corporate Secretary and Associate General Counsel
of the Company, by Cahill Gordon & Reindel, a partnership including a
professional corporation, counsel for the Company, and by Sidley & Austin
counsel for the underwriters, dealers, purchasers or agents. Cahill Gordon &
Reindel and Sidley & Austin will not pass upon the incorporation of the Company
and will rely upon the opinion of Richard D. Terrill, Esq. as to matters of
Kansas law.


                                     EXPERTS

     The financial statements of Western Resources, Inc. included in or
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration
Statement have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in giving
said reports.

     The financial statements included in KCPL's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1996 incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
and in the Registration Statement as an Exhibit to the Company's April 2, 1997
Form 8-K, have been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent public
accountants, as indicated in their reports with respect thereto, and are
included herein, in reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in
giving said reports.


                                       21
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                               <C>
======================================================            ===============================================

No person is authorized to give any information or to
make any representations other than those contained in
this Prospectus, including any Prospectus Supplement
in connection with the offer of the New Bonds or Debt
Securities, and, if given or made, such information 
or  representations  must  not be  relied upon as having                     Western Resources, Inc.
been authorized.  This Prospectus does not constitute
an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to
buy such securities in any circumstance in
which such offer or  solicitation  is  unlawful.
Neither  the  delivery of this Prospectus nor any
sale made hereunder shall,  under any  circumstances,
create any  implication  that there has been no                                     ----------
change in the  affairs  of the  Company since the                                   PROSPECTUS
date hereof or that the information contained or                                    ----------
incorporated by reference  herein is correct as of
any time subsequent to the date of this Prospectus.

                 --------------------



                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                  Page
Available Information.......................      2
Incorporation of Certain Documents
  by Reference..............................      2
Information on ADT Limited and
  Kansas City Power & Light Company.........      3                            First Mortgage Bonds
The Company.................................      4                             and Debt Securities
Use of Proceeds.............................      5
Description of New Bonds....................      5
Description of Debt Securities..............     11
Book-Entry..................................     18
Plan of Distribution........................     20
Legal Opinions..............................     21                                   , 1997
Experts.....................................     21

======================================================            ===============================================

</TABLE>


<PAGE>

                                     PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


Item 14.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

An estimate of expenses, other than underwriting discount, follows:

 Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee....         $166,667
 State commission fees .................................           46,000
 Mortgage Registration Tax..............................          900,000
 Trustee's fees and expenses............................           30,000
 Printing...............................................           30,000
 Legal fees and expenses ...............................          300,000
 Accountants' fees and expenses.........................           35,000
 Rating agencies fees...................................          235,000
 Blue Sky expenses .....................................           10,000
 Miscellaneous expenses.................................           22,333
                                                                 --------

                    Total ..............................     $ 1,775,000*
                                                             ===========
- -----------------

*    All expenses, except the Securities and Exchange Commission registration
     fee, are estimated.

Item 15.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

     Article XVIII of the Registrant's Restated Articles of Incorporation, as
amended, provides that a director of the Registrant shall not be personally
liable to the Registrant or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director except for liability (i) for any breach of the
director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts
or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law, (iii) for paying a dividend or approving a stock
repurchase in violation of the Kansas General Corporation Law or (iv) for any
transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. This
provision is specifically authorized by Section 17-6002(b)(8) of the Kansas
General Corporation Law.

     Section 17-6305 of the Kansas General Corporation Law (the "Indemnification
Statute") provides for indemnification by a corporation of its corporate
officers, directors, employees and agents. The Indemnification Statute provides
that a corporation may indemnify such persons who have been, are, or may become
a party to an action, suit or proceeding due to his or her status as a director,
officer, employee or agent of the corporation. Further, the Indemnification
Statute grants authority to a corporation to implement its own broader
indemnification policy. Article XVIII of the Company's Restated Articles of
Incorporation, as amended, requires the Company to indemnify its directors and
officers to the fullest extent provided by Kansas law. Further, as is provided
for in Article XVIII the Company has entered into indemnification agreements
with its directors, which provide indemnification broader than that available
under Article XVIII and the Indemnification Statute.

     The Standard Purchase Agreement filed as Exhibit 1 to the Registration
Statement includes provisions requiring underwriters to indemnify the Company as
well as its directors and officers who signed this Registration


<PAGE>


Statement, as well as its controlling persons, against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, in certain
circumstances.

Item 16.  Exhibits.

     The Exhibits to this Registration Statement are listed in the Exhibit Index
on Pages E-1 and E-2 of this Registration Statement, which Index is incorporated
herein by reference.

Item 17.  Undertakings.

     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

               (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
          Securities Act of 1933;

               (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
          after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most
          recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
          aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
          in the Registration Statement;

               (iii) To include any material information with respect to the
          plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration
          Statement or any material change to such information in the
          Registration Statement;

     provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
     Registration Statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8, and the information
     required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs
     is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to
     Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
     incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment that contains a
     form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement
     relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
     securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide
     offering thereof.

          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.


                                      II-2
<PAGE>


     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.



                                      II-3
<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Western
Resources, Inc., the Registrant, certifies that it has reasonable grounds to
believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunder duly authorized, in the City of Topeka, State of Kansas
on the 29th day of April, 1997.

                                  WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                                       (Registrant)


                                  By:/s/ John E. Hayes, Jr.
                                     -------------------------
                                     John E. Hayes, Jr.
                                     Chairman of the Board and Chief
                                       Executive Officer

     Each person whose signature appears below appoints John E. Hayes, Jr.,
Steven L. Kitchen, John K. Rosenberg and Richard D. Terrill and each of them,
any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as his or her true and
lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in
any and all capacities to sign any and all amendments (including post-
effective amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-3 and to file
the same, with all exhibits thereto and all other documents in connection 
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto
said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully
to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or their
substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by each of the following persons,
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature                      Title                              Date

                               Chairman of the Board and      April 29, 1997
/s/ John E. Hayes, Jr.         Chief Executive Officer
- -------------------------      (Principal Executive Officer)
John E. Hayes, Jr.

                               Executive Vice President and    April 29, 1997
                               Chief Financial Officer
/s/ Steven L. Kitchen          (Principal Financial and
- -------------------------      Accounting Officer)
Steven L. Kitchen


/s/ Frank J. Becker            Director                        April 29, 1997
- -------------------------
Frank J. Becker


/s/ Gene A. Budig              Director                       April 29, 1997
- -------------------------
Gene A. Budig


                                      II-4
<PAGE>



/s/ C. Q. Chandler             Director                  April 29, 1997
- -------------------------
C. Q. Chandler


/s/ Thomas R. Clevenger        Director                  April 29, 1997
- -------------------------
Thomas R. Clevenger


/s/ John C. Dicus              Director                  April 29, 1997
- -------------------------
John C. Dicus


/s/ David H. Hughes            Director                  April 29, 1997
- -------------------------
David H. Hughes


/s/ Russell W. Meyer, Jr.      Director                  Aprial 29, 1997
- -------------------------
Russell W. Meyer, Jr


/s/ John H. Robinson           Director                   April 29, 1997
- -------------------------
John H. Robinson


/s/ Louis W. Smith             Director                   April 29, 1997
- -------------------------
Louis W. Smith


/s/ Susan M. Stanton           Director                  April 29, 1997
- -------------------------
Susan M. Stanton


/s/ Kenneth J. Wagnon          Director                   April 29, 1997
- -------------------------
Kenneth J. Wagnon


/s/ David C. Wittig            Director                   April 29, 1997
- -------------------------
David C. Wittig



                                      II-5
<PAGE>

                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     Sequentially
Exhibit                                                                                                  Numbered
Number                                                 Exhibit                                             Page

<S>            <C>                                                                                    <C>

1              --  Standard Purchase Agreement (1)
2(a)           --  Agreement and Plan of Merger between  Western  Resources,  Inc. and Kansas City
                   Power & Light Company, dated as of February 10, 1997 (2)
4(a)           --  Mortgage  and Deed of Trust  dated July 1, 1939  between the Company and Harris
                   Trust and Savings Bank, Trustee (2)
4(b)           --  Twenty-Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated February 15, 1990 (2)
4(c)           --  Twenty-Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated July 1, 1992 (2)
4(d)           --  Twenty-Ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 20, 1992 (2)
4(e)           --  Thirtieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 1, 1993 (2)
4(f)           --  Thirty-First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 15, 1993 (2)
4(g)           --  Thirty-Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 15, 1994(2)
4(h)           --  Form of Supplemental Indenture for New Bonds (1)
4(i)           --  Form of Indenture for Debt Securities (1)
4(j)           --  Form of Securities Resolution (1)
5              --  Opinion of Richard D. Terrill, Esq. (1)
10(a)          --  Agreement between Western Resources,  Inc. and ONEOK, Inc. dated as of December
                   12, 1996 (2)
12             --  Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (2)
23(a)          --  Consent of Richard D. Terrill, Esq. (contained in Exhibit 5) (1)
23(b)          --  Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP (1)
23(c)          --  Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.(1)
24                 Power  of  Attorney  (set  forth  on the  signature  page of this  Registration
                   Statement)
25(a)          --  Statement of Eligibility of Trustee  regarding Form of  Supplemental  Indenture
                   (1)
25(b)          --  Statement  of  Eligibility  of  Trustee  regarding  Form of  Indenture  of Debt
                   Securities(1)

</TABLE>
- --------------

(1)  Filed herewith.

(2)  Incorporated  by  reference  to exhibits  previously  filed with the SEC as
     follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Exhibit Number
     In this Registration     Former Exhibit       File
     Statement                Reference            Reference
     ---------                ---------            ---------

     <S>                      <C>                  <C>

              1               1                    33-48470*
              2(a)            99                   Form 8-K, dated February 10, 1997**
              4(a)            4(a)                 33-21739*
              4(b)            4(m)                 Form 10-K, Year ended December 31, 1989**
              4(c)            4(o)                 Form 10-K, Year ended December 31, 1992**
              4(d)            4(p)                 Form 10-K, Year ended December 31, 1992**
              4(e)            4(q)                 Form 10-K, Year ended December 31, 1992**
              4(f)            4(r)                 33-50069*
              4(g)            4(s)                 Form 10-K, Year ended December 31, 1995
              10(a)           99.2                 Form 8-K, dated December 18, 1996**
              12              12                   Form 10-K, Year ended December 31, 1996**
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(*)  Registration Statements under the Securities Act of 1933.

(**) File No. 1-3523 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

















                             WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.


                              FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS

                        CONVERTIBLE INTO DEBT SECURITIES

                          STANDARD PURCHASE PROVISIONS

                                    INCLUDING

                           FORM OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT



<PAGE>



                             WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                          STANDARD PURCHASE PROVISIONS


     From time to time, Western Resources, Inc., a corporation organized and
existing under the laws of the State of Kansas (the "Company") may enter into
purchase agreements that provide for the sale of designated securities to the
purchaser or purchasers named therein. The standard provisions set forth herein
may be incorporated by reference in any such purchase agreement (the "Purchase
Agreement"). The Purchase Agreement, including the provisions incorporated
therein by reference, is herein sometimes referred to as "this Agreement." The
term "Bonds" shall mean the First Mortgage Bonds of the Company to be sold by
the Company pursuant to the applicable Purchase Agreement. Unless otherwise
defined herein, terms defined in the Purchase Agreement are used herein as
therein defined.

     The Company has filed, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively
called the "Act"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"), a registration statement on Form S-3 (including a prospectus),
relating to the Bonds, which pursuant to Item 12 of Form S-3 incorporates by
reference documents which the Company and others have filed in accordance with
the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules
and regulations thereunder (collectively called the "Exchange Act") relating to
the Company or other companies involved in transactions involving the Company.
Such registration statement has been declared effective by the Commission.
Promptly upon the execution of this Agreement, the Company will prepare a
prospectus supplement relating to the Bonds (the "Prospectus Supplement"). The
Company has furnished to you, for use by the Underwriters (as defined herein)
and dealers, copies of one or more preliminary prospectuses and the documents so
incorporated therein (each thereof, including the documents so incorporated
therein, is herein called the "Preliminary Prospectus").

     1. Introductory. The Company proposes to issue and sell from time to time
Bonds registered under the Registration Statement. The Bonds will be issued
pursuant to the Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated July 1, 1939, to
Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Trustee (the "Bonds Trustee"), as supplemented
and amended, including by a supplemental indenture pertaining to the particular
series of Bonds involved in the


<PAGE>
                                       2


offering (collectively called the "Mortgage"), and will have varying
designations, interest rates and times of payment of any interest, maturities,
redemption provisions and other terms, including, if specified with respect to a
series, the conversion of the Bonds, solely at the Company's option, into
unsecured senior debt securities of the Company (the "Debt Securities") issuable
under an Indenture to be entered into between the Company and Harris Trust and
Savings Bank (the "Indenture") with all such terms for any particular series of
the Bonds being determined at the time of the sale and set forth in the Purchase
Agreement and the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of Bonds. The
Bonds involved in any such offering are hereinafter referred to as the
"Purchased Bonds," and the firm or firms, as the case may be, which agree to
purchase the same are hereinafter referred to as the "Underwriters" of the
Purchased Bonds. The terms "you" and "your" refer to those Underwriters who sign
the Purchase Agreement either on behalf of themselves only or on behalf of
themselves and as representatives of the several Underwriters named in Schedule
A thereto, as the case may be. Purchased Bonds to be purchased by Underwriters
are herein referred to as "Underwriters' Bonds," and any Purchased Bonds to be
purchased pursuant to Delayed Delivery Contracts (as defined below) as
hereinafter provided are herein referred to as "Contract Bonds."

     2. Delivery and Payment. The Company will deliver the Underwriters' Bonds
to you for the accounts of the Underwriters at the place specified in the
Purchase Agreement, against payment of the purchase price by certified or bank
cashier's check in same day or New York Clearing House funds (as agreed to by
the parties and specified in the Purchase Agreement) drawn to the order of the
Company, at the time set forth in this Agreement or at such other time not later
than seven full business days thereafter as you and the Company determine, such
time being herein referred to as the "time of purchase." Unless otherwise
provided for in the Purchase Agreement, the Underwriters' Bonds so to be
delivered will be in definitive fully registered form registered in such
authorized denominations and in such names as you request in writing not later
than 10:00 A.M.,* on the third business day prior to the time of purchase, or,
if no such request is received, in the names of the respective Underwriters in
the amounts agreed

- ----------

*    Times mentioned herein are New York City Time.


<PAGE>
                                       3


to be purchased by them pursuant to this Agreement. For the purpose of
expediting the checking of the Underwriters' Bonds, the Company agrees to make
the Underwriters' Bonds available to you (at the place specified in the Purchase
Agreement) in definitive form not later than 10:00 A.M. on the first business
day preceding the time of purchase.*

     If any Purchase Agreement provides for sales of Purchased Bonds pursuant to
delayed delivery contracts, the Company authorizes the Underwriters to solicit
offers to purchase Contract Bonds pursuant to delayed delivery contracts
substantially in the form of Schedule I attached hereto (the Delayed Delivery
Contracts) with such changes therein as the Company may approve. Delayed
Delivery Contracts are to be with institutional investors, including commercial
and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, and
educational and charitable institutions. At the time of purchase the Company
will pay you as compensation, for the accounts of the Underwriters, the
compensation set forth in such Purchase Agreement in respect of the principal
amount of Contract Bonds. The Underwriters will not have any responsibility in
respect of the validity or the performance of Delayed Delivery Contracts. If the
Company executes and delivers Delayed Delivery Contracts, the Contract Bonds
shall be deducted from the Purchased Bonds to be purchased by the several
Underwriters and the aggregate principal amount of Purchased Bonds to be
purchased by each Underwriter shall be reduced pro rata in proportion to the
principal amount of Purchased Bonds set forth opposite each Underwriter's name
in such Purchase Agreement, except to the extent that you determine that such
reduction shall be otherwise allocated and so advise the Company.

     3. Certain Covenants of the Company. The Company agrees:

                  (a) As soon as possible after the execution and delivery of
         this Agreement to file the Prospectus with the Commission pursuant to
         its Rule 424 under the Act and, if and when required at any time after
         such execution and delivery, to file amendments to the applications the
         Company has previously filed with any state regulatory agencies having
         jurisdiction over the Company's issuance of its se-

- ----------

*    As used herein, "business day" shall mean a day on which the New York Stock
     Exchange is open for trading.


<PAGE>
                                       4


         curities setting forth, among other things, the necessary information
         with respect to the price and terms of the offering of the Purchased
         Bonds;

                  (b) To file no amendment or supplement to the Registration
         Statement or Prospectus subsequent to the execution of this Agreement
         to which you object in writing unless, in the opinion of counsel to the
         Company, such filing is required by law;

                  (c) To furnish such proper information as may be required and
         otherwise to cooperate in qualifying the Purchased Bonds and the Debt
         Securities issuable upon conversion thereof for sale under the laws of
         such jurisdictions as you may designate and in determining their
         eligibility for investment under the laws of such jurisdictions;
         provided that the Company shall not hereby be required to qualify as a
         foreign corporation or to file a general consent to service of process
         in any jurisdiction;

                  (d) To the extent not previously furnished to you, to furnish
         to you two signed copies of the Registration Statement, as initially
         filed with the Commission, of all amendments thereto, and of all
         documents incorporated by reference therein (including all exhibits
         filed therewith, other than exhibits which have previously been
         furnished to you and exhibits incorporated by reference in such
         documents), and to furnish to you sufficient unsigned copies of the
         foregoing (other than exhibits) for distribution of a copy to you and
         to each of the other Underwriters (if any);

                  (e) To deliver to the Underwriters without charge as soon as
         practicable after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
         thereafter from time to time to furnish to the Underwriters, without
         charge, as many copies of the Prospectus in final form and any
         documents incorporated by reference therein at or after the date
         thereof (and of the Registration Statement as amended or supplemented,
         if the Company shall have made any amendment or supplement after the
         effective date of the Registration Statement) as you or the respective
         Underwriters may reasonably request for the purposes contemplated by
         the Act;

                  (f) To advise you promptly (confirming such advice in writing)
         of any official request made by the Commission for amendments to the
         Registration Statement or Prospectus or for additional information with
         respect thereto, or of


<PAGE>
                                       5


         official notice of institution of proceedings for, or the entry of, a
         stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement
         and, if such a stop order should be entered by the Commission, to make
         every reasonable effort to obtain the lifting or removal thereof as
         soon as possible, or of the suspension of qualification of the
         Purchased Bonds for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or of the
         initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose;

                  (g) To advise the Underwriters of the happening of any event
         known to the Company within the time during which a prospectus relating
         to the Purchased Bonds is required to be delivered under the Act which,
         in the judgment of the Company, would require the making of any change
         in the Prospectus or any amended or supplemented Prospectus or in the
         information incorporated by reference therein so that as thereafter
         delivered to purchasers such Prospectus will not include an untrue
         statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
         in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
         circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, and on
         request to prepare and furnish to the Underwriters and to dealers and
         other persons designated by you such amendments or supplements
         (including appropriate filings under the Exchange Act) to the
         Prospectus as may be necessary to reflect any such change, provided
         that the Company shall be so obligated subsequent to the time of
         purchase only so long as the Company is notified of unsold allotments
         (failure by the Underwriters to so notify the Company cancels the
         Company's obligation under this Section 3(g));

                  (h) As soon as practicable, to make generally available to its
         security holders an earnings statement (as contemplated by Rule 158
         under the Act) covering a period of twelve months after the effective
         date (as the term "effective date" is defined in Rule 158) of the
         Registration Statement;

                  (i) To pay the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel for the
         Underwriters, and to reimburse the Underwriters for their reasonable
         out-of-pocket expenses incurred in contemplation of the performance of
         this Agreement, in the event that the Underwriters' Bonds are not
         delivered to and taken up and paid for by the Underwriters hereunder
         for any reason whatsoever except the failure or refusal of any
         Underwriter to take up and pay for Underwriters' Bonds


<PAGE>
                                       6


         for some reason not permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the
         Underwriters agreeing to pay the fees and expenses of counsel for the
         Underwriters in any other event;

                  (j) To pay all expenses, fees and taxes (other than transfer
         taxes and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters,
         except as set forth under 3(i) above or (iv) below) in connection with
         (i) the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement, each
         Preliminary Prospectus and the Prospectus, any documents incorporated
         by reference therein at or after the date thereof and any amendments or
         supplements thereto, and the printing and furnishing of copies of each
         thereof to the Underwriters and to dealers, (ii) the issue, sale and
         delivery of the Purchased Bonds and the Debt Securities issuable upon
         conversion thereof, (iii) the printing and reproduction of this
         Agreement and the opinions and letters referred to in Section 4(a)
         hereof, (iv) the qualification of the Purchased Bonds and the Debt
         Securities issuable upon conversion thereof for sale and determination
         of their eligibility for investment under state laws as aforesaid,
         including the legal fees (not to exceed $3,000) and all filing fees and
         disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters and all other filing
         fees, and the printing and furnishing of copies of the "Blue Sky
         Survey" and the "Legal Investment Survey" to the Underwriters and to
         dealers, (v) the rating of the Purchased Bonds and the Debt Securities
         issuable upon conversion thereof by national rating agencies and (vi)
         the performance of the Company's other obligations hereunder;

                  (k) To use its best efforts to cause the Mortgage to be duly
         filed for record, appropriate notices of such filing to be recorded,
         and an appropriate financing statement to be filed, wherever necessary
         or appropriate to perfect the lien of the Mortgage for the benefit of
         the Purchased Bonds prior to the time of purchase;

                  (l) To cause the Indenture to be duly authorized by the
         Company and to be registered under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
         amended, and, if applicable, to authorize by a Securities Resolution
         (as defined in the Indenture) a series of Debt Securities, with terms
         substantially identical to those described in the Prospectus and
         Prospectus Supplement, to be issued upon conversion of the Bonds,
         solely at the Company's option.


<PAGE>
                                       7


                  (m) To furnish to the Underwriters, at or before the time of
         filing with the Commission subsequent to the effective date of the
         Registration Statement and prior to the termination of the distribution
         of the Purchased Bonds, a copy of any document proposed to be filed by
         the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(d), 14 or 15(d) of the
         Exchange Act; and

                  (n) During the period beginning from the date of this
         Agreement and continuing to and including the later of (i) the
         termination of trading restrictions on the Purchased Bonds, as notified
         to the Company by the Underwriters, and (ii) the time of purchase, the
         Company will not offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of
         any debt securities of the Company which mature more than one year
         after the time of purchase and which are substantially similar to the
         Purchased Bonds or the Debt Securities issuable upon conversion
         thereof, without the Underwriters' prior written consent; provided,
         however, that in no event shall the foregoing period extend more than
         fifteen calendar days from the date of this Agreement.

     4. Conditions of Underwriters' Obligations. The several obligations of the
Underwriters hereunder are subject to the following conditions:

                  (a) That, at the time of purchase, you shall receive the
         signed opinions of John K. Rosenberg, Esq., Executive Vice President
         and General Counsel of the Company; Cahill Gordon & Reindel, counsel
         for the Company; and Sidley & Austin, counsel for the Underwriters, in
         each case substantially in the forms heretofore furnished to you and in
         substance satisfactory to you, addressed to the Underwriters (with
         reproduced or conformed copies thereof for each of the other
         Underwriters); and that, at the time of purchase, you shall receive the
         signed letter of Arthur Andersen & Co., independent public accountants
         of the Company, and the signed letter of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.,
         independent public accountants of Kansas City Power and Light Company,
         each substantially in the form heretofore furnished to you and in
         substance satisfactory to you addressed to the Underwriters (with
         reproduced or conformed copies thereof for each of the other
         Underwriters);

                  (b) That all orders, approvals or consents of state or federal
         regulatory commissions necessary to permit the issue, sale and delivery
         of the Purchased Bonds or the Debt Securities issuable upon conversion
         thereof shall


<PAGE>
                                       8


         have been issued; at the time of purchase such orders shall be in full
         force and effect; and prior to such time of purchase no stop order with
         respect to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall have
         been issued under the Act by the Commission and at such time of
         purchase no proceedings therefor shall be pending or threatened;

                  (c) That, at the time the Registration Statement became
         effective, the Registration Statement did not contain an untrue
         statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required
         to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not
         misleading, and that the Prospectus at its issue date and at the time
         of purchase shall not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or
         omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
         necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
         circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, other than
         any statement contained in, or any matter omitted from, the
         Registration Statement or the Prospectus in reliance upon, and in
         conformity with, information furnished in writing by or on behalf of
         any Underwriter through you to the Company expressly for use with
         reference to such Underwriter in the Registration Statement or
         Prospectus and other than information contained in filings made by
         others and incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and
         Prospectus;

                  (d) That, subsequent to the respective dates as of which
         information is given in the Registration Statement and in the
         Prospectus, at the time the Prospectus is first filed pursuant to Rule
         424 under the Act, and prior to the time of purchase, in your opinion
         no material adverse change in the condition of the Company, financial
         or otherwise, shall have taken place (other than as referred to in or
         contemplated by the Registration Statement and Prospectus as of such
         time) which, in the reasonable judgment of the Underwriters, is
         sufficiently material and adverse so as to render it impractical or
         inadvisable to offer or deliver the Purchased Bonds on the terms and in
         the manner contemplated in the Prospectus;

                  (e) That the Company shall have performed all of its
         obligations under this Agreement which are to be performed by the terms
         hereof at or before the time of purchase;


<PAGE>
                                       9


                  (f) That the Company shall, at the time of purchase, deliver
         to you (with reproduced or conformed copies thereof for each of the
         other Underwriters) a signed certificate of two of its executive
         officers stating that, subsequent to the respective dates as of which
         information is given in the Registration Statement and in the
         Prospectus, at the time the Prospectus is first filed pursuant to Rule
         424 under the Act, and prior to the time of purchase, no material
         adverse change in the condition of the Company, financial or otherwise,
         shall have taken place (other than as referred to in or contemplated by
         the Registration Statement and Prospectus as of such time) and also
         covering the matters set forth in (c) and (e) of this Section 4;

                  (g) That the Company shall have accepted Delayed Delivery
         Contracts in any case in which sales of Contract Bonds arranged by the
         Underwriters have been approved by the Company; and

                  (h) That subsequent to the date of this Agreement: (i) no
         downgrading shall have occurred in the rating accorded the Company's
         First Mortgage Bonds by a "nationally recognized securities rating
         organization," as that term is defined by the Commission for purposes
         of its Rule 436(g)(2); and (ii) no such rating organization shall have
         announced publicly subsequent to the date of this Agreement that it has
         placed, or informed the Company or the Underwriters that it intends to
         place, any of the Bonds on what is commonly referred to as a
         "watchlist" for possible downgrading, in a manner or to an extent
         indicating a materially greater likelihood of a downgrading as
         described in clause (i) above occurring than was the case as of the
         date hereof.

     5. Termination of Agreement. The obligations of the several Underwriters
hereunder shall be subject to termination in your absolute discretion, if, at
any time prior to the time of purchase, trading in securities on the New York
Stock Exchange shall have been suspended (other than a temporary suspension to
provide for an orderly market) or minimum prices shall have been established on
the New York Stock Exchange, or if a banking moratorium shall have been declared
either by the United States or New York State authorities, or if the United
States shall have declared war in accordance with its constitutional processes
or there shall have occurred any outbreak or material escalation of hostilities
or other national or international calamity or crisis of such magnitude in its
effect on


<PAGE>
                                       10


the financial markets of the United States as, in your reasonable judgment, to
make it impracticable to market the Purchased Bonds.

     If you elect to terminate this Agreement as provided in this Section 5, the
Company and each other Underwriter shall be notified promptly in writing or by
telephone, confirmed in writing.

     If the sale to the Underwriters of the Underwriters' Bonds, as herein
contemplated, is not carried out by the Underwriters for any reason permitted
hereunder or if such sale is not carried out because the Company shall be unable
to comply with any of the terms thereof, the Company shall not be under any
obligation or liability under this Agreement (except to the extent provided in
Sections 3(i), 3(j), 7(b) and 9 hereof), and the Underwriters shall be under no
obligation or liability to the Company (except to the extent provided in
Sections 8(b) and 9 hereof) or to one another under this Agreement.

     6. Increase in Underwriters' Commitments. If any Underwriter shall default
in its obligation to take up and pay for the Purchased Bonds to be purchased by
it hereunder and if the principal amount of the Purchased Bonds which all
Underwriters so defaulting shall have so failed to take up and pay for does not
exceed 10% of the total principal amount of the Purchased Bonds, the
non-defaulting Underwriters shall take up and pay for (in addition to the
principal amount of the Purchased Bonds they are obligated to purchase pursuant
to this Agreement) the principal amount of the Purchased Bonds agreed to be
purchased by all such defaulting Underwriters, as herein provided. Such
Purchased Bonds shall be taken up and paid for by such non-defaulting
Underwriter or Underwriters in such amount or amounts as you may designate with
the consent of each Underwriter so designated or, in the event no such
designation is made, such Purchased Bonds shall be taken up and paid for by all
non-defaulting Underwriters pro rata in proportion to the principal amount of
the Purchased Bonds set opposite the names of all such non-defaulting
Underwriters in Schedule A to the Purchase Agreement.

     Without relieving any defaulting Underwriter of its obligations hereunder,
the Company agrees with the non-defaulting Underwriters that it will not sell
any Purchased Bonds hereunder unless all of the Underwriters' Bonds are
purchased by the Underwriters (or by substituted Underwriters selected by you
with the approval of the Company or selected by the Company with your approval).


<PAGE>
                                       11


     If a new underwriter or underwriters are substituted by the Underwriters or
by the Company for a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters in accordance with
the foregoing provision, the Company or you will have the right to postpone the
time of purchase for a period of not exceeding five business days in order that
necessary changes in the Registration Statement and Prospectus and other
documents may be effected.

     The term "Underwriter" as used in this Agreement will refer to and include
any underwriter substituted under this Section 6 with like effect as if such
substituted underwriter had originally been named in Schedule A to the Purchase
Agreement.

     7. Warranties and Representations of and Indemnity by the Company. (a) The
Company warrants and represents that, when the Registration Statement became
effective, the Registration Statement complied in all material respects, and,
when the Prospectus is first filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act, and at
the time of purchase the Prospectus will comply in all material respects, with
the provisions of the Act, and that neither contained nor will contain an untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
provided, however, that the Company makes no warranty or representation with
respect to any statement contained in, or any matter omitted from, the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus in reliance upon and in conformity with
information furnished in writing by or on behalf of any Underwriter through you
to the Company expressly for use with reference to the Underwriter in the
Registration Statement or Prospectus or contained in filings made by others and
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and Prospectus. The
Company also warrants and represents that the documents incorporated by
reference in the Prospectus complied at the time they were filed in all material
respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and any additional documents
deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Prospectus will, when they are
filed with the Commission, comply in all material respects with the requirements
of the Exchange Act, and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
are made, not misleading.

     (b) The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, and
any person who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Act or Section


<PAGE>
                                       12


20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any loss, expense, liability or claim
which arises out of or is based upon any alleged untrue statement of a material
fact in the Registration Statement, any prospectus contained in the Registration
Statement at the time it became effective or the Prospectus, or any related
preliminary prospectus, or arises out of or is based upon any alleged omission
to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements made therein not misleading. The foregoing shall not cover
any such loss, expense, liability or claim, however, which arises out of or is
based upon any alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in, and in
conformity with information furnished in writing by or on behalf of any
Underwriter through you to the Company expressly for use with reference to the
Underwriter in, any such documents or arises out of or is based upon any alleged
omission to state a material fact in connection with such information required
to be stated in any such documents or necessary to make such information not
misleading.

     If any action is brought against an Underwriter or controlling person in
respect of which indemnity may be sought against the Company pursuant to the
foregoing paragraph, such Underwriter shall promptly notify the Company in
writing or by telephone, confirmed in writing, of the institution of such
action, and the Company shall assume the defense of such action, including the
employment of counsel and payment of expenses; provided, however, that the
failure so to notify the Company will not relieve it from any liability that it
may have to such Underwriter under this Section 7(b) unless, and only to the
extent that, such failure results in the forfeiture of substantive rights or
defenses by the Company. Such Underwriter or controlling person shall have the
right to employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees and
expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Underwriter or such
controlling person unless the employment of such counsel shall have been
authorized in writing by the Company in connection with the defense of such
action or the Company shall not have employed counsel to have charge of the
defense of such action or such indemnified party or parties shall have
reasonably concluded that there may be defenses available to it or them which
are different from or additional to those available to the Company (in which
case the Company shall not have the right to direct the defense of such action
on behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in any of which events such fees
and expenses of one counsel for all indemnified parties selected by such
Underwriter shall be borne by the Company. Anything in this paragraph to the
contrary notwithstanding, the Company shall not be liable for any settlement of
any such claim or ac-


<PAGE>
                                       13


tion effected without its written consent. The Company's indemnity agreement
contained in this Section 7(b) and its warranties and representations contained
in this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or controlling person, and
shall survive any termination of this Agreement and the issuance and delivery of
the Purchased Bonds.

     The Company agrees promptly to notify the Underwriters of the commencement
of any litigation or proceedings against the Company or any of its officers,
directors or controlling persons in connection with the issue and sale of the
Purchased Bonds or with the Registration Statement or Prospectus.

     8. Warranties and Representations of and Indemnity by Underwriters. (a)
Each Underwriter warrants and represents that the information furnished in
writing by or on behalf of such Underwriter through you to the Company expressly
for use with reference to such Underwriter in the Registration Statement at the
time it became effective or the Prospectus when the Prospectus is first filed
pursuant to Rule 424 under the Act, will not contain an untrue statement of a
material fact and will not omit to state a material fact in connection with such
information required to be stated in the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus or necessary to make such information not misleading. Each
Underwriter, in addition to other information furnished by such Underwriter or
on its behalf through you to the Company in writing expressly for use with
reference to such Underwriter in the Registration Statement and Prospectus,
hereby furnishes to the Company in writing expressly for use with reference to
such Underwriter the statements with respect to the terms of offering of the
Purchased Bonds by the Underwriters set forth on the cover page of the
Prospectus and under "Underwriting" therein.

     (b) Each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company, its directors, officers and controlling persons from and against any
loss, expense, liability or claim which arises out of or is based upon any
alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in, and in conformity with
information furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Underwriter through you
to the Company expressly for use with reference to such Underwriter in, the
Registration Statement, any prospectus contained in the Registration Statement
at the time it became effective or the Prospectus, or any related preliminary
prospectus, or arises out of or is based upon any alleged omission to state a
material fact in connection with


<PAGE>
                                       14


such information required to be stated in such documents or necessary to make
such information not misleading.

     If any action is brought against the Company or any such person in respect
of which indemnity may be sought against any Underwriter pursuant to the
foregoing paragraph, the Company or such person shall promptly notify such
Underwriter in writing or by telephone, confirmed in writing, of the institution
of such action, and such Underwriter shall assume the defense of such action,
including the employment of counsel and payment of expenses; provided, however,
that the failure so to notify such Underwriter will not relieve it from any
liability that it may have to the Company under this Section 8(b) unless, and
only to the extent that, such failure results in the forfeiture of substantive
rights or defenses by such Underwriter. The Company or such person shall have
the right to employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees and
expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of the Company or such person
unless the employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in writing by
such Underwriter in connection with the defense of such action or such
Underwriter shall not have employed counsel to have charge of the defense of
such action or such indemnified party or parties shall have reasonably concluded
that there may be defenses available to it or them which are different from or
additional to those available to such Underwriter (in which case such
Underwriter shall not have the right to direct the defense of such action on
behalf of the indemnified party or parties), in any of which events such fees
and expenses of one counsel for all indemnified parties selected by the Company
shall be borne by such Underwriter. Anything in this paragraph to the contrary
notwithstanding, no Underwriter shall be liable for any settlement of any such
claim or action effected without the written consent of such Underwriter. The
indemnity agreement on the part of each Underwriter contained in this Section
8(b) shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made
by or on behalf of the Company or such person, and shall survive any termination
of this Agreement and the issuance and delivery of the Purchased Bonds.

     Each Underwriter agrees promptly to notify the Company of the commencement
of any litigation or proceedings against the Underwriter in connection with the
issue and sale of the Purchased Bonds or with the Registration Statement or
Prospectus.

     9. Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Sections 7(b) or
8(b) above is unavailable in respect of


<PAGE>
                                       15


any losses, expenses, liabilities or claims referred to therein, then the
parties entitled to indemnification by the terms thereof shall be entitled to
contribution to liabilities and expenses except to the extent that contribution
is not permitted under Section 11(f) of the Act. In determining the amount of
contribution to which the respective parties are entitled, there shall be
considered the relative benefits received by each party from the offering of the
Purchased Bonds (taking into account the portion of the proceeds of the offering
received by each), the parties' relative knowledge and access to information
concerning the matter with respect to which the claim was asserted, the
opportunity to correct and prevent any misstatement or omission, and any other
equitable considerations appropriate under the circumstances. The parties
entitled to indemnification agree that it would not be equitable if the amount
of such contribution were determined by pro rata or per capita allocation (even
if the Underwriters and their directors, officers and controlling persons were
treated as one entity for such purpose). The contribution agreement contained in
this Section 9 shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or the Company or any of
their respective directors, officers or controlling persons and shall survive
any termination of this Agreement and the issuance and delivery of the Purchased
Bonds.

     10. Notices. All statements, requests, notices and agreements shall be in
writing or by telegram or facsimile and, if to the Underwriters, shall be
sufficient in all respects if delivered or sent by registered mail to the
address furnished in writing for the purpose of such statements, requests,
notices and agreements hereunder, and, if to the Company shall be sufficient in
all respects if delivered or sent by registered mail to the Company at 818
Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612, Attention: Steven L. Kitchen, Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

     11. Construction. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

     The section headings in this Agreement have been inserted as a matter of
convenience of reference and are not a part of this Agreement.

     12. Parties in Interest. The Agreement herein set forth has been and is
made solely for the benefit of the Underwriters and the Company, and the
controlling persons, directors


<PAGE>
                                       16


and officers referred to in Sections 7, 8 and 9 hereof, and their respective
successors, assigns, executors and administrators, and no other person shall
acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement. Nothing in this
Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give to any other person, firm or
corporation (including, without limitation, any purchaser of the Purchased Bonds
from an Underwriter or any subsequent holder thereof or any purchaser of any
Contract Bonds or any subsequent holder thereof) any legal or equitable right,
remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein
contained.

     The term "successor" as used in this Agreement shall not include any
purchaser, as such purchaser, of any Purchased Bonds from any Underwriter or any
subsequent holder thereof or any purchaser, as such purchaser, of any Contract
Bonds or any subsequent holder thereof.

     13. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same
instrument.



<PAGE>


                                   Schedule I


                            DELAYED DELIVERY CONTRACT


                                                     Dated: ______________, 199_


Western Resources, Inc.
818 Kansas Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66612

Attention:  Chief Financial Officer

Dear Sirs:

     The undersigned hereby agrees to purchase from Western Resources, Inc. (the
"Company"), and the Company agrees to sell to the undersigned,

                              $
                               -------------------

principal amount of the Company's (state title of issue] (the Bonds) offered by
the Company's Prospectus dated ____________, 199_ and a Prospectus Supplement
dated ________________, 199 _, receipt of copies of which is hereby
acknowledged, at a purchase price of _____% of the principal amount thereof plus
accrued interest and on the further terms and conditions set forth in this
contract.

     The undersigned agrees to purchase such Bonds in the principal amounts and
on the delivery dates (the Delivery Dates) set forth below:


                                      Principal                  Plus Accrued
 Delivery Date                          Amount                   Interest From:

                             $
- ---------------------        ------------------------       -------------------

                             $
- ---------------------        ------------------------       -------------------

                             $
- ---------------------        ------------------------       -------------------



<PAGE>
                                       2


     Payment for the Bonds which the undersigned has agreed to purchase on each
Delivery Date shall be made to the Company or its order by certified or bank
cashier's check in same day or New York Clearing House funds (as agreed to by
the Company and the undersigned) at the (or at such other place as the
undersigned and the Company shall agree) at 11:00 A.M., New York City Time, on
such Delivery Date upon issuance and delivery to the undersigned of the Bonds to
be purchased by the undersigned on such Delivery Date in such authorized
denominations and, unless otherwise provided herein, registered in such names as
the undersigned may designate by written or telegraphic communications addressed
to the Company not less than five full business days prior to such Delivery
Date.

     The obligation of the Company to sell and deliver, and of the undersigned
to take delivery of and make payment for, Bonds on each Delivery Date shall be
subject to the conditions that (1) the purchase of Bonds to be made by the
undersigned shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of
the jurisdiction to which the undersigned is subject, (2) the sale of the Bonds
by the Company pursuant to this contract shall not at the time of delivery be
prohibited under the laws of any jurisdiction to which the Company is subject
and (3) the Company shall have sold, and delivery shall have taken place, to the
Underwriters such principal amount of the Bonds as is to be sold and delivered
to them. In the event that Bonds are not sold to the undersigned because one of
the foregoing conditions is not met, the Company shall not be liable to the
undersigned for damages arising out of the transactions covered by this
contract.

     Promptly after completion of the sale and delivery to the Underwriters, the
Company will mail or deliver to the undersigned at its address set forth below
notice to such effect, accompanied by copies of the opinions of counsel for the
Company delivered to the Underwriters.

     Failure to take delivery of and make payment for Bonds by any purchaser
under any other Delayed Delivery Contract shall not relieve the undersigned of
its obligations under this contract.

     The undersigned represents and warrants that (a) as of the date of this
contract, the undersigned is not prohibited under the laws of the jurisdictions
to which the undersigned is subject from purchasing the Bonds hereby agreed to
be purchased and (b) the undersigned does not contemplate selling the Bonds

<PAGE>
                                       3


which it has agreed to purchase hereunder prior to the Delivery Date therefore.

     This contract will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties
hereto and their respective successors, but will not be assignable by either
party hereto without the written consent of the other. This contract shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
This contract may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the
same instrument.

     It is understood that the acceptance of any Delayed Delivery Contract is in
the Company's sole discretion and, without limiting the foregoing, need not be
on a first-come, first-served basis. If the contract is acceptable to the
Company, it is requested that the Company sign the form of acceptance below and
mail or deliver one of the counterparts hereof to the undersigned at its address
set forth below. This will become a binding contract between the Company and the
undersigned when such counterpart is so signed.

                                      Yours very truly,

                                      ---------------------------------

                                      By
                                        -------------------------------

                                      ---------------------------------

                                      ---------------------------------
                                                      Address

Accepted, as of the date first above written


WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.


By
   -----------------------------

Title
     ---------------------------



<PAGE>
                                       4



                 PURCHASER -- PLEASE COMPLETE AT TIME OF SIGNING

     The name and telephone and department of the representative of the
Purchaser with whom details of delivery on the Delivery Date may be discussed
are as follows:

(Please print.)


                                 Telephone No.
    Name                     (Including Area Code)               Department
    ----                     ---------------------               ----------






<PAGE>


                             WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.

                               PURCHASE AGREEMENT

                              FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS

                              --------------------
                                      Date)


Western Resources, Inc.
818 Kansas Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66612

Dear Sirs:

     Referring to the First Mortgage Bonds of Western Resources, Inc. (the
"Company") ("Bonds") covered by registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333- ),
such registration statement including (i) the prospectus included therein, dated
________________, as supplemented by a prospectus supplement dated
________________, in the form filed under Rule 424(b) and any additional
prospectus supplements relating to the Bonds filed under Rule 424 (such
prospectus as so supplemented, including each document incorporated by reference
therein is hereinafter called the "Prospectus") and (ii) all documents filed as
part thereof or incorporated by reference therein, is hereinafter called the
"Registration Statement," on the basis of the representations, warranties and
agreements contained in this Agreement, but subject to the terms and conditions
herein set forth, the purchaser or purchasers named in Schedule A hereto (the
"Underwriters") agree to purchase, severally, and the Company agrees to sell to
the Underwriters, severally, the respective principal amounts of the Bonds
having the terms described below (the "Purchased Bonds") set forth opposite the
name of each Underwriter on Schedule A hereto.

     The price at which the Purchased Bonds shall be purchased from the Company
by the Underwriters shall be ___% plus accrued interest from _________________.
The initial public offering price shall be ___% plus accrued interest from
___________. The Purchased Bonds will be offered by the Underwriters as set
forth in the Prospectus relating to such Purchased Bonds.


<PAGE>
                                       2


     The Purchased Bonds will have the following terms:



     Title of Bonds:
                                                       ------------------------

     Interest Rate:                                    ____% per annum

     Interest Payment Dates:
                                                       ------------------------

     Maturity:
                                                       ------------------------

     Redemption Provisions:
                                                       ------------------------

                                                       ------------------------
                                                       ------------------------

                                                       ------------------------
                                                       ------------------------

     Company Conversion Option:
                                                       ------------------------

                                                       ------------------------

                                                       ------------------------

     Other:
                                                       ------------------------

                                                       ------------------------
                                                       ------------------------

                                                       ------------------------
                                                       ------------------------

                                                       ------------------------
                                                       ------------------------

     Payment for the Purchased Bonds shall be made in the following funds:
                                                       ------------------------

     The time of purchase shall be:
                                                       ------------------------

     The place to which the Purchased Bonds may be checked and packaged shall
     be:
                                                       ------------------------

     The place(s) at which the Purchased Bonds shall be delivered and sold shall
     be:
                                                       ------------------------

<PAGE>
                                       3


Delayed Delivery
Contracts:  [authorized] [not authorized]


           [Delivery Date
                                                     -----------------

           Minimum principal amount of Purchased Bonds to be sold pursuant to
           any Delayed Delivery Contract:
                                                     -----------------

           Maximum aggregate principal amount of Purchased Bonds to be sold
           pursuant to all Delayed Delivery Contracts:
                                                     -----------------

           Compensation to
           Underwriters:                                               ]*
                                                     -----------------


     Notices to the Underwriters shall be sent to the following address(es) or
telecopier number(s):




     If we are acting as Representative(s) for the several Underwriters named in
Schedule A hereto, we represent that we are authorized to act for such several
Underwriters in connection with the transactions contemplated in this Agreement,
and that, if there are more than one of us, any action under this Agreement
taken by any of us will be binding upon all the Underwriters.

     All of the provisions contained in the document entitled "Western
Resources, Inc., First Mortgage Bonds, Standard Purchase Provisions," a copy of
which has been previously furnished to us, are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entirety and shall be deemed to be a part of this Agreement to the same
extent as if such provisions had been set forth in full herein.

     If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement,
kindly sign and return to us the enclosed duplicate hereof, whereupon it will
become a binding agreement between the Company and the several Underwriters in
accordance with its terms.


<PAGE>
                                       4


                                       Very truly yours,

                                       [Firm Name]

                                       By
                                         -------------------------------
                                         Title:
                                               -------------------------

                                       [Firm Name]

                                       By
                                         -------------------------------
                                         Title:
                                               -------------------------

                                         Acting on behalf of and as
                                         Representative(s) of the
                                         several Underwriters named
                                         in Schedule A hereto.*





- ----------

*    To be deleted if the Purchase Agreement is not executed by one or more
     Underwriters acting as Representative(s) of the Underwriters for purposes
     of this Agreement.

<PAGE>
                                       5


The foregoing Purchase Agreement is hereby confirmed as of the date first above
written.


WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.



By
  -----------------------------------
Title
     --------------------------------


<PAGE>


                                   SCHEDULE A



Name of Underwriter                                         Amount
- -------------------                                         ------















                                                   ----------------------------
Total                                              $
                                                   ----------------------------











                             WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.


                                       TO


                          HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK


                                   as Trustee


                               ------------------





                       ____________ SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE


                           Dated as of ______________


              First Mortgage Bonds, _____% Convertible1 Series Due


            [Convertible into __% Unsecured Senior Notes Due ______]


- ----------

*    Note: The Table of Contents is not part of this Supplemental Indenture and
     should not be considered as such. It is included only for purposes of
     convenience.


<PAGE>

                              TABLE OF CONTENTS*

                                      Page

Parties.............................................................

Recitals............................................................

Granting Clause.....................................................

Habendum............................................................

Exceptions and Reservations.........................................

Grant in Trust......................................................

General Covenant....................................................

ARTICLE I.            Description of Bonds of the ________ %
                         Convertible Series.........................

Section 1.            General Description of Bonds of the ________ %
                         Convertible Series................. .......

Section 2.            Denominations of Bonds of the ________ %
                         Convertible Series and privilege of
                         exchange...................................

Section 3.            Form of Bonds of the ________ %
                         Convertible Series.........................

Section 4.            Form of Trustee's Certificate.................

Section 5.            Execution and Form of Temporary Bonds of
                         the ________ % Convertible Series..........

- ----------

*    Note: The Table of Contents is not part of this Supplemental Indenture and
     should not be considered as such. It is included only for purposes of
     convenience.


<PAGE>

ARTICLE II.           Issue of Bonds of the ____________ %
                         Convertible Series...........................

Section 1.            Limitations as to principal amount..............

Section 2.            Execution and Delivery of Bonds of the
                         ____________ % Convertible Series............

ARTICLE III.  Redemption   ...........................................

Section 1.            Bonds of the ____________ % Convertible
                         Series are redeemable at any
                         time or from time to time on or after........

Section 2.            Notice of Redemption............................

Section 3.            Limited Right of Redemption at Option of
                         Holder.......................................

ARTICLE IV.           Additional Covenants............................

Section 1.            Title to mortgaged property.....................

Section 2.            To retire certain portions of Bonds upon
                         release of all or substantially all of
                         the gas properties...........................

Section 3.            To retire certain portions of Bonds upon
                         release of all or substantially all of
                         the electric properties......................

ARTICLE V.            Amendment to Ratio of Bonds Issuable; to
                         Property Additions and of Certain
                         Other Ratios.  Amendments of Net
                         Earnings Test Use of Facsimile
                         Signatures.  Amendment of Article XV.
                         Reservation of Right to Amend
                         Article VII..................................

Section                  1. So long as Bonds of the ____________ % Convertible
                         Series remain outstanding:

                      Bonds issuable on basis only of 60% of
                         net bondable value of property
                         additions not subject to an unfunded
                         prior lien...................................

                                      -ii-


<PAGE>
                                                                            Page
                      Amendment of definition of net bondable value of property
                           additions not subject to an unfunded prior
                           lien..........

                      Monies deposited with Trustee under Section 5(a) of
                           Article III of the Original Indenture may not be
                           withdrawn in an amount in excess of 60% of net
                           bondable value of property additions not subject to
                           an unfunded prior lien, notwithstanding provisions of
                           Section 3(a) of Article VIII of the Original
                           Indenture....................................

                      Amendment of definition of net
                           bondable value of property
                           additions subject to an unfunded
                           prior lien...................................

                      Amendment of covenants in Sections 14 and 16 of Article IV
                           and Section 1 of Article XII of the Original
                           Indenture with respect to acquisition of property
                           subject to an unfunded prior lien....................

                      Definitions: minimum charge for
                           depreciation; net earnings of
                           property available for interest,
                           depreciation and property
                           retirement; net earnings of
                           another corporation available for
                           interest, depreciation and
                           property retirement..........................

                      Amendment of Articles III, IV and XII
                           of the Original Indenture....................

Section 2.            Facsimile Signatures..............................

Section 3.            Amendment of Article XV of Original
                           Indenture so as to substitute 60%
                           for 80% whenever it appears..................

Section 4.            Amendment of Article XV of Original
                           Indenture to add a Section 9.................

Section 5.            Reservation Right to Amend Article VII............

                           -iii-


<PAGE>

ARTICLE VI.           Conversion of Bonds of the ___ %
                          Convertible Series............................

Section 1.            Conversion Provision..............................

Section 2.            Conditions for Conversion.........................

Section 3.            Notice and Effect of Conversion...................

Section 4.            Cancellation......................................

ARTICLE VII.          Miscellaneous Provisions..........................

Section 1.            Acceptance of Trust...............................

Section 2.            Responsibility and Duty of Trustee................

Section 3.            Parties to include successors and assigns.........

Section 4.            Benefits restricted to parties and to
                         holders of Bonds and coupons...................

Section 5.            Execution in counterparts.........................

Section 6.            Titles of Articles not part of the _____
                         Supplemental Indenture.........................

TESTIMONIUM.............................................................

SIGNATURES AND SEALS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Appendix A                 .............................................

Appendix B                 .............................................

                            -iv-

<PAGE>


     __________ SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of the _________ day of
_________, Nineteen Hundred and __________, made by and between Western
Resources, Inc., formerly The Kansas Power and Light Company, a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Kansas (hereinafter called
the "Company"), party of the first part, and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Illinois whose
mailing address is 111 West Monroe Street, P.O. Box 755, Chicago, Illinois 60690
(hereinafter called the "Trustee"), as Trustee under the Mortgage and Deed of
Trust dated July 1, 1939, hereinafter mentioned, party of the second part;

     WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee
its Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated July 1, 1939 (hereinafter referred to as
the "Original Indenture"), to provide for and to secure an issue of First
Mortgage Bonds of the Company, issuable in series, and to declare the terms and
conditions upon which the Bonds are to be issued thereunder; and

     WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee
__________ Supplemental Indentures supplemental to said Original Indenture, of
which _______ provided for the issuance thereunder of series of the Company's
First Mortgage Bonds, and there is set forth below information with respect to
such Supplemental Indentures as have provided for the issuance of Bonds, and the
principal amount of Bonds which remain outstanding as of


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Supplemental                                                Series of
Indenture                                                   First Mort-              Principal       Principal
Hereinafter                                                 gage Bonds               Amount          Amount
Called                             Date                     Provided For             Issued          Outstanding
- ------                             ----                     ------------             ------          -----------

<S>                                <C>                      <C>                      <C>             <C>

Supplemental Indenture             July 1, 1939             3-1/2% Series               $26,500,000        None
                                                            Due 1969
Second Supplemental                April 1, 1949            2-7/8% Series                10,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1979
Fourth Supplemental                October 1, 1949          2-3/4% Series                 6,500,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1979
Fifth Supplemental                 December 1, 1949         2-3/4% Series                32,500,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1984
Seventh Supplemental               December 1, 1951         3-1/4% Series                 5,250,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1981
Eighth Supplemental                May 1, 1952              3-1/4% Series                 4,750,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1982

<PAGE>
Ninth Supplemental                 October 1, 1954          3-1/8% Series                $8,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1984
Tenth Supplemental                 September 1, 1961        4-3/4% Series                13,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1991
Eleventh Supplemental              April 1, 1969            7-5/8% Series                19,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1999
Twelfth Supplemental               September 1, 1970        8-3/4% Series                20,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 2000
Thirteenth Supplemental            February 1, 1975         8-5/8% Series                35,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 2005
Fourteenth Supplemental            May 1, 1976              8-5/8% Series                45,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 2006
Fifteenth Supplemental             April 1, 1977            5.90% Pollution              32,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Control Series
                                                            Due 2007
Sixteenth Supplemental             June 1, 1977             8-1/8% Series                30,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 2007
Seventeenth Supplemental           February 1, 1978         8-3/4% Series                35,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 2008
Eighteenth Supplemental            January 1, 1979          6-3/4% Pollution             45,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Control Series
                                                            Due 2009
Nineteenth Supplemental            May 1, 1980              8-1/4% Pollution             45,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Control Series
                                                            Due 1983
Twentieth Supplemental             November 1, 1981         16.95% Series                25,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1988
Twenty-First Supplemental          April 1, 1982            15% Series                   60,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1992
Twenty-Second Supplemental         February 1, 1983         9-5/8% Pollution             58,500,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Control Series
                                                            Due 2013
Twenty-Third Supplemental          July 1, 1986             8-1/4% Series                60,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1996
Twenty-Fourth Supplemental         March 1, 1987            8-5/8% Series                50,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 2017
Twenty-Fifth Supplemental          October 15, 1988         9.35% Series                 75,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Due 1998
Twenty-Sixth Supplemental          February 15, 1990        8-7/8% Series                75,000,000       $75,000,000
  Indenture                                                 Due 2000


                                       2
<PAGE>

Twenty-Seventh Supplemental        March 12, 1992           7.46% Demand               $370,000,000        None
  Indenture                                                 Series
Twenty-Eighth Supplemental         July 1, 1992             7-1/4% Series               125,000,000      $125,000,000
  Indenture                                                 Due 1999
                                                            8-1/2% Series               125,000,000       125,000,000
                                                            Due 2022
Twenty-Ninth Supplemental          August 20, 1992          7-1/4% Series               100,000,000       100,000,000
  Indenture                                                 Due 2002
Thirtieth Supplemental             February 1, 1993         6% Pollution                 58,500,000        58,420,000
  Indenture                                                 Control Revenue
                                                            Refunding Series
                                                            Due 2033
Thirty-First Supplemental          April 15, 1993           7.65% Series                100,000,000       100,000,000
  Indenture                                                 Due 2023
Thirty-Second Supplemental         April 15, 1994           7-1/2% Series                75,500,000        75,500,000
  Indenture                                                 Due 2032
; and
</TABLE>


     WHEREAS, the Company is entitled at this time to have authenticated and
delivered additional bonds [on the basis of net bondable value of property
additions not subject to an unfunded prior lien/in substitution for refundable
Bonds]3, upon compliance with the provisions of Article III of the Original
Indenture, as amended; and

     WHEREAS, the Company desires by this __________ Supplemental Indenture to
supplement the Original Indenture and to provide for the creation of a new
series of bonds under the Original Indenture to be designated "First Mortgage
Bonds, __% Convertible Series Due ____"[, Convertible into __% Unsecured Senior
Notes Due ________]" (hereinafter called "Bonds of the __________ % Convertible
Series" [and the __% Unsecured Senior Notes Due _______ are hereinafter called
the "Debt Securities"]; and the Original Indenture provides that certain terms
and provisions, as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, of the
Bonds of any particular series may be expressed

- ----------

*    To be amended as appropriate.


                                       3
<PAGE>

in and provided by the execution of an appropriate supplemental indenture; and

     WHEREAS, the Company in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred
upon and reserved to it under the provisions of the Original Indenture and
indentures supplemental thereto, and pursuant to appropriate resolutions of its
Board of Directors, has duly resolved and determined to make, execute and
deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture in the form hereof for the
purposes herein provided; and

     WHEREAS, all conditions and requirements necessary to make this __________
Supplemental Indenture a valid, binding and legal instrument have been done,
performed and fulfilled, and the execution and delivery hereof have been in all
respects duly authorized;

     NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH: That, in consideration of the
premises and of the mutual covenants herein contained and of the sum of One
Dollar duly paid by the Trustee to the Company at or before the time of the
execution of these presents, and of other valuable considerations, the receipt
whereof is hereby acknowledged, and in order further to secure the payment of
the principal of and interest and premium, if any, on all Bonds at any time
issued and outstanding under the Original Indenture as amended by all indentures
supplemental thereto (hereinafter sometimes collectively called the "Indenture")
according to their tenor, purport and effect, and to declare certain terms and
conditions upon and subject to which Bonds are to be issued and secured, the
Company has executed and delivered this Supplemental Indenture, and by these
presents grants, bargains, sells, warrants, aliens, releases, conveys, assigns,
transfers, mortgages, pledges, sets over and ratifies and confirms unto Harris
Trust and Savings Bank, as Trustee, and to its successors in trust under the
Indenture forever, all and singular the following described properties (in
addition to all other properties heretofore specifically subjected to the lien
of the Indenture and not heretofore released from the lien thereof), that is to
say:

                                     FIRST.

     All and singular the rents, real estate, chattels real, easements,
servitudes, and leaseholds of the Company, or which, subject to the provisions
of Article XII of the Original Indenture, the Company may hereafter acquire,
including, among other things, the property described in Appendix A hereto under
the caption "First", which description is hereby incorporated herein by
reference and made a part hereof as if fully set



                                       4
<PAGE>

forth herein, together with all improvements of any type located thereon.

                                     SECOND.

     Also all transmission and distribution systems used for the transmission
and distribution of electricity, steam, water, gas and other agencies for light,
heat, cold or power, or any other purpose whatever, whether underground or
overhead or on the surface or otherwise of the Company, or which, subject to the
provisions of Article XII of the Original Indenture, the Company may hereafter
acquire, including all poles, posts, wires, cables, conduits, mains, pipes,
tubes, drains, furnaces, switchboards, transformers, insulators, meters, lamps,
fuses, junction boxes, water pumping stations, regulator stations, town border
metering stations and other electric, steam, water and gas fixtures and
apparatus.

                                     THIRD.

     Also all franchises and all permits, ordinances, easements, privileges and
immunities and licenses, all rights to construct, maintain and operate overhead,
surface and underground systems for the distribution and transmission of
electricity, gas, water or steam for the supply to itself or others of light,
heat, cold or power or any other purpose whatsoever, all rights-of-way, all
waters, water rights and flowage rights and all grants and consents, now owned
by the Company or, subject to the provisions of Article XII of the Original
Indenture, which it may hereafter acquire.

     Also all inventions, patent rights and licenses of every kind now owned by
the Company or, subject to the provisions of Article XII of the Original
Indenture, which it may hereafter acquire.

                                     FOURTH.

     Also, subject to the provisions of Article XII of the Original Indenture,
all other property, real, personal and mixed (except as therein or herein
expressly excepted) of every nature and kind and wheresoever situated now or
hereafter possessed by or belonging to the Company, or to which it is now, or
may at any time hereafter be, in any manner entitled at law or in equity.



                                       5
<PAGE>

                                     FIFTH.

     Together with all and singular, the tenements, hereditaments and
appurtenances belonging or in any wise appertaining to the aforesaid property or
any part thereof, with the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders,
tolls, rents, revenues, issues, income, products and profits thereof, and all
the estate, right, title, interest and claim whatsoever, at law and in equity,
which the Company now has or may hereafter acquire in and to the aforesaid
property and franchises and every part and parcel thereof.

     EXPRESSLY EXCEPTING AND EXCLUDING, HOWEVER, all properties of the character
excepted from the lien of the Original Indenture.

     TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all said properties, real, personal and mixed,
mortgaged, pledged and conveyed by the Company as aforesaid, or intended so to
be, unto the Trustee and its successors and assigns forever;

     SUBJECT, HOWEVER, to the exceptions and reservations hereinabove referred
to, to existing leases other than leases which by their terms are subordinate to
the lien of the Indenture, to existing liens upon rights-of-way for transmission
or distribution line purposes, as defined in Article I of the Original
Indenture; and any extensions thereof, and subject to existing easements for
streets, alleys, highways, rights-of-way and railroad purposes over, upon and
across certain of the property hereinbefore described and subject also to all
the terms, conditions, agreements, covenants, exceptions and reservations
expressed or provided in the deeds or other instruments respectively under and
by virtue of which the Company acquired the properties hereinabove described and
to undetermined liens and charges, if any, incidental to construction or other
existing permitted liens as defined in Article I of the Original Indenture;

     IN TRUST, NEVERTHELESS, upon the terms and trusts in the Original
Indenture, and the indentures supplemental thereto, including this
_______________ Supplemental Indenture, set forth, for the equal and
proportionate benefit and security of all present and future holders of the
Bonds and coupons issued and to be issued thereunder, or any of them, without
preference of any of said Bonds and coupons of any particular series over the
Bonds and coupons of any other series by reason of priority in the time of
issue, sale or negotiation thereof, or by reason of the purpose of issue or
otherwise howsoever,



                                       6
<PAGE>

except as otherwise provided in Section 2 of Article IV of the Original
Indenture.

     AND IT IS HEREBY COVENANTED, DECLARED AND AGREED, by and between the
parties hereto for the benefit of those who shall hold the Bonds and coupons, or
any of them, to the be issued under the Indenture as follows:


                                   ARTICLE I.

            Description of Bonds of the ______ % Convertible Series.


     SECTION 1. The __________ % Convertible Series of Bonds to be executed,
authenticated and delivered under and secured by the Original Indenture shall be
Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series. The Bonds of the ___________ %
Convertible Series shall be designated as "First Mortgage Bonds, __% Convertible
Series Due ____" [Convertible into __% Unsecured Senior Notes Due ________"] of
the Company. The Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series shall be executed,
authenticated and delivered in accordance with provisions of, and shall in all
respects be subject to, all of the terms, conditions and covenants of the
Original Indenture, as amended, and subject to all the terms, conditions and
covenants of this Supplemental Indenture.

     Bonds of the ________ % Convertible Series shall mature ___________ and
shall bear interest at the rate of ____________ percent (__%) per annum payable
semiannually on the ________ days of ___________ and _________ in each year,
commencing ________. Every Bond of the __________ % Convertible Series shall be
dated the date of authentication except that, notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 6 of Article II of the Original Indenture, if any Bond of the __________
% Convertible Series shall be authenticated at any time subsequent to the record
date (as hereinafter in this Section defined) for any interest payment date but
prior to the day following such interest payment date, it shall be dated as of
the day following such interest payment date, provided, however, that if at the
time of authentication of any Bond of the __________ % Convertible Series
interest shall be in default on any Bonds of the __________ % Convertible
Series, such Bond shall be dated as of the day following the interest payment
date to which interest has previously been paid in full or made available for
payment in full on outstanding Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series or,
if no interest has been paid or made available for payment, as of the date of
initial authentication and



                                       7
<PAGE>

delivery of such Bond. Every Bond of the __________ % Convertible Series shall
bear interest from the ____________ or ____________ next preceding the date
thereof, unless such Bond shall be dated prior to __________________, in which
case it shall bear interest from ___________________.

     The person in whose name any Bond of the __________ % Convertible Series is
registered at the close of business on any record date with regard to any
interest payment shall be entitled to receive the interest payable thereon on
such interest payment date notwithstanding the cancellation of such Bond upon
the transfer or exchange [or the conversion thereof] thereof subsequent to such
record date and prior to the day following such interest payment date, provided
that accrued interest on Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series converted after
a record date but before the related interest payment date, shall be paid to the
holder of record of such Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series on such interest
payment date, and the Debt Securities into which such Bonds of the ____ %
Convertible Series shall have been converted will begin to accrue interest from
such interest payment date, and unless the Company shall default in the payment
of the interest due on such interest payment date, in which case such defaulted
interest shall be paid to the person in whose name such Bond is registered on
the date of payment of such defaulted interest. The term "record date" as used
in this Section with regard to any semiannual interest payment date shall mean
the close of business on the tenth day next preceding such interest payment
date, or, if such tenth day is not a business day, the business day next
preceding such tenth day. The Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series shall
be payable as to principal, premium, if any, and interest, in any coin or
currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal
tender for public and private debts, at the agency of the Company in the City of
Chicago, Illinois, or at the option of the holder thereof at the agency of the
Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, provided that at the
option of the Company interest may be paid by check mailed to the holder at such
holder's registered address.

     SECTION 2. The Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series shall be
registered bonds without coupons of the denominations of $1,000 and of any
multiples of $1,000, numbered consecutively from R1 upwards. Bonds of the
__________ % Convertible Series may be interchanged for each other within a
respective Convertible Series in authorized denominations and in the same
aggregate principal amounts, without charge, except for any tax or governmental
charge imposed in connection with such interchange.



                                       8
<PAGE>

     SECTION 3. The Bonds of the _______ % Convertible Series, and the Trustee's
Certificate with respect thereto, shall be substantially in the following forms,
respectively:





                                       9
<PAGE>



          [FORM OF FACE OF BOND OF THE __________ % CONVERTIBLE SERIES]


                             WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.


              (Incorporated under the laws of the State of Kansas)


              FIRST MORTGAGE BOND, __% CONVERTIBLE SERIES DUE ____


             [Convertible into __% Unsecured Senior Notes Due _____


                            DUE ___________________]


No. ___________                                             $____________


     WESTERN RESOURCES, INC., a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Kansas (hereinafter called "the Company", which term shall
include any successor corporation as defined in the Indenture hereinafter
referred to), for value received, hereby promises to pay to
_______________________ or registered assigns, on the ___________ day of
________________________ the sum of _____________________ Dollars in any coin or
currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal
tender for public and private debts, and to pay interest thereon in like coin or
currency from the __________ day of _________ or _________ next preceding the
date of this Bond at the rate of _____________ percent (__%) per annum, payable
semiannually, on the __________ days of _________ and _________ in each year,
commencing __________________ (on which date interest from __________________
will be payable), until maturity, or, if the Company shall default in the
payment of the principal hereof, until the Company's obligation with respect to
the payment of such principal shall be discharged as provided in the Indenture
hereinafter mentioned. The interest payable on any ____________ or ____________
as aforesaid will be paid to the person in whose name this Bond is reg-



                                       10
<PAGE>

istered at the close of business on the tenth day next preceding such interest
payment date, or if such tenth day is not a business day, the business day next
preceding such tenth day, unless the Company shall default in the payment of the
interest due on such interest payment date, in which case such defaulted
interest shall be paid to the person in whose name this Bond is registered on
the date of payment of such defaulted interest. Principal of and premium, if
any, and interest on, this Bond are payable at the agency of the Company in the
City of Chicago, Illinois, or, at the option of the holder hereof, at the agency
of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, provided that
at the option of the Company interest may be paid by check mailed to the holder
at such holder's registered address.

     This Bond shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or any
indenture supplemental thereto, or become valid or obligatory for any purpose,
until Harris Trust and Savings Bank, the Trustee under the Indenture, or a
successor trustee thereto under the Indenture, shall have signed the form of
certificate endorsed hereon.

     The provisions of this Bond are continued on the reverse hereof, and such
continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully
set forth at this place.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. has caused this Bond to be
signed in its name by its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer or
its President or a Vice President, manually or by facsimile, and its corporate
seal (or a facsimile thereof) to be hereto affixed and attested by its Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary, manually or by facsimile.

Dated:

                                                   WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.


                                                   By
                                                     --------------------------
Attest:

- --------------------------
                Secretary






                                       11
<PAGE>


                         [FORM OF TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE]


     This Bond is one of the Bonds, of the series designated herein, described
in the within-mentioned Mortgage and Deed of Trust of July 1, 1939 and
Supplemental Indenture dated .

                                  HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK,
                                                   Trustee,


                                  By
                                     -------------------------------
                                      Authorized Officer


                                       12
<PAGE>


        [FORM OF REVERSE OF BOND OF THE __________ % CONVERTIBLE SERIES]


                             WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.



              First Mortgage Bond, __% Convertible Series Due ____


              [Convertible into __% Unsecured Senior Notes Due ____


                            Due ___________________]
                                   (CONTINUED)


     This Bond is one of a duly authorized issue of Bonds of the Company (herein
called the "Bonds"), in unlimited aggregate principal amount, of the series
hereinafter specified, all issued and to be issued under and equally secured by
a Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated July 1, 1939, executed by the Company to
Harris Trust and Savings Bank (herein called the "Trustee"), as Trustee, as
amended by the indentures supplemental thereto including the indenture
supplemental thereto dated __________________ (herein called the "Supplemental
Indenture"), between the Company and the Trustee (said Mortgage and Deed of
Trust, as so amended, being herein called the "Indenture") to which Indenture
and all indentures supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a
description of the properties mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of
the security, the rights of the bearers or registered owners of the Bonds and of
the Trustee in respect thereto, and the terms and conditions upon which the
Bonds are, and are to be, secured. The Bonds may be issued in series, for
various principal sums, may mature at different times, may bear interest at
different rates and may otherwise vary as in the Indenture provided. This Bond
is one of a series designated as the "First Mortgage Bonds, __% Convertible
Series Due ____" (herein called "Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series")
of the Company, issued under and secured by the Indenture executed by the
Company to the Trustee.

     To the extent permitted by, and as provided in the Indenture, modifications
or alterations of the Indenture or of any indenture supplemental thereto, and of
the rights and obligations of the Company and of the holders of the Bonds and
coupons, may be made with the consent of the Company by an af-



                                       13
<PAGE>

firmative vote of not less than 60% in principal amount of the Bonds entitled to
vote then outstanding, at a meeting of Bondholders called and held as provided
in the Indenture, and by an affirmative vote of not less than 60% in principal
amount of the Bonds of any series entitled to vote then outstanding and affected
by such modification or alteration, in case one or more but less than all of the
series of Bonds then outstanding under the Indenture are so affected. No
modification or alteration shall be made which will affect the terms of payment
of the principal of or premium, if any, or interest on, this Bond, which are
unconditional. The Company has reserved the right to make certain amendments to
the Indenture, without any consent or other action by holders of the Bonds of
this series (i) to the extent necessary from time to time to qualify the
Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (ii) to delete the requirement
that the Company meet a net earnings test as a condition to authenticating
additional Bonds or merging into another company and (iii) to make certain other
amendments which make the provisions for the release of mortgaged property less
restrictive, all as more fully provided in the Indenture and in the Supplemental
Indenture. In addition, once all Bonds issued prior to January 1, 1997 are no
longer outstanding, the Company will be permitted to issue additional Bonds in
an amount equal to 70% of the value of net bondable property additions not
subject to an unfunded prior lien, as provided in the Original Indenture.

     *[The Bonds of the __________ Convertible Series are not redeemable prior
to maturity.

     The Bonds of the ________ % Convertible Series are subject to redemption at
any time or from time to time prior to maturity at the option of the Company,
subject to certain restrictions with respect to redemptions prior to ___________
as set forth in the aforesaid Supplemental Indenture, and upon application of
certain moneys included in the trust estate, ei-


- ----------

*    The following description will be amended as appropriate to reflect whether
     or not the series of Bonds is subject to redemption.

     If the Bonds are subject to a sinking fund or any similar fund, appropriate
     language will be added to that effect.



                                       14
<PAGE>

ther as a whole or in part by lot, upon payment of the Redemption Prices
applicable to the respective periods set forth below, together, in each case,
with accrued interest to the redemption date, all subject to the conditions of,
and as more fully set forth in, the Indenture.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                 Redemption Price                                           Redemption Price
If Redeemed                      Expressed as a              If Redeemed                    Expressed as a
During the Twelve-Month Period   Percentage of the           During the                     Percentage of the
Beginning__________              Principal Amount            Twelve-Month Period            Principal Amount
                                 of the Bonds_____           Beginning__________            of the Bonds_____


<S>                              <C>                         <C>                            <C>
                                              %                                                           %



</TABLE>


     Such redemption in every case shall be effected upon notice given by first
class mail, postage prepaid, at least thirty days and not more than sixty days
prior to the redemption date, to the registered owners of such Bonds, at their
addresses as the same shall appear on the transfer register of the Company, all
subject to the conditions of, and as more fully set forth in, the Indenture.]

     In case an event of default, as defined in the Indenture, shall occur, the
principal of all of the Bonds at any such time outstanding under the Indenture
may be declared or may become due and payable, upon the conditions and in the
manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. The Indenture provides
that such declaration may in certain events be waived by the holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Bonds outstanding.

     This Bond is transferable by the registered owner hereof, in person or by
duly authorized attorney, on the books of the Company to be kept for that
purpose at the agency of the Company in the City of Chicago, Illinois, and at
the agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York,
upon surrender and cancellation of this Bond and on presentation of a duly
executed written instrument of transfer, and thereupon a new registered Bond or
Bonds of the same series, of the same aggregate principal amount and in
authorized denominations will be issued to the transferee or transferees in
exchange herefor; and this Bond, with or without others of like form and series,
may in like manner be exchanged for one or



                                       15
<PAGE>

more new registered Bonds of the same series of other authorized denominations
but of the same aggregate principal amount; all upon payment of the charges and
subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture.

     No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, if
any, or interest on this Bond, or for any claim based hereon or on the Indenture
or any indenture supplemental thereto, against any incorporator, or against any
stockholder, director or officer, past, present or future, of the Company, or of
any predecessor or successor corporation, as such, either directly or through
the Company or any such predecessor or successor corporation, whether by virtue
of any constitution, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any
assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability, whether at common law,
in equity, by any constitution, statute or otherwise, of incorporators,
stockholders, directors or officers being released by every owner hereof by the
acceptance of this Bond and as part of the consideration for the issue hereof,
and being likewise released by the terms of the Indenture.

     *[At any time the Bonds of the _____ % Convertible Series are outstanding,
the Company may, solely at its option, convert the Bonds of the ____ %
Convertible Series, in whole but not in part, for Debt Securities(as defined in
the Supplemental Indenture). The Debt Securities would be identical to the New
Bonds with respect to the maturity date, interest rate and interest payment
dates; however, holders of Debt Securities will, among other things, no longer
be entitled to the security provided by the Indenture since the Debt Securities
will be unsecured obligations of the Company and the financial covenants, the
events of default and certain other terms pertaining to the Debt Securities will
differ from those pertaining to the New Bonds. Holders of Bonds of the ____ %
Convertible Series so converted will be entitled to receive $1,000 in principal
amount of Debt Securities for each $1,000 of principal amount of Bonds of the
____ % Convertible Series held by such holder as of the date fixed for
Conversion (the "Conversion Date"). In connection with any such conversion,
interest on converted

- ----------

*    The following description will be amended as appropriate to reflect whether
     or not the series of Bonds is subject to conversion.



                                       16
<PAGE>

Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series which has accrued but has not been paid
as of the Conversion Date will accrue on Debt Securities from the date on which
interest was last paid on the Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series so
converted, provided that accrued interest on Bonds of the ____ % Convertible
Series converted after a record date but before the related interest payment
date, shall be paid to the holder of record of such Bonds of the ____ %
Convertible Series on such interest payment date, and the Debt Securities into
which such Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series shall have been converted will
begin to accrue interest from such interest payment date. The rights of the
holders of the Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series as bondholders of the
Company with respect to the bonds converted will cease and the person or persons
entitled to receive the Debt Securities issuable upon Conversion will be treated
as the registered holder or holders of such Debt Securities from the Conversion
Date. Each holder of a Bond of the ____ % Convertible Series and each owner
hereof by the acceptance of this Bond and part of the consideration for the
issue hereof does so agree. Debt Securities issued in conversion of Bonds of the
____ % Convertible Series will be issued in principal amounts of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. The Company may condition its obligation to convert
Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series upon the satisfaction of certain
conditions to be specified in the notice referred to below. The Company will
mail to each holder of record of the Bonds of the ___ % Convertible Series to be
converted into Debt Securities written notice thereof at least 15 and not more
than 120 days prior to the Conversion Date. The notice must state (i) the
Conversion Date, (ii) the place or places where certificates for Bonds of the
____ % Convertible Series may be surrendered for conversion into Debt
Securities, (iii) that interest on the Debt Securities will accrue from the date
on which interest on the Bonds of the ___ % Convertible Series was last paid
(except in the case of a Conversion Date after a record date, but before the
related interest payment date, in which case interest will accrue from the
interest payment date next following such record date) and interest on Bonds of
the ___ % Convertible Series shall henceforth no longer accrue, (iv) the
conditions, if any, required to be satisfied concurrent with or prior to the
Conversion Date, (v) that whether or not certificates for Bonds of the ____ %
Convertible Series are surrendered for conversion on such Conversion Date,
holders of the Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series will be treated as holders
of Debt Securities from and after the Conversion Date, (vi) on and after the
Conversion Date Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series shall be deemed
refundable bonds, and may be used for any purpose provided for such bonds under
the Mortgage.



                                       17
<PAGE>

     SECTION 4. Until Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series in definitive
form are ready for delivery, the Company may execute, and upon its request in
writing the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in lieu thereof, Bonds of
the __________ % Convertible Series in temporary form, as provided in Section 9
of Article II of the Original Indenture.


                                   ARTICLE II.

             Issue of Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series.


     SECTION 1. [The total principal amount of Bonds of the __________ %
Convertible Series which may be authenticated and delivered hereunder is not
limited except as the Original Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture limit
the principal amount of Bonds which may be issued thereunder.]

     SECTION 2. Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series for the aggregate
principal amount of ___________________ Dollars ($___________) may forthwith be
executed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee and shall be authenticated
by the Trustee and delivered (either before or after the filing or recording
hereof) to or upon the order of the Company, upon receipt by the Trustee of the
resolutions, certificates, instruments and opinions required by Article III and
Article XVIII of the Original Indenture, as amended.




                                       18
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE III.

                                  Redemption.*


     SECTION 1. [Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series are not redeemable
prior to maturity.]

     Bonds of the ____________ % Convertible Series shall, subject to the
provisions of Article V of the Original Indenture, be redeemable at any time or
from time to time prior to maturity, at the option of the Board of Directors of
the Company and pursuant to Section 8 of Article VIII of the Original Indenture
either as a whole or in part, upon payment of the applicable percentage of the
principal amount thereof set forth under the heading "Redemption Price" in the
tabulation in the form of Bonds of the ________________ % Convertible Series set
forth in Section 3 of Article I hereof, together, in each case, with accrued
interest to the redemption date.

     Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, Bonds of the
___________ % Convertible Series shall not be redeemable as set forth in the
preceding paragraph prior to _________________ if the moneys for such redemption
are obtained by the Company directly or indirectly from or in anticipation of
the borrowing by or for the account of the Company at an effective interest cost
(calculated after adjustment, in accordance with generally accepted financial
practice, for any premium received or discount granted in connection with such
borrowing, but without any adjustment for commissions, underwriting discounts
and expenses in connection with such borrowing) of _____ or less per annum or
are obtained from an affiliate of the Company.

- ----------

*        The following description will be modified or deleted as appropriate to
         reflect whether or not the series of Bonds is subject to redemption
         under all or some of the provision set forth.

         If the Bonds are subject to a sinking fund or any similar fund,
         appropriate language will be added to that effect.


                                       19
<PAGE>

     SECTION 2. Subject to the provisions of Article V of the Original
Indenture, the Company shall cause notice of redemption to be given by first
class mail, postage prepaid, at least thirty days and not more than sixty days
prior to the date of redemption, to the registered owners of such Bonds at their
addresses as the same shall appear on the transfer register of the Company.

     SECTION 3. Unless the Bonds of the _____ % Convertible Series have been
declared due and payable prior to their maturity by reason of an event of
default, commencing [ ] the Representative (as defined below) of a deceased
holder of an interest in the Bonds of the _____ % Convertible Series (a
"Beneficial Owner") has the right to request redemption of all or part of his or
her interest Bonds of the _____ % Convertible Series, expressed in integral
multiples of $1,000, for payment prior to maturity, and the Company will redeem
the same subject to the limitations that the Company will not be obligated to
redeem during the period beginning [ ] ending [ ], and during any twelve month
period ending [ ] thereafter, (i) on behalf of the deceased Beneficial Owner any
interest in the Bonds of the _____ % Convertible Series which exceeds an
aggregate principal amount of $ and (ii) interests in the Bonds of the _____ %
Convertible Series in the aggregate principal amount exceeding percent ( %) of
the aggregate principal amount of Bonds of the _____ % Convertible Series
originally issued, or $ . In the case of interests in the Bonds of the _____ %
Convertible Series owned by a deceased Beneficial Owner, a request for
redemption may be presented to the Trustee at any time and in any principal
amount. If the Company, although not obligated to do so, chooses to redeem
interests of a deceased Beneficial Owner in the Bonds of the _____ % Convertible
Series in any such period in excess of the $ limitation, such redemption, to the
extent that it exceeds the $ limitation for any Beneficial Owner, shall not be
included in the computation of the percent ( %) limitation for such period or
any succeeding period.

     Subject to the $ and percent ( %) limitations, the Company will upon the
death of any Beneficial Owner redeem the interest of the Beneficial Owner in the
Bonds of the _____ % Convertible Series within 60 days following receipt by the
Trustee of a validly completed Redemption Request, as hereinafter defined,
including all supporting documentation, from such Beneficial Owner's personal
representative, or surviving joint tenant(s), tenant(s) by the entirety or
tenant(s) in common, or other persons entitled to effect such a Redemption
Request (each, a "Representative"). If Redemption Requests exceed either the $
or % per payment period



                                       20
<PAGE>

limitations then such excess Redemption Request (subject in the case of the $
limitation to the provisions of the last sentence of the preceding paragraph)
will be applied to successive periods in the order of receipt for prepayment,
regardless of the number of periods required to redeem such interest unless
sooner withdrawn as described below.

     A request for redemption of an interest in the Bonds of the _____ %
Convertible Series may be made by delivering a request to the depositary, if
any, in whose names the certificate or certificates representing the Bonds of
the _____ % Convertible Series are registered (the "Depositary") in the case of
a participant in the system of such Depositary, including securities brokers and
dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with such a participant, either directly or indirectly (a
"Participant") which is the Beneficial Owner of such interest, or to the
Participant through whom the Beneficial Owner owns such interest, in form
satisfactory to the Participant, together with evidence of death of the
Beneficial Owner and the authority of the Representative satisfactory to the
Participant and the Trustee. A Representative of a deceased Beneficial Owner may
make the request for redemption and shall submit such other evidence of the
right to such redemption as the Participant or Trustee shall require. The
request shall specify the principal amount of the Bonds of the _____ %
Convertible Series to be redeemed. A request for redemption in form satisfactory
to the Participant and accompanied by the documents relevant to the request as
above provided, together with a certification by the Participant that it holds
the interest on behalf of the deceased Beneficial Owner with respect to whom the
request for redemption is being made (the "Redemption Request") shall be
provided to the Depositary by a Participant and the Depositary will forward the
request to the Trustee. Redemption Requests, including all supporting
documentation, shall be in the form satisfactory to the Trustee and no request
for redemption shall be considered validly made until the Redemption Request and
all supporting documentation, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, shall have
been received by the Trustee.

     The price to be paid by the Company for an interest in the Bonds of the
_____ % Convertible Series to be redeemed pursuant to a request from a deceased
Beneficial Owner's Representative is one hundred percent (100%) of the principal
amount thereof plus accrued but unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
Subject to arrangements with the Depositary, payment for interests in the Bonds
of the _____ % Convertible Series which are to be redeemed shall be made to the
Depositary within 60 days following receipt by the Trustee of the Redemption Re-



                                       21
<PAGE>

quest, including all supporting documentation, and the Bonds of the _____ %
Convertible Series to be redeemed in the aggregate principal amount specified in
the Redemption Requests submitted to the Trustee by the Depositary which are to
be fulfilled in connection with such payment. An acquisition of Bonds of the
_____ % Convertible Series by the Company or its subsidiaries other than by
redemption at the option of any Representative of a deceased Beneficial Owner
shall not be included in the computation of either the $ or percent ( %)
limitation for any period.

     Interests in the Bonds of the _____ % Convertible Series held in tenancy by
the entirety, joint tenancy or by tenants in common will be deemed to be held by
a single Beneficial Owner and the death of a tenant in common, tenant by the
entirety or joint tenant will be deemed to be the death of the Beneficial Owner.
The death of a person who, during such person's lifetime, was entitled to
substantially all of the rights of a Beneficial Owner will be deemed the death
of the Beneficial Owner, regardless of the recordation of such interest on the
records of the Participant, if such rights can be established to the
satisfaction of the Participant and the Trustee.

     Any Redemption Request may be withdrawn upon delivery of a written request
for such withdrawal given to the Trustee by the Depositary prior to payment for
redemption of the interest in the Bonds of the _____ % Convertible Series.


                                   ARTICLE IV.

                             Additional Covenants.


     The Company hereby covenants, warrants and agrees:

     SECTION 1. That the Company is lawfully seized and possessed of all of the
mortgaged property described in the granting clauses of this Supplemental
Indenture; that it has good, right and lawful authority to mortgage the same as
provided in this Supplemental Indenture; and that such mortgaged property is, at
the actual date of the initial issue of the Bonds of the __________ %
Convertible Series, free and clear of any deed of trust, mortgage, lien, charge
or encumbrance thereon or affecting the title thereto prior to the Indenture,
except as set forth in the granting clauses of the Original Indenture, the
Twenty-Sixth Supplemental Indenture, the Twenty-Eighth Supplemental Indenture,
the Twenty-Ninth Supplemental Indenture, the Thirtieth Supplemental Indenture,


                                       22
<PAGE>

the Thirty-First Supplemental Indenture, the Thirty-Second Supplemental
Indenture, the _______________ Supplemental Indenture or this Supplemental
Indenture.

     SECTION 2. So long as any Bonds of any series originally issued prior to
January 1, 1997 are outstanding, in the event that all or substantially all of
the gas properties (either with or without including the gas property in the
City of Atchison, Kansas) shall have been released as an entirety from the lien
of the Original Indenture, the Company will, at any time or from time to time
within six months after the date of such release, retire Bonds outstanding under
the Original Indenture in an aggregate principal amount equal to the lesser of

                  (a) the fair value of the gas properties so released pursuant
         to Section 3 of Article VII of the Original Indenture, as stated in the
         engineer's certificate required by Section 3(b) of said Article VII,
         and the proceeds of the gas properties so released pursuant to Section
         5 of said Article VII, less the amount of moneys, deposited with the
         Trustee pursuant to Sections 3(d), 4(d) and 5 of said Article VII on
         such release, withdrawn or reduced pursuant to Section 1 of Article
         VIII of the Original Indenture simultaneously with or within three
         months after such release; or

                  (b)      the greater of

                           (i)Nine Million Dollars ($9,000,000) plus One Hundred
                  Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($175,000) for each full year
                  (disregarding any period less than a full year) beginning with
                  July 1, 1949, and ending on the date of such release, less One
                  Million Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,700,000), or

                            (ii) One-half of the fair value of the gas
                  properties so released, as stated in the engineer's
                  certificate required by Section 3(b) of Article VII of the
                  Original Indenture, and one-half of the proceeds of the gas
                  properties so released pursuant to Section 5 of said Article
                  VII.

Such retirement of Bonds shall be effected in either one or both of the
following methods:

                  (aa) By the withdrawal pursuant to Section 2 of Article VIII
         of the Original Indenture of any moneys deposited with the Trustee
         pursuant to Sections 3(d), 4(d) and 5 of



                                       23
<PAGE>

         Article VII of the Original Indenture upon such release; or

                  (bb) By causing the Trustee to purchase or redeem bonds,
         pursuant to Section 8 of Article VIII of the Original Indenture, out of
         any moneys deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Sections 3(d), 4(d)
         and 5 of Article VII of the Original Indenture upon such release.

     SECTION 3. So long as any Bonds of any series originally issued prior to
January 1, 1997 are outstanding, in the event all or substantially all of the
electric properties shall have been released as an entirety from the lien of the
Original Indenture, the Company will, at any time or from time to time within
six months after the date of such release, retire Bonds outstanding under the
Original Indenture in an aggregate principal amount equal to the fair value of
the electric properties so released pursuant to Section 3 of Article VII of the
Original Indenture, as stated in the engineer's certificate required by Section
3(b) of said Article VII, and the proceeds of the electric properties so
released pursuant to Section 5 of said Article VII. Such retirement of Bonds
shall be effected in either one or both of the following methods:

                  (a) By the withdrawal pursuant to Section 2 of Article VIII of
         the Original Indenture of any moneys deposited with the Trustee
         pursuant to Sections 3(d), 4(d) and 5 of Article VII of the Original
         Indenture upon such release; or

                   (b) By causing the Trustee to purchase or redeem bonds,
         pursuant to Section 8 of Article VIII of the Original Indenture, out of
         any moneys deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Sections 3(d), 4(d)
         and 5 of Article VII of the Original Indenture upon such release.

The Bonds to be so retired pursuant to this Section 3 shall include a principal
amount of Bonds of each Series then outstanding in the same ratio to the
aggregate principal amount of all Bonds so retired as the aggregate principal
amount of all Bonds of each Series outstanding immediately prior to such release
bears to the total principal amount of all Bonds then outstanding.




                                       24
<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE V.

   Amendment of Ratio of Bonds Issuable; to Property Additions and of Certain
   Other Ratios. Amendments of Net Earnings Test Use of Facsimile Signatures.
      Amendment of Article XV. Reservation of Right to Amend Article VII.


     SECTION 1. So long as any of the Bonds of any series originally issued
prior to January 1, 1997 shall remain outstanding:

     (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4 of Article III of the
Original Indenture, no Bonds shall be authenticated and delivered pursuant to
the provisions of Article III of the Original Indenture and issued upon the
basis of net bondable value of property additions for an aggregate principal
amount in excess of sixty percent (60%) of the net bondable value of property
additions not subject to an unfunded prior lien.

     For the purposes of Subsections (e) and (f) of the definition of "net
bondable value of property additions not subject to an unfunded prior lien",
contained in Article I of the Original Indenture, and Subdivisions 8 and 9 of
clause (a) of Section 4 of Article III of the Original Indenture, in all
computations made with respect to a period subsequent to April 1, 1949, the
deductions therein referred to shall in each case be ten-sixths (10/6ths) of the
respective amounts mentioned, in lieu of ten-sevenths (10/7ths).

     (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 3(a) of Article VIII of the
Original Indenture, no moneys received by the Trustee pursuant to Section 5(a)
of Article III of the Original Indenture shall be paid over by the Trustee in an
amount in excess of sixty percent (60%) of the net bondable value of property
additions not subject to an unfunded prior lien, and for the purposes of Section
3 of Article VII of the Original Indenture, the amount of cash required to be
deposited by the Company pursuant to Subsection (d) of said Section 3 of Article
VII shall not be reduced in an amount in excess of sixty percent (60%) of the
net bondable value of property additions not subject to an unfunded prior lien.

     (3) For the purposes of clauses (c) and (d) of the definition of "net
bondable value of property additions subject to an unfunded prior lien",
contained in Article I of the Original Indenture, and Subsection 7 of clause (a)
of Section 4 of Article III of the Original Indenture, in all computations



                                       25
<PAGE>

made with respect to a period subsequent to April 1, 1949, the deductions
therein referred to shall in each case be ten-sixths (10/6ths) of the respective
amounts mentioned, in lieu of ten-sevenths (10/7ths).

     (4) Subsection (a) of Section 14, clauses (1) and (2) of Subsection (a) of
Section 16 of Article IV and clause (1) of Subsection (b) of Section 1 of
Article XII of the Original Indenture shall be deemed amended by substituting
the words "sixty percent (60%)" for "seventy percent (70%)" where they appear in
said provisions of the Original Indenture.

     (5) The definition of the term "net earnings available for interest,
depreciation and property retirement", as contained in Article I of the Original
Indenture, shall be deemed to mean the net earnings of the Company ascertained
as follows:

                  (a)      The total operating revenues of the Company and the
         net non-operating revenues of the properties of the Company shall be
         ascertained.

                  (b) From the total, determined as provided in Subsection (a),
         there shall be deducted all operating expenses, including all salaries,
         rentals, insurance, license and franchise fees, expenditures for
         repairs and maintenance, taxes (other than income, excess profits and
         other taxes measured by or dependent on net taxable income),
         depreciation as shown on the books of the Company or an amount equal to
         the minimum provision for depreciation as hereinafter defined,
         whichever is greater, but excluding all property retirement
         appropriations, all interest and sinking fund charges, amortization of
         stock and debt discount and expense or premium and further excluding
         any charges to income or otherwise for the amortization of plant or
         property accounts or of amounts transferred therefrom.

                  (c) The balance remaining after the deduction of the total
         amount computed pursuant to Subsection (b) from the total amount
         computed pursuant to Subsection (a) shall constitute the "net earnings
         of the Company available for interest", provided that not more than
         fifteen percent (15%) of the net earnings of the Company available for
         interest may consist of the aggregate of (i) net non-operating income,
         (ii) net earnings from mortgaged property other than property of the
         character of property additions and (iii) net earnings from property
         not subject to the lien of this Indenture.



                                       26
<PAGE>

                  (d) No income received or accrued by the Company from
         securities and no profits or losses of capital assets shall be included
         in making the computations aforesaid.

                  (e) In case the Company shall have acquired any acquired plant
         or systems or shall have been consolidated or merged with any other
         corporation, within or after the particular period for which the
         calculation of net earnings of the Company available for interest,
         depreciation and property retirement is made, then, in computing the
         net earnings of the Company available for interest, depreciation and
         property retirement, there may be included, to the extent they may not
         have been otherwise included, the net earnings or net losses of such
         acquired plant or system or of such other corporation, as the case may
         be, for the whole of such period. The net earnings or net losses of
         such property additions, or of such other corporation for the period
         preceding such acquisition or such consolidation or merger, shall be
         ascertained and computed as provided in the foregoing subsections of
         this definition as if such acquired plant or system had been owned by
         the Company during the whole of such period, or as if such other
         corporation had been consolidated or merged with the Company prior to
         the first day of such period.

                  (f) In case the Company shall have obtained the release of any
         property pursuant to Section 3 of Article VII of the Original
         Indenture, of a fair value in excess of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars
         ($500,000), as shown by the engineer's certificate required by said
         Section 3, or shall have obtained the release of any property pursuant
         to Section 5 of Article VII of the Original Indenture, the proceeds of
         which shall have exceeded Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000),
         within or after the particular period for which the calculation of net
         earnings of the Company available for interest, depreciation and
         property retirement is made, then, in computing the net earnings of the
         Company available for interest, depreciation and property retirement,
         the net earnings or net losses of such property for the whole of such
         period shall be excluded to the extent practicable on the basis of
         actual earnings and expenses of such property or on the basis of such
         estimates of the earnings and expenses of such property as the signers
         of an officers' certificate filed with the Trustee pursuant to Section
         3(b) of Article III or Section 16 of Article IV of the Original
         Indenture shall deem proper.

                  The term "minimum charge for depreciation" as used herein
         shall mean an amount equal to (a) fifteen percent


                                       27
<PAGE>

         (15%) of the total operating revenues of the Company after deducting
         therefrom an amount equal to the aggregate cost to the Company of
         electric energy, gas and water purchased for resale to others and
         rentals paid for, or other payments made for the use of, property owned
         by others and leased to or operated by the Company, the maintenance of
         which and depreciation on which are borne by the owners, less (b) an
         amount equal to the expenditures for maintenance and repairs to the
         plants and property of the Company and included or reflected in its
         operating expense accounts.

                  The terms "net earnings of property available for interest,
         depreciation and property retirement" and "net earnings of another
         corporation available for interest, depreciation and property
         retirement" as contained in Article I of the Original Indenture, when
         used with respect to any property or with respect to another
         corporation, shall mean the net earnings of such property or the net
         earnings of such other corporation, as the case may be, computed in the
         manner provided in Subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d) hereof.

     (6) Notwithstanding the provisions of clauses (1) and (2) of subsection (b)
of Article III, and Subsection (b) of Section 14 of Article IV, and Subsection
(b) of Section 16 of Article IV and clause (2) of Subsection (b) of Section 1 of
Article XII of the Original Indenture, the computation of net earnings required
therein shall be made as provided in Subsection (5) of this Section 1, and the
net earnings tests required in said mentioned provisions of Articles III, IV and
XII of the Original Indenture shall be based on two times the annual interest
charges described in such provisions, instead of two and one-half times such
charges, but shall not otherwise affect such provisions or relieve from the
requirements therein pertaining to ten percent (10%) of the principal amount of
bonds therein described.

     SECTION 2. All of the Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series and of
any series initially issued after the initial issuance of Bonds of the
__________ % Convertible Series shall, from time to time, be executed on behalf
of the Company by its Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President
or one of its Vice Presidents whose signature, notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 12 of Article II of the Original Indenture, may be by facsimile, and its
corporate seal (which may be in facsimile) shall be thereunto affixed and
attested by its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries



                                       28
<PAGE>

whose signature, notwithstanding the provisions of the aforesaid Section 12, may
be by facsimile.

     In case any of the officers who have signed or sealed any of the Bonds of
the __________ % Convertible Series or of any series initially issued after the
initial issuance of Bonds of the __________ % Convertible Series manually or by
facsimile shall cease to be such officers of the Company before such Bonds so
signed and sealed shall have been actually authenticated by the Trustee or
delivered by the Company, such Bonds nevertheless may be authenticated, issued
and delivered with the same force and effect as though the person or persons who
so signed or sealed such Bonds had not ceased to be such officer or officers of
the Company; and also any such Bonds may be signed or sealed by manual or
facsimile signature on behalf of the Company by such persons as at the actual
date of the execution of any of such Bonds shall be the proper officers of the
Company, although at the nominal date of any such Bond any such person shall not
have been such officer of the Company.

     SECTION 3. Article XV of the Original Indenture is amended so as to
substitute "sixty percent (60%)" for "eighty percent (80%)" wherever appearing
in said Article XV.

     SECTION 4. Article XV of the Original Indenture is further amended by
adding thereto a Section 9 to read as follows:

                  "SECTION 9. (A) Anything in this Article XV contained to the
         contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall receive the written consent
         (in any number of instruments of similar tenor executed by bondholders
         or by their attorneys appointed in writing) of the holders of sixty per
         centum (60%) or more in principal amount of the bonds outstanding
         hereunder, and, if the rights of one or more, but less than all, series
         of bonds then outstanding are to be affected by action taken pursuant
         to such consent, then also by consent of the holders of at least sixty
         per centum (60%) in principal amount of each series of bonds so to be
         affected and outstanding hereunder (at the time the last such needed
         consent is delivered to the Trustee) in lieu of the holding of a
         meeting pursuant to this Article XV and in lieu of all action at such a
         meeting and with the same force and effect as a resolution duly adopted
         in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of this Article XV.

                  "(B) Instruments of consent shall be witnessed or in the
         alternative may (a) have the signature guaranteed by a



                                       29
<PAGE>

         bank or trust company or a registered dealer in securities, (b) be
         acknowledged before a Notary Public or other officer authorized to take
         acknowledgements, or (c) have their genuineness otherwise established
         to the satisfaction of the Trustee.

                  "The amount of bonds payable to bearer, and the series and
         serial numbers thereof, held by a person executing an instrument of
         consent (or whose attorney has executed an instrument of consent in his
         behalf), and the date of his holding the same, may be proved by
         exhibiting the bonds to and obtaining a certificate executed by (i) any
         bank or trust or insurance company, or (ii) any trustee, secretary,
         administrator or other proper officer of any pension, welfare,
         hospitalization or similar fund or funds, or (iii) the United States of
         America, any Territory thereof, the District of Columbia, any State of
         the United States, any municipality in any State of the United States
         or any public instrumentality of the United States, or of any State or
         of any Territory, or (iv) any other person or corporation satisfactory
         to the Trustee. A bondholder in any of the foregoing categories may
         sign a certificate in his own behalf.

                  "Each such certificate shall be dated and shall state, in
         effect, that, as of the date thereof, a coupon bond or bonds bearing a
         specified serial number or numbers was deposited with or exhibited to
         the signer of such certificate. The holding by the person named in any
         such certificate of any bond specified therein shall be presumed to
         continue unless (1) any certificate bearing a later date issued in
         respect of the same bond shall be produced, (2) the bond specified in
         such certificate (or any bond or bonds issued in exchange or
         substitution for such bond) shall be produced by another holder, or (3)
         the bond specified in such certificate shall be registered as to
         principal in the name of another holder or shall have been surrendered
         in exchange for a fully registered bond registered in the name of
         another holder. The Trustee may nevertheless, in its discretion,
         require further proof in cases where it deems further proof desirable.
         The ownership of registered bonds shall be proved by the registry
         books.

                  "(C) Until such time as the Trustee shall receive the written
         consent of the necessary per centum in principal amount of the bonds
         required by the provisions of Subsection (A) above for action
         contemplated by such consent, any holder of a bond, the serial number
         of which is shown



                                       30
<PAGE>

         by the evidence to be included in the bonds the holders of which have
         consented to such action, may, by filing written notice with the
         Trustee at its principal office and upon proof of holding as provided
         in Subsection (B) above, revoke such consent so far as it concerns such
         bond. Except as aforesaid, any such action taken by the holder of any
         bond shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all
         future holders of such bond (and any bond issued in lieu thereof or
         exchanged therefor), irrespective of whether or not any notation of
         such consent is made upon such bond, and in any event any action taken
         by the holders of the percentage in aggregate principal amount of the
         bonds specified in Subsection (A) above in connection with such action
         shall be conclusively binding upon the Company, the Trustee and the
         holders of all the bonds."

         SECTION 5. The Company reserves the right subject to appropriate
corporate action, but without the consent or other action of holders of bonds of
any series created after January 1, 1997, to make such amendments to the
Original Indenture, as supplemented, as shall be necessary in order to amend
Article VII thereof by adding thereto a Section 8 and a Section 9 to read as
follows:

                  "SECTION 8. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
         Indenture, unless an event of default shall have happened and be
         continuing, or shall happen as a result of the making or granting of an
         application to release mortgaged property permitted by this Section 8,
         the Trustee shall release from the lien of this Indenture any mortgaged
         property if the fair value to the Company of all of the property
         constituting the trust estate (excluding the mortgaged property to be
         released but including any mortgaged property to be acquired by the
         Company with the proceeds of, or otherwise in connection with, such
         release) equals or exceeds an amount equal to 10/7ths of the aggregate
         principal amount of outstanding Bonds and prior lien bonds outstanding
         at the time of such release, upon receipt by the Trustee of:

                           "(a) an officers' certificate dated the date of such
                  release, requesting such release, describing in reasonable
                  detail the mortgaged property to be released and stating the
                  reason for such release;

                           "(b) an engineer's certificate, dated the date of
                  such release, stating (i) that the signer of such engineer's
                  certificate has examined such officers' certificate in
                  connection with such release, (ii) the



                                       31
<PAGE>

                  fair value to the Company, in the opinion of the signer of
                  such engineer's certificate, of (A) all of the property
                  constituting the trust estate, and (B) the mortgaged property
                  to be released, in each case as of a date not more than 90
                  days prior to the date of such release, and (iii) that in the
                  opinion of such signer, such release will not impair the
                  security under this Indenture in contravention of the
                  provisions hereof;

                           "(c) in case any bondable property is being acquired
                  by the Company with the proceeds of, or otherwise in
                  connection with, such release, an engineer's certificate,
                  dated the date of such release, as to the fair value to the
                  Company, as of the date not more than 90 days prior to the
                  date of such release, of the bondable property being so
                  acquired (and if within six months prior to the date of
                  acquisition by the Company of the bondable property being so
                  acquired, such bondable property has been used or operated by
                  a person or persons other than the Company in a business
                  similar to that in which it has been or is to be used or
                  operated by the Company, and the fair value to the Company of
                  such bondable property, as set forth in such certificate, is
                  not less than $25,000 and not less than 1% of the aggregate
                  principal amount of Bonds at the time outstanding, such
                  certificate shall be an independent appraiser's certificate);

                           "(d) an officer's certificate, dated the date of such
                  release, stating the aggregate principal amount of outstanding
                  Bonds and prior lien bonds outstanding at the time of such
                  release, and stating that the fair value to the Company of all
                  of the property constituting the trust estate (excluding the
                  mortgaged property to be released but including any bondable
                  property to be acquired by the Company with the proceeds of,
                  or otherwise in connection with, such release) stated on the
                  independent appraiser's certificate filed pursuant to Section
                  8(c) equals or exceeds an amount equal to 10/7ths of such
                  aggregate principal amount;

                           "(e) an officers' certificate, dated the date of such
                  release, stating that, the Company is not, and by the making
                  or granting of the application will not be, in default in the
                  performance of any of the terms and covenants of this
                  Indenture;



                                       32
<PAGE>

                           "(f)     an opinion of counsel, dated the date of
                  such release, as to compliance with conditions precedent.

                  "SECTION 9. If the Company is unable to obtain, in accordance
         with any other Section of this Article VII, the release from the lien
         of this Indenture of any property constituting part of the trust
         estate, unless an event of default shall have happened and be
         continuing, or shall happen as a result of the making or granting of an
         application to release mortgaged property permitted by this Section 9,
         the Trustee shall release from the lien of this Indenture any mortgaged
         property if the fair value to the Company thereof, as shown by the
         engineer's certificate filed pursuant to Section 9(b), is less than 1/2
         of 1% of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Bonds and prior
         lien bonds outstanding at the time of such release, provided that the
         aggregate fair value to the Company of all mortgaged property released
         pursuant to this Section 9, as shown by all engineer's certificates
         filed pursuant to Section 9(b) in any period of 12 consecutive calendar
         months which includes the date of such engineer's certificate, shall
         not exceed 1% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding
         Bonds and prior lien bonds outstanding at the time of such release,
         upon receipt by the Trustee of:

                           "(a) an officers' certificate, dated the date of such
                  release, requesting such release, describing in reasonable
                  detail the mortgaged property to be released and stating the
                  reason for such release;

                           "(b) an engineer's certificate, dated the date of
                  such release, stating (A) that the signer of such engineer's
                  certificate has examined such officers' certificate in
                  connection with such release, (B) the fair value to the
                  Company, in the opinion of the signer of such engineer's
                  certificate, of such mortgaged property to be released as of a
                  date not more than 90 days prior to the date of such release,
                  and (C) that in the opinion of such signer such release will
                  not impair the security under this Indenture in contravention
                  of the provisions hereof;

                           "(c) an officers' certificate, dated the date of such
                  release, stating the aggregate principal amount of outstanding
                  Bonds and prior lien bonds outstanding at the time of such
                  release, that 1/2 of 1% of such aggregate principal amount
                  does not exceed the fair



                                       33
<PAGE>

                  value to the Company of the mortgaged property for which such
                  release is applied for as shown by the engineer's certificate
                  referred to in Section 9(b), and that 1% of such aggregate
                  principal amount does not exceed the aggregate fair value to
                  the Company of all mortgaged property released from the lien
                  of this Indenture pursuant to this Section 9 as shown by all
                  engineer's certificates filed pursuant to Section 9(b) in such
                  period of 12 consecutive calendar months;

                           "(d) an officers' certificate, dated the date of such
                  release, stating that, the Company is not, and by the making
                  or granting of the application will not be, in default in the
                  performance of any of the terms and covenants of this
                  Indenture; and

                           (e)      an opinion of counsel, dated the date of
                  such release, as to compliance with conditions precedent."

     The Company also reserves the right subject to appropriate corporate
action, but without the consent or other action of holders of Bonds of any
series created after January 1, 1997 to amend, modify or delete any other
provision of the Original Indenture, as supplemented, as may be necessary in
order to effectuate the intents and purposes contemplated by the foregoing
Sections 8 and 9.

     SECTION 6. The Company reserves the right subject to appropriate corporate
action, but without the consent or other action of holders of Bonds of any
series created after January 1, 1997 to:

     (a) delete as a condition to the authentication of additional Bonds
pursuant to Sections 4, 5 or 6 of Article III of the Original Indenture the
requirement to file or deposit with the Trustee the officers' certificate
described in Section 3(b) of Article III of the Original Indenture;

     (b) delete as a condition to the consolidation or merger of the Company
into, or sale by the Company of its property as an entirety or substantially as
an entirety to another corporation the requirement set forth in Section 1(b)(2)
of Article XII of the Original Indenture;

     (c) delete as a condition to the release of property pursuant to Section 3
of Article VII of the Original Indenture, the requirement to obtain an
independent engineer's certificate


                                       34
<PAGE>

under the circumstances set forth in Section 3(c) of Article VII; and

     (d) amend, modify or delete any other provision of the Original Indenture,
as supplemented, as may be necessary in order to effectuate the intents and
purposes contemplated by this Section 6.


                                   ARTICLE VI.

             Conversion of Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series.*


     SECTION 1. At any time after the Bonds of the _____% Convertible Series are
outstanding the Company may, at its option, convert (the "Conversion") all, but
not less than all, of the then outstanding Bonds of the _____% Convertible
Series for the same principal amount of the Debt Securities issuable under the
form of Indenture and Securities Resolution attached hereto as Appendix B
Holders of Bonds of the _____% Convertible Series so converted will be entitled
to receive $1,000 in principal amount of Debt Securities for each $1,000 of
principal amount of Bonds of the _____% Convertible Series held by such holder
as of the date fixed for Conversion (the "Conversion Date").

     SECTION 2. The Company may condition its obligation to convert the Bonds of
the _____% Convertible Series upon the satisfaction of such conditions as the
Company may include in the notice required by Section 3 of this Article VI, and
no event of default shall arise hereunder from the failure to convert such Bonds
of the _____% Convertible Series in the event such conditions are not satisfied.

     SECTION 3. In connection with any such Conversion, interest on converted
Bonds of the ____% Convertible Series which has accrued but has not been paid as
of the Conversion Date will accrue on Debt Securities from the date on which
interest was last paid on the Bonds of the ____% Convertible

- ----------

*    The following provision will be included if the Series of Bonds is to be
     subject to conversion as provided.





                                       35
<PAGE>

Series so converted and interest on such Bonds shall cease to accrue, provided
that accrued interest on Bonds of the ____% Convertible Series converted after a
record date but before the related interest payment date, shall be paid to the
holder of record of such Bonds of the ____% Convertible Series on such interest
payment date and interest on such Bonds shall cease to accrue, and the Debt
Securities into which such Bonds of the ____% Convertible Series shall have been
converted will begin to accrue interest from such interest payment date. The
rights of the holders of the Bonds of the ____% Convertible Series as
bondholders of the Company with respect to the bonds converted will cease and
the person or persons entitled to receive the Debt Securities issuable upon
Conversion will be treated as the registered holder or holders of such Debt
Securities from the Conversion Date. Debt Securities issued in conversion of
Bonds of the ____% Convertible Series will be issued in principal amounts of
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof. The Company may condition its obligation
to convert Bonds of the ____% Convertible Series upon the satisfaction of
certain conditions to be specified in the notice referred to below. The Company
will mail to each holder of record of the Bonds of the ___% Convertible Series
to be converted into Debt Securities written notice thereof at least 15 and not
more than 120 days prior to the Conversion Date. The notice must state (i) the
Conversion Date, (ii) the place or places where certificates for Bonds of the
____% Convertible Series may be surrendered for conversion into Debt Securities,
(iii) that interest on the Debt Securities will accrue from the date on which
interest on the Bonds of the ___% Convertible Series was last paid (except in
the case of a Conversion Date after a record date, but before the related
interest payment date, in which case interest will accrue from the interest
payment date next following such record date) and interest on Bonds of the ___%
Convertible Series shall henceforth no longer accrue, (iv) the conditions, if
any, required to be satisfied concurrent with or prior to the Conversion Date,
(v) that whether or not certificates for Bonds of the ____% Convertible Series
are surrendered for conversion on such Conversion Date, holders of the Bonds of
the ____% Convertible Series will be treated as holders of Debt Securities from
and after the Conversion Date and (vi) on and after the Conversion Date Bonds of
the ____% Convertible Series shall be deemed refundable bonds, and may be used
for any purpose provided for such bonds under the Mortgage.

     SECTION 4. Any of the Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series delivered to
the Trustee for conversion pursuant to this Article VI shall be forthwith
canceled by the Trustee, provided that whether or not so delivered all converted
Bonds of the ____ % Convertible Series shall be



                                       36
<PAGE>

refundable Bonds as defined in the Indenture, and shall no longer be outstanding
thereunder, and shall be useable by the Company to satisfy the conditions under
Section 2 of Article VIII of the Original Indenture and in Section 2 of Article
IV of the Twenty-Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 15, 1990, the
Twenty-Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated July 1, 1992, the Twenty-Ninth
Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 20, 1992, the Thirtieth Supplemental
Indenture dated as of February 1, 1993, the Thirty-First Supplemental Indenture
dated as of April 15, 1993 and the Thirty-Second Supplemental Indenture dated as
of April 15, 1994 and any similar provision contained in any Supplemental
Indenture entered after the date of this Supplemental Indenture.


                                  ARTICLE VII.

                            Miscellaneous Provisions.


     SECTION 1. The Trustee accepts the trusts herein declared, provided,
created or supplemented and agrees to perform the same upon the terms and
conditions herein and in the Original Indenture, as amended, set forth and upon
the following terms and conditions.

     SECTION 2. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever
for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture
or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are
made by the Company solely. In general each and every term and condition
contained in Article XIII of the Original Indenture, as amended by the Second
Supplemental Indenture, shall apply to and form part of this Supplemental
Indenture with the same force and effect as if the same were herein set forth in
full with such omissions, variations and insertions, if any, as may be
appropriate to make the same conform to the provisions of this Supplemental
Indenture.

     SECTION 3. Whenever in this Supplemental Indenture either of the parties
hereto is named or referred to, such reference shall, subject to the provisions
of Articles XII and XIII of the Original Indenture, be deemed to include the
successors and assigns of such party, and all the covenants and agreements in
this Supplemental Indenture contained by or on behalf of the Company, or by or
on behalf of the Trustee, shall, subject as aforesaid, bind and inure to the
respective benefits of the respective successors and assigns of such parties,
whether so expressed or not.



                                       37
<PAGE>

     SECTION 4. Nothing in this Supplemental Indenture, expressed or implied, is
intended or shall be construed, to confer upon, or to give to, any person, firm
or corporation, other than the parties hereto and the holders of the Bonds and
coupons outstanding under the Indenture, any right, remedy or claim under or by
reason of this Supplemental Indenture or any covenant, condition, stipulation,
promise or agreement hereof, and all the covenants, conditions, stipulations,
promises and agreements in this Supplemental Indenture contained by and on
behalf of the Company shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties
hereto, and of the holders of the Bonds and of the coupons outstanding under the
Indenture.

     SECTION 5. This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in several
counterparts, and all such counterparts executed and delivered, each as an
original, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

     SECTION 6. The Titles of the several Articles of this Supplemental
Indenture shall not be deemed to be any part thereof.



                                       38
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS HEREOF, WESTERN RESOURCES, INC., party hereto of the first part,
has caused its corporate name to be hereunto affixed, and this instrument to be
signed and sealed by its Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive
Officer or a Vice President, and its corporate seal to be attested by its
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary for and in its behalf, and HARRIS TRUST AND
SAVINGS BANK, party hereto of the second part, has caused its corporate name to
be hereunto affixed, and this instrument to be signed and sealed by its Chairman
of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President or a Vice President and its
corporate seal to be attested by its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, all as
of the day and year first above written.

(CORPORATE SEAL)                     WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.


                                     By:
                                        ------------------------------


ATTEST:


By:
    --------------------------

Executed, sealed and delivered by WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
  in the presence of:


By:
   ---------------------------

By:
   ---------------------------



                                       39
<PAGE>
                                   HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK,
                                        As Trustee


                                   By:
                                      ------------------------------

ATTEST:



By:
   ------------------------------


Executed, sealed and delivered by
  HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
  in the presence of:


By:
    ------------------------------

By:
    ------------------------------



                                       40
<PAGE>
STATE OF KANSAS)
                  :  ss.:
COUNTY OF SHAWNEE)


     BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this ____ day of _______________, before me, the
undersigned, a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid,
personally came __________ and __________, of Western Resources, Inc., a
corporation duly organized, incorporated and existing under the laws of the
State of Kansas, who are personally known to me to be such officers, and who are
personally known to me to be the same persons who executed as such officers the
within instrument of writing, and such persons duly acknowledged the execution
of the same to be the act and deed of said corporation.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my
official seal on the day and year last above written.

                                            -----------------------------
                                                   Notary Public
                                               My Commission Expires


                                       41
<PAGE>
STATE OF ILLINOIS)
                  :  ss.:
COUNTY OF COOK)


     BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this ____ day of ______________, before me, the
undersigned, a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid,
personally came __________ and _________, of Harris Trust and Savings Bank, a
corporation duly organized, incorporated and existing under the laws of the
State of Illinois, who are personally known to me to be such officers, and who
are personally known to me to be the same persons who executed as such officers
the within instrument of writing, and such persons duly acknowledged the
execution of the same to be the act and deed of said corporation.

                                            ------------------------------
                                                   Notary Public
                                               My Commission Expires


                                       42
<PAGE>
STATE OF KANSAS  )
                 :  ss.:
COUNTY OF SHAWNEE)


     BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this ____ day of _______________, before me, the
undersigned, a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid,
personally came __________ and __________, of Western Resources, Inc., a
corporation duly organized, incorporated and existing under the laws of the
State of Kansas, who are personally known to me to be such officers, being by me
respectively duly sworn, did each say that the said __________ is Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer and that the said __________ is Secretary
of said corporation, that the consideration of and for the foregoing instrument
was actual and adequate, that the same was made and given in good faith, for the
uses and purposes therein set forth and without any intent to hinder, delay, or
defraud creditors or purchasers.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my
official seal on the day and year last above written.


                                            ------------------------------
                                                   Notary Public
                                               My Commission Expires




                                       43
<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX A


                                       to



                        __________ SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE


                            Dated __________________


                             Western Resources, Inc.


                                       to


                          Harris Trust and Savings Bank


                                 ---------------


                            DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES


                   LOCATED IN THE STATES OF KANSAS AND OKLAHOMA


                                      FIRST


                             PARCELS OF REAL ESTATE


                        [TO BE COMPLETED IF APPROPRIATE]




                                      A-1








                             WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.



                                 DEBT SECURITIES







                                    INDENTURE






                                  Dated as of ,


                     HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, Trustee





<PAGE>
                          PARTIAL CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE


Indenture Section                                    TIA Section

  2.05..........................................     317(b)
  2.06..........................................     312(a)
  2.11..........................................     316(a) (last sentence)
  4.05..........................................     314(a)(4)
  4.06..........................................     314(a)(1)
  6.03..........................................     317(a)(1)
  6.04..........................................     316(a)(1)(B)
  6.06..........................................     316(a)(1)(A)
  6.07..........................................     317(a)(1)
  7.01..........................................     315(a), 315(d)
  7.04..........................................     315(b)
  7.05..........................................     313(a)
  7.07..........................................     310(a), 310(b)
  7.09..........................................     310(a)(2)
  8.02..........................................     310(a), 310(b)
  10.04.........................................     316(c)
  11.01.........................................     318(a)
  11.02.........................................     313(c)
  11.03.........................................     314(c)(1), 314(c)(2)
  11.04.........................................     314(e)



<PAGE>
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page



                            ARTICLE 1 -- DEFINITIONS


SECTION 1.01.  Definitions.   ............................................     1
SECTION 1.02.  Other Definitions..........................................     3
SECTION 1.03.  Rules of Construction......................................     4


                           ARTICLE 2 -- THE SECURITIES


SECTION 2.01.  Issuable in Series.........................................     5
SECTION 2.02.  Execution and Authentication...............................     7
SECTION 2.03.  Bond Agents.   ............................................     8
SECTION 2.04.  Bearer Securities..........................................     8
SECTION 2.05.  Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust........................     9
SECTION 2.06.  Securityholder Lists.......................................    10
SECTION 2.07.  Transfer and Exchange......................................    10
SECTION 2.08.  Replacement Securities.....................................    11
SECTION 2.09.  Outstanding Securities.....................................    11
SECTION 2.10.  Discounted Securities......................................    11
SECTION 2.11.  Treasury Securities........................................    12
SECTION 2.12.  Global Securities..........................................    12
SECTION 2.13.  Temporary Securities.......................................    12
SECTION 2.14.  Cancellation.  ............................................    13
SECTION 2.15.  Defaulted Interest.........................................    13


                            ARTICLE 3 -- REDEMPTION


SECTION 3.01.  Notices to Trustee.........................................    13
SECTION 3.02.  Selection of Securities to Be Redeemed.....................    14
SECTION 3.03.  Notice of Redemption.......................................    14
SECTION 3.04.  Effect of Notice of Redemption.............................    15
SECTION 3.05.  Payment of Redemption Price................................    16
SECTION 3.06.  Securities Redeemed in Part................................    16
SECTION 3.07.  Limited Right of Redemption at Option of Beneficial Owner..    16


                             ARTICLE 4 -- COVENANTS


SECTION 4.01.  Payment of Securities......................................    19
SECTION 4.02.  Overdue Interest...........................................    19
SECTION 4.03.  No Lien Created, etc.......................................    19
SECTION 4.04.  Compliance Certificate.....................................    20
SECTION 4.05.  SEC Reports.   ............................................    20
SECTION 4.06.  Certain Definitions........................................    20
SECTION 4.07.  Limitations on Liens.......................................    25
SECTION 4.08.  Issuance Restrictions .....................................    27


                             ARTICLE 5 -- SUCCESSORS


SECTION 5.01.  When Company May Merge, etc................................    29


                       ARTICLE 6 -- DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES


SECTION 6.01.  Events of Default..........................................    30
SECTION 6.02.  Acceleration.  ............................................    32
SECTION 6.03.  Other Remedies.............................................    32
SECTION 6.04.  Waiver of Past Defaults....................................    33
SECTION 6.05.  Control by Majority........................................    33
SECTION 6.06.  Limitation on Suits........................................    33
SECTION 6.07.  Collection Suit by Trustee.................................    34
SECTION 6.08.  Priorities.    ............................................    34


                              ARTICLE 7 -- TRUSTEE


SECTION 7.01.  Rights of Trustee..........................................    34
SECTION 7.02.  Individual Rights of Trustee...............................    36
SECTION 7.03.  Trustee's Disclaimer.......................................    36
SECTION 7.04.  Notice of Defaults.........................................    36
SECTION 7.05.  Reports by Trustee to Holders..............................    36
SECTION 7.06.  Compensation and Indemnity.................................    37
SECTION 7.07.  Replacement of Trustee.....................................    37
SECTION 7.08.  Successor Trustee by Merger, etc...........................    39
SECTION 7.09.  Trustee's Capital and Surplus..............................    39


                       ARTICLE 8 -- DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE


SECTION 8.01.  Defeasance.    ............................................    39
SECTION 8.02.  Conditions to Defeasance...................................    40
SECTION 8.03.  Application of Trust Money.................................    41
SECTION 8.04.  Repayment to Company.......................................    41


                             ARTICLE 9 -- CONVERSION


SECTION 9.01.  Conversion Privilege.......................................    41
SECTION 9.02.  Conversion Procedure.......................................    42
SECTION 9.03.  Taxes on Conversion........................................    43
SECTION 9.04.  Company Determination Final................................    44
SECTION 9.05.  Trustee's and Conversion Agent's Disclaimer................    44
SECTION 9.06.  Company to Provide Conversion Securities...................    44
SECTION 9.07.  Cash Settlement Option.....................................    44
SECTION 9.08.  Adjustment in Conversion Rate for Change in Capital Stock..    45
SECTION 9.09.  Adjustment in Conversion Rate for Common Stock Issued
                 Below Market Price ......................................    47
SECTION 9.10.  Adjustment for Other Distributions.........................    49
SECTION 9.11.  Voluntary Adjustment.......................................    50
SECTION 9.12.  When Adjustment May Be Deferred............................    50
SECTION 9.13.  When No Adjustment Required................................    51
SECTION 9.14.  Notice of Adjustment.......................................    51
SECTION 9.15.  Notice of Certain Transactions.............................    51
SECTION 9.16.  Reorganization of the Company..............................    52


                            ARTICLE 10 -- AMENDMENTS


SECTION 10.01.  Without Consent of Holders................................    52
SECTION 10.02.  With Consent of Holders...................................    53
SECTION 10.03.  Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.......................    54
SECTION 10.04.  Effect of Consents........................................    54
SECTION 10.05.  Notation on or Exchange of Securities.....................    54
SECTION 10.06.  Trustee Protected.........................................    55


                           ARTICLE 11 -- MISCELLANEOUS


SECTION 11.01.  Trust Indenture Act.......................................    55
SECTION 11.02.  Notices.      ............................................
SECTION 11.03.  Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent........    57
SECTION 11.04.  Statements Required in Certificate or  Opinion............    57
SECTION 11.05.  Rules by Company and Agents...............................    57
SECTION 11.06.  Legal Holidays............................................    58
SECTION 11.07.  No Recourse Against Others................................    58
SECTION 11.08.  Duplicate Originals.......................................    58
SECTION 11.09.  Governing Law.............................................    58

                                      -i-

<PAGE>

     INDENTURE dated as of , between WESTERN RESOURCES, INC., a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the State of Kansas (hereinafter called
the "Company"), and HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, an Illinois banking
corporation ("Trustee").

     Each party agrees as follows for the benefit of the Holders of the
Company's debt securities issued under this Indenture:


                            ARTICLE 1 -- DEFINITIONS


SECTION 1.01.  Definitions.

     "Affiliate" means any person directly or indirectly controlling or
controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with the Company.

     "Agent" means any Registrar, Transfer Agent or Paying Agent.

     "Authorized Newspaper" means a newspaper that is:

                  (1)      printed in the English language or in an official 
         language of the country o publication;

                  (2)      customarily published on each business day in the 
         place of publication; and

                  (3)      of general circulation in the relevant place or in 
         the financial community of such place.

     Whenever successive publications in an Authorized Newspaper are required,
they may be made on the same or different business days and in the same or
different Authorized Newspapers.

     "Bearer Security" means a Security payable to bearer.

     "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company or any authorized
committee of the Board.

     "Capital Stock" means any and all shares, interests, participations or
other equivalents (however designated) of


<PAGE>
                                       2


capital stock of any person and all warrants or options to acquire such capital
stock.

     "Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $5.00 per share, of the
Company.

     "Company" means the party named as such above until a successor replaces it
and thereafter means the successor.

     "Conversion Rate" means such number or amount of shares of Common Stock or
other equity or debt securities for which $1,000 aggregate principal amount of
Securities of any series is convertible, initially as stated in the Securities
Resolution authorizing the series and as adjusted pursuant to the terms of this
Indenture and the Securities Resolution.

     "coupon" means an interest coupon for a Bearer Security.

     "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time
would be, an Event of Default (as defined below).

     "Discounted Security" means a Security where the amount of principal due
upon acceleration is less than the stated principal amount.

     "Holder" or "Securityholder" means the person in whose name a Registered
Security is registered and the bearer of a Bearer Security or coupon.

     "Indenture" means this Indenture and any Securities Resolution as amended
from time to time.

     "Officer" means the Chairman, any Vice-Chairman, the President, any
Executive or Senior Vice President, any Vice-President, the Treasurer or any
Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Company.

     "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by two Officers of the
Company, and delivered to the Trustee.

     "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion from legal counsel who is
acceptable to the Trustee, and delivered to the Trustee. The counsel may be an
employee of or counsel to the Company or the Trustee.


<PAGE>
                                       3


     "principal" of a debt security means the principal of the security plus the
premium, if and when applicable, on the security.

     "Registered Security" means a Security registered as to principal and
interest by the Registrar.

     "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     "Securities" means the debt securities issued under this Indenture.

     "Securities Resolution" means a resolution adopted by the Board or by a
committee of Officers or an Officer pursuant to Board delegation authorizing a
series.

     "series" means a series of Securities or the Securities of the series.

     "TIA" means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S. Code ss. 77aaa-77bbbb)
as amended.

     "Trading Day" means each day on which the securities exchange or quotation
system which is used to determine the Market Price is open for trading or
quotation.

     "Trustee" means the party named as such above until a successor replaces it
and thereafter means the successor.

     "Trust Officer" means the Chairman of the Board, the President or any other
officer or assistant officer of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to
administer its corporate trust matters.

     "United States" means the United States of America, its territories and
possessions and other areas subject to its jurisdiction.

SECTION 1.02.  Other Definitions.

       Term                               Defined in Section
       ----                               ------------------

 "actual knowledge"                                7.01
 "Bankruptcy Law"                                  6.01
 "Beneficial Owner"                                3.07
 "Conditional Redemption"                          3.04
 "Conversion Agent"                                2.03
 "Conversion Date"                                 9.02

<PAGE>
                                       4


 "Conversion Notice"                               9.02
 "Conversion Right"                                9.01
 "Custodian"                                       6.01
 "Depositary"                                      3.07
 "Event of Default"                                6.01
 "Legal Holiday"                                  11.06
 "Lien"                                            4.01
 "Market Price"                                    9.07
 "Participant"                                     3.07
 "Paying Agent"                                    2.03
 "Price Per Share"                                 9.09
 "Registrar"                                       2.03
 "Section 3.07 Aggregate Limit"                    3.07
 "Section 3.07 Commencement Date"                  3.07
 "Section 3.07 Individual Limit"                   3.07
 "Section 3.07 Redemption Period"                  3.07
 "Subsidiary"                                      4.01
 "Transfer Agent"                                  2.03
 "Treasury Regulations"                            2.04
 "U.S. Government Obligations"                     8.02
 "Voting Stock"                                    4.01
 "Yield to Maturity"                               4.01

SECTION 1.03.  Rules of Construction.

     Unless the context otherwise requires:

     (1) a term has the meaning assigned to it;

     (2) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it
         in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the
         United States;

     (3) generally accepted accounting principles are those applicable from time
         to time;

     (4) all terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the TIA, defined
         by TIA reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the
         TIA have the meanings assigned to them by such definitions;

     (5) "or" is not exclusive; and

     (6) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the
         singular.



<PAGE>
                                       5


                           ARTICLE 2 -- THE SECURITIES


SECTION 2.01.  Issuable in Series.

     The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be issued under this
Indenture is unlimited. The Securities may be issued from time to time in one or
more series. Each series shall be created by a Securities Resolution or a
supplemental indenture that establishes the terms of the series, which may
include the following:

     (1)   the title of the series;

     (2)   the aggregate principal amount of the series;

     (3)   the interest rate, if any, or method of calculating the interest
           rate;

     (4)   the date from which interest will accrue;

     (5)   the record dates for interest payable on Registered Securities;

     (6)   the dates when principal and interest are payable;

     (7)   the manner of paying principal and interest;

     (8)   the places where principal and interest are payable;

     (9)   the Registrar, Transfer Agent and Paying Agent;

     (10)  the terms of any mandatory or optional redemption by the Company
           including any sinking fund;

     (11)  the terms of any redemption at the option of Holders;

     (12)  the denominations in which Securities are issuable;

     (13)  whether Securities will be issuable as Registered Securities, Bearer
           Securities or uncertificated Securities;


<PAGE>
                                       6


     (14)  whether and upon what terms Registered Securities, Bearer Securities
           and uncertificated Securities may be exchanged;

     (15)  whether any Securities will be represented by a Security in global
           form;

     (16)  the terms of any global Security;

     (17)  the terms of any tax indemnity;

     (18)  the currencies (including any composite currency) in which principal
           or interest may be paid;

     (19)  if payments of principal or interest may be made in a currency other
           than that in which Securities are denominated, the manner for
           determining such payments;

     (20)  if amounts of principal or interest may be determined by reference to
           an index, formula or other method, the manner for determining such
           amounts;

     (21)  provisions for electronic issuance of Securities or for Securities in
           uncertificated form;

     (22)  the portion of principal payable upon acceleration of a Discounted
           Security;

     (23)  whether the covenant referred to in Section 4.08 applies and any
           Events of Default or covenants in addition to or in lieu of those set
           forth in this Indenture;

     (24)  whether and upon what terms Securities may be defeased;

     (25)  the forms of the Securities or any coupon, which may be in the form
           of Exhibit A or B;

     (26)  any terms that may be required by or advisable under U.S. laws;

     (27)  whether and upon what terms the Securities will be convertible into
           or exchangeable for Common Stock of the Company or other equity or
           debt se-


<PAGE>
                                       7


           curities, which may include the terms provided in Article 9;
           and

     (28)  any other terms not inconsistent with this Indenture.

     All Securities of one series need not be issued at the same time and,
unless otherwise provided, a series may be reopened for issuances of additional
Securities of such series.

     The creation and issuance of a series and the authentication and delivery
thereof are not subject to any conditions precedent.

SECTION 2.02.  Execution and Authentication.

     Two Officers shall sign the Securities by manual or facsimile signature.
The Company's seal shall be reproduced on the Securities. An Officer shall sign
any coupons by facsimile signature.

     If an Officer whose signature is on a Security or its coupons no longer
holds that office at the time the Security is authenticated or delivered, the
Security and coupons shall nevertheless be valid.

     A Security and its coupons shall not be valid until the Security is
authenticated by the manual or facsimile signature of the Registrar. The
signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Security has been authenticated
under this Indenture.

     Each Registered Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.
Each Bearer Security shall be dated the date of its original issuance or as
provided in the Securities Resolution.

     Securities may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law,
stock exchange rule, agreement or usage.

     In the event Securities are issued in electronic or other uncertificated
form, such Securities may be validly issued without the signatures or seal
contemplated by this Section 2.02.


<PAGE>
                                       8


SECTION 2.03.  Bond Agents.

     The Company shall maintain an office or agency where Securities may be
authenticated ("Registrar"), where Securities may be presented for registration
of transfer or for exchange ("Transfer Agent"), where Securities may be
presented for payment ("Paying Agent") and where Securities may be presented for
conversion ("Conversion Agent"). Whenever the Company must issue or deliver
Securities pursuant to this Indenture, the Registrar shall authenticate the
Securities at the Company's request. The Transfer Agent shall keep a register of
the Securities and of their transfer and exchange.

     The Company may appoint more than one Registrar, Transfer Agent, Paying
Agent or Conversion Agent for a series. The Company shall notify the Trustee of
the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Company
does not appoint or maintain a Registrar, Transfer Agent, Paying Agent or
Conversion Agent for a series, the Trustee shall act as such.

SECTION 2.04.  Bearer Securities.

     U.S. laws and Treasury Regulations restrict sales or exchanges of and
payments on Bearer Securities. Therefore, except as provided below:

     (1)   Bearer Securities will be offered, sold or delivered only outside the
           United States and will be delivered in connection with its original
           issuance only upon presentation of a certificate in a form prescribed
           by the Company to comply with U.S. laws and regulations.

     (2)   Bearer Securities will not be issued in exchange for Registered
           Securities.

     (3)   All payments of principal and interest (including original issue
           discount) on Bearer Securities will be made outside the United States
           by a Paying Agent located outside the United States unless the
           Company determines that:

          (A)   such payments may not be made by such Paying Agent because the
                payments are illegal or prevented by exchange controls as
                de-


<PAGE>
                                       9


                scribed in Treasury Regulation ss. 1.163-5(c)(2)(v); and

          (B)   making the payments in the United States would not have an
                adverse tax effect on the Company.

     If there is a change in the relevant provisions of U.S. laws or Treasury
Regulations or the judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, a
restriction set forth in paragraph (1), (2) or (3) above will not apply to a
series if the Company determines that the relevant provisions no longer apply to
the series or that failure to comply with the relevant provisions would not have
an adverse tax effect on the Company or on Securityholders or cause the series
to be treated as "registration-required" obligations under U.S. law.

     The Company shall notify the Trustee of any determinations by the Company
under this Section.

     "Treasury Regulations" means regulations of the U.S. Treasury Department
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

SECTION 2.05.  Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.

     The Company shall require each Paying Agent for a series other than the
Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent will hold in trust for the
benefit of the persons entitled thereto all money held by the Paying Agent for
the payment of principal of or interest on the series, and will notify the
Trustee of any default by the Company in making any such payment.

     While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to
pay all money so held by it to the Trustee. The Company at any time may require
a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee. Upon payment over to
the Trustee, the Paying Agent shall have no further liability for the money.

     If the Company or an Affiliate acts as Paying Agent for a series, it shall
segregate and hold as a separate trust fund all money held by it as Paying Agent
for the series.

     The Company may elect not to exchange or register the transfer of any
Security for a period of 15 days before a selection of Securities to be
redeemed.


<PAGE>
                                       10


SECTION 2.06.  Securityholder Lists.

     The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably
practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of
Securityholders. If the Trustee is not the Transfer Agent, the Company shall
furnish to the Trustee semiannually and at such other times as the Trustee may
request a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably
require of the names and addresses of Holders of Registered Securities and
Holders of Bearer Securities whose names are on the list referred to below. The
Transfer Agent shall keep a list of the names and addresses of Holders of Bearer
Securities who file a request to be included on such list. A request will remain
in effect for two years but successive requests may be made.

     Whenever the Company or the Trustee is required to mail a notice to all
Holders of Registered Securities of a series, it also shall mail the notice to
Holders of Bearer Securities of the series whose names are on the list.

     Whenever the Company is required to publish a notice to all Holders of
Bearer Securities of a series, it also shall mail the notice to such of them
whose names are on the list.

SECTION 2.07.  Transfer and Exchange.

     Where Registered Securities of a series are presented to the Transfer Agent
with a request to register a transfer or to exchange them for an equal principal
amount of Registered Securities of other denominations of the same series, the
Transfer Agent shall register the transfer or make the exchange if its
requirements for such transactions are met.

     The Transfer Agent may require a Holder to pay a sum sufficient to cover
any taxes imposed on a transfer or exchange.

     If a series provides for Registered and Bearer Securities and for their
exchange, Bearer Securities may be exchanged for Registered Securities and
Registered Securities may be exchanged for Bearer Securities as provided in the
Securities or the Securities Resolution if the requirements of the Transfer
Agent for such transactions are met and in the case of the exchange of
registered securities for bearer securities if Section 2.04 permits the
exchange.


<PAGE>
                                       11


SECTION 2.08.  Replacement Securities.

     If the Holder of a Security or coupon claims that it has been lost,
destroyed or wrongfully taken, then, in the absence of notice to the Company or
the Trustee that the Security or coupon has been acquired by a bona fide
purchaser, the Company shall issue a replacement Security or coupon if the
Company and the Trustee receive:

          (1)   evidence satisfactory to them of the loss, destruction or
                taking;

          (2)   an indemnity bond satisfactory to them; and

          (3)   payment of a sum sufficient to cover their expenses and any
                taxes for replacing the Security or coupon.

A replacement Security shall have coupons attached corresponding to those, if
any, on the replaced Security.

     Every replacement Security or coupon is an additional obligation of the
Company.

SECTION 2.09.  Outstanding Securities.

     The Securities outstanding at any time are all the Securities authenticated
by the Registrar except for those cancelled by it, those delivered to it for
cancellation, and those described in this Section as not outstanding.

     If a Security is replaced pursuant to Section 2.08, it ceases to be
outstanding unless the Trustee and the Company receive proof satisfactory to
them that the replaced Security is held by a bona fide purchaser.

     If Securities are considered paid under Section 4.01, they cease to be
outstanding and interest on them ceases to accrue.

     A Security does not cease to be outstanding because the Company or an
Affiliate holds the Security.

SECTION 2.10.  Discounted Securities.

     In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of
Securities have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, the principal
amount of a Discounted Secu-


<PAGE>
                                       12


rity shall be the amount of principal that would be due as of the date of such
determination if payment of the Security were accelerated on that date.

SECTION 2.11.  Treasury Securities.

     In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of
Securities have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Securities owned
by the Company or an Affiliate shall be disregarded, except that for the
purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any
such direction, waiver or consent, only Securities which the Trustee knows are
so owned shall be so disregarded.

SECTION 2.12.  Global Securities.

     If the Securities Resolution so provides, the Company may issue some or all
of the Securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form. A global
Security may be in registered form, in bearer form with or without coupons or in
uncertificated form. A global Security shall represent that amount of Securities
of a series as specified in the global Security or as endorsed thereon from time
to time. At the Company's request, the Registrar shall endorse a global Security
to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the Securities represented
thereby.

     The Company may issue a global Security only to a depository designated by
the Company. A depository may transfer a global Security only as a whole to its
nominee or to a successor depository.

     The Securities Resolution may establish, among other things, the manner of
paying principal and interest on a global Security and whether and upon what
terms a beneficial owner of an interest in a global Security may exchange such
interest for definitive Securities.

     The Company, an Affiliate, the Trustee and any Agent shall not be
responsible for any acts or omissions of a depository, for any depository
records of beneficial ownership interests or for any transactions between the
depository and beneficial owners.

SECTION 2.13.  Temporary Securities.

     Until definitive Securities of a series are ready for delivery, the Company
may use temporary Securities. Temporary

<PAGE>
                                       13


Securities shall be substantially in the form of definitive Securities but may
have variations that the Company considers appropriate for temporary Securities.
Temporary Securities may be in global form. Temporary Bearer Securities may have
one or more coupons or no coupons. Without unreasonable delay, the Company shall
deliver definitive Securities in exchange for temporary Securities.

SECTION 2.14.  Cancellation.

     The Company at any time may deliver Securities to the Registrar for
cancellation. The Transfer Agent and the Paying Agent shall forward to the
Registrar any Securities and coupons surrendered to them for payment, exchange
or registration of transfer. The Registrar shall cancel all Securities or
coupons surrendered for payment, registration of transfer, exchange or
cancellation as follows: the Registrar will cancel all Registered Securities and
matured coupons. The Registrar also will cancel all Bearer Securities and
unmatured coupons unless the Company requests the Registrar to hold the same for
redelivery. Any Bearer Securities so held shall be considered delivered for
cancellation under Section 2.09. The Registrar shall destroy cancelled
Securities and coupons unless the Company otherwise directs.

     Unless the Securities Resolution otherwise provides, the Company may not
issue new Securities to replace Securities that the Company has paid or that the
Company has delivered to the Registrar for cancellation.

SECTION 2.15.  Defaulted Interest.

     If the Company defaults in a payment of interest on Registered Securities,
it need not pay the defaulted interest to Holders on the regular record date.
The Company may fix a special record date for determining Holders entitled to
receive defaulted interest, or the Company may pay defaulted interest in any
other lawful manner.


                             ARTICLE 3 -- REDEMPTION


SECTION 3.01.  Notices to Trustee.

     Securities of a series that are redeemable before maturity shall be
redeemable in accordance with their terms and, 


<PAGE>
                                       14


unless the Securities Resolution otherwise provides, in accordance with this
Article.

     In the case of a redemption by the Company, the Company shall notify the
Trustee of the redemption date and the principal amount of Securities to be
redeemed. The Company shall notify the Trustee at least 35 days before the
redemption date unless a shorter notice is satisfactory to the Trustee.

     If the Company is required to redeem Securities, it may reduce the
principal amount of Securities required to be redeemed to the extent that it is
permitted a credit against such redemption requirement by the terms of the
Securities and notifies the Trustee of the amount of such credit and the basis
for it. If the reduction is based on a credit for acquired or redeemed
Securities that the Company has not previously delivered to the Registrar for
cancellation, the Company shall deliver the Securities at the same time as the
notice.

SECTION 3.02.  Selection of Securities to Be Redeemed.

     If less than all the Securities of a series are to be redeemed, the Trustee
shall select the Securities to be redeemed by a method the Trustee considers
fair and appropriate. The Trustee shall make the selection from Securities of
the series outstanding not previously called for redemption. The Trustee may
select for redemption portions of the principal of Securities having
denominations larger than the minimum denomination for the series. Securities
and portions thereof selected for redemption shall be in amounts equal to the
minimum denomination for the series or an integral multiple thereof. Provisions
of this Indenture that apply to Securities called for redemption also apply to
portions of Securities called for redemption.

SECTION 3.03.  Notice of Redemption.

     At least 30 days before a redemption date, the Company shall mail a notice
of redemption by first-class mail to each Holder of Registered Securities whose
Securities are to be redeemed.

     If Bearer Securities are to be redeemed, the Company shall publish a notice
of redemption in an Authorized Newspaper as provided in the Securities.

     A notice shall identify the Securities of the series to be redeemed and
shall state:


<PAGE>
                                       15


          (1)   the redemption date;

          (2)   the redemption price;

          (3)   the name and address of the Paying Agent;

          (4)   that Securities called for redemption, together with all
                coupons, if any, maturing after the redemption date, must be
                surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;

          (5)   that interest on Securities called for redemption ceases to
                accrue on and after the redemption date;

          (6)   whether the redemption by the Company is mandatory or optional;
                and

          (7)   whether the redemption is conditional as provided in Section
                3.04, and if so, the terms of the conditions, and that, if the
                conditions are not satisfied or is not waived by the Company,
                the Securities will not be redeemed and such a failure to redeem
                will not constitute an Event of Default.

     A redemption notice given by publication need not identify Registered
Securities to be redeemed.

     At the Company's request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption
in the Company's name and at its expense.

SECTION 3.04.  Effect of Notice of Redemption.

     Except as provided below, once notice of redemption is given, Securities
called for redemption become due and payable on the redemption date at the
redemption price stated in the notice.

     A notice of redemption may provide that it is subject to the occurrence of
any event before the date fixed for such redemption as described in such notice
("Conditional Redemption"), and such notice of Conditional Redemption shall be
of no effect unless all such conditions to the redemption have occurred or
before such date or have been waived by the Company in its sole discretion.


<PAGE>
                                       16


SECTION 3.05.  Payment of Redemption Price.

     On or before the redemption date, the Company shall deposit with the Paying
Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price of and accrued interest on
all Securities to be redeemed on that date.

     When the Holder of a Security surrenders it for redemption in accordance
with the redemption notice, the Company shall pay to the Holder on the
redemption date the redemption price and accrued interest to such date, except
that:

          (1)   the Company will pay any such interest (except defaulted
                interest) to Holders on the record date of Registered Securities
                if the redemption date occurs on an interest payment date; and

          (2)   the Company will pay any such interest to Holders of coupons
                that mature on or before the redemption date upon surrender of
                such coupons to the Paying Agent.

     Coupons maturing after the redemption date on a called Security are void
absent a payment default on that date. Nevertheless, if a Holder surrenders for
redemption a Bearer Security missing any such coupons, the Company may deduct
the face amount of such coupons from the redemption price. If thereafter the
Holder surrenders to the Paying Agent the missing coupons, the Company will
return the amount so deducted. The Company may waive surrender of the missing
coupons if it receives an indemnity bond satisfactory to the Company.

SECTION 3.06.  Securities Redeemed in Part.

     Upon surrender of a Security that is redeemed in part, the Company shall
deliver to the Holder a new Security of the same series equal in principal
amount to the unredeemed portion of the Security surrendered.

SECTION 3.07.  Limited Right of Redemption at Option of Beneficial Owner.

     If the Securities Resolution establishing a Series so provides, unless the
Securities have been declared due and payable prior to their maturity by reason
of an event of default, commencing on a date specified in such Securities
Resolution (the "Section 3.07 Commencement Date") the Representative (as defined
below) of a deceased holder of an interest in the Secu-


<PAGE>
                                       17


rities (a "Beneficial Owner") has the right to request redemption of all or part
of his or her interest Securities, expressed in integral multiples of $1,000,
for payment prior to maturity, and the Company will redeem the same subject to
the limitations that the Company will not be obligated to redeem during a period
or periods specified in such Securities Resolution (each a "Section 3.07
Redemption Period"), (i) on behalf of the deceased Beneficial Owner any interest
in the Securities which exceeds an aggregate principal amount specified in said
Securities Resolution (the "Section 3.07 Individual Limit") and (ii) interests
in the Securities in the aggregate principal amount exceeding such aggregate
limit as is specified in the Securities Resolution establishing a Series (the
"Section 3.07 Aggregate Limit"). In the case of interests in the Securities
owned by a deceased Beneficial Owner, a request for redemption may be presented
to the Trustee at any time and in any principal amount. If the Company, although
not obligated to do so, chooses to redeem interests of a deceased Beneficial
Owner in the Securities in any such period in excess of the Section 3.07
Individual Limit, such redemption, to the extent that it exceeds the Section
3.07 Individual Limit for any Beneficial Owner, shall not be included in the
computation of the Section 3.07 Percentage Limit applicable to the Series for
such Section 3.07 Redemption Period.

     Subject to the Section 3.07 Individual Limit and the Section 3.07 Aggregate
Limit applicable to a Series, the Company will upon the death of any Beneficial
Owner redeem the interest of the Beneficial Owner in the Securities within 60
days following receipt by the Trustee of a validly completed Redemption Request,
as hereinafter defined, including all supporting documentation, from such
Beneficial Owner's personal representative, or surviving joint tenant(s),
tenant(s) by the entirety or tenant(s) in common, or other persons entitled to
effect such a Redemption Request (each, a "Representative"). If Redemption
Requests exceed either the Section 3.07 Individual Limit and the Section 3.07
Aggregate Limit then such excess Redemption Request (subject in the case of the
Section 3.07 Individual Limit to the provisions of the last sentence of the
preceding paragraph) will be applied to successive Section 3.07 Redemption
Periods in the order of receipt for prepayment, regardless of the number of
Section 3.07 Redemption Periods required to redeem such interest unless sooner
withdrawn as described below.

     A request for redemption of an interest in the Securities may be made by
delivering a request to the depositary, if any, in whose names the certificate
or certificates repre-


<PAGE>
                                       18


senting the Bonds of the _____ % Convertible Series are registered (the
"Depositary") in the case of a participant in the system of such Depositary,
including securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with such a participant, either
directly or indirectly (a "Participant"), which is the Beneficial Owner of such
interest, or to the Participant through whom the Beneficial Owner owns such
interest, in form satisfactory to the Participant, together with evidence of
death of the Beneficial Owner and the authority of the Representative
satisfactory to the Participant and the Trustee. A Representative of a deceased
Beneficial Owner may make the request for redemption and shall submit such other
evidence of the right to such redemption as the Participant or Trustee shall
require. The request shall specify the principal amount of the Securities to be
redeemed. A request for redemption in form satisfactory to the Participant and
accompanied by the documents relevant to the request as above provided, together
with a certification by the Participant that it holds the interest on behalf of
the deceased Beneficial Owner with respect to whom the request for redemption is
being made (the "Redemption Request") shall be provided to the Depositary by a
Participant and the Depositary will forward the request to the Trustee.
Redemption Requests, including all supporting documentation, shall be in the
form satisfactory to the Trustee and no request for redemption shall be
considered validly made until the Redemption Request and all supporting
documentation, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, shall have been received by
the Trustee.

     The price to be paid by the Company for an interest in the Securities to be
redeemed pursuant to a request from a deceased Beneficial Owner's Representative
is one hundred percent (100%) of the principal amount thereof, unless otherwise
specified in the Securities Resolution authorizing a Series, plus accrued but
unpaid interest to the date of redemption. Subject to arrangements with the
Depositary, payment for interests in the Securities which are to be redeemed
shall be made to the Depositary within 60 days following receipt by the Trustee
of the Redemption Request, including all supporting documentation, and the
Securities to be redeemed in the aggregate principal amount specified in the
Redemption Requests submitted to the Trustee by the Depositary which are to be
fulfilled in connection with such payment. An acquisition of Securities by the
Company or its subsidiaries other than by redemption at the option of any
Representative of a deceased Beneficial Owner shall not be included in the
computation of either the Section 3.07 Individual Limit or relevant Section 3.07
Aggregate Limit for any Section 3.07 Redemption Period.


<PAGE>
                                       19


     Interests in the Securities held in tenancy by the entirety, joint tenancy
or by tenants in common will be deemed to be held by a single Beneficial Owner
and the death of a tenant in common, tenant by the entirety or joint tenant will
be deemed to be the death of the Beneficial Owner. The death of a person who,
during such person's lifetime, was entitled to substantially all of the rights
of a Beneficial Owner will be deemed the death of the Beneficial Owner,
regardless of the recordation of such interest on the records of the
Participant, if such rights can be established to the satisfaction of the
Participant and the Trustee.

     Any Redemption Request may be withdrawn upon delivery of a written request
for such withdrawal given to the Trustee by the Depositary prior to payment for
redemption of the interest in the Securities.


                             ARTICLE 4 -- COVENANTS


SECTION 4.01.  Payment of Securities.

     The Company shall pay the principal of and interest on a series in
accordance with the terms of the Securities for the series, any related coupons,
and this Indenture. Principal and interest on a series shall be considered paid
on the date due if the Paying Agent for the series holds on that date money
sufficient to pay all principal and interest then due on the series.

SECTION 4.02.  Overdue Interest.

     Unless the Securities Resolution otherwise provides, the Company shall pay
interest on overdue principal of a Security of a series at the rate (or Yield to
Maturity in the case of a Discounted Security) borne by the series; it shall pay
interest on overdue installments of interest at the same rate or Yield to
Maturity to the extent lawful.

SECTION 4.03.  No Lien Created, etc.

     This Indenture and the Securities do not create a Lien, charge or
encumbrance on any property of the Company or any Subsidiary.


<PAGE>
                                       20


SECTION 4.04.  Compliance Certificate.

     The Company shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of
each fiscal year of the Company, a brief certificate signed by the principal
executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer
of the Company, as to the signer's knowledge of the Company's compliance with
all conditions and covenants under this Indenture (determined without regard to
any period of grace or requirement of notice provided herein).

     Any other obligor on the Securities shall also deliver to the Trustee such
a certificate as to its compliance with this Indenture within 120 days after the
end of each of its fiscal years.

     The certificates need not comply with Section 11.04.

SECTION 4.05.  SEC Reports.

     The Company shall file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company
is required to file the same with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and of
the information, documents, and other reports (or such portions of the foregoing
as the SEC may prescribe) which the Company is required to file with the SEC
pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

     Any other obligor on the Securities shall do likewise as to the above items
which it is required to file with the SEC pursuant to those sections.

SECTION 4.06.  Certain Definitions.

     "Lien" means mortgage, pledge, security interest or other lien.

     "Mortgage" means the Company's Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated July 1,
1939, as heretofore or hereafter amended, modified and supplemented, to Harris
Trust and Savings Bank, as trustee, providing for the issuance of the Company's
First Mortgage Bonds (the "First Mortgage Bonds").

     "Permitted Encumbrances" means any of the following:

          (1)   Liens of taxes, assessments or governmental charges for the then
                current year and taxes, assessments or governmental charges not
                then de-


<PAGE>
                                       21


                linquent; Liens for workers' compensation awards and
                similar obligations not then delinquent; mechanics' , laborers',
                materialmen's and similar Liens not then delinquent; and any of
                such Liens, whether or not delinquent, whose validity is at the
                time being contested in good faith by the Company or any
                subsidiary;

          (2)   Liens and charges incidental to construction or current
                operations which have not at the time been filed or asserted or
                the payment of which has been adequately secured or which are
                stated in an Officers' Certificate to be not material in amount;

          (3)   Liens,securing obligations neither assumed by the Company nor on
                account of which any of them customarily pays interest directly
                or indirectly, existing, either at the date hereof, or, as to
                property hereafter acquired, at the time of the acquisition of
                such property by the Company;

          (4)   Any right which any municipal or governmental body or agency may
                have by virtue of any franchise, license, contract or statute or
                purchase, or designate a purchaser of or order the sale of, any
                property of the company or any Subsidiary upon payment of
                reasonable compensation therefor, or to terminate any franchise,
                license or other rights or to regulate the property and business
                of the Company;

          (5)   Easements or reservations in respect of any property of the
                Company for the purpose of roads, pipelines, utility
                transmission and distribution lines or other rights-of-way and
                similar purposes, zoning ordinances, regulations, reservations,
                restrictions, covenants, party wall agreements, conditions of
                record and other encumbrances (other than to secure the payment
                of money), none of which in the opinion of counsel are such as
                to interfere with the proper operation and development of the
                property affected thereby in the business of the Company for the
                use intended;


<PAGE>
                                       22


          (6)   Any Lien or encumbrance, moneys sufficient for the discharge of
                which have been deposited in trust with the Trustee hereunder or
                with the trustee or mortgagee under the instrument evidencing
                such Lien or encumbrance, with irrevocable authority to the
                Trustee hereunder or to such other trustee or mortgagee to apply
                such moneys to the discharge of such Lien or encumbrance to the
                extent required for such purpose;

          (7)   Any defects of title and any terms, conditions, agreements,
                covenants, exceptions and reservations expressed or provided in
                deeds or other instruments, respectively, under and by virtue of
                which the Company has acquired any property or shall hereafter
                acquire any property, none of which, in the opinion of counsel,
                materially adversely affects the operation of the properties of
                the Company.

          (8)   The pledge of cash or marketable securities for the purpose of
                obtaining any indemnity, performance or other similar bonds in
                the ordinary course of business, or as security for the payment
                of taxes or other assessments being contested in good faith, or
                for the purpose of obtaining a stay or discharge in the course
                of any legal proceedings;

          (9)   The pledge or assignment in the ordinary course of business of
                electricity, gas (either natural or artificial), steam, fuel
                (including nuclear fuel) whether or not consumable in the
                operation of the mortgaged property, accounts receivable or
                customers' installment paper;

          (10)  Rights reserved to or vested in others to take or receive any
                part of the electricity, gas (either natural or artificial),
                steam, fuel (including nuclear fuel) or any by-products thereof
                generated or produced by or from any properties of the Company
                or with respect to any other rights concerning electricity, gas
                (either natural or artificial) or steam supply, transportation,
                or storage which are in use in the ordinary course of the
                electricity, gas (either natural or artificial) or steam
                business;


<PAGE>
                                       23


          (11)  Any landlord's lien;

          (12)  Liens created or assumed by the Company in connection with the
                issuance of debt securities, the interest on which is excludable
                from the gross income of the holders of such securities pursuant
                to Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or any
                successor section, for purposes of financing, in whole or in
                part, the acquisition or construction of property to be used by
                the Company, but such Liens shall be limited to the property so
                financed (and the real estate on which such property is to be
                located);

          (13)  Liens incurred pursuant to Section 7.06;

          (14)  Liens affixing to property of the Company at the time a person
                consolidates with or merges into, or transfers all or
                substantially all of its assets to, the Company, provided that
                in the opinion of the board or company management (evidenced by
                a certified Board resolution or an Officers' Certificate
                delivered to the Trustee) the property acquired pursuant to the
                consolidation, merger or asset transfer is adequate security for
                the Lien;

          (15)  Liens or encumbrances not otherwise permitted if, at the time of
                the incurrence thereof and after giving effect thereto, the
                aggregate of all obligations of the Company secured thereby does
                not exceed 10% of Tangible Net Worth (as defined below);

          (16)  Party-wall agreements and agreements for and obligations
                relating to the joint or common use of property owned solely by
                the Company or owned by the Company in common or jointly with
                one or more parties;

          (17)  Liens securing indebtedness incurred by a person, other than the
                Company, which indebtedness has been neither assumed nor
                guaranteed by the Company nor on which it customarily pays
                interest, existing on property which the Company owns jointly or
                in common with such person or such person and others, if there
                is an effective bar against partition of such property, which
                would


<PAGE>
                                       24


                preclude the sale of such property by such other person or
                the holder of such lien without the consent of the Company;

          (18)  Any attachment, judgment and other similar lien arising in
                connection with court proceedings in an amount not in excess of
                the greater of $50,000,000 or 5% of the principal amount of the
                outstanding Securities at the time such attachment, judgment or
                lien arises, or the execution of which has been stayed or which
                has been appealed and secured, if necessary, by an appeal bond;

          (19)  The burdens of any law or governmental rule, regulation, order
                or permit requiring the Company to maintain certain facilities
                or to perform certain acts as a condition of its occupancy or
                use of, or interference with, any public or private lands or
                highways or any river, stream or other waters;

          (20)  Any duties or obligations of the Company to any federal, state
                or local or other governmental authority with respect to any
                franchise, grant, license or permit which affects any mortgaged
                property;

          (21)  Liens in favor of a government or governmental entity securing
                (A) payments pursuant to a statute (other than taxes), or (B)
                indebtedness incurred to finance all or part of the purchase
                price or cost of construction of the property subject to such
                lien;

          (22)  Liens on securities held by the Company; and

          (23)  Liens or encumbrances affixing to the property of a Subsidiary.

          For the purposes of this Indenture, no mortgage or other lien on any
          property of the Company shall be considered as a "mortgage," "lien,"
          "charge" or "encumbrance" if cash or U.S. Government Obligations
          sufficient to pay or redeem the indebtedness secured by such mortgage
          or lien shall be held in trust for such purpose by the Trustee or by
          the trustee, mortgagee or other holder of such mortgage or lien; the
          sufficiency of such cash or U.S. Gov-


<PAGE>
                                       25


          ernment Obligations shall be evidenced to the Trustee by a certificate
          of an independent public accountant.

     "person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

     "Subsidiary" of any person means (i) a corporation more than 50% of the
outstanding voting stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by such
person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such person or by such person and
one or more Subsidiaries thereof or (ii) any other person (other than a
corporation) in which such person, or one or more Subsidiaries of such person or
such person and one or more Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, has at
least a majority ownership and power to direct the policy, management and
affairs thereof.

     "Tangible Net Worth" means (i) common stockholders' equity appearing on the
most recent balance sheet of the Company (or consolidated balance sheet of the
Company and its Subsidiaries if the Company then has one or more consolidated
Subsidiaries the accounts of which are consolidated with the accounts of the
Company prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
less (ii) intangible assets (excluding intangible assets recoverable through
rates as prescribed by applicable regulatory authorities).

SECTION 4.07.  Limitations on Liens.

     If the Securities Resolution establishing a Series so provides, so long as
there remain outstanding any Securities of any series to which this Section 4.07
applies under the terms of the series, and subject to Article 8, the Company
will not create or suffer to be created or to exist any Lien on any of its
properties or assets, now owned or hereafter acquired to secure any
indebtedness, without making effective provision whereby the Securities of such
series shall be equally and ratably secured with any and all such indebtedness
and with any other indebtedness similarly entitled to be equally and ratably
secured. However, this restriction shall not apply to or prevent the creation or
existence of:

     (1) the Mortgage securing the Company's First Mortgage Bonds and any
indenture supplemental thereto subjecting any property to the Lien thereof 


<PAGE>
                                       26


or confirming the Lien thereof upon any property, whether owned before the date
hereof or hereafter acquired;

     (2) any additional mortgage entered into or assumed by the Company
subjecting any property to the Lien thereof or confirming the lien thereof upon
any property, whether owned before the date hereof or hereafter acquired;

     (3) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition or construction
of such property (or created within two years after completion of such
acquisition or construction), whether by purchase, merger, construction or
otherwise, or to secure the payment of all or any part of the purchase price or
construction cost thereof, including the extension of any such Liens to repairs,
renewals, replacements, substitutions, betterments, additions, extensions and
improvements then or thereafter made on the property subject thereto;

     (4) any Lien securing bank indebtedness now or hereafter incurred or
assumed by the Company;

     (5) any extensions, renewals or replacements (or successive extensions,
renewals or replacements), in whole or in part, of Liens (including, without
limitation, the Mortgage, and any additional mortgage) permitted by the
foregoing clauses (1), (2), (3) and (4);

     (6) the pledge of any bonds or other securities at any time issued under
any of the Liens permitted by clauses (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5); or

     (7) Permitted Encumbrances;

provided, however, with respect to any issuances of indebtedness contemplated by
the foregoing clauses (1) and (4)(except with respect to clauses (2), (3))
("Future Secured Debt"), the Company concurrently with the issuance of any such
Future Secured Debt issues to the Trustee hereunder, such Future Secured Debt in
the same principal amount and having the same interest rate or rates, maturity
date or dates, redemption provisions and other terms as the Securities then
outstanding, and with any other terms and provisions necessary to give the
holders of the Securities then outstanding the benefit of any Lien created in
connection with such Future Secured Debt; provided, further, that at such time
as the Trustee is the only holder of Future Secured Debt, the Trustee will
surrender such Future Secured Debt to the Company for cancellation and this
Indenture will be discharged and defeased.


<PAGE>
                                       27


     This Section 4.07 shall not apply to or prevent the creation or existence
of leases made, or existing on property acquired, in the ordinary course of
business.

SECTION 4.08.  Issuance Restrictions.

     If the Securities Resolution establishing a Series so provides, (1) so long
as any Securities are outstanding, the Company will not (a) issue additional
First Mortgage Bonds under the Mortgage or mortgage bonds (such additional First
Mortgage Bonds and mortgage bonds being hereafter referred to as "Mortgage
Bonds") under any additional mortgage which it may enter into or the obligations
of which it may assume (collectively, the "Restricted Mortgages") except (A) to
replace any mutilated, lost, destroyed or stolen Mortgage Bonds or to effect
exchanges and transfers of Mortgage Bonds or (B) to issue Mortgage Bonds in 
connection with any refinancing of Mortgage Bonds, or any security for which
Mortgage Bonds provide collateral, having the same or lesser aggregate principal
amount at maturity and the same or earlier maturity date, but with such other 
terms as the Company may determine or (b) subject to the lien of any Restricted
Mortgage any property which is excepted and excluded under such Restricted 
Mortgage and the lien and operation thereof by the terms of such Restricted 
Mortgage unless (i) concurrently with the issuance of such Mortgage Bonds or 
subjection of any such property to such lien, the Company issues, and the 
trustee under the Restricted Mortgage under which such Mortgage Bonds are 
issued or under the lien of which such property becomes subject, authenticates 
and delivers to the Trustee, a Mortgage Bond or Bonds in an aggregate principal 
amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Securities then out-
standing, and (ii) concurrently with and as a condition precedent to the 
issuance of any Securities thereafter, the Company issues, and the trustee 
under the applicable Restricted Mortgage authenticates and delivers to the 
Trustee, a Mortgage Bond or Bonds in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
aggregate principal amount of the Securities to be issued, and in each such 
case such Mortgage Bonds shall have the same maturity, bear interest at the 
same rates, have redemption and other terms and provisions which are the same 
as, the Securities outstanding or to be issued, as the case may be and thereby 
gives to the holders of all outstanding Securities the benefit of the security 
of such Mortgage Bond or Bonds, provided that the obligation of the Company to 
make payments with respect to the principal of and interest on any such 
Mortgage Bond or Bonds issued under a Restricted Mortgage to the Trustee shall 
be fully or partially, as the case may be, satisfied or discharged to the 
extent that, at the time that any such payment shall be due, the then due
<PAGE>
                                       28


principal of and interest on the Securities shall have been fully or partially
paid. For purposes of this provision the merger or combination of the Company
with another entity having Mortgage Bonds outstanding under a Restricted
Mortgage on the date such a transaction is consummated shall not constitute an
issuance of additional Mortgage Bonds and therefore, Mortgage Bonds shall not be
required to be issued under such Restricted Mortgage in connection with the
consummation of such a transaction.

     (2) Mortgage Bonds delivered to the Trustee pursuant to Section 4.08(1)
shall be fully registered in the name of the Trustee, which shall hold such
Mortgage Bonds in trust for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the
Securities, to provide the security of the Mortgage Bonds for (a) the full and
prompt payment of the principal of each Security when and as the same shall
become due in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Indenture, either
at the maturity thereof, upon acceleration of the maturity thereof or upon call
for redemption, and (b) the full and prompt payment of any premium and interest
on each Security when and as the same shall become due in accordance with the
terms and provisions of this Indenture.

     (3) As a holder of Mortgage Bonds, the Trustee shall have and exercise all
of the rights of a holder of Mortgage Bonds possessed under the Restricted
Mortgage under which such Mortgage Bonds were issued.

     (4) Except as required to effect an assignment to a successor trustee under
this Indenture, the Trustee shall not sell, assign or transfer any Mortgage
Bonds held by it pursuant to this Indenture, and the Company shall issue stop
transfer instructions to the trustees and any transfer agents under the
Restricted Mortgages to effect compliance with this paragraph (4).

     (5) When (a) all of the principal of and any premium and interest on all
Securities shall have been paid or provision therefor duly made in accordance
with this Indenture, or (b) all Securities shall have been delivered to the
Trustee for cancellation by or on behalf of the Company, or (c) no Security is
any longer outstanding under this Indenture and all conditions in Article 8 have
been satisfied, the Trustee shall upon request of the Company, within five
business days thereafter, deliver to the Company without charge all Mortgage
<PAGE>
                                      29


Bonds held by the Trustee under this Indenture, together with such appropriate
instruments of release as may be required; the Mortgage Bonds so acquired by the
Company shall be delivered for cancellation to the trustee under the Restricted
Mortgage under which they were issued.

     (6) The Trustee, as a holder of Mortgage Bonds, shall attend any meeting of
holders of Mortgage Bonds issued under the Restricted Mortgage, and either at
such meeting, or otherwise when the consent of such holders is sought without a
meeting, the Trustee shall vote the outstanding principal amount of such
Mortgage Bonds, or shall consent with respect thereto, proportionally with
respect to the holders of all other Mortgage Bonds then outstanding under such
Restricted Mortgage and eligible to vote or consent, provided the Trustee shall
not vote any portion of the outstanding principal amount of the Mortgage Bonds
held by it hereunder in favor of, or give its consent to, any action which, in
the opinion of the Trustee, would materially adversely affect the interests of
the Holders, except with the appropriate consent of the Holders.

     (7) The Trustee shall surrender for cancellation to the trustee under a
Restricted Mortgage all Mortgage Bonds then held by the Trustee and issued under
such Restricted Mortgage upon receipt by the Trustee of:

                  (a)an    Officers' Certificate requesting such surrender for
                           cancellation of such Mortgage Bonds, and to the
                           effect that no Mortgage Bonds are outstanding under
                           such Restricted Mortgage other than Mortgage Bonds
                           held by the Trustee hereunder and that promptly upon
                           such surrender such Restricted Mortgage will be
                           satisfied and discharged pursuant to the terms
                           thereof; and

                    (b)    an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that upon
                           satisfaction and discharge of such Restricted
                           Mortgage the property formerly subject to the lien of
                           such Restricted Mortgage will be subject to no lien
                           except permitted encumbrances thereunder.


                             ARTICLE 5 -- SUCCESSORS


SECTION 5.01.  When Company May Merge, etc.

     Unless the Securities Resolution establishing a Series otherwise provides,
the Company shall not consolidate with 

<PAGE>
                                    30

or merge into, or transfer all or
substantially all of its assets to, any person in any transaction in which the
Company is not the survivor unless:

                    (1)    the person is organized under the laws of the United
                           States or a State thereof or is organized under the
                           laws of a foreign jurisdiction and consents to the
                           jurisdiction of the courts of the United States or a
                           State thereof;

                    (2)    the person assumes by supplemental indenture all the 
                           obligations of the Company under this Indenture, 
                           the Securities and any coupons;

                    (3)    all required approvals of any regulatory body 
                           having jurisdiction over the
                           transaction shall have been obtained; and

                    (4)    immediately after the transaction no Default exists.

     The successor shall be substituted for the Company, and thereafter all
obligations of the Company under this Indenture, the Securities and any coupons
shall terminate.


                       ARTICLE 6 -- DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES


SECTION 6.01.  Events of Default.

     Unless the Securities Resolution otherwise provides, an "Event of Default"
on a series occurs if:

                    (1)    the Company defaults in any payment of interest on
                           any Securities of the series when the same becomes
                           due and payable and the Default continues for a
                           period of 60 days;

                    (2)    the Company defaults in the payment of the principal
                           and premium, if any, of any Securities of the series
                           when the same becomes due and payable at maturity or
                           upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise, and such
                           default shall continue for five or more days;

                    (3)    the Company defaults in the payment or satisfaction
                           of any sinking fund obligation with respect 

<PAGE>
                                      31


                           to any Securities of the Series as required by the
                           Securities Resolution establishing such series and
                           the Default continues for a period of 60 days;

                    (4)    the Company defaults in the performance of any of its
                           other agreements applicable to the series and the
                           Default continues for 90 days after the notice
                           specified below;

                    (5)    the Company pursuant to or within the meaning of any 
               Bankruptcy Law:

                           (A)      commences a voluntary case,

                           (B)      consents to the entry of an order for 
                                    relief against it in an involuntary
                                    case,

                           (C)      consents to the appointment of a Custodian 
                                    for it or for all or substantially all of
                                    its property, or

                           (D)      makes a general assignment for the benefit 
                                    of its creditors;

                    (6)    a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or
                           decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

                           (A)      is for relief against the Company in an 
                                    involuntary case,

                           (B)      appoints a Custodian for the Company or for 
                                    all or substantially all of its property,
                                    or

                           (C)      orders the liquidation of the Company;

                           and the order or decree remains unstayed and in 
                           effect for 60 days; or

                    (7)    there occurs any other Event of Default provided for 
                           in the series.

     The term "Bankruptcy Law" means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar Federal
or State law for the relief of debtors. The term "Custodian" means any receiver,
trustee, assignee, liquidator or a similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

<PAGE>
                                   32


     A Default under clause (4) is not an Event of Default until the Trustee or
the Holders of at least 33-1/3% in principal amount of the series notify the
Company of the Default and the Company does not cure the Default within the time
specified after receipt of the notice. The notice must specify the Default,
demand that it be remedied and state that the notice is a "Notice of Default."
If Holders notify the Company of a Default, they shall notify the Trustee at the
same time.

     The failure to redeem any Security subject to a Conditional Redemption is
not an Event of Default if any event on which such redemption is so conditioned
does not occur and is not waived before the scheduled redemption date.

SECTION 6.02.  Acceleration.

     If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing on a series, the Trustee by
notice to the Company, or the Holders of at least 33-1/3% in principal amount of
the series by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may declare the principal
of and accrued interest on all the Securities of the series to be due and
payable immediately. Discounted Securities may provide that the amount of
principal due upon acceleration is less than the stated principal amount.

     The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the series by notice to
the Trustee may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission
would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of
Default on the series have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal
or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration.

SECTION 6.03.  Other Remedies.

     If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing on a series, the Trustee
may pursue any available remedy to collect principal or interest then due on the
series, to enforce the performance of any provision applicable to the series, or
otherwise to protect the rights of the Trustee and Holders of the series.

     The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of
the Securities or coupons or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A
delay or omission by the Trustee or any Securityholder in exercising any right
or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or 
remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event

<PAGE>
                                   33

of Default. All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

SECTION 6.04.  Waiver of Past Defaults.

     Unless the Securities Resolution otherwise provides, the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of a series by notice to the Trustee may waive an
existing Default on the series and its consequences except:

                    (1)    a Default in the payment of the principal of or 
                           interest on the series, or

                    (2)    a Default in respect of a provision that under
                           Section 10.02 cannot be amended without the consent
                           of each Securityholder affected.

SECTION 6.05.  Control by Majority.

     The Holders of a majority in principal amount of a series may direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Trustee, or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with
respect to the series. However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction
that conflicts with law or this Indenture or if the Trustee in good faith shall
determine that the action or direction might involve the Trustee in personal
liability.

SECTION 6.06.  Limitation on Suits.

     A Securityholder of a series may pursue a remedy with respect to the series
only if:

                    (1)    the Holder gives to the Trustee notice of a 
                           continuing Event of Default on the
                           series;

                    (2)    the Holders of at least 33-1/3% in principal amount
                           of the series make a request to
                           the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

                    (3)    such Holder or Holders offer to the Trustee 
                           indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee
                           against any loss, liability or expense;

                    (4)    the Trustee does not comply with the request within 
                           60 days after receipt of the
                           request and the offer of indemnity; and
<PAGE>
                                    34

                    (5)    during such 60-day period the Holders of a majority
                           in principal amount of the series do not give the
                           Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request.

     A Securityholder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of
another Securityholder or to obtain a preference or priority over another
Securityholder.

SECTION 6.07.  Collection Suit by Trustee.

     If an Event of Default in payment of interest, principal or sinking fund
specified in Section 6.01(1), (2) or (3) occurs and is continuing on a series,
the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express
trust against the Company for the whole amount of principal and interest
remaining unpaid on the series.

SECTION 6.08.  Priorities.

     If the Trustee collects any money for a series pursuant to this Article, it
shall pay out the money in the following order:

                  First:  to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.06;

                  Second:  to Securityholders of the series for amounts due and 
         unpaid for principal and interest, ratably, without preference or 
         priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and
         payable for principal and interest, respectively; and

                  Third:  to the Company.

     The Trustee may fix a payment date for any payment to Securityholders.


                              ARTICLE 7 -- TRUSTEE


SECTION 7.01.  Rights of Trustee.

                    (1)    The Trustee may rely on any document believed by it
                           to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by
                           the proper person. The Trustee need 

<PAGE>
                              35

                           
                           not investigate any fact or matter stated in the
                           document.

                    (2)    Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it
                           may require an Officers' Certificate or an Opinion of
                           Counsel. The Trustee shall not be liable for any
                           action it takes or omits to take in good faith in
                           reliance on the Certificate or Opinion.

                    (3)    The Trustee may act through agents and shall not be
                           responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any
                           agent appointed with due care.

                    (4)    The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it
                           takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance
                           with a direction received by it pursuant to Section
                           6.05.

                    (5)    The Trustee may refuse to perform any duty or
                           exercise any right or power which it reasonably
                           believes may expose it to any loss, liability or
                           expense unless it receives indemnity satisfactory to
                           it against such loss, liability or expense.

                    (6)    The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any
                           money received by it except as the Trustee may agree
                           with the Company. Money held in trust by the Trustee
                           need not be segregated from other funds except to the
                           extent required by law.

                    (7)    The Trustee shall have no duty with respect to a
                           Default unless it has actual knowledge of the
                           Default. As used herein, the term "actual knowledge"
                           means the actual fact or statement of knowing,
                           without any duty to make any investigation with
                           regard thereto.

                    (8)    The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it
                           takes or omits to take in good faith which it
                           believes to be authorized and within its powers.

                    (9)    Any Agent shall have the same rights and be 
                           protected to the same extent as if it
                           were Trustee.

                   (10)    The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or
                           surety in respect of the performance of its powers
                           and duties hereunder.
<PAGE>
                                   36

SECTION 7.02.  Individual Rights of Trustee.

     The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or
pledgee of Securities or coupons and may otherwise deal with the Company or an
Affiliate with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Agent
may do the same with like rights.

SECTION 7.03.  Trustee's Disclaimer.

     The Trustee makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this
Indenture or the Securities or any coupons; it shall not be accountable for the
Company's use of the proceeds from the Securities; it shall not be responsible
for any statement in the Securities or any coupons; it shall not be responsible
for any overissue; it shall not be responsible for determining whether the form
and terms of any Securities or coupons were established in conformity with this
Indenture; and it shall not be responsible for determining whether any
Securities were issued in accordance with this Indenture.

SECTION 7.04.  Notice of Defaults.

     If a Default occurs and is continuing on a series and if the Trustee has
actual knowledge of such Default, the Trustee shall mail a notice of the Default
within 90 days after it occurs to Holders of Registered Securities of the
series. Except in the case of a Default in payment on a series, the Trustee may
withhold the notice if and so long as a committee of its Trust Officers in good
faith determines that withholding the notice is in the interest of Holders of
the series. The Trustee shall withhold notice of a Default described in Section
6.01(4) until at least 90 days after it occurs.

SECTION 7.05.  Reports by Trustee to Holders.

     Any report required by TIA ss. 313(a) to be mailed to Securityholders shall
be mailed by the Trustee on or before July 15 of each year.

     A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to Securityholders shall
be filed with the SEC and each stock exchange on which any Securities are
listed. The Company shall


<PAGE>
                            37


notify the Trustee when any Securities are listed on a
stock exchange.

SECTION 7.06.  Compensation and Indemnity.

     The Company shall pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable
compensation for its services. The Trustee's compensation shall not be limited
by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company shall
reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by it. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and
expenses of the Trustee's agents and counsel.

     The Company shall indemnify the Trustee against any loss or liability
incurred by it. The Trustee shall notify the Company promptly of any claim for
which it may seek indemnity. The Company shall defend the claim and the Trustee
shall cooperate in the defense. The Trustee may have separate counsel and the
Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Company
need not pay for any settlement made without its consent.

     The Company need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss or
liability incurred by the Trustee through negligence or willful misconduct.

     To secure the Company's payment obligations in this Section, the Trustee
shall have a lien prior to the Securities and any coupons on all money or
property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay
principal or interest on particular securities.

     When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of
Default specified in Section 6.01(5) or (6) occurs, such expenses and the
compensation for such services are intended to constitute expenses of
administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

     The provisions of this Section shall survive any termination or discharge
of this Indenture (including without limitation any termination under any
Bankruptcy Law) and the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

SECTION 7.07.  Replacement of Trustee.

     A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor
Trustee shall become effective only upon 

<PAGE>
                              38

the successor Trustee's acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section.

     The Trustee may resign by so notifying the Company. The Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Securities may remove the Trustee by so
notifying the Trustee and may appoint a successor Trustee with the Company's
consent.

     The Company may remove the Trustee if:

                    (1)    the Trustee fails to comply with TIAss.310(a) 
                           orss.310(b) or with Section 7.09;

                    (2)    the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent;

                    (3)    a Custodian or other public officer takes charge of 
                           the Trustee or its property;

                    (4)    the Trustee becomes incapable of acting; or

                    (5)    an event of the kind described in Section 6.01(5) 
                           or (6) occurs with respect to the
                           Trustee.

     The Company also may remove the Trustee with or without cause if the
Company so notifies the Trustee three months in advance and if no Default occurs
during the three-month period.

     If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office
of Trustee for any reason, the Company shall promptly appoint a successor
Trustee.

     If a successor Trustee does not take office within 30 days after the
retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee, the Company or the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities may petition any
court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

     If the Trustee fails to comply with TIA ss. 310(a) or ss. 310(b) or with
Section 7.09, any Securityholder may petition any court of competent
jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor
Trustee.

     A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment
to the retiring Trustee and to the

<PAGE>
                                            39

Company. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall
become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers
and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall 
mail a notice of its succession to Holders of Registered Securities. The 
retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to 
the successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.06.

SECTION 7.08.  Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.

     If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or
substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation, the
successor corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.

SECTION 7.09.  Trustee's Capital and Surplus.

     The Trustee at all times shall have a combined capital and surplus of at
least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published report of financial
condition.


                       ARTICLE 8 -- DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE


SECTION 8.01.  Defeasance.

     Securities of a series may be defeased in accordance with their terms,
including as provided in Section 4.07, and, unless the Securities Resolution
otherwise provides, in accordance with this Article.

     The Company at any time may terminate as to a series all of its obligations
under this Indenture, the Securities of the series and any related coupons
("legal defeasance option"). The Company at any time may terminate as to a
series its obligations, if any, under any restrictive covenants which may be
applicable to a particular series ("covenant defeasance option"). However, in
the case of the legal defeasance option, the Company's obligations in Sections
2.03, 2.04, 2.05, 2.06, 2.07, 2.08, 7.06, 7.07 and 8.04 shall survive until the
Securities of the series are no longer outstanding; thereafter the Company's
obligations in Section 7.06 shall survive.

     The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its
prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. If the Company exercises its
legal defeasance option,

<PAGE>
                                   40

a series may not be accelerated because of an Event of
Default. If the Company exercises its covenant defeasance option, a series may
not be accelerated by reference to any restrictive covenants which may be
applicable to a particular series so defeased under the terms of the series.

     The Trustee upon request shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of
those obligations or restrictions that the Company terminates by defeasance.

SECTION 8.02.  Conditions to Defeasance.

     The Company may exercise as to a series its legal defeasance option or its
covenant defeasance option if:

                    (1)    the Company irrevocably deposits in trust with the 
                           Trustee or another trustee money
                           or U.S. Government Obligations;

                    (2)    the Company delivers to the Trustee a certificate
                           from a nationally recognized firm of independent
                           accountants expressing their opinion that the
                           payments of principal and interest when due on the
                           deposited U.S. Government Obligations without
                           reinvestment plus any deposited money without
                           investment will provide cash at such times and in
                           such amounts as will be sufficient to pay principal
                           and interest when due on all the Securities of the
                           series to maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

                    (3)    immediately after the deposit no Default exists;

                    (4)    the deposit does not constitute a default under any
                           other agreement binding on the
                           Company;

                    (5)    the deposit does not cause the Trustee to have a
                           conflicting interest under TIA ss. 310(a) or ss.
                           310(b) as to another series;

                    (6)    the Company delivers to the Trustee an Opinion of
                           Counsel to the effect that Holders of the series will
                           not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income
                           tax purposes as a result of the defeasance; and

                    (7)    91 days pass after the deposit is made and during the
                           91-day period no Default specified in 

<PAGE>
                                   41

                           Section 6.01(5) or (6) occurs that is continuing at 
                           the end of the period.

     Before or after a deposit the Company may make arrangements satisfactory to
the Trustee for the redemption of Securities at a future date in accordance with
Article 3.

     "U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations of (i) the United
States or (ii) an agency or instrumentality of the United States, the payment of
which is unconditionally guaranteed by the United States, which, in either case,
have the full faith and credit of the United States pledged for payment and
which are not callable at the issuer's option, or certificates representing an
ownership interest in such obligations.

SECTION 8.03.  Application of Trust Money.

     The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations
deposited with it pursuant to Section 8.02. It shall apply the deposited money
and the money from U.S. Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in
accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal and interest on
Securities of the defeased series.

SECTION 8.04.  Repayment to Company.

     The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall promptly turn over to the Company
upon request any excess money or securities held by them at any time.

     The Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Company upon request any
money held by them for the payment of principal or interest that remains
unclaimed for two years. After payment to the Company, Securityholders entitled
to the money must look to the Company for payment as unsecured general creditors
unless an abandoned property law designates another person.


                             ARTICLE 9 -- CONVERSION


SECTION 9.01.  Conversion Privilege.

     If the Securities Resolution establishing the terms of a series of
securities so provides, Securities of any series may be convertible at the
option of the holders into or for 

<PAGE>
                                   42


Common Stock or other equity or debt securities (a "Conversion Right"). 
The Securities Resolution may establish, among other things, the Conversion 
Rate, provisions for adjustments to the Conversion Rate and limitations upon 
exercise of the Conversion Right.

     Unless the Securities Resolution otherwise provides, a Holder may convert a
portion of a Security if the portion is $1,000 or an integral multiples thereof.
Provisions of this Indenture that apply to the conversion of the aggregate
principal amount of a Security also apply to conversion of a portion of it.

     The Securities Resolution providing for Securities with a Conversion Right
may establish any terms in addition to, or other than (including terms
inconsistent with), those set forth in this Article 9 with respect to the
Conversion of the Securities established thereby (other than those of Section
9.16).

SECTION 9.02.  Conversion Procedure.

     To convert a Security a Holder must satisfy all requirements in the
Securities or the Securities Resolution and (i) complete and manually sign the
conversion notice (the "Conversion Notice") provided for in the Securities
Resolution or the Security (or complete and manually sign a facsimile thereof)
and deliver such notice to the Conversion Agent or any other office or agency
maintained for such purpose, (ii) surrender the Security to the Conversion Agent
or at such other office or agency by physical delivery, (iii) if required,
furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and (iv) if required,
pay all transfer or similar taxes. The date on which such notice shall have been
received by and the Security shall have been so surrendered to the Conversion
Agent is the "Conversion Date." Such Conversion Notice shall be irrevocable and
may not be withdrawn by a Holder for any reason.

     The Company will complete settlement of any conversion of Securities not
later than the fifth business day following the Conversion Date in respect of
the cash portion elected to be delivered in lieu of the securities into which
the Security is convertible and not later than the seventh business day
following the Conversion Date in respect of the portion to be settled in such
securities.

     If any Security is converted between the record date for the payment of
interest and the next succeeding interest 

<PAGE>
                                   43


payment date, such Security must be accompanied by funds equal to the interest 
payable on such succeeding interest payment date on the principal amount so 
converted (unless such Security shall have been called for redemption during 
such period, in which case no such payment shall be required). A Security 
converted on an interest payment date need not be accompanied by any payment, 
and the interest on the principal amount of the Security being converted will 
be paid on such interest payment date to the registered holder of such Security
on the immediately preceding record date.  Subject to the aforesaid right of 
the registered holder to receive interest, no payment or adjustment will be 
made on conversion for interest accrued on the converted Security or for 
interest, dividends or other distributions payable on any security issued on 
conversion.

     If a Holder converts more than one Security at the same time, the
securities into which the Security is convertible issuable or cash payable upon
the conversion shall be based on the total principal amount of the Securities
converted.

     Upon surrender of a Security that is converted in part the Trustee shall
authenticate for the Holder a new Security equal in principal amount to the
unconverted portion of the Security surrendered; except that if a global
Security is so surrendered the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the
Depositary a new global Security in a denomination equal to and in exchange for
the unconverted portion of the principal of the global Security so surrendered.

     If the last day on which a Security may be converted is a Legal Holiday in
a place where a Conversion Agent is located, the Security may be surrendered to
that Conversion Agent on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday.

SECTION 9.03.  Taxes on Conversion.

     If a Holder of a Security exercises a Conversion Right, the Company shall
pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of
the securities into which the Security is convertible upon the conversion.
However, the Holder shall pay any such tax which is due because securities or
other property are issued in a name other than the Holder's name. Nothing herein
shall preclude any income tax or other withholding required by law or
regulations.

<PAGE>
                                    44

SECTION 9.04.  Company Determination Final.

     Any determination that the Board of Directors makes pursuant to this
Article 9 or consistent with terms provided for in any Securities Resolution is
conclusive, absent manifest error.

SECTION 9.05.  Trustee's and Conversion Agent's Disclaimer.

     The Trustee (and each Conversion Agent other than the Company) has no duty
to determine when or if an adjustment under this Article 9 or any Securities
Resolution should be made, how it should be made or calculated or what it should
be. The Trustee (and each Conversion Agent other than the Company) makes no
representation as to the validity or value of any securities issued upon
conversion of Securities. The Trustee (and each Conversion Agent other than the
Company) shall not be responsible for the Company's failure to comply with this
Article 9 or any provision of a Securities Resolution relating to a Conversion
Right.

SECTION 9.06.  Company to Provide Conversion Securities.

     The Company shall reserve out of its authorized but unissued Common Stock
or its Common Stock held in treasury sufficient shares to permit the conversion
of all of the Securities convertible into Common Stock. The Company shall
arrange and make available for issuance upon conversion the full amount of any
other securities into which the Securities are convertible to permit such
conversion of the Securities.

     All shares of Common Stock or other equity securities of any person which
may be issued upon conversion of the Securities shall be validly issued, fully
paid and non-assessable.

     The Company will comply with all securities laws regulating the offer and
delivery of securities upon conversion of Securities.

SECTION 9.07.  Cash Settlement Option.

     If the Securities Resolution so provides, the Company may elect to satisfy,
in whole or in part, a Conversion Right of Securities convertible into Common
Stock or other securities of any person by the delivery of cash. The amount of
cash to be delivered shall be equal to the Market Price on the last Trading Day
preceding the applicable Conversion Date of a share of Common Stock or other
securities of any person into which 

<PAGE>
                                        45

the Securities are convertible multiplied by the number of shares of Common 
Stock or the number of shares or principal amount of other securities into 
which the Securities are convertible, respectively, in respect of which the 
Company elects to deliver cash. If the Company elects to satisfy, in whole or 
in part, a Conversion Right by the delivery of shares of Common Stock or other 
securities, no fractional shares or portion of other securities will be 
delivered. Instead, the Company will pay cash based on the Market Price for 
such fractional share of Common Stock or portion of other securities.

     The "Market Price" of the Common Stock into which Securities or other
equity securities into which the Securities are convertible may be converted
pursuant to a Securities Resolution or this Article 9 on any Trading Day means
the weighted average per share sale price for all sales of the Common Stock or
other equity securities on such Trading Day (or, if the information necessary to
calculate such weighted average per share sale price is not reported, the
average of the high and low sale prices, or if no sales are reported, the
average of the bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the
average of the average bid and average ask prices), as reported in the composite
transactions for the New York Stock Exchange, or if the Common Stock or other
equity securities into which the Securities are convertible are not listed or
admitted to trading on such exchange, as reported in the composite transactions
for the principal national or regional United States securities exchange on
which the Common Stock or other equity securities into which the Securities are
convertible are listed or admitted to trading or, if the Common Stock or other
equity securities into which the Securities are convertible are not listed or
admitted to trading on a United States national or regional securities exchange,
as reported by NASDAQ or by the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated, or if
not so reported, as determined in the manner set forth in the appropriate
Securities Resolution. In the absence of such quotations, the Company shall be
entitled to determine the Market Price on the basis of such quotations as it
considers appropriate.

     The "Market Price" of any debt security into which Securities are
convertible shall be determined as set forth in the applicable Securities
Resolution.

SECTION 9.08.  Adjustment in Conversion Rate for Change in Capital Stock.


     If the Securities are convertible into Common Stock and the Company:
<PAGE>
                                         46

                    (1)    pays a dividend or makes a distribution on its 
                           Common Stock in shares of its Common
                           Stock;

                    (2) subdivides its outstanding shares of Common Stock into a
                    greater number of shares; (3) combines its outstanding
                    shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares;

                    (4)    pays a dividend or makes a distribution on its Common
                           Stock in shares of its Capital Stock other than
                           Common Stock; or

                    (5)    issues by reclassification of its Common Stock any
                           shares of its Capital Stock,

then the conversion privilege and the Conversion Rate in effect immediately
prior to such action shall be adjusted so that the Holder of a Security
thereafter converted may receive the number of shares of Capital Stock of the
Company (or, at the Company's option, an equivalent amount in cash) which he
would have owned immediately following such action if he had converted the
Security immediately prior to such action.

     The adjustment shall become effective immediately after the record date in
the case of a dividend or distribution and immediately after the effective date
in the case of a subdivision, combination or reclassification.

     If the security into which the Securities are convertible is other than
Common Stock of the Company, the conversion rate shall be subject to adjustment
as set forth in the applicable Securities Resolution.

     If after an adjustment a Holder of a Security may, upon conversion, receive
shares of two or more classes of Capital Stock of the Company or other
securities, the Board of Directors of the Company shall determine the allocation
of the adjusted Conversion Rate between or among the classes of Capital Stock or
other securities. After such allocation, the conversion privilege and the
Conversion Rate of each class of Capital Stock or other securities shall
thereafter be subject to adjustment on terms comparable to those applicable to
Common Stock in this Article or in such Securities Resolution.

<PAGE>
                                            47

SECTION 9.09.  Adjustment in Conversion Rate for Common Stock Issued Below 
               Market Price.


     If the Securities are convertible into Common Stock, and the Company issues
to all holders of Common Stock rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or
purchase shares of Common Stock, or any securities convertible into or
exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, or rights, options or warrants to
subscribe for or purchase such convertible or exchangeable securities at a Price
Per Share (as defined and determined according to the formula given below) lower
than the current Market Price on the date of such issuance, the Conversion Rate
shall be adjusted in accordance with the following formula:

                                              AC = CC x O + N___
                                                          O + R
                                                                M
where:

AC = the adjusted Conversion Rate.

CC = the then current Conversion Rate.

O        = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to
         such issuance (which number shall include shares owned or held by or
         for the account of the Company).

N        = the "Number of Shares," which (i) in the case of rights, options or
         warrants to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock or of
         securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock,
         is the maximum number of shares of Common Stock initially issuable upon
         exercise, conversion or exchange thereof; and (ii) in the case of
         rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or purchase convertible or
         exchangeable securities, is the maximum number of shares of Common
         Stock initially issuable upon the conversion or exchange of the
         convertible or exchangeable securities issuable upon the exercise of
         such rights, options or warrants.

R  =     the proceeds received or receivable by the Company, which (i) in the 
         case of rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or purchase 
         shares of Common Stock or of securities convertible into or
         exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, is the aggregate amount 
         received or receivable by the Company in consideration for the sale 
         and issuance of such rights, options, warrants or convertible
         or ex-

<PAGE>
                                          48

         changeable securities, plus the minimum aggregate amount of additional 
         consideration, other than the convertible or exchangeable securities, 
         payable to the Company upon exercise, conversion or exchange thereof; 
         and (ii) in the case of rights, options or warrants to subscribe for
         or purchase convertible or exchangeable securities, is the aggregate 
         amount received or receivable by the Company in consideration for the 
         sale and issuance of such rights, options or warrants, plus the
         minimum aggregate consideration payable to the Company upon the 
         exercise thereof, plus the minimum aggregate amount of additional 
         consideration, other than the convertible or exchangeable securities,
         payable upon the conversion or exchange of the convertible or 
         exchangeable securities; provided, that in each case the proceeds 
         received or receivable by the Company shall be deemed to be the
         amount of gross cash proceeds without deducting therefrom any 
         compensation paid or discount allowed in the sale, underwriting or 
         purchase thereof by underwriters or dealers or others performing
         similar services or any expenses incurred in connection therewith.

M        = the current Market Price per share of Common Stock on the date of
         issue of the rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or purchase
         shares of Common Stock or the securities convertible into or
         exchangeable for shares of Common Stock or the rights, options or
         warrants to subscribe for or purchase convertible or exchangeable
         securities.

     "Price Per Share" shall be defined and determined according to the
following formula:

                                                  P =  R
                                                       N

where:

P  = Price Per Share

and R and N have the meanings assigned above.

     If the Company shall issue rights, options, warrants or convertible or
exchangeable securities with respect to its Common Stock for a consideration
consisting, in whole or in part, of property other than cash the amount of such
consideration shall be determined in good faith by the Board of Directors whose
determination shall be conclusive and evidenced by a resolution of the Board of
Directors filed with the Trustee.

<PAGE>
                                         49

     The adjustment shall be made successively whenever any such additional
rights, options, warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities with respect
to its Common Stock are issued, and shall become effective immediately after the
date of issue of such shares, rights, options, warrants or convertible or
exchangeable securities.

     To the extent that such rights, options or warrants to acquire Common Stock
expire unexercised or to the extent any convertible or exchangeable securities
with respect to its Common Stock are redeemed by the Company or otherwise cease
to be convertible or exchangeable into shares of Common Stock, the Conversion
Rate shall be readjusted to the Conversion Rate which would then be in effect
had the adjustment made upon the date of issuance of such rights, options,
warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities been made upon the basis of
the issuance of rights, options or warrants to subscribe for or purchase only
the number of shares of Common Stock as to which such rights, options or
warrants were actually exercised and the number of shares of Common Stock that
were actually issued upon the conversion or exchange of the convertible or
exchangeable securities.

     If the Securities are convertible into securities other than the Common
Stock, any adjustment in the Conversion Rate required for the issuance or sale
of the securities into which the Securities are convertible shall be made as set
forth in the Securities Resolution.

SECTION 9.10.  Adjustment for Other Distributions.

     If the Securities are initially convertible into Common Stock and the
Company distributes to all holders of its Common Stock any of its assets or debt
securities or any rights or warrants to purchase assets or debt securities of
the Company, the Conversion Rate shall be adjusted in accordance with the
following formula:

                                             AC = CC x __(O x M)__
                                                      (O x M) - F

where:

AC =     the adjusted Conversion Rate.

CC =     the then current Conversion Rate.
<PAGE>
                                   50

O        = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the record date
         mentioned below (which number shall include shares owned or held by or
         for the account of the Company).

M =     the current Market Price per share of Common Stock on the record date
        mentioned below.

F        = the fair market value on the record date of the assets, securities,
         rights or warrants distributed. The Board of Directors of the Company
         shall determine the fair market value.

     The adjustment shall become effective immediately after the record date for
the determination of stockholders entitled to receive the distribution.

     If the securities into which the Securities are convertible are other than
Common Stock, any adjustments for such other distribution shall be made as set
forth in the Securities Resolution.

     This Section does not apply to cash dividends or distributions or to
reclassifications or distributions referred to in Section 9.08. Also, this
Section does not apply to shares issued below Market Price referred to in
Section 9.09.

SECTION 9.11.  Voluntary Adjustment.

     The Company at any time may increase the Conversion Rate, temporarily or
otherwise, by any amount but in no event shall such Conversion Rate result in
the issuance of Capital Stock at a price less than the par value of such Capital
Stock at the time such increase is made.

SECTION 9.12.  When Adjustment May Be Deferred.

     No adjustment in the Conversion Rate need be made unless the adjustment
would require a change of at least 1% in the Conversion Rate. Any adjustments
that are not made due to the immediately preceding sentence shall be carried
forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment; provided, that any
adjustment carried forward shall be deferred not in excess of three years,
whereupon any adjustment to the Conversion Rate will be effected.

<PAGE>
                                    51

     All calculations under this Article 9 shall be made to the nearest cent or
to the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be.

SECTION 9.13.  When No Adjustment Required.

     Except as set forth in Section 9.09, no adjustment in the Conversion Rate
shall be made because the Company issues, in exchange for cash, property or
services, shares of Common Stock, or any securities convertible into shares of
Common Stock, or securities carrying the right to purchase shares of Common
Stock or such convertible securities.

     No adjustment in the Conversion Rate need be made for rights to purchase or
the sale of Common Stock pursuant to a Company plan providing for reinvestment
of dividends or interest.

     No adjustment in the Conversion Rate need be made for a change in the par
value of the Common Stock or other securities having a par value.

     No adjustment need be made for a transaction referred to in Section 9.08,
9.09 or 9.10 if Securityholders are to participate in the transaction on a basis
and with notice that the Board of Directors determines to be fair and
appropriate in light of the basis and notice on which holders of Common Stock or
other securities into which the Securities are convertible participate in the
transaction.

SECTION 9.14.  Notice of Adjustment.

     Whenever the Conversion Rate is adjusted, the Company shall promptly mail
to Holders of Securities affected a notice of the adjustment. The Company shall
file with the Trustee an Officers' Certificate or a certificate from the
Company's independent public accountants stating the facts requiring the
adjustment and the manner of computing it. The certificate shall be conclusive
evidence that the adjustment is correct, absent manifest error.

SECTION 9.15.  Notice of Certain Transactions.

     If:

                    (1)    the Company proposes to take any action that would 
                           require an adjustment in the
                           Conversion Rate,
<PAGE>
                                 52

                    (2)    the Company proposes to take any action that would 
                           require a supplemental indenture
                           pursuant to Section 9.16, or

                    (3)    there is a proposed liquidation or dissolution of 
                           the Company or of the issuer of
                           any other security into which the Securities are 
                           convertible,

the Company shall mail to registered Holders of Securities of any affected
series a notice stating the proposed record date for a dividend or distribution
or the proposed effective date of a subdivision, combination, reclassification,
consolidation, merger, transfer, lease, liquidation or dissolution. The Company
shall mail the notice at least 15 days before such date. Failure to mail the
notice or any defect in it shall not affect the validity of the transaction.

SECTION 9.16.  Reorganization of the Company.

     If the Company is a party to a transaction subject to Section 5.01, the
successor corporation (if other than the Company) shall enter into a
supplemental indenture which shall provide that the Holder of a Security may
convert it into the kind and amount of securities, cash or other assets which he
would have owned immediately after the consolidation, merger or transfer if he
had converted the Security immediately before the effective date of the
transaction. The supplemental indenture shall provide for adjustments which
shall be as nearly equivalent as may be practical to the adjustments provided
for in this Article. The successor company shall mail to Holders of Securities
of any affected series a notice briefly describing the supplemental indenture.

     If this Section applies, Sections 9.08, 9.09 and 9.10 do not apply.


                            ARTICLE 10 -- AMENDMENTS


SECTION 10.01.  Without Consent of Holders.

     The Company and the Trustee may amend this Indenture, the Securities or any
coupons without the consent of any Securityholder:

<PAGE>
                                53

                    (1)    to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or
                           inconsistency;

                    (2)    to comply with Article 5 or Section 9.16;

                    (3)    to provide that specific provisions of this
                           Indenture shall not apply to a series
                           not previously issued;

                    (4)    to create a series and establish its terms;

                    (5)    to provide for a separate Trustee for one
                           or more series; or

                    (6)    to make any change that does not materially adversely
                           affect the rights of any Securityholder.

SECTION 10.02.  With Consent of Holders.

     Unless the Securities Resolution otherwise provides, the Company and the
Trustee may amend this Indenture, the Securities and any coupons with the
written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the
Securities of all series affected by the amendment voting as one class. However,
without the consent of each Securityholder affected, an amendment under this
Section may not:

                    (1)    reduce the amount of Securities whose Holders must
                           consent to an amendment;

                    (2)    reduce the interest on or change the time for 
                           payment of interest on any Security;

                    (3)    change the fixed maturity of any Security;

                    (4)    reduce the principal of any non-Discounted Security
                           or reduce the amount of principal of any Discounted
                           Security that would be due upon an acceleration
                           thereof;

                    (5)    change the currency in which principal or interest 
                           on a Security is payable;

                    (6)    make any change that materially adversely affects 
                           the right to convert any
                           Security; or

                    (7)    make any change in Section 6.04 or 10.02, except to
                           increase the amount of Securities whose Holders

<PAGE>
                                                 54

                           must consent to an amendment or waiver or to provide 
                           that other provisions of this Indenture cannot be 
                           amended or waived without the consent of each 
                           Securityholder affected thereby.

     An amendment of a provision included solely for the benefit of one or more
series does not affect Securityholders of any other series.

     Securityholders need not consent to the exact text of a proposed amendment
or waiver; it is sufficient if they consent to the substance thereof.

SECTION 10.03.  Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.

     Every amendment pursuant to Section 10.01 or 10.02 shall be set forth in a
supplemental indenture that complies with the TIA.

     If a provision of the TIA requires or permits a provision of this Indenture
and the TIA provision is amended, then the Indenture provision shall be
automatically amended to like effect.

SECTION 10.04.  Effect of Consents.

     An amendment or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and
thereafter binds every Securityholder entitled to consent to it.

     A consent to an amendment or waiver by a Holder of a Security is a
continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security that
evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder's Security. Any Holder or
subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to his Security if the Trustee
receives notice of the revocation before the amendment or waiver becomes
effective.

     The Company may fix a record date for the determination of Holders of
Registered Securities entitled to give a consent. The record date shall not be
less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the first written solicitation of
Securityholders.

SECTION 10.05.  Notation on or Exchange of Securities.

     The Company or the Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an
amendment or waiver on any Security thereaf-

<PAGE>
                                   55

ter authenticated. The Company may issue in exchange for affected Securities 
new Securities that reflect the amendment or waiver.

SECTION 10.06.  Trustee Protected.

     The Trustee need not sign any supplemental indenture that adversely affects
its rights. The Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and shall be fully
protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel and an Officers' Certificate
each stating that the execution of any amendment or supplement or waiver
authorized pursuant to this Article is authorized or permitted by this
Indenture, and that such amendment or supplement or waiver constitutes the
legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company.


                           ARTICLE 11 -- MISCELLANEOUS


SECTION 11.01.  Trust Indenture Act.

     The provisions of TIA ss.ss. 310 through 317 that impose duties on any
person (including the provisions automatically deemed included herein unless
expressly excluded by this Indenture) are a part of and govern this Indenture,
whether or not expressly set forth herein.

     If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with
another provision which is required to be included in this Indenture by the TIA,
the required provision shall control. If any provision of this Indenture
modifies or excludes any provision of the TIA that may be so modified or
excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so
modified or excluded, as the case may be.

SECTION 11.02.  Notices.

     Any notice by one party to another is duly given if in writing and
delivered in person, sent by facsimile transmission confirmed by mail or mailed
by first-class mail to the other's address shown below:

                  Company:

                           Western Resources, Inc.
                           818 Kansas Avenue
                           Topeka, Kansas  66612

<PAGE>
                                   56


                           Fax:  (913) 575-8160
                           Attention:  Vice President -- Finance


                  Trustee:

                           Harris Trust and Savings Bank
                           511 West Monroe Street, 12th Floor
                           Chicago, Illinois 60606
                           Fax:  (312) 461-3525
                           Attention:  Indenture Trust Division


     A party by notice to the other parties may designate additional or
different addresses for subsequent notices.

     Any notice mailed to a Securityholder shall be mailed to his address shown
on the register kept by the Transfer Agent or on the list referred to in Section
2.06. Failure to mail a notice to a Securityholder or any defect in a notice
mailed to a Securityholder shall not affect the sufficiency of the notice mailed
to other Securityholders or the sufficiency of any published notice.

     If a notice is mailed in the manner provided above within the time
prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

     If the Company mails a notice to Securityholders, it shall mail a copy to
the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

     If in the Company's opinion it is impractical to mail a notice required to
be mailed or to publish a notice required to be published, the Company may give
such substitute notice as the Trustee approves. Failure to publish a notice as
required or any defect in it shall not affect the sufficiency of any mailed
notice.

     All notices shall be in the English language, except that any published
notice may be in an official language of the country of publication.

     A "notice" includes any communication required by this Indenture.

<PAGE>
                                     57

SECTION 11.03.  Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions
                Precedent.

     Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee to take any
action under this Indenture, the Company shall if so requested furnish to the
Trustee:

                    (1)    an Officers' Certificate stating that, in the opinion
                           of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any,
                           provided for in this Indenture relating to the
                           proposed action have been complied with; and

                    (2)    an Opinion of Counsel stating that, in the opinion of
                           such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been
                           complied with.

SECTION 11.04.  Statements Required in Certificate or
                Opinion.

     Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or
covenant provided for in this Indenture shall include:

                    (1)    a statement that the person making such certificate
                           or opinion has read such
                           covenant or condition;
                    (2)    a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the
                           examination or investigation upon which the
                           statements or opinions contained in such certificate
                           or opinion are based;

                    (3)    a statement that, in the opinion of such person, he
                           has made such examination or investigation as is
                           necessary to enable him to express an informed
                           opinion as to whether or not such covenant or
                           condition has been complied with; and

                    (4)    a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of
                           such person, such condition or covenant has been
                           complied with.

SECTION 11.05.  Rules by Company and Agents.

     The Company may make reasonable rules for action by or a meeting of
Securityholders. An Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable
requirements for its functions.

<PAGE>
                                      58


SECTION 11.06.  Legal Holidays.

     A "Legal Holiday" is a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking
institutions are not required to be open. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday
at a place of payment, unless the Securities Resolution establishing a series
otherwise provides with respect to Securities of the series, payment may be made
at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no
interest shall accrue for the intervening period.

SECTION 11.07.  No Recourse Against Others.

     All liability described in the Securities of any director, officer,
employee or stockholder, as such, of the Company is waived and released.

SECTION 11.08.  Duplicate Originals.

     The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. One signed
copy is enough to prove this Indenture.

SECTION 11.09.  Governing Law.

     The laws of the State of New York shall govern this Indenture, the
Securities and any coupons, unless federal law governs.



<PAGE>
                                        59


                                                  SIGNATURES


Dated:            ,                                  WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.



                                                     By
                                                        Name:
                                                        Title:

Attest:                                                                   (SEAL)


- ------------------------
Name:
Title:


Dated:           ,                        HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK


                                                     By
                                                        Name:
                                                        Title:

Attest:                                                                   (SEAL)


- -------------------------
Name:
Title:


<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

                          A Form of Registered Security


No.                                                             $


                                [NAME OF ISSUER]
                               [Title of Security]


[Name Of Issuer]
promises to pay to

or registered assigns
the principal sum of                         Dollars on             ,

Interest Payment Dates:
                Record Dates:

                                                              Dated:

[                        ]          [NAME OF ISSUER]
Transfer Agent and Paying Agent

                                                              by

                                                    (SEAL)

Authenticated:                                       Chairman of the Board

[Name of Registrar]

Registrar, by

Authorized Signature                        Vice-President

                                 A-1
<PAGE>


                                               [NAME OF ISSUER]
                                              [Title of Security]
                                     [Explanatory Notes follow Exhibit B]

1.       Interest.1

                  [Name Of Issuer] ("Company"), a corporation organized and
                  existing under the laws of the State of , promises to pay
                  interest on the principal amount of this Security at the rate
                  per annum shown above. The Company will pay interest on and of
                  each year commencing , 19__. Interest on the Securities will
                  accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been
                  paid or, if no interest has been paid, from
                            , 19__.  Interest will be computed on the basis of
                  a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

2.       Method of Payment.2

                  The Company will pay interest on the Securities to the persons
                  who are registered holders of Securities at the close of
                  business on the record date for the next interest payment
                  date, except as otherwise provided in the Indenture. Holders
                  must surrender Securities to a Paying Agent to collect
                  principal payments. The Company will pay principal and
                  interest in money of the United States that at the time of
                  payment is legal tender for payment of public and private
                  debts. The Company may pay principal and interest by check
                  payable in such money. It may mail an interest check to a
                  holder's registered address.

3.       Bond Agents.

                  Initially, Attention: , will act as Paying Agent, Transfer
                  Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent,
                  Transfer Agent or Registrar without notice or provide for more
                  than one such agent. The Company or any Affiliate may act in
                  any such capacity. Subject to certain conditions, the Company
                  may change the Trustee.


                              A-2<PAGE>
4.       Indenture.

                  The Company issued the securities of this series
                  ("Securities") under an Indenture dated as of , ("Indenture")
                  between the Company and ("Trustee"). The terms of the
                  Securities include those stated in the Indenture and in the
                  Securities Resolution creating the Securities and those made
                  part of the Indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15
                  U.S. Code ss.ss. 77aaa-77bbbb). Securityholders are referred
                  to the Indenture, the Securities Resolution and the Act for a
                  statement of such terms.

5.       Optional Redemption.3

                  On or after , the Company may redeem all the Securities at any
                  time or some of them from time to time at the following
                  redemption prices (expressed in percentages of principal
                  amount), plus accrued interest to the redemption date.

                  If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning,

                  Year       Percentage        Year       Percentage

                  and thereafter at 100%.

6.       Mandatory Redemption.4

                  The Company will redeem $ principal amount of Securities on
                  and on each thereafter through at a redemption price of 100%
                  of principal amount, plus accrued interest to the redemption
                  date.5 The Company may reduce the principal amount of
                  Securities to be redeemed pursuant to this paragraph by
                  subtracting 100% of the principal amount (excluding premium)
                  of any Securities (i) that the Company has acquired or that
                  the Company has redeemed other than pursuant to this paragraph
                  and (ii) that the Company has delivered to the Registrar for
                  cancellation. The Company may so subtract the same Security
                  only once.

                  On of each year commencing , the Trustee will, upon the death
                  of any registered owner, redeem any of the Securities 

                                   A-3
<PAGE>
                  held by a registered owner following presentation thereof or
                  redemption as described below by such registered owner's
                  personal representative or surviving joint tenant(s), subject
                  to the limitation that in any month period the Trustee shall
                  not be obligated to redeem Securities pursuant to this
                  provision to the extent that the aggregate principal amount of
                  the Securities so subject to redemption exceeds $ , or the
                  Securities of any registered owner tendered for redemption is
                  in excess of the aggregate . The Securities subject to
                  redemption as described above may be presented for redemption
                  by delivering to the Trustee (i) a written request for
                  redemption in form satisfactory to the Trustee, signed by the
                  personal representative or surviving joint tenant(s) of the
                  registered owner, (ii) the Securities to be redeemed, (iii)
                  appropriate evidence of death and ownership of such Securities
                  at the time of death, and (iv) appropriate evidence of the
                  authority of such personal representative or surviving joint
                  tenant(s). In order for Securities to be eligible for
                  redemption on any , such Securities must be presented for
                  redemption in full compliance with the provisions set forth
                  above, prior to following the death of the registered owner of
                  such Securities and next preceding such . Securities presented
                  for redemption prior to maturity will be redeemed in order of
                  their receipt by the Trustee. Any such Securities not redeemed
                  in any such period because of the aggregate limitation or the
                  individual $ limitation will be held in the order described
                  above for redemption on in succeeding years until redeemed.
                  Any such redemption shall be at a price equal to % of the
                  principal amount of the Securities so to be redeemed, plus
                  accrued interest to the redemption date, but without a
                  premium.

                  The death of a person who, during his lifetime, was entitled
                  to substantially all of the beneficial interest of ownership
                  of a Security will be deemed the death of a registered owner,
                  regardless of the registered owner, if such beneficial
                  interest can be established to the satisfaction of the
                  Trustee. Such beneficial interest shall be deemed to exist in
                  typical cases of street name or nominee ownership, owner-

                                 A-4<PAGE>
                  ship under the Uniform 
                  Transfers to Minors Act or similar
                  statute, community property or other joint ownership arrange-
                  ments between husband and wife, and trust and certain other
                  arrangements where one person has substantially all of the
                  beneficial ownership interest in the Securities during his
                  lifetime. In the case of Securities registered in the name of
                  banks, trust companies or broker-dealers who are members of a
                  national securities exchange or the National Association of
                  Securities Dealers, Inc. ("Qualified Institutions"), the
                  redemption limitations described above apply to each
                  beneficial owner of Securities held by any Qualified
                  Institution. In connection with the redemption request, such
                  Qualified Institution must submit evidence, satisfactory to
                  the Trustee, that it holds Securities subject to request on
                  behalf of such beneficial owner and must certify the aggregate
                  amount of redemption requests made on behalf of such
                  beneficial owner.

7.       Additional Optional Redemption.6

                  In addition to redemptions pursuant to the above paragraph(s),
                  the Company may redeem not more than $ principal amount of
                  Securities on and on each
                               thereafter through at a redemption price of 100%
                  of principal amount, plus accrued interest to the redemption
                  date.

8.       Notice of Redemption.7

                  Notice of redemption will be mailed at least 30 days before
                  the redemption date to each holder of Securities to be
                  redeemed at his registered address.

                  A notice of redemption may provide that it is subject to the
                  occurrence of any event before the date fixed for such
                  redemption as described in such notice ("Conditional
                  Redemption") and such notice of Conditional Redemption shall
                  be of no effect unless all such conditions to the redemption
                  have occurred before such date or have been waived by the
                  Company.

                                  A-5<PAGE>
9.       Conversion.8

                  A Holder of a Security may convert it into Common Stock of the
                  Company or cash, or a combination thereof, at the Company's
                  option, at any time before the close of business on
                  ___________, or, if the Security is called for redemption, the
                  Holder may convert it at any time before the close of business
                  on the redemption date. The initial Conversion Rate is
                  ____________ (or an equivalent amount in cash) per $1,000
                  principal amount of the Securities, subject to adjustment as
                  provided in Article 9 of the Indenture.9 The Company will
                  deliver a check in lieu of any fractional share. On conversion
                  no payment or adjustment for interest accrued on the
                  Securities will be made nor for dividends on the Common Stock
                  issued on conversion. If any Security is converted between the
                  record date for the payment of interest and the next
                  succeeding interest payment date, such Security must be
                  accompanied by funds equal to the interest payable on such
                  succeeding interest payment date on the principal amount so
                  converted (unless such Security shall have been called for
                  redemption, in which case no such payment shall be required).
                  A Security converted on an interest payment date need not be
                  accompanied by any payment, and the interest on the principal
                  amount of the Security being converted will be paid on such
                  interest payment date to the registered holder of such
                  Security on the immediately preceding record date.

                  To convert a Security a Holder must (1) complete and sign the
                  conversion notice on the back of the Security, (2) surrender
                  the Security to a Conversion Agent, (3) furnish appropriate
                  endorsements and transfer documents if required by the
                  Registrar or Conversion Agent and (4) pay any transfer or
                  similar tax if required. A Holder may convert a portion of a
                  Security if the portion is $1,000 or an integral multiple of
                  $1,000.

10.      Denominations, Transfer, Exchange.

                  The Securities are in registered form without coupons in
                  denominations of $1,00010 and whole multiples of $1,000. The
                  transfer of Securities may be registered and Securities may be
                  exchanged as provided in the

                            A-6<PAGE>
                  Indenture. The Transfer Agent
                  may require a holder, among other things, to furnish 
                  appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay
                  any taxes and fees required by law or the Indenture. The 
                  Transfer Agent need not exchange or register the transfer 
                  of any Security or portion of a Security selected for 
                  redemption. Also, it need not exchange or register the 
                  transfer of any Securities for a period of 15 days before 
                  a selection of Securities to be redeemed.

11.      Persons Deemed Owners.

                  The registered holder of a Security may be treated as its
owner for all purposes.

12.      Amendments and Waivers.

                  Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Securities
                  may be amended with the consent of the holders of a majority
                  in principal amount of the securities of all series affected
                  by the amendment.11 Subject to certain exceptions, a default
                  on a series may be waived with the consent of the holders of a
                  majority in principal amount of the series.

                  Without the consent of any Securityholder, the Indenture or
                  the Securities may be amended, among other things, to cure any
                  ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency; to provide for
                  assumption of Company obligations to Securityholders; or to
                  make any change that does not materially adversely affect the
                  rights of any Securityholder.

13.      Restrictive Covenants.12

                  The Securities are unsecured general obligations of the
                  Company limited to $ principal amount. The Indenture does not
                  limit other unsecured debt.

14.      Successors.

                  When a successor assumes all the obligations of the Company
                  under the Securities and the Indenture, the Company will be
                  released from those obligations.

                                 A-7<PAGE>
15.      Defeasance Prior to Redemption
                   or Maturity.13

                  Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any time may
                  terminate some or all of its obligations under the Securities
                  and the Indenture if the Company deposits with the Trustee
                  money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of
                  principal and interest on the Securities to redemption or
                  maturity. U.S. Government Obligations are securities backed by
                  the full faith and credit of the United States of America or
                  certificates representing an ownership interest in such
                  Obligations.

16.      Defaults and Remedies.

                  An Event of Default14 includes: default for 60 days in payment
                  of interest on the Securities; default in payment of principal
                  on the Securities; default for 60 days in payment or
                  satisfaction of any sinking fund obligation; default by the
                  Company for a specified period after notice to it in the
                  performance of any of its other agreements applicable to the
                  Securities; certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency; and
                  any other Event of Default provided for in the series. If an
                  Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the
                  holders of at least 33-1/3% in principal amount of the
                  Securities may declare the principal15 of all the Securities
                  to be due and payable immediately. Securityholders may not
                  enforce the Indenture or the Securities except as provided in
                  the Indenture. The Trustee may require indemnity satisfactory
                  to it before it enforces the Indenture or the Securities.
                  Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in
                  principal amount of the Securities may direct the Trustee in
                  its exercise of any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold
                  from Securityholders notice of any continuing default (except
                  a default in payment of principal or interest) if it
                  determines that withholding notice is in their interests. The
                  Company must furnish an annual compliance certificate to the
                  Trustee.

17.      Trustee Dealings with Company.

                                    , the Trustee under the Indenture, in its
                  individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept
                  deposits from, and perform services

                                      A-8<PAGE>
                  for the Company or 
                  its Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Company or
                  its Affiliates, as if it were not Trustee.

18.      No Recourse Against Others.

                  A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the
                  Company shall not have any liability for any obligations of
                  the Company under the Securities or the Indenture or for any
                  claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations
                  or their creation. Each Securityholder by accepting a Security
                  waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release
                  are part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.

19.      Authentication.

                  This Security shall not be valid until authenticated by a
manual signature of the Registrar.

20.      Abbreviations.

                  Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a
                  Securityholder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (=tenants in
                  common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the entirety), JT TEN (=joint
                  tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
                  common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gifts to
                  Minors Act).

     The Company will furnish to any Securityholder upon written request and
without charge a copy of the Indenture and the Securities Resolution, which
contains the text of this Security in larger type. Requests may be made to:
[Name/Address Of Issuer], Attention: Corporate Secretary.


                                A-9
<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT B

                           A Form of Bearer Security

No.                                                       $

                                               [NAME OF ISSUER]
                                              [Title of Security]
                                    [Explanatory Notes follow             ]


[Name Of Issuer]
promises to pay to bearer

the principal sum of                Dollars on       ,

Interest Payment Dates:

Dated:
[                      ]                                      [NAME OF ISSUER]
Transfer Agent

                                                   (SEAL) by

Authenticated:                                  Chairman of the Board

[Name of Registrar]

Registrar, by

Authorized Signature                                          Vice-President



                                          B-1
<PAGE>


                                               [NAME OF ISSUER]
                                              [Title of Security]


1.       Interest.1

                  [Name Of Issuer] ("Company"), a corporation organized and
                  existing under the laws of the State of , promises to pay to
                  bearer interest on the principal amount of this Security at
                  the rate per annum shown above. The Company will pay interest
                  on and of each year commencing , 19 . Interest on the
                  Securities will accrue from the most recent date to which
                  interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from
                  , 19 . Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day
                  year of twelve 30-day months.

2.       Method of Payment.2

                  Holders must surrender Securities and any coupons to a Paying
                  Agent to collect principal and interest payments. The Company
                  will pay principal and interest in money of the United States
                  that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of
                  public and private debts. The Company may pay principal and
                  interest by check payable in such money.

3.       Bond Agents.

                  Initially, , Attention: , will act as Transfer Agent, Paying
                  Agent and Registrar. The Company may change any Paying Agent,
                  Transfer Agent or Registrar without notice or provide for more
                  than one such agent. The Company or any Affiliate may act in
                  any such capacity. Subject to certain conditions, the Company
                  may change the Trustee.

4.       Indenture.

                  The Company issued the securities of this series
                  ("Securities") under an Indenture dated as of , ("Indenture")
                  between the Company and ("Trustee"). The terms of the
                  Securities include those stated in the Indenture and the
                  Securities Resolution and those made part of the Indenture

                               B-2<PAGE>
  by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 
                  (15 U.S. Code ss.ss. 77aaa-77bbbb). Securityholders are 
                  referred to the Indenture, the Securities Resolution and 
                  the Act for a statement of such terms.

5.       Optional Redemption.3

                  On or after , the Company may redeem all the Securities at any
                  time or some of them from time to time at the following
                  redemption prices (expressed in percentages of principal
                  amount), plus accrued interest to the redemption date.

                  If redeemed during the 12-month period beginning,

                  Year              Percentage       Year         Percentage

                  and thereafter 100%.

6.       Mandatory Redemption.4

                  The                 Company will redeem $ principal amount of
                                      Securities on and on each thereafter
                                      through at a redemption price of 100% of
                                      principal
                  amount, plus accrued interest to the redemption date.5 The
                  Company may reduce the principal amount of Securities to be
                  redeemed pursuant to this paragraph by subtracting 100% of the
                  principal amount (excluding premium) of any Securities (i)
                  that the Company has acquired or that the Company has redeemed
                  other than pursuant to this paragraph and (ii) that the
                  Company has delivered to the Registrar for cancellation. The
                  Company may so subtract the same Security only once.

                  On of each year commencing , the Trustee will, upon the death
                  of any registered owner, redeem any of the Securities held by
                  a registered owner following presentation thereof or
                  redemption as described below by such registered owner's
                  personal representative or surviving joint tenant(s), subject
                  to the limitation that in any month period the Trustee shall
                  not be obligated to redeem Securities pursuant to this
                  provision to the extent that the aggregate principal amount of
                  the Securities so subject to redemption exceeds $ , or the
                  Securities of any registered

                                    B-3<PAGE>
                  owner tendered for 
                  redemption is
                  in excess of the aggregate . The Securities subject to
                  redemption as described above may be presented for redemption
                  by delivering to the Trustee (i) a written request for
                  redemption in form satisfactory to the Trustee, signed by the
                  personal representative or surviving joint tenant(s) of the
                  registered owner, (ii) the Securities to be redeemed, (iii)
                  appropriate evidence of death and ownership of such Securities
                  at the time of death, and (iv) appropriate evidence of the
                  authority of such personal representative or surviving joint
                  tenant(s). In order for Securities to be eligible for
                  redemption on any , such Securities must be presented for
                  redemption in full compliance with the provisions set forth
                  above, prior to following the death of the registered owner of
                  such Securities and next preceding such . Securities presented
                  for redemption prior to maturity will be redeemed in order of
                  their receipt by the Trustee. Any such Securities not redeemed
                  in any such period because of the aggregate limitation or the
                  individual $ limitation will be held in the order described
                  above for redemption on in succeeding years until redeemed.
                  Any such redemption shall be at a price equal to % of the
                  principal amount of the Securities so to be redeemed, plus
                  accrued interest to the redemption date, but without a
                  premium.

                  The death of a person who, during his lifetime, was entitled
                  to substantially all of the beneficial interest of ownership
                  of a Security will be deemed the death of a registered owner,
                  regardless of the registered owner, if such beneficial
                  interest can be established to the satisfaction of the
                  Trustee. Such beneficial interest shall be deemed to exist in
                  typical cases of street name or nominee ownership, ownership
                  under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act or similar statute,
                  community property or other joint ownership arrangements
                  between husband and wife, and trust and certain other
                  arrangements where one person has substantially all of the
                  beneficial ownership interest in the Securities during his
                  lifetime. In the case of Securities registered in the name of
                  banks, trust companies or broker-dealers who are members of a
                  national securities exchange or the National Asso-

                                       B-4<PAGE>
                  ciation of
                  Securities Dealers, Inc. ("Qualified Institutions"), the
                  redemption limitations described above apply to each
                  beneficial owner of Securities held by any Qualified
                  Institution. In connection with the redemption request, such
                  Qualified Institution must submit evidence, satisfactory to
                  the Trustee, that it holds Securities subject to request on
                  behalf of such beneficial owner and must certify the aggregate
                  amount of redemption requests made on behalf of such
                  beneficial owner.

7.       Additional Optional Redemption.6

                  In addition to redemptions pursuant to the above paragraph(s),
                  the Company may redeem not more than $ principal amount of
                  Securities on and on each thereafter through at a redemption
                  price of 100% of principal amount, plus accrued interest to
                  the redemption date.

8.       Notice of Redemption.7

                  Notice of redemption will be published once in an Authorized
                  Newspaper in the City of New York and if the Securities are
                  listed on any stock exchange located outside the United States
                  and such stock exchange so requires, in any other required
                  city outside the United States at least 30 days before the
                  redemption date. Notice of redemption also will be mailed to
                  holders who have filed their names and addresses with the
                  Transfer Agent within the two preceding years. A holder of
                  Securities may miss important notices if he fails to maintain
                  his name and address with the Transfer Agent.

                  A notice of redemption may provide that it is subject to the
                  occurrence of any event before the date fixed for such
                  redemption as described in such notice ("Conditional
                  Redemption") and such notice of Conditional Redemption shall
                  be of no effect unless all such conditions to the redemption
                  have occurred before such date or have been waived by the
                  Company.

9.       Conversion.8

                  A Holder of a Security may convert it into Common Stock of the
                  Company or cash, or a combination

                                   B-5<PAGE>
         thereof, at the Company's
                  option, at any time before the close of business on
                  ___________, or, if the Security is called for redemption, the
                  Holder may convert it at any time before the close of business
                  on the redemption date. The initial Conversion Rate is
                  ____________ (or an equivalent amount in cash) per $1,000
                  principal amount of the Securities, subject to adjustment as
                  provided in Article 9 of the Indenture.9 The Company will
                  deliver a check in lieu of any fractional share. On conversion
                  no payment or adjustment for interest accrued on the
                  Securities will be made nor for dividends on the Common Stock
                  issued on conversion. If any Security is converted between the
                  record date for the payment of interest and the next
                  succeeding interest payment date, such Security must be
                  accompanied by funds equal to the interest payable on such
                  succeeding interest payment date on the principal amount so
                  converted (unless such Security shall have been called for
                  redemption, in which case no such payment shall be required).
                  A Security converted on an interest payment date need not be
                  accompanied by any payment, and the interest on the principal
                  amount of the Security being converted will be paid on such
                  interest payment date to the registered holder of such
                  Security on the immediately preceding record date.

                  To convert a Security a Holder must (1) complete and sign the
                  conversion notice on the back of the Security, (2) surrender
                  the Security to a Conversion Agent, (3) furnish appropriate
                  endorsements and transfer documents if required by the
                  Registrar or Conversion Agent and (4) pay any transfer or
                  similar tax if required. A Holder may convert a portion of a
                  Security if the portion is $1,000 or an integral multiple of
                  $1,000.

10.      Denominations, Transfer, Exchange.

                  The Securities are in bearer form with coupons in
                  denominations of $5,00010 and whole multiples of $5,000. The
                  Securities may be transferred by delivery and exchanged as
                  provided in the Indenture. Upon an exchange, the Transfer
                  Agent may require a holder, among other things, to furnish
                  appropriate documents and to pay any taxes and fees required
                  by law or the Indenture. The Transfer Agent need not exchange
                  any

                                   B-6<PAGE>
  Security or portion of a 
                  Security selected for redemption.
                  Also, it need not exchange any Securities for a period of 15
                  days before a selection of Securities to be redeemed.

11.      Persons Deemed Owners.

                  The holder of a Security or coupon may be treated as its owner
for all purposes.

12.      Amendments and Waivers.

                  Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture or the Securities
                  may be amended with the consent of the holders of a majority
                  in principal amount of the securities of all series affected
                  by the amendment.11 Subject to certain exceptions, a default
                  on a series may be waived with the consent of the holders of a
                  majority in principal amount of the series.

                  Without the consent of any Securityholder, the Indenture or
                  the Securities may be amended, among other things, to cure any
                  ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency; to provide for
                  assumption of Company obligations to Securityholders; or to
                  make any change that does not materially adversely affect the
                  rights of any Securityholder.

13.      Restrictive Covenants.12

                  The Securities are unsecured general obligations of the
                  Company limited to $ principal amount. The Indenture does not
                  limit other unsecured debt.

14.      Successors.

                  When a successor assumes all the obligations of the Company
                  under the Securities, any coupons and the Indenture, the
                  Company will be released from those obligations.

15.      Defeasance Prior to Redemption or Maturity.13

                  Subject to certain conditions, the Company at any time may
                  terminate some or all of its obligations under the Securities,
                  any coupons and the Indenture if the Company deposits with the
                  Trustee money or U.S.

                                   B-7<PAGE>
                  Government Obligations
                   for the payment
                  of principal and interest on the Securities to redemption or
                  maturity. U.S. Government Obligations are securities backed by
                  the full faith and credit of the United States of America or
                  certificates representing an ownership interest in such
                  Obligations.

16.      Defaults and Remedies.

                  An Event of Default14 includes: default for 60 days in payment
                  of interest on the Securities; default in payment of principal
                  on the Securities; default for 60 days in payment or
                  satisfaction of any sinking fund obligation; default by the
                  Company for a specified period after notice to it in the
                  performance of any of its other agreements applicable to the
                  Securities; certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency; and
                  any other Event of Default provided for in the series. If an
                  Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the
                  holders of at least 33-1/3% in principal amount of the
                  Securities may declare the principal15 of all the Securities
                  to be due and payable immediately.

                  Securityholders may not enforce the Indenture or the
                  Securities except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee
                  may require indemnity satisfactory to it before it enforces
                  the Indenture or the Securities. Subject to certain
                  limitations, holders of a majority in principal amount of the
                  Securities may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust
                  or power. The Trustee may withhold from Securityholders notice
                  of any continuing default (except a default in payment of
                  principal or interest) if it determines that withholding
                  notice is in their interests. The Company must furnish annual
                  compliance certificates to the Trustee.

17.      Trustee Dealings with Company.

                                   , the Trustee under the Indenture, in its
                  individual or any other capacity, may make loans to, accept
                  deposits from, and perform services for the Company or its
                  Affiliates, and may otherwise deal with the Company or its
                  Affiliates, as if it were not Trustee.

                                   B-8<PAGE>
18.      No Recourse Against Others.

                  A director, officer, employee or stockholder, as such, of the
                  Company shall not have any liability for any obligations of
                  the Company under the Securities or the Indenture or for any
                  claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations
                  or their creation. Each Securityholder by accepting a Security
                  waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release
                  are part of the consideration for the issue of the Securities.

19.      Authentication.

                  This Security shall not be valid until authenticated by a
manual signature of the Registrar.

20.      Abbreviations.

                  Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a
                  Securityholder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (=tenants in
                  common), TEN ENT (=tenants by the entirety), JT TEN (=joint
                  tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in
                  common), CUST (=custodian), and U/G/M/A (=Uniform Gifts to
                  Minors Act).

                  The Company will furnish to any Securityholder upon written 
request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and the Securities 
Resolution, which contains the text of this Security in larger type.  
Requests may be made to:  [Name/Address Of Issuer], Attention: Corporate 
Secretary.



                                          B-9<PAGE>


                                               [FACE OF COUPON]

                                              ...............
                                              [$]............
                                              Due............


                                               [NAME OF ISSUER]

                                              [Title of Security]

                  Unless the Security attached to this coupon has been called
for redemption, [Name Of Issuer] (the "Company") will pay to bearer, upon
surrender, the amount shown hereon when due. This coupon may be surrendered for
payment to any Paying Agent listed on the back of this coupon unless the Company
has replaced such Agent. Payment may be made by check. This coupon represents
months' interest.

                                                     [Name Of Issuer]


                                                     By


                                              [REVERSE OF COUPON]

                                                 PAYING AGENTS


                                   B-10<PAGE>




                                   2
                                           NOTES TO EXHIBITS A AND B


1        If the Security is not to bear interest at a fixed rate per annum,
         insert a description of the manner in which the rate of interest is to
         be determined. If the Security is not to bear interest prior to
         maturity, so state.

2        If the method or currency of payment is different, insert a statement 
         thereof.

3        If applicable.  A restriction on redemption or refunding or any 
provision applicable to its
         redemption other may be added.

4        Such provisions as are applicable, if any.

5        If the Security is a Discounted Security, insert amount to be redeemed
         or method of calculating such
         amount.

6        If applicable.  Also insert, if applicable, provisions for repayment of
         Securities at the option of
         the Securityholder.

7        If applicable.

8        If applicable. If convertible into securities other than Common Stock,
         insert appropriate summary.

9        If additional or different adjustment provisions apply so specify.

10       If applicable.  Insert additional or different denominations and terms
         as appropriate.

11       If different terms apply, insert a brief summary thereof.

12       If applicable.  If additional or different covenants apply, insert a 
         brief summary thereof.

13       If applicable.  If different defeasance terms apply, insert a brief 
         summary thereof.

14       If additional or different Events of Default apply, insert a brief 
         summary thereof.

                                    1<PAGE>
15       If the Security is a Discounted Security, set forth the amount due and
         payable upon an Event of
         Default.

Note:  U.S. tax law may require certain legends on Discounted and Bearer 
       Securities.


                                         2
<PAGE>



                           EXHIBIT C

                        ASSIGNMENT FORM


            To assign this Security, fill in the form below:

            I or we assign and transfer this Security to

               -----------------------------------------
               :                                        :
               :---------------------------------------:
             (Insert assignee's soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)



            (Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)

and irrevocably appoint ____________________________ agent to transfer this
Security on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act
for him.

Date:    _______________  Your Signature:



         (Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Security)

                                 C-1<PAGE>

                                EXHIBIT D


                           CONVERSION NOTICE


                    To convert this Security, check the box:

                                                -----------

                                                -----------

                    To convert only part of this Security, state the
                    amount (must be in integral multiples of $1,000);
                    $-----------------------------

                    If you want the securities delivered upon
                    conversion made out in another person's name, fill
                    in the form below:


                    (Insert other person's Social Security or Tax I.D. Number)

                    ==============================
                    ==============================
                    (Print or type other person's name, address and zip code


Date: _________     Signature(s): ____________________________
                                  ----------------------------
                                 (Sign exactly as your name(s)
                                 appear(s) on the other side of this Security)

                                 D-1<PAGE>

Signature(s) guaranteed by: ________________________________
                            (All signatures must be
                            guaranteed by a member of a
                            national securities exchange or
                            of the National Association of
                            Securities Dealers, Inc. or by a
                            commercial bank or trust company
                            located in the United States)

                            D-2


                                                                    Exhibit 4(j)


                            SECURITIES RESOLUTION NO.
                                       OF
                             WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.

     I, , Secretary of Western Resources, Inc. (the "Company"), do hereby
certify that the attached is a true and correct copy of Securities Resolution
No. duly adopted by the of the Company pursuant to authorization delegated to
him by the Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company at a meeting
called and held on the day of ; that a quorum of said Board Committee was
present at said meeting and voted throughout; and I do further certify that said
resolution has not been rescinded and remains in full force and effect.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the corporate
seal of WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. this day of .




                        By:_____________________________
                                      Name:
                                             Title:


[CORPORATE SEAL]



<PAGE>



                            [ ]% SENIOR NOTES DUE [ ]

                          SECURITIES RESOLUTION NO.[ ]
                                       OF
                             WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.

     The actions described below are taken by the Board of Directors (the
"Board") of WESTERN RESOURCES, INC. (the "Company"), or by an Officer or
committee of Officers pursuant to Board delegation, in accordance with
resolutions adopted by the Board as of [ ], resolutions adopted by the Committee
of the Board as of [ ], and Section 2.02 of the Indenture dated as of [ ] (the
"Indenture") between the Company and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, Trustee.
Terms used herein and not defined have the same meaning given such terms in the
Indenture.

     RESOLVED, that a new series of Securities is authorized as follows:

     1.   The title of the series is [ ]% Senior Notes due [ ] ("Senior Notes").

     2.   The form of the Senior  Notes  shall be  substantially  in the form of
          Exhibit 1 hereto.

     3.   The Senior Notes shall have the terms set forth in Exhibit 1.

     4.   [The Senior  Notes  shall have the terms set forth in Section  3.07 of
          the Indenture].

     5.   The Senior Notes shall be sold to the underwriter(s) named in the
          Prospectus Supplement dated [ ] on the following terms:

                  Price to Public:
                  Underwriting Discount:
                  Closing Date:

         This Securities Resolution shall be effective as of [ ].


                                      E-2




                                                                       Exhibit 5




                                                                  April 29, 1997


Western Resources, Inc.
818 Kansas Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66612

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

     As Corporate Secretary and Associate General Counsel of Western Resources,
Inc. (the "Company"), and in connection with the proposed issue and sale, from
time to time, of $550,000,000 aggregate principal amount of First Mortgage Bonds
(hereinafter called "New Bonds"), and Debt Securities (the "Debt Securities")
with respect to each of which the Company is filing a Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, to which Registration Statement
this opinion shall be filed as an exhibit (capitalized terms used herein without
definition have the meanings given such terms in the Registration Statement), I
advise you that, in my opinion:

     1. The Company is a corporation  duly organized and validly  existing under
the laws of the State of Kansas.

     2. The New Bonds are to be issued under the Mortgage and Deed of Trust of
the Company dated July 1, 1939, as heretofore supplemented (hereinafter called
the "Mortgage") and as to be further supplemented by one or more supplemental
indentures (hereinafter called the "Supplemental Indenture," a form of which is
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement), creating the New Bonds. The
Mortgage has been duly authorized, executed and delivered and is a valid
instrument legally binding upon the Company.

     3. The Debt Securities are to be issued under an Indenture (hereinafter
called the "Indenture") which may hereafter be supplemented by one or more
supplemental indentures or Securities Resolutions (as defined in the Indenture)
creating the Debt Securities (forms of which are filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement).

     4. Upon (a) authorization of the issue and sale of the New Bonds by state
regulatory commissions having jurisdiction, (b) the Registration Statement
becoming effective under the Securities Act of 1933, (c) the authorization of
the Supplemental Indenture and the issuance, sale and delivery of the New Bonds
by the Board of Directors of the Company and the execution of the Supplemental
Indenture by the Company and the Trustee thereunder, acting by their proper
officers, respectively, the delivery thereof and the filing for record of the
Supplemental Indenture, and (d) the execution of the New Bonds by the proper
officers of the Company and the authentication thereof by the Trustee in
accordance with the provision of the Mortgage and full payment therefor, the
Supplemental Indenture will be a valid instrument legally binding upon the
Company and the New Bonds will be duly authorized and issued, will constitute
the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company and will be entitled to
the lien of and the benefits provided by the Mortgage and the Indentures
supplemental thereto, including the Supplemental Indenture.

     5. Upon (a) authorization of the issue and sale of the Debt Securities by
state regulatory commissions having jurisdiction, (b) the Registration Statement
becoming effective under the Securities Act of 1933, (c) the authorization by
the Company of a supplement to the Indenture and/or the issuance, sale and
delivery of the Debt

<PAGE>


Securities pursuant to a Securities Resolution (as defined in the Indenture),
(d) authorization by resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company, or
the proper officers of the Company duly authorized, and receipt by the Company
of sufficient consideration for the issuance, sale and delivery of such Debt
Securities, and (e) the execution of the Debt Securities by the proper officers
of the Company and the authentication thereof by the Trustee, the Debt
Securities will be duly authorized and issued and will constitute the legal,
valid and binding obligations of the Company entitled to the lien of and the
benefits provided by the Indenture and any supplements thereto.

     I hereby consent to the filing of a copy of this opinion as an exhibit to
said Registration Statement. I also consent to the use of my name and the making
of the statements with respect to myself in the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus constituting a part thereof.

                                Very truly yours,


                             /s/ Richard D. Terrill
                             -----------------------
                                 Richard D. Terrill



                                                           Exhibit 23(b)




                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this Form S-3 Registration Statement and related Prospectus of
Western Resources, Inc. regarding the registration of $550 million First
Mortgage Bonds of our reports dated January 24, 1997 (February 7, 1997 with
respect to Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements),
included in or incorporated by reference in Western Resources, Inc.'s Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1996, and to all references to our Firm included
in this Registration Statement and related Prospectus.

                               /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP




Kansas City, Missouri,
April 29, 1997



                                                                   Exhibit 23(c)


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement on
Form S-3 of our report dated February 14, 1997 included in the Kansas City Power
& Light Company Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1996, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Kansas City
Power & Light Company and Subsidiary. We also consent to the reference to our
firm under the caption "Experts."


                           /s/Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
                            COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Kansas City, Missouri,
April 25, 1997

<PAGE>



                             Western Resources, Inc.
                                818 Kansas Avenue
                              Topeka, Kansas 66612





                                                                  April 29, 1997




Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549-1004
Attention: Document Control- EDGAR

Gentlemen:

     We herewith  transmit for filing pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 and
related rules and regulations  promulgated thereunder the Registration Statement
Form S-3 of Western Resources, Inc. for filing under Rule 415, together with all
of the exhibits to be filed therewith.

     The filing fee in the amount of $104,167,  after giving effect to the prior
payment of a filing fee of $62,500 in connection with  Registration No. 33-50069
in accordance with Rule 429, for $550,000,000 principal amount of First Mortgage
Bonds and Debt Securities being registered  hereunder has been wired to the U.S.
Treasury designated lockbox in Pittsburgh, PA.

     The Company has reviewed the various  criteria for  eligibility for the use
of Form S-3 and believes that such criteria have been or will be satisfied.  The
Company has filed all reports  required to be filed  pursuant to the  Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated
thereunder for the periods and in the manner required by the Form S-3 Registrant
Requirements.  The Company expects that the security rating  requirement of Form
S-3 Transaction Requirement B.2 will be met by the time of effectiveness.

     The  proposed  form of  supplemental  indenture to be used to create one or
more new series of Bonds will be  supplemental  to an  indenture  which has been
previously qualified under the Trust Inden-


<PAGE>
                                      -2-


ture Act of 1939,  as  amended  by the Trust  Indenture  Reform Act of 1990 (the
"TIA").  The  proposed  indenture  pursuant  to which one or more series of Debt
Securities  may be issued was based upon the  Indenture  dated as of December 1,
1995 between  Wisconsin  Electric  Power Company and Firstar Trust  Company,  as
Trustee  which  was  previously  qualified  under  the  TIA in  connection  with
Registration Nos. 33-51749 and 33-64343.

     The  Registration  Statement  on Form S-3 is being  filed  as  involving  a
delayed offering under Rule 415, since the Company  contemplates  that agreement
with an underwriter or underwriters on the amount and terms of an offering would
be reached  at such time after  April 30,  1997 as market  conditions  and other
factors  may  make  desirable.  A form  of  prospectus  supplement  which  it is
contemplated  would be utilized in connection  with such an offering is included
in the Registration  Statement.  The Company requests below that, if practicable
from the Commission  staff's point of view, the  Registration  Statement be made
effective on or about April 30, 1997.  The Company's  present  schedule  further
contemplates  tentatively  that,  if  effectiveness  is on or about  that  date,
agreement  on the  amount  and terms of an  underwriting  may be reached at such
times when market conditions and other factors are deemed desirable.

     The Company  accordingly  requests that the Registration  Statement be made
effective at 9:30 a.m. on May 6, 1997, or as soon thereafter as practicable.

     Please  contact  me or Jon Mark,  (212-701-3100)  directly  regarding  any
comments  relating to this  Registration  Statement.  You may call me collect at
(913-575-6322).  Please forward to David Sawyier,  Esq.,  Sidley & Austin,  One
First National Plaza, Chicago,  Illinois 60603 and Jon Mark, Esq., Cahill Gordon
& Reindel, 80 Pine Street, New York, NY 10005, copies of all communications sent
to you by me, in connection with the enclosed filing.

     We will appreciate any assistance the staff can give us in adhering to this
time schedule.



<PAGE>
                                      -3-



     Please notify Ms. Helen Murphy (212 701-3384) immediately if you experience
any difficulties in receiving this filing electronically.

                                              Very truly yours,

                                              WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.



                                               By:/s/ Richard D. Terrill
                                                  -----------------------
                                                   Richard D. Terrill
                                                     Secretary

[Enclosures]



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1

                            Statement of Eligibility
                      Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
                  of a Corporation Designated to Act as Trustee

                Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility
                of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) ______


                          HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
                                (Name of Trustee)

        Illinois                                       36-1194448
(State of Incorporation)                   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

                 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                Judith Bartolini, Harris Trust and Savings Bank,
                311 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60606
                    312-461-2527 phone 312-461-3525 facsimile
           (Name, address and telephone number for agent for service)



                             WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                                (Name of obligor)




        Kansas                                         48-0290150
(State of Incorporation)                    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


                                818 Kansas Avenue
                              Topeka, Kansas 66612
                    (Address of principal executive offices)



                              First Mortgage Bonds
                         (Title of indenture securities)



<PAGE>






1.   GENERAL INFORMATION. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee:

     (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which
          it is subject.

                  Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies, State of Illinois,
                  Springfield, Illinois; Chicago Clearing House Association, 164
                  West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois; Federal Deposit
                  Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.; The Board of
                  Governors of the Federal Reserve System,Washington, D.C.

     (b)  Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

                  Harris Trust and Savings Bank is authorized to exercise
                  corporate trust powers.

2.   AFFILIATIONS  WITH OBLIGOR.  If the Obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee,
     describe each such affiliation.

                  The Obligor is not an affiliate of the Trustee.

3.   thru 15.

                  NO RESPONSE NECESSARY

16.  LIST OF EXHIBITS.

     1.   A copy of the articles of association of the Trustee is now in effect
          which includes the authority of the trustee to commence business and
          to exercise corporate trust powers.

               A copy of the Certificate of Merger dated April 1, 1972 between
               Harris Trust and Savings Bank, HTS Bank and Harris Bankcorp, Inc.
               which constitutes the articles of association of the Trustee as
               now in effect and includes the authority of the Trustee to
               commence business and to exercise corporate trust powers was
               filed in connection with the Registration Statement of Louisville
               Gas and Electric Company, File No. 2-44295, and is incorporated
               herein by reference.

     2.   A copy of the existing by-laws of the Trustee.

               A copy of the existing by-laws of the Trustee was filed in
               connection with the Registration Statement of C-Cube Microsystems
               Inc., File No. 33-97166, and is incorporated herein by reference.

     3.   The consents of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

               (included as Exhibit A on page 2 of this statement)

     4.   A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published
          pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining
          authority.

               (included as Exhibit B on page 3 of this statement)

                                        1


<PAGE>







                                    SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the Trustee,
HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Illinois, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in
the City of Chicago, and State of Illinois, on the 14th day of March, 1997.

HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK


By:  /s/ J. Bartolini
     ------------------------
         J. Bartolini
         Vice President

EXHIBIT A

The consents of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as the Trustee herein named, hereby consents that
reports of examinations of said trustee by Federal and State authorities may be
furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon
request therefor.

HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK


By:  /s/ J. Bartolini
     ------------------------
         J. Bartolini
         Vice President

















                                        2


<PAGE>


                                                                     EXHIBIT B

Attached is a true and correct copy of the statement of condition of Harris
Trust and Savings Bank as of September 30, 1996, as published in accordance with
a call made by the State Banking Authority and by the Federal Reserve Bank of
the Seventh Reserve District.

                          [GRAPHIC OMITTED] HARRIS BANK

                          Harris Trust and Savings Bank
                             111 West Monroe Street
                             Chicago, Illinois 60603

of Chicago, Illinois, And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries, at the close of
business on September 30, 1996, a state banking institution organized and
operating under the banking laws of this State and a member of the Federal
Reserve System. Published in accordance with a call made by the Commissioner of
Banks and Trust Companies of the State of Illinois and by the Federal Reserve
Bank of this District.
<TABLE>

                         Bank's Transit Number 71000288
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                          THOUSANDS
                                             ASSETS                                                      OF DOLLARS
<S>                                                                                         <C>            <C>

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
    Non-interest bearing balances and currency and coin.................................                    $ 1,751,494
    Interest bearing balances...........................................................                    $   839,856
Securities:
a.  Held-to-maturity securities ........................................................                    $         0
b.  Available-for-sale securities ......................................................                    $ 3,137,919
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell in
     domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries,
     and in IBF's:
              Federal funds sold.........................................................                   $   478,625
              Securities purchased under agreements to resell............................                   $         0
Loans and lease financing receivables:
              Loans and leases, net of unearned income...................................   $ 7,897,067
              LESS:  Allowance for loan and lease losses ................................   $   108,949
                                                                                            -----------     -----------
              Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve
              (item 4.a minus 4.b) ......................................................                   $ 7,788,118
Assets held in trading accounts..........................................................                   $    74,302
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases).................................                   $   172,267
Other real estate owned..................................................................                   $       142
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies......................                   $        60
Customer's liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding.............................                   $   100,950
Intangible assets........................................................................                   $   299,478
Other assets.............................................................................                   $   563,022
                                                                                            -----------     -----------

TOTAL ASSETS ............................................................................                   $15,206,233
                                                                                            ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

                                        3


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                   LIABILITIES
<S>                                                                                         <C>            <C> 

Deposits:
     In domestic offices ................................................................                  $8,013,146
              Non-interest bearing ......................................................   $3,248,897
              Interest bearing ..........................................................   $4,764,249
     In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBF's                                        $2,055,520
              Non-interest bearing ......................................................      $32,775
              Interest bearing ..........................................................   $2,022,745
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to
repurchase in domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and
Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBF's:
     Federal funds purchased ............................................................                    $886,457
     Securities sold under agreements to repurchae ......................................                  $1,841,475
Trading Liabilities
Other borrowed money:
a.  With remaining maturity of one year or less .........................................                      $9,434
b.  With remaining maturity of more than one year
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding ................................                    $100,950
Subordinated notes and debentures .......................................................                    $310,000
Other liabilities .......................................................................                    $186,408
                                                                                            ----------    -----------

TOTAL LIABILITIES .......................................................................                 $14,049,878
                                                                                            ==========    ===========

                                 EQUITY CAPITAL

Common stock                                                                                                 $100,000
Surplus..................................................................................                    $600,295
a.  Undivided profits and capital reserves...............................................                    $486,054
b.  Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on
    available-for-sale securities .......................................................                    ($29,994)
                                                                                            ----------    -----------

TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL                                                                                       $1,156,355
                                                                                            ==========    ===========

Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity                                               $15,206,233
capital......................................
                                                                                            ==========    ===========
</TABLE>


         I, Steve Neudecker, Vice President of the above-named bank, do hereby
declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in conformance with the
instructions issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and
is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

                                 STEVE NEUDECKER
                                    10/30/96

         We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report
of Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and, to the best of our
knowledge and belief, has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the
Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies of the State of Illinois and is true
and correct.

                  EDWARD W. LYMAN,
                  ALAN G. McNALLY,
                  MARIBETH S. RAHE
                  Directors.
                                        4







                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM T-1

                            Statement of Eligibility
                      Under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939
                  of a Corporation Designated to Act as Trustee

                Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility
                of a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) ______


                          HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK
                                (Name of Trustee)

        Illinois                                        36-1194448
(State of Incorporation)                    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

                 111 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                Judith Bartolini, Harris Trust and Savings Bank,
                311 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60606
                    312-461-2527 phone 312-461-3525 facsimile
           (Name, address and telephone number for agent for service)



                             WESTERN RESOURCES, INC.
                                (Name of obligor)




         Kansas                                          48-0290150
(State of Incorporation)                    (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


                                818 Kansas Avenue
                              Topeka, Kansas 66612
                    (Address of principal executive offices)



                                 Debt Securities
                         (Title of indenture securities)



<PAGE>






1.   GENERAL INFORMATION. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee:

     (a)  Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which
          it is subject.

            Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies, State of Illinois,
            Springfield, Illinois; Chicago Clearing House Association, 164 West
            Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois; Federal Deposit Insurance
            Corporation, Washington, D.C.; The Board of Governors of the Federal
            Reserve System,Washington, D.C.

     (b)  Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

            Harris Trust and Savings Bank is authorized to exercise corporate
            trust powers.

2.   AFFILIATIONS  WITH OBLIGOR.  If the Obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee,
     describe each such affiliation.

            The Obligor is not an affiliate of the Trustee.

3.   thru 15.

            NO RESPONSE NECESSARY

16.  LIST OF EXHIBITS.

     1.   A copy of the articles of association of the Trustee is now in effect
          which includes the authority of the trustee to commence business and
          to exercise corporate trust powers.

          A copy of the Certificate of Merger dated April 1, 1972 between Harris
          Trust and Savings Bank, HTS Bank and Harris Bankcorp, Inc. which
          constitutes the articles of association of the Trustee as now in
          effect and includes the authority of the Trustee to commence business
          and to exercise corporate trust powers was filed in connection with
          the Registration Statement of Louisville Gas and Electric Company,
          File No. 2-44295, and is incorporated herein by reference.

     2.   A copy of the existing by-laws of the Trustee.

          A copy of the existing by-laws of the Trustee was filed in connection
          with the Registration Statement of C-Cube Microsystems Inc., File No.
          33-97166, and is incorporated herein by reference.

     3.   The consents of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

             (included as Exhibit A on page 2 of this statement)

     4.   A copy of the latest report of condition of the Trustee published
          pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining
          authority.

             (included as Exhibit B on page 3 of this statement)

                                        1


<PAGE>







                                    SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the Trustee,
HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, a corporation organized and existing under the
laws of the State of Illinois, has duly caused this statement of eligibility to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in
the City of Chicago, and State of Illinois, on the 14th day of March, 1997.

HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK


By:  /s/ J. Bartolini
     -------------------------
         J. Bartolini
         Vice President

EXHIBIT A

The consents of the trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Act.

Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as the Trustee herein named, hereby consents that
reports of examinations of said trustee by Federal and State authorities may be
furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon
request therefor.

HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK


By:  /s/ J. Bartolini
     ------------------------
         J. Bartolini
         Vice President

















                                        2


<PAGE>


                                            EXHIBIT
B
Attached is a true and correct copy of the statement of condition of Harris
Trust and Savings Bank as of September 30, 1996, as published in accordance with
a call made by the State Banking Authority and by the Federal Reserve Bank of
the Seventh Reserve District.

                          [GRAPHIC OMITTED] HARRIS BANK

                          Harris Trust and Savings Bank
                             111 West Monroe Street
                             Chicago, Illinois 60603

of Chicago, Illinois, And Foreign and Domestic Subsidiaries, at the close of
business on September 30, 1996, a state banking institution organized and
operating under the banking laws of this State and a member of the Federal
Reserve System. Published in accordance with a call made by the Commissioner of
Banks and Trust Companies of the State of Illinois and by the Federal Reserve
Bank of this District.
<TABLE>

                         Bank's Transit Number 71000288
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                       THOUSANDS
                                             ASSETS                                                    OF DOLLARS
<S>                                                                                              <C>          <C>

Cash and balances due from depository institutions:
              Non-interest bearing balances and currency and coin .............                                $1,751,494
              Interest bearing balances .......................................                                  $839,856
Securities:....................................................................
a.  Held-to-maturity securities ...............................................                                        $0
b.  Available-for-sale securities .............................................                                $3,137,919
Federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell in
     domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreement subsidiaries,
     and in IBF's:
              Federal funds sold ..............................................                                  $478,625
              Securities purchased under agreements to resell .................                                        $0
Loans and lease financing receivables:
              Loans and leases, net of unearned income ........................                   $7,897,067
              LESS:  Allowance for loan and lease losses ......................                     $108,949
                                                                                                  ----------  -----------

              Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve
              (item 4.a minus 4.b) ............................................                                $7,788,118
Assets held in trading accounts ...............................................                                   $74,302
Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases) ......................                                  $172,267
Other real estate owned .......................................................                                      $142
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies ...........                                       $60
Customer's liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding ..................                                  $100,950
Intangible assets .............................................................                                  $299,478
Other assets ..................................................................                                  $563,022
                                                                                                  ----------  -----------

TOTAL ASSETS                                                                                                  $15,206,233
                                                                                                  ==========  ===========
</TABLE>

                                        3


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                          LIABILITIES
<S>                                                                                              <C>           <C>

Deposits:
     In domestic offices                                                                                       $8,013,146
              Non-interest bearing ............................................                  $3,248,897
              Interest bearing ................................................                  $4,764,249
     In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBF's ...........                                $2,055,520
              Non-interest bearing ............................................                     $32,775
              Interest bearing ................................................                  $2,022,745
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to
repurchase in domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and
Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBF's:
     Federal funds purchased ..................................................                                  $886,457
     Securities sold under agreements to repurchase ...........................                                $1,841,475
Trading Liabilities
Other borrowed money: .........................................................
a.  With remaining maturity of one year or less                                                                  $606,331
b.  With remaining maturity of more than one year                                                                  $9,434
Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding                                                         $100,950
Subordinated notes and debentures .............................................                                  $310,000
Other liabilities .............................................................                                  $186,408
                                                                                                 ==========   ===========

TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                                                             $14,049,878
                                                                                                 ==========   ===========

                                         EQUITY CAPITAL
Common stock ..................................................................                                  $100,000
Surplus........................................................................                                  $600,295
a.  Undivided profits and capital reserves.....................................                                  $486,054
b.  Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities ....                                  ($29,994)
                                                                                                 ---------    -----------

TOTAL EQUITY CAPITAL                                                                                           $1,156,355
                                                                                                 =========    ===========

Total liabilities, limited-life preferred stock, and equity capital ...........                               $15,206,233
                                                                                                 =========    ===========
</TABLE>

         I, Steve Neudecker, Vice President of the above-named bank, do hereby
declare that this Report of Condition has been prepared in conformance with the
instructions issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and
is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

                                 STEVE NEUDECKER
                                    10/30/96

         We, the undersigned directors, attest to the correctness of this Report
of Condition and declare that it has been examined by us and, to the best of our
knowledge and belief, has been prepared in conformance with the instructions
issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the
Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies of the State of Illinois and is true
and correct.

                  EDWARD W. LYMAN,
                  ALAN G. McNALLY,
                  MARIBETH S. RAHE
                                                                  Directors.

                                        4



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